cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meiobenthic communities of the Santa Maria Basin on the California continental shelf

Abstract The Santa Maria Basin encompasses the bulk of the continental shelf off the central coast of California. Meiofauna communities on this shelf are very abundant. The average density of metazoa plus protozoans to a sediment depth of 10 cm was 4040 per 10 cm 2 . Metazoan meiofauna were restricted to the surface sediments, where 84% were found in the top 4 cm. Over a 3-year period the average density within the top 4 cm of sediment was 1910 per 10 cm 2 in water depths of 90–410 m. At a depth of 565 m the density was much lower, 218 per 10 cm 2 . The decrease in density correlated with a decrease in dissolved oxygen with depth. The percent of fine sediments and total organic carbon (TOC) content increased with water depth, therefore clay and carbon content were inversely correlated with density. There appears to be a seasonal cycle of increasing densities in the autumn and winter and decreasing densities in the summer. This cycle could be related to the seasonal cycle of storms and upwelling, which contribute energy to the benthos. The community structure of harpacticoid copepods was very complex. There were 115 species among 371 samples, and about 100 were undescribed species. Community structure was homogeneous between 90 and 410 m, but very different at 565 m. These changes correlated with changes in depth and sediment texture. Harpacticoid diversity also decreased with water depth. A suite of three factors; decreasing oxygen concentration and sediment grain size, and increasing TOC content; correlated with decreasing population density with water depth and with decreasing latitude across the basin.
The characterization of the hemoglobins of the bivalve mollusc Phacoides pectinatus (Gmelin).

Abstract 1. 1. The hemoglobins of the ctenidia of the bivalve mollusc Phacoides pectinatus (Gmelin), as prepared in this work, have been resolved at leas three components by means of gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The components are designated b-1, Hb-2 and Hb-3. 2. 2. The components are electrophoretically distinct. 3. 3. Hb-1 has a molecular weight of 14,581 computed from its amino acid composition. It is monomeric in solution. The molecule of Hb-1 contains one heme group. 4. 4. Hb-2 is probably tetrameric in concentrated solution. 5. 5. Hb-3 may aggregate into octamers or higher polymers in concentrated solution. 6. 6. In dilute solution the aggregates of both Hb-2 and Hb-3 dissociate. 7. 7. The absorption spectra of the three carbonmonoxyhemoglobins are reported. 8. 8. The amino acid composition of Hb-1 is discussed in relation to other vertebrate and invertebrate hemoglobins and in relation to evolution.
Cytodifferentiation of spermatozoa inDrosophila melanogaster: the effect of elevated temperature on spermiogenesis

An electron microscope study of spermiogenesis in maleDrosophila melanogaster cultured at 18° C and 26° C has revealed that there is no apparent morphological basis for sterility observed at elevated temperatures. Temperature does not seem to affect significantly the processes of acrosome differentiation, centriole and manchette development and organization, and differentiation of the nucleus and mitochondrial crystalloid. Only a few grossly abnormal spermatozoan tails (mitochondrial crystalloid and flagellum) observed in some testicular cysts of males cultured at 26° C were interpreted as temperature-induced effects. However, the frequency of atypical spermatozoa is too small to correlate with the data ofPeacock andErickson (1965) showing that 50% of the spermatozoa are nonfunctional. Spermatozoa in the vas deferens of males cultured either at 18° C or 26° C possessed no structural aberrations. The ultrastructural features of normal spermiogenesis are also presented in this report.
Symmetric deformable image registration via optimization of information theoretic measures

The use of information theoretic measures (ITMs) has been steadily growing in image processing, bioinformatics, and pattern classification. Although the ITMs have been extensively used in rigid and affine registration of multi-modal images, their computation and accuracy are critical issues in deformable image registration. Three important aspects of using ITMs in multi-modal deformable image registration are considered in this paper: computation, inverse consistency, and accuracy; a symmetric formulation of the deformable image registration problem through the computation of derivatives and resampling on both source and target images, and sufficient criteria for inverse consistency are presented for the purpose of achieving more accurate registration. The techniques of estimating ITMs are examined and analytical derivatives are derived for carrying out the optimization in a computationally efficient manner. ITMs based on Shannon's and Renyi's definitions are considered and compared. The obtained evaluation results via registration functions, and controlled deformable registration of multi-modal digital brain phantom and in vivo magnetic resonance brain images show the improved accuracy and efficiency of the developed formulation. The results also indicate that despite the recent favorable studies towards the use of ITMs based on Renyi's definitions, these measures are seen not to provide improvements in this type of deformable registration as compared to ITMs based on Shannon's definitions.
MECHANISMS OF FIRST AND SECOND PAIN IN THE PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS

Brief (< 2.0 sec) noxious heat pulses (peak temp = 51.5°C) programmed by a computer and generated by a contact thermode produced first and second pain in human subjects. Measurements of reaction time confirmed that these first and second pains were related to the conduction of impulses in A heat nociceptive and C polymodal nociceptive afferents respectively. Estimates of psychophysical magnitude showed that when four identical heat pulses were applied to the same spot on the hand (interstimulus interval 80 sec), the first pain progressively decreased in perceived intensity whereas the second pain increased with interstimulus intervals of 3 sec or less. The first pain did not decrease if the location of the thermode was changed between each stimulus whereas the summation of the second pain increased under these conditions. Identical trains of noxious heat pulses partially suppressed the responses of A and of C nociceptive afferents. These psychophysical observations and physiologic records indicate that the temporal suppression of heat-induced first pain is related to the suppression of A heat nociceptors and that prolonged temporal summation of second pain is related to summation within the central nervous system. A heat nociceptive afferents and C polymodal nociceptive afferents converge on two types of spinothalamic tract neurons: (1) wide dynamic-range neurons that receive input from non-nociceptive and nociceptive afferents. and (2) nociceptive-specific neurons. Since both types show summation of responses to repeated C fiber stimulation, they can account for summation of second pain.
Fatty acid composition and egg components of specialty eggs.

Egg components, total fat, and fatty acid content of specialty eggs were compared. One dozen eggs were collected and analyzed from each of five different brands from hens fed a diet free of animal fat (SP1), certified organic free-range brown eggs (SP2), uncaged unmedicated brown eggs (SP3), cage-free vegetarian diet brown eggs (SP4), or naturally nested uncaged (SP5). Regular white-shelled eggs were the control. A significant (P 0.05).
Purification and partial characterization of a protein kinase from the Prague-C strain of rous sarcoma virus

Abstract A protein kinase has been purified from Rous sarcoma virus strain Prague-C by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose, followed by glycerol density gradient centrifugation. The purified enzyme had a sedimentation coefficient of about 2.5 S, corresponding to an M Γ of about 25,000. Electrophoresis in SDS-polyacrylamide gels revealed a polypeptide with an M Γ of about 11,000. The sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme in virus lysates was 3.9 S, corresponding to an M Γ of about 45,000. Comparison of its chymotrypic and CNBr cleavage products with those of p15, p12, and p10 showed that it was not identical with any of these polypeptides. The enzyme required divalent metal ions for activity, Mgt 2+ being preferred to Mn 2+ , It did not depend on cyclic nucleotides for activity. Its K m for ATP and GTP were 40 and 870 μ M respectively, but the V max at saturating triphosphate concentrations was five times higher with GTP than with ATP. The most efficient exogenous phosphate acceptor was casein, followed by phosvitin and arginine-rich histone. The most efficient phosphate acceptors in virus lysates were, in order, two small polypeptides that were probably the enzyme subunit itself and p12, followed by p19 and unidentified proteins with molecular weights larger than 50,000 that were probably traces of host cell polypeptides in the virus envelope. In virus lysates that had been heated for 2 min at 90° and supplemented with purified protein kinase, the most. active phosphate acceptor was an unidentified protein with an M Γ of about 38,000.
Evaluation of the Significance of a Transvalvular Catheter on Aortic Valve Gradient in Aortic Stenosis: A Direct Hemodynamic and Doppler Echocardiographic Study

We studied 18 patients with aortic stenosis undergoing routine cardiac catheterization to determine the effect of a transvalvular catheter on transaortic pressure gradients. By measuring the Doppler gradients before and after the withdrawal of the pigtail catheter, we demonstrated significant increases in the peak instantaneous and mean gradients when the catheter straddled the valve, an effect that was more pronounced with increasing severity of stenosis.
Balance of kinetic energy in the tropical circulation over the Western Pacific

The balance of kinetic energy in the large-scale disturbances and general flow of the tropical circulation was investigated with special Marshall Islands upper-air network data during 1958. The cross-isobaric generation of eddy kinetic energy has two maxima: in the lower boundary and in the upper troposphere. However, the intensity of generation is about one to two orders of magnitude smaller than that in synoptic disturbances in the middle latitudes. A major portion of the generated eddy kinetic energy is exported outside the area. The space eddies are shown to derive a significant amount of kinetic energy from the kinetic energy reservoir of the basic flow in the area. The eddy kinetic energy is mainly dissipated in the lower boundary. There is a small amount of eddy dissipation in the upper troposphere. However, as a whole the free atmosphere provides very little damping to the disturbances through eddy dissipation. The kinetic energy balance in the general flow is determined mainly by the cross-isobaric generation of kinetic energy and the dissipation term. The vertical distribution of the cross-isobaric generation shows there is a large internal source of kinetic energy in the tropospheric easterlies and the kinetic energy is destroyed adiabatically in the upper-level westerlies and easterlies. The vertical profile of the dissipation closely follows that of the generation. Examination of the dissipation term obtained as the residual term of the kinetic energy equation suggests that processes of different scales of motion are significantly involved in the kinetic energy balance of the observed scale.
Is it Safe to Walk?1 Neighborhood Safety and Security Considerations and Their Effects on Walking:

The importance of walking and physical activity as determinants of good health has been well established in the medical and public health literature, but a significant number of Americans live sedentary lifestyles. Aplethora of variables lie behind an individual’s decision to walk, cycle, or exercise. This article focuses on a particular environmental variable, the safety of neighborhood surroundings, and explores how it is influencing physical activity. It integrates literatures from public health, criminology, and planning to identify, qualify, and evaluate the link between safety and security considerations and physical activity. It then proceeds to place safety and security concerns within a spatial context and to examine design and policy interventions that can help create environments more amenable to walking.
Acute Nonrheumatic Streptococcal Myocarditis: STEMI Mimic in Young Adults

Abstract Background Mimicking ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction upon presentation, acute nonrheumatic streptococcal myocarditis is a treatable etiology of myocarditis which has only been infrequently reported. Methods Patients were identified through a retrospective query of electronic medical records over a 17-year period (January 1994 to December 2010). We describe a case series of acute nonrheumatic streptococcal myocarditis complicating pharyngitis in young adults. Results Nine patients were identified; 89% were male, patients had an average age of 28.6 years, and 56% and 22% had confirmed group A and group G streptococcus, respectively. Latency from pharyngitis to chest pain averaged 3.1 ± 1.1 days. No patients met the revised Jones criteria for acute rheumatic fever. All 9 patients (100%) presented with ST-segment elevations on electrocardiography and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Average peak creatine kinase was 934 U/L (normal Conclusions Acute nonrheumatic streptococcal myocarditis is an under-recognized and treatable cause of ST-segment elevation and chest pain in young adults with a history of recent pharyngitis. Etiopathology extends beyond Lancefield group A streptococcus and includes group G streptococcal infection. Cardiac magnetic resonance may be useful in confirming the diagnosis and documenting the resolution.
‘Ring-forms’ of Reovirus Particles

SEVERAL investigations utilizing electron microscopy have shown that during reovirus synthesis, progeny virus consisted of particles containing nucleic acid surrounded by protein coats (capsids), and others which were devoid of a central core1–4. Negative staining techniques5 have afforded a means of following the course of events in infected cells.
Congenital malformations in offspring of Vietnamese women in California, 1985-97.

Background Little is known about reproductive outcome risks for Vietnamese women delivering infants and fetuses in the U.S. Methods Using data from a large population-based registry, we explored risks of selected congenital malformation phenotypes in offspring of Vietnamese women in California. Data were derived from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, a population-based active surveillance system for collecting information on infants and fetuses with congenital malformations using multiple source ascertainment. Approximately 3.4 million births (liveborn and stillborn) occurred during the ascertainment period, 1985–97. Information on maternal race/ethnic background was obtained from California birth certificate and fetal death files. Vietnamese women delivered 45,453 births and 1,257,853 births were delivered to non-Hispanic white women. Results The overall prevalence of structural congenital malformations was 1.92 among Vietnamese and 2.63 among non-Hispanic whites per 100 births and fetal deaths. Grouping by 20 3-digit malformation codes of the International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision revealed relative risks of 0.8 or less for spina bifida, eye, upper alimentary, genital, urinary, musculoskeletal, “other” limb, and “other” musculoskeletal anomalies, and relative risks of 1.3 or more for anencephaly and chromosomal anomalies. Grouping by the more specific 4-digit malformation codes revealed 50, among 178, malformation groupings with associated relative risks of ≥1.3 or ≤0.8. Seventeen relative risk estimates suggested elevated risks for Vietnamese births, and 33 estimates suggested lowered risks for Vietnamese, relative to non-Hispanic white births. Simultaneous adjustment for maternal age, plurality, and child sex, did not substantially alter observed risks. Conclusions These data contribute to a relatively sparse literature about an important subgroup of the U.S. population, but can not elucidate whether increased or decreased risks among Vietnamese are related to potential underlying genetic susceptibilities, to cultural, social, or political differences that could modify exposures, or to the many potential combinations between susceptibilities and exposures. Teratology 65:121–124, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Severe Moniliformiasis (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) in a Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, from Arkansas, USA

Three hundred and seventy-five acanthocephalans, Moniliformis clarki, were removed from the small and large intestines of a gray squirrel from Arkansas County, Arkansas (USA). This is the first report of M. clarki from Arkansas. Enteric lesions, including distension, perforating ulcers, enteritis, crypt hypertrophy, goblet cell hyperplasia, and occlusions of the intestinal tract were observed, indicating the pathogenic potential of this parasite.
Atrioventricular node and Purkinje fibers of the guinea pig heart.

The ultrastructure of the atrioventricular node and Purkinje fibers of the guinea pig heart was studied. The atrioventricular node consists of slender, irregularly shaped muscle cells which are arranged in a complex network with frequent interdigitation. Nodal cells contact with each other by means of many desmosomes (maculae adherentes) and rare intercalated discs that contain short nexal regions (gap junctions). The Purkinje fibers are much larger and show less cellular interdigitation than the fibers of the atrioventricular node. Desmosomes are infrequent but there are many intercalated discs with rather a long nexus between the Purkinje fibers. The T-system is not present in the atrioventricular node or in the Purkinje fibers. The most pronounced morphological differences between the atrioventricular node and Purkinje fibers are the size of the cells and the mode of intercellular connection, which may be related to different conduction velocities in these two regions.
Phenotypes of Two Generations of Sporobolus airoides Seedlings Derived from Acroptilon repens‐invaded and Non‐invaded Grass Populations

Although the ecological impacts of invasive species are well known, the evolutionary impacts on recipient native grass communities are not. We suggest that remnant native plants may provide desirable seed sources for restoration and native plant production. Native populations exposed to the selective pressures associated with exotic invasion may retain traits that increase their ability to coexist with invasive species. Two generations of Sporobolus airoides Torr. (Alkali sacaton) plants derived from lineages collected from within long-term invaded areas of Acroptilon repens (L.) DC (Russian knapweed) and from adjacent non-invaded areas were propagated in a greenhouse to evaluate generational changes in phenotypic traits from the production environment. Given the difference in invasion history of the two populations, we hypothesized that invaded and non-invaded subpopulations would differ phenotypically. Phenotypic measurements revealed that invaded subpopulations had greater vegetative growth, whereas non-invaded subpopulations had increased sexual reproduction. Phenotypic expression changed from the first to the second generation, predominantly in the invaded subpopulation. Generational phenotypic shifts are disadvantageous for native seed production which requires a standard product to sell commercially. However, phenotypic variation may improve field seed survival. This research demonstrates the potential value of targeting post-invasion remnant grass populations for restoration.
The Self and Science: Is It Time for a New Approach to the Study of Human Experience?

In this paper, I have three goals. First, I argue that the self, a concept whose tremendous utility for psychological theory is matched by its absence of clarity, can be meaningfully divided into two broad theoretical categories: the self of neural instantiation and the self of first-person experience (i.e., conscious awareness of personal subjectivity). Second, I discuss the nature of the self of first-person experience and its relation to scientific methods of inquiry. I argue that, in contrast to the self studied by neuroscience (i.e., the systems mediating knowledge of self), the self of conscious experience cannot yet be submitted to satisfying analysis via scientific methodology. Finally, I argue that “reality” does not consist in physicalism, mentalism, idealism, or any other “ism” that implies unity of process or substance. Rather, reality, in my view, is best treated as a plurality (James, 1909/1996) that cannot be confined to one (or two, as in dualism) basic categories.
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Binding Factor (GMEB-2) of the Glucocorticoid Modulatory Element

Abstract The 21-base pair glucocorticoid modulatory element (GME) of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene is the onlycis-acting element known to modulate the transcriptional activity of receptors bound to glucocorticoid response elements. Specifically, the GME increases the activity of complexes bound both by physiological concentrations of glucocorticoids, due to a left shift in the dose-response curve, and by saturating concentrations of anti-glucocorticoids. For this reason, the nuclear protein(s) that has been demonstrated to bind to the GME is of major interest as a possible transcription factor with hitherto undescribed properties. Subsequent studies indicated that not one but two proteins of 88 and 67 kDa (= GMEB-1 and -2, respectively) formed a heteromeric complex with double-stranded GME oligonucleotides in gel shift assays and participated in the expression of GME activity (Oshima, H., Szapary, D., and Simons, S. S., Jr. (1995) J. Biol. Chem.270, 21893–21910). Here, we report the use of polymerase chain reaction of degenerate oligonucleotides and 5′- and 3′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends to clone two cDNAs of 2.0 and 1.9 kilobase pairs that probably result from alternative splicing. Both cDNAs encoded open reading frames containing all four previously sequenced peptides. The longer 2.0-kilobase pair cDNA encoded an open reading frame for an acidic, 529-amino acid protein and afforded a major 67-kDa and a minor 58-kDa protein after in vitrotranscription/translation. Both proteins were recognized by a mono-epitopic antibody raised against a peptide of GMEB-2. The in vitro translated protein bound to GME DNA in gel shift assays. However, the binding to GME DNA increased markedly after mixing with authentic GMEB-1 to give a gel-shifted complex that was similar to that derived from HTC cell cytosol. GMEB-2 shares a unique domain (KDWKR) with proteins derived from diverse organisms as follows:Drosophila (DEAF-I), rat (Suppressin), andCaenorhabditis elegans (three unknown open reading frames). Collectively, these data suggest that the 67-kDa GMEB-2 not only is an important factor for the modulation of glucocorticoid receptor bound to glucocorticoid response elements but also may belong to a novel family of transcription factors.
Facile synthesis of ordered large-pore mesoporous silica thin film with Im3m symmetry using n-butanol as the cosurfactant

Abstract A facile synthesis route to ordered large-pore (10.7 nm) mesoporous silica film with the cubic Im3m mesostructure is reported in a TEOS–F127–BuOH–HCl–H2O system through dip-coating method. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorption reveals that the obtain mesoporous silica material possessed high surface area and large pore diameter. A relative comparison between the mesoporous silica films synthesized with and without BuOH is also presented. A reasonable formation mechanism of the large-pore mesoporous silica film is depicted in this work.
Pattern of Movement By Summer Tanagers (Piranga Rubra) During Migratory Stopover: a Telemetry Study

How well migratory birds meet en route contingencies depends on their ability to locate resources and avoid sources of stress in an unfamiliar setting. Exploration is a means by which migrants could collect information about the kinds, distribution and abundance of available resources and places safe from predators. We used radio-telemetry to study the movements of 24 summer tanagers (Piranga rubra) during stopover on a barrier island following migration across the Gulf of Mexico. The movement of some individuals was characterized by high linearity and low turn bias (i.e. alternating left and right turns). The combination of left- and right-hand turns while maintaining an overall linear track represents an efficient way of exploring an unfamiliar area. Other summer tanagers restricted their movements to a particular area (e.g. low directionality and high meander ratio), which may reflect less time spent in exploration. Birds that had been on the island for a day and a night displayed a pattern of movement less consistent with exploration than did 'newly arrived' birds. Given pressure to minimize migration time, the time a migrant spends in exploration probably depends on the cost of acquiring information and the benefits to be gained, the ratio of which surely varies among individuals.
New species and a new combination in Myrtaceae from northeastern South America

Three new species of Myrtaceae (Calyptranthes bracteata, Eugenia gonglycocarpa, andMyrcia rupta) from northeastern South America are described and illustrated, and a new combination (Eugenia tetramera) is proposed. The closed-calyx and the completely or partially fused cotyledons ofMyrcia rupta, unusual features for the genus, are discussed and compared with related species inMyrcia andMarlierea.
A precise numerical analysis program

A description is given of a program for computing the solution to a small number of standard numerical analysis problems to any specified accuracy, up to a limit of 2000 correct decimal places. Each computed number is bounded in an interval with a multiple precision midpoint. Arithmetic operations involving these numbers are executed according to interval arithmetic concepts, with non-significant digits automatically discarded. Details are supplied of problem specification and problem computation.
Fisher's inequality for designs on regular graphs

Abstract Let G=(V,E) be a regular graph of valency d. A (v,k,λ,μ)-design over G is a pair (V, B ) , where B is a family of k-subsets of V (blocks) such that for any distinct vertices x and y, the number of blocks containing {x,y} is equal to λ if {x,y} is an edge and is equal to μ if {x,y} is not an edge. We will prove that the number of vertices does not exceed the number of blocks (Fisher's Inequality) under the following condition: (r−μ)/(μ−λ) is not a multiple eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix of the graph (r is the replication number of the design). We also give examples showing that this restriction is essential.
Note on acceleration in laminar motion

Abstract This tutorial note derives systematically some classical results related to centrodes of rigid bodies and the pole of acceleration in laminar motion by using vectors.
A DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF ACTIVE SLEEP

A wide variety of hypotheses have been put forth that address the functional significance of active sleep. Despite the well-accepted fact that active sleep expresses itself predominantly in the perinatal period, the vast majority of these functional hypotheses are applicable largely, if not exclusively, to the adult. We build on the developmental approaches of previous researchers and propose that the individual components of active sleep (e.g., myoclonic twitches, rapid eye movements) exhibit unique developmental and phylogenetic histories and may serve independent functions in the developing organism. This dynamic perspective leads to specific experimental approaches aimed at the developmental roles of these components in the neonate, their maintenance roles in the adult, and the means by which these various components coalesce temporally in what is commonly referred to as a behavioral state.
A Brief History and Lessons Learned from Twin Efforts to Transform Medicine

In this article, we consider the intersection between the fields of geriatrics and palliative medicine in the United States. Although geriatrics and palliative medicine have sometimes used different strategies to address the same challenges, they have created opportunities where both fields can learn from the experiences of the other. One specialty may be able to learn from issues already dealt with by the other. Because the fields of geriatrics and palliative medicine have so much in common, including health professionals who bridge the two fields, it is the authors' goal to foster greater understanding and collaboration between the specialties and thus strengthen both.
Competence as linguistic alignment: Linguistic diversities, affinity groups, and the politics of educational success

Abstract This article investigates the need for both a theoretical and a practical way to understand the construction of linguistic and social competence as perceived by emergent bilingual and multilingual students of color in an American urban elementary school. In doing so, it employs Critical Narrative Analysis to look at how linguistic (mis)alignments and institutional discourses of school success in the US shape the ways in which these children made sense of their schooling experiences through co-constructed narratives. Findings pinpoint children's perceptions of academic success being closely linked to communicative practices in Mainstream American English. Beyond academic success, findings highlight the social exclusion of children from play and affinity groups based on Mainstream American English linguistic competence and performance. Implications point toward the need to create spaces in which language (mis)alignments are acknowledged, (re)positioned at the center of the curriculum, and positively reframed.
Not everyone with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast treated with breast preservation needs post-excisional radiation therapy

Abstract While the results of NSABP protocol B-17 and EORTC protocol 10853 prove that radiation therapy decreases the overall rate of local recurrence in patients with DCIS, there are clearly subgroups of patients who do not benefit from radiation therapy or whose benefit is so small that the addition of radiation therapy to their treatment regimen is simply not worthwhile. Identifying these subgroups is of paramount importance. Factors like tumour size, margin width, nuclear grade, and the presence or absence of comedonecrosis can be used to define favorable subgroups that do not require post-excisional radiation therapy. The most recent results of NSABP protocol B-17 and EORTC protocol 10853 confirm that, regardless of treatment, there is no difference in the single most important end-point: survival. If there is no difference in breast cancer mortality, it is clearly worthwhile to try to define the subgroups of patients who can be spared the time, costs, and side-effects of a treatment that they do not need.
The Development of an Unbiased, Semiautomated Method for Perioperative Tumor Volume Measurement Using VelocityAI in Glioblastoma

mm expansion was used to create both PTVs. HFSRT was delivered concomitant with temozolomide (TMZ) (75 mg/m daily), followed by adjuvant TMZ (150-200 mg/m in 5/28 days). Two patients also received additional concurrent bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks). Response was assessed based on the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria. Electronic medical records were reviewed for acute toxicity, dexamethasone dosage, disease response, progression free survival (PFS) and median survival (MS). Results: Median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range, 50-82 years) and median pre-radiation KPS Z 60 (range, 40-70). The median pre-operative maximum dimension of the gross tumor on MRI was 5.4 cm (range, 1.9-8.5 cm). Three patients had gross total resection, 4 had subtotal resection, and 5 had biopsy only. The treatment was well tolerated without RTOG grade 3/4 acute toxicities. All patients were on dexamethasone at start of radiation and no increase in dosage was required in any of the patients during treatment. Three (30%) patients had dose taper during and another 3 had taper shortly after completion of radiation. Of the 8 patients with available follow-up data, 1 (13%) had partial response, 6 (75%) stable disease, and 1 (13%) progression of disease after HFSRT. With median follow-up of 8 months (range, 4-15 months), 2/8 (25%) of the patients had died. MS has not yet been reached. Median PFS was reached at 8 months from completion of HFSRT. Conclusions: The HFSRT regimen with concurrent TMZ was safe, well tolerated and convenient for patients with the poorest GBM prognosis, rendering a shorter overall treatment time with no increase in steroid requirement during treatment. Compared to the historical median survival of 5-9 months in patients with RPA class V-VI, HFSRT appeared to have done well, likely owing to the more aggressive radiation fractionation and concurrent TMZ. Further clinical trial exploring this HFRT in GBM patients with poorest prognosis is warranted. Author Disclosure: J.C. Ye: None. M. Yondorf: None. S.C. Pannullo: None. J.A. Boockvar: None. T.H. Schwartz: None. P.E. Stieg: None. B. Parashar: None. D. Nori: None. K.C. Chao: None. A. Wernicke: None.
The pygmy chimpanzee is not a living missing link in human evolution

Phylogenetic reconstruction should incorporate knowledge of the fossil record. Recent suggestions that the pygmy chimpanzee can serve as a living missing link are contra fossil evidence and are rejected.
Characterization of two divergent β-tubulin genes from Colletotrichum graminicola.

We have cloned and sequenced two beta-tubulin genes, TUB1 and TUB2, from the phytopathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum graminicola. The nucleotide sequences of the coding regions of the two genes are only 72.8% homologous. This divergence is reflected in the deduced amino acid (aa) sequences which differ at 94 aa residues. Comparison with the aa sequences of other fungal beta-tubulins indicates that the C. graminicola TUB2 gene encodes a conserved isotype, whereas the C. graminicola TUB1 product is highly divergent. Both genes contain six identically placed introns and the position of each intron is conserved in other fungal beta-tubulin genes. Also typical of other fungal beta-tubulin genes, there is a pronounced bias in codon usage in the C. graminicola TUB2 gene; there is a lesser codon bias in TUB1 from C. graminicola. Both C. graminicola beta-tubulin genes are transcribed and yield similar sized messages.
Abdominal Pain and Emergency Department Evaluation

By approaching the abdominal pain patient in a systematic fashion, the physician can improve his or her performance in evaluating the patient in a safe and efficient manner without extensive or redundant tests.
Slater Pauling magnetization curve in transition metal phosphides

A Slater Pauling type magnetization curve has been found for transition metal phosphides. The curve suggests a transfer of 2.4 electrons from each phosphorus atom to the metal d-bands. The curve is independent of crystal structure. Some deviations from the Slater Pauling curve exist which may be due to antiferromagnetic coupling or due to the formation of virtual bound states.
Understanding the changing fortunes of metropolitan neighborhoods, 1980 to 1990

Abstract This article develops a model that relates decadal changes in neighborhood poverty rates to metropolitan‐wide economic changes and the neighborhood's demographic profile, predetermined poverty rate, and locational characteristics. The model is estimated for the 1980–1990 period using metropolitan census tracts as proxies for neighborhoods. This national sample of tracts is stratified into predominantly white, African‐American, Hispanic, and mixed subsamples. Results indicate that only a few variables consistently predict growth in neighborhood poverty: overall job availability; the age composition of neighborhood residents; the proportion of nonmarried households; and the neighborhood's 1979 poverty rate. Other variables have distinctly different coefficients depending on the racial‐ethnic subsample. These coefficients include segregation, welfare benefits, the location of manufacturing employment, and availability of automobiles. We conclude that studies that focus solely on African‐American pov...
A sensitive search for radio pulses from primordial black holes and distant Supernovae

THERE are two mechanisms of current theoretical interest which might generate short ( <1 ms) radio pulses detectable at interstellar or even cosmological distances. In both cases the pulse is generated by the alteration of a magnetic field by an expanding conducting shell. The phenomenon might occur either as the expanding core of a supernova ‘combs’ the star's intrinsic dipole field1,2, or as the shell of charged particles emitted in the explosion of a primordial black hole (PBH) excludes the surrounding magnetic field3. In the latter case, the resulting radio pulse would, with suitable particle physics3,4, be much easier to detect than the γ-ray pulses that might also accompany the explosion5. The best published upper limit on the frequency of such γ-ray pulses is 4 × 10−2 events pc−3 yr−1 (ref. 6). We present here the results of a radio frequency search for isolated pulses, with much higher sensitivity than achieved previously. No definitive pulses have been detected, and the implied limit on PBH explosions is 2×10−9 events pc−3 yr−1.
α2-Adrenoceptor-mediated restraint of norepinephrine synthesis, release, and turnover during immobilization in rats

Stress-related release of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain and periphery probably underlies several neuroendocrine and neurocirculatory responses. NE might influence its own synthesis, release, and turnover, by negative feedback regulation via α2-adrenoceptors. We examined central and peripheral noradrenergic function by measuring concentrations of NE, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) microdialysate and arterial plasma simultaneously during immobilization (IMMO) in conscious rats. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (YOH) was injected i.p. or perfused locally into the PVN via the microdialysis probe. The i.p. YOH increased plasma NE, epinephrine (EPI), DHPG, dihydroxyphenylalanine, and DOPAC levels by 4.3, 7.3, 2.5, 0.6 and 1.8-fold and PVN microdialysate NE, DHPG, and DOPAC by 1.2, 0.6 and 0.5-fold. The i.p. YOH also enhanced effects of IMMO on plasma and microdialysate NE, DHPG, and DOPAC. YOH delivered via the PVN microdialysis probe did not affect microdialysate or plasma levels of the analytes at baseline and only slightly augmented microdialysate NE responses to IMMO. The results indicate that α2-adrenoceptors tonically restrain NE synthesis, release, and turnover in sympathetic nerves and limit IMMO-induced peripheral noradrenergic activation. In the PVN, α2-adrenoceptors do not appear to contribute to these processes tonically and exert relatively little restraint on IMMO-induced local noradrenergic activation.
Application of image processing to track twin boundary motion in magnetic shape memory alloys

Materials scientists make use of image processing tools more and more as technology advances and the data volume that needs to be analyzed increases. We propose a method to optically measure magnetic eld induced strain (MFIS) as well as twin boundary movement in Ni 2 MnGa single crystal shape memory alloys to facilitate spatially resolved tracking of deformation. Current magneto-mechanical experiments used to measure MFIS can measure strain only in one direction and do not provide information about the movement of individual twin boundaries. A sequence of images captured from a high resolution camera is analyzed by a boundary detection algorithm to provide strain data in multiple directions. Subsequent motion detection and Hough feature extraction provide quantitative information about the location and movement of active twin boundaries.
Measurement and control of thin film uniformity in hollow glass waveguides

Hollow glass waveguides provide an attractive means for the delivery of IR laser power and for broadband temperature and chemical fiber sensor applications. These waveguides are made using liquid- phase chemistry techniques to deposit a thin dielectric film of Agl over metallic Ag on the inside of small-bore silica tubing. By controlling the thickness of the Agl film, we can tailor the optical response of the guides to give low loss at selected IR laser wavelengths or to produce a broadband response. In either case, the losses depend on the thickness uniformity of the Agl film. Initially, the Agl film thickness varies as much as 14% from end to end of a 6-m long guide. A faster Agl deposition rate reduces this variation to only 1.3% over a 5-m long waveguide. This leads to a reduction in the total loss for the hollow guides in the 2 to 12 ?m region.
TOIL AND TROUBLE: THE REFORM OF THE LABOR LAW

Reform of the labor law has been proposed to alleviate allegedly defective procedures and remedies in the present law. In spite of the fact that numerous violations and abuses of the existing law have taken place over the last several years and that the provisions of the existing law have been inadequate to prevent these violations and abuses, Congress has been unable to pass meaningful reform measures to deal effectively with those inadequacies. The present law allows for long delays in the settling of cases involving alleged unfair labor practices and has become, in the minds of many, a sham which does not protect the rights of workers and, indeed, allows employers to engage in unfair labor practices with very little fear of the consequences. Proponents of labor law reform argue that changes are needed to furnish adequate guarantees that the existing labor law will be effective. The lively debate in Congress over the issue of labor law reform demonstrates that it is one of the most controversial and important questions facing the nation today. Some argue that unless effective reform measures are adopted, workers will continue to labor under the existing ineffective system.
Behavior of Vegetation Sampling Methods in the Presence of Spatial Autocorrelation

Spatial autocorrelation in vegetation has been discussed extensively, but little is yet known about how standard plant sampling methods perform when confronted with varying levels of patchiness. Simulated species maps with a range of total abundance and spatial autocorrelation (patchiness) were sampled using four methods: strip transect, randomly located quadrats, the non-nested multiscale modified Whittaker plot and the nested multiscale North Carolina Vegetation Survey (NCVS) plot. Cover and frequency estimates varied widely within and between methods, especially in the presence of high patchiness and for species with moderate abundances. Transect sampling showed the highest variability, returning estimates of 19–94% cover for a species with an actual cover of 50%. Transect and random methods were likely to miss rare species entirely unless large numbers of quadrats were sampled. NCVS plots produced the most accurate cover estimates because they sampled the largest area. Total species richness calculated using semilog species-area curves was overestimated by transect and random sampling. Both multiscale methods, the modified Whittaker and the NCVS plots, overestimated species richness when patchiness was low, and underestimated it when patchiness was high. There was no clear distinction between the nested NCVS or the non-nested modified Whittaker plot for any of the measures assessed. For all sampling methods, cover and especially frequency estimates were highly variable, and depended on both the level of autocorrelation and the sampling method used. The spatial structure of the vegetation must be considered when choosing field sampling protocols or comparing results between studies that used different methods.
The Politics of Spanish Financial and Economic Policies During the Second Republic, 1931–1933

(1987). The Politics of Spanish Financial and Economic Policies During the Second Republic, 1931‐1933. The Historian: Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 348-367.
Fine specificity mapping of two allospecific T cell lines: recognition of private specificities in the H-2 IA subregion.

Two allospecific T-cell lines, C.C3.11.75 (H-2d anti-H-2k) and B6.C.7.76 (H-2b anti-H-2d) established from mixed lymphocyte cultures, were selected by continuous antigenic stimulation over several years. Both cell lines proliferated to alloantigen, provided allohelp to B cells in the humoral antibody response, and one of them showed cytolytic activity. Using spleen cells from various congenic mouse strains, the specificity of antigen recognition was examined in order to examine whether there is a correlation between T cell function and antigen recognition. Results showed that in all functional assays. This shows that there is no obligatory correlation between T cell function and antigen recognition and may suggest that the T cell receptor repertoire is biased towards recognizing private specificities.
Feasibility of Thermoelectric Waste Heat Recovery in Large Scale Systems

With the growing emphasis on energy efficiency because of environmental, political, and economic reasons and the fact there has been significant advances in thermoelectric materials, there is a renewed interest in using thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery. A mathematical model of a thermoelectric power system is developed from a heat transfer analysis of a waste heat recovery system. The model is validated by altering design parameters of a small prototype thermoelectric system that converts heat into electricity. A heated air stream is produced using an exhaust simulation test stand and provides the waste heat source for the prototype. The prototype is designed to be able to change several system parameters such as different heat sinks, thermoelectric module counts, and module configurations to better validate the developed model. The model does predict the electrical performance with typical accuracy of 30% error from the prototype over a range of configurations and operating conditions. A feasibility study using the validated model was used to determine under what conditions this technology will become economically viable, such as remote power generation with 20 year payback.Copyright © 2008 by ASME