cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monocyte fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase and cytidine deaminase enzyme activities: potential pharmacodynamic measures of calcitriol effects in cancer patients.

Purpose: To determine, in peripheral blood monocytes (PBM), whether the enzymatic activities of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), cytidine deaminase (CDDase) and 24-hydroxylase (CYP24), enzymes regulated by calcitriol are useful pharmacodynamic (PD) measures of calcitriol effects in cancer patients. Methods: Cancer patients enrolled in a phase I clinical trial of calcitriol and carboplatin were studied. Baseline and calcitriol-induced changes in FBPase, CDDase and CYP24 activities were measured in PBM collected before, 6, 24, and 48 h after administration of calcitriol, prior to carboplatin, in doses ranging from 4 to 11 μg daily for 3 consecutive days (QD×3). Normal FBPase, CYP24 and CDDase activities were measured in PBM from untreated healthy volunteers. Results: Baseline activities in PBM from cancer patients and healthy volunteers were (median and range): 1.0 (0.0–43.5) and 4.4 (3.1– 8.2) nmol/min/mg protein for FBPase (P = 0.002); 2.5 (0.9–9.3) and 0.8 (0.4–2.0) fmol/h/106 cells for CYP24 (P = 0.016), and 5.6 (2.5–22.3) and 6.6 (1.1–47.4) nmol/min/mg protein for CDDase (P > 0.05), respectively. All calcitriol doses achieved peak serum calcitriol levels > ×3 the physiological levels, increased cancer patient PBM FBPase activity to normal levels and decreased CDDase activity to undetectable levels within 48 h, with no significant change in CYP24 activity. These enzyme activity changes were not associated with hypercalcemia. Conclusions: Calcitriol treatment-induced increase in FBPase and decrease in CDDase activities in cancer patient PBM are potential early and sensitive non-hypercalcemia PD measures of calcitriol effects.
QSH: a minimal but highly portable image display and handling toolkit

We describe a software system developed to handle images obtained from different sources, namely, computer-assisted tomography, positron emission tomography, single photon emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In developing the system, it was necessary to address the following points. (1) The types of values that were encountered in both the header information and the pixel elements, namely, integers, floating point numbers, complex numbers and strings. (2) The use of domain-dependent sets of keys, that is, how to choose keys and how to stabilize the use of keys among the user population. This is, for example, how information such as the patient name, or the activity in becquerel is kept. It is necessary to keep both the key values and the units. (3) The development of a method for providing a database using flat files, i.e. linear text. (4) The maintenance of a history of values and operations. This is necessary in order to address the problem of determining from an image how that image was produced. The connection between an image and how it was derived is analogous to describing how a secondary standard is derived from a primary one.
Examining the efficiency of schedules of distributed retrieval practice.

Given that students typically have a sizeable amount of course material to learn but a finite amount of study time, evaluating the efficiency of study schedules is important. We explored the efficiency of various schedules of distributed retrieval plus restudy. Across two experiments, 227 undergraduates were asked to learn Swahili—English vocabulary word pairs. Inconventional schedule groups, all items were presented for 3 practice trials after initial study (as in most previous research). Indropout schedule groups, the number of practice trials allocated to each item varied, in that practice with a given item was discontinued after criterion performance had been reached. A dropout schedule led to levels of performance similar to those for conventional schedules (but in fewer trials), and it was particularly effective for learning initially incorrect items. However, the efficiency of the various schedules depended critically on the interval between presentations of an item. Results suggest that dropout can be a more efficient learning schedule for students than can conventional schedules of practice.
Transition with grain size from electrode-limited to bulk-limited conduction in polycrystalline semiconductors

An experimental study of Au‐polycrystalline GaAs Schottky barriers has been made. The current‐voltage and capacitance‐voltage characteristics of GaAs films of various grain sizes have been measured. Analysis of these data indicate that the transport may be electrode‐limited, bulk‐limited, or a combination of electrode‐limited and bulk‐limited conduction processes, depending upon the (average) grain size.
Electron transfer from highly strained polycyclic molecules

The details of electron transfer from strained, saturated hydrocarbons in electrochemical oxidations on platinum have been studied. Among the systems investigated were tetracyclo[3.2.0.02,7.04,6]heptane, tricyclo [4.1.0.02,7]heptane, pentacyclo[4.3.0.02,4.05,7]nonane, pentacyclo[4.4.0.02,5.03.8.04,7] decane, pentacyclo[4.2.0.02,5.03,8.04,7]octane, pentacyclo[4.3.0.02,5.03,8.04,7]nonane, bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane, and a variety of bicyclo[1.1.0]butane derivatives. The oxidation of 1,2,3-trimethylbicyclo [1.1.0]butane is discussed in detail.
Model of Pion Excitation

We study the vector and axial-vector excitation of a pion to an arbitrary single-particle state. The main inputs to our calculation are a hard-pion representation for the relevant off-shell matrix elements, and use of partial conservation of axial-vector current, the Bjorken-Johnson-Low theorem, and current algebra as constraints. We find that for a model incorporating a finite number of poles, the pion cannot be excited to arbitrarily high-spin states. In a particular model we find a cutoff of $J=4$, and also obtain predictions involving branching ratios for the decay of $f(1268)$ and $g(1680)$ mesons into ${A}_{1}(1070)\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ composites. The results of our model are checked by comparing with sum rules based on local commutation relations.
Planets, life and the production of entropy

Two thermodynamic principles offer considerable insight into the climatic and geological settings for life on other planets, namely (1) that natural systems tend to actually achieve the ideal (‘Carnot’) limit of conversion of heat into work and (2) if a fluid system such as an atmosphere has sufficient degrees of freedom, it will choose the degree of heat transport that maximizes the generation of work (equivalently, that which offers maximum entropy production). The first principle agrees well with results on terrestrial cumulus convection, and the mechanical energy released by tectonic activity. The second principle agrees with the observed zonal climates of Earth, Mars and Titan, and shows promise for planetary interiors too; I discuss applications in the investigation of paleoclimates and habitability. I compare the work performed by planetary atmospheres and interiors on the terrestrial planets and thereby predict a weakly eroded landscape on Titan. The association of life with the production of entropy is also noted, and the possibility of evaluating planetary entropy production by telescopic observation is discussed.
Classification of Adventure Travelers: Behavior, Decision Making, and Target Markets

Focusing on consumer and travel behavior of adventure travelers, this study proposes a classification of adventure travelers for segmenting the U.S. adventure travel market. A survey of adventure travelers (N = 892) examined traveler characteristics, trip-related factors in the decision-making process, and perception of adventure travel. Cluster analysis identified six distinct adventure traveler subgroups as (1) general enthusiasts, (2) budget youngsters, (3) soft moderates, (4) upper high naturalists, (5) family vacationers, and (6) active soloists. Implications of the classified adventure traveler subgroup characteristics in conjunction with their perception of adventure travel and the involvement with adventure tourism establishments are discussed. The study findings will help adventure travel providers and marketers better understand adventure travelers and formulate strategies to cater to target segments effectively.
First-order structural phase transitions in a lattice-gas model for YBa2Cu3O6+x.

Recent experiments indicate that the structural phase transitions in the high-temperature superconductor ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$ may be first order at low temperatures. The oxygen ordering in the Cu-O basal planes of this material may be described by a lattice-gas model introduced by Wille et al. B [Phys. Rev. Lett. 60, 1065 (1988)]. However, as recent numerical studies show, this model does not exhibit first-order transitions. Here, we extend the model to include weak attractive interactions (2% of the nearest-neighbor interactions) between next-nearest-neighbor oxygen chains, and we study the extended model using transfer-matrix finite-size scaling. We find that these weak interactions produce tricritical points and first-order transitions at low temperatures, which are in good agreement with experiments for the structural order-order phase transitions. Furthermore, we predict a tricritical point and first-order transitions at low temperatures on the order-disorder branch of the phase diagram. We also present the phase diagram.
Lactosylceramide is required in apoptosis induced by N-Smase.

Lactosylceramide (LacCer) is a member of the glycosphingolipid family which has been recently recognized as a signaling intermediate in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell adhesion. In this paper, we present our studies pointing to a potential role of LacCer in inducing apoptosis. In our studies we employed a human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 (wild type, WT) and a neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) deficient cell line CC derived from MG-63 (mutant) cells. We observed that WT cells were highly sensitive to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), ceramide and LacCer-induced apoptosis. In contrast, the mutant cells were insensitive to TNF-α-induced apoptosis as they did not generate ceramide and LacCer. However, the exogenous supply of ceramide and/or LacCer rendered the mutant cells apoptotic. Interestingly, preincubation of cells with D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP), an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase and lactosylceramide synthase, abrogated ceramide-induced apoptosis but not LacCer-induced apoptosis in both WT cells and the mutant cells. Moreover, TNF-α and LacCer-induced apoptosis required the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in WT cells. However, since mutant cells did not produce significant amounts of LacCer and ROS in response to TNF-α treatment they are insensitive to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. In summary, our studies suggest that TNF-α-induced N-SMase activation and production of ceramide is required to activate the apoptosis pathway in human osteosarcoma cells. But it is not sufficient to induce apoptosis. Rather, the conversion of ceramide to LacCer and ROS generation are critical for apoptosis.
Gasdynamic model of dilute two-phase combustion fields

A gasdynamic model of two-phase combustion fields is proposed. The model is based on an extension of our dilute heterogeneous-continuum formulation, where now the particle phase is modeled thermodynamically as a particle gas (with a pressure p2, temperature T2, and internal energy u2, given by the kinetic theory for hard spheres with γ2 = 5/3), thereby, resulting in particle gas conservation laws for mass, momentum, and total energy. The particles also possess a thermal storage capacity, expressed in terms of an internal energy of the solid es = csTs with its own temperature Ts, and the corresponding energy conservation law. The consequence of this formulation is that both phases are hyperbolic, but decoupled; so each phase has it own complete set of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The conservation laws for each phase can be integrated with a high-order Godunov scheme. Phases are coupled only through drag, heat, and mass transfer. The model is used to simulate aluminum particle combustion in a shock-dispersed-fuel explosion. Taking advantage of the point symmetry inherent in this problem, the flow field is azimuthally averaged in θ and φ directions to extract the mean and root-mean-square radial profiles of the thermodynamic fields, velocity fields, and reaction zone profiles. We find that the particle gas pressure influences the flow only during the initial phase of particle acceleration: as the compaction wave moves through the powder, followed by the rarefaction wave from the free surface. Thereafter, the particle pressure decays rapidly and particle accelerations are dominated by drag. Nevertheless, this seems to affect the dispersion process because the combustion cloud shape is somewhat different from previous results.
An anatomic mathematical measurement to find an adequate recipient M4 branch for superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery.

Objective With the recent interest in superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass for hemodynamic related ischemia, we performed an anatomic study to find the best possible craniotomy site that will allow finding a suitable recipient cortical artery without compromising the use of the best branch and/or segment of the donor's superficial temporal artery branches. Methods Anatomic dissection and measurements were performed in 15 injected cadaveric heads to verify the location of an adequate temporal recipient cortical branch of the MCA. The location of the branch was then correlated with surface anatomic landmarks. Mathematical measurements were then derived. Results A perpendicular line measuring 5 cm in length is drawn starting from a point two-thirds the distance from the lateral canthus to the tragus, and ending at the center of a circle measuring 3 cm in diameter, which is equivalent to the craniotomy size and site. This craniotomy will expose the posterior aspect of the sylvian fissure and exposes no less than two M4 temporal MCA branches. The diameter of at least one branch is larger than 1 mm in 93% of the specimens. These findings were later successfully applied to several bypass operations. Conclusion This study provides an anatomic and patient-independent mathematical measurement as a way to predictably find an adequate recipient temporal M4 branch for superficial temporal artery-MCA bypass in the majority of patients.
Organotransition-Metal Metallacarboranes. 59.1 Synthesis and Linkage of Boron-Functionalized Ferracarborane Clusters

Negishi cross-coupling has been applied to B-I and B-Br bonds in small closoferracarboranes as a means of effecting controlled substitution at boron, with subsequent linkage to form polymetallacarborane systems. Reaction of (η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(2,3-Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5-I) (2) with vinyl-, butyl-, (trimethylsilyl)ethynyl-, and phenyl-organozinc reagents (RZnCl) in the presence of catalytic amounts of palladium(0) catalyst produced the corresponding B-functionalized derivatives (3-5 and 8, respectively) in moderate to good yields. Similarly, (η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -7-C≡CSiMe 3 ) (12) was prepared from the B(7)-Br (11a) or B(7)-I derivative (11b). A second alkynyl fragment was introduced at B(5) on 12 to yield the B(5,7)-diethynyl-substituted compound 16. Treatment of (η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(2,3-Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5-Ph) (8) with Cr(CO) 6 in refluxing n-butyl ether gave the heterodimetallic complex (η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe[Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5-{(η 6 -C 6 H 5 )Cr(CO) 3 }] (9). A series of diferracarboranes bridged by thiophene (18), dihydrophenanthrene (19), or mono-, di-, or triphenylene (22-24) linking groups was generated via reaction of 2 with bis(chlorozinc) reagents and palladium(0) catalyst, as were B(5)-ferrocenyl derivatives (20, 21). Reaction of the known complex (η 6 -C 8 H 1 0 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ) with 8 at 180 °C formed (η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5-Ph)Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ) (25) via displacement of cyclooctatriene. Electrophilic B-iodination on the unsubstituted C 2 B 4 cage of 25 afforded a dark red air-stable crystalline B(5)-iodo complex (26). Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of 26 with PhZnCl, followed by cyclooctatriene displacement from (η 6 -C 8 H 1 0 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ), produced the triferracarborane-linked oligomer (η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5-Ph)Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5'-Ph)Fe-(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ) (28) in an overall yield from 8 of 40% in this four-step sequence. Deprotection of 5 and 12 with fluoride gave the B(5)- and B(7)-C≡CH derivatives 6 and 13, respectively. Homocoupling of these terminal alkynes with Pd/Cu catalyst afforded the linked isomers [(η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -n-C≡C)] 2 (29, n = 5; 31, n = 7). Alternatively, 6 and 13 were treated with 1,3,5-C 6 H 3 I 3 under similar conditions to form the benzene-centered triferracarborane complexes [(η 6 -C 6 H 6 )Fe(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -n-C≡C)] 3 C 6 H 3 (30, n = 5; 32, n = 7). X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the structures of 9, 18, 24, and 26.
Influence of High Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus and Ca:P Ratio on Liver Copper and Iron Stores in Lactating Cows

Abstract The copper and iron status of lactating cows fed rations borderline in copper (6 mg/kg) but of high calcium content or with wide Ca:P ration was investigated. Liver copper stores decreased on the basal ration (which contained 0.88% Ca and 0.47% P) and also when dietary Ca was elevated to 2.3% (resulting in a 5:1 Ca:P ratio). However, an increase in phosphorus to 1.2% along with 2.3% Ca to maintain a 2:1 ratio significantly alleviated the depression in liver Cu. Iron stores were not affected by treatment.
PARABOLIC EQUATION DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT DECADE

Numerous contributions have been made in the enhancement of the Parabolic Equation (PE) approximation method, which has been shown to be a useful tool for solving realistic problems in many different scientific fields. Evidence of its usefulness is the application of PE to solve ocean acoustic propagation problems. In early years, when the PE was introduced to the field of underwater acoustics, its main purpose was to predict long-range, low-frequency acoustic propagations in range-dependent environments; thus, there were certain limitations. In the recent decade, these limitations have been relaxed a great deal due to many useful contributions. The time has come to survey and report these important contributions and to discuss how these contributions enhance the capability of the PE method. This paper gives a brief review of what had been done before 1984 and highlights some important PE developments from 1984 to 1994. Also, some applications of the PE to predict ocean acoustic propagation problems will be presented. We shall call attention to a few important issues related to the PE developments and applications. Looking ahead we will discuss what more a PE can do in order to stimulate future research, development, as well as applications.
LYMPHOCYTE SUBSET DIFFERENCES FOLLOWING DEXAMETHASONE (DEX) THERAPY. † 1460

Premature infants frequently receive DEX for broncho-pulmonary dysplasia(BPD). Long term effects of this therapy on lymphocytes are unknown. Ten infants ([horizontal bar over]x 26 wks, 825 gm) who received DEX for BPD were compared with matched controls (CON). Blood was obtained prior to (PRE)([horizontal bar over]x d21), after (HIGH) ([horizontal bar over]x d26), at(END) of DEX ([horizontal bar over]x d58), and at term (TERM) ([horizontal bar over]x d97). Direct two-color immunofluorescent staining followed by flow cytometry was employed for cell surface marker determinations. Statistical significance was determined by T test.
Excessive CEO compensation: Do “socially responsible” firms buck the trend?

Excessively bloated CEO compensation packages have received a lot of public criticism. Do “socially responsible” firms link their packages more closely to performance? © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ultraviolet spectra of the central stars of large planetary nebulae

The ultraviolet spectra of 32 planetary nebula nuclei have been examined with the IUE. Ultraviolet and UV-to-optical flux ratios are derived, from which color temperatures are derived. The distribution of the latter ranges from rough agreement with the Zanstra temperatures upward to infinite values. The high-luminosity stars have generally lower, determinable color temperatures; the infinite or indeterminable color temperatures are contained by the set of lower luminosity stars. About half the stars exhibit a mixture of line features, most commonly He II 1640 A and C IV 1550 A in emission or absorption. Three display clear P Cygni lines, while a fourth appears to display a remarkably broad C IV 1550 A P Cygni profile. The other half of the stars have no perceptible line features.
Scrap mettle SOUL: Learning to create social change at the intersection of differences through community performance theater

Community Performance Theater is a vehicle for creating collective knowledge based on oral history, opening dialogue in an urban setting, and paving the way for social change.
Meson, baryon, and glueball masses in the MIT bag model

We present a consistent and unified study of the spectrum of low-lying mesons, baryons, and glueballs using the MIT bag model, incorporating several improvements in the model. We correct for the center-of-mass motion, use a running coupling ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}(R)$, include self-energy terms for quarks and gluons confined in a cavity, and get the bag constant from a model of the QCD vacuum. Our fit to the meson and baryon spectrum, including the pion, is good and predictions for the glueball spectrum are given.
Gene delivery to Her-2+ breast cancer cells using a two-component delivery system to achieve specificity.

Abstract Current liposomal gene delivery systems predominately utilize cationic lipids, which efficiently bind and deliver DNA plasmid, but also result in nonspecific gene expression in lung and liver tissue. To improve specificity, a two-component delivery strategy employing neutral liposomes was used to target breast cancers positive for the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2). The first component consisted of plasmid DNA condensed with cationic polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified polylysine (PL/DNA). The second component was a neutral Her-2 targeting liposome conjugated to the pore-forming protein, Listeriolysin O (LLO). Independently, PL/DNA delivery resulted in low expression of plasmid DNA. However, when PL/DNA and LLO/liposomes co-localized within an endosome, LLO disrupted endosome integrity, leading to cytoplasmic delivery and expression of the plasmid. When used to deliver a plasmid encoding the luciferase gene, this two-component system resulted in gene expression that was 268-fold greater in Her-2 positive cells than in Her-2 negative cells. From the Clinical Editor In this paper a novel two-component gene delivery method is presented using PL/DNA and LLO liposomes, demonstrating strongly significant results in a model system.
Method of Delivery and Neonatal Mortality among Very Low Birth Weight Infants in the United States

Objective: To examine the association between method of delivery (primary cesarean section vs. vaginal) and neonatal mortality risk (as well as causes of death) among very low-birth weight first-born infants in the United States. More specifically, to examine this association separately for breech/malpresenting and vertex-presenting infants, while adjusting for selected maternal characteristics, and pregnancy, labor and delivery complications. Methods: The study population was derived from the 1995–1998 birth cohort linked birth/infant death data sets. Binary and multinomial logit regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship in four very low-birth weight categories. Results: Among breech/malpresenting neonates, compared to those delivered vaginally, infants delivered by a primary cesarean section had significantly lower adjusted relative risks of death for all very low-birth weight categories and the decrease in relative risk tended to be larger with each increasing birth weight category. However, for vertex-presenting neonates, results are mixed, suggesting decreased relative mortality risks associated with primary cesarean section, which were significant for 500–749 g, not significant for 750–999 g, and barely significant for 1,000–1,249 g. In contrast, for vertex-presenting neonates weighing 1,250–1,499 g, there was a significantly increased adjusted relative risk associated with primary cesarean section. Differences in cause-specific neonatal mortality by method of delivery and presentation status were also discussed. Conclusions: Primary cesarean section appears to be associated with decreased neonatal mortality risks in each very low-birth weight category for breech/malpresenting infants, but results are mixed for vertex-presenting infants. Causal inferences should be avoided because this was an observational study by design.
Properties of R2 statistics for logistic regression

Various R(2) statistics have been proposed for logistic regression to quantify the extent to which the binary response can be predicted by a given logistic regression model and covariates. We study the asymptotic properties of three popular variance-based R(2) statistics. We find that two variance-based R(2) statistics, the sum of squares and the squared Pearson correlation, have identical asymptotic distribution whereas the third one, Gini's concentration measure, has a different asymptotic behaviour and may overstate the predictivity of the model and covariates when the model is mis-specified. Our result not only provides a theoretical basis for the findings in previous empirical and numerical work, but also leads to asymptotic confidence intervals. Statistical variability can then be taken into account when assessing the predictive value of a logistic regression model.
Biology, Status, and Management of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Abstract Yellowstone cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri were historically distributed in the Yellowstone River drainage (Montana and Wyoming) and the Snake River drainage (Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and probably Washington). Individual populations evolved distinct life history characteristics in response to the diverse environments in which they were isolated after the last glaciation. Anthropogenic activities have resulted in a substantial decline (42% of the historical range is currently occupied; 28% is occupied by core [genetically unaltered] populations), but the number of extant populations, especially in headwater streams, has precluded listing of this taxon under the Endangered Species Act. Primary threats to persistence of Yellowstone cutthroat trout include (1) invasive species, resulting in hybridization, predation, disease, and interspecific competition; (2) habitat degradation from human activities such as agricultural practices, water diversions, grazing, dam construction, mine...
SU-E-I-139: Transition from CT to MR Imaging of Titanium Applicators for 3D Image-Based High Dose Rate Cervix Cancer Brachytherapy

Purpose: To verify against CT the effect of different MR imagingsequences and acquisition parameters on the determination of treatment dwell positions in a titanium tandem applicator for 3D‐image‐based high dose rate cervix brachytherapy. Methods: A titanium tandem and ovoid applicator, fixed rigidly within a plastic phantom containing copper sulfate solution, was imaged on a multi‐slice CTscanner to obtain a reference image dataset and subsequently on a 1.5T MR scanner to obtain nine test image datasets acquired using different MR sequences (T2‐weighted, T1‐weighted, and proton‐density‐weighted with turbo‐spin‐echo technique), slice thicknesses (0.5 cm and 0.25 cm in the parasagittal plane), and fold‐over directions. All images were imported into a brachytherapy treatment planning system, fused, and planned for delivery of an HDR treatment with a 0.5 cm Ir‐192 source using our standard treatment protocols. The treatment programming, i.e., number and arrangement of dwells, as well as the 3D coordinates of dwells activated along the tandem on the reference CT were compared against those on the registered MR datasets in terms of differences in right‐ left (RL), foot‐head (FH), and anterior‐posterior (AP) directions. Results: Distortions along the tandem on MR were non‐uniform. Despite this, mean differences in RL, FH, and AP coordinates of activated dwells were approximately 0.1 cm or less, 0.2 cm, and 0.1 cm, respectively. The number and arrangement of dwells activated along the tandem on the MR datasets were identical to those on CT. Conclusions: The slice thicknesses, sequences, and fold‐over directions used in this study had clinically insignificant effects on treatment dwells defined on MR images versus those on CT. It is recommended that other centers do a similar evaluation before making the transition from CT to MR to better understand how identification of the tandem and determination of HDR treatment dwell positions compares between MR and CT.
Comment Cards 2.0: an Interactive Student Project Using the Internet, the 80/20 Rule, and Checklist Analysis

Given the need for hoteliers to develop real-time tactics for managing their properties' online reputation, this teaching note is intended to provide hospitality educators with a recipe for implementing an effective social media reputation management learning experience for students. The experience described below allows students to become acutely aware of the power of online social networks and the potential effects of user-generated content on hotel operations. The project which is the basis for this note was designed to replicate (albeit on a much smaller scale) the capability of software that analyzes public feedback by using online reviews and social media. Students use readily available technology to obtain user-generated/guest feedback from various social media sources and then create useful recommendations for lodging managers to follow in managing their properties online reputation.
Chlorpyrifos interferes with cell development in rat brain regions

Chlorpyrifos, one of the most widely used pesticides, exhibits greater toxicity during development than in adulthood. We administered chlorpyrifos to neonatal rats in doses spanning the threshold for systemic toxicity and examined developing brain regions (brainstem, forebrain, cerebellum) for signs of interference with cell development using markers for cell packing density and cell number (DNA concentration and content) and cell size (protein/DNA ratio). Neonatal rats given 5 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos on postnatal days 1-4 showed significant mortality and the survivors exhibited severe cell loss in the brainstem; brainstem growth was maintained by enlargement of the remaining cells. This effect was not seen at 1 mg/kg, a dose that did not compromise survival or growth, nor was there any adverse effect at either dose in the forebrain, despite the fact that both brainstem and forebrain possess comparable cholinergic projections. When chlorpyrifos was administered later, on days 11-14, the major target for cell loss shifted from the brainstem to the forebrain and in this case, effects were seen at doses that did not compromise survival or growth. The loss of forebrain cell number occurred between 15 and 20 days of age rather than during the chlorpyrifos treatment. The cerebellum differed from the other regions in that it showed short-term elevations of DNA after chlorpyrifos exposure in either early or late postnatal periods; nevertheless, values then regressed to subnormal in parallel with the loss of cells in other regions. Thus, chlorpyrifos likely causes delayed cell death. Although regions rich in cholinergic projections, such as brainstem and forebrain, may be more affected than noncholinergic regions (cerebellum), the maturational timetable of each region (brainstem earliest, forebrain intermediate, cerebellum last) appears to be more important in setting the window of vulnerability. These results indicate that, even when growth or survival are unaffected, chlorpyrifos produces cellular deficits in the developing brain that could contribute to behavioral abnormalities.
Constructing the Prospectus

I am struck by how similar the process of constructing a prospectus is to developing plans for a new house. One starts with a desired plot of land and an uncertain vision of an eventual home. The plot of land is terrain to exploit. The vision is of something to be comfortable with and, ideally, something of which to be proud. Getting there, however, is a very bewildering process. An architectural plan and specifications serve as the blueprint—the prospectus—that provides the basis for approval for moving ahead. The chief concerns on the part of the permit reviewers is whether “it will stand up” and whether it meets appropriate planning and construction criteria. The chief concerns of the prospective owner are: “How much will it cost?” “Can it be built within a reasonable amount of time?” and, “Will it look good enough when done?”
Viewing Protein Fitness Landscapes Through a Next-Gen Lens

High-throughput sequencing has enabled many powerful approaches in biological research. Here, we review sequencing approaches to measure frequency changes within engineered mutational libraries subject to selection. These analyses can provide direct estimates of biochemical and fitness effects for all individual mutations across entire genes (and likely compact genomes in the near future) in genetically tractable systems such as microbes, viruses, and mammalian cells. The effects of mutations on experimental fitness can be assessed using sequencing to monitor time-dependent changes in mutant frequency during bulk competitions. The impact of mutations on biochemical functions can be determined using reporters or other means of separating variants based on individual activities (e.g., binding affinity for a partner molecule can be interrogated using surface display of libraries of mutant proteins and isolation of bound and unbound populations). The comprehensive investigation of mutant effects on both biochemical function and experimental fitness provide promising new avenues to investigate the connections between biochemistry, cell physiology, and evolution. We summarize recent findings from systematic mutational analyses; describe how they relate to a field rich in both theory and experimentation; and highlight how they may contribute to ongoing and future research into protein structure–function relationships, systems-level descriptions of cell physiology, and population-genetic inferences on the relative contributions of selection and drift.
Reduced respiratory-related evoked activity in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Midlatency respiratory-related evoked potentials were measured during wakefulness by using a 60-electrode array placed over the cortical region of the scalp. We studied the responses evoked by 200-...
Transient vibrations and instability in flexible guns—I. Formulations

Abstract The gun tube is modeled as a flexible cylindrical shell with the effects of transverse shear and rotary inertia included. The projectile is modeled as a rigid body which rides on the gun. The interaction is assumed frictionless. This gives rise to forces acting on the projectile that depend on the deformation of the tube. The reaction on the cylinder is a travelling force whose position and magnitude depend upon the position of the projectile. The problem is nonlinear in the context of small deformation theory of shells. In Part II, the numerical solution shows the wave-like nature of the vibrations and occurrence of instability for high velocities.
Thrust Producing Mechanisms in Ray-inspired Underwater Vehicle Propulsion

Abstract This paper describes a computational study of the hydrodynamics of a ray-inspired underwater vehicle conducted concurrently with experimental measurements. High-resolution stereo-videos of the vehicle’s fin motions during steady swimming are obtained and used as a foundation for developing a high fidelity geometrical model of the oscillatory fin. A Cartesian grid based immersed boundary solver is used to examine the flow fields produced due to these complex artificial pectoral fin kinematics. Simulations are carried out at a smaller Reynolds number in order to examine the hydrodynamic performance and understand the resultant wake topology. Results show that the vehicle’s fins experience large spanwise inflexion of the distal part as well as moderate chordwise pitching during the oscillatory motion. Most thrust force is generated by the distal part of the fin, and it is highly correlated with the spanwise inflexion. Two sets of inter-connected vortex rings are observed in the wake right behind each fin. Those vortex rings induce strong backward flow jets which are mainly responsible for the fin thrust generation.
Positive secondary-ion mass spectra and thin-layer chromatography/mass spectrometry of phenothiazine drugs

Abstract The positive secondary-ion mass spectra of phenothiazine drugs contain abundant protonated molecules and structurally informative fragment ions that are characteristic of the N -substituent. Because the secondary-ion current is carried by a few characteristic ions, selected-ion monitoring is used with chromatographic separation for the determination of these drugs in mixtures. Drugs are extracted in situ from thin-layer chromatograms, and the secondary-ion mass spectra are obtained without destruction of the chromatograva. The spectra are dependent upon the solvent used and not the nature of the underlying chromatographic matrix. Spatially-resolved selected-ion monitoring of the protonated molecule provides the x-y spatial profiles of the sample in the chromatogram. Extended irradiation leads to a beam-induced tailing that alters the profile.
A Black Experience-Based Approach to Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects women across race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, and geographic boundaries. No segments of society are immune from the vestiges of this problem. Yet GBV has been particularly harmful within communities of African ancestry African American communities suffer with greater lethality and more severe injuries than other racial and ethnic groups as a result of GBV. Despite this, there are limited culturally based services available to assist this population. The black experience-based social work (BEBSW) perspective, developed by Elmer andJoanne Martin, offers a framework that can be applied with black communities to address GBV. The central themes of BEBSW, which are separation and loss, are applied to considering strategies to address GBV within the African American community.
Activity of diesel engine emission particulates on the interferon system.

Abstract When mammalian (LLC-MK2) cell monolayers were pretreated with diesel engine emission particulates of respirable size, viral induction of interferon was depressed by approximately 60%. However, the presence of particulates did not impair the ability of interferon to confer antiviral cellular resistance. When either diesel emission particulates or cell monolayers were pretreated with the nonionic polymer, poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide), the inhibitory activity of particulates on interferon induction was significantly diminished or abolished. Influenza virus growth in cell monolayers pretreated with diesel emission particulates attained a two- to threefold higher level than that noted in normal cell monolayers or those containing polymer-pretreated particulates. This was related to suppression of viral interferon induction by diesel emission particulates. Removal of cell membrane-bound sialic acid by neuraminidase or pretreatment of diesel emission particulates with sialic acid abolished the adverse activity of particulates on viral interferon induction. These findings suggest that the receptivity for and interaction of cell membrane-bound sialic acid with diesel emission particulates are involved in the described altered cellular behavior in response to viral induction of interferon.
Bifunctional phosphomannose isomerase/GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase is the point of control for GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis in Helicobacter pylori

In this report a recombinant bifunctional phosphomannose isomerase/GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase from Helicobacter pylori has been studied. The enzyme catalyzes the first and third steps of GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis from D-fructose-6-phosphate. The first step, isomerization from D-fructose-6-phosphate to D-mannose-6-phosphate, is found to be rate-limiting in GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis due to feedback inhibition. The inhibition is of non-competitive (mixed) type. As the enzyme is found only in bacteria probably participating in capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis, it could be a specific therapeutic target against bacterial infection.
The learned monk as a comic figure: on reading a Buddhist Vinaya as Indian literature

The difficulties involved in identifying, appreciating, and understanding the intentional humor of "other" people far removed in time and culture are well known, and are-not surprisingly-encountered in reading Buddhist vinaya or monastic texts written in relatively early India. This is particularly so, perhaps, because the expectation may well be that such texts were not intended to be funny, and the assertion that some were would seem to require some demonstration. But if it is conceded, or fully acknowledged, that Buddhist monastic literature written in India was first of all Indian literature, then Indian literature and literary or aesthetic theory may provide the tools for at least one such demonstration-Indian literature, after all, encompasses several genres (the "farce" and the "satire") which were certainly intended to be humorous, and Indian aesthetics explicitly recognizes the "comedic." Using these resources might at least allow us to see how some vinaya passages, which appear to make fun of certain kinds of learned monks, might have been read by their Indian audience.
Interval mapping of growth in divergent swine cross

A genomic scan of 18 swine autosomal chromosomes was constructed with 119 polymorphic microsatellite (ms) markers to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 11 growth traits in the University of Illinois Meishan × Yorkshire Swine Resource Family. A significant QTL effect was found for post-weaning average daily gain (ADG) between 5.5 and 56 kg of body weight that mapped between markers SW373 and SW1301 near the telomere of Chromosome (Chr) 1 q (SSC1). This QTL effect had a nominal (pointwise) p-value of 0.000007, a genome wide p-value of 0.012, and accounted for 26% of the F2 phenotypic variance. The same chromosome region also had significant effects on ADG between birth and 56 kg body weight (p-value = .000227), and on ADG between 35 and 56 kg (p-value = .00077). These observations suggest that a significant QTL for post-weaning growth resides on SSC1.
The effect of computer-mediated communication on conformity vs. nonconformity: An impression management perspective

There is disagreement in the literature regarding whether those communicating in computer-mediated (CM) groups are attentive or oblivious to the social situation. There is evidence on both sides, with those in CM groups sometimes modifying their public responses and other times not. This apparent contradiction may be due in part to the impression that those in CM groups wish to convey and whether modifying their responses would help convey this impression. Specifically, whereas those in face-to-face (FTF) groups may strategically alter their public responses to present themselves as part of the group, those in CM groups may strategically alter their public responses to present themselves as separate from the group and unique on a positive dimension. The results of three experiments support this impression-management account: those in CM groups strategically altered their responses when doing so produced a desirable impression. The results further suggest that visual information about the group and social distance play important roles in affecting whether those in CM groups conform or not.
Metal‐Catalyzed Selective Deoxygenation of Diols to Alcohols

The internal OH group of 1,2-propanediol is selectively removed in the deoxygenation catalyzed by [{Cp*Ru(CO)2 }2 (μ-H)]+ OTf- (1, Cp*=C3 Me5 , OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate; see scheme). This reaction provides a model for deoxygenation of polyols derived from carbohydrates, for use in alternative, biomass-based feedstock applications. An ionic mechanism is proposed that involves the dihydrogen complex [Cp*Ru(CO)2 (η2 -H2 )]+ .
Bacterial Resistance to β‐Lactams, and Its Prevention With Combination Antimicrobial Therapy

The clinical and economic impacts of bacterial resistance are substantial. The development of bacterial resistance during a course of therapy often leads to clinical failure, prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. Resistance has been reported to occur most frequently with aminoglycosides, quinolones, and beta-lactam antimicrobials, and often occurs during the course of treatment of gram-negative bacillary infection. Resistance is most commonly due to enzymatic inactivation, permeability changes, or receptor mutation. Strategies for the prevention of resistance include appropriate infection-control practices, judicious use of antimicrobials, enhancement of host defenses, and the use of antimicrobial combinations. Despite success in vitro and in experimental animal models of infection, clinical trials in humans of antimicrobial combinations for the prevention of resistance have yielded mixed results. Use of the most potent agents available, preferably in bactericidal synergistic combinations, may be effective in preventing in vivo emergence of bacterial resistance.
Bulk Metallic Glass Micro Fuel Cell

Micro fuel cells (MFC) have been identifi ed as promising alternative power sources for portable electronics. Using noncorrosive electrolytes, they offer high theoretical power densities at low operating temperatures, with the potential for stable long-term operation. [ 1 ] Although these attributes make MFCs attractive for many portable device applications, [ 2 ] the primary design challenge is to identify the most effective lowcost materials and fabrication methods. [ 3 ] Here, we present a micro fuel cell in which the catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer, and fl ow fi elds are fabricated from bulk metallic glass (BMG) using thermoplastic forming (TPF). We show that TPF is a scalable and economical technique, for the fabrication of multi-scale BMG components of a MFC. BMGs have high electrical conductivity [ 4 ] and corrosion resistance, [ 5 ] and we demonstrate that end-plates with serpentine fl ow fi elds can be embossed into Zr 35 Ti 30 Cu 8.25 Be 26.75 (Zr-BMG) through a TPFbased process. The BMG fuel cell embodies the processing advantage of TPF into hierarchical structures involving length scales ranging from nanometers to centimeters, [ 6 ] and signifi es the fabrication of fuel cell components from a single material. We show that a hierarchical architecture fabricated through TPF-based embossing of Pt 57.5 Cu 14.7 Ni 5.3 P 22.5 (Pt-BMG) can function as a high-surface area catalyst as well as a porous gas diffusion layer, which allows us to demonstrate the concept of a metallic glass MFC. The ability to create structures over a wide range of length scales combined with remarkable electrochemical properties, suggests applications beyond MFCs, including sensors, lab-on-a-chip platforms, micro-reactors, and heterogeneous catalysis. [ 7 ]