cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intramolecular Charge Transfer and Local Excitation in Organic Fluorescent Photoredox Catalysts Explained by RASCI-PDFT

We investigate the electronically excited states of two recently synthesized organic fluorescent photoredox catalysts of the dihydrophenazine family. The mixed charge transfer and local excitation behavior of dark and bright transitions is unveiled by multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory (MC-PDFT) based on a restricted active space configuration interaction (RASCI) wave function (RASCI-PDFT). The RASCI-PDFT calculations give an accurate description of the experimental optical absorption spectra with active spaces too large for conventional complete active space self-consistent-field calculations. These results were achieved by the inclusion of many valence orbitals in the active space and their optimization within a cost-effective restricted active space self-consistent field framework without a RAS2 subspace, followed by calculations at the RASCI level including orbitals in RAS2. This novel strategy can be extended to systems that need a large number of orbitals in the active space.
Chemical and Biochemical Perspectives of Protein Lysine Methylation.

Protein lysine methylation is a distinct posttranslational modification that causes minimal changes in the size and electrostatic status of lysine residues. Lysine methylation plays essential roles in regulating fates and functions of target proteins in an epigenetic manner. As a result, substrates and degrees (free versus mono/di/tri) of protein lysine methylation are orchestrated within cells by balanced activities of protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) and demethylases (KDMs). Their dysregulation is often associated with neurological disorders, developmental abnormalities, or cancer. Methyllysine-containing proteins can be recognized by downstream effector proteins, which contain methyllysine reader domains, to relay their biological functions. While numerous efforts have been made to annotate biological roles of protein lysine methylation, limited work has been done to uncover mechanisms associated with this modification at a molecular or atomic level. Given distinct biophysical and biochemical ...
Jazz: a tool for demand-driven structural testing

Software testing to produce reliable and robust software has become vitally important. Testing is a process by which quality can be assured through the collection of information about software. While testing can improve software quality, current tools typically are inflexible and have high overheads, making it a challenge to test large projects. We describe a new scalable and flexible tool, called Jazz, that uses a demand-driven structural testing approach. Jazz has a low overhead of only 17.6% for branch testing.
The relationships among serum lipid levels, adiposity, and depressive symptomatology in persons aging with spinal cord injury.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) appears to occur prematurely in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Stress may play a significant role in the development of CVD. Depression is the most ...
Local membrane charge regulates β2 adrenergic receptor coupling to Gi

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane receptors that signal through heterotrimeric G proteins. Lipid modifications anchor G proteins to the plasma membrane; however, little is known about the effect of phospholipid composition on GPCR-G protein coupling. The β 2 adrenergic receptor (β 2 AR) signals through both G s and G i in cardiac myocytes where studies suggest that G i signaling may be cardioprotective. However, G i coupling is much less efficient than G s coupling in most cell-based and biochemical assays, making it difficult to study β 2 AR-G i interactions. To investigate the role of phospholipid composition on G s and G i coupling, we reconstituted β 2 AR in detergent/lipid mixed micelles and found that negatively charged phospholipids (PS and PG) inhibit β 2 AR-G i3 coupling. Replacing negatively charged lipids with neutral lipids (PC or PE) facilitated the formation of a functional β 2 AR-G i3 interaction that activated G i3 . Ca 2+ , known to interact with negatively charged PS, facilitated β 2 AR-G i3 interaction in PS. Mutational analysis suggested that Ca 2+ interacts with the negatively charged EDGE motif on the carboxyl-terminal end of the αN helix of G i3 and coordinates an EDGE-PS interaction. These results were confirmed in β 2 AR reconstituted into nanodisc phospholipid bilayers. β 2 AR-G i3 interaction was favored in neutral lipids (PE and PC) over negatively charged lipids (PG and PS). In contrast, basal β 2 AR-G s interaction was favored in negatively charged lipids over neutral lipids. In negatively-charged lipids, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ facilitated β 2 AR-G i3 interaction. Taken together, our observations suggest that local membrane charge modulates the interaction between β 2 AR and competing G protein subtypes.
Laboratory hydraulic fracturing of granite: Acoustic emission observations and interpretation

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing is routinely used, but the fracturing processes that occur when rocks are hydraulically-fractured are not entirely understood and require further investigation. This study presents the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of acoustic emissions data from a series of laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiments on granite. Specimens with different orientations of two pre-cut flaws were tested under both 0 MPa and 5 MPa of vertical uniaxial stress to understand the effect of the external stress conditions. Acoustic emissions data are related to corresponding visual observations made using high-resolution and high-speed imaging. We find that in general, (1) the AE begin to occur at approximately 80% of peak pressure, (2) the focal mechanisms suggest that 55–60% of the radiation pattern could be explained by a double couple mechanism and is well-explained by simulation results, (3) hypocenter locations tended to agree well with visually observed white patching (process zone) and crack patterns, (4) spatio-temporal analysis revealed points in time at which microcrack coalescence were detected by AE, (5) that the AE could be used to make a non-unique prediction of crack initiation, and lastly (6) that exponential AE energy accumulation in the last 5–10 s prior to crack initiation can be modelled by time-to-failure methods.
The courts as political players

Courts are political animals; as a result, they strive not only to carry out their assigned role in national governance but also to balance that role within the political and social system in which they operate. Sperling and Cohen offer an elegant, in-depth analysis of how these institutional interests have helped shape decision-making by the Israeli Supreme Court in a health policy context. In doing so, the authors tell a universal story, one with enormous resonance in the U.S.
Training methods that improve MD-PhD student self-efficacy for clinical research skills.

Introduction MD-PhD training programs train physician-scientists to pursue careers involving both clinical care and research, but decreasing numbers of physician-scientists stay engaged in clinical research. We sought to identify current clinical research training methods utilized by MD-PhD programs and to assess how effective they are in promoting self-efficacy for clinical research. Methods The US MD-PhD students were surveyed in April-May 2018. Students identified the clinical research training methods they participated in, and self-efficacy in clinical research was determined using a modified 12-item Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory. Results Responses were received from 61 of 108 MD-PhD institutions. Responses were obtained from 647 MD-PhD students in all years of training. The primary methods of clinical research training included no clinical research training, and various combinations of didactics, mentored clinical research, and a clinical research practicum. Students with didactics plus mentored clinical research had similar self-efficacy as those with didactics plus clinical research practicum. Training activities that differentiated students who did and did not have the clinical research practicum experience and were associated with higher self-efficacy included exposure to Institutional Review Boards and participation in human subject recruitment. Conclusions A clinical research practicum was found to be an effective option for MD-PhD students conducting basic science research to gain experience in clinical research skills. Clinical research self-efficacy was correlated with the amount of clinical research training and specific clinical research tasks, which may inform curriculum development for a variety of clinical and translational research training programs, for example, MD-PhD, TL1, and KL2.
Therapeutic Dilemmas: Solving Sexual Difficulties in the Context of Religion

Working with religious issues in therapy is essential for those clients whose belief system is the basis for their difficulty. The foundation of sexual health is frequently hindered by the attitude of traditional religious understanding and teachings about sexuality. Religious beliefs often contribute to the formation of sexual difficulties, and can also interfere with the progress of therapy. Religious belief systems can broadly be categorized as fixed, or absolute, and process, or evolving. Each has a set of core values that influence conscience and behavior. Formation of conscience becomes difficult without guidelines for decision-making. The areas of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience are explored to gain a sense of where the authority for teaching and decision-making lies. Clinical examples illustrate the importance of understanding the role of religion-induced anxiety in interfering with the sexual response cycle and contributing to sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Homosexuality i...
CD2 Regulates Pathogenesis of Asthma Induced by House Dust Mice Extract.

Characteristic of allergic asthma, CD4+Th2 lymphocytes secrete Th2 cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-5 that mediate the inflammatory immune response. Surface expression of CD2 and its ligand, CD58, is increased on the monocytes and eosinophils of asthma patients, which correlate with elevated serum IgE levels, suggesting that CD2 may contribute to allergic airway inflammation. Using a murine model of asthma, we observed that house dust mice extract (HDME)-exposed Balb/c mice have increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and elevated levels of Th2 cytokines in the lungs, as well as increased serum IgE levels as compared to the control mice. In contrast, with the exception of serum IgE levels, all the other parameters were significantly reduced in HDME-treated Cd2 -/- mice. Interestingly, Il13 but not Il4 or Il5 gene expression in the lungs was dramatically decreased in HDME-exposed Cd2 -/- mice. Of note, the gene expression of IL-13 downstream targets (Muc5b and Muc5ac) and high affinity IL-13Rα2 were upregulated in the lungs of HDME-exposed Balb/c mice but were significantly reduced in HDME-exposed Cd2 -/- mice. Consistently, gene expression of microRNAs regulating mucin production, inflammation, airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and IL-13 transcripts were increased in the lungs of HDME-exposed Cd2 -/- mice. Given the established role of IL-13 in promoting goblet cell hyperplasia, lung inflammation and AHR in allergic asthma, our studies reveal a unique role for CD2 in the regulation of Th2-associated allergic asthma.
Impact of a problem-oriented view on clinical data retrieval.

OBJECTIVE The electronic health record (EHR) data deluge makes data retrieval more difficult, escalating cognitive load and exacerbating clinician burnout. New auto-summarization techniques are needed. The study goal was to determine if problem-oriented view (POV) auto-summaries improve data retrieval workflows. We hypothesized that POV users would perform tasks faster, make fewer errors, be more satisfied with EHR use, and experience less cognitive load as compared with users of the standard view (SV). METHODS Simple data retrieval tasks were performed in an EHR simulation environment. A randomized block design was used. In the control group (SV), subjects retrieved lab results and medications by navigating to corresponding sections of the electronic record. In the intervention group (POV), subjects clicked on the name of the problem and immediately saw lab results and medications relevant to that problem. RESULTS With POV, mean completion time was faster (173 seconds for POV vs 205 seconds for SV; P < .0001), the error rate was lower (3.4% for POV vs 7.7% for SV; P = .0010), user satisfaction was greater (System Usability Scale score 58.5 for POV vs 41.3 for SV; P < .0001), and cognitive task load was less (NASA Task Load Index score 0.72 for POV vs 0.99 for SV; P < .0001). DISCUSSION The study demonstrates that using a problem-based auto-summary has a positive impact on 4 aspects of EHR data retrieval, including cognitive load. CONCLUSION EHRs have brought on a data deluge, with increased cognitive load and physician burnout. To mitigate these increases, further development and implementation of auto-summarization functionality and the requisite knowledge base are needed.
Preoperative ferritin and hemoglobin levels are lower in patients with a history of COVID-19 but blood loss and transfusion requirements are not increased.

A history of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have an impact on hemoglobin and ferritin levels predisposing patients to increased blood transfusion requirements following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The current study compares ferritin levels, hemoglobin levels, and transfusion rates between SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive and SARS-CoV-2 IgG negative TJA patients. Preoperative ferritin levels, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, postoperative change in hemoglobin, and transfusion rates of 385 consecutive SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive patients undergoing TJA were compared to those of 5156 consecutive SARS-CoV-2 IgG negative patients undergoing TJA. Preoperative hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive patients [13.3 g/dL (range 8.9–17.7 g/dL)] compared to 13.5 g/dl (7.3–18.3 g/dL; p value 0.03). Ferritin levels were significantly lower in SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive patients (mean of 106.1 ng/ml (2.1–871.3.3 ng/ml) vs. 123.7 ng/ml (1.4–1985 ng/ml) (p value 0.02)). Hemoglobin on postoperative day (POD) one, after four–six weeks, and transfusion rates did not differ between the two groups. Although preoperative hemoglobin and ferritin levels are lower in SARS-CoV2 IgG positive patients, there was no difference in hemoglobin on POD one, recovery of hemoglobin levels at four—six weeks postoperatively, and transfusion rates after surgery. Routine ferritin testing prior to TJA is not recommended in SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive patients.
Constructing regulation on assisted migration: findings from science and ethics

Many scientists and environmentalists suggest using assisted migration (assisted colonization, managed relocation) as one of the responses to environmental degradation. Assisted migration (AM) is a translocation of animals and plants to the areas outside their native ranges suitable for them under the changing conditions. The international bodies, for example, the Secretariat to the Convention on Biological Diversity, recognize AM as a possible conservation tool. Some jurisdictions inserted it within their law and policy documents such as the 2019 Translocation Operational Policy in New South Wales, Australia. As climate changes, a need for AM can proliferate at national and international levels and further development of the regulation would be needed. However, the tool is a controversial one, for example, due to the risks for the translocating organisms and for the recipient communities, e.g., in case of possible invasiveness of the translocating animals and plants or changes in disease dynamics. This article seeks to summarize the law- and policy-relevant findings from science and ethics concerning AM that could help to construct the regulation that maximizes the benefits of using this tool and minimizes its risks.
Magnetically Controlled Modular Cubes With Reconfigurable Self-Assembly and Disassembly

Reconfigurable modular robots, which can actively assemble and disassemble on command, offer the possibility of mesoscale (milliscale and microscale) manufacturing with robustness and controllability. In this study, we present a design of a scalable modular subunit with embedded permanent magnets in a 3-D printed cubic body. The subunit can be wirelessly controlled by an external uniform magnetic field. We also present controlled assembly–disassembly techniques for these subunits. Our modular robotic platform is highly reconfigurable and can create programmable, predetermined patterns based on open-loop control. The 2-D motion planner computes all reachable polyomino shapes from an arbitrary initial configuration and provides the shortest movement sequences to form each shape. Experimental results match computational modeling, demonstrating robust and reproducible behavior of the modular robotic platform that is promising for mesoscale manufacturing applications. Two cube sizes were tested: 10-mm edge lengths and 2.8-mm edge lengths.
Local time stepping for the shallow water equations in MPAS

Abstract We assess the performance of a set of local time-stepping (LTS) schemes for the shallow water equations implemented in the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS). The goal of LTS is to speed up the simulation by allowing different time-steps on different regions of the computational grid. The LTS schemes considered here were originally introduced by Hoang et al. (2019) [26] , who laid out the mathematical foundation of the methods. Here, the authors take on the task of presenting a fast, efficient and scalable parallel implementation of these LTS methods on high performance computing machines, with the aim to provide a recipe for other climate modeling groups that may be interested in employing LTS algorithms in their codes. As a matter of fact, even if MPAS is our framework of choice, our approach is general enough and could be of interest to other groups beyond the MPAS community. Due to their nature, LTS methods possess an inherent load imbalance that needs to be carefully addressed in order to obtain efficient scalability. Even more important is the far from trivial task of computing the right-hand side terms only on specific LTS regions during the time-stepping procedure. An inefficient handling of this task causes a drastic decay of the CPU time performance, making the LTS algorithms practically of no use. The emphasis of the present work is therefore on the computational and parallel aspects of the LTS methods, whose proper treatment is crucial to make the methods run faster against existing strategies, such as for instance high-order explicit global time-stepping schemes. This is in fact the ultimate goal of using an LTS procedure and it is the one to which we direct all our optimization efforts.
Formation of target range unambiguity sign in radar with television illumination

Numerous studies in the field of bistatic radars with television illumination confirmed the potential for use of television signal for radar target detection. However, high TV lines correlation defines the target range detection ambiguity. To overcome this ambiguity the algorithm of formation of target range unambiguity sign is proposed.
Differential expression of an inwardly rectifying chloride conductance in rat brain neurons: a potential mechanism for cell-specific modulation of postsynaptic inhibition

A voltage-sensitive inwardly rectifying chloride (Cl-) conductance (GCl(V) is present in hippocampal pyramidal but not dentate gyrus neurons and has a significant role in modulation of neuronal inhibition by GABA. GCl(V) has the same activation properties as the cloned and expressed Cl- channel CIC-2. In brain, CIC-2 was detected selectively in neurons, and in hippocampus was detected in the same populations of neurons that demonstrate GCl(V). CIC-2 mRNA expression varied widely in different neuronal populations in brain but was greatest in pyramidal and other large neurons and least in interneurons. The observed differential expression of CIC-2 provides a potential molecular basis for the paradoxical excitation produced by GABAA receptor activation in selected neuronal populations.
Using Linked Micromap Plots to Characterize Omernik Ecoregions

The paper introduces linked micromap (LM) plots for presenting environmental summaries. The LM template includes parallel sequences of micromap, label, and statistical summary graphics panels with attention paid to perceptual grouping, sorting and linking of the summary components. The applications show LM plots for Omernik Level II Ecoregions. The summarized United States continental data includes USGS digital elevation, 30-year normal precipitation and temperature, and 8 million AVHRR pixels classified into 159 types of land cover. One LM plot uses a line-height glyph to represent all 159 land cover percentages per ecoregion. LM plots represent new visualization methodology that is useful in the data and knowledge based pattern representation and knowledge discovery process. The LM plots focus on providing an orienting overview. The overview provides a starting place for subsequent drilling down to what could otherwise be viewed as an overwhelming mass of data. The overview also provides a starting place to learn about the intellectual structure that lies behind the notion of ecoregions and begins to connect this abstract structure to quantitative methods.
Sediment records of phosphorus-driven shifts to phytoplanktondominance in shallow Florida lakes

Primary producer community structure (PPCS) in shallow lakes is influenced by phosphorus (P) load and water column P concentration. Theoretically PPCS may shift between phytoplankton and macrophyte states with intermediate P loading, but phytoplankton dominate when P loading exceeds a critical threshold. We analyzed 2 sediment cores from five shallow, eutrophic lakes (size range: 0.6 to 125 km ) that are phytoplankton dominated to determine whether the development of the current state was associated stratigraphically with an increase in sediment total P (TP) and a shift in PPCS. We used sponge biogenic silica (BSi ) concentrations and total Sponges carbon to total nitrogen ratios (TC:TN) as proxies for macrophyte abundance and sediment organic matter source, respectively. Three stratigraphic groups of sediments were identified with k-means cluster analysis. These samples were grouped by increasing TP concentrations and decreasing age and identified as macrophyte, transitional and phytoplankton sediments. Results show that as P loading increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the lakes produced sediments with an increasing contribution from phytoplankton. Four of our lakes may represent a 2 subset of shallow lakes because of their large size (30 to 125 km ) and relatively rapid historic P enrichment. In these Florida lakes, PPCS shifted to phytoplankton dominance with no paleolimnological record of lake-wide alternating stable states or of lake-wide phytoplankton dominance before anthropogenic P enrichment.
1.6µM Classification of Bright Sources Discovered during 2MASS Prototyping

During its prototyping phase, the Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) has imaged more than 200 square degrees of the sky. This work has revealed a large number of bright infrared sources (Ks ≤ 5.0) with faint optical counterparts owing to obscuration in the Galactic plane. The bright sources are most likely evolved stars within a few kiloparsecs of the Sun. Such evolved stars will ultimately be one of the primary tools for reconstructing the structure of the Galaxy using 2MASS data. In order to characterize this population and demonstrate the utility of infrared spectroscopy for spectral identification and radial velocity measurements we have obtained multi-epoch infrared (1.61–1.64 µm) spectra of 206 bright sources identified by the prototype survey at the KPNO 0.9 m coude feed telescope using the University of Massachusetts NICMOS3 camera (NICMASS) during four observing runs in 1994–95.
An aircraft Kalman filter integrated navigation system prototype

An experimental Kalman filter integrated navigation and position determination system is presented. The system operates on a distributed computer installed in a Convair 580 aircraft, for use in scientific research in the areas of geophysics, oceanography, and advanced navigation. Representative results which show the operation of the prototype during tests of some of its failure modes are presented. >
First report of Wisteria vein mosaic virus in Wisteria sinensis in the United States of America.

The ornamental Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a woody perennial grown for its flowering habit in home gardens and landscape settings. In this brief, the occurrence of Wisteria vein mosaic ...
All Ionospheres are not Alike: Reports from other Planets

Our understanding of planetary ionospheres made some progress during the last four years. Most of this progress was due to new and/or improved theoretical models, although some new data were also obtained by direct and remote sensing observations. The very basic processes such as ionization, chemical transformations and diffusive as well as convective transports are analogous in all ionospheres; the major differences are the result of factors such as different neutral atmospheres, intrinsic magnetic field strength, distance from the Sun, etc. Improving our understanding of any of the ionospheres in our solar system helps in elucidating the controlling physical and chemical processes in all of them. New measurements are needed to provide new impetus, as well as guidance, in advancing our understanding and we look forward to such information in the years ahead.
Neural networks letter: Minimal neuroanatomy for a conscious brain: Homing in on the networks constituting consciousness

There is a consensus that consciousness is constituted by only a subset of all neuroanatomical regions and processes, but no agreement exists regarding which particular subset(s) constitutes it. We propose that a consensus will be reached if investigators (a) pool their knowledge regarding the regions whose non-participation does not in principle render the nervous system devoid of consciousness (e.g., the cerebellum, amygdalae, hippocampi, hemispheric commissures, 'pre-cortical' thalamus, and vast regions of the cortex), and (b) focus on the long-overlooked olfactory system. This 'brutally reductionistic' approach may isolate the physical basis of consciousness; even its falsification would help to illuminate this enigma.
Enhanced adventive embryogenesis resulting from plasmolysis of cultured wild carrot cells

Adventive embryogenesis in vitro-grown somatic cells of Daucus carota L. was increased three-fold by a 45 min plasmolysis pre-treatment using 1M sucrose solutions. A high degree of synchronous development also resulted from this treatment. The enhancement of embryogenesis is interpreted as an increase in the regeneration of cells which have become physiologically somewhat isolated from the tissue of their origin by the plasmolysis-caused rupture of plasmodesmata. Possible causes of the increased synchrony are discussed.
The Object Relations of Bulimic Women in Context: An Integration of Two Studies

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and contextualize the object relations of bulimic women. Two independent studies, one quantitative and one qualitative, were conducted. In the quantitative study, 77 undergraduate women completed self-report measures of eating behavior, interpersonal dependency, and object relations. In the qualitative study, four bulimic women participated in semi-structured interviews that were coded for relational themes and contextualized through a feminist socio-cultural analysis. Results supported the strong association between dependency and eating disorders and demonstrated that the object relationships of the participants were characterized by both insecure attachment and egocentricity. Socio-cultural analysis suggests that the development of these object relations can be partially accounted for by conflicting cultural expectations for women.
SU‐FF‐T‐673: Application of RapidArc Technique to Cervical Spine Stereotactic Treatment

Purpose: Cervical spine (C‐spine) lesions are located more centrally than the rest of the spinal column making the c‐spine an ideal target for the RapidArc therapy technique. In this study, we explore the use of RapidArc to treat c‐spine patients and investigate the target coverage, cone‐beam CT(CBCT) localization, MU reduction, and intra‐fraction motion. Materials and Methods: We studied 3 RapidArc plans for c‐spine patients. The patients are immobilized with Brainlab head and neck frame. Single‐arc RapidArc plans are used for treatment. Before the treatment,CBCTimages are acquired for target localization. After RapidArc is delivered, post‐treatment CBCTimages are acquired to assess intra‐fraction motion. Actual dose to the spinal cord in CBCT was calculated with Eclipse planning system. Results: RapidArc plans can provide comparable target coverage and critical organ dose sparing as IMRT. The average CBCT set‐up correction was 0.4 ± 0.5 cm axial, 0.4 ± 0.6 cm sagittal, 0.0 ± 0.1 cm coronal, and a couch rotational correction of 1.6 ± 1.6 degrees. The typical MU reduction compared to IMRT was 56%. The intra‐fraction motion was −0.1 ± 0.2 cm axial, 0.1 ± 0.1 cm sagittal, −0.1 ± 0.2 cm coronal, and 0.7 ± 0.4 degrees. Typical treatment delivery time (not including set‐up) was reduced by approximately 80%. The actual average cord dose received in the patient was 1 ± 0.25 % greater than the planned dose to the cord. The actual dose at the highest 0.5% of the short cord next to the target was 7 ± 4% greater than the planned dose. Conclusion: RapidArc is well suited for c‐spine treatments and provides an effective way to substantially decrease patient treatment time which aids in decreasing intra‐fraction motion as well as improving the comfort level for the patient.
On the collisional disruption of porous icy targets simulating Kuiper belt objects

Abstract We present results from 27 impact experiments using porous (porosity ranging from 0.39 to 0.54) ice targets and solid ice projectiles at impact speeds ranging from 90 to 155 m/s. These targets were designed to simulate Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) in structure. We measured a specific energy for shattering, Q S * , of 2.1 × 10 5 erg / g for those snowball targets hit by intact ice projectiles; this is of the same order as that measured for solid ice targets. The fragment mass distribution follows a power law, although the exponent is not simply related to the largest fragment size as assumed by fragmentation models. We provide the first measurement of the three-dimensional mass-velocity distribution for disrupted ice targets and find that fragment speeds range from ∼2 to ∼20 m/s. The fraction of collisional kinetic energy that is partitioned into ejecta speeds is between 1 and 15% (although it should be noted that the lower limit is more reliable than the upper).
Thermal denaturation of ordinary and fully deuteriated DNA in H2O and D2O.

Fully deuteriated DNA was isolated from Escherichia coli grown in a fully deuteriated nutrient medium (99 6% D/sub 2/O with fully deuteriated substrates). The melting temperature of this DNA was found to be essentially identical with that of ordinary DNA in both H/sub 2/O and D/sub 2/O solutions. (auth)
The set of irreducible graphs for the projective plane is finite

Abstract In 1930 Kuratowski proved that a graph does not embed in the real plane R2 if and only if it contains a subgraph homeomorphic to one of two graphs, K5 or K3, 3. For positive integer n, let In (P) denote a smallest set of graphs whose maximal valency is n and such that any graph which does not embed in the real projective plane contains a subgraph homeomorphic to a graph in In (P) for some n. Glover and Huneke and Milgram proved that there are only 6 graphs in I3 (P), and Glover and Huneke proved that In (P) is finite for all n. This note proves that In (P) is empty for all but a finite number of n. Hence there is a finite set of graphs for the projective plane analogous to Kuratowski's two graphs for the plane.
Electron beam tomography comparison of culprit and non-culprit coronary arteries in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Our hypothesis was that infarct-related arteries would be more heavily calcified than non‐infarct-related arteries in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study was to compare by electron beam tomography (EBT) coronary calcification in arteries considered culprits in AMI versus calcification in arteries not anatomically related to AMI. ••• Patients hospitalized with AMI in the intensive care unit at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center were selected for participation in this study. Selection was limited by patients who underwent angiography to define the culprit vessel and the ability to obtain an EBT evaluation. Patients who underwent revascularization were excluded (n 5 14) owing to inaccuracies in measuring coronary calcification after stent or bypass surgery. Patients who died during hospitalization and those who did not consent to undergo computer tomography (CT) scanning are also not represented in our sample (n 5 6). All patients signed an informed consent approved by the institutional review board at Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute. AMI was diagnosed and localized by angiography,
Heterogeneity in cellular and cytokine profiles from multiple samples of tissue surrounding revised hip prostheses

Previous studies have attempted to define the biologic properties of the bone-implant interface using a single specimen harvested from the periprosthetic tissues. The purpose of this study was to examine the heterogeneity in cellular and cytokine profiles of multiple samples taken from the tissues surrounding revised hip prostheses. Clinical and radiographic data for nine patients undergoing surgical revision was gathered prospectively. Three tissue samples were taken systematically from the acetabular and/or femoral bed. Morphologic characteristics of the tissues were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using monoclonal antibodies to identify macrophages (EMB11 and CD68); activated macrophages (Leu M3); total T lymphocytes (Leu 4 and T11); T-helper lymphocytes (Leu 3A and CD4); cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes (Leu 2A and CD3); and fibroblasts (5B5). In situ hybridization was used to identify the mRNA for specific proteins: interleukin (IL)1 alpha and -beta, IL-2, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGF alpha), and interferon gamma. A quantitative assessment was performed for each section by calculating the percentage of positively staining cells using a light microscope and grid-counting technique. A random effect analysis of variance was calculated to determine both the variance between samples within each patient and the variance between different patients. Standard deviations contributed by sampling variance and patient variance were calculated and an F test was applied. Tissue samples taken from different regions of the bone-prosthesis interface showed marked heterogeneity in cellular and cytokine profiles. Critical F values indicating a statistically significant degree of variance between different tissue samples were exceeded for macrophages, cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes, and T-helper lymphocytes. The cytokine profile was significantly different for IL-2, PDGF alpha, and TNF alpha. This tissue heterogeneity may be due to different mechanical and biologic environments along the bone-prosthesis interface. Thus, caution must be exercised in defining the biologic properties of the tissue surrounding revised prostheses according to a single biopsy.
Polystyrene Beads as a Model System for Virus Particles Reveal Pore Substructure as they Translocate

Our research focuses on the extension of the resistive-pulse or Coulter counter technique to detect and analyze virus particles. Using polystyrene spheres as a model system, we show that particles can be distinguished not only by their size, but also by their charge, as they translocate through track-etched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pores. In addition, we discovered that as a polystyrene sphere translocates, it reveals variations in the pore structure along its length as a series of peaks and valleys in the measured ionic current. This sequence of peaks and valleys is unique to a particular pore, but for that pore, we observed the same sequence for thousands of particle translocations, even particles of different size or with different charge. Also, particles translocating in the reverse direction through the pore give the reverse sequence of peaks and valleys in the ionic current.We analyzed this data to extract information about the particle velocity as it passes through the pore and examined how this effect could enhance virus sensing capabilities. For example, due to the unique pattern of peaks and valleys, it is possible to unambiguously detect when two particles are in the pore at the same time. In addition, we expect that this characteristic pattern will be modulated by the particle geometry. Therefore, it will likely be possible to distinguish between particles of the same size but different shapes. After these model system studies, we plan to test our system with actual virus particles.
Synthesis and Characterization of Stable Fluorocarbon Nanostructures as Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cytolytic Peptides

The therapeutic potential of cytolytic peptides is plagued by nonspecificity and enzymatic degradation. We report the first stable incorporation of melittin (a 26 amino acid amphipathic peptide) into an outer lipid monolayer of perfluorocarbon nanoparticles. Melittin binds avidly to the nanoparticles (dissociation constant ∼3.27 nM) and retains its pore-forming activity after contact-mediated delivery to model bilayer membrane (liposomes) thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of perfluorocarbon nanoparticles as unique nanocarriers for cytolytic peptides.
The regulation of renal phosphate transport.

Renal phosphate transport is mediated by the abundance and activity of the sodium-dependent phosphate transporters, Npt2a, Npt2c, and PiT-2, present within the apical brush border membrane of the proximal tubule. Recent studies have demonstrated differential expression and activity of these sodium-dependent phosphate transporters within the proximal tubule. In general, phosphate transport is regulated by a variety of physiological stimuli, including parathyroid hormone, glucocorticoids, vitamin D3, estrogen, and thyroid hormone. Phosphatonins are now recognized as major regulators of phosphate transport activity. Other factors that affect phosphate transport include dopamine, dietary phosphate, acid–base status, lipid composition, potassium deficiency, circadian rhythm, and hypertension. Studies have shown that the PDZ-containing sodium/hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) proteins, specifically NHERF-1 and NHERF-3, play a critical role in the physiological regulation of phosphate transport, particularly in response to dietary phosphate. In addition, recent studies have found that NHERF-1 is also important in both the parathyroid hormone- and dopamine-mediated inhibition of phosphate transport. This review will detail the various hormones and agents involved in the regulation of phosphate transport as well as provide a brief summary of the signaling pathways and cytoskeletal proteins active in the transport of phosphate in the renal proximal tubule.
The physiology and molecular bases of the plant circadian clock.

Periodicity in biology comes in many shapes and sizes. Among the very rapid are ultradian rhythms in the courtship song of the Drosophila male, which recur every 50 to 60 s ([Edmunds, 1988][1]). Running at a slightly faster pace is the glycolytic oscillator in yeast, which exhibits self-sustained
The constitutive response of three solder materials

Abstract As increasing worldwide demand for portable consumer electronics drives development of smaller, faster, more powerful electronic devices, components in these devices must become smaller, more precise, and more robust. Often, failure of these devices comes as a result of failure of the package (i.e. when a mobile phone is dropped) and specifically comes as a result of failure of solder interconnects. As a result, stronger more reliable solder materials are needed. In this paper, the constitutive responses of three solder materials (Sn63Pb37, Sn62Pb36Ag2, and Sn96.5Ag3Cu0.5) are analyzed as a function of temperature (−196 °C to 60 °C) and strain rate (10 −3 to >10 3 s −1 ). The lead-free Sn96.5Ag3Cu0.5 possessed the highest yield stress of the three solders at all tested strain rates and temperatures, and all solder microstructures which displayed a mechanical response that was sensitive to temperature exhibited grain coarsening with increasing plastic strain, even at room temperature.
Use of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy and Survival Rates for Breast Cancer Patients with T1-T2 and One to Three Positive Lymph Nodes

The effectiveness of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in terms of survival for breast cancer patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pT1–2 and one to three tumor positive lymph nodes is controversial, especially in this era of more effective systemic treatment. Using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between 1998 and 2008, this study respectively identified 93,793 and 36,299 women with AJCC pT1-2pN1 breast cancer who underwent mastectomy. The association of PMRT use with overall and cause-specific survival was examined using multivariable Cox models in subgroups defined by tumor stage. In the NCDB cohort, 21.5 % of the patients (n = 20,236) received PMRT, and a very similar percentage (21.9 %, n = 7939) received PMRT in the SEER cohort. In the NCDB cohort, PMRT was associated with a 14 % relative risk reduction in all-cause mortality among the patients with two positive lymph nodes and tumors 2–5 cm in size or three positive nodes [hazard ratio (HR), 0.86; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.81–0.91; p < 0.0001], but PMRT had no beneficial effect for the patients with one positive node or two positive nodes and tumors 2 cm in size or smaller. Analysis of the SEER cohort confirmed this heterogeneous effect, showing PMRT to be associated with a 14 % relative risk reduction in breast cancer cause-specific mortality among the patients with two positive nodes and tumors 2–5 cm in size or three positive nodes (HR 0.86; 95 % CI 0.77–0.96; p = 0.007) but not in the other subgroup. The effectiveness of radiotherapy depends on the combination comprising the number of positive lymph nodes and tumor size, which may enable more precise patient selection for PMRT.
Killing Monsters Combining a Novel Treatment Approach With Psychoeducational Counseling

The following case study examines a novel treatment strategy used to address one boy's fears, employed in the context of an 8-week psychoeducational counseling experience. As the focus of this article is a specific intervention strategy that occurred during the counseling process, brief information on the theoretical underpinnings, organization, and constituency of the counseling group is provided, although the authors emphasized a single critical incident during which the strategy was implemented. This article emphasizes (a) the flexibility required in conducting this type of group work and the need to adapt group structure to the needs of themembers; (b) the need to sometimes develop novel, and often spontaneous, treatment strategies; (c) the related convergence ofmultiple disciplines (e.g., psychology, religion, medicine); and (d) empathy when working with childhood fears. Related to these factors, specific recommendations for practice and training are outlined.
Astronomy: Hurling comets around a planetary nursery

An analysis of hundreds of star-grazing comets in a young planetary system shows that they form two families: a group of old, dried-out comets and a younger group probably related to the break-up of a larger planetary body. See Letter p.462 The nearby star β Pictoris possesses a young planetary system that appears much like our own would have been few million years after its formation. This analysis of more a thousand archival spectra recorded between 2003 and 2011 reveals variable dust absorption signatures arising from transiting exocomets belonging to two distinct families of comets. First, an old volatile-exhausted population displaying signs of orbital evolution due to interactions with the host planet and second, a volatile-rich population presumably originating from the break-up of a few parent bodies.
Chemical anomalies of lunar plagioclase, described by substitution vectors and their relation to optical and structural properties

Lunar plagioclase posed an enigma because optical properties indicate slow cooling while structural properties suggest rapid quenching when compared directly to terrestrial plagioclase. If, however, the An-content is inferred from the Al/Si ratio rather than from the Ca/Na ratio, lunar plagioclase corresponds more closely to normal volcanic plagioclase. The differences between An=4(Al/(Al+Si))-1 and An=Ca/(Ca+Na+K) is caused by substitutions which appear so far to be unique to lunar feldspars. A vector representation of chemical composition makes it possible to single out several substitutions which account for the chemical peculiarities of lunar plagioclase. It permits to assign sites in the structure to various minor elements simply from the chemical analysis without having to rely on sophisticated spectroscopic techniques or an X-ray structure determination. 1. The deficiency in Al+Si (up to 0.06 per formula unit) is compensated for by Fe, Mg, and small amounts of Na or Ca occupying tetrahedral sites. The Ca/Na ratio is increased accordingly to balance the electric charge. This substitution accounts for most of the differences. 2. The vacancycoupled substitution Ca+□ → 2 Na (Weill et al., 1970) is another cause for the increased Ca/Na ratio. 3. The amount of alkali evaporation from plagioclase, if it occurred, is probably small. These unusual substitutions are an expression of special conditions on the moon during the crystallization of plagioclase. Crystallization at high temperatures, rapid cooling, and peculiar magma composition seem to be important factors, but experimental work and detailed study of terrestrial volcanic plagioclase are necessary to interpret the chemical composition quantitatively.
Management activities in financial reports: debates and understanding standard-setters' international harmonization effort

Abstract My experience as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council provides the perspective to outline a framework of ten steps which I believe will help managers both organize and understand the nature of the tensions that have arisen in the past and are likely to continue into the future in the determination of how management activities will be reflected in financial reports. These themes permeate not only domestic standard-setting activities, but also those of international standard-setters as they strive for harmonization.