cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation into the feasibility of using PRESAGE?/optical-CT dosimetry for the verification of gating treatments

This work presents an investigation into the use of PRESAGE™ dosimeters with an optical-CT scanner as a 3D dosimetry system for quantitative verification of respiratory-gated treatments. The CIRS dynamic thorax phantom was modified to incorporate a moving PRESAGE™ dosimeter-simulating respiration motion in the lungs. A simple AP/PA lung treatment plan was delivered three times to the phantom containing a different but geometrically identical PRESAGE™ insert each time. Each delivery represented a treatment scenario: static, motion (free-breathing) and gated. The dose distributions, in the three dosimeters, were digitized by the optical-CT scanner. Improved optical-CT readout yielded an increased signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of 3 and decreased reconstruction artifacts compared with prior work. Independent measurements of dose distributions were obtained in the central plane using EBT film. Dose distributions were normalized to a point corresponding to the 100% isodose region prior to the measurement of dose profiles and gamma maps. These measurements were used to quantify the agreement between measured and ECLIPSE® dose distributions. Average gamma pass rates between PRESAGE™ and EBT were >99% (criteria 3% dose difference and 1.2 mm distance-to-agreement) for all three treatments. Gamma pass rates between PRESAGE™ and ECLIPSE® 3D dose distributions showed excellent agreement for the gated treatment (100% pass rate), but poor for the motion scenario (85% pass rate). This work demonstrates the feasibility of using PRESAGE™/optical-CT 3D dosimetry to verify gating-enabled radiation treatments. The capability of the Varian gating system to compensate for motion in this treatment scenario was demonstrated.
Some reflections on computer technology and higher education

It is consistent with our times and the many troubled aspects of it that there is so much uncertainty over modern computer technology and its current and future effect on the general quality of human life. There is also, at least in the United States, much uncertainty concerning higher education and its future role in society's efforts to better things. The combination of these two major and important areas of activity, to my mind, makes a most vital subject for study and reflection by concerned persons.
Antibodies as a model system for comparative model refinement

Predicting the conformations of loops is a critical aspect of protein comparative (homology) modeling. Despite considerable advances in developing loop prediction algorithms, refining loops in homology models remains challenging. In this work, we use antibodies as a model system to investigate strategies for more robustly predicting loop conformations when the protein model contains errors in the conformations of side chains and protein backbone surrounding the loop in question. Specifically, our test system consists of partial models of antibodies in which the “scaffold” (i.e., the portion other than the complementarity determining region, CDR, loops) retains native backbone conformation, whereas the CDR loops are predicted using a combination of knowledge-based modeling (H1, H2, L1, L2, and L3) and ab initio loop prediction (H3). H3 is the most variable of the CDRs. Using a previously published method, a test set of 10 shorter H3 loops (5–7 residues) are predicted to an average backbone (NCαCO) RMSD of 2.7 A while 11 longer loops (8–9 residues) are predicted to 5.1 A, thus recapitulating the difficulties in refining loops in models. By contrast, in control calculations predicting the same loops in crystal structures, the same method reconstructs the loops to an average of 0.5 and 1.4 A for the shorter and longer loops, respectively. We modify the loop prediction method to improve the ability to sample near-native loop conformations in the models, primarily by reducing the sensitivity of the sampling to the loop surroundings, and allowing the other CDR loops to optimize with the H3 loop. The new method improves the average accuracy significantly to 1.3 A RMSD and 3.1 A RMSD for the shorter and longer loops, respectively. Finally, we present results predicting 8–10 residue loops within complete comparative models of five nonantibody proteins. While anecdotal, these mixed, full-model results suggest our approach is a promising step toward more accurately predicting loops in homology models. Furthermore, while significant challenges remain, our method is a potentially useful tool for predicting antibody structures based on a known Fv scaffold. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement of oxidation-reduction midpoint potentials by room temperature electron paramagnetic resonance potentiometry☆

Abstract A room temperature electron paramagnetic resonance potentiometric cell has been developed for the measurement of oxidation-reduction midpoint potentials of enzymes containing paramagnetic centers. Based upon an aqueous flat cell designed for use with the Varian TM high sensitivity cavity, the apparatus combines a high degree of anaerobiosis with low volume requirements. The cell is simple in design, easily constructed, and can be adapted for use with most spectrometer cavities. Tests of the cell using xanthine oxidase, in 50 m m Bicine buffer, pH 7.7, yielded midpoint potentials of −345 and −371 mV for the Mo(VI)/Mo(V) and Mo(V)/Mo(IV) couples compared with values of −373 and −377 mV obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of frozen potentiometric samples. These values indicate that shifts, of the order of 20–40 mV, may occur upon freezing poised samples. For the Mo center of xanthine oxidase, these shifts in potential are more pronounced for the Mo(VI)/Mo(V) couple and result in a destabilization of the Mo(V) intermediate during freezing.
Assembly of Lipoprotein Particles Containing Apolipoprotein-B: Structural Model for the Nascent Lipoprotein Particle

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the major protein component of large lipoprotein particles that transport lipids and cholesterol. We have developed a detailed model of the first 1000 residues of apoB using standard sequence alignment programs (ClustalW and MACAW) and the MODELLER6 package for three-dimensional homology modeling. The validity of the apoB model was supported by conservation of disulfide bonds, location of all proline residues in turns and loops, and conservation of the hydrophobic faces of the two C-terminal amphipathic β-sheets, βA (residues 600–763) and βB (residues 780–1000). This model suggests a lipid-pocket mechanism for initiation of lipoprotein particle assembly. In a previous model we suggested that microsomal triglyceride transfer protein might play a structural role in completion of the lipid pocket. We no longer think this likely, but instead propose a hairpin-bridge mechanism for lipid pocket completion. Salt-bridges between four tandem charged residues (717–720) in the turn of the hairpin-bridge and four tandem complementary residues (997–1000) at the C-terminus of the model lock the bridge in the closed position, enabling the deposition of an asymmetric bilayer within the lipid pocket.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of milrinone in chronic congestive heart failure

The acute hemodynamic effects and pharmacokinetics of bolus intravenous milrinone administration were assessed in 13 patients with severe congestive heart failure. Serial hemodynamics were measured and blood samples were obtained to determine plasma milrinone concentration and calculation of pharmacokinetic variables after administration of milrinone at 12.5, 25, 50 and 75 micrograms/kg, allowing at least 6 hours to elapse between consecutive milrinone doses. At each dose milrinone effected prompt but very short-lived increases in cardiac output and left ventricular stroke work and decreases in pulmonary artery pressure, right atrial pressure and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance in a non-dose-dependent fashion. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure decreased in a dose-related manner. Heart rate increased significantly after the 75-micrograms/kg dose and mean arterial pressure decreased significantly only after the 50- and 75-micrograms/kg milrinone dose. The time-dependent decline in plasma milrinone concentration was biexponential and log linear, conforming to an open 2-compartment model of drug distribution and elimination. Mean plasma milrinone clearance (+/- standard error) was 0.15 +/- 0.03 liters/min/kg, volume of distribution was 0.35 +/- 0.02 liters/kg and mean elimination half-life was 1.7 hours.
What explains Latin America's poor investment performance during the 1980–2001 period?: a panel unit root analysis

This article analyses the theoretical and empirical links between key economic variables and private investment spending in Latin America during the 1980–2001 period. The Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) estimates for the pooled investment model suggest that real (lagged) public investment, the output gap, lagged domestic credit to the private sector, and the national savings rate have a positive and significant effect on private capital formation, while the standard deviation of the real exchange rate index has a negative effect on private capital formation. A major contribution of the study is the application of recently developed panel unit roots test on the stacked residuals of the pooled regressions. The tests indicate that the included variables have a stable, non‐spurious (cointegrated) relationship. All in all, the findings in this article make an important contribution to the ongoing debate about which policies need to be promoted to raise and sustain the rate of private capital formation – L...
Auger and ionization loss spectra from Be surfaces

Abstract Auger and ionization loss spectra have been obtained from clean and Si-contaminated Be surfaces both before and after oxidation. The Auger spectrum from the clean Be surface exhibits only one major minimum at 105 eV in the d N ( E )d E versus E spectrum. Si-contaminated Be surfaces produced corresponding spectra with two major minima at 92 and 105 eV. Partial oxidation of clean Be surfaces resulted in Auger spectra which resemble in kind those obtained from Be-Si surfaces. Following extensive oxidation, Auger spectra from both types of surfaces were indistinguishable, and Si L 23 level ionization losses could no longer be detected.
Reducing endogenous estrogen during development alters hormone production by porcine Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules.

Abstract High levels of estrogen produced by boar testes and the presence of estrogen receptors in both interstitial and tubular compartments are consistent with a direct role for estrogen in regulation of testicular cell function. This study investigated the importance of estrogen on hormone production by Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules in the developing boar. Thirty-six 1-week-old littermate pairs of boars were treated weekly with vehicle or 0.1mg/kg BW Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, until castration at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 months. Tissue was collected and Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules were isolated. In a separate study, five untreated boars (ages 1.5–4 months) were castrated and Letrozole was added in vitro to Leydig cell and seminiferous tubule cultures. Leydig cells were cultured for 24h with and without porcine LH. Media were assayed for estradiol (E 2 ) and testosterone (T) concentrations by RIA. Seminiferous tubules were cultured for 4h with and without porcine FSH; media were assayed for E 2 and immunoreactive inhibin (INH). In vivo aromatase inhibition decreased basal E 2 and increased basal T production by cultured Leydig cells. Basal seminiferous tubule production of E 2 but not INH was reduced. Decreasing estrogen synthesis in vivo did not alter LH-induced Leydig cell E 2 production or FSH-induced seminiferous tubule INH production. INH production decreased with advancing age regardless of treatment. In conclusion, in vivo aromatase inhibition altered baseline steroid production by cultured Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules but had little effect on response to gonadotropins.
State socialism and the welfare state: a critique of two conventional paradigms

The post–war development of industrialised nations has been led by the idea of a welfare state. On the other hand, research on current and former communist states is still dominated by an age–old notion of ‘state socialism’. This article provides a critical assessment of the two conventional paradigms by reviewing their implications within the historical and international contexts. By tracing its ideological roots and contrasting with the changing reality, it is argued that state socialism was misused in representing Marxist guidelines and is outdated in characterising the reforming socialist societies. By emphasising the experience of developing nations the article further challenges the welfare state as the paradigm for studying the general direction of a modern society. Attention is drawn to the study of a general public policy, and the economic state model is revisited for conceptualising the experience of a non–welfare state nation such as China.
β8 integrin is essential for neuroblast migration in the rostral migratory stream

Neurogenesis in the post-natal brain occurs in two primary locations: the subgranular layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. Following differentiation, neuroblasts within the SVZ migrate several millimeters to the olfactory bulbs (OBs) via a distinct anatomic route, or rostral migratory stream (RMS). The genes that govern neuroblast directional migration, and particularly those encoding cell adhesion and signaling factors, remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that the extracellular matrix adhesion receptor, β8 integrin, is essential for proper neuroblast chain formation and directional navigation in the RMS. Primary neuroblasts isolated from the mouse brain express robust levels of β8 integrin protein, and selective ablation of β8 integrin gene expression in neuroblasts leads to aberrant chain migration and size-reduced OBs. These integrin-dependent defects can be recapitulated ex vivo using isolated neurospheres or SVZ explants. Collectively, these data identify essential cell-intrinsic functions for β8 integrin in regulating neuroblast polarity and directional navigation in the mouse forebrain. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of direct-contact, skin-surface temperature sensors

Numerical simulations have been performed to determine the performance characteristics of direct-contact devices for the measurement of skin-surface temperature. Such devices consist of a thin metallic foil which serves as a heat spreader backed by a foam insulation pad. The sensor, either a miniature thermocouple or thermistor, is adhered to the heat-spreading foil. In practice, such devices operate in the transient mode, and the numerical simulations were performed in that mode. Special focus was given to three relevant parameters which contribute significantly to the accuracy of the temperature measurements: (a) the thickness of the foam pad, (b) the thermal conductivity of the pad material, and (c) the contact resistance between the device and the skin surface. It was found that the presence of the foam pad significantly degraded the accuracy of the measured temperature. Diminishing the thickness or, in the limit, elimination of the pad is believed necessary to enable the device to provide temperatures of acceptable accuracy. An alternative and suitable approach to the achievement of satisfactory accuracy is to use pad materials of higher thermal conductivity than those presently being utilized. With regard to contact resistance, the presence of an air gap between the device and the skin surface of the thickness of a sheet of paper did not cause a significant error in the temperature indicated by the device.
Serial pattern learning by rats: Transfer of a formally defined stimulus relationship and the significance of nonreinforcement

Two experiments with rats tested independent predictions from cognitive theories of serial pattern learning. The animals learned to anticipate, as measured by running times in a straight alley, different quantities of food pellets organized into formally defined, five-element serial patterns. In Experiment 1, for some animals the patterns were all formally structured according to a monotonic “less than” relationship in which any quantity was always less than its predecessor. For others, no consistent formal rule was applied. Results of a transfer test with a new pattern showed positive transfer if the formal structure of the new pattern was identical to that used initially, but negative transfer if the new pattern was formally different. In Experiment 2, two groups learned the monotonic patterns 18-10-6-3-1 or 18-10-6-3-0 food pellets, while two others learned the nonmonotonic patterns 18-3-6-10-1 or 10-3-6-10-0 food pellets. We asked if the difference in value of the terminal element, 1 or 0 food pellets, would affect the facility with which the patterns were learned. The results showed that learning rate and the qualitative response to the elements of the monotonie and nonmonotonic patterns were independent of the value of the terminal element. Both experiments lend additional support to the utility of using cognitive models of human serial-pattern learning for an analysis of the sequential behavior of nonhuman animals.
Echocardiographic knowledge-based reconstruction for quantification of the systemic right ventricle in young adults with repaired D-transposition of great arteries.

The systemic right ventricle (RV) in congenital heart disease is susceptible to progressive dilation and dysfunction. A 2-dimensional echocardiographic means for serial monitoring of the RV would be of great value in this clinical setting. We used 2-dimensional echocardiography with knowledge-based reconstruction (2DE-KBR) for evaluation of systemic RV. Patients with d-transposition of great arteries repaired with an atrial switch and without implanted pacemakers were prospectively recruited for same-day 2DE-KBR and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. RV images were acquired in various 2-dimensional imaging planes using a 3-dimensional space–localizing device attached to the imaging transducer and 3-dimensional reconstruction was performed. RV end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction (EF) were calculated and compared to volumetric CMR analysis. Fifteen patients (7 women, 8 men, 24 ± 7 years old, weight 67 ± 12 kg) were studied. There was good agreement of 2DE-KBR and CMR measurements. Mean RV end-diastolic volume was 221 ± 39 ml with 2DE-KBR and 231 ± 35 ml with CMR (r = 0.80); mean end-systolic volume was 129 ± 35 ml with KBR and 132 ± 30 ml with CMR (r = 0.82), and EF was 42 ± 10% with KBR and 43 ± 7% with CMR (r = 0.86). For 2DE-KBR mean interobserver variabilities were 4.6%, 2.6%, and 4.3%; intraobserver variabilities were 3.2%, 3.1%, and 2.3%, respectively, for end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and EF. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the clinical feasibility of quantifying systemic RV volumes and function using 2DE-KBR in adolescents and young adults with repaired d-transposition of great arteries and good agreement of measurements with CMR.
MicroRNA-155 is induced during the macrophage inflammatory response

The mammalian inflammatory response to infection involves the induction of several hundred genes, a process that must be carefully regulated to achieve pathogen clearance and prevent the consequences of unregulated expression, such as cancer. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a class of gene expression regulators that has also been linked to cancer. However, the relationship between inflammation, innate immunity, and miRNA expression is just beginning to be explored. In the present study, we use microarray technology to identify miRNAs induced in primary murine macrophages after exposure to polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid or the cytokine IFN-β. miR-155 was the only miRNA of those tested that was substantially up-regulated by both stimuli. It also was induced by several Toll-like receptor ligands through myeloid differentiation factor 88- or TRIF-dependent pathways, whereas up-regulation by IFNs was shown to involve TNF-α autocrine signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of the kinase JNK blocked induction of miR-155 in response to either polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid or TNF-α, suggesting that miR-155-inducing signals use the JNK pathway. Together, these findings characterize miR-155 as a common target of a broad range of inflammatory mediators. Importantly, because miR-155 is known to function as an oncogene, these observations identify a potential link between inflammation and cancer.
Realization of the kicked atom

The kicked atom is realized experimentally by exposing potassium np Rydberg atoms with n{approximately}388 to a sequence of up to 50 half-cycle pulses whose duration is much shorter than the classical electron orbital period. The Rydberg atom survival probability is observed to have a broad maximum for pulse repetition frequencies near the classical orbital frequency. Comparisons with detailed classical trajectory Monte Carlo simulations show that this behavior provides an unambiguous signature of dynamical stabilization. The classical simulations further show that the kicked hydrogen atom is, depending on the pulse repetition frequency, chaotic or characterized by a mixed phase space with various families of fully stable islands within which the atom is stable against ionization. Signatures of stabilization and chaotic diffusion are also observed in the final bound-state distribution of the surviving atoms. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Design of semi-batch gas-liquid-liquid polymerization reactors with application to interfacial condensation

Abstract A physical and chemical model for use in the analysis of gas-liquid-liquid stepwise condensation polymerizations carried out in a continuous flow stirred tank reactor and other related modes of operation is presented. The model accounts for finite mass transfer resistances between the gas-liquid and partially miscible liquid-liquid phases and includes either plug-flow or complete backmixing as choices for the gas phase flow pattern. Polymerization kinetics involving multiple reactions with a chain growth stopper are described, various limiting cases of the model are given, and methods for solving the model equations are summarized. The model equations are applied to the gas-liquid-liquid interfacial polymerization of bisphenol-A to polycarbonate as an example of a complex system having industrial importance. The effects of various model parameters on the polymer chain length distribution are examined for a particular limiting case.
Cu(II)-catalysis in the reduction of , -dibenzoylhydroxylamine by a tertiary amine

Abstract Cu(II) catalyzes the reduction of N , O -dibenzoylhydroxylamine by HEPES buffer to yield benzamide and benzoic acid.
On the mechanism of vibrational dephasing in liquid benzene by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using incoherent light

Abstract Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using incoherent light (I (2) CARS) for the ring breathing mode of neat benzene is analyzed using a Brownian oscillator lineshaping model. Three low frequency modes of benzene are investigated for their possible role in the vibrational dephasing process. Unlike cw CARS, it is found that I (2) CARS can strongly discriminate between the dephasing activity of the three low frequency modes and suggests that rotation about the C 6 axis is responsible for dephasing in this case. This agrees with previous findings in femtosecond CARS experiments on the liquid.
Parametric definition for the CGH patterns and error analysis in interferometric measurements

Computer-generated holograms are often used to test aspheric surfaces. This paper provides a parametric model for the CGH phase function using the exact geometric model. The phase function is then used to derive the sensitivity functions to alignment errors in testing. When using the CGH to test aspheric surface, it is important to separate the diffraction orders and only allow the desired order to pass the system. This paper also provides a recipe for determining the amount of carriers needed to eliminate the ghost images.
Steroid Compounds, Vasodilation, and Vasoconstriction in the Mouse

SummaryThe response of selected major veins in the ovariectomized mouse to the implantation beside the right uterine horn of a pellet of a crystalline steroid was determined by comparing venous diameters to corresponding diameters in control mice in which glass pellets had been implanted. The left and right ovarian and uterine veins and the inferior vena cava underwent significant enlargement, particularly after treatment with estriol, androsterone, and androstenedione. The left common iliac was unresponsive. Some compounds caused decreases in the diameter of the right common iliac vein.
A reflective image-rotating periscope for spatially resolved Thomson-scattering experiments on OMEGA

A reflective image rotating periscope has been deployed on the Thomson-scattering system at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, enabling the capability to make spatially resolved measurements of plasma conditions using either the 2ω (527-nm) or 4ω (263-nm) probe beam. The spectral content of ion-acoustic and electron plasma wave Thomson-scattering features are analyzed along the probe beam's axis of propagation using a pair of imaging Czerny-Turner spectrometers. A method for calculating image rotation was applied to design a translating periscope mirror assembly that provides fine adjustment of the image orientation at the spectrometer input plane. Spectrally dispersed Thomson-scattering signals are recorded using time-gated intensified charge-coupled–device cameras. Spectral resolution of up to 0.03 nm (0.2 nm) is achieved using a 1-m (0.3-m) spectrometer, allowing for simultaneous measurements of the ion-acoustic and electron plasma wave features. The optical system's 20-μm imaging resolution provides excellent noise rejection and spatial definition of the Thomson-scattering volume.
Attenuated total reflection method for obtaining the optical constants of powders

An apparatus designed to measure the optical constants of a powder suspended in a liquid is described. A laser source (3.391 μm) and attenuated total reflection approach are used. The accuracy of the apparatus is evaluated by comparing measured results for a liquid hydrocarbon with published results obtained using a different technique. An error analysis is presented. Data obtained for a carbon black powder are discussed and compared with previously published results from specular reflection measurements. The applicability of the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium theory is considered.
Projections for antiinfective drug shortages and time to actual resolution

Purpose The results of a national study of projected versus actual times to resolution of temporary U.S. shortages of antiinfective drugs are presented. Methods Descriptive data on antiinfective drug shortages, including differences between manufacturer-estimated and actual times to shortage resolution, were collected over a one-year period via regular monitoring of the websites of ASHP and the Food and Drug Administration. Inventory data from one large hospital in the Midwest were collected in order to characterize realized shortages (i.e., those for which mitigation was required). Results During the study period, there were 47 transient shortages of antiinfective medications involving 381 unique products or formulations, of which 40% ( n = 19) were emergent shortages. Generic-only and brand-only medications accounted for 53% ( n = 25) and 21% ( n = 10) of the evaluated shortages, respectively; the median shortage duration was 40 days (interquartile range [IQR], 22–91 days). The reasons for shortages most frequently cited by manufacturers were product or formulation discontinuation (21%), increased demand (12%), and raw material shortfalls (8%). Some shortages were resolved sooner than originally projected, but overall, actual shortage durations exceeded manufacturer-projected durations by a median of 17 days (IQR, 0–52.5 days). Ten realized shortages occurred at the hospital study site, compelling the antimicrobial stewardship team to recommend alternative therapies or restrict the use of drugs in short supply. Conclusion The actual durations of evaluated antiinfective drug shortages during the study period were longer than the manufacturer-projected durations by a median of 17 days.
Long-term (>8 weeks) home inotropic therapy as destination therapy in patients with advanced heart failure or as bridge to heart transplantation

Javier Jimenez*, Jessica Jara, Brigitte Bednar, Joseph Bauerlein, Stephen Mallon Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Division of Cardiology D39, University of Miami-School of Medicine, 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 USA Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136 USA Department of Surgery, University of Miami-School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136 USA University of Miami School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136 USA
A stochastic Gompertz birth-death process

Abstract This paper shows that the stochastic Gompertz birth-death process is a special case of nonhomogeneous birth and death processes. The absolute probability, the first four cumulants as well as absorption probabilities are then derived for these processes.
BodyDiagrams: improving communication of pain symptoms through drawing

Thousands of people use the Internet to discuss pain symptoms. While communication between patients and physicians involves both verbal and physical interactions, online discussions of symptoms typically comprise text only. We present BodyDiagrams, an online interface for expressing symptoms via drawings and text. BodyDiagrams augment textual descriptions with pain diagrams drawn over a reference body and annotated with severity and temporal metadata. The resulting diagrams can easily be shared to solicit feedback and advice. We also conduct a two-phase user study to assess BodyDiagrams' communicative efficacy. In the first phase, users describe pain symptoms using BodyDiagrams and a text-only interface; in the second phase, medical professionals evaluate these descriptions. We find that patients are significantly more confident that their BodyDiagrams will be correctly interpreted, while medical professionals rated BodyDiagrams as significantly more informative than text descriptions. Both groups indicated a preference for using diagrams to communicate physical symptoms in the future.
Sex-specific gene expression in somatic tissues of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract A hierarchy of genetic interactions controls the sexually dimorphic development of Drosophila melanogaster . The activity of a series of regulatory genes is specified, at least in part, by sex specific decisions at the level of RNA splicing. In contrast, the genes so far identified that are regulated by this hierarchy produce RNAs in one sex only. The expression of these ‘target' genes is in some cases regulated through the decision to form a sex-specific tissue in which the genes are later expressed. In other cases, regulation requires continuous monitoring of the state of expression of the sex determination genes in a sex-nonspecific tissue.
Disease Classification With Hippocampal Shape Invariants

We present an Alzheimer's detection study based on a global shape description of hippocampal surface models. With global descriptors forming our bag of features, Support Vector Machine classification of 49 Alzheimer (AD) and 63 elderly control subjects yielded 75.5% sensitivity and 87.3% specificity with 82.1% correct overall in a leave-one-out test. We show that our description contributes new information to simpler shape measures. Armed with a rigid shape registration tool, we also present a way to visualize variation in global shape description as a local displacement map, thus clarifying the descriptors' anatomical meaning.
A comparative study of cholesterol and a cholesterol-like ESR probe in pure and mixed monomolecular films

Abstract Pure and mixed monomolecular films of the N -oxyl-4′,4′-dimethyloxazolidine derivatives of 5α-androstan-3-one and 5α-cholestan-3-one have been studied with myristic acid. The results show that the film behavior of these ESR probes differ considerably from that of the “parent” cholesterol molecule and indicate that quantitative extrapolation of information from such probes to the parent molecule must be made with considerable caution.
Novel Polysaccharide Surfactants: The Effect of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Chain Length on Surface Active Properties

Abstract A series of nonionic saccharide surfactants with an amide group linking hydrophilic saccharide segment to hydrophobic alkyl segment were synthesized and their surface active properties were determined. We examine the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic chain lengths on the surface active properties and correlate our results to structural differences in the saccharide surfactants. N -Alkylmaltonamides were synthesized with hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, and octadecyl alkyl segments and N -dodecyl aldonamides were synthesized with glucose, maltose, and dextran (DP = 9) saccharide segments. Increasing the alkyl chain length in N -alkylmaltonamides decreases the critical micelle concentration, and increases the efficiency of reducing water surface tension and emulsification ability, but the effectiveness in reducing water surface tension is about the same. Increasing the saccharide size in N -dodecyl aldonamides from glucose to maltose to dextran increases the critical micelle concentration, decreases the efficiency and effectiveness of reducing water surface tension, but has little effect on emulsification properties. We show that the size of the saccharide segment is important in determining the interfacial surface area occupied by the surfactant molecules. An octyl, decyl, or dodecyl maltonamide occupies about 40 A 2 at the air/water interface, but this increases to 60 A 2 when maltose is replaced by the larger dextran.
Low temperature specific heat of ordered and disordered Ti3Al

Abstract The ordering transformation in Ti 3 Al results in a lowering of the electronic specific heat coefficient. This, together with other physical property data, suggests that the transformation results in a reduction of metallic character. Further evidence for a change in bonding comes from X-ray long-range order studies which show that the titanium ions in ordered Ti 3 Al are displaced from their regular hcp lattice sites.
Enhanced T2 contrast for MR histology of the mouse brain.

A 3D Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequence was implemented to obtain enhanced T2 contrast in actively stained (perfusion with fixative and contrast agent) mouse brains at 9.4 T. Short interecho spacing was used to minimize diffusion and susceptibility losses. The sequence produced 16 3D volumes with an interecho spacing of 7 ms for isotropic 43--resolution images of the mouse brains in a scan time of 4 hr. To enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast, the multiecho frequency domain image contrast (MEFIC) method was applied, resulting in a composite image with T2-weighted contrast. The high SNR and contrast thus achieved revealed aspects of mouse brain morphology, such as multiple cortical layers, groups of thalamic nuclei, layers of the inferior and superior colliculus, and molecular and granular layers of the cerebellum, with a high degree of definition and contrast that was not previously achieved in T2-weighted acquisitions at high fields. Magn Reson Med 56:717–725, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss,
Effects of familiarity on agonistic encounter behavior in male degus (Octodon degus).

Familiarity is a source of variability in the expression of agonistic behavior in the South American rodent Octodon degus . During initial encounters between unfamiliar male degus, one animal approaches and mounts his partner, while the other individual retreats and enurinates. High frequencies of fighting are seen. Fighting is less frequent in subsequent pairings of the same dyad and body sniffing occurs more often. Later encounters are less rigidly stereotyped than initial ones.
Compositional dependence of the luminescence of In0.49(AlyGa1-y)0.51P alloys near the direct-indirect band-gap crossover.

A number of complementary experimental characterization tools and theoretical band structure methods were used to determine unambiguously the band-edge luminescence as a function of Al concentration, and to place an upper limit on the short-wavelength emission of InAlGaP alloys lattice matched to GaAs. In particular, the direct-to-indirect band-gap crossing has been determined by analyzing a series of metalorganic vapor-phase-epitaxy-grown ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.49}$(${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{y}}$${)}_{0.51}$P alloys lattice matched to GaAs with double-crystal x-ray analysis, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, pressure- and temperature-dependent photoluminescence, and transmission electron microscopy. The experimental measurements are compared to first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential band structure calculations for the ternary end points, InGaP and InAlP. The maximum room temperature direct band gap is found to be 2.24 eV, corresponding to an Al composition of y=0.52\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, in good agreement with the theoretical prediction of 0.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Belonging at the zoo: retired volunteers, conservation activism and collective identity

The present study affirms previous research findings that volunteering satisfies personal needs but goes further by considering the factor of collective identity for volunteers and its consequences for them. The study specifically focused on older volunteers working at zoos. In the initial phase at Central Park Zoo 30 volunteers completed a short self-completion questionnaire. The second phase involved one-on-one interviews with 21 Bronx Zoo volunteers with a collective self-esteem scale. The responses indicated that the volunteers considered the collective identity of zoo volunteer to be important to their self-concept and believed that this identity is held in high public esteem. The results also suggested that identity as a zoo volunteer not only satisfies personal needs, as found by other volunteer studies, but that the collective identity supports external activism based on shared values. It was concluded that the collective environmental identity facilitated by volunteer work at the zoos provides affirmational social support for the volunteers' work as environmental conservation advocates, and enhances their sense of purpose and self-efficacy.
Travels and travelogues in the middle ages

Travels and travelogues in the middle ages, edited by Jean Francois Kosta-Thefaine, AMS Studies in the Middle Ages, No. 28, New York, AMS Press, Inc., 2009, 298 pp., US$96.50 (hardback) ISBN 0-404-...
When Ramification points meet

This paper contains three applications of the technique of limit series (our [1986]) to the theory of ramification of linear series on smooth curves, and curves of compact type, overC.
Adaptive tuning of digitally controlled switched mode power supplies based on desired phase margin

This paper presents an online adaptive tuning technique for digitally controlled switched-mode power supplies (SMPS). The approach is based on continuous monitoring of the system crossover frequency and phase margin, followed by a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control loop that continuously and concurrently tunes the compensator parameters to meet crossover frequency and phase margin targets. Small-signal models are derived and the MIMO control loop is designed to achieve stability and performance over a wide range of operating conditions. Using modest hardware resources, the proposed approach enables adaptive tuning during normal closed-loop SMPS operation. Experimental results demonstrating system functionality are presented for a synchronous buck SMPS.
Stabilization of cardiac lysosomal and cellular membranes in protection of ischemic myocardium due to coronary occlusion: Efficacy of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent, naproxen

Abstract The combined cellular membrane stabilizing and prostaglandin-inhibiting agent, naproxen, administered either 30 minutes before of after left coronary occlusion, induced significant preservation of the acutely ischemic experimental animal myocardium. A consistent extent of myocardial protection was provided as measured by ST segment elevation, plasma accumulation of CK activity, tissue CK activities, and amino-nitrogen concentrations, and ultrastructural integrity. Protection did not appear to be via hemodynamic mechanisms since naproxen neither altered pressure-rate product nor decreased coronary resistance. While the degree that inhibition of platelet throm☐ane A 2 generation contributes to these salutary results requires clarification due to possible simultaneous decrease of coronary endothelial PGI 2 formation, the present study emphasizes the value of the concomitant special lysosomal and cellular stabilizing actions of naproxen. In contrast to acetylsalicylic acid, meciofenamate, and indomethacin which do not effect such benefit in the same experimental conditions, our results indicate that naproxen resembles the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents which also possess membrane stabilizing properties, such as ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, and protects ischemic myocardium in similar adverse circumstances.
RECONNECTING CELL AND ANIMAL LINEAGES: WHAT DO CELL LINEAGES TELL US ABOUT THE EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRALIA?

Abstract Cell lineage studies in the clade Eutrochozoa, and especially the Spiralia, remains a rich and relatively untapped source for understanding broad evolutionary developmental problems; including (1) the utility of cell timing formation for phylogenetic hypotheses; (2) the evolution of cell timing changes and its relation to heterochronic patterns; (3) stereotypy or lack thereof in rates of change of cell growth during evolution and its relation to both evolutionary history and current usage; and (4) how mosaic cleavage timing variation may be expected to differ from other groups. A compilation of available cell timing information was made from previous studies where each division was explicitly followed and the total number of cells followed was greater than 24. From that compilation, we performed a series of heuristic and quantitative analyses, including a phylogenetic analysis using cell timing data as characters and analyses of timing variation across all taxa. Our results show that: (1) cell li...
Immunogenicity of whole cell and outer envelope leptospiral vaccines in hamsters.

Abstract The immunogenicity of leptospiral whole cell (WC) and outer envelope (OE) vaccines from virulent and avirulent strains was compared in hamsters. The 50% protective dose against death (PD50D) and kidney infection (PD50K) was evaluated for serotypes icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, pomona, and grippotyphosa. The OE and WC of virulent strains possessed greater immunogenicity than the OE and WC of avirulent strains. More vaccine (<0.1 to 11.0 μg [dry weight] per hamster) was required for the PD50K than for the PD50D (<0.1 to 1.7 μg [dry weight] per hamster). The OE from virulent strains of these four serotypes plus hardjo were combined to form a pentavalent OE vaccine which proved to be satisfactory in immunogenic potency. Duration of immunity was not evaluated.
Lung 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Rationale: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a proliferative arteriopathy associated with glucose transporter-1 (Glut1) up-regulation and a glycolytic shift in lung metabolism. Glycolytic metabolism can be detected with the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).Objectives: The precise cell type in which glycolytic abnormalities occur in PAH is unknown. Moreover, whether FDG-PET is sufficiently sensitive to monitor PAH progression and detect therapeutic regression is untested. We hypothesized that increased lung FDG-PET reflects enhanced glycolysis in vascular cells and is reversible in response to effective therapies.Methods: PAH was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by monocrotaline or chronic hypoxia (10% oxygen) in combination with Sugen 5416. Monocrotaline rats were treated with oral dichloroacetate or daily imatinib injections. FDG-PET scans and pulmonary artery acceleration times were obtained weekly. The origin of the PET signal was assessed by laser capture mic...
Successful Aging Through the eyes of Alaska Native Elders. What It Means to Be an Elder in Bristol Bay, AK

This article explores the concept of successful aging, or Eldership, from the perspective of Alaska Native (AN) Elders (In this study, the term “elder” is capitalized to differentiate between the indigenous elders of Alaska and those who are just considered elderly. In indigenous communities in Alaska, the community respects their elders, and this is a cultural convention that distinguishes those elders who have lived traditionally and continue to serve as an integral part of their community and are viewed as role models. This study focuses specifically on those elders recognized by their community as role models, and for this reason, the term is capitalized.) in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. This region of Alaska was chosen for the location of this study because it is the home region of the author and where his family originates. The successful aging literature has predominantly focused on nonindigenous populations, emphasizing factors related to successful aging, such as independence. As this field continues to expand and become more prevalent with the growing elderly population worldwide, it will be important to include the perspectives of the Elders to have a better understanding of the aging process and how Elders live their later years in optimal health and well-being. This study provides a more comprehensive picture of the characteristics of AN Elders or those who have attained “Eldership” in their respective communities and the experiences of aging in rural Alaska. Western society tends to focus on the negativity associated with aging: wrinkles, chronic illness and disability, and the loss of independence and mobility. Rather than approaching the study from a negative viewpoint, this study focuses on the things AN Elders have done properly in their lives to ensure they have become role models.