cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2905: Low Pre-Procedural High-Density Lipoprotein and Death at One Year After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Low HDL cholesterol is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but its prognostic importance after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is not well established. Methods: We examined 1-year outcomes in 2,092 patients undergoing PCI between 2001 and 2004 at Emory University. Patients were divided into quartiles by HDL level and were followed for 1 year. Using logistic regression, we compared 1-year clinical outcomes according to HDL quartiles after adjusting for demographic and comorbidity factors. Results: The baseline clinical characteristics were comparable among HDL quartiles except women were less represented in the lower quartiles. Patients in the lowest quartile (HDL mean 30, range 10–34) had a significantly increased rate of death compared to the other quartiles in both bivariate (Table) and multivariate analyses. There was no difference noted with regards to non-fatal myocardial infarction or revascularization. The adjusted hazard ratio of death for the lowest quartile compared to the highest quartile was 3.0 (95% CI: 1.6–5.5), no significant difference was noted among the other quartiles (Figure). No significant differences were noted in any of the outcomes assessed between quartiles 2, 3, and 4. Conclusion: Low HDL levels (
Tuning Water Nanofiltration Performance of Few-Layered, Reduced Graphene Oxide Membranes by Oxygen Plasma

Ultrathin, graphene oxide (GO) membranes have shown great potential for water nanofiltration applications. However, due to the difficulties in controlling the intrinsic oxygen-containing functional groups on GO and the swelling of GO interlayers in aqueous solution, it is highly challenging to tune GO membranes’ nanofiltration performance by adjusting their hydrophilicity and interlayer nanochannel size. In this study, oxygen plasma was reported as an effective technique to tune water nanofiltration performance of few-layered, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membranes, by improving rGO membranes’ hydrophilicity and/or adjusting effective permeation nanochannel/pore sizes. The 5 nm thick GO membranes were fabricated through a layer-by-layer deposition method and subsequently reduced at 220 °C under vacuum. No detectable water permeance (<1.0 L/(m2·h·bar)) under 5 bar pressure drop suggests the high quality of the rGO membranes possibly with very small hydrophobic nanochannels/pores. Exposure to oxygen plasma ...
Mechanisms of Negativity Bias: An Empirical Exploration of App Reviews In Apple’s App Store

Researchers in many diverse areas have consistently found that we are unduly influenced by negative information. In electronic commerce, this negativity bias is evident in the effect of product reviews on consumer behavior in the information systems literature. While the negativity bias is well documented, there has been little systematic and empirical research on its underlying causes. Utilizing a novel data set collected from Apple’s App Store, we examine three probable causes of the negativity bias: that negative reviews are more specific, that they have higher surprise value, and that they increase our ability to avoid losses. The empirical analysis revealed that while all three mechanisms contribute to the negativity bias, the ‘surprise’ factor and the ability to avoid losses play a more prominent role when consumers process and integrate positive and negative review information. Our findings also carry important practical implications for review platforms and online companies.
Measuring inquiry: new methods, promises & challenges

Contemporary views of science education regard scientific inquiry and the ability to reason scientifically as the essential core of science education (American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 1993; Chinn & Malhotra, 2002; NRC, 1996; Krajcik et al, 1998; Songer et al, 2003). According to White and colleagues, scientific inquiry is an active process comprised of four primary components: theorizing, questioning and hypothesizing, investigating, analyzing and synthesizing (White & Frederiksen, 1998; White, Frederiksen & Collins, in preparation). Measuring these inquiry processes as well as the products that result from the processes has long been a challenge for educators and researchers (Marx et al, 2004); however, advances in technology and measurement are creating new possibilities for assessing both process and product (Pellegrino, Chudowsky & Glaser, 2001; Behrens, 2009). There are three themes that this symposium is addressing: what inquiry is and is not, the best way to teach inquiry, and the best way to measure inquiry. We have chosen a widely accepted definition of what inquiry is by White et al, described above, and are focusing our work on the latter, how to best measure inquiry.
The Institutionalisation of the East German System Transformation

The East German economic transformation initiated in 1989/90 primarily aims at the establishment of system elements which classify a market economy, in the sense of decentralised decision-making authority and the existence of private property. The transformation methodology is thus theoretically based on the previously described classical dichotomous approach of identifying economic systems (chapter 2, sections 2.2 and 2.3). The transformation of a centrally-planned economy with state-ownership into a market economy with private ownership requires political decisions regarding the concrete privatisation approach. It is expected that bureaucratic hierarchies will be substituted by markets which have to be created (Williamson, 1979). In order to create an economic framework predominantly based on the criterion of private property an incentive system which enables the economy to function in an efficient manner has to be established. This focuses on the introduction of well-defined property rights and ideally the property transformation must be carried out quickly so as to minimise potential negative macroeconomic implications of the transition (lack of investment, unemployment etc.).
The Case for a Commodity Hardware Solution for Stress Detection

Timely detection of an individual's stress level has the potential to expedite and improve stress management, thereby reducing the risk of adverse health consequences that may arise due to unawareness or mismanagement of stress. Recent advances in wearable sensing have resulted in multiple approaches to detect and monitor stress with varying levels of accuracy. The most accurate methods, however, rely on clinical grade sensors strapped to the user. These sensors measure physiological signals of a person and are often bulky, custom-made, expensive, and/or in limited supply, hence limiting their large-scale adoption by researchers and the general public. In this paper, we explore the viability of commercially available off-the-shelf sensors for stress monitoring. The idea is to be able to use cheap, non-clinical sensors to capture physiological signals, and make inferences about the wearer's stress level based on that data. In this paper, we describe a system involving a popular off-the-shelf heart-rate monitor, the Polar H7; we evaluated our system in a lab setting with three well-validated stress-inducing stimuli with 26 participants. Our analysis shows that using the off-the-shelf sensor alone, we were able to detect stressful events with an F1 score of 0.81, on par with clinical-grade sensors.
How Middle School Principals Can Affect Beginning Teachers’ Experiences:

This article reports on a 2-year qualitative research study of the processes by which middle school principals’ policies and actions shaped the experiences of five novice teachers in two Michigan s...
Relation of Marital Status and QT Interval Prolongation (from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).

Although the link between marital status and mortality is well established, the pathophysiological basis is unclear. An investigation of the association of marital status with prolonged QT interval may highlight the underlying mechanism for poor outcomes associated with being unmarried. This analysis included 6,562 participants (mean age 58.6 years, 52% women, 50.1% non-Hispanic whites) without a history of cardiovascular disease from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. QT was automatically measured from digital 12-lead electrocardiogram in a central reading center. Marital status was defined by self-report as married and unmarried (never married, divorced/separated or widowed). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine cross-sectional association between marital status and prolonged QT interval (≥450 ms in men, ≥460 ms in women). Compared with married, unmarried was associated with 46% higher odds of the prolonged QT interval (odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.46[1.16–1.83]). This association was stronger among men versus women (OR[95% CI]: 1.75[1.27–2.41] vs 1.26[0.92–1.73] respectively; interaction p value = 0.03) and in younger versus older participants (OR [95% CI]: 1.72[1.21–2.42] vs 1.40[1.05–1.88], respectively; interaction p value = 0.002). When the types of unmarried were compared to married, a dose-response relation with prolonged QT was observed with the highest odds in never married followed by divorced/separated, and then widowed. In conclusion, marital status is associated with a prolonged QT interval, especially among men and younger participants. Prolonged QT interval may indicate a biologic substrate through which social isolation defined by unmarried state increases the risk of poor outcomes in the future.
Technical and Economic Analysis of Wind Turbine System for Isolated Location at Adrar in Algeria

this paper presents a statistical analysis of wind characteristics and estimating of unite cost for small wind turbine at Adrar situated in Algeria, using Weibull distribution function. The wind energy production using the economic evaluation of Whisper 200 wind turbine taking into account the geographical and climatic condition for this location, and the variation of air density as a function of temperature, to start processing and simulation of the collected data (wind and temperature) every 3 hours over five years, after the estimation of wind energy, the economic evaluation was carried.The annual shape parameter k value equal to 2.69, while the annual scale parameter C and the annual average wind speed are 7.5m/s and 6.6m/s respectively, the value of the shape parameter k shows that the distribution is stable, and the value of the scale parameter C is important; the present values cost equal to 882.83$ and the maintenance cost equal to 396.28$, while the per kWh cost for project are 0.241$/kWh.
Psychological cycle shifts redux: Revisiting a preregistered study examining preferences for muscularity

Abstract Junger et al. (2018) conducted a preregistered study examining whether women particularly prefer muscular bodies when conceptive in their cycles. Despite an impressive number of participants and within-woman observations, they found no evidence for a preference shift; rather, they claimed, conceptive women find all male bodies more attractive. We preregistered a separate study very similar to Junger et al.'s, with specified analyses focusing on shifts associated with joint additive effects of log-transformed estradiol and progesterone (ln(E/P)). We performed similar analyses on Junger et al.'s publicly available data, using an empirically vetted (though not preregistered) measure of Strength/Muscularity. They revealed a ln(E/P) × Strength/Muscularity × Relationship Status interaction effect on sexual attraction. The ln(E/P) × Strength/Muscularity interaction ran in opposite directions for partnered and single women effects largely driven by P levels. Junger et al.'s null conclusions and claims about general preferences are premature. We offer several observations regarding preregistered analyses.
Exploiting BBB disruption for the delivery of nanocarriers to the diseased CNS

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) segregates the central nervous system from the systemic circulation. As such, the BBB not only prevents toxins and pathogens from entering the brain, but also limits the brain uptake of therapeutic molecules. However, under certain pathological conditions, the BBB is disrupted, allowing direct interaction between blood components and the diseased site. Moreover, techniques such as focused ultrasound can further disrupt the BBB in diseased regions. This review focuses on strategies that leverage such BBB disruption for delivering nanocarriers to the central nervous system (CNS). BBB disruption, as it relates to nanocarrier delivery, will be discussed in the context of acute pathologies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, as well as chronic pathologies such as brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Key aspects of nanocarrier design as they relate to penetration and retention in the CNS are also highlighted.
Regulation of the Mitochondrial ATPase In Situ in Slow and Fast Heart-Rate Hearts

Ischemia may be defined as the reduction or loss of blood flow to a tissue. Under the acidotic and non-energizing conditions that prevail in ischemic cardiac muscle1,2,3,4, there is a marked, rapid and reversible inhibition of the mitochondrial ATPase3,4,5. This ATPase inhibition is mediated by the reversible binding of the mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor protein of Pullman and Monroy6 with the enzyme7,8. Moreover, this inhibition markedly slows the hydrolysis of tissue ATP stores by the undriven ATP synthase in the ischemic cells3,9,10. The reversible inhibition of the mitochondrial ATPase thus serves as an important safeguard against a very rapid high-energy phosphate depletion during ischemia9,10.
n-adic Decompositions and Retracts

Publisher Summary By an AR(ANR), one understands a compact metric absolute retract (compact metric absolute neighborhood retract). It is well known that AR's contain arcs. One may ask whether every AR(ANR) of dimension n , n ≥2, contains a cell of dimension k , where k ≥ 2. Likewise, one may ask whether every AR of dimension n , n ≥2, contains a proper AR(ANR) of dimension k , where k ≥2. Answers to questions of this type will enhance the understanding of the structure of AR's (ANR's). This chapter discusses the recent results and some open problems in this direction. It describes a general method of constructing decompositions of B 3 such that the decomposition spaces are retracts of the suitable type. To avoid technicalities, these decompositions are described for E.
The effect of individual learning on collective foraging in honey bees in complex environments

Abstract The trade-off between exploiting known resources and exploring for new ones is a complex decision-making challenge, particularly when resource patches are variable in quality and heterogeneously distributed in the landscape. Social insect colonies navigate this challenge, in the absence of centralized control, by allocating different individuals to each of these tasks based on variation in individual behavior. To investigate how heritable differences in individual learning affect a colony’s collective ability to locate and choose among different quality food resources, we develop an agent based model and test its predictions using two genetic lines of honey bees, selected for differences in their learning behavior. Here we show that, paradoxically, colonies containing individuals that are better at learning to ignore unrewarding stimuli are worse at choosing the highest quality resource at the collective level. This work highlights the importance of individual variation within groups on the emergence of collective behavior.
Similarities Between Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising Exposure and Adolescent Use of Each of These Substances.

Objective:Underage alcohol use is a major public health problem and substantial corporate money supports alcohol advertising across multiple venues. A diverse research literature demonstrates that ...
Experiences of Discrimination and Urinary Catecholamine Concentrations: Longitudinal Associations in a College Student Sample.

Background Experiences of discrimination are a risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of longitudinal research examining associations between discrimination and urinary catecholamines. This is surprising given the likely mediating role of sympathetic nervous system dysregulation in the association between psychosocial stress and cardiovascular morbidity. Purpose The current study examined the 3 year longitudinal association between experiences of discrimination and urinary catecholamines. Methods The sample included 149 college students (mean age at baseline = 18.8, standard deviation = 0.96; 45% Black/African American; 55% White/European American). Concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine-urinary catecholamines with established links to psychosocial stress exposure and subsequent morbidity-were determined from 12 hr overnight samples. Results Results indicated that experiences of discrimination were associated with increases in both epinephrine (β = .284, standard error [SE] = .117, p = .015) and norepinephrine (β = .306, SE = .114, p = .001). These longitudinal associations persisted after adjusting for negative affect, depression, and rejection sensitivity and did not vary as a function of race/ethnicity. Conclusions Results suggest that examination of overnight urinary catecholamines as a biological mediator of associations between experiences of discrimination and cardiovascular morbidity is warranted.
A Theoretical Explanation for Enhanced Nonlinear Response in Epsilon-Near-Zero Media

We theoretically investigate the effects of a material's linear permittivity e on its nonlinear response, showing that conversion efficiency increases as e decreases, consistent with other groups’ measurements of unusually high effective nonlinear refractive index in transparent conducting oxides.
Resonant Reflection by Waveguide Gratings with Structured Period

We show that waveguide gratings with structured period provide additional tool for adjusting relative magnitudes of the coupling coefficients for the waves in different diffraction orders and thus controlling the resonant reflection by the waveguide gratings. In particular, the grating can be designed to provide narrow reflection peak in the wavelength domain while significantly reducing angular dependence of the resonance.
Characteristics Associated with Feeding Tube Placement: Retrospective Cohort Study of Texas Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia.

Abstract Objectives To investigate resident-level, provider-type, nursing home (NH), and regional factors associated with feeding tube (FT) placement in advanced dementia. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting and Participants NH residents in Texas with dementia diagnosis and severe cognitive impairment (N = 20,582). Methods This study used 2011-2016 Texas Medicare data to identify NH residents with a stay of at least 120 days who had a diagnosis of dementia on Long Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS) evaluation and severe cognitive impairment on clinical score. Multivariable repeated measures analyses were conducted to identify associations between FT placement and resident-level, provider-type, NH, and regional factors. Results The prevalence of FT placement in advanced dementia in Texas between 2011 and 2016 ranged from 12.5% to 16.1% with a nonlinear trend. At the resident level, the prevalence of FT decreased with age [age > 85 years, prevalence ratio (PR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.69] and increased among residents who are black (2.74, 95% CI 2.48-3.03) or Hispanic (PR 1.91, 95% CI 1.71-2.13). Residents cared for by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant were less likely to have an FT (PR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.96). No facility characteristics were associated with prevalence of FT placement in advanced dementia. There were regional differences in FT placement with the highest use areas on the Texas-Mexico border and in South and East Texas (Harlingen border area, PR 4.26, 95% CI 3.69-4.86; San Antonio border area, PR 3.93, 95% CI 3.04-4.93; Houston, PR 2.17, 95% CI 1.87-2.50), and in metro areas (PR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.50). Conclusions and Implications Regional, race, and ethnic variations in prevalence of FT use among NH residents suggest opportunities for clinicians and policy makers to improve the quality of end-of-life care by especially considering other palliative care measures for minorities living in border towns.
Can laboratory evolution experiments teach us about natural populations

The ability to predict how natural populations will evolve and adapt to major changes in environmental conditions has long been of interest to evolutionary biologists and ecologists alike. The reality of global climate change has also created a pressing need for advancement in this particular area of research, as species are increasingly faced with rapid shifts in abiotic and biotic conditions. Evolutionary genomics has the potential to be incredibly useful as we move forward in addressing this need and in particular, evolve and resequence (ER Schlotterer et al., 2014), it is unclear whether results from laboratory experiments can be directly translated to natural populations. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Hsu et al. (Mol Ecol, 29, 2020) explicitly contend with this issue by examining the overlap between genes implicated in thermal adaptation in a Drosophila melanogaster E&R study and genes identified by comparing natural populations from different latitudinal clines. They report significant correlations between the two sets of temperature-adaptive genes and ultimately conclude that E&R studies can indeed generate insights applicable to populations inhabiting complex natural environments. While more work is needed to assess the generality of these conclusions, Hsu and Belmouaden (Mol Ecol, 29, 2020) contribute an important precedent.
Introduction: Situating Ubuntu Outside the Power of Coloniality

This book endeavors to value Ubuntu as an indigenous concept—roughly translated to describe the very essence of being human, affirming dignity of self and others in a “shared humanity”—while critically engaging with it in the sociopolitical and contextual landscapes that ground many of its evocations. In this regard, rather than define Ubuntu, I am interested in the discourses of Ubuntu. This chapter outlines the purpose of the book highlighting the rationale and methodology used to explore Ubuntu. To engage transformative universal responsibility, the chapter highlights the need to explore Ubuntu within the lens of power, power in knowledge production, coloniality of power and its changing landscape, and the contradictions presented by the notions of hierarchies of value of humans. The chapter weaves voice and autobiographical narrative as a way to connect the macro-sociopolitical to the lived experiences of everyday.
Analyzing climate justice implications of the Paris Agreement by combining future global climate and sea level modeling data with interdisciplinary research

The science linking anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions with our changing climate, and the resulting impacts, has been well established for decades. During that time one of the focal points of i...
Cemeteries as public urban green space: Management, funding and form

Abstract As cities around the world increase in density, and the number of urban green spaces decrease, the role cemeteries play is becoming increasingly important. Highly vegetated cemeteries can provide important public green spaces in urban environments and give recreational opportunities to city residents. They are also important historical and cultural landscapes, and as places of burial they contain special sacred and social meanings. Cemeteries are complex places that can have a myriad of meaning and uses. This research examines cross-national differences between cemeteries in Sweden and the United States. It uses a case study method to compare two large historical cemeteries in urban environments: Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York in the United States and the Ostra kyrkogarden (Eastern Cemetery) in Malmo, Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in both cemeteries complemented by site observations. This study explores differences in cemetery management, funding and form, and how these factors can affect the recreational usage of these spaces as public urban green space. The research compares how the funding differences between the United States and Sweden regarding the private versus public funding of cemeteries and burials affects cemetery management differences. It also examines how the physical form of a cemetery can affect public accessibility, use as urban green space and landscape management practices. Public use of Ostra kyrkogarden and Green-Wood Cemetery as recreational urban green spaces has changed over time. Both cemeteries show how differences in management and physical form can affect public accessibility and their multifunctional usage as urban green spaces. National differences in private versus public cemetery funding, along with burial in perpetuity in the United States compared to grave reuse in Sweden, also have ramifications for the evolution and preservation of cemeteries.
Use of eHealth for HIV Medical Education: a Narrative Review.

The complexity of HIV care and its expanding clinical workforce has created a need for new distance learning models to deliver medical education. We conducted a narrative review to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of recent eHealth HIV education interventions supporting HIV healthcare providers. Evidence from 24 articles revealed that synchronous (real time), asynchronous (any time), and hybrid (combination) models of eHealth education are feasible and acceptable. Only two interventions (one asynchronous, one hybrid) of 19 included in the review utilized a randomized controlled design. Some studies showed improvement in confidence and perceived quality of case management, but few studies were designed to demonstrate impact. Successful eHealth education interventions require a thorough understanding of the target community’s capacity and needs. Both synchronous and asynchronous strategies appear acceptable and potentially effective, but more studies are needed to assess impact on knowledge and practices to determine the most effective delivery models.
Elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is associated with decreased amputation-free survival after femoropopliteal percutaneous revascularization.

BACKGROUND An elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker associated with adverse outcomes after cardiovascular surgery. This study evaluates the association of preoperative NLR with clinical outcomes after peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) of the femoropopliteal segments. METHODS A retrospective review identified 488 patients who underwent percutaneous interventions of femoropopliteal arteries between 2011 and 2018 and had a pre-procedural complete blood count with differential with normal white blood cell count within 30 days prior to intervention. Amputation-free survival (AFS), survival, and freedom from major amputation were assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Cohorts of patients with NLR 4 (High) were compared using univariate and multivariable statistical models. In these analyses NLR was analyzed as a continuous variable to correlate with clinical outcomes. RESULTS Mean age was 71.7±12.8 years and males constituted 55.5%. The majority of patients presented with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI, 78.5%). Increasing NLR was correlated with increasing rates of comorbidities, except for smoking history. The 30-day mortality rates increased with increasing NLR: 1.4%, 4.3%, and 7.0% for low ( 4) NLR groups, respectively (P=0.005). Patients with a lower pre-operative NLR achieved significantly greater amputation-free survival at 4-year follow-up: low NLR, 65.5%; mid NLR, 37.5%; and high NLR, 17.6% (P<0.0001). By multivariable analysis, increasing NLR, advanced age, CLTI, and dialysis-dependent renal failure reduced AFS. CONCLUSIONS Elevated NLR is an independent predictor of decreased AFS following percutaneous interventions of femoropopliteal segments. Further research on identification and modulation of risk factors for high NLR are warranted.
Simple to Extreme: Following the Reconstructive Ladder for Complex Posterior Trunk Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the posterior trunk and torso defects presents unique challenges to the reconstructive surgeon, particularly in the setting of oncologic resection and adjuvant multimodality therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation. The operation can be more complicated in the setting of hardware exposure. Although local flaps represent the primary workhorse option, reconstruction using a microvascular free tissue transfer should be considered when local flap options have been exhausted. Here, we present a unique case reconstructing a complex, radiated back wound with exposed hardware that failed prior bilateral paraspinous, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius muscle flaps. A unilateral free TRAM flap was used and revascularized through an arteriovenous loop to provide stable coverage of the 15 × 25 cm defect. The patient also had preexisting upper extremity ischemia, which limited flap perfusion and positioning options. The usage of arteriovenous loops and free musculocutaneous flaps can provide another potential adequate option for the treatment of these complex defects.
A framework for multiplex imaging optimization and reproducible analysis

Multiplex imaging technologies are increasingly used for single-cell phenotyping and spatial characterization of tissues; however, transparent methods are needed for comparing the performance of platforms, protocols and analytical pipelines. We developed a python software, jinxif, for reproducible image processing and utilize Jupyter notebooks to share our optimization of signal removal, antibody specificity, background correction and batch normalization of the multiplex imaging with a focus on cyclic immunofluorescence (CyCIF). Our work both improves the CyCIF methodology and provides a framework for multiplexed image analytics that can be easily shared and reproduced.
SU-E-T-177: Clinical Experience with Spirometer Guided Breath Hold Lung SBRT

Purpose: Tumor motion in lung SBRT is typically managed by creating an internal target volume (ITV) based on 4D-CT information. Another option, which may reduce lung dose and imaging artifact, is to use a breath hold (BH) during simulation and delivery. Here we evaluate the reproducibility of tumor position at repeated BH using a newly released spirometry system. Methods: Three patients underwent multiple BH CT’s at simulation. All patients underwent a BH cone beam CT (CBCT) prior to each treatment. All image sets were registered to a patient’s first simulation CT based on local bony anatomy. The gross tumor volume (GTV), and the diaphragm or the apex of the lung were contoured on the first image set and expanded in 1 mm increments until the GTVs and diaphragms on all image sets were included inside an expanded structure. The GTV and diaphragm margins necessary to encompass the structures were recorded. Results: The first patient underwent 2 BH CT’s and fluoroscopy at simulation, the remaining patients underwent 3 BH CT’s at simulation. In all cases the GTV’s remained within 1 mm expansions and the diaphragms remained within 2 mm expansions on repeat scans. Each patient underwent 3 daily BH CBCT’s. In all cases the GTV’s remained within a 2 mm expansions, and the diaphragms (or lung apex in one case) remained within 2 mm expansions at daily BH imaging. Conclusions: These case studies demonstrate spirometry as an effective tool for limiting tumor motion (and imaging artifact) and facilitating reproducible tumor positioning over multiple set-ups and BH’s. This work was partially supported by Qfix.
Electrophysiologic mapping to determine the mechanism of experimental ventricular tachycardia initiated by premature impulses. Experimental approach and initial results demonstrating reentrant excitation.

Abstract Epicardial activation patterns were determined during repetitive responses and nonsustained and sustained ventricular tachycardias induced by premature impulses in infarcted canine hearts. A multiplexing system enabled recordings to be obtained from up to 192 electrodes simultaneously either from the entire epicardial surface with a sock electrode array or only from the sheet of epicardial muscle that survives over the infarcts, with a plaque electrode array. In hearts with an infarct caused by permanent occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the earliest epicardial excitation during nonsustained tachycardias occurred on the anterior left ventricle at the border of the infarcted region and in epicardial muscle surviving over the infarcted region. Circuituous conduction patterns leading to reentry occurred in the epicardial muscle over the infarct and probably caused the arrhythmias. During sustained tachycardia in hearts with an infarct caused either by permanent or temporary occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the earliest epicardial excitation also occurred at the border of the infarcted region, but there was no evidence of reentry in the surviving epicardial muscle.
Studies on the stabilizing forces of simple RNA viruses. I. Selective interference with protein-RNA interactions in turnip yellow mosaic virus.

Abstract To allow an experimental study of the disengagement of the RNA from its linkage with the protein in turnip yellow mosaic virus, several methods were developed which affected the capsid structure to such an extent that upon breakage of the protein-RNA linkage, the RNA was allowed enough mobility to undergo either internal rearrangements or to be released in the reaction mixture. These “capsid-expanding” methods encompassed alkali treatment, moderate heating, and the treatment with 12 m -formamide, all in the presence of high ionic strength (1.0) m -KCl). Moderate alkali treatment of turnip yellow mosaic virus gave rise to an in situ fragmentation of the phosphodiester chain of the RNA followed by a complexing of the RNA fragments inside the intact capsid. In alkali treatment with pH above 11, a large proportion of the virus particles released their fragmented RNA into the reaction mixture. The release of RNA was an all-or-nothing process, and followed single-hit kinetics for the majority of particles in a population. The rate of RNA release increased as the pH was raised, but appeared to be independent of the degree of fragmentation and/or complexing that preceded it. Hence, the release of RNA is primarily controlled by the degree of capsid expansion. Moderate heating or treatment with 12 m -formamide provided a means of capsid perturbation which allowed a direct analysis of the breakage of protein-RNA linkages as a function of pH. With both methods it was found that at pH values under neutrality turnip yellow mosaic virus retained its stability, but that a pH of 7 or higher induced dissociation into capsids and free RNA. The same pH dependence of dissociation of turnip yellow mosaic virus was also found after high doses of ultraviolet light irradiation. Whereas the viral capsid degraded into slowly sedimenting fragments upon irradiation under slightly acid as well as under neutral conditions, the majority of the virus particles remained stable at pH 6, but not at pH 7. It was concluded that in turnip yellow mosaic virus the integrity of the protein-RNA linkages is dependent upon the pH, and that these linkages are broken between pH 6 and 7. The type of interaction compatible with such behavior would be an ionic linkage between protonated histidinyl residues and negatively charged nucleic acid phosphates, or could consist of juxtaposed protein carboxylate and nucleotide amino groups, sharing a hydrogen-bonded proton. The latter model would provide a structural role for the extraordinarily large number of cytidilic acid residues in turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA.
The Trial of Sir Thomas Moore: An Account

There is much to learn from the story of how the head of one of the most revered men in England, Sir Thomas More, ended up on the chopping block on London's Tower Hill in 1535. Few people in history have faced their trials and deaths as squarely, calmly, and with as much integrity as did More. More's road from his post as Lord Chancellor of England to the Tower of London owes its course to a Bible passage, a marriage of a long-dead prince, and the consuming desire of lustful and vain-glorious King Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn. Swept along with More, in this fateful confluence of writings, events, and people, was nothing less than the Reformation.
Synthesis and processing of kinetoplast DNA minicircles in Trypanosoma equiperdum

Kinetoplast DNA, the mitochondrial DNA in trypanosomes, is a giant network containing topologically interlocked minicircles. Replication occurs on free minicircles that have been detached from the network. In this paper, we report studies on the synthesis and processing of the minicircle L and H strands. Analysis of free minicircles from Trypanosoma equiperdum by two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis indicated that elongating L strands are present on theta structures. Hybridization studies indicated that L-strand elongation is continuous and unidirectional, starting near nucleotide 805 and proceeding around the entire minicircle. The theta structures segregate into monomeric progeny minicircles, and those with a newly synthesized L strand have a 8-nucleotide gap between nucleotides 805 and 814 (J. M. Ntambi, T. A. Shapiro, K. A. Ryan, and P. T. Englund, J. Biol. Chem. 261:11890-11895, 1986). These molecules are reattached to the network, where repair of the gap takes place. Of the molecules labeled during a 10-min pulse with [3H]thymidine, gap filling occurred on half within about 15 min and on virtually all by 60 min; however, there was no detectable covalent closure of the newly synthesized L strand by 60 min.
Using temporal binding for connectionist recruitment learning over delayed lines

The temporal correlation hypothesis proposes using distributed synchrony for the binding stimulus features. However, synchronized spikes must travel over cortical circuits that have varying-length pathways, leading to mismatched arrival times. This raises the question of how initial stimulus-dependent synchrony might be preserved at a destination binding site. Earlier, we proposed constraints on tolerance and segregation parameters for a phase-coding approach, within cortical circuits, to address this question [C. Gunay et. al., July 2001] The purpose of the present paper is twofold. First, we conduct simulation experiments to test the proposed constraints. Second, we explore the practicality of temporal binding to drive a process of long-term memory formation based on a recruitment learning method [J.A. Feldman, 1982]. A network based on Valiant's neuroidal architecture [Leslie G. Valiant, 1994] is used to demonstrate the coalition between temporal binding and recruitment. Complementing similar approaches, we implement a continuous-time learning procedure allowing computation with spiking neurons. Our results indicate that when tolerance and segregation parameters obey our proposed constraints, the assemblies of correct bindings are dominant over assemblies of spurious bindings in reasonable operating conditions.
12% Efficiency CuIn(Se,S)2 Photovoltaic Device Prepared Using a Hydrazine Solution Process†

Thin-film CuIn(Se,S)2 (i.e., CIS) absorbers have been solution-deposited using a hydrazine-based approach that offers the potential to significantly lower the fabrication cost for CIS solar cells. In this method, metal chalcogenides are completely dissolved in hydrazine, forming a homogeneous precursor solution. Film deposition is demonstrated by spin-coating of the precursor solution onto various substrates, including Mo-coated glass and thermally oxidized silicon wafers. Using this approach, no postdeposition anneal in a toxic Se or S-containing environment is needed to obtain CIS films. Instead, only a simple heat-treatment in an inert atmosphere is required, resulting in CIS films with good crystallinity. Bandgap tuning can readily be achieved by varying the amount of S incorporated into the film. Complete CIS devices with glass/Mo/CIS/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO structure are fabricated using absorbers produced via this hydrazine-based approach. Air Mass 1.5G power conversion efficiencies of as high as 12.2% have ...
Carbon-13 NMR spectral investigation of organosulfur compounds. Substitutent-induced chemical shift (SCS) effects in acyclic saturated organosulfur compounds

The 13 C NMR shielding effects on proximal carbon atoms caused by oxidation of sulfenyl sulfur to sulfinyl, sulfonyl and sulfonium species are diagnostic indicators and extremely useful in the structural characterization of organosulfur compounds
Isotopic ion exchange separation of radioisotopes using an acetone-water-hydrochloric acid system

Isotopic ion exchange for the rapid separation of radioactive mixtures has been further extended through the use of an acetone-water-hydrochloric acid system. Distribution data were obtained for 27 elements in the range of 15–90% acetone, 0.3N HCl indicating a number of new separations. The approach was used for the separation of several radioisotopes from short half-life magnesium matrix for activation analysis. The separations were completed in less than 5 minutes.
Extraversion and introversion in electronically-supported meetings

Abstract Laboratory experiments with Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) have studied their effects on group and individual outcomes, such as equality of participation, time to decision, quality of decision, consensus, and satisfaction. Research models for GDSSs include individual member characteristics as independent variables in the group process and their outcomes. How individuals feel about group meetings will influence their perception about satisfaction and participation. This study examines how individual personality characteristics influence outcomes in an electronically-supported meeting. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was used to create mixed groups of introverts and extraverts. These groups then used a traditional face-to-face meeting and a GDSS to discuss ethical scenarios. All participants contributed more original solutions in the GDSS environment than the face-to-face context but provided more comments in the traditional environment. Overall, the extraverts had more comments in both environments.
Melting and solidification of thin wires : a class of phase-change problems with a mobile interface. I: Analysis

Abstract In this paper, a model that describes the transient heating of a thin wire causing the tip to melt, roll-up of the molten mass into a ball due to surface tension forces, and the subsequent solidification of the molten material due to conduction up the wire and convection and radiation from the surface, has been provided. The wire is assumed to be heated at its lower tip to a temperature beyond the melting temperature of the wire material by heat flux from an electrical discharge. The shape of the melt is analytically/numerically determined by solving equations based on minimum energy principles. The departure from sphericity of the melt that is formed is examined by perturbation schemes, based on expansions for small ratio of gravity to surface tension forces and small ratio of surface tension gradient to surface tension forces, both of which are true for the problems considered. Temperature fields in the melt have been obtained by solving the energy equation using a body-fitted coordinate system. Temperature fields in the wire above the melt were calculated as well. Comparisons of those temperatures with experimental measurements described in Part II of this study are excellent.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies to Bovine Leukocyte Cell-Surface Components

Abstract Fusion of murine myeloma cells with syngeneic spleen lymphocytes has led to development of hybridomas secreting antibodies. Hybrid cells retain the immortality and clonability of myeloma parents as well as the antibody-producing property of lymphocytes. Specificity of monoclonal antibody produced is based on the one lymphocyte-one antibody phenomenon and represents the most effective process for producing specific antisera. Spleen cells from mice immunized with desired antigen are hybridized with nonsecreting mouse myeloma cells. Resulting hybrids are cloned and culture fluids tested for specific antibody activity to the antigen. Positive clones are cultivated in vitro and injected into mice for monoclonal antibody production. This technology has been extended to the bovine species to obtain monoclonal antisera to immunoglobulins and cell-surface components of leukocytes for study of mammary gland immunity. Recent progress in monoclonal research has led to interspecific fusion of murine myelomas with bovine lymphocytes, resulting in hybridomas that produce monoclonal bovine immunoglobulins. Monoclonal antibodies will be useful in investigations applicable to bovine research including purification of immunoglobulins, determining immunoglobulin concentration in colostrum and milk, reference reagents for bovine serology, antibody localization in tissue, gene sequencing, characterizing histo-compatibility antigens, distinguishing and quantitating cell types in blood, milk, and udder tissue, and elucidating role of cell subpopulations in the immune response.
Crystal structures of Pr(OH)3, Eu(OH)3 and Tm(OH)3

Abstract The crystal structures of Pr(OH)3, Eu(OH)3 and Tm(OH)3 have been determined from single-crystal, X-ray diffraction data. The hexagonal form of these lanthanide trihydroxides crystallizes in the space group P63/m(C6h2) with two formula units per unit cell. The respective lattice constants for the trihydroxides of Pr, Er and Tm are a 0 = 6.456(1), 6.352(1), and 6.221(1) A and c 0 = 3.769(1), 3.653(1), and 3.503(2) A . The metal atom of each is 9-coordinate with two unique MO bond distances and three independent OO bond distances. These isotypic compounds have been refined to conventional residual index values of 0.0320, 0.0280 and 0.0199, respectively. Fluorescence and IR data were collected on each of the isomorphous compounds. Refined parameters from this investigation have been added to earlier studies on structural trends in the lanthanide trihydroxides.
An ongoing immune response to HIV envelope gp120 in human CD4-transgenic mice contributes to T cell decline upon intravenous administration of gp120

The mechanisms accounting for T cell depletion in AIDS patients are not yet fully understood, nor are the roles of host factors in HIV pathogenesis. We show here that an ongoing humoral immune response to HIV gp120 can sensitize non-infected cells towards apoptosis. Thus, i.v. injection of 1 microg recombinant(r) gp120 into gp120-immunized human CD4-transgenic mice (huCD4 Tg), which express huCD4 on both T and B cells, results in T and B cell depletion in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. On day 6 after a bolus injection of gp120, the numbers of peripheral T cells and B cells in gp120-immunized huCD4 Tg decreased sevenfold and two- to threefold, respectively. Annexin V staining revealed a higher percentage of early apoptotic cells on day 1 of gp120 i.v. injection from gp120-primed huCD4 Tg spleens compared to gp120-primed controls. Boosting the primed huCD4 Tg mice with soluble gp120 and hen egg-white lysozyme led to lower secondary titers to both antigens than found in controls. Furthermore, splenocytes from gp120-pretreated immunized huCD4 Tg had a lower level of stimulation in response to anti-CD3 treatment. These in vivo results are consistent with in vitro data demonstrating that cross-linking CD4 on splenocytes of huCD4 Tg by rgp120SF2 and anti-gp120 not only sensitizes T cells for apoptosis, but also induces apoptosis per se, and suggest that anti-gp120 responsiveness can contribute to T cell depletion in AIDS.