cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postoperative pulmonary edema in young, athletic adults

Pulmonary edema secondary to postextubation laryngospasm is a potentially life-threatening problem, demanding early diagnosis and prompt treatment. We believe that this problem has been grossly underestimated in its incidence, as only seven adults have been reported in the English literature, whereas seven adults have been observed at our institution in only a 24 month period. All were young, healthy, athletic adult males (average weight, 218 pounds) who underwent relatively minor, uncomplicated surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Five of these patients were collegiate and/or professional athletes and had meticulous medical records detailing their clinical course. Clinical laryngospasm was noted immediately following extubation and anesthesia by mask with subsequent pulmonary edema. The diagnoses were confirmed by clinical examination, arterial blood gas determinations or pulse oximetry, and chest roentgenogram. Four adults required reintubation. Six of the seven adults demonstrated very rapid resolution of the pulmonary edema with prompt diagnosis and institution of a therapeutic regimen including oxygen, diuretics, reintubation, and/or positive pressure ventilation. In one patient, the problem was not immediately recognized, and progressed to florid pulmonary edema requiring emergent intubation 14 hours later in the emergency room, and 3 days of mechanical ventilation. The etiology of pulmonary edema following upper airway obstruction represents an interplay between several factors: cardiogenic and neurogenic mechanisms, as well as hypoxia contribute. In this group, excessive negative intrathoracic pressure generated by forced inspiration against a closed glottis is the most likely, consistent, and logical explanation. This study suggests that young, healthy, athletic males may be at increased risk for this complication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The challenge of sustainable electricity

If ever there were a word used loosely in the business community, it is sustainability. This is partly because the term is so broadly defined. At its most basic level, sustainability refers to the management of resources to ensure the long-term well-being of ourselves and our planet.
A framework for defining and describing key design features of virtual citizen science projects

Virtual citizen science (VCS) uses computer-mediated interaction (usually a Web-based platform) to enable the public to work with professional scientists conducting research. However, there is currently a lack of research about the core features of VCS projects. This would aid professional scientists in engaging in best practices for creating their own VCS projects. This research presents a pilot study applying usability-based categories towards the creation a VCS classification scheme. We selected categories from the literature empirically related to the usability of commercial and non-commercial websites. Two independent sets of judges rated the extent to which certain forms of technology were manifested in VCS projects and how well the VCS projects reflected the usability principles. We used Zooniverse, a collection of different VCS projects that share a common brand. This allows us to study a diverse but integrated sample of typical VCS projects from the Zooniverse.
PROGRAMMATIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EFFECTIVE OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES

This study utilized four research questions to address the problem of isolating programmatic factors associated with occupational education programs identified as effective in community colleges. Thirty‐four occupational education programs in seventeen community colleges in Arizona, Washington and Oregon were identified by a local administrator for participation. Two programs at each institution were utilized in the study. One program was identified as effective; the other was identified as ineffective by each administrator. The results included the isolation of fifteen programmatic factors associated with effective occupational education programs in community colleges. A checklist was developed, including an assessment scale, utilizing the programmatic factors associated with effective occupational education programs in community colleges.
Identifying high-risk small business industries for occupational safety and health interventions.

Background Approximately one-third (32%) of U.S. workers are employed in small business industries (those with 80% of workers in establishments with fewer than 100 employees), and approximately 53 million persons in private industry work in small business establishments. This study was performed to identify small business industries at high risk for occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Methods Small business industries were identified from among all three- and four-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and ranked using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data by rates and numbers of occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Both incidence rates and number of injury, illness, and fatality cases were evaluated. Results The 253 small business industries identified accounted for 1,568 work-related fatalities (34% of all private industry). Transportation incidents and violent acts were the leading causes of these fatalities. Detailed injury and illness data were available for 105 small business industries, that accounted for 1,476,400 work-related injuries, and 55,850 occupational illnesses. Many of the small business industries had morbidity and mortality rates exceeding the average rates for all private industry. The highest risk small business industries, based on a combined morbidity and mortality index, included logging, cut stone and stone products, truck terminals, and roofing, siding, and sheet metal work. Conclusions Identification of high-risk small business industries indicates priorities for those interested in developing targeted prevention programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:301–311, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of the Revised Children's Diet Quality Index to assess preschooler's diet quality, its sociodemographic predictors, and its association with body weight status

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of overall diet quality, sociodemographic predictors of diet quality, and the association between diet quality and body weight status in a nationally representative sample of preschoolers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a sample of 2-5 years old with sociodemographic, dietary, and anthropometric data (n = 1,521) in the National Health and Examination Survey 1999-2002. Overall diet quality was determined using the Revised Children's Diet Quality Index. Sociodemographic predictors (age, sex, sociodemographic, ethnic group, household income, preschool attendance, federal food program participation) of diet quality were determined using multiple linear regression models in the total sample and stratified by household income for Food Stamp eligible (< 1.3 of the poverty income ratio) or Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children eligible (poverty income ratio < 1.85). Association between diet quality and prevalence of childhood obesity was assessed with Pearson chi-square tests. Statistical significance was assumed at p £ 0.05. All analysis was conducted using complex survey design routines. RESULTS: On average, preschooler consumed suboptimal levels of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Overall diet quality decreased with increasing age (beta-coefficient: -2.38, p < 0.001) but improved with increasing family income in the full sample (beta-coefficient: 1.22, p < 0.001) but not in the low-income subpopulations. Mexican American children had significantly better diet quality than non-Hispanic white children (beta-coefficient: 2.18, p < 0.033) especially in the low income group (beta-coefficient: 3.57, p < 0.006). Childhood obesity prevalence decreased significantly with increasing diet quality. CONCLUSIONS: Preschooler's diet quality needs to be improved to support the prevention of childhood obesity early in life.
The co-occurrence of psychiatric and substance use diagnoses in adolescents in different service systems: Frequency, recognition, cost, and outcomes

The frequency, severity, recognition, cost, and outcomes of adolescent substance use comorbidity were analyzed in the Fort Bragg Demonstration Project. Comorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of substance use disorder (SUD) with other psychiatric diagnosis. The sample consisted of 428 adolescent clients whose providers' diagnoses were compared with research diagnoses. The project identified 59 clients (13.8%) with SUD, all with additional psychiatric diagnoses. Providers recognized only 21 of these 59 comorbid cases. The frequency and severity of comorbidity did not differ between service system samples, although recognition did. Comorbid clients had more behavior problems and more functioning impairment, and their average treatment cost ($29,057) was more than twice as high as that of noncomorbid clients ($13,067). Mental health outcomes were not influenced by type of service system, comorbid diagnosis, or treatment. Screening for and prevention of SUD are discussed as a potential cost-savings opportunity in mental health services.
Proton transfer reactions of methylanthracene radical cations with nitrogen-centered bases under non-steady-state conditions. a search for the possible effect of reactant impurities upon the kinetic data.

At a recent conference, the issue was raised that our earlier non-steady-state kinetic studies1-3 may be in error because of the effects of possible impurities in the N-centered bases employed. Thi...
Core promoters in transcription: old problem, new insights

Early studies established that transcription initiates within an approximately 50 bp DNA segment capable of nucleating the assembly of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and associated general transcription factors (GTFs) necessary for transcriptional initiation; this region is called a core promoter. Subsequent analyses identified a series of conserved DNA sequence elements, present in various combinations or not at all, in core promoters. Recent genome-wide analyses have provided further insights into the complexity of core promoter architecture and function. Here we review recent studies that delineate the active role of core promoters in the transcriptional regulation of diverse physiological systems.
Varying Forms of Husband Sexual Aggression: Predictors and Subgroup Differences

The relationships between two forms of husband sexual aggression (coercion and threatened/ forced sex) and husband physical and psychological aggression were examined among a community sample of 164 couples. A stronger relationship between physical and sexual aggression was obtained than in previous research. Husbands’ physical and psychological aggression predicted husbands’ sexual coercion, but only physical aggression predicted threatened/forced sex. The more severely physically violent subtypes of the A. HoltzworthMunroe et al. (2000) typology engaged in the most sexual coercion, and the most violent subtype (generally violent/antisocial) engaged in the most threatened/forced sex. In examining C. M. Monson and J. Langhinrichsen-Rohling’s (1998) typology, the existence of a sexually violent– only subtype was documented, physically nonviolent husbands were found to engage in sexual coercion, and sexually and physically violent husbands engaged in the highest level of sexual aggression. The utility of using multiple measures, and both spouses’ reports, to assess sexual aggression is emphasized. Marital rape may be more common than all other types of rape (Kilpatrick, Best, Saunders, & Veronen, 1988), making it an important problem to understand. In this undeveloped research area, one consistent finding is that marital rape seems to be associated with physical husband aggression. Indeed, some researchers have suggested that marital rape be considered a form of husband violence (e.g., Frieze,
Transystem tracing arrays: A macroflow analysis technique

Abstract The transystem tracing array (TTA) is the basic building block for a transystem flow analysis technique. It helps analyse and document the flow through a processing system. The TTA technique has helped improve the handling of system changes, diagnosis of data errors and system bugs, and user-analyst communication. It has provided a simple and clear method for obtaining a brief and unambiguous overview of the trace (flow) through an entire system. TTAs are very easy to understand; they help users and analysts avoid bogging down in numerous system details of secondary interest, while maintaining a system-wide scale of perspective. The TTA technique is well suited to both the computerized portion of information systems and to manual office tasks for forms processing. The TTA method is built on a novel technique of collapsing complex composite dimensional arrays into simple two-way arrays.
Molecular identities of human sperm proteins reactive with antibodies in sera of immunoinfertile women.

Antisperm antibodies (ASA) can cause infertility in both men and women. It is important to delineate the sperm antigens against which these ASA are directed. Sperm proteins were separated by 2D gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose membrane and incubated with sera from fertile women or immunoinfertile women having ASA. The corresponding immunoreactive peptide spots were cored from the gel and analyzed by the two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis/matrix-assisted laser desoprtion ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/LC-MS). A total of 68 spots belonging to 38 different proteins and their isomers were identified. Fourteen of these proteins and their isomers reacted with both the fertile and immunoinfertile sera. Twenty-four of these proteins reacted specifically only with the immunoinfertile sera and not with the fertile sera. Among them was a novel protein designated as a hypothetical protein FLJ32704 (accession # Q96MA6). An immunodominant sequence (amino acid 151-159) of this protein was identified and a nonamer peptide based upon this sequence (IQTLG1TPR) was synthesized and examined for its immunoreactivity. This synthetic peptide reacted with 90% (36/40) of immunoinfertile sera and not with any of the fertile sera (0/40) in the enzyme-linked immnosorbent assay (ELISA). In conclusion, using the 2D gel electrophoresis/MALDI-TOF-MS/LC-MS procedure, we have identified several known and at least one novel antigen against which the antibodies are present in sera of immunoinfertile but not fertile women. Some of these antigens may find applications in specific diagonsis and treatment of infertility/immunoinfertility, and in the development of new generation of contraceptive modalities including contraceptive vaccines. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insights into the Novel Adaptor-Independent Apoptosis Mediated by Human Papillomavirus E2 Protein

Early protein E2 of human papillomaviruses (HPV), that are associated with cervical and anogenital cancers, regulates viral DNA replication and transactivation of essential viral oncogenes. Apart from these functions, E2 protein from high risk virus types such as HPV-16 and −18 triggers apoptosis in the host cell. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, recent literature suggests that in HPV-18 E2, the N-terminal transactivation domain directly interacts with procaspase-8, a component of Death Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC) in the extrinsic cell death pathway. This interaction bypasses the requirement of upstream adaptor proteins which are essentially required for DISC formation, thereby representing a novel adaptor-independent caspase activation pathway. In this work, we dissected the binding interface of E2-procasapse-8 interaction using an interdisciplinary approach employing techniques such as in silico, mutational, biochemical and biophysical analyses. In vitro pull-down and co-expression studies show that E2 specifically interacts with procaspase-8 death effector domain (DED) B. We further delineated the minimal binding region in DED B using different deletion constructs. Based upon docking analyses, site directed mutagenesis of E2 was carried out and critical residues involved in this protein-protein interaction were identified. Our results provide a molecular basis of this novel E2-procaspase-8 interaction and help in providing a model for E2-induced apoptosis in high risk HPV types. This information may be utilized in future studies to design E2 analogs so as to modulate procaspase-8 activation and hence promote apoptosis.
NMR Spectroscopic Studies of Thialene (Cyclopenta[ b ]thiapyran) and Isothialene (Cyclopenta[ c ]thiapyran)

1 H and 13 C NMR spectral parameters are reported for the S-pseudoazulenes thialene (cyclopenta[ b ]thiapyran) ( I ) and isothialene (cyclopenta[ c ]thiapyran) ( II ). Both compounds display complex first order spectra, with thialene having 10 and isothialene 14 of 15 possible coupling constants. Complete unambiguous assignments of all protons and non-quaternary carbons were made via 2-dimensional NMR techniques and PPP-SCF π-electron density/chemical shift and π-bond order/vicinal coupling constant correlations.
Discovering the intelligence in molecular biology

Summary The Third International Conference on Intelligent Systems in Molecular Biology was truly an outstanding event. Computational methods in molecular biology have reached a new level of maturity and utility, resulting in many high-impact applications. The success of this meeting bodes well for the rapid and continuing development of computational methods, intelligent systems and information-based approaches for the biosciences. The basic technology, originally most often applied to ‘feasibility’ problems, is now dealing effectively with the most difficult real-wold problems. Significant progress has been made in understanding protein-structure information, structural classification, and how functional information and the relevant features of active-site geometry can be gleaned from structures by automated computational approaches. The value and limits of homology-based methods, and the ability to classify proteins by structure in the absence of homology, have reached a new level of sophistication. New methods for covariation analysis in the folding of large structures such as RNAs have shown remarkably good results, indicating the long-term potential to understand very complicated molecules and multimolecular complexes using computational means. Novel methods, such as HMMs, context-free grammars and the uses of mutual information theory, have taken center stage as highly valuable tools in our quest to represent and characterize biological information. A focus on creative uses of intelligent systems technologies and the trend toward biological application will undoubtedly continue and grow at the 1996 ISMB meeting in St Louis.
Operator Valued Functions with Pick Operators Having Negative Subspaces of Bounded Dimensions

Functions whose values are bounded linear Hilbert space operators (each operator may be defined on its own subspace of the ambient Hilbert space), the domain of definition is contained in the open unit disc, and having the following property κ, are studied. (κ): All Pick operators associated with the function have the dimensions of their spectral subspace corresponding to the negative part of the spectrum bounded above by a fixed nonnegative integer κ, and the bound κ is attained. No a priori hypotheses concerning regularity of the functions are assumed. A particular class of functions, called standard functions, is introduced, and the corresponding nonnegative integer κ is identified for standard functions. It is proved that every function with property (κ) can be extended to a standard function with property (κ), for the same κ. This result is interpreted as a result on interpolation. As an application, maximal (with respect to the extension relation) functions with the property κ, for a fixed κ, are studied in terms of standard functions.
Gauge Invariance and the Born Approximation in Pion Electroproduction

It is shown that use of the Ward-Takahashi identity for the electromagnetic vertices of the hadrons gives a more satisfactory argument than the traditional one for the addition of subtraction terms to the Born approximation of pion electroproduction.
Teachers' perspectives and contextual dimensions to guide the design of N.C. history learning objects and ontology

This paper describes an ongoing research project that involves the study of teachers' information seeking behaviors, needs and practices in relation to a collection of primary source materials available through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Library's digital library Documenting the American South (DocSouth). By gaining an in-depth understanding of the needs and wants of teachers in the context of their work, we hope to build a collection of learning objects and a domain ontology applied to the collection to improve teachers' access to the cultural heritage materials and to facilitate their actual use in the classroom.
Flat panel volume computed tomography of the coronary arteries.

Rationale and Objectives Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has evolved into a sensitive diagnostic tool for the noninvasive detection of coronary artery stenosis, but remains limited by spatial resolution. Flat panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) offers a higher spatial resolution. In a postmortem investigation of autopsy specimens, the accuracies of fpVCT for measuring the severity of coronary artery stenosis and the size of atherosclerotic plaque components were determined. Methods and Materials In 25 autopsy cases, hearts were isolated, the left anterior descending coronary arteries filled with contrast agent, and depicted with a prototype fpVCT unit with a slice thickness of 0.25 mm. Transections of the left anterior descending coronary arteries were reconstructed and compared with histopathologic sections using light microscopy. Results FpVCT measurements of luminal stenosis (r = 0.81), total plaque area (r = 0.88), calcified plaque area (r = 0.92), noncalcified plaque area (r = 0.83), and lipid core size (r = 0.67; P Conclusions Postmortem coronary fpVCT provides an accurate and reproducible method for the quantitative assessment of both luminal stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque size. Because of its high spatial resolution, the method should be sufficiently accurate to reliably detect the lipid pools of vulnerable plaques.
Density functional theory and ab initio study of bond dissociation energy for peroxonitrous acid and peroxyacetyl nitrate

Abstract Geometries and energies of two nitro peroxides, HOONO2 and CH3COOONO2 are calculated by two common ab initio (ROHF and MP2), local (SVWN), four hybrid (BHandH, BHandHLYP, Becke3LYP, and Becke3P86) and two non-local (BLYP and BP86) density functional theory (DFT) methods. In all calculations standard GAUSSIAN-type basis sets [6-31+G(d) and 6-311++G(3df,3pd)] are used. Based on the comparison of computed and experimental values both Becke3LYP hybrid and BLYP non-local DFT methods generate energies that are in excellent agreement with experimental values. The suitability of other methods for computing these and similar molecules are discussed.
Informal Child Support Contributions in Black Female-Headed Families

Key reforms to child support enforcement have aimed at increasing formal child support awards, levels and receipts. However, the role of child support contributions outside the formal child support system has been largely ignored. This study draws critical attention to these informal child support contributions, with chief focus on informal child support receipts of Black mothers. The study finds that Black mothers are significantly more likely to receive informal cash and in-kind child support contributions relative to other mothers, especially when non-resident fathers are also Black.
Medical word use in clinical encounters

Objective Doctors often use medical language with their patients despite findings from a variety of studies that have shown that patients frequently misunderstand medical terminology. Little is known about the patterns of medical word use by doctors and patients during clinical encounters. Methods A content analysis of 16 verbatim transcripts of first clinical encounters between rheumatologists and newly referred patients was conducted to assess how doctors and patients introduced medical words. Medical words were identified via a computer program using a defined list. Results Doctors did not introduce or use more medical words than patients, but the types of words that doctors and patients introduced did differ. The majority of patient-initiated medical words occurred during the history taking (94%). Doctors did not explain, or use as part of an explanation, the majority (79%) of the medical words they introduced, and patients seldom responded in a way that would indicate whether or not they had correctly interpreted those terms. There was relatively little repetition of medical words within or even across encounters. Conclusions This study provides insights into how the use of medical terminology could contribute to misunderstanding. Findings suggest that steps already promoted in the literature to improve doctor–patient communication may also ameliorate potential problems arising from the use of medical terminology.
Age-related changes in the mouse outer retina.

ABSTRACT:Purpose.To define the physiological and structural changes that may accompany aging in the normal mouse retina.Methods.C57BL/6 mice were maintained under cyclic light for either 2, 6, or 12 months. After rod- and cone-mediated corneal electroretinograms (ERG’s) were recorded from anesthetiz
A Review of the Parasite Cellular Mechanisms Involved in the Pathogenesis of Amebiasis

Amebiasis, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality on a global scale, is caused by invasion of the colonic mucosa by the cytolytic protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. A review of the investigations into the mechanisms by which the parasite causes invasive disease is presented, including the relevant history, epidemiology, and pathology of amebiasis, the biology of the parasite, in vivo and in vitro studies of the pathogenesis of disease, the host immune responses, and possibilities for prevention and biologic control. New insights into the cell biology of E. histolytica, especially its adherence and cytolytic properties, offer several new approaches to biologic control of this invasive, destructive parasitic infection.
Three‐Dimensional Investigation of a 5 m Deflected Swale along the San Andreas Fault in the Carrizo Plain

Topographic maps produced from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data are useful for paleoseismic and neotectonic research because they pro- vide submeter representation of faulting-related surface features. Offset measurements of geomorphic features, made in the field or on a remotely sensed imagery, commonly assume a straight or smooth (i.e., undeflected) pre-earthquake geometry. Here, we present results from investigation of an ∼20 cm deep and >5 m wide swale with a sharp bend along the San Andreas fault (SAF) at the Bidart fan site in the Carrizo Plain, California. From analysis of LiDAR topography images and field measure- ments, the swale was initially interpreted as a channel tectonically offset ∼4:7 m. Our observations from exposures in four backhoe excavations and 25 hand-dug trenchettes show that even though a sharp bend in the swale coincides with the trace of the A.D. 1857 fault rupture, the swale formed after the 1857 earthquake and was not tectonically offset. Subtle fractures observed within a surficial gravel unit overlying the 1857 rupture trace are similar to fractures previously documented at the Phelan fan and LY4 paleoseismic sites 3 and 35 km northwest of Bidart fan, respectively. Collectively, the fractures suggest that a post-1857 moderate-magnitude earthquake caused ground cracking in the Carrizo and Cholame stretches of the SAF. Our obser- vations emphasize the importance of excavation at key locations to validate remote and ground-based measurements, and we advocate more geomorphic characterization for each site if excavation is not possible. Online Material: Figures of trench logs.
The role of microRNA in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract Introduction Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has a historically low median survival rate, but recent advances and discoveries in microRNAs (miRNAs) have opened the potential for new prognostication modalities to enhance therapeutic success. As new chemotherapies and immunotherapies are developed, there is an increasing need for precision and stratification of CRPC to allow for optimization and personalization of therapy. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted via electronic database resulting in the selection of 42 articles based on title, abstract, study format, and content by a consensus of all participating authors. Most selected articles were published between 2002 and 2013. In this review, we discuss the robustness of miRNAs as a biomarker platform, miRNAs associated with prostate cancer, and recent discoveries of miRNA associations with CRPC. Results The associations discovered have been of interest owing to the ability to differentiate between CRPC and localized prostate cancer. With the evaluation of multiple miRNAs, it is possible to provide a profile regarding tumor characteristics. Furthermore, actions of miRNAs on CRPC tumor cells have the ability to suppress metastatic phenotypes. Conclusion miRNAs may have a growing role in CRPC prognostication and may potentially transform into a therapeutic potential.
TU‐FF‐A4‐03: Concept and Evaluation of Averaged 4‐D CT Imaging in Determining the Internal Target Volume for Extracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Lung Nodules

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and robustness of averaging 4‐D images to determine the internal target volume (ITV) for small lungtumors during breathing. Method and Materials: A Philips Brilliance 16‐slice CT simulator (CT‐sim) obtained axial cinematographic (cine') images (512×512 pixels, 480mm FOV) of a phantom that moved with known distance and velocity in both the longitudinal and axial planes. The CT‐sim recorded 25 cine' images in each of 16 slices, 1.5mm thick to create a 24mm slab of data at different times during a motion cycle. The images at each slice position were averaged to produce composite slices. Composite slices were assembled longitudinally to produce a composite slab. Concatenated composite slabs are called an Averaged 4‐D (4‐DAvg) image set. Patients were scanned using the protocol above. Gross tumor volume (GTV) appearing in the 4‐DAvgimage set was contoured to produce an mGTV (ITV minus the margin for sub‐clinical disease) before superposition on beam's‐eye‐view DRRs and transferred to an on‐line electronic portal imager (EPI) for comparison of the mGTV position to that of the GTV as observed during treatment. Results: Phantom measurements showed key factors which govern the ability of the 4‐DAvgimage set to accurately represent the location of objects during motion: slice thickness, cine' duration relative to the period of motion and the sampling frequency of the cine' relative to the duration of motion at its extremes. We determined the position of objects undergoing a 0.2Hz movement over 20mm to within approximately 1.0mm. Similar results were obtained for a patient in the stereotactic body frame using an EPI. Conclusion: For tumors with motions having a frequency about 0.2Hz over a 20mm range, one can obtain positional accuracy within approximately 1mm using the 4‐DAvg technique outlined above. Conflict of Interest: Partly funded by Elekta, Inc., Norcross, GA.
Minimal Extension Covers

Let A and B be finite groups and let S be the set of all extensions of A by B. A group G is called an extension cover of (A, B), if G contains all extensions in S as subgroups of G. A group G is called a minimal extension cover if G is an extension cover of minimal order. Let be the prime factorization of the odd number n and define . The group D n 1 ×…×D n k × Z 2 is the unique minimal extension cover of (Z n , Z 2). This article also constructs a minimal extension cover of (Z 2 n , Z 2). Some conjectures about minimal extension covers are examined as well.
Molecular Mechanism of Thioflavin-T Binding to the Surface of β-Rich Peptide Self-Assemblies

A number of small organic molecules have been developed that bind to amyloid fibrils, a subset of which also inhibit fibrillization. Among these, the benzothiol dye Thioflavin-T (ThT) has been used for decades in the diagnosis of protein-misfolding diseases and in kinetic studies of self-assembly (fibrillization). Despite its importance, efforts to characterize the ThT-binding mechanism at the atomic level have been hampered by the inherent insolubility and heterogeneity of peptide self-assemblies. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a minimalist approach to designing a ThT-binding site in a "peptide self-assembly mimic" (PSAM) scaffold. PSAMs are engineered water-soluble proteins that mimic a segment of beta-rich peptide self-assembly, and they are amenable to standard biophysical techniques and systematic mutagenesis. The PSAM beta-sheet contains rows of repetitive amino acid patterns running perpendicular to the strands (cross-strand ladders) that represent a ubiquitous structural feature of fibril-like surfaces. We successfully designed a ThT-binding site that recapitulates the hallmarks of ThT-fibril interactions by constructing a cross-strand ladder consisting of contiguous tyrosines. The X-ray crystal structures suggest that ThT interacts with the beta-sheet by docking onto surfaces formed by a single tyrosine ladder, rather than in the space between adjacent ladders. Systematic mutagenesis further demonstrated that tyrosine surfaces across four or more beta-strands formed the minimal binding site for ThT. Our work thus provides structural insights into how this widely used dye recognizes a prominent subset of peptide self-assemblies, and proposes a strategy to elucidate the mechanisms of fibril-ligand interactions.
Typed memory management in a calculus of capabilities

An increasing number of systems rely on programming language technology to ensure safety and security of low-level code. Unfortunately, these systems typically rely on a complex, trusted garbage collector. Region-based type systems provide an alternative to garbage collection by making memory management explicit but verifiably safe. However, it has not been clear how to use regions in low-level, type-safe code.We present a compiler intermediate language, called the Capability Calculus, that supports region-based memory management, enjoys a provably safe type system, and is straightforward to compile to a typed assembly language. Source languages may be compiled to our language using known region inference algorithms. Furthermore, region lifetimes need not be lexically scoped in our language, yet the language may be checked for safety without complex analyses. Finally, our soundness proof is relatively simple, employing only standard techniques.The central novelty is the use of static capabilities to specify the permissibility of various operations, such as memory access and deallocation. In order to ensure capabilities are relinquished properly, the type system tracks aliasing information using a form of bounded quantification.
SERUM DEPRIVATION INHIBITS GLUTATHIONE DEPLETION-INDUCED DEATH IN EMBRYONIC CORTICAL NEURONS: EVIDENCE AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS AS A FINAL COMMON MEDIATOR OF NEURONAL APOPTOSIS

We have previously shown that glutamate-induced cystine deprivation of embryonic cortical neurons leads to intracellular depletion of the antioxidant glutathione, consequent oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. To test the hypothesis that glutathione depletion and oxidative stress represent a common pathway of neuronal apoptosis, we examined the effect of a variety of antioxidants on serum deprivation-induced death in embryonic cortical neurons. A host of antioxidant agents, capable of abrogating glutathione depletion-induced apoptosis in cortical neurons, were unable to inhibit serum deprivation-induced death in these cells. To test whether serum deprivation and glutathione depletion involve different or antagonistic pathways, we serum-deprived cortical neurons at the time of induction of glutathione depletion. Surprisingly, we found that serum deprivation diminished glutathione depletion-induced death as compared to cultures treated with growth factors or serum. These observations suggest that serum deprivation antagonizes the cell death signaling pathway activated by glutathione depletion and that serum and growth factors can enhance susceptibility to oxidative stress. Consistent with these conclusions, we show that growth factors or serum added in combination with antioxidants possess superior survival promoting effects as compared to either agent alone.
Rearrangement in the 1,3′-bicyclopropenyl series

Abstract The photochemical behavior of a representative 1,3′-bicyclopropene was studied and was found to undergo a novel rearrangement to a naphthalene derivative.
Comparing Open Radical Cystectomy and Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Open radical cystectomy (ORC) and urinary diversion in patients with bladder cancer (BCa) are associated with significant perioperative complication risk.
Three decades of investigations on heavy metals in coastal sediments, North Arctic Alaska: A synthesis

Concentrations of V, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Ba, Fe, Mn, total and methyl Hg were measured in muddy sediments from urbanized Elson Lagoon adjacent to Barrow Village, industrialized Colville Delta-Prudhoe Bay, and relatively pristine Beaufort Lagoon adjacent to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort Sea, north Arctic Alaska. Comparison of the mean concentrations of the metals at approximately 10-year intervals (1977, 1986, 1997), within the Colville Delta-Prudhoe Bay shows significantly increased concentrations of V in 1986 and 1997 from 1977 and an increase in Ba from 1986 to 1997. No significant changes were noted in the concentrations of other elements. The sources of V and Ba contaminants are unknown. The levels of all metals are below or similar to those in unpolluted marine sediments. The geochemical partitioning of selected metals was deduced from metal analyses in the lithogenous and non-lithogenous sediment fractions. Of the total contents -50% of Mn, 25-35% Co, 15-20% Zn, Cu and Ni, 10% of V and Fe and <3% of Cr are bound in the non-lithogenous phase, presumably in organic matter, clays and Fe-Mn oxide/hydroxides. In contrast, almost all of Cr, Cd and Ba are lattice-held, and <1% of Hg is methylated.
Relationship between the number of bacteria added to soil or seeds and their abundance and distribution in the rhizosphere of alfalfa

A study was conducted of the relationship between the density of several bacterial strains introduced into soil or onto seeds and their abundance in the rhizosphere of alfalfa. The abundance of six species in the rhizosphere was directly correlated with the density of bacteria initially added to soil. The density of six species in the rhizosphere of 15-day-old plants also was directly correlated with the density of each strain in nonrhizosphere soil. Tests of seven species added to soil at four inoculum densities showed that bacteria that survived well in the soil attained the highest densities in the rhizosphere and those that survived poorly in the soil were present at the lowest densities in the rhizosphere. Sixteen of 19 bacterial strains added to alfalfa seeds at 107 or 108 cells per g colonized the rhizosphere of 15-day-old plants, but nearly all of the cells were localized in the upper third of the rhizosphere. A study of 12 bacterial strains that failed to colonize the lower part of the rhizosphere if inoculated onto seeds showed that the bacteria colonized the entire rhizosphere of 15-day-old alfalfa plants if initially inoculated throughout the soil. The data suggest that the density of individual bacterial strains in the rhizosphere is dependent on their density in the soil and that seed inoculation only has an effect on the population in the proximal portion of the alfalfa root system.
Interactions between nerve growth factor binding and estradiol in early development of the zebra finch telencephalon.

The zebra finch telencephalon exhibits rapid and substantial development in the first few weeks after hatching. In parallel, the rate of estradiol synthesis is very high in the zebra finch forebrain, and estradiol can have potent neurotrophic effects in specific telencephalic regions, including those that control the learning and production of song. In an attempt to elucidate mechanisms regulating telencephalic development, potentially including a role for the large capacity for estrogen production, (125)I-nerve growth factor (NGF) binding was measured in homogenates of telencephalon from zebra finches age 3, 15, 30, 60, and 120 days. The highest density of low- and high-affinity (125)I-NGF binding sites was observed in 3-day-old finches. Using an aromatase inhibitor, Fadrozole, to reduce estradiol levels in 1 to 4-day-old zebra finches significantly decreased both high- and low-affinity (125)I-NGF binding sites. Conversely, treating adult or 8 to 14-day-old hatchlings with estradiol increased high-affinity (125)I-NGF binding sites. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that estradiol influences the level of NGF receptors, and suggest one mechanism through which the steroid could affect brain development. The data also indicate that estradiol and NGF activity may be important for very early development of the telencephalon.
Patriarch Gerold and Frederick II: the Matthew Paris letter

The controversy over the crusade of Frederick II, which has continued from the thirteenth century to our own day, has been complicated by problems with the sources. In this article, the surviving letters of Gerold of Lausanne, Patriarch of Jerusalem and a leading critic of Frederick in the East, are re-examined. Comparison of the two letters, one directed to Pope Honorius III, and the other an encyclical to all the faithful found in the Chronica majora of Matthew Paris, along with internal evidence, supports the view that the latter is a forgery. It is rather the product of later propaganda.
Anxiety-like effects of SR141716-precipitated delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol withdrawal in mice in the elevated plus-maze

Marijuana discontinuation has been recently reported to be anxiogenic in humans, which may predict relapse. Limited animal research has been carried out to model this withdrawal-associated negative affect. The current study sought to investigate the potential anxiety-like effects of cannabinoid withdrawal in mice. Male ICR mice were injected s.c. with delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 10mg/kg or vehicle once daily for 10 days. To precipitate withdrawal, the cannabinoid CB1 antagonist SR141716 (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0mg/kg) or vehicle was administrated i.p. 4h following the last THC or vehicle treatment. Thirty minutes later, mice were tested on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) for 5min. SR141716 did not significantly change EPM behaviors in vehicle-treated mice. In contrast, SR141716 precipitated a reduction in exploration of the open arms of EPM in mice repeatedly treated with THC vs vehicle. At 3.0mg/kg, SR141716 significantly reduced % open arm entries of the total arm entries, % open arm time of total time in arms, and the absolute time spent in open arms. No significant differences in the number of closed or total arm entries were observed, indicating that the behavioral changes were not due to altered motor activity. Collectively, the present results constitute the first evidence that cannabinoid withdrawal produces anxiety-like effects in mice. This animal model may help to identify the mechanisms that contribute to adaptations in the neuronal circuitry of the brain that are expressed as emotional symptoms of cannabinoid withdrawal.
Correlating linactant efficiency and self-assembly: structural basis of line activity in molecular monolayers.

Surfactants exhibit characteristic phenomena, including the reduction of interfacial free energy, self-assembly into aggregates, and even the formation of lyotropic liquid crystalline phases at high concentrations. Our research has shown that a semifluorinated phosphonic acid can act as the two-dimensional analogue of a surfactant-a linactant-by reducing the line tension between hydrocarbon-rich and fluorocarbon-rich phases in a Langmuir monolayer. This linactant can also self-assemble into nanoscale clusters in a monolayer. Here, we explore the dependence of linactant behavior on molecular structure. Members of a homologous series of partially fluorinated phosphonic acids were synthesized and tested as linactants: CF3(CF2)n−1(CH2)mPO3H (abbreviated as FnHmPO3). The tests revealed that linactants with longer hydrophobic chains were most efficient in lowering line tension. For linactants with the same overall chain length, the length of the fluorocarbon block was correlated with efficiency. Thus, the linac...
Role of programmed stimulation in assessing vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias

Programmed electrical stimulation can now be safely performed in humans for the evaluation of therapy for recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Such studies may also eventually be found useful in predicting the risk of developing life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The repetitive ventricular response phenomenon has been evaluated. Although an association between the intraventricular reentrant phenomenon and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias has been found, its predictive value in a population at risk is not sufficient for use in clinical decision making. On the other hand, the initiation of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation appears closely related to its actual spontaneous clinical occurrence. Serial electrophysiologic studies can be performed and are effective in prospectively evaluating the response to antiarrhythmic drugs. The efficacy of therapy based on the results of programmed stimulation appears to be good.
CHEMISORPTION AND EXCHANGE WITH DEUTERIUM OF METHANE ON METALS

Abstract The interaction of methane with metal catalysts has received less attention than that of hydrocarbons containing two or more carbon atoms [1]. Yet methane is interesting because its electronic structure resembles that of a rare gas and it possesses high symmetry and small reactivity. Also, it is the most stable of the alkanes and one of the few thermodynamically stable at room temperature. The temperature at which methane should spontaneously decompose (δG° = 0) is 570°C [2] and its reactions may give valuable information [4].
Reproductive tourism and the regulatory map.

A quiet but burgeoning market in reproductive tourism stretches around the globe and already encompasses thousands of people. Debora Spar describes the explosive growth of high-tech reproduction th...