cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 22 Antibodies to glycoconjugates in neuropathy and motor neuron disease

Publisher Summary Increased titers of antibodies that recognize carbohydrate determinants of glycolipids or glycoproteins glycoconjugates) are associated with distinct neuropathic syndromes. This chapter describes the syndromes that are associated with anti-glycoconjugate antibodies. The chapter discusses what is known about the specificity of the antibodies and the mechanisms that might be responsible for their development. Clinical syndromes associated with anti-glycoconjugate antibodies include demyefinating neuropathy, motor neuron disease, and sensory neuropathy. Isolated cases of neuropathy associated with monoclonal IgM antibodies to other glycolipids have been reported. Anti-glycoconjugate antibodies share several important characteristics. They are typically directed against carbohydrate determinants, they are frequently IgMs and occur as monoclonal gammopathies, and they are present in low titers in many normal individuals. Many of the anti-carbohydrate antibodies occur as IgM monoclonal gammopathies, suggesting that they are derived from single B-cell clones which undergo transformation. However, it is not known how the B-cells that secrete anti-glycoconjugate antibodies in patients with neuropathy become stimulated or whether they respond to the same regulatory mechanisms as normal B-cells.
10 Aging and Word Retrieval: Selective Age Deficits in Language

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the selective age deficits in language. It argues that this apparent paradox is because research showing preserved verbal abilities in older adults involves primarily language comprehension, for example, the verbal subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, whereas older adults' complaints involve language production. It describes current models of the knowledge representations and processing mechanisms involved in accessing conceptual and lexical information in memory. This theoretical description clarifies the difference between retrieval processes involved in the comprehension and production of language. It review findings that validate older adults' complaints about one aspect of production, namely, their declining word finding ability and describes a series of studies on the "tip-of-the-tongue'' phenomenon that illuminates the locus of word retrieval deficits.
PSEUDOHYPOPARATHYROIDISM FROM MATERNAL BUT NOT PATERNAL TRANSMISSION OF A Gα s FRAMESHIFT MUTATION. • 552

The G-protein subunit Gαs couples many hormone receptors, including those for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and thyrotropin (TSH), to the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase within cells. We and others have demonstrated the consistent association of mutations leading to decreased function of Gαs with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), characterized by rounded facies, short stature, and brachymetacarpia. Less consistent has been the relationship of these Gαs mutations with the PTH and TSH resistance seen in pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP-Ia). In clinical studies of pedigrees affected by AHO, there is a strong association of maternal transmission of the AHO phenotype with the full expression of PHP-Ia in the offspring of these mothers. We studied in more detail a pedigree affected by AHO and PHP-Ia for which we previously reported finding a 4-bp deletion in one allele of the gene for Gαs. Specific exons of the Gαs gene were amplified by PCR with GC-tailed oligonucleotides, using as a template DNA from leukocytes of family members spanning three generations. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified exon 7 fragments showed that the patriarch of this pedigree, who was affected by mild short stature but no clinical hormonal abnormalities, carried the same heterozygous pattern previously shown by dideoxynucleotide sequencing to represent a deletion of 4 nucleotides in exon 7 resulting in a reading frame shift. Of his three offspring (1 male, 2 female) who inherited the same mutation, erythrocyte Gαs activity as measured by an S49cyc- complementation assay ranged from 58% ± 7.1 to 85% ± 8.5 that of normal control subjects, with all affected by AHO but without any hormonal abnormalities of PHP-Ia. Offspring of the two women with AHO had Gαs activity from 52% ± 12 to 55% that of controls, and all had AHO + hormonal abnormalities (PTH & TSH elevation, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia) consistent with PHP-Ia. In conclusion, this family showed autosomal dominant co-inheritance of AHO and a Gαs frameshift mutation, with expression of hormone resistance (PHP-Ia) associated with maternal but not paternal transmission.
Accounting Diversity and International Valuation

International differences in accounting rules pose a significant challenge to investors interested in making cross-border comparisons of firm value. While current efforts to harmonize international standards are laudable, they are unlikely to completely eliminate cross-border diversity. In this study, we suggest an alternative, and complimentary, approach for coping with international accounting diversity. Our approach is based on a valuation technique referred to as the Discounted Residual Income or the Edwards-Bell-Ohlson (EBO) model. We show this theory can be operationalized to create "V," a measure of firms' fundamental value which is conceptually identical to the present value of the future cash flows (or dividends), but is based on a firm's book value and expected earnings. One of the most appealing features of V is that it is theoretically immune to differences in accounting methods across firms or countries. In this paper, we develop the theoretical underpinnings of the EBO valuation model in an international context. We explain whey the model has the potential to become a "universal translator," that is, a vehicle by which accounting earnings and balance sheet numbers produced under alternative national accounting systems can be translated into consistent measures of firm value. Conceptually, the model operates equally well under any accounting system provided a set of minimal conditions is satisfied. We define these conditions, and evaluate existing accounting systems across different countries in the context of these conditions. We also present empirical evidence on the usefulness of this model in global asset allocation decisions, and in explaining cross-sectional stock prices in different countries. We document the value-relevance of earnings forecasts provided by local financial analysts, and argue that these earnings forecasts represent a potential omitted variable for the current set of accounting studies dealing with the information content of U.S. GAAP reconciliation (Form 20-F) disclosures. Our results suggest that a proper valuation model can greatly mitigate accounting diversity problems in international valuations. Given reliable earnings forecasts and book values, a detailed reconciliation of accounting differences is not necessary to make cross-border value comparisons. Our analyses also imply that regulatory efforts need not focus on achieving "superficially comparable" earnings and book values, or standardizing such specific rules as the amortization of goodwill. Rather, greater emphasis might be more profitably placed on ensuring that professional analysts have necessary information to make reliable earnings forecasts consistent with local accounting standards.
Experimental investigation of a localized electron temperature elevation near electron cyclotron resonance

The authors examined detailed properties of a plasma/wave interaction in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. An electron cyclotron resonant cavity produces a plasma column that is tuned so that an electron cyclotron wave launched from a helical antenna couples to the plasma. The wave then interacts with the langmuir probe to produce a localized electron temperature elevation. The authors have studied the dependence of the elevation on launched wave frequency, plasma density, neutral pressure, and plasma source tuning. Langmuir probes with different impedances were used to illustrate the dependence of the temperature elevation on probe impedance. It was found that the temperature elevation process is maximum when the probe is near but substantially shifted from the cold electron cyclotron resonance position in an inhomogeneous plasma. Collisionless wave absorption near resonance, magnetic field, and plasma source tuning play important roles in determining the temperature elevation phenomenon. Two-probe correlation measurements were carried out to determine the radial and axial extent of the elevation and will be used to construct a model of the mechanism responsible. >
Plasma‐Membrane H+‐ATPase From Yeast

Originally published in: Handbook of ATPase. Edited by Masamitsu Futai, Yoh Wada and Jack H. Kaplan. Copyright © 2004 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA Weinheim. Print ISBN: 3-527-30689-3 The sections in this article are Introduction Structure Ca2+-ATPase as a Model Applicability of the Ca2+-ATPase Structure to Other P2-ATPase, Including the Pma1 H+-ATPase H+-ATPase Oligomers Associated Proteolipids Reaction Mechanism Overview of the Reaction Cycle ATP Binding and Phosphorylation E1–E2 Conformational Change H+ Pumping Biogenesis Pma1 Mutants with Defects in Folding and Biogenesis Use of Pma1 Mutants to Screen for Other Genes that Play a Role in Biogenesis and Quality Control Role of Lipid Rafts Regulation Emerging Knowledge of Other Yeast P-type ATPase Acknowledgments Keywords: ATPases; P-type ATPases; yeast plasma-membrane H+-ATPase; Ca2+-ATPase; reaction mechanism; biogenesis; regulation; ATP binding and phosphorylation
A comparative study of WiMAX subscriber equipment antennas

While single antenna system performance can suffer in multipath environments Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna systems can take advantage of rich multipath and offer significant cost-performance benefits. Therefore, performance with MIMO systems has to be assessed referenced to the environment. This paper presents a study of WiMAX MIMO antenna modules in various environments. It is shown that lower gain antennas in rich multipath offer very cost efficient alternatives to higher gain antennas.
Superficial gastro-intestinal infections: a clinical overview.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses superficial gastro-intestinal infections. In contrast to the enterotoxigenic organisms that cause watery diarrhoea, certain other bacteria are endowed with the ability to invade the superficial layers of the intestine, including the epithelial cell laver and the underlying lamina propria. These organisms, illustrated by the genus Shigella, can cause bloody diarrhoea as well as a characteristic clinical illness known as bacillary dysentery. The clinical presentation of disease due to the superficial invaders is not, however, simple. The various species of Shigella actually result in a wide spectrum of clinical disease, ranging from mild watery diarrhoea to full-blown dysentery. Shigella species are superficial invaders of the colonic epithelial cell layer and the lamina propria, but rarely if ever do they invade systemically to the mesenteric lymph nodes or to the lungs or meninges. The infection is associated with an inflammatory response and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that mediate fever and a multitude of other responses. This inflammatory response and its extent are related to the species of Shigella involved and is the major determinant of the clinical manifestations of infection.
Using clinical and robotic assessment tools to examine the feasibility of pairing tDCS with upper extremity physical therapy in patients with stroke and TBI: a consideration-of-concept pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may provide a safe, non-invasive technique for modulating neural excitability during neurorehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: 1) Assess feasibility and potential effectiveness of tDCS as an adjunct to standard upper extremity (UE) physical therapy (PT) for motor impairments resulting from neurological insult. 2) Determine sustainability of improvements over a six month period. METHODS: Five participants with chronic neurologic insult (stroke or traumatic brain injury > 6 months prior) completed 24 sessions (40 minutes, three times/week) of UE-PT combined with bihemispheric tDCS delivered at 1.5 mA over the motor cortex during the first 15 minutes of each PT session. Outcomes were assessed using clinical (UE Fugl-Meyer, Purdue Pegboard, Box and Block, Stroke Impact Scale) and robotic (unimanual and bimanual motor control) measures. Change in scores and associated effects sizes from Pre-test to Post-test and a six month Follow-up were calculated for each participant and group as a whole. RESULTS: Scores on UE Fugl-Meyer, Box and Block, Purdue Pegboard, Stroke Impact Scale, and robotic measures improved from Pre- to Post-test. Improvements on UE Fugl-Meyer, Box and Block, and robotic measures were largely sustained at six months. Combining bihemispheric tDCS with UE-PT in individuals with neurological insult warrants further investi
Long-term experimental evolution in Escherichia coli. X. Quantifying the fundamental and realized niche.

Twelve populations of the bacterium, Escherichia coli, adapted to a simple, glucose-limited, laboratory environment over 10,000 generations. As a consequence, these populations tended to lose functionality on alternative resources. I examined whether these populations in turn became inferior competitors in four alternative environments. These experiments are among the first to quantify and compare dimensions of the fundamental and realized niches. Three clones were isolated from each of the twelve populations after 10,000 generations of evolution. Direct competition between these clones and the ancestor in the selective environment revealed average fitness improvements of ~50%. When grown in the wells of Biolog plates, however, evolved clones grew 25% worse on average than the ancestor on a variety of different carbon sources. Next, I competed each evolved population versus the ancestor in four foreign environments (10-fold higher and lower glucose concentration, added bile salts, and dilute LB media). Surprisingly, nearly all populations were more fit than the ancestor in each foreign environment, though the margin of improvement was least in the most different environment. Most populations also evolved increased sensitivity to novobiocin. Reduced functionality on numerous carbon sources suggested that the fundamental niche of twelve E. coli populations had narrowed after adapting to a specific laboratory environment. However, in spite of these results, the same populations were competitively superior in four novel environments. These findings suggest that adaptation to certain dimensions of the environment may compensate for other functional losses and apparently enhance the realized niche.
Modeling speaker behavior: a comparison of two approaches

Virtual agents are autonomous software characters that support social interactions with human users. With the emergence of better graphical representation and control over the virtual agent's embodiment, communication through nonverbal behaviors has become an active research area. Researchers have taken different approaches to author the behaviors of virtual agents. In this work, we present our machine learning-based approach to model nonverbal behaviors, in which we explore several different learning techniques (HMM, CRF, LDCRF) to predict speaker's head nods and eyebrow movements. Quantitative measurements show that LDCRF yields the best learning rate for both head nod and eyebrow movements. An evaluation study was also conducted to compare the behaviors generated by the Machine Learning-based models described in this paper to a Literature-based model.
Exploring and Addressing Functional Map Illiteracy in Community College Students

The current cohort of young community college students are increasingly functionally map illiterate. Many have never created their own map, or consulted a road atlas or paper map to navigate to their desired destination, or help others to do so. Thanks to the Global Positioning System (GPS), not only are many unable to do this, but they feel they do not need the skills to do this. The growing reliance on GPS, the declining ability to understand and use maps in daily life, and the declining importance students place on functional map literacy is a legitimate concern. GPS is a wonderful tool for exposing students to their world, but it has its pitfalls. Complete reliance on technology instills a false sense of infallibility, and makes obsolete the cognitive map-making process facilitated by traditional navigation activities. Lacking the internal representations of the experienced world that are cognitive (mental) maps makes it difficult for educators to instill awareness of the geographical world. Functiona...
Maternal post-absorptive leucine kinetics during late pregnancy in US women with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional pilot study

Summary Background Despite the success of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, infants exposed to cART in utero frequently are born smaller and have mild cardiac abnormalities. The mechanisms responsible for lower birth weight and cardiac abnormalities in children exposed to cART are unclear but could be related to dysregulation of maternal amino acid metabolism during pregnancy. Previous data in HIV(−) women have shown a relationship between abnormal maternal protein metabolism during pregnancy and low infant birth weight and animal data demonstrate a relationship between altered maternal protein metabolism and increased risk for offspring cardiovascular abnormalities. Objective The objectives of this study were to: 1) characterize post-absorptive maternal leucine kinetics during late pregnancy and 2) examine the relationships between maternal leucine kinetics and offspring birth weight and cardiac function. Design Post-absorptive maternal leucine kinetics (evaluated by using stable isotope tracer methodology) in 16 HIV(+) women receiving cART and 14 HIV(−) US women during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy were compared. Relationships between post-absorptive maternal leucine kinetics, cardiac function (echocardiography) and birth weight were statistically examined. Results Maternal plasma leucine concentration (HIV(−): 82.8 ± 10.7 vs. HIV(+): 72.3 ± 13.5 μM, p = 0.06) and leucine oxidation rate (HIV(−): 6.1 ± 1.6 vs. HIV(+): 4.9 ± 1.8 μmol/kgBW/min, p = 0.03) were lower in HIV+ women compared to controls. Total leucine turnover rate, non-oxidative leucine disposal rate and post-absorptive maternal glucose and palmitate kinetics did not differ between groups. Left ventricular fractional shortening tended to be lower in children born to HIV(+) compared to controls (HIV(−): 42 ± 1 vs. HIV+: 36 ± 5%, p = 0.08) and associated with lower maternal plasma leucine concentration (r = 0.43, p = 0.08). Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that post-absorptive maternal leucine metabolism during late pregnancy is mildly altered in HIV+ US women taking cART. The clinical significance of maternal leucine metabolism on adverse infant outcomes is unclear and should be further explored in more expansive studies.
MEMS acoustic sensors for totally implantable hearing systems

There is a need for high quality implant microphone for existing semi-implantable hearing aid systems, including cochlear systems and middle ear semi-implant systems. A totally implant hearing aids system, integrates implant microphone, interface electronics, speech processor, stimulator, and cochlear electrodes, can overcome the discomfort, inconvenient, and stigma problems associate with the conventional and semi-implantable hearing aids. This paper presents the results of four years invitro study to use micro-chip acoustic sensors, serving as implant microphones, to directly sense the umbo acoustic vibration, convert it into high quality electrical sound signal at the output. Umbo vibration characteristics were extracted from literatures and laboratory data. A PZT vibration source is built to simulate the Umbo receiving 40 to 100 dB SPL sound input. A laboratory model using commercial electrets-microphone as the sensor was studied in the laboratory and on several temporal bones. Near flat frequency response from 250 to 8,000 Hz was measured with minimum detectable signal about 65 db SPL at 1 kHz, limited by the sensitivity of the microphone and the noise of the amplifier. From these results, an MEMS acoustic displacement sensor chip was designed and fabricated, to increase the sensitivity and to provide a easy mounting method on Umbo. Test results in laboratory and on temporal bones are being cumulated and will be presented.
Resources and research: An empirical study of the influence of departmental research resources on individual STEM researchers involvement with industry

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of departmental level characteristics and resources on individual involvement with industry using a national survey of STEM faculty. An integrative model of industry involvement is developed and tested that integrates a multi-level perspective on university–industry relations. Three measures of industry involvement are tested: the amount of time a researcher spends with industry, the number of activities a researcher engages in, and the intensity of those activities. Results of the model show that the quality of human capital in a researcher's home department is a significant influence on industry involvement. Non-federal R&D expenditures and direct industry funding also positively increase the likelihood of industry involvement. Policy and managerial implications of the results are discussed.
Germination and establishment of pearl millet and sorghum of different seed qualities under controlled high-temperature environments

Abstract Larger and/or denser pearl millet [ Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] and sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] seed have improved field establishment under temperate conditions. Because soil temperatures are higher in the semi-arid tropics and often are a constraint to successful establishment, effects of seed size and density on germination and establishment under high temperatures (up to 50°C) were evaluated. Effects of seed size and seed density on germination of Senegal Bulk millet and Segaolane sorghum were examined at temperatures of 26–50°C using a thermogradient plate. Seed size and density combinations and timing and duration of 40–45°C stress were evaluated for germination in an incubator. Effects of millet seed size and seed density on establishment were determined at constant temperatures of 35, 43, and 50°C. Sorghum had highest germination at 32–40°C and 32–42°C for medium and large seeds, respectively. Medium-sized millet seed showed higher germination over a wider temperature range than small or large seed. Millet germination rate and plumule emergence had optima at 37–38°C. High-density or large sorghum seed had greater radicle emergence at 24 h with 1 or 2-h high-temperature stress; however, with 4 or 8 h of stress, there was no difference among seed sizes or seed densities. Millet germination at 24 h was lower following 8 h of stress than for 1 or 2 of stress. Millet germination at 48 h was lower for large seed than small seed. High-density millet seeds had higher emergence than low-density seeds at a constant 43°C. At 7 days after planting, seedlings from large and medium-sized high-density seeds were taller than from small or low-density seeds.
Inhibitory action of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin on gastric pepsin secretion.

Der Einfluss von Cholecystokinin-Pankrcozymin auf die Sekretion von Pepsin wurde in Hunden mit Heidenhain-Tasche untersucht. Wahrend submaximaler Pepsinstimulation mit Mecholyl verminderte i.v. Injektion von Cholecystokinin-Pankreozymin die Pepsin-Sekretion im Magen signifikant. Es wird vermutet, dass CCK-PZ Enterogastrone sein konnte.
Optimal hierarchical decomposition synthesis using integer programming

Decomposition synthesis in optimal design is the process of creating an optimal design model by selecting objectives and constraints so that it can be directly partitioned into an appropriate decomposed form. Such synthesis results are not unique since there may be many partitions that satisfy the decomposition requirements. Introducing suitable criteria an optimal decomposition synthesis process can be defined in a manner analogous to optimal partitioning formulations. The article presents an integer programming formulation and solution techniques for synthesizing hierarchically decomposed optimal design problems. Examples for designing a pressure vessel, an automotive caliper disc brake and a speed reducer are also presented.
Nanoscale covalent self-assembly approach to enhancing anode/hole-transport layer interfacial stability and charge injection efficiency in organic light-emitting diodes

The integrity of electrode/organic interfacial contact is shown to be crucial to the performance and stability of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this contribution, vapor-deposited lipophilic, hole-transporting N,N‘-diphenyl-N,N‘-bis(3-methylphenyl)[1,1‘-biphenyl]-4,4‘-diamine (TPD) films are shown to undergo dewetting on indium tin oxide (ITO) anode surfaces under mild heating. An effective approach to minimize this interfacial decohesion effect is by small hole transport molecule self-assembly on the anode surface. Thus, conformal N(p-C6H4CH2CH2CH2SiCl3)3 (TAA)-based monolayers can be covalently self-assembled from solution onto hydroxylated ITO surfaces. The resulting nanometer-scale-thick TAA layers (∼11 A/layer) prevent dewetting of the vapor-deposited TPD hole transport layers. Furthermore, ITO/(TAA)n/TPD/Alq/Al structured OLED devices fabricated with these modified ITO−TPD interfaces exhibit, as a function of n, reduced turn-on voltages as well as considerably higher luminous intensities ...
The application of fitting methods to chemical kinetics.

Abstract The usefulness of curve fitting procedures in chemical kinetics is restricted by one difficulty: additional kinetic measurements cannot be predicted from good fitting results. The procedure of fitting is therefore analyzed, with the aim to find methods for the experimental design on the basis of fitting results. If a mechanistic model is considered valid, additional experiments should be aimed at increasing the accuracy of the kinetic parameters. Although there is a limit in increasing the accuracy of each particular measurement, the presented analysis shows that additional experiments with optimized effect on the accuracy of individual rate parameters may be designed. The necessary calculations have to be conducted on a digital computer. The computer program is briefly discussed. The computer program is then used to demonstrate the optimal design of additional experiments for two similar reaction systems: A → B → C and A → B → C. Results from numerical evaluations reveal that the design for additional experiments for the (first) irreversible reaction sequence is distinctly different from the design for additional experiments for the (second) reversible one. Furthermore, additional experiments, aiming at the parameters of the left step (A → B), need to be designed differently from those, aiming at parameters of the right step (B → C). The algorithm is free of any simplifying assumptions and could be used for any kinetic investigation; however, the application for areas of chemical kinetics, utilizing “linearizing simplification” is especially promising.
Boundary layer control of nocturnal convection associated with a synoptic scale system

Well defined nocturnal convection, together with distinct maximum precipitation events in Nebraska, were associated with strong diurnal wind oscillations at 850 mb in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri in the present study of pronounced precipitation and low level circulation variations over the Great Plains on May 5-10, 1979. A numerical prediction model, used to relate boundary layer flow modulations to synoptic scale flow for this case, is driven by a diurnal cycle. Experimental forecasts displayed diurnal wind modulations at 500 m, with rising motions of the order of 4 cm/sec at the 2200 m level, along the leading edge of the nocturnal jet.
Principles of the optical differential thermal analysis (ODTA)

Abstract Optical differential thermal analysis (ODTA) can operate in the 490–3600°C range, using infrared pyrometers for the temperature detection of both the Black-Body and the sample. Hence, the method is called “optical”. Infrared detection ,of any phase transition is a result of two cooperative effects: ΔH and the emissivity change. Such cooperation leads to a high sensitivity thereby permitting ODTA measurements at temperature rates as low as 0.1° C min . Hence, phase transitions can be studied at almost equilibrium conditions. In order to detect emissivity changes, single color pyrometers have to be used. Problems associated with simultaneous use of the Black-Body as a temperature reference source and a heater are discussed. Use of the ODTA at high temperatures is demonstrated on a study of the melting behavior of a sapphire single crystal. The feasibility of computing emissivities as a function of temperature from the gathered data is indicated.
An automated vision based on-line novel percept detection method for a mobile robot

It is generally agreed that learning, either supervised or unsupervised, can provide the best possible specification of known classes and offer inference for outlier detection by a dissimilarity threshold from the nominal feature space. Novel percept detection can take a step further by investigating whether these outliers form new dense clusters in both the feature space and the image space. By defining a novel percept to be a pattern group that has not been seen before in the feature space and the image space, in this paper, a non-conventional approach is proposed for multiple-novel-percept detection problem in robotic applications. Based on a computer vision system inspired loosely by neurobiological evidence, our approach can work in near real time for highly sparse high-dimensional feature vectors extracted from image patches while maintaining robustness to image transformations. Experiments conducted in an indoor environment and an outdoor environment demonstrate the efficacy of our method.
Intrafraction prostate motion during IMRT for prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose: Although the interfraction motion of the prostate has been previously studied through the use of fiducial markers, CT scans, and ultrasound-based systems, intrafraction motion is not well documented. In this report, the B-mode, Acquisition, and Targeting (BAT) ultrasound system was used to measure intrafraction prostate motion during 200 intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) sessions for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: Twenty men receiving treatment with IMRT for clinically localized prostate cancer were selected for the study. Pre- and posttreatment BAT ultrasound alignment images were collected immediately before and after IMRT on 10 treatment days for a total of 400 BAT alignment procedures. Any ultrasound shifts of the prostate borders in relation to the planning CT scan were recorded in 3 dimensions: right-left (RL), anteroposterior (AP), and superior-inferior (SI). Every ultrasound procedure was evaluated for image quality and alignment according to a 3-point grading scale. Results: All the BAT images were judged to be of acceptable quality and alignment. The dominant directions of intrafraction prostate motion were anteriorly and superiorly. The mean magnitude of shifts (±SD) was 0.01 ± 0.4 mm, 0.2 ± 1.3 mm, and 0.1 ± 1.0 mm in the left, anterior, and superior directions, respectively. The maximal range of motion occurred in the AP dimension, from 6.8 mm anteriorly to 4.6 mm posteriorly. The percentage of treatments during which prostate motion was judged to be ≤5 mm was 100%, 99%, and 99.5% in the RL, AP, and SI directions, respectively. Three of the measurements were >5 mm. The extent of intrafraction motion was much smaller than that of interfraction motion. Linear regression analysis showed very little correlation between the two types of motion ( r = 0.014, 0.029, and 0.191, respectively) in the RL, AP, and SI directions. Conclusion: Using an ultrasound-based system, intrafraction prostate motion occurred predominantly in the anterior and superior directions, but was clinically insignificant. Intrafraction motion was much smaller than interfraction motion, and the two types of movement did not correlate.
Correlation effects in the photoionization of Ba(6s6p 1P1): Determination of cross sections for production of specific final J states.

Absolute cross sections for photoionization of isotropically populated Ba(6s6p $^{1}$${\mathit{P}}_{1}$) to each accessible final J state (0, 1, and 2) have been determined from threshold to 370 nm using spectra obtained with four different combinations of linear and circular polarizations of the exciting and ionizing radiation. The effects of dealignment due to hyperfine interaction of the nuclear spin I=3/2 isotopes of barium have been taken into account. The results are generally in good agreement with R-matrix predictions of shapes and positions of autoionizing resonances as well as the magnitudes of the background (nonresonance) cross sections, but there are some discrepancies with oscillator strengths of the autoionizing states. It is shown that, to obtain the correct magnitude of the background cross section theoretically, the inclusion of electron correlation effects in the wave functions of both initial and final states is required. Data are also presented that verify the equivalence of obtaining the total photoionization cross section by properly combining two sets of data, each acquired with a different angle between linear polarization vectors, e.g., parallel and perpendicular, or by making a single measurement with the angle set at the ``magic'' angle, 54.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.
A Nanoengineering Approach for Investigation and Regulation of Protein Immobilization

It is known that protein attachment to surfaces depends sensitively upon the local structure and environment of the binding sites at the nanometer scale. Using nanografting and reversal nanografting, both atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based lithography techniques, protein binding sites with well-defined local environments are designed and engineered with nanometer precision. Three proteins, goat antibiotin immunoglobulin G (IgG), lysozyme, and rabbit immunoglobulin G, are immobilized onto these engineered surfaces. Strong dependence on the dimension and spatial distribution of protein binding sites are revealed in antibody recognition, covalent attachment via primary amine residues and surface-bound aldehyde groups. This investigation indicates that AFM-based nanolithography enables the production of protein nanostructures, and more importantly, protein-surface interactions at a molecular level can be regulated by changing the binding domains and their local environment at nanometer scale.
Symptomatic incisional neuromas on the dorsum of the foot.

In a 2-year period, 17 patients presented with 25 highly symptomatic neuromas which followed routine orthopaedic procedures on the dorsum of the foot. Most of the neuromas followed incisions made on the dorsomedial two-thirds or so of the midfoot. Three of the patients who refused surgery and were treated nonoperatively had mediocre results. Fourteen patients underwent surgery. Two early cases underwent neurolysis of spindle neuromas with satisfactory results but with some persistent pain and dysfunction. Spindle and bulb neuromas in the remaining 12 patients were widely excised with highly satisfactory results in 10 and unsatisfactory results in two. A functional anatomic study was carried out to determine the area of sensation supplied by the deep peroneal nerve. The results of this study along with a review of anatomical references was used to diagram the sensory distribution to the dorsum of the foot. These diagrams proved helpful in making accurate anatomic diagnoses of the nerves involved with neuro...
Embeddings of a strange attractor into R3.

The algorithm for determining a global Poincar\'e section is applied to a previously studied dynamical system on ${\mathbb{R}}^{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbb{S}}^{1}$ and a one-parameter family of embeddings of the strange attractor it generates into ${\mathbb{R}}^{3}$. We find that the topological properties of the attractor are embedding dependent to a limited extent. These embeddings rigidly preserve mechanism, which is a simple stretch and fold. The embeddings studied show three discrete topological degrees of freedom: parity, global torsion, and braid type of the genus-one torus bounding the embedded attractor.
Cue or place learning in one-way avoidance acquisition?

The results of two experiments suggest that neither nominal nor apparatus- produced CSs are necessary for the acquisition of the one- way avoidance response. In contrast to the results of studies using a variety of tasks, stimulus preexposure does not disrupt conditioning in the one- way avoidance task. Animals given 30 preexposures to a tone CS, a movable door CS, or a compound consisting of both acquired the avoidance response at the same rate as nonpreexposed controls (Experiment 1). A second experiment demonstrated that 90 preexposures to the compound CS also did not retard conditioning. These data, combined with videotaped observations of animals during CAR acquisition, suggest that one- way avoidance is acquired via the association of a place (the shock compartment) rather than a cue with the UCS.
+Three-step H 2 Se/Ar/H 2 S reaction of metal precursors for large area Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) 2 with uniform Ga distribution

A three-step H 2 Se/Ar/H 2 S reaction is used to process Cu-In-Ga metal precursors to form Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) 2 films over 10 × 10 cm2 substrates. The 1st selenization step gives fine microstructure with Ga accumulation near the Mo back contact, primarily in a Cu 9 Ga 4 phase. Significant grain growth with homogenous through-film Ga distribution is obtained by the 2nd Ar annealing step. The 3rd sulfization step completes the reaction process and incorporates S near the Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 surface. The resulting films show good adhesion and yielded devices with η = 14.8% and V OC = 612 mV.
Direct carbomethoxymethylation of organoiron and organomanganese complexes using the reformatsky reagent

Abstract Reaction of BrZnCH 2 Co 2 Me with cyclohexadienyl-Fe(CO) 3 and cycloheptatriene-Mn(CO) 3 salts affords products of carbomethoxymethylation in good yield.
Lunar-Forming Giant Impact Model Utilizing Modern Graphics Processing Units

Recent giant impact models focus on producing a circumplanetary disk of the proper composition around the Earth and defer to earlier works for the accretion of this disk into the Moon. The discontinuity between creating the circumplanetary disk and accretion of the Moon is unnatural and lacks simplicity. In addition, current giant impact theories are being questioned due to their inability to find conditions that will produce a system with both the proper angular momentum and a resultant Moon that is isotopically similar to the Earth. Here we return to first principles and produce a continuous model that can be used to rapidly search the vast impact parameter space to identify plausible initial conditions. This is accomplished by focusing on the three major components of planetary collisions: constant gravitational attraction, short range repulsion and energy transfer. The structure of this model makes it easily parallelizable and well-suited to harness the power of modern Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The model makes clear the physically relevant processes, and allows a physical picture to naturally develop. We conclude by demonstrating how the model readily produces stable Earth–Moon systems from a single, continuous simulation. The resultant systems possess many desired characteristics such as an iron-deficient, heterogeneously-mixed Moon and accurate axial tilt of the Earth.
Excess voltages in transformers and reactors connected to 3-phase electric arc furnaces

Electric arc furnaces have become widely used as a means of melting quantity of material and of carrying out chemical processes requiring high temperatures. The furnace consists of a crucible containing the charge into which dip three carbon electrodes. The electric energy supplied by a 3-phase transformer, together with a limiting reactor, which is frequently connected in the transformer h.v. circuit. Over-voltages have been observed on several furnaces. In some cases these have been ascribed to switching surges, but others have remained unexplained. The author investigated an instance of this latter type on a 10-ton steel furnace. By considering the characteristics of the arc it can be shown that excess voltages can occur when one of the arcs in the furnace iseither extinguished or short-circuited by movements of the solid charge. The over-voltages derived by this means appear to explain the abnormal voltages which were measured. These abnormal voltages are uniformly distributed in the transformer and reactor windings and do not therefore call for local reinforcement of the insulation. The insulation between phases and to earth requires special consideration, and, in general, the insulation class adopted on arc-furnace transformers is higher than that used on power transformers for the same nominal voltage. If the connections in each phase are not perfectly symmetrical, the voltages generated are influenced by the phase sequence.
Measurement of selenite in sediment extracts by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Measurement of selenite (Se [IV]) is the most important step to determine selenium (Se) speciation in water, and in soil–sediment extracts by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS). Determination of Se [IV] commonly involves sample acidification and application of XAD resins for removal of sample organic interference. The effects of sample acidification and application of XAD resins on determination of Se [IV] in sediment samples have not been evaluated in detail. In this study, we evaluated these effects by examining Se concentrations in six different extracts (0.01 M HCl, de-ionized water, 0.1 M NaOH, 0.1 M NaH 2 PO 4 , 0.1 M Na 2 HPO 4 , and 0.1 M Na 2 HPO 4 +0.1 M NaOH) from three seleniferous sediments. Results showed that the amount of extracted Se [IV] was pH-dependent, and was 3–15 times higher in a 0.1 M NaOH extract than in 0.01 M HCl and de-ionized water extracts. Phosphate can replace Se [IV] for adsorption sites, thus resulting in an increase in extracted Se [IV]. Acidification of a humic substance (HS)-containing sample caused a significant loss of free Se [IV], especially in 6 N HCl, due to a complexion of HS-Se [IV]. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics of HS-Se [IV] were found in these sediment extracts, resulting in the accumulation of HS-Se [IV] on XAD resins when the pH 2 extracts were allowed to pass through XAD-7 columns and a significant loss of spiked Se [IV] in the pH 2 extract elutes. These results suggest that determination of Se [IV] in a HS-containing sample by using HGAAS must be evaluated with caution during acidification and application of XAD resins for removal of sample organic interferences.
Charge separation in a ruthenium-quencher conjugate bound to DNA.

A novel tris heteroleptic dipyridophenazine complex of ruthenium(II), [{Ru(phen)(dppz)(bpy‘-his)}{Ru(NH_3)_5}]^(5+), containing a covalently tethered ruthenium pentammine quencher coordinated through a bridging histidine has been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and biochemically in a DNA environment and in organic solvent. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence measurements indicate that the tethered Ru complex is quenched relative to the parent complexes [Ru(phen)(dppz)(bpy‘)]^(2+) and [Ru(phen)(dppz)(bpy‘-his)]^(2+) in DNA and acetonitrile, consistent with intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer. Intercalated into guanine-containing DNA, [{Ru(phen)(dppz)(bpy‘-his)}{Ru(NH_3)_5}]^(5+), upon excitation and intramolecular quenching, is capable of injecting charge into the duplex based upon the EPR detection of guanine radicals. DNA-mediated charge transport is also indicated using a kinetically fast cyclopropylamine-substituted base as an electron hole trap. Guanine damage is not observed, however, in measurements using the guanine radical as the kinetically slower hole trap, indicating that back electron-transfer reactions are competitive with guanine oxidation. Moreover, transient absorption measurements reveal a novel photophysical reaction pathway for [{Ru(phen)(dppz)(bpy‘-his)}{Ru(NH_3)_5}]^(5+) in the presence of DNA that is competitive with the intramolecular flash-quench process. These results illustrate the remarkably rich redox chemistry that can occur within a bimolecular ruthenium complex intercalated in duplex DNA.
Soil aggregate stabilization by a saprophytic lignin-decomposing basidiomycete fungus I. Microbiological aspects.

We studied the effects of a saprophytic lignin-decomposing basidiomycete isolated from plant litter on soil aggregation and stabilization. The basidiomycete produced large quantities of extracellular materials that bind soil particles into aggregates. These binding agents are water-insoluble and heat-resistant. Water stability of aggregates amended with the fungus and the degrees of biodegradation of the binding agents by native soil microorganisms were determined by the wet-sieving method. The data demonstrated that aggregates supplemented with a source of C (millet or lentil straw) were much more water-stable and resisted microbial decomposition longer than when they were prepared with fungal homogenates alone. Moreover, retrieval of fungal-amended aggregates supplemented with millet during the first 4 weeks of incubation in natural soil exhibited more large aggregate fractions (>2 mm) than the ones supplemented with lentil straw. The possible relationship of the role of basidiomycetes in litter decomposition and soil aggregation is discussed.
Towards Structural Systems Pharmacology to Study Complex Diseases and Personalized Medicine

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), whole genome sequencing, and high-throughput omics techniques have generated vast amounts of genotypic and molecular phenotypic data. However, these data have not yet been fully explored to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of drug discovery, which continues along a one-drug-one-target-one-disease paradigm. As a partial consequence, both the cost to launch a new drug and the attrition rate are increasing. Systems pharmacology and pharmacogenomics are emerging to exploit the available data and potentially reverse this trend, but, as we argue here, more is needed. To understand the impact of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors on drug action, we must study the structural energetics and dynamics of molecular interactions in the context of the whole human genome and interactome. Such an approach requires an integrative modeling framework for drug action that leverages advances in data-driven statistical modeling and mechanism-based multiscale modeling and transforms heterogeneous data from GWAS, high-throughput sequencing, structural genomics, functional genomics, and chemical genomics into unified knowledge. This is not a small task, but, as reviewed here, progress is being made towards the final goal of personalized medicines for the treatment of complex diseases.