cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-FF-T-87: Dose Reconstruction of Intracranial Hypofractionated Helical Tomotherapy Treatments for Adaptive Planning

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetry of delivered hypofractionated image guided helical tomotherapy treatments for adaptive planning. Method and Materials: Twelve patients with intracranial lesions received hypofractionated radiation treatments using helical tomotherapy. Image guidance MVCTs are merged with the planning kVCT images. The treatmentdeliveries then are calculated with a fine dose grid over the associated merged images. The summation dosimetry of the deliveredtreatments to the targets are analyzed using TomoTherapy adaptive planning software (TomoTherapy, Madison, WI) to determine if tuning the current plan to the patient's daily treatment position would have been desirable. Results: On average, the difference between the planned treatments and deliveredtreatments in the coverage of the GTVs (n=33) by the prescription dose for all patients is 4.6%±13.1%. When selecting 99% of the prescription dose, the difference of mean GTV coverage between planned and deliveredtreatments reduces to 0.1%±0.4%. For the PTVs (n =33), the mean variation in coverage from the planned to deliveredtreatments by the prescription dose is 5.2%±10.0%. The average difference between planned versus deliveredtreatment coverage of the PTVs reduces to 0.5%±1.0% at 99% of the prescription dose.Conclusion: Due to the short course and high dose per delivery of hypofractionated radiation treatments, the importance of evaluating and if necessary adapting the planned treatment is pronounced for intracranial patients. As these IMRT plans create a sharp dose gradient there is notable incongruence between the planned and delivered coverage of the targets encompassed by the prescription dose. While changing the treatment plan to perform adaptive therapy seems to be the best solution, however, revision of the treated plans in this study would not be necessary as there is excellent agreement of target coverage between the planned and the deliveredimage guided helical tomotherapy treatments by the selected 99% of the prescription dose.
Artificial Urinary Sphincters Placed After Posterior Urethral Distraction Injuries in Children are at Risk for Erosion

Purpose: Management for posterior urethral disruption and concurrent bladder neck incompetence is controversial. Some groups recommend treatment with a Mitrofanoff catheterizable stoma, while others advocate urethral reconstruction with delayed placement of an artificial urinary sphincter. We report our experience with the latter strategy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients with the above injury who were treated with end-to-end urethroplasty followed by delayed bladder neck artificial urinary sphincter placement from 1986 to 2006.Results: Five patients had videourodynamic evidence of bladder neck incompetence coexisting with traumatic posterior urethral disruption. The etiology of bladder neck incompetence in all 5 patients was a known longitudinal tear through the bladder neck that occurred at the time of trauma. Each patient underwent end-to-end urethroplasty. Six to 12 months later the patients had persistent incontinence. Bladder function and urethral patency were documented...
The tetrasaccharide nystose trihydrate: crystal structure analysis and hydrogen bonding.

Abstract The crystal structure of nystose trihydate, O -β- d -fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)- O -β- d -fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-β- d -fructofuranosyl α- d -glucopyranoside trihydate, C 24 H 42 O 21 ·3H 2 O, has been determined using Cu K α X-ray data at 121 K. The space group is P 2 1 2 1 2 1 , with 4 molecules in a unit cell of dimensions a = 10.155(1), b = 13,506(1), and c = 23.278(2) A. The structure was refined to R = 0.052 and R w = 0.048 for 2734 observed structure amplitudes. The α- d -glucopyranose unit of the molecule has the normal 4 C 1 chair conformation and the three fructofuranose units have twist conformations lying between E 3 and 4 T 5 . One of the three water molecules is distributed over two sites: W-3 with occupancy 0.80 and W-3′ with occupancy 0.20. All the hydrogen atoms were located on the difference synthesis with the exception of those attached to the low-occupancy water site. All hydroxyls, two of the three linkage oxygen atoms, and the water molecules are involved in a complex three-dimensional network which can be decomposed into a series of infinite chains intersecting at the water molecules to form homo- and hetero-dromic cycles.
The National Ignition Facility and laser fusion energy

This talk provides an update of the NIC on the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the roadmap to demonstrate laser fusion as a viable source of baseload carbon-free energy.
Gas-Phase Photooxidation of Trichloroethylene on TiO2 and ZnO: Influence of Trichloroethylene Pressure, Oxygen Pressure, and the Photocatalyst Surface on the Product Distribution

Transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to identify gas-phase and surface-bound products and intermediates formed during the gas-phase photooxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) on TiO2 and ZnO. Several factors are found to influence the gas-phase product distribution for this reaction. On clean TiO2 and ZnO surfaces and at high TCE and O2 pressures, gas-phase CO, CO2, COCl2, CCl2HCOCl, CHCl3, C2HCl5, and HCl are produced, whereas at low TCE and O2 pressures, TCE is converted to gas-phase CO and CO2 only. In addition to TCE and O2 pressure, the product distribution of the photooxidation of TCE is strongly dependent upon the coverage of adsorbed species on the surface of the photocatalyst. It is shown here that the complete oxidation of adsorbed TCE can occur on clean photocatalytic surfaces whereas only partial oxidation of adsorbed TCE occurs on adsorbate-covered surfaces. The role of adsorbed surface products in TCE photooxidation is discussed.
Natural Infection of Eggplant by Puccinia substriata var. indica in the United States

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) and other Solanum spp. are aecial hosts for Puccinia substriata var. indica, the rust pathogen of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) (2). Although long suspected to be important in epidemic initiation (1), natural infection of eggplant has never been documented in the United States. All previous observations have been the result of deliberate inoculations. Eggplant (cv. Santana) seedlings with sporulating aecia were identified in the inventory of a vegetable transplant producer near Ty Ty, GA, on 22 April 1997. Flats of seedlings were being grown in a greenhouse with adjustable sides for creating an open-air environment for temperature control. Disease incidence was approximately 1.5% in the lot of 10,000 seedlings. Lesions were found most frequently on the first true leaf or less frequently on cotyledons. Aeciospores from 15 arbitrarily selected leaves were used to inoculate pearl millet seedlings in the greenhouse. Each leaf was used to inoculate pearl millet cultivars with n...
Observations of birkeland currents

Recent measurements of precipitating energetic particles and vector magnetic fields from satellites and sounding rockets have verified the existence of geomagnetically-aligned electric currents at high latitudes in the ionosphere and magnetosphere. The spatial and temporal configuration of such currents, now commonly called Birkeland currents, has delineated their role in providing ionospheric closure of magnetospheric current systems, and gross features of these current systems may be understood in terms of theoretical models of magnetospheric convection. The association of Birkeland currents with auroral features on a very small scale suggests that auroral acceleration may result from the current flow.
Assessment of Vaccine Exemptions Among Wyoming School Children, 2009 and 2011

During 2010-2011, varicella vaccination was an added requirement for school entrance in Wyoming. Vaccination exemption rates were compared during the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 school years, and impacts of implementing a new childhood vaccine requirement were evaluated. All public schools, grades K-12, were required to report vaccination status of enrolled children for the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 school years to the Wyoming Department of Health. Exemption data were analyzed by exemption category, vaccine, county, grade, and rurality. The proportion of children exempt for ≥ 1 vaccine increased from 1.2% (1,035/87,398) during the 2009-2010 school year to 1.9% (1,678/89,476) during 2011-2012. In 2011, exemptions were lowest (1.5%) in urban areas and highest (2.6%) in the most rural areas, and varicella vaccine exemptions represented 67.1% (294/438) of single vaccination exemptions. Implementation of a new vaccination requirement for school admission led to an increased exemption rate across Wyoming.
Dynamic laser diffraction of bovine lenses.

Abstract Laser diffraction patterns of thin slices of bovine lenses were obtained previously under static conditions. These diffraction patterns were studied under dynamic conditions when the slices were subjected to cyclic stretching with frequencies between 3·5–110 Hz. The change in the spacings of the diffraction patterns of the nuclear region were interpreted in terms of change in the dimensions of the fiber cells during cyclic stretching. The intensity change in the diffraction spots observed both in the cortical as well as in the nuclear region were interpreted as a change in the refractive index difference between cell wall and cystoplasm probably due to migration of water under mechanical stress.
Optical vibronic absorption spectra in 14.8 MeV neutron damaged sapphire

Abstract Preliminary observations of several anisotropic optical absorption bands are reported for high-purity sapphire following exposure to a pure 14.8 MeV neutron beam. These bands are compared with and found to be similar to those reported following fission-spectrum exposure, and are associated with lattice displacement damage. Two of these bands at 3.47 and 4.09 eV show similar sharpline features at low temperature; this ≈200 cm −1 vibronic progression it tentatively associated with a local mode.
Ecological Control of a Parasite Population by Genetic Evolution in the Parasite-Host System

Evidence suggests that interspecies evolution controls the number of parasites and hosts. To determine if the numbers of a wasp-parasite, Nasonia vitripennis Walker, population could be regulated by genetic change in the house fly, Musca domestica L., host a constant number of hosts was supplied daily to the parasite population. Selective pressure on the host population depended upon parasite numbers, but initially selective pressure averaged more than 90%. After 1004 days of study, the host and parasite evolved toward ecological homeostasis. This resulted in a significant decline in the reproductive capacity of the experimental parasite on its host from about 135 progeny to only 39 progeny per female. Such a change resulted in a 50% decrease in the average density of the parasite, a decline of about 7% in selective pressure on the host, and a 50% dampening in the fluctuations of the parasite population.
Complex Particle Kinetics: Particle Interactions Over the Full Range of Collisionality

Summary form only given. In previous work developing the Complex Particle Kinetics (CPK) method we utilized fragmentation, merging, and self-consistent particle evolution (Hewett, 2003) along with a binary collision algorithm (Larson, 2003) in our pursuit of a method that would simulate the transition from continuum to fully kinetic physics. CPK is built upon simulation particles that carry a Gaussian spatial profile and an internal Maxwellian velocity distribution. We recently incorporated ideas from the Finite Mass Method (Gauger et al., 2000) and have completely changed how the particles interact. The self-consistent particle evolution has also been generalized. The simulation particles move under the influence of internal and external forces and can expand, contract, and rotate as well as overlap and pass through one another. The resulting algorithm captures the continuum limit without prohibitive expense and smoothly transitions to the kinetic limit. Particle fragmentation and merging are still viable options within the algorithm and will be exploited to increase resolution where required and decrease expense where feasible. We will present an overview of the algorithm and the results of some recent simulations.
THE SHOOT APEX OF BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS

The shoot apex of Bougainvillea spectabilis consists of five zones: A two- or occasionally threelayered tunica, a central mother cell zone, a cambium-like zone, a rib meristem (central meristem), and a peripheral meristem. The presence of a cambium-like zone is somewhat unusual in the apex of vascular plants, having only been reported for a few taxa. In B. spectabilis the cambium-like zone is consistently present throughout the plastochron and all yearly seasonal periods. POPHAM (1951) described a type of shoot apex which he designated as Type VI: the Opuntia Type. The most salient feature of shoot apices of this type is that they contain a cup-shaped cambium-like zone consisting of a group of small meristematic cells which underlie the zone of central mother cells and which extend through
Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis: Yeast mutants deficient in synthesis of δ-aminolevulinic acid

Abstract A new class of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants deficient in biosynthesis of all cytochromes was isolated from cultures grown in medium containing ethidium bromide. Cytochrome c synthesis may be restored to normal by growing mutant cells in medium supplemented with δ-aminolevulinic acid. Cytochrome deficiency results from mutation in two genetic determinants, one nuclear, the other mitochondrial. When cells possess normal ( ρ + ) mitochondrial DNA, expression of the abnormal nuclear determinant ( cyd -1) is largely masked, so that cells can grow on glycerol as primary carbon source and all cytochromes are present. Nevertheless, the presence of the cyd -1 mutation may be detected in ρ + strains, since synthesis of all cytochromes is enhanced to some extent by δ-aminolevulinic acid. Destruction of mitochondrial DNA unmasks the underlying defect so that cyd -1 ρ − strains are almost completely lacking in detectable cytochromes. Although spectra of cyd -1 ρ + strains resemble those of cytochrome c ( cyc ) mutants, cyd -1 mutants represent a new complementation group different from six known cyc groups. Cytochrome c biosynthesis in only one of these six types of cytochrome c mutants, cyc 4-1, was restored to normal by δ-aminolevulinic acid. Therefore, since cyc4 -1 and cyd -1 are complementary, and segregate independently, δ-aminolevulinic acid synthesis appears to be controlled by at least two nuclear genes, and by one or more genes located in mitochondrial DNA. Glycine does not replace δ-aminolevulinic acid in stimulating cytochrome biosynthesis in cyd -1 or cyc -4 mutants. A regulatory system involving exchange of information between mitochondria and the nuclear-cytosolic compartment is indicated by the results. Studies with isolated mitochondria indicate that a limitation of intra-cellular δ-aminolevulinic acid supply is reflected in mitochondrial composition, not just in numbers of organelles.
Ontogeny of social behaviour related to feeding in the Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and the Bush dog (Speothos venaticus)

This study examines the development of social interactions involved in food apportionment in two captive parent-raised litters of Crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and three of Bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), by presentation of live prey items and a regular food ration. Cerdocyon pups are initially very aggressive over food but, with experience, gradually develop the adult pattern of respecting ownership of food, without determining access by means of a dominance hierarchy. Adults mediate food transfers between pups and facilitate the learning process as well as the distribution of food resources. Speothos pups never fight over or defend food and show no important ontogenetic changes in response to feeding situations.
Educating chiropractic students about intraobserver and interobserver variability through the use of skinfold measurement.

PURPOSE Skinfold measurements taken by novice observers are fraught with high rates of intraobserver variability and even higher rates of interobserver variability, and therefore having students collect and analyze skinfold measurements is an ideal way to present the concepts of both measurement and physiological variability. METHODS Students in a 1st trimester clinical biochemistry laboratory were assembled into groups of four, and within each group the students were asked to volunteer to be either a subject, a data recorder, or one of two observers. To demonstrate intraobserver versus interobserver variability the subject was assessed by four separate observers who each took four separate skinfold measurements. The skinfold measurement obtained from each separate observation was based on the sum of four skinfold sites. The average sums of the skinfold measurement (in mm) and standard deviations were calculated and posted for postlaboratory discussion. RESULTS Skinfold measurements were taken on 76 1st-trimester chiropractic students (46 males and 30 females). The average intraobserver and interobserver variability across all 76 participants was 4.8 +/- 2.3 mm and 10.0 +/- 6.3 mm, respectively, representing a twofold increase in variability, which was statistically significant (p < .0001). The noticeable differences between intraobserver and interobserver variability provided a great back drop for postlab discussion, which was the intended purpose of performing this demonstration project. CONCLUSION Measuring skinfold thickness can prove to be a useful and inexpensive method for easily and safely demonstrating the concepts of variability to students.
Erratum to: Characterization of Nanoporous Surfaces as Templates for Drug Delivery Devices

The following two errors were caught by the authors after publication of the article. Table I.: At the end of the table title “(N = 5)” should be “(N = 3)”. Results and Discussion Dimensional Analysis of Nanopores At the end of the fourth sentence (Table I represents the cumulative statistical data of the five nanoporous wafers.) in this section “five nanoporous wafers” should be “three nanoporous wafers”.
284 MATERNAL-FETAL COORDINATION OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHMICITY IN THE RAT

Maternal coordination of the fetal biological clock was examined. Pregnant rats were housed in diurnal lighting (LD 12:12) from mating until 2 d prior to birth when they were transferred to darkness and the pups were born and reared in darkness. Circadian output was monitored in 10-d-old pups by measuring the rhythm in pineal N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity. Analysis of NAT in the pups revealed a large daily rhythm in activity (0.1 nmol/g/h to 20 nmol/g/h) which was coordinated by the light-dark cycle during pregnancy. To determine whether the fetus could directly perceive alterations in lighting, 2 groups of pregnant rats were raised in diurnal lighting until day 7 of pregnancy. At that time one group was blinded and both groups were subjected to a phase shift in lighting until a reversed lighting cycle (DL 12:12) was attained. All were maintained in reversed lighting from day 14 of pregnancy until 2 d prior to birth when all were placed in darkness. Analysis of NAT activity in 10-d-old pups showed that the pups from both groups of mothers exhibited a clear daily rhythm but the phase of the rhythm was 10 hrs out of phase when one group was compared to the other; the NAT rhythm for pups reared by intact mothers was synchronized by the reversed lighting cycle whereas the rhythm of the pups born to blind mothers was synchronized by the maternal lighting cycle prior to blinding. Thus, mother is essential for transmitting lighting information to the fetal biological clock. Maternal coordination appears to have evolved for the purpose of preparing the immature mammal for entry into the environment.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL ANALYSES IN ORNITHINE TRANSCARBAMYLASE DEFICIENCY

Ammonia intoxication is the clinical hallmark of X-linked ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. Hemizygous affected males have less residual OTC activity and more serious clinical consequences than do heterozygous females. We now describe some immunochemical features of mutant OTC in affected males and females. A monospecific antiserum against purified bovine hepatic OTC has been prepared in rabbits. Immunotitration shows that the antiserum can completely precipitate human OTC and that a given amount complexes bovine and human activity comparably. We have employed this antiserum in an Ouchterlony double diffusion system and in a classical immune precipitation inhibition assay. This latter method consistently detects <1% of control cross-reacting material (CRM). Livers from four affected males (OTC activities <0.1-10% of control) and two females (8 and 20%) have been studied with these techniques. Whereas only the female with 20% of residual activity shows a precipitin line by the Ouchterlony technique, both females and the two males with the greatest residual activities (10 and 0.3%) have detectable CRM by immune precipitation inhibition. In these four cases the percent of residual CRM approximates that of enzymatic activity. In the two males with enzymatic activity <0.1%, no CRM has been found. The observed agreement between residual enzymatic activity and CRM may reflect structural gene mutations which alter the rate of degradation and/or synthesis of OTC protein. The findings are equally consistent, however, with regulatory mutations controlling OTC synthesis.
The Elastic Lamellae of Devitalized Arteries Calcify When Incubated in Serum Evidence for a Serum Calcification Factor

Objective— To determine whether serum contains an activity that induces artery calcification. Methods and Results— The elastic lamellae of devitalized rat aortas calcify rapidly in rat or bovine serum, or in human serum provided [Pi] ≥2 mmol/L. This calcification is attributable to a potent serum calcification factor (SCF), one that causes devitalized aortas to calcify when incubated in DMEM containing as little as 1.5% serum but not in DMEM alone. The SCF that initiates medial elastin calcification has the same 50- to 150-kDa size and protease sensitivity as the SCF shown previously to initiate calcification of type I collagen. Our working hypothesis is that the same SCF initiates calcification of collagen and elastin, and that this SCF arises from sites of normal bone mineralization and, like alkaline phosphatase, is released into general circulation. The SCF does not initiate medial elastin calcification in living arteries, which suggests that vascular cells may prevent this calcification. This hypothesis is supported by the observations that living arteries secrete the calcification inhibitor matrix Gla protein (MGP); that inactivation of MGP with warfarin causes living arteries to calcify; and that addition of MGP to medium containing warfarin prevents this calcification. Conclusion— The elastic lamellae of devitalized aortas calcify rapidly in serum.
On two kinds of ellipsoidal inhomogeneities in an infinite elastic body: An application to a hybrid composite☆

Abstract The problem of two kinds of ellipsoidal inhomogeneities embedded in an elastic body is formulated with an application to a hybrid (three-phase) composite. The analytical tool used in this study is a combination of Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method[1] and Mori-Tanaka's back stress analysis[2], and therefore the results are valid for large volume fraction of inhomogeneities. As a demonstration, two types of hybrid composites are examined: (i) fiber-fiber; and (ii) fiber-particulate systems.
Perception of abstract identity/difference relationships by infants

Abstract Infants presented with two successive preference-for-novelty tests with stimuli consisting of pairs of either identical or different toys exhibited preferences for a specific novel pair as well as a novel intrapair relationship. The latter indicates perception of abstract identity/difference relationships.
Quantifying relationships of burning, roughness, and potential dust emission with laser altimetry of soil surfaces at submeter scales

Abstract Decrease in surface roughness by the reduction of vegetation is one mechanism by which fire can promote aeolian transport in a variety of landscapes. The extent to which fire might alter the roughness of the soil surface at fine spatial scales and the effect of this alteration on post-fire aeolian response is not well known. We examined relationships in the field between dust emissions and subcentimeter-level soil surface roughness at submeter spatial scales with a terrestrial laser scanner and portable wind tunnel analog. Based on aeolian theory, we hypothesized that observed relationships would differ from those determined in previous studies with laser altimetry at landscape scales (meter–kilometer length scales). We examined four semiarid shrublands in southern Idaho/USA containing a distinct pattern of undershrub and interspace microsites, including recently burned and unburned conditions. Mixed models were used to determine effects of burning on surface roughness and the response of dust emissions to changes in surface roughness. Results indicated that burned soil surfaces were rougher than unburned soil surfaces. Dust emissions were enhanced by increases in roughness on burned soil surfaces and in the absence of nonerodible roughness elements (i.e., plants). This finding is expectedly in contrast to previous work that demonstrated an inverse relationship between soil erosion and surface roughness determined with LiDAR (light detection and ranging) at landscape scales (vegetated and unvegetated surfaces). Relationships of LiDAR-derived roughness and aeolian emissions are scale dependent and vary with environmental factors of fire and vegetation. These findings are integral for future research that attempts to parameterize model-based predictions of aeolian emissions with LiDAR-derived roughness.
Human Mast Cell Tryptase Fibrinogenolysis: Kinetics, Anticoagulation Mechanism, and Cell Adhesion Disruption †

Tryptase is a 31 kDa, glycosylated, trypsin-like enzyme stored in and released from mast cell granules. Human tryptase exists as a tetramer, binds heparin, and has a limited substrate specificity, yet it displays remarkable resistance to inhibition by blood plasma proteinase inhibitors. In this study we have examined the cleavage of human fibrinogen by tryptase. alpha chain cleavage was shown to occur in the carboxyl terminal region at Arg572 and beta chain cleavage was found to occur at Lys21. Kinetic analyses of these reactions yielded Km values of 0.2 microM for alpha chain cleavage and 0.26 microM for beta chain cleavage, as well as kcat/KM values of 7 x 10(5) and 4.6 x 10(5) M-1 s-1 for alpha and beta chain reactions, respectively. Proteolysis at Arg572 destroyed the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence motif recognized by cell surface alphavbeta3 integrins, and endothelial cell binding to tryptase-modified fibrinogen was significantly reduced, consistent with loss of the RGD motif. Tryptase competed with thrombin in clotting assays using pure fibrinogen with heparin or blood plasma in the absence of heparin. Thrombin failed to initiate the clotting of fibrinogen following modification by tryptase, and fibrin clotting initiated with Ancrod was stopped and partially reversed by tryptase. These data provide insight concerning the mechanism by which tryptase renders fibrinogen unclottable by thrombin and suggests a novel role for tryptase in the modulation of cellular interactions with fibrin(ogen).
Potential Applications of Outpatient Nesiritide Infusions in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure and Concomitant Renal Insufficiency (from the Follow-Up Serial Infusions of Nesiritide [FUSION I] Trial)

This retrospective substudy of the Follow-Up Serial Infusions of Nesiritide trial (FUSION I) assessed the feasibility of outpatient administration of nesiritide in 138 patients with co-morbid advanced heart failure and renal insufficiency (estimated creatinine clearance
The importance of rates in glaucoma.

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Colorectal metastases: resect or ablate?

basedonfollow-upimagingof158colorectallivermetastases(CLM)treated with radiofrequencyablation (RFA). Withsystematic radiological follow-up, the authors indi-catedalocalrecurrencerateof47%.Thisﬁndingis,infact,inkeepingwithotherlargeseries,whichhavereported local recurrence or persistence rates up to40% afterRFAofCLM,
Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin (ERM) proteins function as pleiotropic regulators of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

Ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM) proteins supply functional linkage between integral membrane proteins and cytoskeleton in mammalian cells to regulate membrane protein dynamisms and cytoskeleton rearrangement. To assess potential role of the ERM proteins in HIV-1 lifecycle, we examined if suppression of ERM function in human cells expressing HIV-1 infection receptors influences HIV-1 envelope (Env)-mediated HIV-1-vector transduction and cell-cell fusion. Expression of an ezrin dominant negative mutant or knockdown of ezrin, radixin, or moesin with siRNA uniformly decreased transduction titers of HIV-1 vectors having X4-tropic Env. In contrast, transduction titers of R5-tropic Env HIV-1 vectors were decreased only by radixin knockdown: ezrin knockdown had no detectable effects and moesin knockdown rather increased transduction titer. Each of the ERM suppressions had no detectable effects on cell surface expression of CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 or VSV-Env-mediated HIV-1 vector transductions. Finally, the individual knockdown of ERM mRNAs uniformly decreased efficiency of cell-cell fusion mediated by X4- or R5-tropic Env and HIV-1 infection receptors. These results suggest that (i) the ERM proteins function as positive regulators of infection by X4-tropic HIV-1, (ii) moesin additionally functions as a negative regulator of R5-tropic HIV-1 virus infection at the early step(s) after the membrane fusion, and (iii) receptor protein dynamisms are regulated differently in R5- and X4-tropic HIV-1 infections.
Procaine inhibition of fibroblast motility and proliferation.

Abstract Pharmacologic doses of procaine reversibly inhibit fibroblast motility and cell proliferation. These findings are discussed with reference to recent studies on cell membrane potential.
Ultraviolet downconverting phosphor for use with silicon CCD imagers

The properties and application of a UV downconverting phosphor (coronene) to silicon charge coupled devices are discussed. Measurements of the absorption spectrum have been extended to below 1000 A, and preliminary results indicate the existence of useful response to at least 584 A. The average conversion efficiency of coronene was measured to be approximately 20% at 2537 A. Imagery at 3650 A using a backside illuminated 800 x 800 CCD coated with coronene is presented.
A polarimeter for 2–14 MeV vector-polarized deuteron beams

A polarimeter for use primarily with 2–14 MeV vector-polarized deuterons has been constructed and calibrated. Elastic scattering of deuterons from 4He is used as the analyzing reaction. The only scattering angles for which the analyzing power of 4He \(\left( {\vec d,d} \right)\) 4He remains large over the entire energy range of interest are those near θcm =150° (θlab=126°). Because the energy of the deuterons scattered at this angle is inconveniently low, the corresponding a particles were observed at a lab angle of 15°. The polarimeter is contained in a small scattering chamber attached to the beam exit port of the main scattering chamber. The polarimeter chamber is filled with He at a pressure of about 0.5 atm, and is separated from the main scattering chamber by a 2.5 μm thick Havar window. After passing through this window, the beam is collimated by a pair of slits 1.3 mm wide and 7.4 mm high. These slits are 38.1 mm and 79.4 mm from the center of the polarimeter. A small ionization chamber located between these slits serves as a beam intensity monitor. Two detector assemblies are located symmetrically about the beam axis at a scattering angle of 15.1°. Each assembly consists of two slits to define the scattering angle, and a single 50 μm thick partially depleted surface barrier detector. The front slit is 1.3 mm wide and is located 21.7 mm from the center of the polarimeter. The second slit is 50.5 mm behind the first and is 2.5 mm wide. Both slits are about 12.6 mm high.
Responses of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance to elevated carbon dioxide in field-grown cotton

Atmospheric CO{sub 2} enrichment usually leads to increases in the growth and yield of crop plants. These increases are direct results of enhanced photosynthetic CO{sub 2} uptake rates. Under conditions of adequate light, water and nutrients, photosynthesis in C{sub 3} plants is limited by CO{sub 2} concentration. Therefore, knowledge of how photosynthesis responds to elevated CO{sub 2} is central to the understanding of how the entire plant responds to elevated CO{sub 2}. 17 refs., 2 tabs.
Increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y expression in deprived preweanling rats is reversed by intragastric infusion of milk.

Lean, preweanling Zucker rat pups increase neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in response to a 24-h deprivation of food, water, and maternal interaction as early as postnatal day 2 (P2) [10]. In this study, we examined if replacing nutritive or tactile aspects of maternal behavior to deprived rat pups could block the increased expression of hypothalamic NPY measured by in situ hybridization. On P2, P12, or P15, littermates were assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) left with the dam for 24 h, (2) deprived of the dam for 24 h and given tactile stimulation in the form of periodic anogenital stroking to elicit urination and defecation, (3) deprived of the dam and given periodic anogenital stroking plus continuous gastric infusion of milk for 24 h, or (4) deprived of the dam and given periodic anogenital stroking plus continuous infusion of water for 24 h. We found that gastric infusions of milk normalized NPY expression at all three ages, gastric infusions of water did not on P2 and P15, and anogenital stroking alone had no effect. We suggest that the lack of milk is the major cause of increased hypothalamic NPY expression during maternal deprivation in lean Zucker pups.
Cyclic AMP concentrations during distal regeneration in Hydra oligactis

Removal of the highly innervated hypostome and tentacle regions of Hydra initiates physiological changes that result in selective cellular differentiation and regeneration. Evidence has been presented previously that neural products direct this selective cell differentiation, although the mechanism(s) by which this occurs is not known. This investigation has demonstrated a predictable pattern of cyclic AMP activity following subhypostomal amputation. This pattern of activity demonstrates two major peaks during the first 42 hours of regeneration. This first peak occurs at approximately 12–20 hours of regeneration, at a time when macromolecular synthesis studies showed unremarkable activity. The second activity period occurs in close association with significant increases in DNA and RNA synthesis.
Peer-to-Peer Carsharing: Exploring Public Perception and Market Characteristics in the San Francisco Bay Area, California

Peer-to-peer carsharing is an innovative approach to vehicle sharing in which vehicle owners temporarily rent their personal automobiles to others in their surrounding area. Peer-to-peer carsharing belongs to the larger sharing economy, an economic model premised on the notion of collaborative consumption as opposed to ownership. This study examined public perception of peer-to-peer carsharing and potential market characteristics through an intercept survey conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Three hundred respondents from 14 locations in San Francisco (n = 150) and Oakland (n = 150), California, were polled on their existing attitudes toward and perceptions of classic carsharing, peer-to-peer carsharing, and the sharing economy. The survey results indicate that there remains a low awareness of peer-to-peer carsharing, with fewer than 50% of San Francisco respondents and 25% of Oakland respondents having heard of the term. Approximately 25% of surveyed vehicle owners would be willing to s...
Treatment of congestive heart failure by altering loading conditions of the heart.

Summary We have not emphasized the traditional approaches to the treatment of congestive heart failure, because there is abundant literature detailing the importance of rest and comfort for the patient, reduction of solute load, and administration of digitalis and diuretics. Instead, we have sought to emphasize the therapeutic interventions that are aimed at changing the mechanical loading conditions of the heart. Treatment expectations must be viewed within an age- or maturity-dependent framework. Thus, when a preterm or full-term newborn infant requires cardiocirculatory support, diminished cardiac reserve limits the benefits derived from diverse treatment methods. This unique fragility of the developing heart and circulation places a premium on the astute manipulation of all of the factors that determine optimum cardiovascular adaptation to stress. Beyond infancy, although cardiovascular reserve increases, it remains imperative to modify therapy by using cardioactive drugs that deal specifically with the separate mechanical and contractile variables to assure optimum survival.
Reconciling Conservation Paradigms

In spite of decades of conservation efforts, biological diversity throughout the world continues to dwindle. Prevailing conservation models have had greater success in determining which species and ecosystems to conserve than in fully taking into account the social and cultural landscapes within which these conservation targets are embedded. International conservation organizations have tended to define conservation targets (and approaches) at large spatial scales in hopes that they may apply broadly. Thus, over the last few decades we have seen a succession of generalized, monolithic conservation models replacing one another or competing with one another for attention and resources (for a recent review see Redford et al. 2003. Conservation Biology17:116–131). These models have been developed within large international conservation organizations and are thus partly driven by a need for general application. The models, based on conservation science, seek unifying principles reflecting science's quest for general and widely applicable concepts. They tend to view the world through relatively coarse filters and may fail to encourage the emergence and spread of fine-grained models adapted to local conditions. Moreover, most models are directed toward the achievement of particular outcomes, rather than the support of systemic resilience.
Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: indications and technique.

Clearly, laparoscopic RYGB is a significant technologic advance. Nevertheless, there remains a role for open RYGB in many situations.
Inhibition of ADH-enhanced transepithelial urea and water movement by prostaglandins.

Abstract The effects of PGF 2α and PGE 2 on transepithelial urea flux and osmotic water flow were evaluated in toad bladders. Mucosal to serosal urea flux and osmotic water flow were not changed from basal values by the addition of either prostaglandin to the serosal bath. However, treatment with either PGF 2α or PGE 2 inhibited both urea flux and osmotic water flow in response to ADH stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. The hydrosmotic response to ADH was more sensitive to prostaglandin inhibition than was urea flux. The inhibitory effect of the prostaglandins on ADH-enhanced urea flux was not dependent upon inhibition of the hydrosmotic response, since both PGF 2α and PGE 2 decreased urea flux in the absence of a trans-epithelial osmotic gradient. Prostaglandin E 2 was a more potent inhibitor than PGE 2α of both ADH-enhanced urea flux and osmotic water flow. The PGF 2α antagonism of osmotic water flow was apparently competitive, while antagonism of urea flux was apparently non-competitive. The results are consistent with the hypothesis of the existence of a “spare” population of prostaglandin receptors that modulate water flow, but the absence of a “spare” prostaglandin receptor population with respect to the modulation of urea flux.
Food reinforcement and obesity: Psychological Moderators

The relative reinforcing value of food (RRV(food)) provides an index of the motivation to eat. Research has shown that RRV(food) is higher in obese individuals than their non-obese peers, is associated with greater energy intake, predicts weight gain and interacts with impulsivity to predict energy intake. This study was designed to determine whether dietary restraint, dietary disinhibition or hunger moderate the effect of RRV(food) on the weight status and energy intake in 273 adults of various body mass index (BMI) levels. Hierarchical regression was used to assess the independent effects of RRV(food) on BMI and energy intake, controlling for age, sex, income, education, minority status, and RRV(reading). Results showed that greater RRV(food), but not RRV(reading), was associated with greater BMI and energy intake. Dietary disinhibition and dietary restraint moderated the relationship between RRV(food) and BMI, with dietary disinhibition being a stronger moderator of this relationship (r(2)=0.20) than dietary restraint (r(2)=0.095). In addition, dietary disinhibition moderated the effect of RRV(food) on energy intake. These results replicate the importance of RRV(food) as a predictor of obesity, and show that psychological factors moderate the effect of food reinforcement on body weight and energy intake. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00962117.
42.2: Using the Selective‐Reset to Achieve a “Real Black” with 50‐in. Full HD PDPs

“Real black” plasma display panels (PDPs) having a background luminance of zero cd/m2 must be realized to obtain high picture quality. PDPs, however, must have reset discharges to initialize cell conditions, regardless of expressing any of the gray levels. The light emission from the reset discharges becomes a background luminance, degrading the picture quality having low luminance levels. A technique of substituting the role of the reset discharges is proposed for 50-in. full-HD PDPs. with this technique an infinite dark-room contrast ratio is obtained. However, it has the problem of the discharge delay. A solution to this was proposed by using the frame reset or the minimum surface reset discharge and selective reset.
Characterization of a ribosomal DNA clone of Brugia malayi.

The structure of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) clone pBmr7 from microfilariae of the human parasite Brugia malayi has been examined in detail by Southern blot analysis and S-1 mapping techniques. The results demonstrate that this clone contains regions homologous to 28S, 18S and 5.8S rDNAs. A noncoding or ‘spacer’ region lies between the 3′ end of 28S rDNA and the 5′ end of 18S rDNA. An AceI-Sau3AI fragment of approximately 900 bp from this spacer region cross-hybridizes to genomic DNA fragments of different sizes from Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis. The differences observed in hybridization suggest that this rDNA fragment can be used to differentiate between various filariid species.
Stress Concentrations for Filled and Unfilled Closely Spaced Cylindrical Defects

Etude des consequences sur l'intensification des contraintes, du faible espacement de defauts cylindriques remplis d'un materiau ayant un module d'Young different de celui de la matrice
Comparison of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Survey Form, and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development with Infants Evaluated for Developmental Delay:

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales is an extensive revision of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale; however, research comparing the two scales with different populations and measures of intelligence is limited. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Survey Form, the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and the mental scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development were administered to 44 infants referred for evaluation of developmental delay. The differences between means were compared and shared variance examined. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Survey Form scores were significantly higher than those of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale and the Bayley Mental Development Index. No significant differences were found between the means of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development—Mental Development Index. Correlations were .59 between the Bayley Index and scores on the Vineland—Survey Form and .72 between the Bayley Index and the Vineland Social Maturity Scale. Betwee...
Femtosecond laser frequency comb for precision astrophysical spectroscopy

High-resolution spectroscopy is a crucial tool for cosmology and the search for extrasolar planets. We present a laser comb with up to 40-GHz line spacing for use as a new spectrographic calibration source.
Communicating prognosis in the dialysis consent process: A patient-centered, guideline-supported approach

Recent guidelines recommend shared decision making between patients and nephrologists as the model for dialysis decision making. A key component of this shared decision making is obtaining informed consent. As part of this process, nephrologists have an obligation to inform patients with chronic kidney disease of their prognosis. Ideally, patients themselves should be involved in the decision-making process; however, some patients will not possess decision-making capacity, and others may be unwilling to participate. Determining what to tell patients about prognosis requires tailoring the conversation to the individual patient's preferences. Conversations about prognosis need to occur in a timely fashion so that patients have the opportunity to consider options and make decisions before dialysis is inevitable. Communication strategies are available to assist nephrologists in breaking the bad news of the need for dialysis and its associated burdens. The approach described in this article should help nephrologists discuss prognosis with their patients in a way that is patient centered and in accordance with clinical practice guideline recommendations.