cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apathetic thyrotoxicosis secondary to atypical subacute thyroiditis.

ABSTRACT Objective To report a case of apathetic thyrotoxicosis with an etiology of subacute thyroiditis. Methods We describe the patient’s clinical findings, laboratory findings, and clinical course. Results An 85-year-old woman with no history of thyroid disease presented with severe obtundation and altered mental status. Laboratory testing documented elevated free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine concentrations and a suppressed thyrotropin concentration. Thyroid antibodies were absent. A radioactive iodine study revealed severely diminished uptake, suggestive of thyroiditis. After a short course of steroids, the patient’s mental status returned to baseline. Follow-up laboratory testing showed normalizing thyroid function. Conclusion Even in the absence of a history of thyroid disease, we recommend considering thyroid dysfunction in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with altered mental status, particularly in the elderly population. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:e127-e129)
Same blueprint, different bricks: reexamining the sources of the gender gap in political ideology

Since the 1990s the ideological gap between men and women has grown, but scholars debate whether this difference is driven by diverging opinion on individual issues or differences in ideological reasoning. Utilizing Item Response Theory, we test for gender differences in multiple aspects of ideological thinking: ideological constraint, stability, the importance of individual issues to ideology, and the degree to which people base their self-reported ideological identity on policy issues. In contrast to existing studies showing that men and women privilege different sets of issues when choosing an ideological label, we find that men and women organize their opinions in much the same way. The gender gap in ideology reflects differences of opinion, but not political reasoning. Our results call for a shift away from research that searches for ways in which men and women reason differently about politics and focuses instead on why ideological thinking is so similar between the sexes despite difference in socia...
Localization of axial determinants in the vegetal pole region of Ascidian eggs

Abstract We have investigated the possibility that factors involved in embryonic axis determination are localized in the cytoplasm of ascidian eggs. Specific cytoplasmic deletions were carried out using a microsurgical method which consisted of extruding a portion of the egg or uncleaved zygote through a hole in the follicular envelope and severing it from the remaining ooplasm. When 5–15% of the total cytoplasm was deleted from the vegetal pole region of zygotes between the first and second phase of ooplasmic segregation, the vegetal pole-deficient embryos cleaved normally but did not gastrulate or develop into tadpole larvae. Instead, they formed radialized blastulae consisting of several hundred cells and with no apparent embryonic axis. The vegetal pole-deficient embryos express the muscle-specific enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and the endoderm-specific enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the expected number of blastomeres when cleavage arrested at the 8-cell stage, however. In contrast, normal larvae were usually obtained if similar or greater amounts of cytoplasm were removed from the vegetal pole region of unfertilized eggs, from the animal pole or equatorial regions of zygotes between the first and second phase of ooplasmic segregation, or from other regions, including the vegetal pole region, of zygotes that had already completed the second phase of ooplasmic segregation. Fate mapping indicates that the vegetal pole region enters four vegetal blastomeres of the 64-cell embryo and these are the first cells to invaginate during gastrulation. These results suggest that factors specifying the site of gastrulation and embryonic axis determination are transiently localized in the vegetal pole region of the ascidian zygote.
Electron transfer in collisions of He/sup + +/ ions with H atoms at /sup 4/He/sup + +/ impact energies of 0. 1-20. 0 keV

Total cross sections have been calculated for electron transfer into all states of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ during collisions of ${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$ ions with H atoms at $^{4}\mathrm{He}^{++}$ energies from 0.1 to 20.0 keV. The coupled molecular-state approximation that is used incorporates in the basis up to 20 states $1s\ensuremath{\sigma}, 2s\ensuremath{\sigma}, \dots{}, 4f\ensuremath{\phi}$ of the frozen He${\mathrm{H}}^{++}$ molecule. Convergence of cross sections with respect to the size of the bound-state basis is studied; at 8 keV, the eight states $1s\ensuremath{\sigma}$, $2p\ensuremath{\sigma}$, $3d\ensuremath{\sigma}$, $4f\ensuremath{\sigma}$, $2p\ensuremath{\pi}$, $3d\ensuremath{\pi}$, $4f\ensuremath{\pi}$, and $3p\ensuremath{\sigma}$ of the 20 states considered have been found sufficient to determine the 20-state cross section to within a few percent. The nuclei are assumed to follow classical paths, some estimate being made of the effect of nonrectilinear motion at the lower energies. A comparison is made with experimental results, and agreement with most of the recent experimental results is found to be excellent down to about 8 keV; at lower energies, the theoretical cross section falls off rapidly with decreasing energy, in contrast to the single early low-energy measurement.
Feedback controlled nerve fiber impalement.

Abstract A device has been described for the automatic impalement of nerve fibers. Although developed specifically for that task, the technique can be applied for intracellular recording from other cells or processes. The basis of the techniques is to use the cell membrane potential to stop the advance of a fast moving microelectrode. With slight modification it can be used to stop microdrive advance upon receipt of an action potential. The circuit was constructed by interconnecting commercially available instruments found in most electrophysiology laboratories. Use of the device for recording from the dorsal column fibers of the cat increased the number of stable cell penetrations per unit of time by between one and two orders of magnitude.
Inattention to P(H) and to P(D⧹ ∼ H): A converging operation

Abstract It is generally accepted that people often fail to make probabilistic inferences according to appropriate normative principles. In two investigations, patterned spatially after Wason's (1968) 4-card task but for which Bayes' theorem was the appropriate normative rule, subjects were asked to select ‘… all cards that are necessary … but only those cards that are necessary …’ to draw a diagnostic inference. In the first investigation, subjects were shown four cards, corresponding to the base rate, the complement of the base rate, the probability of the datum given the hypothesis and the probability of the datum given the alternative hypothesis. In the second study, only three cards were shown, with the complement of the base rate being omitted. A total of 967 university students served as subjects. Only a small minority (104) made optimal data choices, and written explanations obtained from a subset of the 104 suggest that only a very small minority of these did so with a reasonable degree of understanding. These results are in accord with prior findings that people who are making diagnostic inferences are insensitive to the implications of the base rate, and that people are insensitive to the evidentiary impact of the probability of the datum given the alternative hypothesis.
Diagnostic imaging update in skeletal dysplasias

The mystique of bone dysplasias is gradually vanishing. A short historical overview introduces the subject of short stature. The pathogenesis and controversial classification of skeletal dysplasias are discussed and summarized in two tables; the use of different imaging modalities is laid out along the sequential diagnostic approach and review of common orthopedic complications. References to such advances in treatment as bone marrow transplantation, bone lengthening, and the encouraging positive effect of growth hormone therapy complete this updated revision.
Perspectives on the Potential of Russian Oil

A prominent American specialist on the economy of the former USSR comments on Russian oil in light of a preceding paper on the subject. Noting the congruence of Russia's economic growth with world oil prices, the author points out that the country's growth is endangered by sharp declines in those prices. He also recalls how an oil windfall shaped Russian thinking in the 1970s, questions how long Russia can pump oil at its maximum level by invoking the American experience from 1859 through the peak in 1970 until the present, analyzes the two corporate models in the Russian oil sector, and briefly outlines Putin's new approach to foreign investment in the sector. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: L71, O13, O18. 3 figures, 8 references.
Molecular mimicry between HIV-1 gp41 and an astyrocyte isoform of alpha-actinin

A 100–kDa astrocyte antigen previously shown to cross-react with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) generated against amino acids (aa) 598 to 609 of the transmembrane protein gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HTV-1) has now been molecularly characterized and found to be an alpha-actinin (α-actinin) related protein. Western blot analyses of human astrocytoma cells fractionated by differential centrifugation and detergent phase separation showed that the antigen was membrane associated. The astrocyte protein was purified to apparent homogeneity by immunoaffinity chromatography. Amino acid analysis of three peptide fragments obtained by cleavage of the purified 100–kDa protein revealed sequence identities of 77, 83 and 100% to a non-muscle isoform of human α-actinin. In addition, the aa 598–609 sequence of gp41 recognized by MAb 781.4, and the aa 581–597 sequence recognized by another cross-reactive MAb 781.3, were 73% and 53% similar to regions of α-actinin. This molecular mimicry between gp41 and α-act...
Learn nothing, forget nothing--the Medicare Commission redux.

Two years ago, I wrote about the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, of which I was a member.1 The commission went out of business in March 1999, having failed to adopt recomm...
On the calculation of energy release rates for cracked laminates with residual stresses

Prior methods for calculating energy release rate in cracked laminates were extended to account for heterogeneous laminates and residual stresses. The method is to partition the crack tip stresses into local bending moments and normal forces. A general equation is then given for the total energy release rate in terms of the crack-tip moments and forces and the temperature difference experienced by the laminate. The analysis method is illustrated by several example test geometries. The examples were verified by comparison to numerical calculations. The residual stress term in the total energy release rate equation was found to be essentially exact in all example calculations.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND THE “COLOR‐BLIND” CONSTITUTION: THE REHNQUIST COURT AND EQUAL PROTECTION

This article examines the Rehnquist Court's equal protection record in a variety of fields, including school desegregation, affirmative action, and race-conscious congressional districting. Its underlying thesis is that an unduly wooden commitment to a “color-blind” (or “gender-blind”) Constitution in the near term, combined with a naive faith in the adequacy of negative rather than affirmative remedies for racial and related forms of discrimination, may defeat that worthy principle's ultimate triumph.
Relationship Between Eimeria adenoeides Infection and Aflatoxicosis in Turkey Poults

Abstract Three-week-old turkey poults receiving 250 μg/kg of dietary aflatoxin displayed prolonged prothrombin times due to decreased fibrinogen levels and depressed activity of factor II. Decreased body weights and increased mortality were also evident. Poults experiencing an Eimeria adenoeides infection had slightly increased prothrombin times that were not corrected by the addition of specific clotting factors. These birds exhibited significant reductions in total plasma protein levels. The combination of E. adenoeides and aflatoxicosis resulted in a significant depression in body weight, altered prothrombin time, and decreased levels of plasma calcium, protein, and fibrinogen. Increased mortality was also observed. E. adenoeides did not affect the hemostatic system of the turkey as severely as does aflatoxin. Turkeys were shown to be highly susceptible to aflatoxin when compared to chickens.
Principal Hiring Practices: Toward a Reduction of Uncertainty

Abstract Principals aim to hire outstanding teachers. But how do they do this? How do they reduce the large number of applicants to a workable number? What process do principals use to hire and to what extent does variation exist among hiring practices? This article investigates the current hiring practices of K–12 principals. Principals were examined on how they screen applicants and hire, what they specifically look for in potential applicants, and whether or not hiring practices are consistent across a variety of principal demographic variables. We conclude by offering a number of implications for administrators and teacher candidates.
Acyl-carrier protein-phosphopantetheinyltransferase partnerships in fungal fatty acid synthases.

The synthesis of fatty acids is an essential primary metabolic process for energy storage and cellular structural integrity. Assembly of saturated fatty acids is achieved by fatty acid synthases (FASs) that combine acetyl- and malonyl-CoAs by repetitive decarboxylative Claisen condensations with subsequent reduction and dehydration steps.[1] In mammals seven catalytic domains are encoded by a single gene, giving rise to an α2-homodimeric protein. An acyl-carrier protein (ACP) that is post-translationally modified with a CoA derived arm by a phosphopantetheinyltransferase (PPT), tethers the growing fatty acid via a thioester linkage during the iterative catalytic cycle. Such attachment to the holo-ACP arm fosters high effective substrate concentrations during the synthesis. In fungi, however, eight catalytic domains are divided between two subunits, and an architecturally distinct α6β6 canonical complex releases the final product as a CoA ester rather than as a free-acid, as occurs with animal FASs.
Fluid electrification measurements of transformer pressboard/oil insulation in a Couette charger

A Couette charger (CC) facility has been built to simulate flow electrification processes in transformers where transformer oil fills the annulus between coaxial cylindrical electrodes. Transient measurements with a step change in temperature have shown the charge density to change from an initial value to a new steady-state value, including cases of polarity reversal, both values dependent on the equilibrium moisture levels in oil and pressboard. Through a model that accounts for diffusion of charge from the paper-oil interface into the bulk of the oil, these measurements are used to deduce the equilibrium wall charge density. To help understand the effects of energization and to scale laboratory measurements at low voltages and low frequencies to operating transformers, a charge injection model was refined to examine the migration of double layer and injected charge in the imposed sinusoidally time-varying electric field. Good fits between this model and measurements are achieved. >
Induction of morphological changes in bacteria by optochin.

Es wird die Wirkung des Optochins auf die Zellmorphologie desBacterium anitratum beschrieben und aus Versuchsergebnissen geschlossen, dass Optochin zur Gruppe chemischer Substanzen gehort, die zu hochgradigen morphologischen Veranderungen der Bakterienzelle fuhren.
Electrical relaxation in amorphous protonic conductors

The dc conductivities of seven concentrated aqueous acids, and the electrical relaxation properties of four of these, are reported. At the glass transition temperature Tg, as determined by differential thermal analysis, the dc conductivities increase with Tg for the individual acids, according to an Arrhenius function with an activation energy (at constant structure) of 8.6±0.3 kcal mole−1.A similar activation energy is approached for the conductance of individual acid glasses at temperatures low enough for the structure to be completely ’’frozen,’’ suggesting all systems conduct by the same mechanism. It is believed this is a proton transfer (Grotthuss‐type) mechanism. Under conditions where the structure can change with temperature, the apparent activation energy for conduction is higher, ∼35 kcal mole−1. Electrical relaxation in these media, both supercooled liquid and glass, is found to be characterized by nonexponential response functions. Data have been analyzed using an electrical modulus formalism...
Traditional vs. modern production systems: : Price and nonmarket considerations of cacao producers in Northern Ecuador

Many factors besides profit maximization, such as nonmarket ecological and social benefits, influence smallholder households to adopt a specific agricultural production system or sell in a particular market. Thus, different analytical techniques are needed that take into consideration more than monetary income to fully capture these additional benefits to better understand the production decisions of smallholder farmers. We build on previous work on the household model and shadow wage estimation to develop a shadow wage for Ecuadorian cacao producers that includes these nonmarket benefits. We found that the shadow wage correctly indicated that, on average, these households would prefer to use an agroforestry production system instead of the more profitable modern system because of the nonmarket benefits received from the former system.
Modulation of Endothelium by Heparin and Related Polyelectrolytes

The vascular endothelium is an important me diator of the hemostatic balance. In addition to shielding subendothelial tissue factor from flowing blood, endothe lial cells produce a number of substa...
Production and characterization of bio-immobilized keratinase in proteolysis and keratinolysis

Abstract Extracellular production of keratinase–streptavidin fusion protein (KER–STP) was accomplished by the cloning of Bacillus subtilis with a transforming plasmid carrying the kerA - stp fusion gene. The fusion protein was readily immobilized onto a biotinylated solid matrix by mixing in the culture medium. The properties and reaction kinetics of free and immobilized keratinase (KE) were characterized and compared. Heat stability and pH tolerance were greatly improved by immobilization, but the catalytic efficiency ( k cat / K m ) was reduced by eightfold. The yield of bio-immobilization using bioselective adsorption of the fusion protein was approximately 20%, as estimated from the activity of free KE. HPLC analysis of reaction products demonstrated the hydrolysis of feather keratin, casein, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) by the immobilized KE. The rates of reactions are lower than those of the free enzyme. On the other hand, the stability of the enzyme was greatly improved.
One More Reason to Love Mother’s Milk

Many good things are likened to mother’s milk, but neonatologists know that human breast milk is truly unique in its ability to protect babies from infections and disease. A striking example is the effectiveness of breast milk in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)—an inflammatory/ischemic gut disorder that kills premature infants. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation and dysregulation of nitric oxide (NO), a known vasodilator, are prominent features of NEC in humans and mouse models. The mechanisms connecting these observations and the protective effects of breast milk have been unclear thus far. Yazji and colleagues wanted to understand the relationship between endothelial TLR4 activation and NO deficiency in NEC pathogenesis and to determine whether breast milk protects infants, in part, by enhancing intestinal perfusion. To answer these questions, the authors created mice with a selective lack of TLR4 on endothelial cells and evaluated the effect of endothelial TLR4 deficiency on intestinal blood flow and NEC severity in an established model. Endothelial TLR4 deficiency resulted in a marked reduction in ischemia, necrosis, and NEC severity as compared with those of wild-type mice, which appeared to be due to preservation of microvascular perfusion. Follow-up investigations showed that TLR4 activation reduces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, leading to decreased microvascular perfusion, ischemia, and more severe NEC disease. The authors validated their findings by showing that eNOS expression is reduced in samples of intestine removed from human infants with NEC and that eNOS deficiency increases NEC severity in mice. Last, having connected endothelial TLR4 activation with decreased endogenous NO production and blood flow in NEC, the authors showed that breast milk provides an exogenous, dietary source of nitrate that is converted to NO by the microbiota and maintains microvascular blood flow. They also verified that infant formula lacks a source of nitrate or nitrite and showed that direct administration of sodium nitrate to formula-fed mice is protective against severe NEC disease. This study suggests that endothelial TLR4 activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of severe NEC. It also offers a mechanism by which breast milk protects against ischemia and NEC by providing an exogenous source of nitrate for NO signaling. Additional studies are needed to confirm the role of endothelial TLR4 activation and eNOS suppression in NEC pathogenesis in human infants and to clarify the relative importance of breast milk effects on the microbiota, mucosa, and circulation in NEC prevention. However, dietary supplementation with sodium nitrate may be a new therapeutic option to decrease NEC severity in premature infants. I. Yazji et al ., Endothelial TLR4 activation impairs intestinal microcirculatory perfusion in necrotizing enterocolitis via eNOS-NO-nitrite signaling. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A ., 6 May 2013 (doi: 10.1073/pnas.1219997110). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/05/01/1219997110.abstract
Diffusion resistances between ADH-induced vacuoles and the extracellular space in rabbit collecting duct: evidence that most vacuoles are intracellular, endocytic compartments.

Large vacuoles form in the renal collecting duct following the onset of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-stimulated water reabsorption. The aim of the present study was to test two alternative hypotheses regarding the origins of these structures: (1) the vacuoles constitute basilar, extracellular spaces that dilate as water flows through these spaces from cells into the peritubular compartment; or (2) the vacuoles represent intracellular, endocytic compartments that dilate during water reabsorption due to enhanced fluid phase endocytosis. Fluorescence-digital imaging microscopy was used to visualize the uptake into vacuoles of a hydrophilic fluorochrome (6 methoxy-N-[3 sulfopropyl] quinolinium) whose fluorescence is markedly quenched by halides. During their formation, most vacuoles (67%) accumulated the fluorochrome from the peritubular bath and trapped the dye well after (>60 min) washing it from the bath. The spatial pattern of fluorescence within individual vacuoles indicated that the dye was trapped within these structures as a fluid-phase marker and was not bound to the vacuole margins. The fluorescence of dye trapped within vacuoles was virtually unaltered by changes in peritubular Cl- or Br- concentration that elicit dramatic quenching of dye-fluorescence in bulk solution, as expected if there exists a high diffusion resistance between the interiors of these structures and the peritubular space. These results indicate that most ADH-induced vaculles represent endocytic compartments that are not directly connected to the extracellular space.
Airway reactivity as determined by a cold air challenge in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a common complication of ventilatory support in neonates, is characterized by low pulmonary compliance, increased pulmonary resistance, and limitations to airflow. 1,2 Bronchospasm has been demonstrated in some of these infants by their response to pharmacologic bronchodilation. 3,4 In older children, this reactivity of the airway may be provocatively induced by medications or cold air inhalation. 5,6 Clinical symptoms have often been suggestive of reactive airway disease 9 3.7. 8 In this article we report the technique of a modified cold air challenge test to determine airway reactivity in low birth weight infants. Infants with BPD, at term postconceptional age, were specifically evaluated for evidence of airway reactivity and compared with postconceptional age-matched preterm infants without BPD.
Some atherosclerosis may be a consequence of the normal adaptive vascular response to shear

Estimates and measurements of fluid dynamic shear at the arterial wall suggest the presence of mechanisms to regulate this quantity. Arterial wall thickening prompted by chronic reductions in wall shear is one mechanism by which that regulation might be accomplished. Reduced wall shears that are a direct consequence of arterial geometry would be less susceptible to this mechanism, leading to exaggerated and focal intimal thickening, possibly leading to atherosclerosis, at affected sites. Thus some foci of vascular disease can be a natural, if undesirable, consequence of fluid shear regulation.
Behemoth revisited: The research and analysis branch of the office of strategic services in the debate of us policies towards Germany, 1943–46

(1997). Behemoth revisited: The research and analysis branch of the office of strategic services in the debate of us policies towards Germany, 1943–46. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 91-100.
Multiple description coding based on multiple-bitsteam wavelet zero-tree image compression

Multiple description coding (MDC) is a well-known robust data compression algorithm designed to minimize the distortion caused by data loss in packet-based communication systems. Several MDC schemes for transmitting wavelet compressed images have been developed. However, these MDC schemes cannot be adopted for digital mobile wireless applications where both packet loss and bit error are present, because individual description in these MDC schemes usually does not have adequate error resilience capability to combat the bit error in transmission. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to achieve robust communication over error prone transmission channels with both packet loss and bit error. We integrate the multiple description scalar quantization (MDSQ) with the multiple wavelet tree image coding method in order to provide an excellent error resilient capability. Two descriptions are generated independently by using index assignment of MDSQ. For each description, multiple sub-sampling is applied to split the wavelet coefficients of the source image into multiple sub-sources. Each sub-source is then entropy coded using the SPIHT algorithm and followed by a channel coding scheme that combines cyclic redundancy code (CRC) and rate compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) code to offer unequal error protection to the entropy coded bits. The unequal error protection channel coding rate is designed based on the bit error sensitivity of different bit planes to achieve maximum end-to-end quality of service. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme not only exhibits an excellent error resilient performance but also demonstrates graceful degradation over error prone channels with changing rate of packet loss and bit error.
SU‐EE‐A1‐01: Dosimetric Comparisons of DMPO and Two‐Step Approach Step‐And‐Shoot IMRT Plans

Purpose: To systematically evaluate step‐and‐shoot Intensity‐Modulated‐Radiation‐Therapy (IMRT) plans generated by Direct‐Machine‐Parameter‐Optimization (DMPO) and by Two‐Step‐Approach (TSA) using identical optimization parameters in Pinnacle 3treatment planning system. Method and Materials: Using Pinnacle 3 version7.6c, TSA plans of total eight patients with Head‐and‐Neck, Prostate and Lungcancers were generated using identical optimization parameters from clinical plans used DMPO. The dose of planned‐target‐volume (PTV) in TSA plan was scaled to closely match at prescribed dose volume in the DMPO plan. Three PTV dosimetric indices: dose‐coverage, dose‐conformity and dose‐inhomogeneity, were generated for each plan. Dosimetric comparisons were performed for organ‐at‐risk (OAR) with both “maximum‐dose‐objectives” and “dose‐volume‐based‐objectives”. Final dose recalculation using EGS4‐based in‐house Monte‐Carlo program for each plan was performed and corresponding dosimetric data were obtained. Film‐based IMRT QA was performed for three patients. Results: On average, total monitor‐units (MUs) are about 25% higher of TSA than DMPO. The averaged segment‐numbers and PTV dosimetric indices are almost identical between plans from DMPO and TSA. The maximum‐dose (defined at 0.1cc) of Head‐and‐Neck and Lung OARs with “maximum‐dose‐objectives” of TSA are, on average, ∼2.5Gy and ∼0.9Gy lower than those of DMPO, respectively. The averaged dose difference in prostate OARs with “maximum‐dose‐objectives” is small. For OARs with “dose‐volume‐based‐objectives”, there is little difference between TSA and DMPO for all sites. The Monte‐Carlo dose recalculations showed similar trends. The agreement between Pinnacle3 calculations and film measurements is 99% for all fields using 3%–3mm criteria. Conclusion: Dosimetric comparisons between DMPO and TSA IMRT plans demonstrated that using identical optimization parameters, DMPO plans have less total MUs and similar averaged segment‐number as well as almost identical PTV dosimetric index values as TSA plans. For Head‐and‐Neck and lung plans, TSA has noticeable better sparing of OARs with “maximum‐dose‐based‐objectives”, which is confirmed by Monte‐Carlo recalculations. Film QA demonstrated both TSA and DMPO plans are very accurate.
MR imaging findings of retinal hemorrhage in a case of nonaccidental trauma

Retinal hemorrhage is a well-recognized manifestation of child abuse found in many babies with shaken baby syndrome. The presence of retinal hemorrhage is generally associated with more severe neurological damage and a worse clinical outcome. MR imaging findings of retinal hemorrhages are not well described in the pediatric literature. We present a 6-month-old boy with new-onset seizures, subdural hemorrhage and bilateral retinal hemorrhages that were detected by MRI and confirmed by indirect ophthalmoscopy. This case demonstrates the MR imaging findings of retinal hemorrhages and the importance of radiologists being able to recognize these specific imaging features.
Immunological response to Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Abstract Immunity to Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection is only in part of humoral origin. Humoral antibody alone will not protect the bird against challenge in the air sac. T cells are apparently of major importance in the defense against this infection. It is suggested that following immunization in the nasal passage, IgA and “lymphokines” may have an important role in preventing air sac lesions.
Reference governors for linear systems with nonlinear constraints

The paper considers the application of reference governors to linear discrete-time systems with constraints on state and output variables given by functional inequalities. Properties and on-line computational procedures which facilitate the implementation of the reference governors for linear systems with convex, convex quadratic, concave, and mixed logical dynamic constraints of if-then type are discussed. Two examples are considered. The first example is a three dimensional spacecraft rendezvous and proximity maneuvering problem where constraints are imposed on thrust magnitude, velocity of approach, collision avoidance, and positioning within the line-of-sight cone. While the spacecraft relative motion dynamics in this problem can be treated as linear, two of the constraints in this problem are convex quadratic and one of the constraints is of mixed logical dynamic type. Our second example is an electromagnetically actuated mass spring damper that has linear dynamics, a linear constraint on position, and a concave nonlinear constraint on the force due to nonlinear dependence of force on the distance. The reference governor based on the developments in this paper can elegantly and effectively handle the prescribed constraints.
A review of vitamin D and Parkinson's disease

The role of vitamin D in bone health has been known for over a century. More recent research has suggested that vitamin D may play a role in the muscular, immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems. Animal research suggests that vitamin D may have some protective effects against toxic insults that are known to damage dopamine cells, the primary cells to degenerate in PD. Persons with PD tend to have lower vitamin D levels than persons of similar ages without PD. Vitamin D levels are generally associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in persons with PD, but simply giving vitamin D does not appear to improve BMD. Results of genetic studies examining polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor and PD risk, severity, or age at onset have shown variable results, with FokI CC seeming to possibly carry some increased risk of PD. Amount of sun exposure and vitamin D levels in earlier life may influence the risk of developing PD. Cross-sectional research suggests a relationship between vitamin D levels and severity of PD symptoms. A single intervention study did show some improvement in PD with vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D may have effects on PD symptoms and perhaps even on the risk of disease development or disease progression. More well designed intervention studies are needed to confirm the effect of vitamin D on PD symptoms. Human neuroprotection studies are needed, but probably not feasible until better biomarkers are established.
A Comparison of Two Sonic Anemometers and Fast-Response Thermometers

Abstract In an experiment conducted at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (BAO), comparisons were made between two types of sonic anemometer and thermometer systems. One sonic anemometer was a single-axis system manufactured by Campbell Scientific, Inc., (SCI) and the other the type routinely used on the BAO tower. It is similar to the sensors manufactured by Applied Technologies, Inc., and AIR Inc. Two identical Campbell Scientific systems were mounted on each side or the BAO System and comparisons made over a range of atmospheric surface layer conditions. The means and standard deviation of the vertical wind component and temperature, along with the temperature flux from each system, showed good agreement. important differences in temperature fluctuation data due to the thermocouple filtering are noted. The effect of these differences on the measured heat fluxes and temperature variances is significant and discussed in some detail. It appears that the response of the CSI thermal mass to solar radiation...
Sex difference in the regeneration of the hypoglossal nerve in rats

Abstract Sex difference in the rate of regeneration of the hypoglossal nerve was demonstrated in rats. A significantly larger number of the regenerating fibers reached the tongue earlier in males than in females or castrated males. These data provide evidence that testosterone, endogenous or administered, plays an importanta role in promoting nerve regeneration.
Converting isotope values to diet composition: the use of mixing models

A common use of stable isotope analysis in mammalogy is to make inferences about diet from isotope values (typically δ13C and δ15N) measured in tissues and food sources of a consumer. Mathematical mixing models are used to estimate the proportional contributions of food sources to the isotopic composition of the tissues of a consumer, which reflect the assimilated diet. This paper reviews basic mixing models and how they work; additional refinements also are described that include addressing uncertainty, larger numbers of sources, combining sources, concentration effects, and Bayesian statistical frameworks. Information is provided on where to access software for the various models. Numerous examples are cited to show application of these models in the mammal research literature.
Sorcin modulates mitochondrial Ca2+ handling and reduces apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes

Sorcin localizes in cellular membranes and has been demonstrated to modulate cytosolic Ca2+ handling in cardiac myocytes. Sorcin also localizes in mitochondria; however, the effect of sorcin on mit...
Practical and General Amplify-and-Forward Designs for Cooperative Networks

Cooperative networks allow the nodes relaying each other's messages to enhance the transmission reliability over wireless fading channels by achieving cooperative diversity. Among the various relaying protocols, the amplify-and-forward (AF) strategy is well studied for its simplicity. However, to collect the cooperative diversity, there are two main issues that the AF protocol is facing. One is that the channel state information (CSI) of the source-to-relay link (i.e., two-hop CSI) is needed at the destination. The other concern is that the power scaling factor (PSF) and output signals at the relay are unbounded. These two issues make AF less practical in resource constrained networks, e.g., blind and peak power constrained relays. In this paper, we reveal the necessary and sufficient conditions on designing the PSF for the maximum ratio combining (MRC) receiver at the destination with two-hop (TH) CSI to achieve full cooperative diversity. Furthermore, we also provide the necessary conditions on the PSF design so that MRC with only one-hop (OH) CSI still collects full cooperative diversity. These designs make AF strategies more general and practical. The theoretical analysis is corroborated by numerical simulations.
Delay in treatment of invasive cervical cancer due to intimate partner violence.

Abstract Background. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is underreported and creates a complex psychosocial medium that adversely affects the health of its victims. We present the first case report in the literature, though likely not the first time, in which a patient delayed her cancer treatment due to domestic abuse and her disease progressed. Case. A 41-year-old female with vaginal bleeding was diagnosed with cervical cancer. After several years of declining recommendations for treatment, she was questioned separate from her partner and she revealed a long-standing history of abuse. Conclusions. Physicians must be aware of the signs of spousal abuse to lessen negative impact on the treatment of their patients. Once domestic violence is discovered, there are many resources available to help patients with their needs.
Steady spontaneous capillary flow in partially coated tubes

A spontaneous, steady capillary flow is produced for a liquid index in a circular tube that is partially coated with a surface modifier to create a discontinuous wetting condition between upstream and downstream portions of the tube. As a means of demonstrating that the flow configuration may prove useful as a diagnostic tool in studies concerning capillarity and the physics associated with the moving contact line, average steady velocities are predicted and compared against a large experimental data set that includes the effects of tube dimensions and fluid properties. To access a wider range of tube diameters (0.516-9.88 mm), experiments are performed employing U-tubes tested in the low-gravity environment of a drop tower, in addition to straight capillary tubes tested horizontally in a laboratory. The sensitivity of the steady capillary flow to surface cleanliness is dramatic.
Examining Literacy Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of VoiceThread in an Elementary, Middle School, and a High School Classroom for Enhancing Instructional Goals

In today’s digital age, Web 2.0 tools such as VoiceThread allow users to integrate images, voices, and responses within one digital platform, providing students with the opportunity to add another layer of meaning to their texts. We conducted this research to expand our understanding of the processes necessary for integrating digital tools into instruction. Specifically, we sought to explore the instructional uses of VoiceThread within an elementary classroom, a middle school classroom, and a high school classroom. We studied teachers’ experiences and perceptions when using this tool in their classrooms. We believe our findings will contribute to the continuously evolving knowledge base of instructional practices that can be used to expand students’ 21st-century literacy skills.
Toroidal compactifications of PEL-type Kuga families

We explain how compactications of Kuga families of abelian vari- eties over PEL-type Shimura varieties, including for example all those products of universal abelian schemes, can be constructed (up to good isogenies not af- fecting the relative cohomology) by a uniform method. We also calculate the relative cohomology and explain its various properties crucial for applications to the cohomology of automorphic bundles.
Substructures of perceived knowledge quality and interactions with knowledge sharing and innovativeness: a sensemaking perspective

– The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap by addressing the substructures of perceived knowledge quality (PKQ) drawn upon the theory of sensemaking. It also examines interactions of the substructures which, in turn, have differing impacts on innovativeness. Additionally, this study illustrates which PKQ substructure is most affected by knowledge sharing. PKQ has become imperative, not an option, for innovativeness in the environment characterized by knowledge overload. However, there is little research on PKQ due to its abundant, variable nature. , – The survey methodology was used to collect data. A total of 368 individuals in the USA participated in the study. The partial least squares analysis for structural equation modeling was used to test the research model. , – Perceived intrinsic knowledge quality is most affected by knowledge sharing, while knowledge sharing is a critical determinant of three PKQ substructures (i.e. perceived intrinsic, contextual and actionable knowledge quality). Perceived intrinsic knowledge quality, however, is inadequate by itself and should be transformed into perceived contextual, actionable knowledge quality to produce innovativeness. , – This study addresses the shortfall of understanding the dynamics of PKQ’s substructures and unfolds theoretical links to knowledge sharing and innovativeness. , – This study offers valuable insights to managers who face ongoing challenges in sharing knowledge and improving knowledge quality, thereby leading their quality of knowledge into innovativeness. , – Despite growing recognition, few empirical studies on PKQ are present in the literature. This study contributes to understanding a holistic view of PKQ and its substructures with unique relationships by knowledge sharing and innovativeness.
Electronic Classifying, Cataloging, and Counting Systems

The determination of the distribution of a series of physical events according to magnitude is important in the study of the associated physical laws. Previous methods of determining this magnitude distribution were slow and cumbersome. Three new electronic systems which operate on events at a very high rate have been developed by the author while at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and these are described. The analyzers can be used to determine the magnitude distribution of any series of physical events, if the characteristic under observation can be translated into a proportional voltage pulse. Two applications are discussed, and the advantages of the analyzers over other systems are shown.
DNA Fiber Mapping Techniques for the Assembly of High-resolution Physical Maps:

SUMMARY High-resolution physical maps are indispensable for directed sequencing projects or the finishing stages of shotgun sequencing projects. These maps are also critical for the positional cloning of disease genes and genetic elements that regulate gene expression. Typically, physical maps are based on ordered sets of large insert DNA clones from cosmid, P1/PAC/BAC, or yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) libraries. Recent technical developments provide detailed information about overlaps or gaps between clones and precisely locate the position of sequence tagged sites or expressed sequences, and thus support efforts to determine the complete sequence of the human genome and model organisms. Assembly of physical maps is greatly facilitated by hybridization of non-isotopically labeled DNA probes onto DNA molecules that were released from interphase cell nuclei or recombinant DNA clones, stretched to some extent and then immobilized on a solid support. The bound DNA, collectively called “DNA fibers,” may consist of single DNA molecules in some experiments or bundles of chromatin fibers in others. Once released from the interphase nuclei, the DNA fibers become more accessible to probes and detection reagents. Hybridization efficiency is therefore increased, allowing the detection of DNA targets as small as a few hundred base pairs. This review summarizes different approaches to DNA fiber mapping and discusses the detection sensitivity and mapping accuracy as well as recent achievements in mapping expressed sequence tags and DNA replication sites.
Temporal Patterns of Activity in Neural Networks

Patterns of activity over real neural structures are known to exhibit time-dependent behavior. It would seem that the brain may be capable of utilizing temporal behavior of activity in neural networks as a way of performing functions which cannot otherwise be easily implemented. These might include the origination of sequential behavior and the recognition of time-dependent stimuli. A model is presented here which uses neuronal populations with recurrent feedback connections in an attempt to observe and describe the resulting time-dependent behavior. Shortcomings and problems inherent to this model are discussed. Current models by other researchers are reviewed and their similarities and differences discussed.
Nonlinear Multifrequency Wave Equation Inversion

A method of nonlinear wave equation inversion using multiple frequencies is developed. The method sequentially inverts low to high signal frequencies of the wave field. First, the low frequencies are used to reconstruct the low spatial wavenumbers of the heterogeneities. Then, higher frequencies are used to reconstruct higher spatial wavenumbers. A method is used to minimize the misfit between the observed wave field and the corresponding theoretical synthetic wave field. The gradient of the misfit function, the rate of change of the gradient, and a ization factor are used to find the optimum search direction to the solution of inverse problem. It is not necessary to assume weak scattering, e.g., Born or Rytov, nor is it necessary to remove the incident field before inversion as required in linear diffraction tomography. These advantages make this method more flexible than linear diffraction tomography. Tests on synthetic data show that the method is effective in reconstructing velocities with up to 15% variation and that the inversion is stable and more precise than single frequency wave equation methods. These advantages are available with not much penalty of computation effort or time.