cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The synthesis of taurine from sulfate. V. Regulatory modifiers of the chick liver enzyme system.

SummaryThe activity of the enzyme system which produces taurine from PAPS and serine in chick liver has been tested for regulation by intermediates of the transsulfuration pathway. The l-isomer of methionine, SAM, homocysteine, cysteine, and CSA produced significant decreases in the activity of this enzyme system. Low concentrations of d-methionine, and isethionate, a product of taurine deamination, gave a slight enhancement of enzyme activity. Cysteic acid, a postulated enzyme-bound intermediate of this enzyme system, produced increased activity at low enzyme-protein concentration but no effect at higher concentrations. These data suggest the existence of a switchover mechanism in the biosynthesis of taurine in the animal from these two sulfur sources.
Isolating the spectral signature of H3O(+) in the smallest droplet of dissociated HCl acid.

The centrally important role of acids in aqueous chemistry has stimulated the search for the smallest droplet of hydrochloric acid. Based on several independent quantum calculations, this appears to be the HCl(H2O)4 cluster, which dissociates into the so-called solvent ion pair (SIP), H3O+(H2O)3Cl−. Experimental verification of this prediction via infra-red spectroscopy is a major challenge and despite several recent reports of this SIP, there remains uncertainty about these observations. In this report, we present a calculation of the IR spectrum of the SIP in a fashion that isolates the contribution from the signature hydronium ion, H3O+. The computed spectrum indicates that the vibrational states of H3O+ are highly mixed, resulting in dispersed spectral features between 1300 and 3000 cm−1, with the region between 2100 and 2900 cm−1 being especially rich. These predictions point out the complexity of the SIP spectrum and offer guidelines for experiment. The energies of the HCl stretch fundamentals for three minima of the undissociated HCl(H2O)4 cluster are also reported.
Immunization alters body odor

Infections have been shown to alter body odor. Because immune activation accompanies both infection and immunization, we tested the hypothesis that classical immunization might similarly result in the alteration of body odors detectable by trained biosensor mice. Using a Y-maze, we trained biosensor mice to distinguish between urine odors from rabies-vaccinated (RV) and unvaccinated control mice. RV-trained mice generalized this training to mice immunized with the equine West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine compared with urine of corresponding controls. These results suggest that there are similarities between body odors of mice immunized with these two vaccines. This conclusion was reinforced when mice could not be trained to directly discriminate between urine odors of RV- versus WNV-treated mice. Next, we trained biosensor mice to discriminate the urine odors of mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a general elicitor of innate immunological responses) from the urine of control mice. These LPS-trained biosensors could distinguish between the odors of LPS-treated mouse urine and RV-treated mouse urine. Finally, biosensor mice trained to distinguish between the odors of RV-treated mouse urine and control mouse urine did not generalize this training to discriminate between the odors of LPS-treated mouse urine and control mouse urine. From these experiments, we conclude that: (1) immunization alters urine odor in similar ways for RV and WNV immunizations; and (2) immune activation with LPS also alters urine odor but in ways different from those of RV and WNV.
Reasons for having and avoiding sex: Gender, sexual orientation, and relationship to sexual behavior

Traditional sex‐role stereotypes suggest that men and women engage in sex for different reasons. Previous studies have supported the notion that women are more motivated by emotional expression in having sex, and men are more concerned with physical gratification. In a survey of sexual behavior, heterosexual and homosexual respondents were asked to rate the importance of a variety of reasons for having sex and not having sex. The results showed that men and women differed in the importance attached to emotional and physical motives, with gender differences appearing in both heterosexuals and homosexuals. Certain practical motives (e.g., to reproduce, fear of AIDS, fear of pregnancy) differentiated between homosexuals and heterosexuals. Motivations predicting frequency of sexual behavior in the last month depended on the relationship status of the respondent. These findings, although suggesting that gender differences in motivations for sex persist in all kinds of relationships, point to many similarities ...
Benign prostatic hyperplasia evaluation and management by urologists and primary care physicians: Practice patterns from the observational BPH registry

Purpose: We examined the evaluation of and management for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia by physician specialty (urologist vs primary care physician).Materials and Methods: The BPH Registry and Patient Survey is a longitudinal, observational, disease registry cohort of patients enrolled from January 2004 to February 2005 in the United States. The survey examines patient outcomes and physician practice patterns in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia. It includes 402 urologist and primary care physician practices throughout the United States. Included in this study were 6,924 men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia managed by watchful waiting or medical therapy. Data were collected on demographics, clinical characteristics and lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia management using physician and patient completed forms. Multivariate analysis was done by physician specialt...
Long-term safety of cilostazol in patients with peripheral artery disease: The CASTLE study (Cilostazol: A Study in Long-term Effects)

Background Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, is indicated to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication and increase walking distance in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). At the time of approval, the United States Food and Drug Administration required an additional long-term safety study to evaluate the effect cilostazol on mortality. Methods A total of 1899 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of PAD and symptoms of claudication were screened for participation in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled safety study of cilostazol. The intent-to-treat (ITT) population, which was the primary analysis (n = 1435), was defined as all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study medication and included patients who were followed up >30 days after discontinuation of study drug. A total of 717 patients received cilostazol and 718 received placebo. Cilostazol was administered at a primary dose of 100 mg twice daily. The dose could be reduced to 50 mg twice daily if patients experienced an adverse event that might have been drug related. Results Long-term adherence to study medication was poor, with >60% of participants discontinuing therapy by 36 months. The mortality analysis therefore focused on deaths during the period on-treatment, defined as the period during which the study drug was taken plus a 30-day follow-up period after dosing. Total patient-years of exposure were 1046 on-treatment for cilostazol and 1090 for placebo. On-treatment, there were 18 deaths on cilostazol and 19 deaths on placebo for a hazard ratio of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-1.88). Cardiovascular deaths on-treatment occurred in 14 patients on cilostazol and 14 on placebo. In the full ITT population at 36 months, there were 101 deaths, 49 on cilostazol and 52 on placebo, with hazard ratio of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.64-1.39). Thus, most deaths occurred >30 days after study drug discontinuation. Serious bleeding events affected 18 patients taking cilostazol in the on-treatment population and 22 taking placebo. The rates of bleeding events were similar in patients who used aspirin, aspirin plus clopidogrel, or anticoagulants at anytime during the course of the study Conclusions This long-term study demonstrated no safety signal for cilostazol on all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. The study, however, was underpowered to detect a small adverse impact of cilostazol on mortality (hazard ratio upper bound of the 95% CI was 1.88 in the on-treatment population). Serious bleeding events appeared not to be increased by cilostazol.
Magnetic order in low and high stage FeCl3 intercalated graphite

Abstract Mossbauer evidence is presented showing that no long range magnetic order exists in stage 4 and 6 FeCl 3 intercalated graphite compounds down to 65mK. Results for stage 1 and 2 graphite-FeCl 3 show the iron spins lie in the basal plane at low temperatures, and are consistent with a magnetic phase transition. Additional differences between the high and low stage iron environments are found, and possible reasons for the difference in spin-ordering are discussed.
The number of positive margins influences the outcome of women treated with breast preservation for early stage breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND There are conflicting reports regarding whether focally positive surgical margins influence tumor control in breast-conservation therapy. The authors have evaluated the relation between positive surgical margins on tumor control and whether the number of positive margins affects tumor control in patients undergoing reexcision lumpectomy. METHODS From 1978 to 1994, 453 American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage I/II breast carcinoma patients were treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with breast conservation therapy. Patients underwent excisional biopsy and margin sampling with shaved biopsies of the tumor cavity. The entire breast received 45 grays (Gy) with a 20-Gy iridium-192 implant or an electron boost. Eighty-six patients had microscopically positive margins (19%), and the remainder had confirmed negative margins. The median follow-up time was 45 months. RESULTS Local tumor control rates for patients with negative margins at 5 and 10 years were 94% and 87%, respectively, compared with 86% and 69%, respectively, for those patients with positive margins (P = 0.005). The disease free survival rates for the negative margin group at 5 and 10 years were 91% and 82%, respectively, compared with 76% and 71%, respectively, for the positive margin group (P = 0.001). Overall survival rates for patients with negative margins at 5 and 10 years were 95% and 84%, respectively, compared with 87% and 78%, respectively, for those with positive margins (P = 0.047). When comparing the negative margin group with the positive margin group, there was no significant difference in local tumor control (P = 0.12). However, women with two or more positive margins had an inferior local tumor control compared with those women with negative margins (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Patients with positive margins have a higher risk for local failure and worse survival when undergoing breast conservation therapy. Inferior local tumor control was noted in those patients with two or more positive margins. Cancer 1998;82:2212-2220. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Different mechanisms of homologous and nonhomologous recombination in brome mosaic virus: role of RNA sequences and replicase proteins

Abstract Brome mosaic bromovirus, a tripartite, positive-stranded RNA virus of plants, can generate both homologous and nonhomologous recombinants in vivo . Recombination signals in the RNAs were different for these two recombination types. Nonhomologous recombination requires the formation of local double-stranded regions between the RNA templates. In contrast, homologous recombination is facilitated by AU-rich sequences and upstream GC-rich regions common in the recombining RNAs. Mutations within the replicase proteins affect homologous and nonhomologous recombination in different ways, confirming the involvement of BMV replicase proteins in both types of events as well as the differences in their pathways. Replicase-driven template-switching models are discussed in relation to supporting evidences.
Biopsy of uterine cervix

Abstract Carcinoma of the uterus occurs in the cervix in about 90 per cent of the cases. There are no symptoms in early carcinoma of the cervix. When the classical textbook symptoms appear, the disease is well established. In the state of our present knowledge, improvement in the results of cancer of this organ must come through prophylaxis, early diagnosis and early treatment. Prophylaxis rests on the periodic examination of all women, especially at the time of the menopause, and on the eradication of all irritative lesions of the cervix, such as erosions, polyps, lacerations and infections. It may often be impossible to distinguish between irritative lesions and beginning carcinoma with the naked eye. The early diagnosis must be established by a biopsy and histologica examination of all suspicious areas. The colposcope and the Schiller test point out the regions from which the biopsy should be taken on the portio. The electrically charged wire loop is the best instrument with which to obtain tissue for examination. Gentle dilatation of the cervix and light scraping of the endocervix with the smallest dull curette will give a specimen from that area in addition all particles of cervix removed at operation should be considered biopsy material and submitted to the pathologist. Diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix by means of biopsy, before the appearance of the classical symptoms, followed by immediate treatment, irradiation or surgery, should lead to a high percentage of cures.
The role of nutrition in mitigating environmental insults: policy and ethical issues.

1Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; 2Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health; Boston, Massachusetts; 3Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; 4Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
VLSI Implementations of Learning and Memory Systems: A Review

A large number of VLSI implementations of neural network models have been reported. The diversity of these implementations is noteworthy. This paper attempts to put a group of representative VLSI implementations in perspective by comparing and contrasting them. Design trade-offs are discussed and some suggestions for the direction of future implementation efforts are made.
A REALISTIC APPROACH TO PLANETARY DEFENSE USING A MODULAR IN-SPACE TRANSPORTATION ARCHITECTURE

In recent years, the real and credible hazard of Earth impacting comets and asteroids has been identified. Since the last significant impact with the Earth occurred in remote Siberia nearly a century ago, the ability for mankind to internalize the reality of this threat is understandably difficult. Coordinated efforts focused on detecting large nearEarth asteroids have been initiated, and are a logical first step for providing advance notice of an impacting comet or asteroid. However, a dedicated planetary defense system actually capable of averting an impact is expensive to develop and maintain, and would likely not be used for decades or centuries due to the infrequent nature of this hazard. These factors make a dedicated system impractical from financial and political standpoints. Additionally, many methods for deflecting or destroying a dangerous comet or asteroid have been proposed, but no method has yet been demonstrated. Selecting particular methods for averting an impact would require various technology and flight demonstration missions. Since a dedicated system is unlikely to be implemented, there is little motivation for these precursor missions. This paper describes a different approach to planetary defense that can be achieved realistically in the future. The approach advocates developing a modular, reusable in-space transportation architecture that can support human and robotic exploration of the near-Earth neighborhood. This architecture could support a variety of comet and asteroid missions, including a crewed near-Earth asteroid rendezvous mission for scientific exploration and detailed characterization and an un-crewed rendezvous with a target asteroid to demonstrate the feasibility of altering its orbit or rotation rate. These types of missions would provide unprecedented planetary scientific research and exploration, as well as validate many of the methods and technologies required to protect the Earth from a future catastrophic collision. Since the elements of this architecture would already be operational, they could provide a rudimentary on call planetary defense system, and even provide some level of protection against impactors that pose an immediate threat. Establishing a robust, adaptable infrastructure in cis-lunar space protects the region of space that we ultimately want to defend. Human and robotic space exploration will allow mankind one day to leave the cradle of Earth, and using the same technologies and infrastructure could allow us someday to save the nursery.
Qualitative shift to indirect development in the parasitic sea anemone Edwardsiella lineata.

Synopsis Direct development lies at 1 end of a continuum that encompasses various degrees of indirect development. Indirect development exists where a larval stage is interposed between the embryo and the adult and undergoes metamorphosis, though the ecological and morphological distinctiveness of the larval stage relative to the adult stage can vary tremendously. There are numerous empirical examples where direct development has evolved from indirect development, but little empirical evidence describing a recent transition from direct to indirect development. Here, we suggest 4 criteria for defining indirect, and therefore metamorphic, life histories. We then apply these criteria to address the planula–polyp transition in cnidarians, focusing on 2 species in the anthozoan family Edwardsiidae. The lined sea anemone, Edwardsiella lineata, has made a qualitative shift towards indirect development that coincides with, and was potentially facilitated by, the evolution of endoparasitism. We compare E. lineata’s development with that of a closely related sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, where the nonfeeding planula gradually develops the morphology of the adult polyp. In E. lineata, a novel parasitic life history stage is interposed between the planula and the polyp. We discuss how the evolution of endoparasitism could facilitate the evolution metamorphic life histories.
A finite-element approach to the development of a general purpose microelectronic device simulator

Using finite element methods a general purpose two-dimensional microelectronic device simulator is developed. The Newton method is used to linearize the semiconductor equations, which are solved simultaneously by a sparse matrix solver. This simulator can do the modeling for MOSFETs, BJTs, EEPROM transistors, and some other microelectronic devices.
Digital perfusion phantoms for visual perfusion validation.

OBJECTIVE. Despite the increasingly broad use of perfusion applications, we still have no generally accessible means for their verification: The common sense of perfusion maps and “bona fides” of perfusion software vendors remain the only grounds for acceptance. Thus, perfusion applications are one of a very few clinical tools considerably lacking practical objective hands-on validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. To solve this problem, we introduce digital perfusion phantoms (DPPs)—numerically simulated DICOM image sequences specifically designed to have known perfusion maps with simple visual patterns. Processing DPP perfusion sequences with any perfusion algorithm or software of choice and comparing the results with the expected DPP patterns provide a robust and straightforward way to control the quality of perfusion analysis, software, and protocols. RESULTS. The deviations from the expected DPP maps, observed in each perfusion software, provided clear visualization of processing differences and possible ...
Trust in interpersonal communication

A new conceptualization of trust is presented, drawing from the game theory, credibility, and sensitivity training literatures. It is argued that trust occurs only in interpersonal relationships having specified characteristics and that the cognitive state of trust must be differentiated from trusting behaviors. An individual's cognitive state of trust involves his perceiving another person as knowledgeable of the nature of the contingency between them, competent to perform his intended acts, and motivated to prevent the trusting person from receiving unacceptably negative outcomes in their relationship. Trusting behaviors occur in a variety of forms but share the characteristics of increasing the individual's vulnerability to the other.
Disc arthroplasty: lessons learned from total joint arthroplasty.

Abstract Background context With the rapid emergence of new disc arthroplasty designs and ongoing clinical trials, there is great anticipation among clinicians. Inevitably there will be challenges associated with adoption of this new technology. Potential lessons learned from the extensive experience with extremity arthroplasty may predict some of the perils and pitfalls associated with motion-preserving devices in spinal applications. Purpose To review the extremity total joint literature for lessons that may be transferable to disc arthroplasty and anticipate predictable problems that will occur. Study design/setting A literature review and conjectural analysis of key lessons learned from the experience of extremity total joint arthroplasty and anterior lumbar interbody fusion devices with subsequent application of these lessons to disc arthroplasty in the lumbar spine. Methods Limited data are available on disc arthroplasty. Results Particular areas of controversy and uncertainty exist. The ongoing US Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption clinical trials may provide additional insight into these questions. Conclusions Complications will occur. These will be approach related, device related and patient-selection related. Studying the experience of extremity joint arthroplasty may accelerate the learning curve for lumbar disc arthroplasty.
Evaluation of a perforated drug delivery system in mice for prolonged and constant release of a hydrophilic drug

A drug delivery system (DDS) consisting of a perforated microtube (polyimide, inside diameter = 1.8 mm, tube length = 20 mm, hole size = 0.15 mm) was characterized in vitro and in vivo for its usefulness for long-term release of hydrophilic drugs at a constant rate. Sodium fluorescein mixed with stearic acid was used as the model drug. The DDS was packed with sodium fluorescein and stearic acid in ratios of 50:50, 40:60, and 25:75, respectively, and in vitro drug release studies were performed in saline. Linear release rates with R2 > 0.9700 were obtained for all groups. Release rates of 1,077.3 ± 264.6, 342.6 ± 146.4, and 14.4 ± 7.0 μg/day for sodium fluorescein were obtained from the three groups, respectively. After monitoring the in vitro release of fluorescein for 11 days, 7 tubes from the 40:60 group were implanted subcutaneously in each individual mice to study the in vivo release of fluorescein from the tubes by measuring the fluorescein in the urine for 84 days. An initial rapid release during the first 4 days was followed by a near zero order fluorescence from the tubes (R2 = 0.9870). Following completion of the study, the DDSs were retrieved for histology. Morphological analysis indicated no clinical adverse reaction at the site of device implantation specific to the device. The DDS was found to be biocompatible and capable of long-term constant release of a hydrophilic drug such as sodium fluorescein.
A digital DFT technique for verifying the static performance of A/D converters

We present a reconfiguration DFT methodology for evaluating the static performance of a charge redistribution analog-to-digital converter. During the test mode, we reconfigure the ADC to operate as a capacitor ratio converter and measure the primary capacitor ratios which determine the transition voltages. Based on these estimated transition voltages, the static performance of the converter under test can be derived. To validate the methodology, we designed and fabricated an 11-bit charge redistribution ADC with the reconfiguration DFT technique in a 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The technique was used to reconstruct the integral (INL) and differential non-linearity (DNL) errors using a digital only tester. The INL and DNL results were verified with analog/digital bench equipment.
Network motif-based identification of breast cancer susceptibility genes

Identifying breast cancer susceptibility genes is one of the key challenges in breast cancer research. Conventional gene-based approaches can identify patterns of gene activity that sub-classify tumors, by which genes with known breast cancer mutations are typically not detected. In this study, we present a novel network motif-based approach that integrates biological network topology and high-throughput gene expression data to identify markers not as individual genes but as network motifs. We observed that the network motifs are more reproducible than individual marker genes selected without biological network information, and that they achieve higher accuracy in the classification of metastatic versus non-metastatic tumors.
LIFE HISTORY IMPLICATIONS OF COMPLETE AND INCOMPLETE PRIMARY MOLTS IN PELAGIC CORMORANTS

Abstract We describe the rules of primary flight-feather replacement for Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), and contrast the completeness of primary replacement in individuals from Asia and North America. In adult Pelagic Cormorants primary replacement is stepwise, with multiple waves of molt, each initiated at the innermost primary (P1), proceeding simultaneously toward the tip of the wing. Shugart and Rohwer's (1996) ontogenetic model for generating and maintaining stepwise primary replacement depended upon incomplete molts. In each new episode of molt, waves of primary replacement were thought to be initiated at P1 and at each arrested wave that had failed to replace all old feathers in the preceding molt. Because most adult Pelagic Cormorants from North America completely replace their primaries but maintain stepwise primary molts, the latter assumption must be relaxed. In contrast to the present-day situation in North America, Pelagic Cormorants from northeastern Asia have incomplete molts...
Effect of the inside profile of a hollow cathode on the plasma plume

The effect of the inside profile of a hollow cathode on the intensity of plasma plume has been studied in a low-pressure ( approximately 3-torr) argon discharge. The effectiveness of three different 'inside' profiles of a hollow cathode was compared by performing emission spectroscopy on the plasma plume in each case. A conical-profile hollow cathode produced a plasma plume that was much more intense than the one in a commonly used cylindrical-profile hollow cathode. >
Yoga as an Alternative and Complementary Approach for Stress Management A Systematic Review

Stress has become a global public health problem. Yoga offers one possible way of reducing stress. The purpose of this study was to look at studies from 2011 to May 2013 and examine whether yoga can be an efficacious approach for managing stress. A systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, and Alt HealthWatch databases was conducted for quantitative articles involving all schools of yoga. A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. Six of these were from the United States, 3 from India, 2 from the United Kingdom, and 1 each from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Iraq, Sweden, and Taiwan. Of the 17 studies, 12 demonstrated positive changes in psychological or physiological outcomes related to stress. Despite the limitations, not all studies used a randomized controlled design, had smaller sample sizes, had different outcomes, had nonstandardized yoga intervention, and had varying lengths, yoga appears to be a promising modality for stress management.
Banquet address: “Return-to-flight electromagnetic measurements — The NASA shuttle ascent debris radar system”

The NASA Debris Radar (NDR) system was developed to characterize ascent debris liberated during the Shuttle's ascent into space. Radar is well suited for characterizing ascent debris, and is essential during night launches when optical sensors are severely degraded. The NDR mission presents challenging radar requirements in terms of target detection, tracking, minimum detectable radar cross-section (RCS), calibration accuracy, power profile management, and operational readiness. After revisiting the Columbia accident investigation, I describe the NDR system, consisting of a stationary C-band radar located at Kennedy Space Center and two sea-based X-band radars. During the 3 year development effort, the NDR team examined static and dynamic radar signatures of the shuttle and liberated debris, and executed an “in-situ” Electromagnetic Interference Measurement on the Orbiter “Discovery” to certify its safety from radar EMI. Since Shuttle Mission Managers needed definitive safety assessments within 24-30 hrs of launch, analysis tools and software provided shuttle metric data in real-time, visualize metric and signature data during post-mission analysis, automatically detect and characterize debris tracks in signature data, determine ballistic numbers for detected debris objects, and assess material type, size, release location and threat to the orbiter based on radar scattering and ballistic properties of the debris.
Explanatory Autonomy and Coleman's Boat

The paper addresses the question of whether an actor-centered social ontology can admit of relatively autonomous social causal explanations. It offers an alternative to the theory of social causation represented by Coleman's Boat, according to which all macro-explanations must proceed through micro-level process- es. The paper argues instead that the examples of other special sciences demonstrate the validity of the idea of "relative explanatory autonomy" in the case of social causal reasoning. These considerations pro- vide a basis for affirming the legitimacy of causal statements about meso-level causal relations.
Experimental Investigation of Interfacial Thermal Conductance for Molten Metal Solidification on a Substrate

Experiments have been conducted to quantify the interfacial thermal conductance between molten copper and a cold metallic substrate, and in particular to investigate the heat transfer variation as the initial liquid/solid contact becomes a solid/solid contact after nucleation. A high heat transfer coefficient during the earlier liquid cooling phase and a lower heat transfer coefficient during the subsequent solid splat cooling phase were estimated through matching of model calculations and measured temperature history of the sample. The dynamic variations in the interfacial heat transfer resulting from the solidification process were quantified for splat cooling and were found to be affected by the melt superheat, the substrate material, and the substrate surface finish.
Optimal design of 2-D IIR filters-strictly proper case

The problem of optimal design of a class of two-dimensional (2-D) digital infinite impulse response (IIR) filters from spatial impulse response data is addressed. The denominator of the desired strictly proper 2-D filter is assumed to be separable. The filter coefficients are iteratively estimated by maintaining the t/sub 2/-norm of the error between the prescribed and the estimated spatial domain responses. The complete subspace orthogonal to the 2-D model fitting error is identified. It is shown that by appropriate choice of the orthogonal subspace, the exact fitting error criterion can be simultaneously optimized with respect to the coefficients in both dimensions. If the desired response is known to be symmetric, the proposed algorithm will produce optimal denominators which are identical in both domains. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated with some simulation studies. >
Predictors of High-grade Esophagitis After Definitive Three-dimensional Conformal Therapy, Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy, or Proton Beam Therapy for Non-small cell Lung Cancer

Introduction We analyzed the ability of various patient- and treatment-related factors to predict radiation-induced esophagitis (RE) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), or proton beam therapy (PBT). Methods and Materials Patients were treated for NSCLC with 3D-CRT, IMRT, or PBT at MD Anderson from 2000 to 2008 and had full dose-volume histogram (DVH) data available. The endpoint was severe (grade ≥3) RE. The Lyman-Kutcher-Burman (LKB) model was used to analyze RE as a function of the fractional esophageal DVH, with clinical variables included as dose-modifying factors. Results Overall, 652 patients were included: 405 patients were treated with 3D-CRT, 139 with IMRT, and 108 with PBT; corresponding rates of grade ≥3 RE were 8%, 28%, and 6%, respectively, with a median time to onset of 42 days (range, 11-93 days). A fit of the fractional DVH LKB model demonstrated that the fractional effective dose was significantly different ( P =.046) than 1 (fractional mean dose) indicating that high doses to small volumes are more predictive than mean esophageal dose. The model fit was better for 3D-CRT and PBT than for IMRT. Including receipt of concurrent chemotherapy as a dose-modifying factor significantly improved the LKB model ( P =.005), and the model was further improved by including a variable representing treatment with >30 fractions. Examining individual types of chemotherapy agents revealed a trend toward receipt of concurrent taxanes and increased risk of RE ( P =.105). Conclusions Fractional dose (dose rate) and number of fractions (total dose) distinctly affect the risk of severe RE, estimated using the LKB model, and concurrent chemotherapy improves the model fit. This risk of severe RE is underestimated by this model in patients receiving IMRT.
Cattle preference for forage kochia, crested wheatgrass, and velvet lupine

ABSTRACT Alkaloids in velvet lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus Douglas ex Lindl.) cause a crooked calf syndrome if the dam consumes the plant between d 40 and 100 of gestation. In spring calving operations, this coincides with late summer when annual grasses are mature and senescent in the Scabland region of eastern Washington. Velvet lupine is the only green-growing forb during this period on the annual grasslands and is readily consumed. Planting an alternative forage that is more palatable than velvet lupine may reduce the risk of crooked calves. Preference trials were conducted to compare the palatability of 2 varieties of forage kochia, ‘Immigrant’ (Kochia prostrata ssp. virescens) and the experimental line Otvsel (K. prostrata ssp. grisea), with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum [Fisch. ex Link] Schult.) and velvet lupine. Preferences were ranked by sequential Latin squares. The first trial consisted of four 4 × 4 Latin squares: 4 forages, 4 heifers, 4 d, and 4 feed locations. The most preferred forage was then removed and preference for the remaining forages was evaluated in a 3 × 3 Latin square. The 2 trials were repeated using 4 new heifers. Crested wheatgrass was preferred in the first trial, but the Immigrant forage kochia replaced it as most preferred feed in the second set of trials. There was no difference in preference between Otvsel and velvet lupine. Results indicate that Immigrant forage kochia and crested wheatgrass should be selected to evaluate their establishment and palatability in subsequent seeding and field-scale palatability trials in the Scabland region of eastern Washington.
Increases in Perspective Embedding Increase Reading Time Even with Typical Text Presentation: Implications for the Reading of Literature.

Reading fiction is a major component of intellectual life, yet it has proven difficult to study experimentally. One aspect of literature that has recently come to light is perspective embedding ("she thought I left" embedding her perspective on "I left"), which seems to be a defining feature of fiction. Previous work (Whalen et al., 2012) has shown that increasing levels of embedment affects the time that it takes readers to read and understand short vignettes in a moving window paradigm. With increasing levels of embedment from 1-5, reading times in a moving window paradigm rose almost linearly. However, level 0 was as slow as 3-4. Accuracy on probe questions was relatively constant until dropping at the fifth level. Here, we assessed this effect in a more ecologically valid (“typical”) reading paradigm, in which the entire vignette was visible at once, either for as long as desired (Experiment 1) or a fixed time (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, reading times followed a pattern similar to that of the previous experiment, with some differences in absolute speed. Accuracy matched previous results: fairly consistent accuracy until a decline at level 5, indicating that both presentation methods allowed understanding. In Experiment 2, accuracy was somewhat reduced, perhaps because participants were less successful at allocating their attention than they were during the earlier experiment; however, the pattern was the same. It seems that literature does not, on average, use easiest reading level but rather uses a middle ground that challenges the reader, but not too much.
Ex utero intrapartum treatment of fetal micrognathia.

ABSTRACT Background: Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures have emerged as a viable option for potentially life-saving procedures in fetuses with predicted airway compromise at birth. The ability to maintain maternal-fetal uteroplacental perfusion allows for prolonged procedures in a stable fetal hemodynamic environment thereby avoiding neonatal hypoxemia or sequelae of an emergent tracheostomy. Case: A 26-year-old female presents with a 20-week ultrasound and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating severe fetal micrognathia (jaw index below the 5th percentile), glossoptosis, polyhydramnios, absence of a gastric bubble, and suspected microtia concerning for Treacher Collins syndrome. An EXIT procedure was completed with successful intrapartum endotracheal intubation with a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope through a laryngeal mask airway. Conclusion: This case represents the first EXIT procedure completed at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Although this case is unique, the clinical ...
Dissemination as Dialogue: Building Trust and Sharing Research Findings Through Community Engagement

A fundamental feature of community-based participatory research (CBPR) is sharing findings with community members and engaging community partners in the dissemination process. To be truly collaborative, dissemination should involve community members in a two-way dialogue about new research findings. Yet little literature describes how to engage communities in dialogue about research findings, especially with historically marginalized communities where mistrust of researchers may exist because of past or present social injustices. Through a series of interactive community presentations on findings from a longitudinal study, we developed a process for community dissemination that involved several overlapping phases: planning, outreach, content development, interactive presentations, and follow-up. Through this process, we built on existing and new community relationships. Following each interactive presentation, the research team debriefed and reviewed notes to identify lessons learned from the process. Key themes included the importance of creating a flexible dissemination plan, tailoring presentations to each community group, establishing a point person to serve as a community liaison, and continuing dialogue with community members after the presentations. Core strategies for developing trust during dissemination included engaging community members at every step, reserving ample time for discussion during presentations, building rapport by sharing personal experiences, being receptive to and learning from criticism, and implementing input from community members. This process led to a deeper understanding of research findings and ensured that results reached community members who were invested in them.
Democratic Political Theory — A Typological Discussion

Political theory is notoriously a hodgepodge. Whatever its status may be, no one would claim that it today occupies a standing comparable to that of economic theory. Theorists variously attempt to justify or to explain, to provide bases for prediction or frame works for analysis. Even within the realm of democratic theory there is no "august corpus," in Holmes's phrase, no body of closely articulated propositions with which in general all agree, subject only to differences of emphasis or in detail. One hears of "classical" democratic theory; but if it must include both Locke and Rousseau, Bentham and the two Mills, not to mention T. H. Green and other democratic Idealists, it is clear that it is a bundle of theories rather than a single body of doctrine. Likewise we hear today of "revision ist" democratic theory, the theory of polyarchy or pluralist democ racy, and most recently theories of "participatory democracy," which even out-Rousseau the great Genevan.1 The subject to be discussed in these pages is theories of liberal democracy. What I take to be fundamental to the concept of liberal democracy is that those who are legally empowered to determine basic policies should be selected, directly or indirectly, for limited terms, and ultimately accountable to the electorate (which must include all sane adults, with certain generally acknowledged excep tions) , in some fashion that entitles each of its members to an equal
Outsourcing from the Perspectives of International Protocols, Law, Intellectual Property, and Taxation

"I am a programmer with a Masters degree from a prominent college in the United States. I work 10 hour days and come in on weekends on a regular basis for my company. I pay my taxes and still manage to give back to my community. So why is my country doing nothing when my job is being threatened by international competition?" "I am president of a company that took a hard look at cost numbers before embarking on outsourcing. Apart from the cost of labor, equipment, and incidentals, are there other aspects that we should have looked at? This paper attempts to delineate the relevant pieces of information needed to address the above types of questions, as well as other outsourcing related questions, such as: * What is the United States doing to encourage/discourage outsourcing? Are these actions legal under current international trading rules? * Is the United States a net beneficiary or net loser when outsourcing occurs? * How will the continued outsourcing of professional service activities impact different industries? * How can intellectual property be equitably protected in an economy that involves growing levels of outsourcing? * How can intellectual property be equitably valued and shared amongst concerned constituencies in an environment characterized by significant outsourcing? * What is the 'ultimate scenario' for outsourcing, and how will this impact the jobs of those in the U.S. and abroad?
Dietary ethanol is associated with reduced lipolysis of intestinally derived lipoproteins

An acute oral fat load produces transient lipemia that is enhanced by the simultaneous ingestion of ethanol. This phenomenon has been reinvestigated in six normal subjects who consumed three different fat loads with and without ethanol. The fat loads consisted of saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, or polyunsaturated fat enriched with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids. Each fat load contained retinol as a marker for intestinally derived lipoproteins. Plasma levels of triglycerides, retinyl palmitate, and nonesterified fatty acid species were determined at several time points after consumption. Increasing the size of a saturated fat load increased postprandial lipemia and delayed retinyl palmitate clearance. Postprandial lipemia and plasma retinyl palmitate concentrations were lower when omega-3 or omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fat was substituted for saturated fat. Preprandial ethanol increased postprandial lipemia, an effect that was most profound with the saturated fat load. Concurrently, oral ethanol also increased postprandial retinyl palmitate. Addition of ethanol to the fat loads had no effect on the plasma concentrations of fatty acids derived from peripheral tissue but appeared to decrease the plasma concentration of free fatty acids of dietary origin. These data support the hypothesis that preprandial ethanol is associated with impaired chylomicron hydrolysis that may be due to inhibition of plasma lipoprotein lipase. These findings are important to the search for the molecular mechanism of ethanolic hypertriglyceridemia and to the development of dietary guidelines for its control.
LRP1 expression in microglia is protective during CNS autoimmunity

Multiple sclerosis is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by the autoimmune destruction of the central nervous system myelin. While T cells are known orchestrators of the immune response leading to MS pathology, the precise contribution of CNS resident and peripheral infiltrating myeloid cells is less well described. Here, we explore the myeloid cell function of Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1), a scavenger receptor involved in myelin clearance and the inflammatory response, in the context of Multiple sclerosis. Supporting its central role in Multiple sclerosis pathology, we find that LRP1 expression is increased in Multiple sclerosis lesions in comparison to the surrounding healthy tissue. Using two genetic mouse models, we show that deletion of LRP1 in microglia, but not in peripheral macrophages, negatively impacts the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of Multiple sclerosis. We further show that the increased disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is not due to haplodeficiency of the Cx3cr1 locus. At the cellular level, microglia lacking LRP1 adopt a pro-inflammatory phenotype characterized by amoeboid morphology and increased production of the inflammatory mediator TNF-α. We also show that LRP1 functions as a robust inhibitor of NF-kB activation in myeloid cells via a MyD88 dependent pathway, potentially explaining the increase in disease severity observed in mice lacking LRP1 expression in microglia. Taken together, our data suggest that the function of LRP1 in microglia is to keep these cells in an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective status during inflammatory insult, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and potentially in Multiple sclerosis.
Computational Fluid Dynamics of Particle Transport and Deposition

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses fundamentals of computational modeling of particles transport and deposition in turbulent ?ows. In turbulent ?ows, the ?eld properties become random functions of space and time. Decomposing the velocity and pressure into mean and ?uctuation values and averaging the Navier–Stokes equation leads to the Reynolds equation. The effect of turbulence on transport and dispersion of particles is introduced through the instantaneous ?uid velocity. The deposition velocity increases for larger relaxation time despite the decrease in the particle diffusivity. This is due to the interaction of these relatively large particles with turbulent eddies. The molecular diffusion and turbulence are dominant for deposition of nanometer size particles and the deposition rate increases as particle diameter decreases. For particles larger than a few microns, the impaction is the dominant deposition mechanism and the deposition rate increases with the particle size. Turbulence in the air?ow in the upper airway affects the capture ef?ciency. It is found that the computer simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data.