cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality assurance system to correct for errors arising from couch rotation in linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery

Purpose: The purpose of this project was the development of a quality assurance ( QA ) system that would provide geographically accurate targeting for linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery (LBSR). Methods and Materials: The key component of our QA system is a novel device (Alignment Tool ) for expedient measurement of gantry and treatment table excursions (wobble) during rotation. The Alignment Tool replaces the familiar pencil-shaped pointers with a ball pointer that is used with the field light of the accelerator to indicate alignment of beam and target. Wobble is measured prior to each patient treatment and analyzed together with the BRW coordinates of the target by a spreadsheet. The corrections required to compensate for any imprecisions are identified, and a printout generated indicating the floor stand coordinates for each couch angle used to place the target at isocenter. Results: The Alignment Tool has an inherent accuracy of measurement better than 0.1 mm. The overall targeting error of our QA method, found by evaluating 177 target simulator films of 55 foci in 40 randomly selected patients, was 0.47 ± 0.23 mm. The Alignment Tool was also valuable during installation of the floor stand and a supplemental collimator for the accelerator. Conclusions: The QA procedure described allows accurate targeting in LBSR, even when couch rotation is imprecise. The Alignment Tool can facilitate the installation of any stereotactic irradiation system, and can be useful for annual QA checks as well as in the installation and commissioning of new accelerators.
Hypercholesteremia: Effects of Treatment with Nicotinic Acid for Three to Seven Years

mental, and epidemiologic evidence that altered lipid metabolism is an important factor in human atherosclerosis, various regimens of diet and medication have been designed to lower abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the blood. Methods of treatment that we have evaluated include diets low in total fats with and without the addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the use of estrogenic substances, thyroid analogues, triparanol (MER/29), and nicotinic acid. Although none of the many programs of treatment that we have tried has been entirely satisfactory, the use of nicotinic acid in large oral doses of 1.5 to 6.0 gm. daily has been the most uniformly effective method. Results of our earlier studies seemed favorable enough to warrant long-term investigational use of this agent.’ Data on 20 patients who have received treatment with large doses of nicotinic acid for periods of three to seven years form the basis of this report.
Observations of velocity divergence in Shelikof Strait, Alaska

Abstract Direct observations of horizontal velocity divergence and relative vorticity were made in Shelikof Strait, Alaska during May 1990 with Loran-C buoys and satellite-tracked drifters. These kinematic properties typically had values of 2 × 10 −5 s −1 . Some of the observations indicated a cyclic divergence which appeared to be linked to the rise and fall of the pycnocline driven by an internal, semidaily tide. The data also suggested that the net divergence over several days was quite small; thus larval concentration models can ignore this effect.
An NMR Technique for Carbon-5 Configurations in 6-Keto-Δ -Steroids

Abstract Enol acetates may be readily prepared from 6-keto-Δ 7 -steroids, The NMR examination of the C-7 proton allows assessment of the allylic coupling to the C-5 proton. If split into a doublet, then the C-5 configuration is α; if a singlet, then C-5 is β. The configuration at C-5 in the initial ketone is preserved in the enol acetate.
Molecular characterization of X-ray-induced mutations at the HPRT locus in plateau-phase Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract CHO-K1 cells were irradiated in plateau phase to determine the effects of dose, dose fractionation, and delayed replating on the type, location and frequency of mutations induced by 250 kVp X-rays at the hypoxanthine-guinine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) locus. Independent HPRT-deficient cell lines were isolated from each group for Southern blot analysis using a hamster HPRT cDNA probe. When compared with irradiation with 4 Gy and immediate replating, dose fractionation (2 Gy + 24 h + 2 Gy) and delayed plating (4 Gy + 24 h) appeared to have no effect on the frequency of deletions encompassing the entire gene. Since an increase in survival was noted under these conditions, these data suggest that repair of sublethal and potentially lethal damage acts equally on all premutagenic lesions, regradless of type or location. Differences in the mutation spectrum were noted when cells were irradiated at 2 Gy and replated immediately. The location of the deletion breakpoints was determined in 15 mutants showing partial loss of the HPRT locus. In 12 of these cell lines one or both of the breakpoints appearead to be located near the center of the gene, indicating a nonranrandom distribution of mutaions. These results indicate that damage induced by ionizing radiation results in a nonrandom distribution of genetic damage, suggesting that certain regions of the genome may be acutely sensitive to the mutagenic effect of ionizing radiation.
Discovery of Novel Benzimidazoles as Potent Inhibitors of TIE-2 and VEGFR-2 Tyrosine Kinase Receptors.

We herein disclose a novel chemical series of benzimidazole-ureas as inhibitors of VEGFR-2 and TIE-2 kinase receptors, both of which are implicated in angiogenesis. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies elucidated a critical role for the N1 nitrogen of both the benzimidazole (segment E) and urea (segment B) moieties. The SAR results were also supported by the X-ray crystallographic elucidation of the role of the N1 nitrogen and the urea moiety when the benzimidazole-urea compounds were bound to the VEGFR-2 enzyme. The left side phenyl ring (segment A) occupies the backpocket where a 3-hydrophobic substituent was favored for TIE-2 activity.
Unfolding bismuth-germanate pulse-height distributions to determine gamma-ray flux spectra and dose rates

Abstract We report a new procedure for unfolding gamma-ray pulse-height distributions acquired with bismuth-germanate detectors. The equipment used for acquiring the distributions consists of a LeCroy 3500 data acquisition and analysis system and eight bismuth-germanate scintillation detectors 7.62 cm in diameter and 7.62 cm long. The system was calibrated and characterized from 0.12 to 8.28 MeV by using gamma-ray spectra from a variety of radioactive sources and from the 14 N(p,γ) 15 O reaction. By fitting these pulse-height distributions with a function containing 17 parameters, we determined theoretical response functions and used them to obtain the gamma-ray flux spectra at multiple space points from a variety of radioactive objects of interest to nuclear safeguards. We used two flux-spectrum-to-dose-rate conversion curves to obtain dose rates. For a composite source, consisting of several sources with accurately known strengths, the result of our procedure agreed with the expected value to within less than 10%. Direct use of measured spectra and the flux-spectrum-to-dose-rate curves to obtain dose rates avoids the errors that can arise because of spectrum dependence in simple gamma-ray dosimeter instruments.
Postnatal SNAP-II scores in neonatal intensive care unit patients: relationship to sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and death.

Objective. To determine if daily SNAP-II scores (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology) after the first day are useful in identifying neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients who die or develop sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis.Study design. Prospective data were collected on all 141 admissions to a university level III NICU over 4 months. SNAPPE-II scores were calculated from the day of admission and SNAP-II scores from subsequent hospital days. The scores were compared between those who developed events and those who did not.Results. At least 64% of the daily SNAP-II scores on the day of and the preceding 4 days from the event were 0. Admission SNAPPE-II scores correlated with length of stay (r = 0.44, p 0.5).Conclusions. SNAP-II scores from after the first day of life did not accurately assess or predict neonatal morbidity and mortality.
The effects of neuropeptide S on ethanol drinking and other related behaviors in alcohol-preferring and -nonpreferring rats.

Background. Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a 20-amino-acid peptide, identified in the brain and periphery, that is reported to regulate arousal, anxiety, and feeding behavior. Studies were conducted to determine whether this peptide would alter ethanol intake, sucrose intake, anxiety, and general motor activity in alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) rats. Methods. Experiment 1: P and NP rats were given 8 weeks of continuous access to ethanol (15% w/v) and water. All rats were implanted with a cannula aimed at either the left or right lateral ventricle and 1 week later were infused with NPS (0.075, 0.3, 1.2 nmol) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and tested for ethanol, food, and water intake. Experiment 2: The same doses of NPS were administered to a group of P rats and intake of 2.5% (w/v) sucrose was measured. Experiment 3: Infusions of NPS (1.2 nmol) or aCSF were administered to P rats prior to a 5-minute test on an elevated plus maze. Experiment 4: Ethanol naive P and NP rats were infused with NPS (0.075, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 nmol) or aCSF prior to a 20-minute test in activity monitors. Results. NPS reduced ethanol intake in P, but not in NP rats. It did not influence sucrose solution intake in P rats. However, an increase in food intake was seen in both rat lines following lower doses of the peptide. NPS did neither alter anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test nor was there an effect on general motor activity; however, there was an increase in the amount of time spent in the center of the activity monitors following infusions of 0.6 nmol of NPS in P, but not in NP rats, indicating anxioltyic actions of the peptide. Conclusions. These data suggest a role for NPS in the modulation of ethanol drinking and possibly anxiety-like behavior in rats selectively bred for high alcohol drinking.
Wavefront correction for static and dynamic aberrations to within 1 second of the system shot in the NIF Beamlet demonstration facility

The laser wavefront of the NIF Beamlet demonstration system is corrected for static aberrations with a wavefront control system. The system operates closed loop with a probe beam prior to a shot and has a loop bandwidth of about 3 Hz. However, until recently the wavefront control system was disabled several minutes prior to the shot to allow time to manually reconfigure its attenuators and probe beam insertion mechanism to shot mode. Thermally-induced dynamic variations in gas density in the Beamlet main beam line produce significant wavefront error. After about 5-8 seconds, the wavefront error has increased to a new, higher level due to turbulence- induced aberrations no longer being corrected- This implies that there is a turbulence-induced aberration noise bandwidth of less than one Hertz, and that the wavefront controller could correct for the majority of turbulence-induced aberration (about one- third wave) by automating its reconfiguration to occur within one second of the shot, This modification was recently implemented on Beamlet; we call this modification the t{sub 0}-1 system.
Conversion of immunogenicity of blood to tolerogenicity by prior platelet transfusions in rabbits.

Pretransplant blood transfusions have been found to be effective in prolonging renal allograft survival in both experimental animals 1"2 and humans 3'4. However, the effect of blood transfusions has not been always salutary, but rather reminiscent of a double-edged sword. That is, it often sensitizes the recipients against the histocompatibility antigens of specific donors, 5-7 and a deleterious effect of the presensitization on allograft survival has been well documented, particularly in human renal transplantation. 8"9 This led to a search for nonimmunogenic yet tolerogenic modalities of transfusion. The techniques reported to be effective include heat treatment of lymphoid cells, ultraviolet irradiation of whole blood, storage of blood, preparation of leucocyte-depleted erythrocytes or platelets, and administration of immunosuppressive drugs along with blood transfusions. Among these techniques, the preparation of leucocyte-depleted platelets seems to be least manipulatory, and moreover could be readily applicable to humans. The earliest observation on platelet-induced tolerance was made in a rat transfusion model, in which purified platelet preparations not only failed to induce antibody production in recipient animals but also suppressed antibody response to subsequent challenge with lymphoid cells, t° The authors attributed such effects to the expression of class I histocompatibility antigens on platelets without class II antigens. This type of humoral immune tolerance has been reported with all other animal models so far tested including mice 11'12 and rhesus monkeys) TM However, in terms of graft tolerance, the effect of platelet pretreatment has not been uniformly salutary. While this treatment was found to be effective in prolonging graft survival in mice, t2 rats ~5 and rhesus monkeys, TM the effect was controversial in dogs t6A7 and humans) s.19 Putting the above findings together, the immunological
A prospective, randomized controlled trial of single-incision laparoscopic vs conventional 3-port laparoscopic appendectomy for treatment of acute appendicitis.

Background Proponents of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) claim patients have less pain, faster recovery, and better long-term cosmetic results than patients who undergo multiport laparoscopy. However, randomized comparisons are lacking. This study presents the results of a prospective randomized trial of SILS or 3-port laparoscopic appendectomy. Study Design Adults with uncomplicated acute appendicitis were randomized 1:1 to either SILS or 3-port laparoscopic appendectomy. The primary end point was early postoperative pain (measured by opiate usage and pain score in the first 12 hours). Secondary end points were operative time, complication rate (including conversions), and recovery time (days of oral opiate usage and return to work). After 6 months, body image and cosmetic appearance were assessed using a validated survey. Results The trial was planned for 150 patients, but was halted after 75 patients when planned interim analysis showed that SILS patients had more postoperative pain (pain score: 4.4 ± 1.6 vs 3.5 ± 1.5; p = 0.01) and higher inpatient opiate usage (hydromorphone use: 3.9 ± 1.9 mg vs 2.8 ± 1.7 mg; p = 0.01) than 3-port laparoscopy. Operative time for SILS averaged 40% longer (54 ± 17 minutes vs 38 ± 11 minutes; p Conclusions Single-incision laparoscopic surgery appendectomy resulted in more pain and longer operative times without improving short-term recovery or complications. Long-term body image and cosmetic appearance were excellent in both groups.
Speeding up large-scale financial recomputation with memoization

Quantitative financial analysis requires repeated computations of the same functions with the same arguments when prototyping trading strategies; many of these functions involve resource intensive operations on large matrices. Reducing the number of repeated computations either within a program or across runs of the same program would allow analysts to build and debug trading strategies more quickly. We built a disk memoization library that caches function computations to files to avoid recomputation. Any memoization solution should be easy to use, minimizing the need for users to think about whether caching is appropriate, while at the same time giving them control over speed, accuracy, and space used for caching. Guo and Engler proposed a similar tool that does automatic memoization by modifying the python interpreter, while the packages Jug and Joblib are distributed computing tools that have memoization options. Our library attempts to maintain the ease of use of the above packages for memoization, but at the same time give a higher degree of control of how caching is done for users who need it. We provide the same basic features as these other libraries, but allow control of how hashing is done, space usage for individual functions and all memoization, refreshing memoization for a specific function, and accuracy checking. This should lead to both increased productivity and speed increases for recomputation. We show that for several financial calculations, including Markowitz Optimization, Fama French, and the Singular Value Decomposition, memoization greatly speeds up recomputation, often by over 99%. We also show that by using xxhash, a non-cryptographic hash function, instead of md5, and avoiding equality checks, our package greatly outperforms joblib, the best current package.
Demonstrating the Conservation of Angular Momentum Using Model Cars Moving along a Rotating Rod.

We have developed an exciting non-traditional experiment for our introductory physics laboratories to help students to understand the principle of conservation of angular momentum. We used electric toy cars moving along a long rotating rod. As the cars move towards the centre of the rod, the angular velocity of this system increases. Alternatively, when the cars move away from the axis of the rotating rod, the angular velocity of the system decreases. This allows the students to grasp the striking effects of the conservation of the system's angular momentum. The experiment illustrates the physical laws underlying fascinating natural phenomena and processes such as the origin of neutron star rotation, the motion of planets and the reaction of a helicopter body to the rotation of its blades. In addition, the effect of air resistance on the angular velocity is measured and discussed in detail, as it adds a significant component of realism to the experiment. Realism is often ignored in traditional experiments of this kind. Even though the air resistance effect is minor, we tackled it in our experiment and found it too substantial to be ignored. It is very enlightening for the students to see the reality of air resistance and it will help them to develop a critical approach to the idealized pictures often used in physics. Our experiment is simple and can be implemented in any introductory physics laboratory at little cost.
An experiment to test user validation of requirements: data-flow diagrams vs task-oriented menus

A major concern for systems developers is the problem of user validation of system requirements. To the extent that the requirements representation elicits important feedback from the user, the representation technique can be said to be appropriate for user validation. Moran suggests that users develop a conceptual model of a system defined as the “knowledge that organizes how the system works and how it can be used to accomplish) tasks”. An experiment is conducted to determine whether a task-oriented, downward-cascading menu representation (similar to what the user would find in a prototyping environment), which closely corresponds to Moran's idea of a user's conceptual model, permits better comprehension and therefore better validation than data-flow diagrams, which have been strongly advocated as facilitating user validation. A within-group, counterbalancing technique to mitigate subject variability was used to test subjects' comprehension of data-flow diagrams vs the task-oriented menu representations of requirements. Subjects scored significantly higher on the test using the menu representation, indicating that task-oriented menus may be more effective in user validation of requirements than data-flow diagrams.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PLASTOCHRON INDEX AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE APICAL MERISTEM OF DIANTHUS CHINENSIS L.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the structural changes of the shoot apex of Dianthus chinensis during the production of a pair of leaf primordia and to determine if the plastochron index (P.I.) previously developed for this plant could be used to predict the morphological stages of the apex during a plastochron. Height and volume determinations were made on greenhouse-grown D. chinensis shoot tips prepared for light microscopic examination. These measurements were plotted against the plastochronic fraction of each shoot to evaluate the relationship between apical stage and the P.I. In general, lower fractional plastochron values correspond to smaller apical height and volume values while higher fractional plastochron values correspond to larger apical height and volume values. For the greenhouse plants, there is a 3-fold increase in height and a 5-fold increase in volume during a plastochron. Height and volume determinations were made on growth-chamber-grown D. chinensis shoot tips prepared for scanning electron microscopic examination. Largely plants in Plastochron 6 were sampled; plants in Plastochrons 3, 4, and 9 were also sampled for comparative purposes. The curves of apical height and volume versus Plastochron 6 show a sigmoidal pattern of growth. The corresponding curves of the Plastochron-4 and -9 plants show a similar pattern of increase. The Plastochron-6 curves also show that the integer value of the P.I. corresponds to the minimal apical height and volume when a pair of leaf primordia are just discernible, while the integer plus high fractional value of the P.I. corresponds to the maximal apical height and volume just prior to the emergence of the next pair of primordia. During Plastochron 6 there is a 2-fold increase in height and a 3-fold increase in volume. Apical height and volume increase was examined by regression analysis to determine whether growth is better described as linear or exponential. The results indicate that the sigmoidal pattern of increase might be better described by some more complex function. It is concluded that during certain stages of a shoot's vegetative growth the P.I. will accurately predict apical meristem structure in D. chinensis two-thirds of the time.
Environments of the four tryptophans in the extracellular domain of human tissue factor: comparison of results from absorption and fluorescence difference spectra of tryptophan replacement mutants with the crystal structure of the wild-type protein

The local environments of the four tryptophan residues of the extracellular domain of human tissue factor (sTF) were assessed from difference absorption and fluorescence spectra. The difference spectra were derived by subtracting spectra from single Trp-to-Phe or Trp-to-Tyr replacement mutants from the corresponding spectrum of the wild-type protein. Each of the mutants was capable of enhancing the proteolytic activity of factor VIIa showing that the mutations did not introduce major structural changes, although the mutants were more susceptible to denaturation by guanidinium chloride. The difference spectra indicate that the Trp residues are buried to different extents within the protein matrix. This evaluation was compared with the x-ray crystal structure of sTF. There is excellent agreement between predictions from the difference spectra and the environments of the Trp residues observed in the x-ray crystal structure, demonstrating that difference absorption and particularly fluorescence spectra derived from functional single-Trp replacement mutants can be used to obtain information about the local environments of individual Trp residues in multi-tryptophan proteins.
Challenging control problems and emerging technologies in enterprise optimization

Abstract As the scale of control systems increases from individual model predictive control (MPC) applications to integrated control systems for enterprise optimization, two challenges arise. First, the classic MPC regulatory control formulation is not always sufficientthe multi variable controller needs to be more than a regulator. Second, dynamic coordination among MPC controllers is a key to tight integration between advanced process control and plantwide optimization. The first half of this paper discusses the common control needs in the process industries and proposes a range control solution. The balance of the paper discusses the needs and complexity of the dynamic coordination problem, and proposes a three-tier integration method. Because enterprise optimization is a relatively new endeavor, this paper focuses on problems and issues, as well as solutions. The problems and proposed solutions are intended to stimulate discussion and attract more research interest.
Transduction of cell survival signals by connexin-43 hemichannels

Bisphosphonates, drugs used widely in the treatment of bone diseases, prevent osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis by a mechanism involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. We report herein that hexameric connexin (Cx)-43 hemichannels, but not gap junctions, are the essential transducers of the ERK-activating/anti-apoptotic effects of bisphosphonates. Transfection of Cx-43, but not other Cxs, into Cx-43 naive cells confers de novo responsiveness to the drugs. The signal-transducing property of Cx-43 requires the pore forming as well as the C-terminal domains of the protein, the activation of both Src and ERK kinases, and the SH2 and SH3 domains of Src. This evidence adds Cx-43 to the list of transmembrane proteins capable of transducing survival signals in response to extracellular cues and raises the possibility that it may serve in this capacity for endogenously produced molecules or even other drugs.
Tight-skin mouse autoantibody repertoire: Analysis of VH and VK gene usage☆

In the previous studies we have shown that tight-skin (TSK) mouse is an experimental model for systemic sclerosis. This mutant mouse develops autoantibodies specific for scleroderma target antigens. To determine whether the expansion of autoantibody repertoire in TSK mouse occurs by selective expansion of certain variable region gene families, and whether CD5+ B cells contribute significantly to the production of autoantibodies, we have analyzed a panel of 60 hybridomas producing autoantibodies specific for scleroderma target autoantigens. Northern analysis of RNAs from these hybridomas showed that 70% were expressing genes from VHJ558 family while genes from 36-09 and J606 families were not at all represented. In contrast, in the cDNA libraries derived from splenic B cells, the expression of VHJ558 and 36-09 gene families were at an expected frequency corresponding to their genomic complexity (44% and 11.6%, respectively). These results demonstrate that there is a strong bias toward the use of J558 genes in TSK mouse autoantibody repertoire. On the other hand the expression of Vη gene families was mostly random and corresponded to their frequency in splenic Cη cDNA library. The pairing of VH:VK genes was stochastic. Analysis of the expression of J segments, however, revealed that JH2 and JK2 were predominantly used in the autoantibodies. Analysis of the expression CD5 mRNA in these hybridomas indicate that CD5+ B cells do not contribute significantly to the autoimmunity in TSK mice. These findings suggest that the expansion of peripheral autoreactive B cells in TSK mouse is determined by their immunoglobulin variable region rather than the genetic properties linked to a particular B cell subset.
Initial stage of aluminum nitride film growth on 6H-silicon carbide by plasma-assisted, gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

The initial stage of AlN film growth on 6H‐SiC(0001) substrates by plasma‐assisted, gas source molecular beam epitaxy (PAGSMBE) has been investigated in terms of growth mode and interface defects. Cross‐sectional high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to observe the microstructure of the deposited films and the AlN/SiC interfaces. Surface morphologies and interface atomic structures were compared between films grown on vicinal and on‐axis surfaces. Essentially atomically flat AlN surfaces were obtained using on‐axis substrates. This is indicative of two‐dimensional growth to a thickness of ∼15 A. Islandlike features were observed on the vicinal surface. The coalescence of these features at steps gave rise to double positioning boundaries (DPBs) as a result of the misalignment of the Si/C bilayer steps with the Al/N bilayers in the growing film. The quality of thicker AlN films is strongly influenced by the concentration of DPBs formed at the outset of growth.
Hormonal regulation of alpha-lactalbumin secretion from bovine mammary tissue cultured in vitro.

Hormonal control of α-lactalbumin secretion was studied in mammary tissue obtained from nonlactating multiparous Holstein cows pregnant approximately 8 months. Mammary explants were incubated for 72 h in medium containing insulin, T3 and various combinations or concentrations of PRL, cortisol, progesterone, 17β-estradiol, and GH. Concentrations ofα-lactalbumin in the medium and in homogenates of tissue were measured by RIA or sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis as an index of lactogenesis. Increasing quantities of PRL (25 to 100 ng/ml) progressively increased the release of α-lactalbumin into the medium, whereas concentrations of α-lactalbumin in explants exposed to PRL were similar to those in controls. Mammary explants exposed for 3 h to [3H]leucine plus PRL incorporated approximately 2, 11, and 18 times more label into α-lactalbumin 21–24, 45–48, and 69–72 h after initiation of culture, respectively, than explants cultured in the absence of PRL. Cortisol alone had no effect on α-lactalbumin secr...
Differential embedding of the Lorenz attractor.

Ideally an embedding of an $N$-dimensional dynamical system is $N$-dimensional. Ideally, an embedding of a dynamical system with symmetry is symmetric. Ideally, the symmetry of the embedding is the same as the symmetry of the original system. This ideal often cannot be achieved. Differential embeddings of the Lorenz system, which possesses a twofold rotation symmetry, are not ideal. While the differential embedding technique happens to yield an embedding of the Lorenz attractor in three dimensions, it does not yield an embedding of the entire flow. An embedding of the flow requires at least four dimensions. The four dimensional embedding produces a flow restricted to a twisted three dimensional manifold in ${\mathbb{R}}^{4}$. This inversion symmetric three-manifold cannot be projected into any three dimensional Euclidean subspace without singularities.
Quantum dot loaded immunomicelles for tumor imaging.

Background Optical imaging is a promising method for the detection of tumors in animals, with speed and minimal invasiveness. We have previously developed a lipid coated quantum dot system that doubles the fluorescence of PEG-grafted quantum dots at half the dose. Here, we describe a tumor-targeted near infrared imaging agent composed of cancer-specific monoclonal anti-nucleosome antibody 2C5, coupled to quantum dot (QD)-containing polymeric micelles, prepared from a polyethylene glycol/phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE) conjugate. Its production is simple and involves no special equipment. Its imaging potential is great since the fluorescence intensity in the tumor is twofold that of non-targeted QD-loaded PEG-PE micelles at one hour after injection.
A 25-Year Analysis of Veterans Treated for Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective To determine the recurrence and survival outcome based on treatment date, type of treatment, stage of disease, and comorbidity and the recurrence and survival differences based on smoking status as a surrogate for human papillomavirus status in veterans treated for tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Design Outcome cohort study. Setting Tertiary care Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Patients A consecutive sample from 1981 through 2006 of 683 patients treated for oropharyngeal SCC was screened, and 141 patients with tonsillar SCC without distant metastatic spread and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were included. Main Outcome Measures Disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). Results Disease-free survival was significantly better in cohort II (treated during or after 1997) compared with cohort I (treated before 1997) (2- and 5-year DFS, 82% vs 64% and 67% vs 48%; P = .02). Disease-specific survival was better in the surgical vs nonsurgical group (2- and 5-year DSS, 77% vs 46% and 67% vs 30%; P P = .005). In subjects with early-stage disease, OS and DSS were not different regardless of treatment type. In subjects with late-stage disease treated most recently (time cohort II), there was significantly better DSS in those receiving surgical vs nonsurgical treatment (2-year DSS, 70% vs 43%; P = .045). Nonsmokers had better OS (94 months vs 41 months; P = .001) and lower incidence of recurrence (8% vs 44%; P = .02). Conclusion In veterans treated for tonsillar SCC, we advocate the consideration of a treatment plan that includes surgery for patients presenting with advanced-stage SCC of the tonsil, even in patients with notable comorbidities.
Question-Asking in Same- and Opposite-Sex Initial Interactions The Effects of Anticipated Future Interaction

The present analysis examined interlocutors’ question-asking under high, moderate, and low levels of anticipated future interaction. Anticipated future interaction with another is presumed to increase persons'motivation to reduce their uncertainty. Prior to conversation, for example, observers engage in higher levels of information-seeking when they expect to meet the target. However, examination of subjects’ use of question-asking strategies suggested this effect does not extend to ongoing interaction. Instead, highest levels of mutual interrogation occurred at moderate levels of anticipated future interaction, in dyads required to negotiate a second encounter. The extent to which interlocutors control subsequent interaction has not been previously identified as a determinant of either uncertainty or uncertainty reduction. Such increased question-asking may be a function of actors’ desire to avoid negative conversational outcomes, a desire that becomes especially salient when actors are allowed to select their social partners.
Comparison of FIB-4 and APRI in HIV–HCV Coinfected Patients with Normal and Elevated ALT

Liver biopsy is standard for assessment of disease severity in patients with chronic HCV. However, associated risks have led to the development of simple non-invasive models. However, their utility in those with normal ALT is unknown. FIB-4 and APRI were calculated for patients with HIV–HCV coinfection undergoing biopsy. The performance of each model and AUROC for predicting significant fibrosis (Ishak 4–6) were determined for the entire cohort and stratified by elevated (≥60 U/l in men and ≥40 U/l in women) and normal ALT. Two-hundred and ninety-five liver biopsies from 237 patients were included. Elevated ALT was observed in 55, and 15% had significant fibrosis. The AUROC curve for patients with elevated ALT was 0.8 for FIB-4 and 0.76 for APRI, compared with 0.90 for the FIB-4 and 0.85–0.95 for the APRI in those with normal ALT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FIB-4 were 1.0, 0.91, 0.50, and 1.0 for patients with normal ALT; the values were 0.67, 0.99, 0.67, and 0.99 for APRI. Both FIB-4 and APRI are useful for highly accurate identification of those without advanced fibrosis. However, because they have poor positive predictive value, liver biopsy will continue to be used for assessment of patients with coinfection.
Induction of stress proteins in cultured human RPE-derived cells.

The expression and induction of stress protein families were examined in cultured human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-derived cells. These stress proteins (SPs) include the heat-shock proteins (HSPs) that have been shown to be highly inducible following treatment by heat, amino acid analogues, and various chemical oxidants. Three sets of proteins with molecular weights of 70, 84, and 110 kilodaltons were elevated simultaneously from constitutive levels after treatment with azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (AzC), an amino acid analogue of proline. Further experiments demonstrated that incubation of cultured human fetal RPE-derived cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at concentrations ranging from 10−5 M to 10−3 M for 30 minutes to 60 minutes did not elevate the levels of the common families of HSPs as with AzC. These results indicate that cultured human fetal RPE-derived cells are capable of elevated HSP biosynthesis after AzC exposure but appear resistant to H2O2 treatment.
The Role of superantigens in virus infection

Murine mammary tumor viruses are retroviruses which encode superantigens capable of stimulating T cells via superantigen-reactive T-cell receptor Vβ chains. Murine mammary tumor viruses are transmitted to the suckling offspring through the milk. We have established that B cell-deficient pups which were foster-nursed by virus-secreting mice do not transfer infectious murine mammary tumor viruses to their offspring. No murine mammary tumor virus proviruses could be detected in the spleen and mammary tissue of these mice. We conclude that B cells are essential for the completion of the viral life cyclein vivo. This indicates that B cells are infected first and that viral amplification takes place only if infected B cells present the murine mammary tumor virus superantigen on their surface, which, in turn, results in activation of T cells expressing the appropriate T-cell receptor Vβ chains. These activated T cells secrete factors which stimulate B cells, enabling viral replication.
The Historian's Responsibility in Litigation Support

Historical research and reporting in support of litigation should not strain professional ethics. Lawyers expect expert witnesses to offer sound and reasonable opinions that are supported by the evidence. Although attorneys must be advocates, good ones realize that experts should not stretch their conclusions to fit the case. Litigation can place restrictions on reporting one9s findings, but the public historian must work within the constraints of the judicial system and honor its ethical boundaries. Where possible, the historian should share findings based on publicly accessible documents. Research must be done in line with the highest standards. This works to the benefit of the historian and the legal team. Although there may be two sets of ethical standards, they are not fundamentally at odds.
Exact solutions for interacting finite potential wells

Exact wave functions and eigenenergy relations are obtained for a biwell potential as a function of interwell displacement and single well parameters. The proliferation of energies is shown explicitly as the wells are brought into close proximity. The model is compared with the opaque division-wall model. These results find important application in laser and nuclear physics.
Effects of steroid hormones on spermatogenesis and GnRH release in male Leopard frogs, Rana pipiens.

Several lines of evidence suggest reproduction in the ranid frogs is potently regulated by the gonadal steroids, in particular 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 17β-estradiol (E2), and a non-gonadal steroid, the stress hormone corticosterone (Cort). Little is known about how these steroid hormones act upon the GnRH system to regulate the downstream reproductive events. We address these gaps in our knowledge by investigating the effects of Cort, E2, and DHT administration on the in vitro release of GnRH and on the spermatogenesis of adult male leopard frog, Rana pipiens. R. pipiens were implanted for 20 days with silastic capsules containing cholesterol (Ch; control), Cort, E2, or DHT. Upon sacrifice, acute hypothalamic explants were cultured and measured for GnRH release, and testes processed for histological analysis. Although only E2 implant significantly reduced the gonadosomatic index, all three steroid hormones altered spermatogenesis. Cort modestly but significantly reduced the presence of spermatids. The effects of E2 and DHT were both stimulatory and inhibitory, depending on the stage of spermatogenesis. None of the steroid hormones altered baseline GnRH release. Interestingly, only E2 significantly stimulated veratridine-induced GnRH release, suggesting E2 treatment increased the releasable pool of GnRH and/or enhance the excitability of GnRH neurons. In sum, this is the first study to report the direct measurement of GnRH secretion in a poikilothermic tetrapod. Our results revealed potent but sometimes paradoxical effects of steroid hormones, especially E2, on the reproductive regulation of the male R. pipiens.
Learning and localization of brain function in the tarantula spider, Aphonopelma chalcodes (Orthognatha: Theraphosidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Neurochemical events and localization of brain function associated with shock avoidance, leg-position learning in the tarantula spider, Aphonopelma chalcodes , were investigated. 2. 2. This species is capable of avoidance learning and retention of the learned task. Avoidance learning is associated with a significant increase in levels of RNA and protein synthesis within the supraesophageal ganglion as well as a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity. 3. 3. Cycloheximide-induced inhibition of protein synthesis within the brain results in a significant impairment of the learning process. This effect is more pronounced in spiders injected with cycloheximide prior to any training procedures. 4. 4. The supraesophageal ganglion was found to play an important role in avoidance learning as indicated by the degree of incorporation of HMabeled undine into RNA. Significant increases in RNA activity were found to occur specifically within the protocerebrum (including the corpora pedunculata) and central body regions of the SEG. No increase in RNA activity was found within the optic ganglia or subesophageal ganglion. 5. 5. Neurochemical correlates of learning and localization of brain function with respect to behavioral plasticity in arachnids is discussed.
Faster in vivo clearance of human embryonic kidney than Chinese hamster ovary cell derived protein: Role of glycan mediated clearance

This investigation used in vivo and in vitro tools to study pharmacokinetics and glycosylation of two monomeric antibodies produced either transiently by HEK293 cells or stably by Chinese hamster ovary cells, and demonstrated that higher in vivo clearance of human embryonic kidney antibody was due to higher glycosylation, thus higher mannose receptor mediated uptake.
symbolic logic processor using cascaded liquid crystal televisions (LCTVs)

A shadow casting optical logic array processor using cascaded programmable liquid crystal televisions (LCTVs) is described. We have shown that the 16 basic logic operations can be easily achieved with this technique. A technique of performing two-level logic function using a modified version of this proposed architectures is also given. We have shown that any two-level logic function can be performed with this technique. The experimental demonstrations of this optical symbolic logic processor are also provided.
Energy efficiency of error control coding in intra-chip RF/wireless interconnect systems

Continuous scaling of conventional hard-wired metal interconnects into deep sub-micrometer region (DSM) has resulted in significant performance degradation in terms of delay, crosstalk noise, higher power dissipation, and decreased tolerance to noise. Besides, communication-centric nature of system-on-chip (SOC) networks requires efficient intra- and inter-chip interconnect technologies. Radio-frequency (RF)/wireless interconnects promise to be the best alternative to metal interconnects as they are compatible with current CMOS-technology, and they also provide higher data rate and bi-directional multi I/O transmissions. This paper evaluates the system bit-error-rate (BER) performance with the application of fault-tolerance capability using linear error-control codes (ECCs) within chip (intra-chip) RF/wireless interconnect systems. It also evaluates the utility of ECCs by considering energy consumed in ECC encoding-decoding vis-a-vis the energy saved due to coding gain by calculating the critical distance (d"c"r). The results indicate that for a certain range of received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), application of ECC improves the BER performance of the RF/wireless interconnect system. It is also shown that d"c"r drops to 0.7mm at 18GHz.
The genetic organization of neuron number in Ammon's horns of house mice.

Abstract This study of the Ammon's horns of 20 inbred strains of house mice had 3 primary objectives. The first was to determine whether there was genetically-associated variability in the number of neurons present within a dorsal and a ventral portion of this brain region. If genetically-associated variability proved to be present, there were two additional objectives which we wished to achieve. One was to determine the degree to which genetically-associated variations in neuron number are confined to specific neuronal regions, or shared between neuronal regions. The other was to identify specific extreme strains for further study. A section cut in a coronal plane was selected for a sampling within a dorsal portion of Ammon's horn, and a section cut in a horizontal plane was selected for a sampling within a ventral portion. Counts were made of neuronal nuclei in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus and in the pyramidal layers of regio inferior and regio superior of the hippocampus. Cross-sectional areas for these somal laminae were also measured and planimetric neuron densities were obtained by computing the ratios of nuclei counted to the areas of the appropriate somal laminae. Genetically-associated variability in counts of neuronal nuclei was observed for all neuronal regions within both the dorsal and the ventral sampled portions. Genetically-associated variability in planimetric neuron density was clearly present within the dorsal portion. The obtained counts of neuronal nuclei were adjusted statistically for variations in planimetric neuron density to provide the best indices of variation in neuron number presently available. Results for these adjusted neuron counts were as follows. First, there was an indication of substantial genetically-associated variability in neuron number. With the single exception of one neuronal region (dorsal regio superior), adjusted neuron counts exhibited significant genetically-associated variability for all neuronal regions within both portions sampled. Second, there was evidence for both separate and shared genetic determination of neuron number between neuronal regions. Strains were not uniformly high, intermediate, or low in their adjusted neuron counts. Instead, a complex patterning of high and low genetically-associated correlations was observed between neuronal regions and sampled portions. Third, extreme strains for each neuronal region were identified for the sampled dorsal and ventral portions. Differences between the neuron numbers of interconnected neuronal regions imply variations in connectivity. Such variations could provide a morphological basis for ‘tuning’ associated adaptive characteristics of populations of house mice to enhance the likelihood of their survival in environments with varying ecological requirements.
Drug development train gathering steam

Inhibitors of specific signaling molecules may provide future treatments for acute lymphocytic leukemia.