cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-783: Using Matrixx to Determine Transit Dose Contribution Over Clinically Useful Limits of HDR Source Activity

Purpose: Most HDR brachytherapy treatment planning systems (TPS) use TG-43 formalism to calculate dose without including transit dose corrections. Historically, measurement of this contribution has required sophisticated apparatus unavailable in most hospitals. We use Matrixx to investigate several scenarios where transit dose contribution may effect a clinical treatment. Methods: Treatment plans were generated using Oncentra Brachy TPS (Version 4.3.0.410, Nucletron ) on a CT scan of a 24-catheter Freiburg applicator (Nucletron ) laid flat on the MatriXX (IBA) detector. This detector is an array of 1020 parallel plate ion chambers. All 24 catheters were digitized and dwells within a central square region of 5×5cm of the applicator were activated. Each of the active catheters had 6 dwells in increments of 1.0cm. The plans were normalized to 10mm. This places the 100% isodose line at the correct effective point of measurement, which lies half-way between the parallel plates of the ion chambers. It is also within the clinically relevant treatment depth for superficial applications. A total of 6 plans were delivered for 3 prescription doses, 1Gy, 2Gy and 4Gy using source activities of 2.9Ci and 11.2Ci. The MatriXX array was operated to capture dosimetric snaps every 500ms and yielded an integral dose at the end of treatment. Results: A comparison of integral dose from 2 different source activities shows that the transit dose contribution is larger when the source activity is higher. It is also observed that the relative transit dose contribution decreases as prescription dose increases. This is quantified by the Gamma analysis. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the Matrixx detector can be used to evaluate the contribution for a HDR source during transit from the HDR afterloader to a dwell location, and between adjacent dwell locations.
A novel method for lossless compression of arbitrarily shaped regions of interest in hyperspectral imagery

We propose a novel algorithm for lossless compression of regions of interest (ROI) in hyperspectral images. The algorithm can compress arbitrarily shaped ROIs as specified by a binary map. The algorithm separates the boundary pixels from the full-context pixels within the ROI and applies Golomb-Rice encoders with different parameters on the boundary and full-context ROI pixels respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm provides larger compression than JPL's low-complexity hyperspectral image compressing method when applied on individual ROI's.
Application of AI techniques to adaptive routing in wide-area networks

Adaptive decentralized routing in wide-area networks is characterized by all nodes making routing decisions based on their current view of the status of remote nodes. Unfortunately, each node's view can be, and usually is, different, especially when the network is very large. The authors introduce the idea of cooperating intelligent agents, embedded within nodes, which infer the states of remote nodes using all relevant local information including knowledge of past behavior, to reduce explicit communication of remote status information. >
Two-dimensional 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of the Half-saturated (Ca2+)1 State of Calbindin D9k: Further Implications for the Molecular Basis of Cooperative Ca2+ binding

Calbindin D9k exhibits cooperative binding of two calcium ions, hence study of the half-saturated states of the protein is critical to understanding the binding process. However, the half-saturated states are not significantly populated under equilibrium conditions. To circumvent this problem, an absolutely conserved glutamic acid residue in the C-terminal binding site (site II) has been mutated to glutamine (E65Q), causing a substantial reduction in calcium affinity and permitting detailed two-dimensional 1H NMR analysis of calbindin D9k with a calcium ion bound only in the N-terminal EF-hand. Complete 1H resonance assignments have been obtained for (Ca2+)1 E65Q, as well as near complete assignments for the apo and (Ca2+)2 states. A value of 1.1(+/- 0.2) x 10(3) M-1 has been determined for the calcium binding constant in site II, from an analysis of the chemical shift changes in response to titration with calcium. The elements of secondary structure and global folding patterns were identified from nuclear Overhauser effects, backbone spin-spin coupling constants and the exchange rates of backbone amide protons. Although the mutation has only very small effects on the secondary structure and global fold of the protein, it so drastically lowers affinity for Ca2+ in the C-terminal site that (Ca2+)2 E65Q does not correspond to a standard (Ca2+)2 state. From the analysis of the half-saturated state, it is apparent that some reorganization of the structure and changes in the internal dynamics of calbindin D9k does occur for each step of the apo-->(Ca2+)1(I)-->(Ca2+)2 binding pathway. When the first ion is bound to the N-terminal EF-hand, that half of the molecule adopts a conformation and dynamic state similar to the fully calcium-loaded protein state, whereas only minor changes occur in the C-terminal EF-hand. It is only upon binding of the second calcium ion that the C-terminal EF-hand switches over to the fully calcium-loaded state. Together with the results from our earlier study of the apo-->(Ca2+)1(II)-->(Ca2+)2 binding pathway, these findings indicate that changes in protein conformation and dynamics associated with Ca2+ binding contribute to the observed positive cooperativity, and that the molecular details of the cooperative binding events are different for the two binding pathways.
Father/Male Involvement in Early Childhood Programs: Issues and Challenges.

Currently there is tremendous support in the U.S. for increased parental involvement in early childhood settings. In addition, societal attitudes have changed recently, so that men are now expected to be much more involved in childrearing activities than in the past. Taken together, these two shifts in societal attitudes suggest the time is right to encourage greater father/male involvement in early childhood programs. However, such outreach efforts will face challenges. Based on the “Men & Kids” project in Urbana, Illinois, this paper identifies several specific challenges early childhood educators face as they explore ways to encourage greater levels of father/male involvement in their programs, along with preliminary suggestions for overcoming them.
Accumulation of Neutral Amino Acids by Streptococcus faecalis: ENERGY COUPLING BY A PROTON-MOTIVE FORCE

Abstract We have studied the accumulation of amino acids by a strain of Streptococcus faecalis (faecium) which does not carry out oxidative phosphorylation but relies upon glycolysis for metabolic energy. In the absence of exogenous substrate, cells take up limited amounts of glycine, l-alanine, l-serine, and l-threonine by exchange for components of the free amino acid pool. Net flux is much slower. When an energy source is provided, extensive net uptake takes place. Glycine and threonine accumulate largely as such, attaining concentration gradients of about 400 between cytoplasm and medium. Glycine, alanine, serine, and threonine undergo reciprocal exchange in starving cells, suggesting that they share a common transport system. A mutant, isolated by virtue of its resistance to cycloserine, was severely deficient in the transport of all four amino acids, both in the presence and in absence of an energy source. It thus appears that there is a single transport system for these amino acids, which can operate in two modes: tightly coupled exchange which is independent of metabolism, and net uptake linked to energy generation. The energy donor for metabolic accumulation is most probably ATP. Inhibition of accumulation by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide further implicates the membrane-bound ATPase in coupling glycolysis to the transport system. No evidence for an obligatory involvement of either K+ or Na+ was obtained, but inhibition by uncouplers strongly suggests that protons play a key role in energy coupling of amino acid transport. The effects of ionophores on amino acid accumulation are best understood in terms of Mitchell's chemiosmotic hypothesis: extrusion of protons by the ATPase would generate a gradient of pH and of electrical potential (proton-motive force) across the membrane and establish a circulation of protons which is the immediate driving force for active transport. Metabolic accumulation (unlike exchange in starving cells) was totally blocked by proton-conducting uncouplers. These also induced release of glycine and threonine previously accumulated by the cells. Nigericin also inhibited accumulation and elicited release, but valinomycin and monactin were severely inhibitory only at K+ concentrations comparable to those in the cytoplasm. These and other results suggest that the membrane potential is the primary component of the proton-motive force. A pH gradient is not obligatory, but an alkaline cytoplasm may well be necessary. Accumulation of threonine and glycine could be elicited even in starving cells, by artificially imposing an electrical potential across the membrane. This was done by addition of valinomycin to K+-loaded cells suspended in a medium free of K+, so as to induce K+ efflux. Accumulation under these conditions did not involve ATP or the ATPase, but was sensitive to proton-conducting uncouplers. We believe that the electrical potential supports accumulation by co-transport of the substrate with protons, as envisaged in the chemiosmotic hypothesis.
Mechanical dissociation of the M-band titin/obscurin complex is directionally dependent

Titin and obscurin, two giant muscle proteins, bind to each other in an antiparallel Ig–Ig fashion at the M-band. This interaction must be able to withstand the mechanical strain that the M-band typically experiences and remain intact. The mechanical force on these domains is likely exerted along one of two axes: a longitudinal axis, resulting in a ‘shearing’ force, or a lateral axis, resulting in a ‘peeling’ force. Here we present molecular dynamics data suggesting that these forces result in distinct unraveling pathways of the titin/obscurin complex and that peeling the domains apart requires less work and force.
Financial Reform, Innovative Hedging and the Volcker Rule

Volcker Rule suggests a break-up of 'too big to fail' financial institutions to prevent future costly bailouts and great recessions. We need to (i) regulate derivative trading to make it more transparent, (ii) fix conflicts of interest in ratings agencies, (iii) ban shadow-banking and off-balance sheet entities (iv) limit bank leverage, and (v) reform compensation practices. Since Enron-type scandals revealed that the so-called 'Chinese wall' self regulation was failing, Vinod (2002b) called for more workable reforms including divestiture of very large institutions. This short paper considers the role of financial innovation, hedging strategies, and systemic risks for the world economy. I argue that conflicts of interest are better handled by a break up. A divestiture of derivative ‘market making’ from the rest of Goldman Sachs is suggested.
FERTILIZATION SUCCESS CAN DRIVE PATTERNS OF PHASE DOMINANCE IN COMPLEX LIFE HISTORIES1

Many algal life cycles alternate between two free-living generations. Life histories in which the two generations look identical (isomorphic) are common, particularly in the Rhodophyta. Reports of natural populations dominated by one generation of the life history have sought explanation in terms of phase-specific differences in mortality and reproductive output, yet in many cases identification of these adaptations has been elusive or inconsistent with predictions. We hypothesized that the gametophyte-to-sporophyte ratio of ecologically equivalent isomorphs could result from variation in fertilization rate. We developed two models to test this hypothesis: one representing a generalized isomorphic life history and the other specific to red algae with a Polysiphonia-type life history. Fertilization rate affected the gametophyte-to-sporophyte ratio, especially at low fertilization rates. In the general model, gametophytes dominated the population regardless of fertilization rate unless egg production greatly exceeded meiospore production. In the red algal model, phase dominance depended on the combination of fertilization rate and the number of carpospores produced per fertilization. The generational composition of model multi-phasic algal populations results from their inherent reproductive characteristics and the dynamic environment to which fertilization and mortality rates are tied.
Selectivity in ammonia oxidation on a cuprous oxide crystal

Abstract Experimental measurements have been carried out on the oxidation of ammonia on a crystalline catalyst of cuprous oxide. By simultaneous measurements of electrical conductance and product distribution, it has been found that the electronic defect structure of the catalyst can be related to catalytic specificity. Nitrogen is favored in the presence of a catalyst that has oxygen deficiency while nitrous oxide is the predominant product with a catalyst containing oxygen excess. Kinetic studies demonstrate certain similarities between propylene oxidation to acrolein and ammonia oxidation to nitrogen.
How Developmental Psychopathology Theory and Research Can Inform the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Project

The recently proposed Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project has the potential to stimulate new research and overcome many of the limitations of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders taxonomy. In the present article we focus, in three main sections, on how theory and research from developmental psychopathology can inform RDoC. First, we discuss the ontology of mental illness and the potential advantages of the RDoC approach to understanding the nature of mental illness. Second, we note potential issues to consider when implementing the RDoC framework, including (a) integrating developmental processes, (b) classifying mental illness within a dimensional approach, and (c) avoiding problems associated with biological reductionism. Third, we describe how a developmental psychopathology perspective may inform each of these potential issues within RDoC. Finally, we highlight the study of emotion and the centrality of affective processes within the RDoC framework. Specifically, we describe how constructionist models of emotion are consistent with developmental psychopathology and how this perspective on emotion can help to guide RDoC research.
Physical and emotional functioning of adult patients with chronic abdominal pain: comparison with patients with chronic back pain.

Abstract Adults with chronic abdominal pain remain a poorly defined population, despite the debilitation and depression associated with this therapeutically challenging condition. This study compared patients with chronic abdominal pain with an empirically well-known group of patients with chronic pain (back pain) to investigate similarities and differences in their physical and mental functioning. This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 136 patients with abdominal pain and 364 patients with back pain seen in a comprehensive pain rehabilitation center. Patients′ functioning was assessed with the Short Form-36 Health Survey, Multidimensional Pain Inventory, Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression scale, and Coping Strategies Questionnaire–Catastrophizing subscale. Both the abdominal and back pain patients reported long-standing and severe pain, numerous surgery procedures, poor functioning, and high prevalence of depression. When age, education, and marital status were controlled for, analyses showed that although patients with abdominal pain reported significantly better physical functioning than patients with back pain ( P ≪ .001), their overall health perception was significantly poorer ( P ≪ .001). Although less prevalent, it is clear that patients with chronic abdominal pain exhibit poor functioning and prevalence of depression that are comparable to patients with chronic back pain. This study also suggests distinct characteristics that are vital to consider for effective treatment of this chronic pain population. Perspective As a result of being an overlooked and poorly defined population, adults with chronic abdominal pain might not receive adequate pain management treatment. Learning more about the physical and emotional functioning of patients with long-standing abdominal pain can increase recognition of the needs of and improve treatment for this population.
Cooling of Energetic Particles during their Transport along Spiral Field Lines

Abstract The transport of low-energy charged particles moving along magnetic field lines is considered. We point out that particles accelerated at CIRs at larger heliocentric distances and moving inward along the spiral field lose energy and decelerate even in a purely scatter free case. This results in a sizeable reduction in intensity. Scattering increases the transit time, and in general increase the amount of cooling and modulation by a considerable factor. Numerical results obtained from a model including convection, adiabatic focusing, cooling, and optional pitch angle scattering are presented.
Therapeutic electrical stimulation for spasticity : Quantitative gait analysis

Improvement in motor function following electrical stimulation is related to strengthening of the stimulated spastic muscle and inhibition of the antagonist. A 26-year-old man with familial spastic paraparesis presented with gait dysfunction and bilateral lower limb spastic muscle tone. Clinically, muscle strength and sensation were normal. He was considered appropriate for a trial of therapeutic electrical stimulation following failed trials of physical therapy and baclofen. No other treatment was used concurrent with the electrical stimulation. Before treatment, quantitative gait analysis revealed 63% of normal velocity and a crouched gait pattern, associated with excessive electromyographic activity in the hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles. Based on these findings, bilateral stimulation of the quadriceps and anterior compartment musculature was performed two to three times per week for three months. Repeat gait analysis was conducted three weeks after the cessation of stimulation treatment. A 27% increase in velocity was noted associated with an increase in both cadence and right step length. Right hip and bilateral knee stance motion returned to normal (rather than "crouched"). No change in the timing of dynamic electromyographic activity was seen. These findings suggest a role for the use of electrical stimulation for rehabilitation of spasticity. The specific mechanism of this improvement remains uncertain.
Credits and debits on the Internet

Since the advent of banking in the Middle Ages, bank customers have used paper based instruments to move money between accounts. In the past 25 years (1972-97), electronic messages moving through private networks have replaced paper for most of the value exchanged among banks each day. With the arrival of the Internet as a mass market data network, new technologies and business models are being developed to facilitate electronic credit and debit transfers by ordinary consumers. These new systems include CyberCash (which is a gateway between the Internet and the authorization networks of the major credit cards) and the Secure Electronic Transactions protocol (a standard for presenting credit card transactions on the Internet), as well as First Virtual (a way of using e-mail to secure approval for credit card purchases of information), GC Tech (a payment system that can use credit or debit via an intermediation server), and NetBill (a public private key encryption system for purchasing information).
Statistics usage in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: has anything changed?

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare statistical listing and usage between articles published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1994 with those published in 1999. STUDY DESIGN: All papers included in the obstetrics, fetus-placenta-newborn, and gynecology sections and the transactions of societies sections of the January through June 1999 issues of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (volume 180, numbers 1 to 6) were reviewed for statistical usage. Each paper was given a rating for the cataloging of applied statistics and a rating for the appropriateness of statistical usage, when possible. These results were compared with the data collected on a similar review of articles published in 1994. RESULTS: Of the 238 available articles, 195 contained statistics and were reviewed. In comparison to the articles published in 1994, there were significantly more articles that completely cataloged applied statistics (74.3% vs 47.4%) ( P P CONCLUSION: Changes in the Instructions to Authors regarding the description of applied statistics and probable changes in the behavior of researchers and Editors have led to an improvement in the quality of statistics in papers published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:584-6.)
Utilization of galactooligosaccharides by Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis isolates

Prebiotics are non-digestible substrates that stimulate the growth of beneficial microbial populations in the intestine, especially Bifidobacterium species. Among them, fructo- and galacto-oligosaccharides are commonly used in the food industry, especially as a supplement for infant formulas. Mechanistic details on the enrichment of bifidobacteria by these prebiotics are important to understand the effects of these dietary interventions. In this study the consumption of galactooligosaccharides was studied for 22 isolates of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, one of the most representative species in the infant gut microbiota. In general all isolates showed a vigorous growth on these oligosaccharides, but consumption of larger galactooligosaccharides was variable. Bifidobacterium infantis ATCC 15697 has five genes encoding β-galactosidases, and three of them were induced during bacterial growth on commercial galactooligosaccharides. Recombinant β-galactosidases from B. infantis ATCC 15697 displayed different preferences for β-galactosides such as 4′ and 6′-galactobiose, and four β-galactosidases in this strain released monosaccharides from galactooligosaccharides. Finally, we determined the amounts of short chain fatty acids produced by strain ATCC 15697 after growth on different prebiotics. We observed that biomass and product yields of substrate were higher for lactose and galactooligosaccharides, but the amount of acids produced per cell was larger after growth on human milk oligosaccharides. These results provide a molecular basis for galactooligosaccharide consumption in B. infantis, and also represent evidence for physiological differences in the metabolism of prebiotics that might have a differential impact on the host.
Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Nosocomial Sepsis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants † 1430

As part of a quality improvement project to reduce the incidence of nosocomial sepsis in VLBW babies, we did a retrospective cohort study to identify attributable risks for nosocomial sepsis in our Intensive Care Nursery. Data were abstracted for all 48 hr age and antibiotic therapy for ≥5 days) with 70% due to coag negative staph.
Diffusion and topology: Large densely connected bipartite networks

Viral diffusion is an important area of research in networks, with applications from epidemiology to cyber and cuberphysical systems security. To study the infection dynamics of a single virus in a complete network, it suffices to study the dynamics of a single statistic - the fraction of infected nodes in the network. Here, we consider multiple viruses (two viruses for simplicity.) To go beyond the complete network, we consider a (special type of) bipartite network and show that, in this case and with two viruses, the state of the network is a four dimensional Markov process that collects the fractions of infected nodes in each island (bipartite classes) for each type of infection. The dynamics of this Markov process is described by a system of coupled stochastic integral equations. The stochastic dynamics leads, in the large scale limit (mean field), to four coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. To study the system qualitative behavior and determine the asymptotic distributions of infected nodes by each virus in each island, we resort to studying simpler configurations whose dynamics bound the dynamics of the original system and exhibit the same attractor.
Significant differential gene duplication without ancestral tetraploidy in a genus of mexican fish

A comparison of the protein products of 20–25 structural gene loci among the known species of the goodeid fish genusSkiffia suggests that at least 4 loci (16–20%) have undergone species-specific duplications (or, in 1 case, apparent loss) during the evolution of the genus. The species are clearly diploids, and the data therefore indicate that even a large proportion of differentially duplicated loci within a group of related fish species is not critical evidence of common tetraploid ancestry. Differential duplication of structural gene loci may be an important component of the genetic differences that separate congeneric conventional diploid species.
Divisible designs and semi-regular relative difference sets from additive Hadamard cocycles

Additive Hadamard cocycles are a natural generalization of presemifields. In this paper, we study divisible designs and semi-regular relative difference sets obtained from additive Hadamard cocycles. We show that the designs obtained from additive Hadamard cocycles are flag transitive. We introduce a new product construction of Hadamard cocycles. We also study additive Hadamard cocycles whose divisible designs admit a polarity in which all points are absolute. Our main results include generalizations of a theorem of Albert and a theorem of Hiramine from presemifields to additive Hadamard cocycles. At the end, we generalize Maiorana-McFarland@?s construction of bent functions to additive Hadamard cocycles.
Cerumen types and PTC-tasting in the Seminole indians of Florida.

Of 100 Seminole Indians of Florida examined for cerumen, 44 had the dry type, 37 were wet, 10 were beady, and nine were indeterminate or absent. All except one of 53 Indians tested for PTC-tasting was a taster.
Iterative-refinement for action timing discretization

Artificial Intelligence search algorithms search discrete systems. To apply such algorithms to continuous systems, such systems must first be discretized, i.e. approximated as discrete systems. Action-based discretization requires that both action parameters and action timing be discretized. We focus on the problem of action timing discretization.After describing an e-admissible variant of Korf's recursive best-first search (e-RBFS), we introduce iterative-refinement e-admissible recursive best-first search (IR e-RBFS) which offers significantly better performance for initial time delays between search states over several orders of magnitude. Lack of knowledge of a good time discretization is compensated for by knowledge of a suitable solution cost upper bound.
Cause-specific mortality, life expectancy, and debilitation in aging polynesians.

Between 1950 and 1980 life expectancy among middle-aged American Samoan men increased 22%; among women it increased 36%. The largest proportional increase were observed after age 65% Men 29%, women 118%. This study examined whether increasing longevity health of older Samoans. Cause-specific mortality data were used to calculate multiple decrement life tables for American Samoa by decades for both sexes from 1950 to 1979. Changes in two life table parameters were examined: The probability of dying from, and the remaining life expectancy among persons who would eventually die from, pneumonia/influenza, infections, cancer, or cardiovascular disease (CVD) after birth and after age 45. Pneumonia and infections may indicate frailty or delibitration in older individuals. The probability of dying from a specific cause after a particular age reflects its relative importance for survivors to that age. Residual life expectancy indicates whether older individuals are succumbing at earlier ages or surviving longer the risks of death from specific causes. Trends in the probability of dying from, and life expectancy among those ultimately dying from, pneumonia and infections did not suggest improved survival of debilitated individuals. Rather, they indicated that older Samoans may have had greater average resistance to pneumonia and infections in later cohorts. How much this was related to improved medical care and availability was not clear from the available data. However, Samoans who died from CVD and cancer did not survive longer than their counterparts had in earlier decades. Thus, there was little opportunity for an increase in debilitation among aging Samoans due to the longer-term survival of the chronically ill.
The lack of leaving-atom isotope effects on rotational state distributions in M* + H2 (HD) → MH(ν, N)+H (D) reactions: “Half-collision” classical trajectories on model H-M-H anisotropic potential surfaces

Abstract Simple “half-collision” classical trajectories on model potential surfaces show that the lack of leaving-atom isotope effects on initial rotational state distributions P ( N ) in reactions of the type M ★ + H 2 (HD) → MH (ν, N )+H (D) would result from decomposition of H-M-H (D) intermediates on anisotropic potential surfaces.
Overcoming the reimbursement barriers for clinical sequencing.

Genomic tests using next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are increasingly being offered in a range of clinical settings. However, tests based on NGS may only transform clinical practice if patients and clinicians have access to them. This requires both favorable coverage decisions by public and private payers (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurers and adequate reimbursement levels to reward the development of innovative tests. Given that the hallmark of NGS technologies is the production of large amounts of data that require a bioinformatics infrastructure, sophisticated computational tools and professional interpretation of the results, the current reimbursement and coding environment is not structured to necessarily recognize the value of NGS tests.
The British Empire in India: A Liberal Empire?

In her response to Julian Go’s book Patterns of Empire , Mukherjee contends that the harder Go seeks to critique American exceptionalism, the more he has to insist on the liberal nature of the British Empire in India. By “liberal British rule,” Mukherjee writes, Go refers to certain imperial policies that seemed to offer the subject populations more representation, and therefore more participation in governance. He is not concerned with liberalism as a school of political philosophy. The notion of “liberal empire,” however, is untenable as a characterization of the British Empire in India, both discursively and historically. Even on the face of it, the notion of liberal empire is a contradiction in terms: the idea of liberty and the ideaand institution of empire are mutually incompatible. After all, the very fact of empire as an exercise in political power over an alien population is predicated on the loss of political sovereignty of the subject population. Can an empire deprive a society and culture of its political sovereignty and independence and yet claim to be liberal?
Measurement of cluster reorganization by time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract An excited-state proton transfer was initiated in the molecule phenol seeded in a solvent cluster of (NH 3 ) n , and the subsequent reorganization of the solvent about the proton measured by time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. A shift in the broad photo-electron band on a timescale of 300 ps is attributed to a changing Franck—Condon distribution for ionization arising from reorganization of the solvent geometry.
CpsK of Streptococcus agalactiae exhibits alpha2,3-sialyltransferase activity in Haemophilus ducreyi.

Summary Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is a major cause of serious newborn bacterial infections. Crucial to GBS evasion of host immunity is the production of a capsular polysaccharide (CPS) decorated with sialic acid, which inactivates the alternative complement pathway. The CPS operons of serotypes Ia and III GBS have been described, but the CPS sialyltransferase gene was not identified. We identified cpsK , an open reading frame in the CPS operon of most serotypes, which was homologous to the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialyltransferase gene, lst , of Haemophilus ducreyi . To determine if cpsK might encode a sialyltransferase, we complemented a H. ducreyi lst mutant with cpsK . CpsK was expressed in H. ducreyi and LOS was isolated and analysed for sialic acid content by SDS–PAGE and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sialo-LOS was seen in the wild-type, cpsK- or lst -complemented mutant strains, but not in the mutant without cpsK . Addition of Neu5Ac to the LOS was confirmed by mass spectro-scopy. Lectin binding studies detected terminal Neu5Ac( α 2 → 3)Gal (β 1- on LOS produced by the wild-type, cpsK or lst -complemented mutant strain LOS, compared with the mutant alone. Our data charac-terize the first sialyltransferase gene from a Gram- positive bacterium and provide compelling evidence that its product catalyses the α 2,3 addition of Neu5Ac to H. ducreyi LOS and therefore the terminal side-chain of GBS CPS. Phylogenetic studies further indicated that lst and cpsK are related but distinct from sialyltransferases of most other bacteria and, along with their similar codon usage bias and G + C content, suggests acquisition by lateral transfer from an ancestral low G + C organism.
Virial Description of Two-Component Adsorption on Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Surfaces

The two-dimensional virial equation of state is used to describe the adsorbed phase on both homogeneous and heterogeneous surfaces. Heterogeneity is modeled by assuming that the adsorbent surface is composed of two patches. The adsorbed phase is assumed to be completely mobile, and the same virial coefficients represent adsorbate−adsorbate interactions on both patches. Experimental data for highly nonideal systems are accurately correlated using the two-patch model. A predictive approach is proposed for deducing the mixture coefficients from pure component parameters. The approach works reasonably well in predicting binary adsorption equilibria for simple systems.
Two-dimensional modeling of nickel electrodeposition in LIGA microfabrication

Two-dimensional processes of nickel electrodeposition in LIGA microfabrication were modeled using the finite-element method and a fully coupled implicit solution scheme via Newton’s technique. Species concentrations, electrolyte potential, flow field, and positions of the moving deposition surfaces were computed by solving the species-mass, charge, and momentum conservation equations as well as pseudo-solid mesh-motion equations that employ an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation. Coupling this ALE approach with repeated re-meshing and re-mapping makes it possible to track the entire transient deposition processes from start of deposition until the trenches are filled, thus enabling the computation of local current densities that influence the microstructure and functional/mechanical properties of the deposit.
Expanded criteria donor grafts for deceased donor liver transplantation under the MELD system: a decision analysis.

Expanded criteria donor (ECD) liver grafts have a higher likelihood of primary graft failure (PGF) compared with standard criteria donor (SCD) grafts. Given a choice between an available ECD graft versus waiting for an SCD graft that may not always become available, what should liver transplant candidates do? The study's aim was to estimate 1-year survival comparing immediate ECD liver grafting with waiting for an SCD organ. Using UNOS data, published literature estimates, and expert opinion, we constructed a Markov decision analytic model to estimate survival while waiting for an SCD transplant and survival with immediate ECD transplant. Sensitivity analyses were performed by varying model parameters individually and simultaneously with a second-order Monte Carlo simulation. For all patients with MELD scores >20, survival was higher with immediate ECD transplant despite the additional increased risk for PGF. Survival was better with an immediate ECD transplant unless the probability of PGF exceeded 23%, 72%, and 88% for recipients with MELD scores of 11–20, 21–25, and 26–30 respectively. For patients with MELD scores >30, the survival benefit with the immediate ECD strategy persisted at even higher rates of PGF. In conclusion, our results suggest that, despite the higher risk for PGF, transplantation with an available ECD graft should be preferred over waiting for an SCD organ for patients with advanced MELD scores. At less advanced MELD scores, the survival benefit depends on the risk of PGF associated with the ECD organ. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1468–1475.)
Food size and cGMP affects feeding behaviour in Pristionchus pacificus

Methods For this study I used P. pacificus PS312, and the mutants Ppa-egl-4, which is a null mutation in the cGMP dependent protein kinase, and Ppa-obi-1, which is an oriental beetle pheromone insensitive mutant, and the double mutant Ppa-egl-4;obi-1. I tested these strains on plates containing no food and on E.coli OP50, HB101, Caulobacter crescentus (NA1000) and Bacillus subtilis. I analyzed locomotory behavior using an automated tracking system, and I obtained pharyngeal pumping data by visually counting with a microscope at 80X magnification.
Producing homogeneous cryogel phantoms for medical imaging: a finite-element approach

Tissue-mimicking phantoms with well-defined properties can help in identifying the potential weaknesses in medical imaging systems. Among the imaging systems, magnetic resonance elastography is a new noninvasive technique used to quantify the shear modulus of biological tissues, and therefore has shown promise in studying liver and brain pathologies. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel prepared by the freeze-thaw technique is a potential candidate for mimicking the mechanical properties of soft tissues and has been extensively used as a phantom material. However, large PVA cryogels suffer from variations in properties, partly due to the low thermal conductivity of PVA solution. The loss of homogeneity in cryogel phantoms is also attributed to inhomogeneous thawing rates during the freeze-thaw cycle. We have used a modified freeze-thaw process that imposes multiple isotherms so as to enhance the homogeneity of the produced cryogels. In addition, we have developed a finite-element modeling tool (a virtual controller) to optimize the temperature profile during the freeze-thaw cycle. Our experimental validations demonstrated the potential of the virtual controller in predicting the optimal temperature profile for the freeze-thaw process (phantom diameters: 60 and 100 mm). A robust simulation framework can fill the gap in the scientific literature with regard to phantom design for medical imaging and will help to reduce phantom development time and cost.
Stability analysis of an optimally controlled light-driven engine

We determine piston trajectories yielding maximum work output from two variations of a light-driven engine: one is a free-piston engine; the other is an optimally controlled engine. The equations describing the optimal piston path of the controlled engine are generated by the symbolic processing program MACSYMA. A second set of computer algebra routines are used to perform a stability analysis of the coupled, non-linear differential equations describing the piston trajectories. From this analysis we generate parameter sets that allow a numerical program, which solves systems of differential equations with mixed boundary conditions, to determine etiieientty the explicit time-path of the optimally controlled engine.
Motor vehicle driving in high incidence psychiatric disability: comparison of drivers with ADHD, depression, and no known psychopathology.

Although not often discussed in clinical settings, motor vehicle driving is a complex multitasking endeavor during which a momentary attention lapse can have devastating consequences. Previous research suggests that drivers with high incidence psychiatric disabilities such as ADHD contribute disproportionately to collision rates, which in turn portend myriad adverse social, financial, health, mortality, and legal outcomes. However, self-referral bias and the lack of psychiatric comparison groups constrain the generalizability of these findings. The current study addressed these limitations and examined the unique associations among ADHD, Depression, and adverse driving outcomes, independent of self-selection, driving exposure, and referral bias. The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP-2) Naturalistic Driving Study comprises U.S. drivers from six sites selected via probability-based sampling. Groups were defined by Barkley ADHD and psychiatric diagnosis questionnaires, and included ADHD (n = 275), Depression (n = 251), and Healthy Control (n = 1828). Primary outcomes included self-reported traffic collisions, moving violations, collision-related injuries, and collision fault (last 3 years). Accounting for demographic differences, ADHD but not Depression portended increased risk for multiple violations (OR = 2.3) and multiple collisions (OR = 2.2). ADHD but not Depression portended increased risk for collision fault (OR = 2.1). Depression but not ADHD predicted increased risk for self-reported injury following collisions (OR = 2.4). ADHD appears uniquely associated with multiple collisions, multiple violations, and collision fault, whereas Depression is uniquely associated with self-reported injury following a collision. Identification of the specific mechanisms underlying this risk will be critical to designing effective interventions to improve long-term functioning for drivers with high incidence psychiatric disability.
Spin-polarized electronic structure of bcc Gd

Abstract Although the bcc phase of Gd only occurs for the pure element at temperatures above 1235°C, it is possible by alloying to maintain at low temperatures single phase, Gd-rich samples with the bcc structure. Motivate by the initiation of an experimental program to study bcc Gd alloys at our laboratory, we have calculated the self-consistent, spin-polarized electronic structure of bcc Gd. The results are compared with previously reported calculations for hcp Gd. The calculated saturation magnetic moment (7.75μB) and the electronic contribution to the specific heat (γ ∝ 10.6 mJ/mol K2) may serve as useful benchmarks to compare with the forthcoming experimental values extrapolated from data on the Gd-rich bcc alloys.
Mixed Competitive and Allosteric Antagonism by Gallamine of Muscarinic Receptor‐Mediated Second Messenger Responses in N1E‐115 Neuroblastoma Cells

The antagonistic effects of gallamine on muscarinic receptor-linked responses were investigated in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. M1 muscarinic receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis induced by carbamylcholine was antagonized by gallamine, with a Ki value of 33 microM. By comparison, gallamine was four- to fivefold less potent in blocking noncardiac M2 muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP formation, with a Ki value of 144 microM. The resulting Arunlakshana-Schild plots of the antagonism of both responses by gallamine were linear and exhibited slopes not differing from 1, a result indicative of a competitive mechanism. To elucidate further the nature of gallamine's inhibitory actions, experiments were performed where the effects of gallamine in combination with the known competitive muscarinic antagonist, N-methylscopolamine (NMS), were studied. In the presence of both antagonists, a supraadditive shift in the carbamylcholine dose-response curve was demonstrated for the two responses, a result suggestive of an allosteric mode of interaction between gallamine and NMS binding sites. Confirmation that gallamine allosterically modifies the muscarinic receptor was provided by radioligand binding studies. Gallamine competition curves with either [N-methyl-3H]scopolamine methyl chloride ([3H]NMS) or [N-methyl-3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate methyl chloride ([3H]NMeQNB) were unusually shallow. Furthermore, gallamine decelerated the rate of dissociation of receptor-bound [3H]NMS greater than [3H]NMeQNB in a dose-dependent manner. The present study demonstrates that whereas gallamine antagonizes carbamylcholine-mediated responses in N1E-115 cells in a competitive manner, an allosteric component of its action is revealed in the presence of muscarinic antagonists such as NMS.
Field production, purification and analysis of high-oleic acetyl-triacylglycerols from transgenic Camelina sativa

Abstract A diacylglycerol acetyltransferase, EaDAcT, from Euonymus alatus, synthesizes sn-3 acetyl triacylglycerols (acetyl-TAG) when expressed in Arabidopsis, Camelina and soybean. Compared to most vegetable oils, acetyl-TAGs have reduced viscosity and improved cold temperature properties that confer advantages in applications as biodegradable lubricants, food emulsifiers, plasticizers, and ‘drop-in’ fuels for some diesel engines. A high-oleic Camelina line was engineered to express the EaDAcT gene in order to produce acetyl-TAG oils with fatty acid compositions and physiochemical properties complementary to wild-type acetyl-TAG. The accumulation of acetyl-TAGs at 70 mol% of seed TAG in field-grown high-oleic Camelina had minor or no effect on seed weight, oil content, harvest index and seed yield. The total moles of TAG increased up to 27% reflecting the ability to synthesize more acetyl-TAG from the same supply of long-chain fatty acid. Acetyl-TAG could be separated from long-chain TAG by silica column or by reverse phase chromatography. The predominant acetyl-TAG molecular species produced in high-oleic Camelina was acetyl-dioleoyl-glycerol. The crystallization temperature of high-oleic acetyl-TAG (by differential scanning calorimetry at 1.0 °C/min) was reduced by 30 °C compared to control TAG. The viscosity of high-oleic acetyl-TAG was 27% lower than TAG from the high-oleic control and the caloric content was reduced by 5%. Field production of T4 and T5 transgenic plants yielded over 250 kg seeds for oil extraction and analysis.
On multivariate interpolation

A new approach to interpolation theory for functions of several variables is proposed. We develop a multivariate divided difference calculus based on the theory of noncommutative quasi-determinants. In addition, intriguing explicit formulae that connect the classical finite difference interpolation coefficients for univariate curves with multivariate interpolation coefficients for higher dimensional submanifolds are established.