cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐318: Source Position Localization for ICBT Tandem & Ovoid Applicators Utilizing Oncentra Brachy Applicator Modeling

Purpose: Nucletron's Oncentra Brachy Applicator Modeling plugin (AMp) may facilitate HDR cervical brachytherapytreatment planning when image artifact inhibits dwell position localization. The AMp utilizes a 3D CAD rendering of the corresponding applicator to define possible source dwell positions. This study compares the equivalence of source localization within a CT/MR Fletcher‐type tandem and ovoid applicator utilizing clinical practice and Oncentra's AMp in a water phantom containing OAR surrogate structures. Methods: KVCT image sets were acquired of a water phantom containing bladder and rectum surrogates as well as an assembled Nucletron Fletcher CT/MR applicator with various ovoid sizes (20, 25, 30mm) and a 30° tandem. Using Oncentra's Brachy TPS, OAR‐surrogates were segmented and catheters were reconstructed using (1) clinical protocols (i.e. using source dwell position markers) and (2) using the AMp. Treatment plans were generated following clinical protocol, ensuring 600cGy to the ICRU 38‐defined Point A. The center coordinates of each active dwell position were spatially compared. The dosimetric impact of these differences was quantified by determining D0. 1cc, D1cc and D2cc for the surrogate OARs. Results: Preliminary results obtained for the 25mm ovoid / 30° tandem applicator show 80% of dwell positions defined by clinical protocol and the AMp agree within 1mm with a maximum deviation of 1.17mm. Differences in source positions resulted in an increase of 2.9%, 0.48% and 0.3% and 0.66%, 0.87%, and 0.59% for D0.1cc , D1cc and D2cc for the bladder‐ and rectum‐surrogates, respectively, when utilizing the AMp rather than clinical protocol for source position localization. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that source dwell position localization utilizing Nucletron's Applicator Modeling plugin and our clinical protocol results in equivalent dosimetry for the simple, water phantom geometry investigated. Currently we are investigating the validity of this conclusion utilizing ovoids of different sizes as well as a CT/MR‐compatible vaginal cylinder.
Deformations of Pseudorepresentations

Abstract The deformation theory of Galois representations has been the subject of much research in the past several years. This work is a study of deformations of pseudorepresentations, which were first introduced by Wiles. In general, representations might only admit a “versal” deformation and a versal deformation ring. On the other hand, pseudorepresentations always have a universal deformation. Let π be a residual pseudorepresentation and let ρ be an odd, 2-dimensional residual representation such that π comes from ρ. If this representation is absolutely irreducible, then it has a universal deformation, and the universal deformation rings Rπ and Rρ of π and ρ are (canonically) isomorphic. More generally, there is a natural map φ: Rπ→Rρ which can give some relationship between the two rings. Early on we define the kernel of a pseudorepresentation and its factorization through any quotient by a normal subgroup contained in this kernel. Later we use an appropriate factorization to find the universal deformation ring of a specific residual pseudorepresentation, for which the above map is not an isomorphism. This computation also relies on finding the tangent spaces of both the original and the factorized pseudorepresentations, which turn out to have the same dimension. Finally, we consider the deformation theory of pseudorepresentations in more generality, and we give a generalization of the above deformation problem by capturing its relevant properties.
Scintillation response of liquid xenon to low energy nuclear recoils

Liquid Xenon (LXe) is expected to be an excellent target and detection medium to search for dark matter in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). We have measured the scintillation efficiency of nuclear recoils with kinetic energy between 10.4 and 56.5 keV relative to that of 122 keV gamma rays from $^{57}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}$. The scintillation yield of 56.5 keV recoils was also measured as a function of applied electric field, and compared to that of gamma rays and alpha particles. The $\mathrm{Xe}$ recoils were produced by elastic scattering of 2.4 MeV neutrons in liquid xenon at a variety of scattering angles. The relative scintillation efficiency is $0.130\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.024$ and $0.227\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.016$ for the lowest and highest energy recoils, respectively. This is about $15%$ less than the value predicted by Lindhard, based on nuclear quenching. Our results are in good agreement with more recent theoretical predictions that consider the additional reduction of scintillation yield due to biexcitonic collisions in LXe.
Predictors of ankle and foot fractures in older women

To determine risk factors for ankle and foot fractures, data collected from 9704 women 65 years of age or older from four areas of the United States were analyzed. Self-reported baseline questionnaires covered areas such as lifestyle factors (physical activity, diet, and smoking habits) and functional impairment (history of fracture, falling, and other diseases). Bone mineral density (BMD) and performance on neuromuscular tests were also measured. During 5.9 years of follow-up, 191 women fractured an ankle and 204 women fractured a foot. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate relative risks. In multivariable models, factors associated with ankle fracture included one or more falls in the year prior to baseline (relative risk [RR] 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.1), greater vigorous physical activity (RR per 2 times/week, 1.2; CI 1.1-1.3), weight gain since age 25 (RR per 20% gain, 1.4; CI 1.2-1.5), self-reported osteoarthritis (RR 0.5; CI 0.3-0.8), a sister's history of hip fracture after age 50 (RR 1.7; CI 1.0-3.0), out of house < or = 1 per week (RR 3.0; CI 1.4-6.6), and low distal radius BMD (RR per -0.1 g/cm2, 1.2; CI 1.0-1.4). Factors associated with foot fracture included insulin-dependent diabetes (RR 2.9; CI 1.2-7.2), use of seizure medications (RR 2.3; CI 1.0-5.7) or of benzodiazepines (RR 1.5; CI 1.1-2.2), history of hyperthyroidism (RR 0.5; CI 0.3-1.0), poor far depth perception (RR 0.7; CI 0.5-1.0), and low distal radius BMD (RR per -0.1 g/cm2, 1.3; CI 1.1-1.5). Ankle and foot fractures have different profiles of risk factors that are largely independent of low bone mass.
Kinetics and mechanisms of the ozone/bromite and ozone/chlorite reactions.

Ozone reactions with XO2- (X = Cl or Br) are studied by stopped-flow spectroscopy under pseudo-first-order conditions with excess XO2-. The O3/XO2- reactions are first-order in [O3] and [XO2-], with rate constants k1Cl = 8.2(4) × 106 M-1 s-1 and k1Br = 8.9(3) × 104 M-1 s-1 at 25.0 °C and μ = 1.0 M. The proposed rate-determining step is an electron transfer from XO2- to O3 to form XO2 and O3-. Subsequent rapid reactions of O3- with general acids produce O2 and OH. The OH radical reacts rapidly with XO2- to form a second XO2 and OH-. In the O3/ClO2- reaction, ClO2 and ClO3- are the final products due to competition between the OH/ClO2- reaction to form ClO2 and the OH/ClO2 reaction to form ClO3-. Unlike ClO2, BrO2 is not a stable product due to its rapid disproportionation to form BrO2- and BrO3-. However, kinetic spectra show that small but observable concentrations of BrO2 form within the dead time of the stopped-flow instrument. Bromine dioxide is a transitory intermediate, and its observed rate of decay...
Reactions of coordinated pnictogen donor ligands

Es wird eine Ubersicht uber Reaktionen von Phosphor-, Arsen-, Antimon- lind Wismut-Donor-Liganden gegeben.
Targeted treatments for symptom domains in child and adolescent autism

Context The number of people with autism spectrum disorders has dramatically increased over the past decade, and problem behaviours in autism are an increasing challenge to families, schools, physicians, and other health-care professionals. Pharmacological treatments can effectively target problem behaviours associated with autism. Starting point Recently, L Namerow and colleagues (J Dev Behav Pediatr 2003; 24: 104-08) presented preliminary data in children and adolescents with autism treated with citalopram, which suggested that selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are useful in the reduction of symptom domains such as repetitive behaviours and mood disorders. J McCracken and colleagues (N Engl J Med 2000; 347: 314-21) showed that the atypical antipsychotic risperidone reduced serious behavioural problems, such as tantrums, aggression, or self-injury in children with autism and in children with below-average intelligence quotients. These and other studies show how developments in study design, selection of patients, and outcome measures have allowed treatment trials in autism to progress beyond anecdotal reports and case observations, and show reduction in the severity of specific symptom domains within these disorders. WHERE NEXT? In therapeutic intervention the risk of treatment toxicity must be balanced against the benefits of improved symptom severity. The newer methods enable informed decisions about which patients will benefit from which treatments. Other symptom domains within autism and effects on development need to be evaluated in adequately designed clinical trials. Future strategies include extending treatment to children as young as the preschool years.
Anthony J. Erlank (1937–1992)

A sad loss to science and many VGP friends throughout the world came on October 24, 1992, when Anthony J . Erlank passed away in the shadows of Table Mountain after a year-long battle with cancer. Table Mountain, a mariner's landmark on the Cape of Good Hope, overlooks the meeting of oceans and the fusion of people, and Tony savored its every quality. He was born in 1937 in the farming community of Ooudtshooren, South Africa, the ostrich capital of the world. Far from burying his head in the sand or flashing his plumes, Tony sought, as proverbial ostriches do, objects of brilliance, the gems of scientific discovery.
Peer-to-peer learning/teaching: An effective strategy for changing practice and preventing pressure ulcers in the surgical patient

Abstract Hospitals are increasingly focused on finding cost effective ways to ensure patient safety and enhance quality outcomes. Hospitalized patients are at increased risk for a variety of complications, one of the most common is the development of pressure ulcers. In 2008, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services, the largest payer source for older adults in the US, began to withhold reimbursement to care facilities for pressure ulcers (Stage 3 or 4) that develop as a result of hospitalization. Staff nurses are ideally positioned to prevent the development of hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs); however, studies reveal several barriers including a knowledge deficit of causative factors, incorrect identification and staging of wounds, inaccurate use of risk assessment tools and an under utilization of evidence-supported prevention intervention strategies (Ilesanmi et al., 2012; Sievers et al., 2012). This paper examines a cost effective, innovate approach to address these barriers and reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers using peer-to-peer learning/teaching with staff nurses.
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Soybean Lipoxygenase

The proton-coupled electron transfer reaction catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase-1 is studied with a multistate continuum theory that represents the transferring hydrogen nucleus as a quantum mechanical wave function. The inner-sphere reorganization energy of the iron cofactor is calculated with density functional theory, and the outer-sphere reorganization energy of the protein is calculated with the frequency-resolved cavity model for conformations obtained with docking simulations. Both classical and quantum mechanical treatments of the proton donor-acceptor vibrational motion are presented. The temperature dependence of the calculated rates and kinetic isotope effects is in agreement with the experimental data. The weak temperature dependence of the rates is due to the relatively small free energy barrier arising from a balance between the reorganization energy and the reaction free energy. The unusually high deuterium kinetic isotope effect of 81 is due to the small overlap of the reactant and product proton vibrational wave functions and the dominance of the lowest energy reactant and product vibronic states in the tunneling process. The temperature dependence of the kinetic isotope effect is strongly influenced by the proton donor-acceptor distance with the dominant contribution to the overall rate. This dominant proton donor-acceptor distance is significantly smaller than the equilibrium donor-acceptor distance and is determined by a balance between the larger coupling and the smaller Boltzmann probability as the distance decreases. Thus, the proton donor-acceptor vibrational motion plays a vital role in decreasing the dominant donor-acceptor distance relative to its equilibrium value to facilitate the proton-coupled electron transfer reaction.
Environmental cracking under mixed-mode conditions

Abstract Crack growth criteria under coupled environmental and mixed-mode loading conditions are developed. They are based on the physical assumption that crack propagation occurs in the direction of maximum concentration of the corrosive species. Crack growth begins when the concentration reaches a critical value at a specific distance ahead of the crack tip and the subcritical crack velocity also depends on this critical concentration. Power law relations between the external pressures (threshold conditions) or crack velocities (kinetic conditions) and the sum of the squares of the two stress intensity factors governing the structure of stress field in the vicinity of the crack tip are established. The concept of the critical stress-concentration intensity factor is discussed for threshold conditions, and the crack path is determined for kinetic conditions.
Destruction of Salmonella enteriditis inoculated onto raw almonds by high hydrostatic pressure

Abstract The effects of continuous (50,000, 60,000 and 70,000 psi with holding times of 5 and 10 min) and discontinuous (oscillatory) (six cycles at 60,000 psi with a holding time of 20 s) high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments on the viability of two Salmonella Enteriditis strains (FDA and PT30) inoculated onto raw almonds were evaluated at 25, 50, and 55 °C. Complete inactivation of the S. Enteriditis was achieved in 0.1% peptone water after continuous pressurization at 60,000 psi and 25 °C for 5 min. Continuous pressurization of raw almonds inoculated with S. Enteriditis at 60,000 psi and 50 °C for 5 min resulted in less than a log reduction (log 10 0.83) of vegetative cells. The decimal reduction time using the continuous pressurization parameters was determined to be 9.78 min. A discontinuous process consisting of six cycles of pressurization at 60,000 psi and 50 °C for 20 s provided greater than a one log reduction (log 10 1.27 for FDA and log 10 1.16 for PT30) of the S. Enteriditis concentration. The low water activity ( a w ) of the almonds was found to impart baroprotective attributes on the S. Enteriditis cells. When the almonds were directly suspended in water and then pressurized, a log 10 reduction of 3.37 was achieved. HHP of certain dry foods appears to be feasible if the food is directly suspended in the pressurizing medium (water).
COUPLE AND FAMILY THERAPY ALLIANCE SCALES: EMPIRICAL CONSIDERATIONS1

The introduction of the concept of the therapeutic alliance to the family literature has considerable heuristic value. We undertook a study of the psychometric properties of the Couple and Family Therapy Alliance Scales (IPAS) (Pinsof & Catherall, 1986), two theoretically derived and systemically based measures of the alliance. Outpatient couple and family clients completed the respective scale and the Session Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) (Stiles, 1980; Stiles & Snow, 1984) immediately following an early-to-mid treatment interview. Descriptive analyses provided support for the continued use of the instruments. Specifically, ratings were fairly normally distributed, reliability estimates reflected good internal consistency, and no statistical differences in mean ratings were found between couples and families or between men and women. Patterns of association between the content subscales and the SEQ depth and smoothness scales were consistent with some predictions. Finally, Pinsof and Catherall's theoretical concept of the split alliance was found to be empirically identifiable among family members' ratings.
A passion to punish: Abortion opponents who favor the death penalty

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the attitudinal foundations of “pro-life” people who support capital punishment. To abortion opponents, the procedure represents the deliberate killing of human beings and should be a punishable criminal offense. According to death penalty supporters, the capital defendant deserves the ultimate punishment because he or she has destroyed innocent human life. Although these attitudes may seem contradictory to some, in that taking “human life” is condemned in one instance and supported in another, empirical analysis demonstrates that the desire for punishment is essential to understanding them. Individuals who express a strong commitment to punishment are more likely to oppose abortion and also to favor capital punishment.
Assessing Hunters' Opinions Based on a Mail and a Mixed-Mode Survey

Opinions from stakeholders are increasingly important to consider in management decisions for government agencies. Surveys are one approach to obtain these opinions but survey response rates have b...
Fumigation Toxicity of Essential Oil Monoterpenes to Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

The fumigant toxicity of eight essential oil components, 1-8-cineole, carvacrol, eugenol, (−)-menthone, (−)-linalool, S-(−)-limonene, (−)-β-pinene, and (
Highlights in clinical autonomic neurosciences: treatment insights for postural tachycardia syndrome and inappropriate sinus tachycardia.

The authors sought to investigate whether 24-hour urinary sodium excretion could be an indicator of the effectiveness of salt supplementation in children with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The patient group comprised 30 children with POTS, and the control group comprised 10 healthy children. Serum sodium and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion were measured in all children, and the relationship between 24-hour urinary sodium and symptom severity was analyzed in the 30 patients. At 1 month after initiation of salt supplementation, the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to explore the probability of correctly discriminating responders to salt supplementation fromnonresponders using 24-hour urinary sodium excretion as an indicator. Patients with POTS had lower 24-hour urinary sodium excretion than controls (P = 0.022). Symptom severity was negatively correlated with 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (OR, −0.754; P b 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 93% for correct prediction of responders and nonresponders to salt supplementation when a 24-hour urinary sodium excretion of 124 mmol/24 h was used as the cutoff value.
Computational bodybuilding: anatomically-based modeling of human bodies

We propose a method to create a wide range of human body shapes from a single input 3D anatomy template. Our approach is inspired by biological processes responsible for human body growth. In particular, we simulate growth of skeletal muscles and subcutaneous fat using physics-based models which combine growth and elasticity. Together with a tool to edit proportions of the bones, our method allows us to achieve a desired shape of the human body by directly controlling hypertrophy (or atrophy) of every muscle and enlargement of fat tissues. We achieve near-interactive run times by utilizing a special quasi-statics solver (Projective Dynamics) and by crafting a volumetric discretization which results in accurate deformations without an excessive number of degrees of freedom. Our system is intuitive to use and the resulting human body models are ready for simulation using existing physics-based animation methods, because we deform not only the surface, but also the entire volumetric model.
Genetic screening for SSRI drug response among those with major depression: great promise and unseen perils.

This article examines evidence for the potential benefit of genetic testing for SSRI response, as well as potential ethical and practical implications of the implementation of this test into standard psychiatric practice. We reviewed three areas of the literature: the burden of treatment-resistant and treatment-intolerant major depressive disorders, the evidence for the value of genetic testing to predict drug response, and the ethical and practical issues of genetic testing in usual care. Treatment resistance and treatment intolerance are common for persons treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are associated with both financial and quality-of-life costs. There is strong evidence from association studies that some polymorphisms are associated with SSRI response. However, no randomized trials have yet tested the efficacy of genetic tests to improve outcome in those with treatment resistance or treatment intolerance to SSRIs. Given the nonspecific nature of the test proposed, several ethical concerns are also involved with administering the genetic tests to patients. A randomized trial comparing response in those treated with standard psychiatric care and in those treated with psychiatric care tailored as a result of genetic test results should be completed before the implementation of these tests can be considered. Additionally, the ethical and practical questions concerning the tests must be addressed now, so that the potential impact of these tests on patient care can be well understood prior to adoption in standard practice. Depression and Anxiety 24:350–357, 2007. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dentists' Response to Financial Incentives in a Mail Survey of Malpractice Liability Experience

This two-part methodologic research was designed to evaluate the effects of a financial incentive on questionnaire response rate and response bias for general dentists surveyed by mail. Subjects were 517 clinicians randomly selected from a two-state population of practitioners insured by a single malpractice liability carrier. Subjects received a check for either $5 or $10 in the original mailing. In Study 1, a single mailing and postcard follow-up resulted in a 57.8 percent (111/192) response rate. In Study 2, employing Dillman's Total Design Method, a 69.6 percent (208/299) response was obtained after a third mailing. Analysis of response rate by incentive level in each study revealed no significant differences. In contrast, early responders (first mailing and follow-up postcard) differed from late responders (second and third mailings) on age (41.4 vs 37.0 years; T = 2.17; P = .032), non-Caucasians (27.7% vs 63.9%; chi 2 = 17.3; df = 4; P < .002), females (13.9% vs 27.8%; chi 2 = 3.9; df = 1; P < .05), foreign-trained (7.0% vs 19.4%; chi 2 = 16.5; df = 2; P < .001), and dissatisfaction with practice (31% vs 51%; chi 2 = 7.8; df = 4; P = .10). Thus, the magnitude of the financial incentive in this experiment had no differential effect on response rate. But differences in responses from late responders (proxies for nonresponders) on demographic characteristics and key study variables suggest the persistence of response bias despite an acceptable response rate. Future dental health survey research should employ tests for response bias on both sets of variables.
Offspring sex ratios reflect lack of repayment by auxiliary males in a cooperatively breeding passerine

The repayment hypothesis posits that primary sex ratios in cooperative species should be biased towards the helping sex because these offspring “repay” a portion of their cost through helping behavior and therefore are less expensive to produce. However, many cooperatively breeding birds and mammals do not show the predicted bias in the primary sex ratio. Recent theoretical work has suggested that the repayment hypothesis should only hold when females gain a large fitness advantage from the presence of auxiliary adults in the group. When auxiliaries provide little or no fitness advantage, competition between relatives should lead to sex ratios biased towards the dispersing (non-helping) sex. We examined the benefits auxiliaries provide to females and corresponding offspring sex ratios in the red-backed fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus), a cooperatively breeding Australian bird with male auxiliary helpers. We found that auxiliaries provide little or no benefit to female reproductive success or survival. As predicted, the population primary sex ratio was biased towards daughters, the dispersing sex, and females with auxiliaries produced female-biased broods whereas females without auxiliaries produced unbiased broods. Moreover, offspring sex ratios were more strongly biased toward females in years when auxiliaries were more common in the population. These results suggest that offspring sex ratios are associated with competition among the non-dispersing sex in this species, and also that females may use cues to assess local breeding opportunities for their offspring.
Natural Killer Cells in the Development of Asthma

Asthma is an immune-mediated disease of the airways characterized by reversible airway obstruction, bronchial eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The immune dysregulation in asthma has been attributed to the involvement of diverse immune cells that contribute to the immunopathology of the disease. Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in host defense against viruses and various cancers. Accumulating evidence demonstrates additional important roles for these cells in T cell priming, dendritic cell maturation, and the development of inflammation, all of which have the potential to enhance or dampen allergic responses. The ability of NK cells to produce Th2-type cytokines and their pivotal role in combating respiratory infections which cause airway dysfunction in asthmatics further suggest that they may directly contribute to the immunopathogenesis of allergic airway disease. In this review, we examine emerging evidence and discuss the putative roles of NK cells in the sensitization, progression, and resolution of asthma.
EQUIVALENCE OF THE RELATIONAL ALGEBRA AND CALCULUS FOR NESTED RELATIONS

Abstract The relational model is extended to include nested structures. This extension is formalised using the distinction between a tuple scheme and a relation scheme. The algebra and calculus languages are defined for this model. It is shown that the restricted powerset is a derived operation in the algebra and the full powerset is expressible by a safe formula in the calculus. Since the full powerset cannot be derived from the algebra operations, there does not exist a complete equivalence between the calculus and the algebra. In other words, given any algebra expression, there is a safe calculus formula with equivalent expressive power. Conversely, given any safe calculus formula and a bound on the cardinality of the database instance, there is a corresponding equivalent algebra expression. The relational algebra is then augmented with programming constructs and this augmented algebra is shown to be equivalent in expressive power to the relational calculus for nested relations.
Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Smolt Production in a Newfoundland River System Characterized by Lacustrine Habitat

In insular Newfoundland, wild anadromous juvenile Atlantic salmon make extensive use of lacustrine habitat for rearing. Smolt production was determined for a portion of a river system where virtually all rearing habitat is lacustrine. Production in terms of lacustrine habitat was estimated to be 10.1 smolts- ha−1. Smolt production is discussed in relation to morphometric characteristics. A comparison is made with smolt production obtained from stockings of swim-up fry directly into lakes in another insular Newfoundland river system.
Widespread Correlations between Dominance and Homozygous Effects of Mutations: Implications for Theories of Dominance

The dominance of deleterious mutations has important consequences for phenomena such as inbreeding depression, the evolution of diploidy, and levels of natural genetic variation. Kacser and Burns' metabolic theory provides a paradigmatic explanation for why most large-effect mutations are recessive. According to the metabolic theory, the recessivity of large-effect mutations is a consequence of a diminishing-returns relationship between flux through a metabolic pathway and enzymatic activity at any step in the pathway, which in turn is an inevitable consequence of long metabolic pathways. A major line of support for this theory was the demonstration of a negative correlation between homozygous effects and dominance of mutations in Drosophila, consistent with a central prediction of the metabolic theory. Using data on gene deletions in yeast, we show that a negative correlation between homozygous effects and dominance of mutations exists for all major categories of genes analyzed, not just those encoding enzymes. The relationship between dominance and homozygous effects is similar for duplicated and single-copy genes and for genes whose products are members of protein complexes and those that are not. A complete explanation of dominance therefore requires either a generalization of Kacser and Burns' theory to nonenzyme genes or a new theory.
Force and contact location shading thresholds for smoothly rendering polygonal models

Providing tactile feedback in concert with kinesthetic information can dramatically improve one's ability to interact with and explore virtual environments. However, the addition of tactile feedback also enhances the saliency of the vertices and edges of polygonal objects, which are commonly used as model representations in haptic environments. When the polygonal model is an approximate representation of a smooth surface, the heightened response to discontinuities reduces the effectiveness of tactile feedback. This paper addresses this issue by developing a smoothing algorithm, which can be used to provide both tactile and force shading. To investigate the increased sensitivity and effectiveness of our algorithm we conducted four perceptual experiments. Each experiment differed by the type of haptic feedback and whether haptic shading was rendered. Participants were asked to discriminate between an ideal smooth cylinder and its polygonal approximation. The number of polygons used to render the comparison stimulus was increased until the two objects were indistinguishable. Our results are reported as the maximum recommended angular change between adjacent polygons for rending smooth objects. It was found that the addition of contact location feedback significantly increased the sensitivity of the user to the discontinuities present in polygonal models. Use of shading algorithms was able to significantly reduce the sensitivity to edges in the environment, which allows an increase in the angle between adjacent polygonal surfaces. Our results can be used as a guideline for constructing polygon models that are meant to feel smooth.
Design and Validation of an In-Mold Shrinkage Sensor

Dimensional consistency is a critical attribute of molded products, yet part dimensions are frequently only estimated from cavity pressure or part weight measurements. An in-mold shrinkage sensor is designed and validated. The design includes a deflectable diaphragm instrumented with strain gages connected in a full bridge circuit. In operation, the diaphragm is deflected due to the pressure of the melt in the mold cavity. Molded part shrinkage is then measured as the polymer melt solidifies, shrinks, and retracts from the mold wall. A design of experiments is conducted to validate the performance of the sensor as a function of packing pressures, cooling time, melt temperature, and coolant temperature. The results indicate the sensor outperforms both cavity pressure transducers and regression models, and is able to measure the shrinkage to an absolute accuracy of 0.01 mm for a 2.5 mm thick part.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Analysis of complete genome sequence of Neorickettsia risticii: causative agent of Potomac horse fever

Neorickettsia risticii is an obligate intracellular bacterium of the trematodes and mammals. Horses develop Potomac horse fever (PHF) when they ingest aquatic insects containing encysted N. risticii-infected trematodes. The complete genome sequence of N. risticii Illinois consists of a single circular chromosome of 879 977 bp and encodes 38 RNA species and 898 proteins. Although N. risticii has limited ability to synthesize amino acids and lacks many metabolic pathways, it is capable of making major vitamins, cofactors and nucleotides. Comparison with its closely related human pathogen N. sennetsu showed that 758 (88.2%) of protein-coding genes are conserved between N. risticii and N. sennetsu. Four-way comparison of genes among N. risticii and other Anaplasmataceae showed that most genes are either shared among Anaplasmataceae (525 orthologs that generally associated with housekeeping functions), or specific to each genome (>200 genes that are mostly hypothetical proteins). Genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of N. risticii were identified, including those encoding putative outer membrane proteins, two-component systems and a type IV secretion system (T4SS). The bipolar localization of T4SS pilus protein VirB2 on the bacterial surface was demonstrated for the first time in obligate intracellular bacteria. These data provide insights toward genomic potential of N. risticii and intracellular parasitism, and facilitate our understanding of PHF pathogenesis.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE: YOUTH MENTORING: BRIDGING SCIENCE WITH PRACTICE

Initiatives to promote mentoring relationships in the lives of young people have become immensely popular in recent years. Programs with this aim now number well into the thousands and benefit from significant levels of governmental, corporate, and philanthropic support. The research base that is necessary to inform the practice of mentoring, by comparison, has lagged behind. To address the field’s need for a stronger scientific foundation, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership convened the National Research Summit on Mentoring in 2003. A policy brief that resulted from the summit identified several priority areas for future research on youth mentoring, as well as strategic mechanisms to support this work. This special issue features reports from working groups at the summit that were organized around the following themes: evaluation and research methodology, relationships, programs, contexts, special populations, developmental and cultural perspectives, and community organizing and advocacy. Collectively, the reports highlight the need for research to clarify a wide range of important theoretical and pragmatic issues in efforts to promote effective mentoring of youth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Initiatives to promote mentoring relationships in the lives of young people have become immensely popular in recent years. Programs with this aim now number well into the thousands and benefit from significant levels of governmental, corporate, and philanthropic
Hybrid Imaging System for Developing Novel Neural Contrast Agents

Neural contrast agents have a vast array of applications from molecular imaging to mapping membrane potential. We describe a hybrid neural recording system capable of ultrasonic, photoacoustic and optical imaging designed to develop and test the next-generation of neural contrast agents. Photoacoustic imaging (PA), in particular, provides optical contrast with good penetration and high spatial resolution, making it an attractive tool for noninvasive neural imaging. To demonstrate the system, we chose a commercial dye (NK2761) commonly used for optical imaging of neural tissue to enhance PA images of live lobster nerve cord. The abdominal segment was excised, stained and placed in a custom neural chamber. Photoacoustic and ultrasound images were collected using a clinical ultrasound scanner and a 10-MHz linear probe. A wavelength-tunable pulsed laser source (5 nsec, ~15 mJ) operating at 20 Hz produced PA waves. Longitudinal scans of the nerve cord were collected and displayed every 7 seconds. Without a contrast agent, the peak PA signal was 5 dB over noise. An additional 29 dB was achieved after the nerve was submerged in dye for 20 minutes. The contrast enhancement was consistent with the measured optical absorbance of the stained nerve. Photoacoustic images approached 200-mum spatial resolution. The hybrid system provided several hours of imaging, electrical stimulation and recording, serving as a robust testbed for developing novel contrast for neural applications.
Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes: otolaryngologic and audiologic manifestations.

Objective Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) represent a spectrum of CIAS1 gene-mediated autoinflammatory diseases characterized by recurrent systemic inflammation. The clinical spectrum of CAPS varies from mild to severe and includes the syndromes historically described as familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID). This article presents the largest cohort of patients with CAPS. The objective is to describe the pathogenesis, otolaryngologic, and audiologic manifestations of CAPS.
Integrated fiber optic probe for dynamic light scattering.

An integrated fiber optic probe, comprising a monomode optical fiber fusion spliced to a short length of a graded-index multimode fiber, is fabricated for use as a coherent receiver in dynamic light scattering. The multimode fiber is cleaved to provide a gradient-index fiber lens with a focal length of 125 microns and an f-number close to unity. An integrated fiber receiver is used to measure the intensity-intensity autocorrelation data from a 0.05 percent by weight concentration of an aqueous suspension of polystyrene latex spheres. Analysis of 100 independent data sets indicates that the particle size can be recovered with an accuracy of +/- 1 percent.
Working memory and inhibitory control in visually guided manual search in toddlers.

Toddlers undergo a transition at about 2.5–3 years-of-age that dramatically improves their ability to search for hidden objects. The development of these skills seems to depend on the development of executive functions. We used a correlational design to investigate which components of executive function might be involved in this improved search. Three tests of working memory did not correlate with search performance, but a test of inhibitory/cognitive control was associated with performance increases. Improvement seemed to be the result of control of visual attention and responding in the face of misleading visual events and not the result of improvements in working memory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1252–1262, 2014.
Age dependent association of endometrial polyps with increased risk of cancer involvement

Endometrial polyps (EMPs) are commonly encountered in routine surgical pathology practice, but opinions differ on whether they are intrinsically a marker for concurrent or subsequent malignancy. The objectives of the present study are 1) to investigate the age-group in which EMP are most commonly encountered 2) to document the age-group in which EMP are most commonly associated with malignancies 3) To investigate whether the age of diagnosis of the various carcinoma subtypes in EMPs is congruent with published data on similar malignancies arising in non-polypoid endometrium and 4) To investigate whether the histologic subtype distribution of malignancies associated with EMPs are similar or different from the distribution of malignancies arising from non-polypoid endometrium based on published data. All cases of EMPs were retrieved from the files of Yale-New Haven Hospital for the period 1986–1995. The patients were divided into 5 age groups: Each group was further subclassified based on an association (or lack thereof) of EMPs with endometrial carcinoma. Chi-square test was used to compare the proportion of malignancy associated EMPs between the age groups. We identified 513 EMPs, of which 209 (41%) were from biopsy specimens and 304 (59%) from hysterectomy specimens. Sixty six (13%) of all EMPs were malignant. The 66 malignant EMPs included 58 endometrioid, 6 serous, 1 carcinosarcoma, and 1 clear cell carcinoma. In age group >35, only 1(2.5%) of 40 EMPs was associated with endometrial malignancy. In contrast, 37(32%) of 115 EMPs were associated with malignancy in the age group > 65. The frequency of malignant EMPs increased with age and reached statistical significance in the age group >65 (p < 0.001). The most common histologic type of malignancy was endometrioid adenocarcinoma. EMPs show statistically significant age dependent association with malignant tumor involvement. Careful search for malignancy, particularly in women with multiple risk factors is advised in daily practice. Additional studies are needed to address the histological features and immunohistochemical profiles in the context of association between endometrioid and high-grade endometrial carcinoma and endometrial polyps.
Paraunitary filter banks and wavelet packets

Binary tree-structured filter banks have been employed in the past to generate wavelet bases. The equivalence between binary paraunitary tree-structures and orthonormal wavelet bases is proven. It is known that a binary tree with paraunitary filters on each level generates a discrete time orthonormal wavelet basis. It is shown that every discrete-time orthonormal wavelet basis can be generated using paraunitary binary trees. Next, this analysis is extended to arbitrary tree structures such as those used for generating wavelet packets. It is shown that an arbitrary tree with paraunitary filers gives an orthonormal basis of wavelet packets. The strict converse is not true, but a weaker result is presented. >
Calibration of optical receivers and modulators using an optical heterodyne technique

A dual Nd:YAG ring laser heterodyne system for the calibration of optical receivers is presented. This heterodyne system offers more than 50 dB of dynamic range. Calibration of optical phase and amplitude modulators is achieved by downconverting a sideband of the modulated optical carrier to a fixed intermediate frequency with another laser. This technique eliminates the need for a high-speed receiver. This dual YAG system is capable of generating beat frequencies from DC to more than 100 GHz. >
The serology of experimental Salmonella dublin infections of cattle.

SUMMARY Agglutinating antibodies to somatic 'O ' and flagellar ' H ' antigens of S. dublin were measured in the serum of 43 pregnant heifers before intravenous or oral infection with S. dublin and in the serum of 21 uninfected control animals. The data from these animals were analysed statistically and a titre of 1/80, to both antigens, has been interpreted as of doubtful significance and a titre of 1/160 to both antigens, has been interpreted as significantly raised. Animals in which fetal infection occurred after challenge by either the intravenous or oral route developed significant increases in 'H ' and ' O ' titres indicating the value of measuring 'H ' titres in the diagnosis of S. dublin abortion. In animals which were infected orally and in which infection appeared to be confined to the alimentary tract the 'H' titre did not become significantly raised. Lack of correlation between antibody titres and faecal exeretion of S. dubltn and persistence of infection in carcasses confirms that the serum agglutination test is of no value in detecting latent carriers.
Euro benefits for cash management

Adoption of the euro has created many opportunities—including benefits for cash management. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A general performance modeling technique for degradable computer communication networks with blocking

A new model is presented for evaluating the performance of a degradable computer communication network with blocking, wherein network nodes are modeled with the generalized stochastic petri net (GSPN) method. The authors introduce into the GSPN a concept called the blocking arc to enable proper simulation of the blocking phenomenon. The advantages of GSPN, such as concurrency and parallelism, are exploited. Performance analyses are given for a degradable five-server blocking system which exactly match and extend previous results. >
Localization and Characterization of the Mitochondrial Isoform of the Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase in the Pancreatic β Cell: Evidence for Its Complexation with Mitochondrial Succinyl-CoA Synthetase

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) catalyzes the transfer of terminal phosphates from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates to yield nucleotide triphosphates. The present study was undertaken to localize and characterize the mitochondrial isoform of NDPK (mNDPK) in the pancreatic β cell since it could contribute to the generation of mitochondrial nucleotide triphosphates and, thereby, to the mitochondrial high-energy phosphate metabolism of the pancreatic β cell. Mitochondrial fractions from the insulin-secreting β cells were isolated by differential centrifugation. mNDPK activity was assayed as the amount of [3H]GTPγS formed from ATPγS and [3H]GDP. Incubation of isolated mitochondrial extracts with either [γ-32P]ATP or GTP resulted in the formation [32P]NDPK, which could be immunoprecipitated by an anti-NDPK serum. mNDPK exhibited saturation kinetics with respect to its nucleoside diphosphate acceptors and nucleoside triphosphate donors and sensitivity to known inhibitors of NDPK (e.g., uridine diphosphate and cromoglycate). By Western blot analyses, at least three isoforms of NDPK were identified in various subcellular fractions of the β cell. The nm23-H1 (NDPK-A) was predominantly soluble whereas nm23-H2 (NDPK-B) was associated with the soluble as well as membranous fractions. The mitochondrial isoform of NDPK, nm23-H4, was uniformly distributed in the β cell mitochondrial subfractions. A significant amount of NDPK (as determined by the catalytic activity and immunological methods) was recovered in the immunoprecipitates of mitochondrial fraction precipitated with an antiserum directed against succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS), suggesting that NDPK might remain complexed with SCS. We provide the first evidence for the localization of a mitochondrial isoform of the NDPK in the islet β cell and thus offer a potential mechanism for the generation of intramitochondrial GTP which, unlike ATP, is not transported into mitochondria via the classical nucleotide translocase. Further work will be required to determine the importance of the NDPK/SCS complex to normal β cell function in the secretion of insulin.
A semi-autonomous replicating robotic system

The concept of self-replicating machines was introduced more than fifty years ago by John van Neumann. However, a fully autonomous self-replicating robot has yet to be implemented. This paper discusses our ongoing research on self-replicating robots. Here we describe a semi-autonomous prototype that can demonstrate replication under human supervision. This work builds on our previous results in remote-controlled robotic replication with the added feature that many subtasks in the replication process are now autonomously performed by the robot. We believe this to be an important step in the realization of fully autonomous self-replicating robots.