cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU‐D‐201‐00: Use of End‐Of‐Life Brachytherapy Devices

Brachytherapy devices and software are designed to last for a certain period of time. Due to a number of considerations, such as material factors, wear-and-tear, backwards compatibility, and others, they all reach a date when they are no longer supported by the manufacturer. Most of these products have a limited duration for their use, and the information is provided to the user at time of purchase. Because of issues or concerns determined by the manufacturer, certain products are retired sooner than the anticipated date, and the user is immediately notified. In these situations, the institution is facing some difficult choices: remove these products from the clinic or perform tests and continue their usage. Both of these choices come with a financial burden: replacing the product or assuming a potential medicolegal liability. This session will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to make better decisions when facing these issues. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the meaning of “end-of-life or “life expectancy” for brachytherapy devices and software 2. Review items (devices and software) affected by “end-of-life” restrictions 3. Learn how to effectively formulate “end-of-life” policies at your institution 4. Learn about possible implications of “end-of-life” policy 5. Review other possible approaches to “end-of-life” issue
The E5 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 transforms fibroblasts and effects the downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in keratinocytes.

To determine the function of the E5 open reading frame (ORF) of the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), rodent fibroblast cell lines were transfected with the E5 ORF of HPV type 6 (HPV-6) and HPV-16 expressed from an exogenous promoter. Transfected fibroblasts were transformed to colony formation in soft agar, and the transformation frequency was increased by epidermal growth factor (EGF) but not by platelet-derived growth factor. In a transitory assay, the E5 ORFs from both HPV-6 and HPV-16 were mitogenic in primary human foreskin epithelial cells (keratinocytes) and acted synergistically with EGF. Investigation of keratinocytes expressing HPV-16 E5 showed that the number of endogenous EGF receptors (EGFRs) per cell was increased two- to fivefold. Immunofluorescence microscopy of HPV-16 E5-expressing keratinocytes indicated that there was an apparent delay in the internalization and degradation of EGFRs compared with controls. Kinetic studies with [125I]EGF showed that the ligand underwent normal internalization and degradation in both HPV-16 E5-expressing and control keratinocytes, but in E5-expressing cells, a greater number of receptors recycled back to the cell surface within 1 to 6 h of ligand binding. Finally, ligand-stimulated phosphorylation of the EGFR on tyrosine, an indication of receptor kinase activity, was of greater magnitude in the HPV-16 E5-expressing keratinocytes than in control cells, although the basal level of receptor phosphorylation was similar. Images
Obtaining Global Galaxy Metallicities Using Emission Line EWs

We develop a prescription for estimating the interstellar medium oxygen abundances of distant star-forming galaxies using the ratio EWR_{23} formed from the equivalent widths of the [O II] 3727, [O III] 4959,5007 and Hbeta nebular emission lines. This EWR_{23} approach essentially identical to the widely-used R_{23} method of Pagel etal (1979). Using data from three spectroscopic surveys of nearby galaxies, we conclude that the emission line equivalent width ratios are a good substitute for emission line flux ratios in galaxies with active star formation. The RMS dispersion between EWR_{23} and the reddening-corrected R_{23} values is sigma(log R_{23})\leq0.08 dex. This dispersion is comparable to the emission-line measurement uncertainties for distant galaxies in many spectroscopic galaxy surveys, and is somewhat smaller than the uncertainties of sigma(O/H)~0.15 dex inherent in strong-line metallicity calibrations. Because equivalent width ratios are partially insensitive to interstellar reddening effects, emission line equivalent width ratios should be superior to flux ratios when reddening corrections are not available. The EWR_{23} method presented here is likely to be most useful for statistically estimating the mean metallicities for large samples of galaxies to trace their chemical properties as a function of redshift or environment. The approach developed here is used in a companion paper (Kobulnicky etal 2003) to measure the metallicities of star-forming galaxies at z=0.2 - 0.8 in the Deep Extragalactic Evolutionary Probe spectroscopic survey of the Groth Strip.
Identification and characterization of genetic cluster groups of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans isolated from the human oral cavity.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is recognized as a primary pathogen in localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) within a collection of subgingival plaque isolates of this bacterium were identified and characterized as the first step in understanding the pathogenesis of LJP. Over 800 isolates, from members of 18 families (LJP families) with at least one member with active LJP or a documented history of the disease and one or more siblings, less than 13 years of age, having no clinical evidence of LJP and 32 healthy control subjects, were assigned to one of 13 distinct RFLP groups (II to XIV) by using a previously characterized 4.7-kb DNA probe cloned from the reference strain FDC Y4. Isolates belonging to RFLP groups II, IV, V, and XIII predominated subgingival sites in the subjects. Members of RFLP groups II, IV, VII, VIII, X, and XI were recovered only from LJP family subjects, while group XIII and XIV variants were found exclusively in healthy controls. A synthetic oligonucleotide, homologous to the 59 end of the leukotoxin gene (lktA), and the A. actinomycetemcomitans plasmid, pVT745, were tested for their abilities to subdivide the 13 RFLP groups. The leukotoxin probe specifically identified all RFLP group II variants because of the absence of a HindIII site in the upstream noncoding region of the lkt gene complex. The plasmid probe was not as selective but may be useful for identifying clinical isolates belonging to RFLP group I. The use of these probes for the identification of genetic variants of A. actinomycetemcomitans that may be preferentially colonize diseased and healthy subjects will facilitate the study of the role of this important pathogen in periodontal diseases. Images
Amino Functionalization of MWNTs and Their Effect on ILSS of Hybrid Nanocomposites

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were oxidized by treatment with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids to introduce carboxyl groups on their surfaces. Triethylene tetraamine (TETA) was then gr...
Evolution in Ferrocement and Thin Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Following a brief history and definition, this paper focuses on the evolution, mostly over the past five decades, of ferrocement and thin cement-based composites which are defined here as having less than about 50 mm in thickness. Although conventional reinforcements for these products are steel wire meshes or metal lath, new forms of reinforcements have emerged over the years with the objective of improving performance and minimizing total product cost. They include: (1) fiber reinforced polymeric (FRP) reinforcements (or textiles or fabrics) which use high performance fibers, such as carbon, Kevlar, Spectra and the like, (2) new steel unidirectional reinforcing mats made with extremely high strengths wires or strands, (3) 3D textiles or fabrics using polymeric fibers, (4) 3D textiles using combination of polymeric fibers and steel, and (5) reinforcement using shape-memory materials to induce self-stressing. Over the same period, the cement matrix has evolved enormously in its compressive strength and durability properties in the hardened state, and flow ability and ease of casting in the fresh state leading to new qualifications such as high strength or high performance, ultra high strength or ultra high performance, self-consolidating and self-compacting, etc. Adding fibers or micro-fibers to the cement matrix of ferrocement adds another dimension to the resulting composite as well as potential for improved performance. After describing the limits so far achieved using the above materials, the paper presents the current challenges and sets the limits to exceed in future developments.
Internally 4-connected projective-planar graphs

Archdeacon proved that projective-planar graphs are characterized by 35 excluded minors. Using this result we show that internally 4-connected projective-planar graphs are characterized by 23 internally 4-connected excluded minors.
MO-E-224C-05: Comparison of TomoTherapy with Conventional Electron/X-Ray Treatment Plans for Chest Wall

Purpose: Post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) of the chest wall (CW) often will involve use of electron beams due to their rapid fall‐off of dose near the practical range of the electron energy. The TomoTherapy helical, fan‐beam delivery system, along with the inverse‐planning optimizer, has the potential to provide planning and delivery of 6 MV x‐rays to superficial target volumes conventionally treated with electrons. In the present study, five chest wall patients were planned for TomoTherapy and compared to their conventional plan that utilized electron beams. Analysis of breathing motion were not included. Methods and Materials: Five PMRT patients treated with electron beams and planned on the Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS) were selected. A planning target volume (PTV) was generated to follow the isodose contour defined by 90% of the prescribed dose on the Pinnacle plan. Target dose homogeneity in the Tomotherapy TPS dose optimizer was relaxed to better achieve critical structure dose objectives when necessary. Normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) were calculated for the lung and the heart. A questionnaire form was provided for the radiation oncologist to evaluate each plan. Results: For all cases, the TomoTherapy plan was rated superior to the Pinnacle plan by the radiation oncologists. The TomoTherapy TPS produced a significantly more uniform dose distribution in the PTV. The average volume of ipsilateral lung receiving dose above 20 Gy was reduced from 21.5% to 17.7%. The average volume of heart receiving dose above 30 Gy was reduced from 2.2% to 1.3%. NTCP for the lung and heart were also reduced in the TomoTherapy plan. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that TomoTherapy is able to deliver clinically‐acceptable dose distributions to a “static” model of PMRT patients conventionally treated with electron beams. Supported in part by a research agreement with TomoTherapy, Inc.
Engaging your employees in times of uncertainty

You get what you deserve. Trust comes when we understand what is going on and why. Trust comes when a manager communicates with clear goals and has effective explanations about why an issue is important and what can be done. Specialists should lose the jargon, make sure others understand and can see their role, so support will be easier to acquire. However, there are also issues everyone can address to ensure that the work environment has healthy communication. First, expect for topics to be easy to understand. You are intelligent; those you talk to should be expected to explain issues so you understand. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions. If you do not understand a word, sentence, phrase or concept, expect your 'experts' or specialists to make it clear. Focus on looking for common ground, and show a willingness to not focus on self-preservation. Concentrate on facts, not opinions; always seek clarifications; ask and seek 'dumb' questions. It is not dumb; it is ignorance that needs clarifying.
Effect of chronic lithium treatment upon the Na(+)-coupled cotransporters in renal brush border membranes.

Effect of chronic lithium treatment upon the Na + -coupled cotransporters in renal brush border membranes. While the most frequent and prominent side effect of the chronic lithium (Li) administration is dysfunction of collecting ducts and polyuric syndrome, some reports also suggest defects in functions of proximal tubules. We determined the transport properties of brush border membranes (BBM) from kidneys of rats chronically fed for four weeks a chow containing Li (60 mmol/kg; Li-rats) and compared them with BBM from placebo-treated controls. BBM from Li-rats did not differ from controls in Na + -gradient-dependent transport of 32 Pi, D-[ 3 H]-glucose or L-[ 3 H]-proline, but showed a considerable increase in the transport rates of [ 14 C]-citrate (Δ + 53%; P 14 C]-succinate (Δ + 48%, P + -H + antiport across BBM (Δ + 30%, P in vitro inhibited Na + -dependent transports of both citrate and succinate. The Li-rats had higher plasma level of citrate and decreased (Δ - 50%) renal clearance of citrate. Our results show that chronic exposure to oral Li in vivo results in increased Na + -gradient-dependent transport of poly-carboxylic acids and increased Na + -H + antiport in BBM of proximal tubules; these changes are contrary to effects of Li added to isolated BBM in vitro .
Evaluation of strain gage lengths for testing limestone and granite aggregate concretes

Abstract An experimental program was conducted to determine an appropriate length of strain gage for use in testing limestone and granite aggregate concretes. Variables in the test program included type and size of aggregate, and length of strain gage. Test specimens consisted of concrete cylinders fitted with a mechanical dial gage, and with multiple electrical resistance strain gages ranging from 120 mm (4.7 in.) to 5 mm (0.2 in.) in length. Cylinders were subjected to compression loading. Strains reported by the strain gages were compared to the strains calculated using dial gage readings. Recommendations are given for appropriate length of strain gages to be used with limestone aggregate and granite aggregate concretes.
Predictors of unsuccessful magnetic resonance imaging scanning in older generalized anxiety disorder patients and controls

A thorough understanding of the neurobiology of late life anxiety is likely to depend on the use of brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders in older adults, and is thus a focus for neurobiological studies using MRI. This study tested 1–3 weeks predictors of unsuccessful scan outcomes (i.e., scan trials in which the participant moved excessively or prematurely terminated the scan) in older adults with GAD (n = 39) and age- and sex-matched nonanxious controls (n = 21). It was hypothesized that successful completion of a prior MRI scan, clinical status (GAD versus control), and scores on the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; Peterson et al. 1986), a measure tapping psychological aspects of medical interventions, would predict scan outcome when current diagnoses of claustrophobia were controlled. In logistic regression analyses, unsuccessful scan outcome was predicted by prior MRI completion and ASI Mental Concerns subscale scores, but not clinical status. This model correctly classified 91% of successful and 71% of unsuccessful scans. An alternative model that included a single ASI item rather than Mental Concerns subscale scores showed similar performance, and a model including categorical anxiety sensitivity groups was also effective but slightly less accurate. Implications for improving the success rates of MRI with older adults are discussed.
Plasma concentrations of lidocaine in dogs following lidocaine patch application over an incision compared to intact skin.

The objective was to compare plasma lidocaine concentrations when a commercially available 5% lidocaine patch was placed on intact skin vs. an incision. Our hypothesis was that greater absorption of lidocaine would occur from the incision site compared to intact skin. Ten dogs were used in a crossover design. A patch was placed over an incision, and then after a washout period, a patch was placed over intact skin. Plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured at patch placement; 20, 40 and 60 min; and 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after patch placement. After patch removal, the skin was graded using a subjective skin reaction system. No dogs required rescue analgesia, and no toxicity or skin reaction was noted. Mean ± SD AUC and CMAX were 3054.29 ± 1095.93 ng·h/mL and 54.1 ± 15.84 ng/mL in the Incision Group, and 2269.9 ± 1037.08 ng·h/mL and 44.5 ± 16.34 ng/mL in the No-Incision Group, respectively. The AUC was significantly higher in the Incision Group. The results of the study demonstrate that the actual body exposure to lidocaine was significantly higher when an incision was present compared to intact skin. No adverse effects were observed from either treatment. Efficacy was not evaluated.
Non-Intercepting Monitor of Beam Current and Position

A compact monitor has been developed which measures beam current and beam position without intercepting or appreciably affecting the particle beam being measured. It is a broad band device which prevents the development of beam disturbing resonant modes. Although developed specifically for use on a short-pulse electron induction accelerator, it might be applied to other accelerator beams of pulsed or rf-bunched nature. The monitor consists of a resistive band inserted in the beam pipe wall with connections for reading the voltage across the band at each vertical and horizontal axis intercept. For pulsed or rf beams, return current equal in magnitude to the beam current flows on the beam pipe inside wall and through the resistive band. If the beam is centered, equal voltage appears on all four monitor connections. If the beam is off-center, the return currents are unsymmetrical and unequal voltages appear at the monitor connections. Beam current is proportional to the sum of all monitor voltages, while beam position is approximately proportional to the difference in voltage at opposing monitors. Tests and operating experience confirm its operation.
Influence of HIV-1 on induced expression of granulopoietic factors: The role of HIV-1 vpr

Abstract IL-1-induced expression of granulopoietic factors, including G-CSF, by human bone marrow stromal cells is suppressed by HIV-1 infection, a phenomenon that may account for the regenerative granulopoietic failure often seen in HIV-1 infected patients. Seeking to identify the HIV-1 gene products that account for stromal cell dysfunction, we used replication incompetent HIV-1 mutants to demonstrate that deletion of vpr abrogates the stromal cell defect. Bone marrow stromal cell cultures were established in primaria dishes containing VEGF and were allowed to grow to near confluence. HIV-1 pseudotyped with VSV-G envelope protein was produced by transient co-transfection of 293T cells with a VSV-G expression vector and HIV-1 proviral plasmids containing: (1) a deletion in the envelope gene (env-) or (2) deletions of both env and vpr. Expression of G-CSF, GM-CSF, and IL-6 by stromal cells expressing the env deleted mutant was reduced by more than 50%, but this inhibitory effect was largely relieved by mutants with deletions of both env and vpr. To confirm the vpr effect, we carried out gain-of-function studies using bone marrow stromal cells transduced with the Moloney based expression vector pSLX-CMV- vpr or vector control pSLX-CMVX. IL-6 and G-CSF expression was reduced in stromal cells expressing vpr. We conclude that blunted responses of HIV-1 infected hematopoietic stromal cells depends, at least in part, upon the expression of HIV-1 vpr and that, in the case of G-CSF and IL-6, vpr is sufficient to account for this effect.
SUBALTERN CITIZENS AND THEIR HISTORIES

The essays presented in this special issue have emerged out of conversations between scholars of the USA and India, which began at two workshops held in October 2006 and December 2007, and have con...
Functional and structural connectivity within a recently burned drainage basin

Abstract Studies examining post-wildfire sediment transport have often focused on changes to individual landscape compartments (planar slopes, rills, gullies, channels, or alluvial fans) or have captured coarse-scale hydrologic and sediment transport events at the drainage basin scale. We advance the understanding of functional and structural connectivity by quantifying changes of the morphodynamics of and sediment transport along seven rill-gully threads (RGTs) after two low intensity rainstorms in a burned basin from the 2008 Gap fire near Goleta, CA, USA. TLS surveys conducted within two months of the initial fire and three days after the rainfall events provide point clouds for high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs). DTM differencing techniques and morphological sediment budgets from the RGTs showed discontinuous sediment transport along the extent of these two landscape compartments immediately after the rainfall. Surface runoff was unable to remove dry ravel deposits within the RGTs and implied a high degree of structural disconnectivity there. Dry ravel and runoff erosion from the contributing areas to the RGTs indicated functional and structural connectivity at this scale of analysis. The results provide clear evidence that small amounts of rainfall and gravity-induced erosion are interacting at different scales within the recently burned watershed to produce structural and functional disconnectivity along the RGTs. While the current system was transport-limited during the analyzed event, higher magnitude rainstorms may produce enhanced connectivity, resulting in the ability of surface runoff to remove the stored sediments and perhaps produce debris flows.
Association of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with prevalent osteoarthritis of the hip in elderly men: The osteoporotic fractures in men study

Objective To examine the cross-sectional association of serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D, with prevalent radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly men. Methods In a cohort of 1,104 elderly men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study, 25(OH)D serum levels were determined by mass spectrometry, followed by pelvic radiographs ∼4.6 years later. Categories of vitamin D levels were defined as follows: deficiency as ≤15 ng/ml, insufficiency as 15.1–30 ng/ml, and sufficiency as >30 ng/ml. Radiographs were assessed for severity of hip OA using a summary grade of 0–4 for individual features of hip OA. Logistic regression was used to assess associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with prevalent radiographic hip OA; covariates included age, clinic site, season at the time of blood withdrawal, self-reported hip pain for >30 days, timed 6-meter walk, presence of at least 1 coexisting condition, and self-rated health status. Results Men with radiographic hip OA had a slower 6-meter walking time (P < 0.0001), reported more hip pain (P = 0.0001), had a lower vitamin D level (P = 0.0002), and had a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (P = 0.002) and vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.012) compared with controls. Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with a lower prevalence of radiographic hip OA (odds ratio [OR] 1.39 per 1 SD decrease in 25[OH]D, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11–1.74) after adjusting for age, season, and clinic site. Men with vitamin D insufficiency had an increased likelihood of prevalent radiographic hip OA (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.21–3.97) compared with men with sufficient levels of 25(OH)D, and in men with vitamin D deficiency, there was a tendency toward an increased likelihood of radiographic hip OA (OR 1.99, 95% CI 0.83–4.74). Conclusion Men with vitamin D deficiencies are twice as likely to have prevalent radiographic hip OA, and therefore vitamin D therapy to augment skeletal health in the elderly is warranted.
Separating repeats in DNA sequence assembly

One of the key open problems in large-scale DNA sequence assembly is the correct reconstruction of sequences that contain repeats. A long repeat can confound a sequence assembler into falsely overlaying fragments that sample its copies, effectively compressing out the repeat in the reconstructed sequence. We call the task of correcting this compression by separating the overlaid fragments into the distinct copies they sample, the repeat separation problem. We present a rigorous formulation of repeat separation in the general setting without prior knowledge of consensus sequences of repeats or their number of copies. Our formulation decomposes the task into a series of four subproblems, and we design probabilistic tests or combinatorial algorithms that solve each subproblem. The core subproblem separates repeats using the so-called k-median problem in combinatorial optimization, which we solve using integer linear-programming. Experiments with an implementation show we can separate fragments that are overlaid at 10 times the coverage with very few mistakes in a few seconds of computation, even when the sequencing error rate and the error rate between copies are identical. To our knowledge this is the first rigorous and fully general approach to separating repeats that directly addresses the problem.
THE NUCLEAR DNA CONTENT OF DEVELOPING BARLEY ALEURONE CELLS

The nuclear DNA content of developing barley aleurone cells was examined by Feulgen cytophotometry using the Cytophotometric Data Conversion (CYDAC) system. At no time in their development did aleurone cells exhibit a single peak corresponding to the triploid (3N) amount of DNA. Although considerable heterogeneity was observed at every stage of development, the mean nuclear DNA content approximately doubled from the earliest to the most mature stage.
Spontaneous neoplasms in germfree BALB/cPi mice.

SummaryOf 67 germfree BALB/cPi mice autopsied at a median age of 21 months, 14/67 (21%) had lung tumors; 5/67 (8%), reticular neoplasms; and 4/67 (6%), angiomas. Mammary tumors, squamous cell carcinomas, adrenal cortical carcinomas, hepatomas, an ovary carcinoma, and a myoepithelioma were also observed. There was no discernible difference between the incidence of tumors observed in germfree BALB/cPi mice and that reported in the literature for conventional BALB/c mice.
Interdiffusion and Grain-Boundary Migration in Au/Cu Bilayers During Ion-Irradiation

Ion irradiation and annealing experiments have been conducted on Au/Cu bilayer films to evaluate the effect of irradiation on diffusion-induced grain boundary migration (DIGM). The Au films were prepared with a large-grained microstructure with grain boundaries perpendicular to the film surface and extending through the film thickness. Irradiations were conducted with 1.5 MeV Kr at 228°C. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry of the samples revealed that interdiffusion was substantially enhanced in the irradiated area relative to the unirradiated area. Both irradiated and annealed-only areas were characterized by a nearly uniform composition of 14 at.% and 7 at.% Cu respectively through the entire thickness of the underlying Au film. Small probe X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy showed significant lateral compositional homogeneities in both irradiated and annealed areas. These two results are consistent with previous observations of DIGM in the Au/Cu system, suggesting that this previously unexamined interdiffusion mechanism contributes to ion beam mixing.
Emergence of the brain-stem auditory evoked potential in the premature lamb

Brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were elicited by bone conducted stimuli in the very immature lamb following delivery, wherein liquid ventilation techniques were utilized to control cardiopulmonary and acid-base conditions, independent of umbilical-placenta support. Unlike previous studies of the in utero fetal lamb in which the BAEP could not be elicited by earphone delivered stimuli until 117 days gestation, our results demonstrate that the BAEP emerges at least as early as 106 days gestation in the lamb and consists of a full complement of readily discernible and reproducible wave forms. In addition, the results demonstrate substantial maturation of the BAEP from 106 to 122 days gestation during which time there is a significant decrease in absolute and interpeak latencies with an increase in developmental age. It is concluded that the ability to elicit the BAEP utilizing bone conduction at this early stage of gestation is related to improved stimuli delivery. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the feasibility and flexibility afforded by liquid ventilation and bone conduction BAEP techniques to study brain-stem function at particularly vulnerable stages of development.
The management of ASCUS cervical cytologic abnormalities and HPV testing: a cautionary note

A recently published study of the management of low-grade cytologic smears compared immediate colposcopy to human papillomavirus (HPV) triage and entry cytology smears (conservative management) as three triage techniques for managing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) smears (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance/Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Triage Study [ALTS]). The study reported a high sensitivity (96.3%) for HPV testing using hybrid capture 2 to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III. The authors concluded that HPV testing is a viable option for managing ASCUS smears. We have reviewed the published data from the ALTS trial and have found a large excess of colposcopies and biopsies in the HPV arm in comparison with the conservative management (cytology) arm. In addition, the ALTS trial quality control and pathology review results raise doubts about the diagnostic validity of the study to establish standards of clinical practice. Furthermore, until the 2-year follow-up analysis of the conservative management arm is completed to detect CIN III, a valid comparison between HPV triage and conservative management is not possible. We conclude that, based on published data, HPV testing for routine clinical management of low-grade cytologic abnormalities (ASCUS smears) is not warranted, and that HPV testing is currently an investigational tool.
Mother and teacher reports of ADHD symptoms: DSM-IV Questionnaire data.

ABSTRACT Objective Diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is thought to be best accomplished by a multimodal approach. In many research and clinical settings, such extensive procedures may not be feasible. A screening instrument that could identify children meeting necessary (but not sufficient) criteria would permit selection of subgroups for more resource-intensive diagnostic procedures. Method The Diagnostic Rating Scale (DRS) was completed by the mothers and teachers of 124 children referred to hospital-based clinics and 225 nonreferred children. The authors performed principal components analysis (PCA) on the questionnaire, compared the scores obtained by children from the 2 samples, and examined age and gender effects. Diagnoses derived from the DRS were not validated against structured diagnostic interviews. Results PCAs replicated the DSM-IV symptom combinations. Children from the referred sample exhibited more symptoms ( p Conclusions The results of this study provide preliminary support for the validity of the parent and teacher DRS as time- and resource-efficient screening instruments for examining symptoms associated with ADHD. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1999, 38(9):1139–1147.
Cytokines: Applications in Domestic Food Animals

Cytokines such as human, bovine, and porcine interferons and human and bovine interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 have been used in vivo in cattle and pigs. Colony-stimulating factors and tumor necrosis factor alpha have been evaluated in vitro in food animals. Studies to evaluate cytokines in domestic food animals have shown that specific and nonspecific immunomodulation is possible in immunosuppressed or pathogen-exposed animals. Cytokine prophylaxis or therapy in food animals may have the greatest potential for control of respiratory disease and mastitis.
Imaging of sellar and parasellar pathology.

The sellar and parasellar locations contain a variety of structures with complex anatomic relationships from which a diverse group of pathologic processes can originate. Major disease categories affecting this region include primary and secondary neoplastic processes, congenital lesions, infectious and inflammatory processes, and vascular abnormalities. Modern imaging techniques have enabled characterization of the many lesions that alter the structure and function of the normal sellar and parasellar anatomy.
Timing of cerclage removal after preterm premature rupture of membranes: maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate immediate versus delayed removal of cerclage for women with preterm premature rupture of membranes with respect to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study Design: We retrospectively analyzed women with preterm premature rupture of membranes at 24 hours), was compared. Results: There were 25 women in the delayed-removal group and 37 in the immediate-removal group. Average times to removal were 206.8 ± 7.4 and 5.4 ± 0.2 hours, respectively. Use of betamethasone was similar for both groups; however, antenatal antibiotic use (100% vs 80%; P = .03) and short-term tocolytic use (20% vs 3%; P = .04) were higher in the delayed-removal group. Duration of latency was significantly longer with delayed removal (10.1 vs 5.0 days; P 48 hours from preterm premature rupture of membranes in 96% (24/25) versus 54% (20/37; P 7 days from rupture in 56% (14/25) versus 24% (9/37; P = .02), respectively. Rates of neonatal sepsis (at <10 days) and maternal infection were not statistically different. Neonatal outcomes did not significantly differ regarding mortality, respiratory distress syndrome, birth weight, or duration of stay in the intensive care nursery. Conclusion: With the current management scheme for preterm premature rupture of membranes, cerclage retention significantly increases duration of latency without significantly altering maternal or neonatal outcomes. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:847-52.)
The effect of aging on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prazosin.

Objective: The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prazosin (α1 adrenoceptor blocker) was studied in 20 healthy volunteers. Patients: Ten elderly (61–81 y) and ten young (23–28 y) subjects were studied. All subjects received 1 mg of prazosin orally in a fasting state. Serial blood samples were collected for calculation of oral pharmacokinetics, and blood pressure and pulse rate were measured during blood collection. Subjects remained supine and fasting for the first three hours post drug administration, after which they were allowed to ambulate and eat. Results: The oral pharmacokinetics of prazosin were not different in the two age groups. The serum t1/2 in the elderly was 210 min while in the young group was 139 min. The AUC0−∞ in the two groups was not different. The Cmax was identical in the two groups, and the time to Cmax was 84 min in the elderly and 114 min in the young subjects. Protein binding was 93.4% in the elderly and 93.5% in the young subjects and the serum α1 acid glycoprotein concentration was not different in the two groups of subjects. Even though the pharmacokinetics of prazosin were unchanged by age, the haemodynamic effects of the drug were greater in the elderly. The fall in systolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure was significantly greater in the elderly group at multiple time points after drug administration while the change in diastolic blood pressure was equivalent in the two age groups. Despite a greater decrease in mean blood pressure in the elderly, the compensatory increase in heart rate was similar in the two age groups suggesting a difference in the baroreceptor reflex in the two age groups. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that age does not alter the pharmacokinetics of oral prazosin, but the pharmacodynamic response at equivalent plasma prazosin concentration is greater in the elderly.
WE-D-T-6E-04: EUD Based Beam Orientation Selection

Purpose: To develop a clinically sensible beam orientation ranking model with incorporation of dose‐volume effects and to show its utility for IMRT beam placement. Materials and methods: Generally, a beamlet/beam is more preferable if it can deliver a higher dose to the target without exceeding the sensitive structure(s) tolerance. In previous geometry‐ or dose‐based approach, the beamlets are treated independently and, to compute the maximally deliverable target dose, each beamlet is pushed to the maximum intensity without considering other beamlets. When volumetric‐structures are involved, there are numerous dose distributions corresponding to the same dose‐volume tolerance and the beamlets are no longer independent. We model a volumetric organ by using EUD and find the beam profile that delivers the maximum target dose without violating the EUD constraints using an iterative algorithm. Four clinical cases are planned with and without the guidance of the angular ranking information and the qualities of the two types of IMRT plans are compared. Results: An angular ranking model with consideration of volumetric effect has been developed. It is shown that the previously reported dose‐based angular ranking represents a special case of the formalism proposed here. Application to four IMRT cases indicated that the proposed technique is capable of producing clinically sensible angular ranking. In all cases, we found that the IMRT plans obtained under the guidance of EUD‐based angular ranking are significantly improved in comparison with that obtained using the conventional uniformly spaced beams. Conclusion: The EUD‐based function is a general approach for angular ranking and allows us to identify the potentially good and bad angles for clinically complicated cases. The ranking can be used either as a guidance to facilitate the beam placement or as prior information to speed up the beam configuration optimization.
Ultrastructure of Herpesvirus simiae (Herpes B virus)

Abstract Herpesvirus simiae , isolated in BSC-1 cultures from the lung of a bonnet monkey ( Macaca radiata ) which died in an outbreak of respiratory disease, was examined by electron microscopy at 24 and 48 hr after inoculation of monkey kidney cells with 100 TCID 50 of virus. Characteristic intranuclear, intracytoplasmic and extracellular virus particles were seen, as well as envelopment of the virus at the nuclear membrane, a property which has been reported for other members of the herpesvirus group. However, there were some special features, such as the development of dense material which surrounded the particles and their release from the infected cells which appeared to be effected by reverse pinocytosis.
Cultural beliefs partner characteristics communication and sexual risk among Latino MSM.

This study examined factors associated with communication about condom use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in a U.S. sample of immigrant Latino MSM (N = 356), with a focus on culturally based beliefs. Logistic regression analysis revealed that communication about condom use at participants’ most recent encounter was associated with a lower likelihood of UAI during that encounter. UAI was more likely when the partner was a main partner and there was seroconcordance. A separate logistic regression indicated that communication about condom use was less likely when the most recent encounter involved a main partner, greater sexual desire, and intoxication due to substance use. Although cultural beliefs were not predictive of communication about condom use or UAI at the most recent encounter, they were related to the occurrence of UAI in the previous three months. There is a need for more research on the interplay of culture, safer sex communication, and sexual risk.
Zonal winds near Venus' cloud top level: A model study of the interaction between the zonal mean circulation and the semidiurnal tide

The Holton (1982) wave-mean flow interaction model's primitive equation is presently adapted in order to clarify the interaction between the semidiurnal tide and the thermally driven mean meridional circulation near cloud top level. The model is found to produce midlatitude jets whose structure is insensitive to vertical shear of the background angular velocity, both above and below cloud top level; a sensitivity to background angular velocity at cloud top level, however, is noted. Agreement between the model tide and either the observed one or that generated by the more detailed calculations of Pechmann and Ingersoll (1984) is found to be greatest when the background angular velocity at the jet level is of the order of 30 percent larger than that which is observed.
Dehydroepiandrosterone-mediated decrease in caloric intake by obese Zucker rats is not due to changes in serum entrostatin-like immunoreactivity.

Abstract To understand the mechanism(s) of appetite modulation by DHEA, we have undertaken a series of studies to examine the effects of DHEA on neurotransmitters and neuropeptides known to affect appetitive behavior. Here, we report the effect of DHEA on serum enterostatin-VPDPR or E, a pentapeptide known to cause selective diminution in fat intake. Four-week-old lean (fa/+) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats were divided into control and treatment groups. DHEA-treated groups received powdered chow containing 0.6% DHEA ad lib for 16 weeks. Another group of obese rats was pair fed to match the intake of the obese DHEA-treated rats. At the end of this period, trunk blood was collected from fasted rats for assay of E-like immunoreactivity (E-LI) by ELISA. DHEA treatment caused a significant diminution in circulating E-LI in both lean (control: 2030 ± 226; treated: 752 ± 145 ng/mL; n = 10, p n = 6; treated: 1123 ± 185 ng/mL, n = 7; p = 0.0003) rats. Because DHEA treatment decreases caloric intake and body weight, we examined the effect of caloric intake and body weight on E-LI levels. Serum ELI levels were lower in the obese DHEA-treated group compared to that of obese pair fed (pair fed: 1589 ± 313, n = 6; DHEA: 1123 ± 185 ng/mL, n = 7), but the differences were statistically insignificant ( p = 0.185). Also, both weight-matched lean and obese control rats had significantly ( p
Spin Splitting and the Ultraviolet Absorption of Ge

The spin-split energy bands of germanium are computed throughout the entire Brillouin zone. A combined orthogonalized-plane-wave and pseudopotential approach is employed. A parametrization for the spin is given which we believe to be accurate to about 10% for both the valence and the conduction band, and which includes most of the $2p\ensuremath{-}3p$ core interference effects. A highly refined zone sampling is used to get the fine details of the optical spectrum. The resulting line shape is excellent for the 2.1-2.3-eV doublet. The structure near 5.0 eV is much improved over the spin-free results. In addition, a new, but quite weak, multiplet is found near 3 eV and is associated with the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{{25}^{\ensuremath{'}}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{15}$ transitions.
Synthesis of photoresists for 157-nm microlithography using CO 2

Norbornene-based monomers were synthesized to include fluorinated moieties and/or chemical amplification switching groups. Fluorinated homopolymers to be used as the basis of resist materials were synthesized from these monomers by addition polymerization using allylpalladium chloride dimmer. Monomers and polymers have been identified and partially characterized for important lithographic properties. A monomer containing a silsesquioxane group has been incorporated into this platform to enhance etch resistance. A monomer containing an acid-cleavable group has also been synthesized and will be incorporated into this platform.
Probing the presently tenuous link between comets and the origin of life

A unique set of millimeter-wave experiments for future cometary space missions is discussed. These experiments could yield answers to many basic questions about the presently undetermined nature of cometary nuclei and inner comae. This same set of experiments, designed to do fundamental cometary research, could simultaneously provide information on whether the accepted biological requirements necessary for the development of life are met in comets.
On the Rebound: Critical Race Praxis and Grassroots Community Organizing for School Change

This ethnographic research was conducted over a three-year period, and documents the efforts of a committed group of parents and community members who through community-based research sought to address the disproportionate underachievement of African American students within their city’s public school system. Specifically, the parents and community members who make up the group Parents of Children of African Ancestry (POCAA) offer a refreshing theory of action that explicitly addressed issues of racial inequity, and called upon the larger community to respond with the urgency the youth deserved. In effect, POCAA challenges dominant views of African American parents and re-envisions their involvement in school reform as a site of radical resistance.
Expert Knowledge and Expert Thinking in Teaching: A Response to Floden and Klinzing

In their article “What Can Research on Teacher Thinking Contribute to Teacher Preparation? A Second Opinion” (Educational Researcher, June/July, 1990), Floden and Klinzing contend that teacher education would be improved if it were informed by research on practicing teachers's expertise. We do not disagree. However, other questions must be answered if such reforms are to be effective: What is expertise in teaching? How is expertise communicated? Who are the experts? This article attempts to address these questions and further the discussion of expert thinking in teaching.
A dual processor VAX 11/780

This paper describes the design of a dual processor VAX 11/780 built at the Purdue University Electrical Engineering School. It covers the conversion of a standard single processor VAX 11/780 into a dual processor system. A detailed description of hardware modifications performed and a parts list are included.The dual processor VAX is currently running a modified version of the UNIX (Fourth Berkeley Distribution) operating system. Because of licensing restrictions, operating system modifications will only be covered in general. Finally some performance evaluation will be discussed along with the problems encountered.
Rapid-Mix and Chemical Quench Studies of Ferredoxin-Reduced Stearoyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Desaturase†

Stearoyl-ACP Δ9 desaturase (Δ9D) catalyzes the NADPH- and O2-dependent insertion of a cis double bond between the C9 and C10 positions of stearoyl-ACP (18:0-ACP) to produce oleoyl-ACP (18:1-ACP). This work revealed the ability of reduced [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin (Fd) to act as a catalytically competent electron donor during the rapid conversion of 18:0-ACP into 18:1-ACP. Experiments on the order of addition for substrate and reduced Fd showed high conversion of 18:0-ACP to 18:1-ACP (∼95% per Δ9D active site in a single turnover) when 18:0-ACP was added prior to reduced Fd. Reactions of the prereduced enzyme−substrate complex with O2 and the oxidized enzyme−substrate complex with reduced Fd were studied by rapid-mix and chemical quench methods. For reaction of the prereduced enzyme−substrate complex, an exponential burst phase (kburst = 95 s-1) of product formation accounted for ∼90% of the turnover expected for one subunit in the dimeric protein. This rapid phase was followed by a slower phase (klinear = 4.0 s...