cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carrier filtering in type II superlattices

The conductivity mechanisms in type II semiconductor superlattices (SL) are studied theoretically. It is shown that there is a strong carrier filtering effect in type II SLs that is more flexible than filtering in type I SLs. Potential applications of the scheme are examined.
Changes in the mechanisms of steroid action during aging

Abstract This paper reviews some representative changes in steroid action and hormone receptors as a function of age. In many of the cases studied, receptor concentrations (but not affinity) were found to decrease during aging. These investigations employed various cells and tissues from humans and animals. Loss of receptors is closely correlated with decline in particular biological responses in a number of studies. Moreover, loss of glucocorticoid receptors seems to occur in individual cells (rather than by a simple loss of receptor containing cells from complex tissues) when denned post-mitotic cell populations have been investigated. Therefore, it appears that reductions in various steroid receptor concentrations in targets cells are closely, if not casually, related to decreased biological responsiveness during senescence. Possible mechanisms of steroid receptor change during aging are suggested and discussed.
Modified Optical-Potential Approach to Low-Energy Electron-Helium Scattering

Low energy electron-helium atom scattering, using formal optical potential in variational expression for scattering phase shifts
Uniform Mie-theoretic analysis of polarized and cross-polarized optical glories

Expressions are derived from Mie theory for the cross-polarized and non-cross-polarized measurement configurations that are useful for the study of the optical glories of transparent spheres.
Sex-role reversal and the absence of extra-pair fertilization in Wilson's phalaropes

Extra-pair fertilizations are common in birds, which has led to great interest in how this phenomenon is regulated at a proximate level and how extra-pair fertilizations, and extra-pair fertilization avoidance, shape avian social systems. In Wilson's phalaropes, Phalaropus tricolor, incubation and brood-rearing is performed exclusively by males. Males are able to rear only a single brood of four during a breeding season. This suggests that males have a high level of paternity in clutches and broods under their care and, thus, that extra-pair fertilizations are infrequent. In contrast, female social dominance, lack of territoriality and frequent interactions among breeding adults suggest that both males and females have the opportunity to engage in extra-pair copulations. Using DNA fingerprint band-sharing between putative parents and offspring, we found no evidence of extra-pair fertilizations among 51 offspring from 17 families of phalaropes. Copulation disruption by non-copulatory adults, ability of females to reject copulation attempts and potential fitness benefits to females by avoiding extra-pair fertilizations were sufficient to explain the absence of extra-pair fertilizations in Wilson's phalaropes. We propose that sex-role reversal affects the relative costs and benefits to females of seeking extra-pair fertilizations. At the time of clutch completion, females have invested particularly heavily in their clutches due to intense competition among females to gain and keep a mate during the pre-laying and laying periods. After clutch completion, nest success requires significant male parental care. Benefits to females in gaining extra-pair fertilizations may be offset by the risk of losing male parental care. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
A Rapid Recovery Program After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Postoperative care after total knee arthroplasty has focused on decreasing patients' length of stay and increasing function at discharge. The purpose of this study was to determine whether implementing Rapid Recovery in total knee arthroplasty patients has an effect on length of stay and early postoperative pain and function. A retrospective review was conducted for surgeries between January 2005 and August 2006 (traditional; n=62) and September 2006 and December 2007 (Rapid Recovery; n=54). Patients treated with Rapid Recovery are able to ambulate farther ( P = 0.01), have decreased length of stay ( P = 0.01), are discharged directly home at an increased frequency ( P = 0.01), and have greater Knee Society function scores at 4 weeks postoperatively ( P = 0.01).
Measurements of diffusion limited solidification at varying gravity

The environment of the NASA KC-135 low gravity aircraft was employed to examine the effects of g-jitter on the growth of a solidification diffusion layer for 28 wt pct NH4Cl-H2O, a metal alloy model material. The hypothesis that jitter (vibrational) effects account for previously observed low gravity growth anomalies was investigated by comparing optical data (central dark ground method) for 10-squared g(e) (earth's gravity) KC-135 growth conditions and 1 g(e) laboratory conditions. Accelerometer data obtained during the flight program showed the KC-135 low gravity environment to have extreme levels of jitters.
Characterization of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin pore formation in HL60 cells

Abstract The mechanism of cell death induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LTX) has been investigated with flow cytometry and patch electrode recording using cultured HL60 cells. The kinetics of propidium iodide (PI) positive staining of HL60 cells was measured as a function of LTX concentration at 37°C. Results showed a concentration-dependent decrease in the t k times. Cell kill was slow at μ g/ml LTX concentrations with fewer than 50% of the cells killed after 1 h; at 1 μ g/ml, the t k times ranged from ∼15 to 30 min. At higher concentrations, the t k times decreased rapidly. The rate of cell kill was appreciably slowed at 20°C. HL60 whole cell currents were recorded with patch electrodes. Immediately following exposure to high concentrations of LTX, large currents were recorded suggesting that the membrane potential of these cells had collapsed due to the large conductance increases. At low toxin concentrations, rapid conductance fluctuations were seen suggestive of a limited number of toxin-mediated events. Cells exposed to low concentrations of LTX exhibited these conductance fluctuations for up to 1 h, whereas toxin-insensitive cells were unaffected by long exposures to high concentrations of toxin. Our results are consistent with LTX-induced pores in susceptible cells which overwhelm the ability of the cell to maintain osmotic homeostasis causing cell death.
CT attenuation numbers in the lumbar spine and their utility in diagnosing disc disease

Normal CT attenuation values for various structures in the lumbar spine were obtained on several CT scanners. The wide range of normal makes using absolute CT numbers unreliable. The utility and pitfalls of using CT attenuation numbers in the lumbar spine are discussed and several examples are illustrated. CT numbers used as absolute values can be misleading, whereas, when used as relative values for comparison with other structures, they can be quite valuable.
Confirmatory Factor-Analytic Structures and the Theory Construction Process

The confirmatory factor-analytic model of analysis is discussed in terms of the general process of constructing social theory-the generation of parameter estimates for a proposed structure, the assessment of a proposed structure, the interpretation of a proposed structure, and example applications. First-order, second-order, and structural equation confirmatory factor models are discussed in relation to Joreskog's model for the estimation of parameters in general theoretical structures, LISREL.
Validation of satellite data for quality assurance in lake monitoring applications

The operational application of remote sensing technologies to lake water quality monitoring requires products derived from remote sensing to be quantitatively self-consistent and have a certified accuracy. Fundamental elements in this quality assurance framework are sensor radiometric calibration and atmospheric correction models, which are briefly discussed in the paper. In order to evaluate the accuracy of present operational techniques to retrieve basic parameters from satellite data, such as water-leaving radiance and reflectance, an experiment was organised in the frame of SAtellite remote sensing for Lake MONitoring (SALMON), a European Union co-funded research project. A series of ship-based radiometric and atmospheric measuring campaigns were conducted on Lake Iseo and Lake Garda (Italy) together with limnological sampling. Four Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes were acquired during different seasons and simultaneous in situ measurements were made. After the radiometric calibration procedure, satellite digital images were processed by applying two entirely image-based atmospheric correction models. These models account for the effects of both additive scattering and multiplicative transmittance effects in the atmosphere on the at-satellite measured signal. The results achieved using these procedures were evaluated by comparing satellite-based estimates with in situ measurements of water reflectance. The root mean square difference between Landsat TM-derived reflectance values and ground measurements was close to 0.010 reflectance for each TM spectral band. Such image-based correction models, requiring no in situ field measurements during the satellite overpass, constitute a valid method of lake water monitoring.
University of Rochester Tandem Upgrading

It has been clear for several years that some reasonably fundamental changes in the design of the High Voltage Engineering Corporation's MP tandem accelerator are essential if this machine is to operate reliably at terminal potentials that are above 10 MV. Although the original specifications for the accelerator only guaranteed 10MV, the expectation was high that the actual voltage limit would be near 13-15MV. In practice, the voltage levels have only recently been achieved at the HVE test facility and at the AECL laboratories at Chalk River, Canada.
Mini-workshop — Inquiry based learning activities: Hands on activities to improve conceptual understanding

The primary goal of this mini-workshop is to assist participants in creating Inquiry Based Learning Activities (IBLAs) that promote better conceptual understanding for their students. This is part of more general goal of transforming engineering classrooms into more interactive formats that promote student engagement and lead to improved student outcomes. Specifically the workshop will introduce participants to the theoretical basis of IBLAs, provide examples of successful IBLAs and finally participants will develop their own IBLAs designed to repair common student misconceptions in the courses they teach. Through a highly interactive hands- on environment, participants are expected to leave this mini-workshop with: 1) Knowledge of the educational foundations of IBLAs, 2) A thorough understanding of the elements of IBLAs, 3) Experience working with several research-tested and classroom-proven IBLAs and 4) A preliminary design of an IBLA for one of their courses, reviewed by the workshop facilitators and participants. The workshop is intended as a forum for educators to learn about and to create innovative and research-based best practices to transform engineering education.
The cellular pathophysiology of progression to heart failure

Congestive heart failure is the final common pathway of diverse etiologies that result in impaired systolic and diastolic function, deleterious activation of neurohumoral pathways, and high morbidity and mortality. Many studies published in 1995 significantly added to our understanding of the pathophysiologies of heart failure at the cellular level. Because a common accompaniment to all forms of low output heart failure are hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction of the cardiomyocyte, applications of the techniques of molecular and cell biology to animal models that demonstrate this phenomenon are providing new insights into the mechanisms responsible for this important clinical problem. In the past year, critical information was derived from animal models that mimic human cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Likewise, genetically engineered mice in which a gene product of interest is overexpressed or eliminated provided critical information, in particular regarding the roles of phospholamban and beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 in mediating the contractile responses of the heart to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Furthermore, study of human myocardial tissue from patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy continues to provide insight into the diverse etiologies of heart failure. The recent applications of the techniques of molecular and cell biology to this clinical problem are likely to accelerate our understanding of the complex mechanisms responsible for this syndrome.
A novel stochastic resolution criterion for fluorescence microscopes

Rayleigh's criterion is widely in optical microscopy to determine the resolution of microscopes. Despite its widespread use, it is well known that this criterion is heuristic and does not consider the actual measurement process. For instance, it has been pointed out that the resolution of a fluorescence microscope can, in principle, exceed Rayleigh's criterion when distance determination between two point sources is postulated as a parameter estimation problem. In fact, recent results from single molecule fluorescence experiments show that the location of two closely spaced point sources with distance of separation well below Rayleigh's criterion can be accurately estimated. These results suggest that Rayleigh's criterion is inadequate for current microscope techniques. Here, by adopting an information-theoretic stochastic framework, we re-visit the resolution problem and derive a new stochastic resolution criterion that provides a limit to the accuracy with which the distance between two point sources can be determined. Our results predict that the distance between two point sources can be determined to an arbitrary accuracy provided a sufficient number of photons are detected. The new criterion is given in terms of quantities such as the expected number of detected photons, the numerical aperture of the objective lens and the wavelength of the detected photons. We also investigate how the new resolution measure is influenced by deteriorating experimental factors such as pixelation of the detector and additive noise sources.
Optimal transfer pricing under postcontract information

. This paper analyzes a formal principal-agents model of resource allocation and coordination in which demand for transfer pricing arises endogenously within a decentralized environment characterized by asymmetric information and divergence of preferences. It is shown that a modified Groves scheme achieves full information efficiency in a setting of the type considered by Harris, Kriebel, and Raviv (1982) and Cohen and Loeb (1984) only if the information asymmetry is postcontract and collusion is precluded. Conditions for the optimality of a coordination mechanism that is immune to collusion are also examined. It is shown that demand for a collusion-free marginal cost-type transfer pricing scheme arises if the agents are risk neutral, the cost function is separable but not necessarily linear, and the information asymmetry is postcontract. Resume. Les auteurs analysent un modele structure d'affectation des ressources et de coordination mandant-mandataire, dans lequel la demande de prix de cession interne est issue, de facon endogene, d'un contexte decentralise caracterise par une information asymetrique et une divergence des preferences. Les auteurs demontrent qu'un schema Groves modifie permet d'atteindre l'efficacite maximum de l'information dans un contexte semblable a celui qu'utilisent Harris, Kriebel et Raviv (1982) et Cohen et Loeb (1984), uniquement si l'asymetrie de l'information est posterieure au contrat et si la collusion est rendue impossible. Ils examinent egalement les conditions d'optimalite d'un mecanisme de coordination qui est a l'abri de la collusion. Les auteurs demontrent qu'il y a demande de prix de cession interne, a l'abri de la collusion, du type cout marginal si les mandataires sont neutres a l'egard du risque, si la fonction de couts peut etre isolee sans etre necessairement lineaire, et si l'asymetrie de l'information est posterieure au contrat.
Effect of estradiol on glucose-U-C14 metabolism in the rat uterus

Incorporation of uniformly labeled glucose-C14 into protein, ribonucleic acid (RNA), lipid, and CO2 of the rat uterus was markedly increased within the first 2 hours after estrogen administration. Cortisol succinate at levels that inhibit the water imbibition response to estrogen had no effect on glucose metabolism in uteri from control or estrogen-treated animals. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide (actidione) both block estrogen-induced increases in glucose metabolism. The estradiol effect on glucose metabolism appears similar to other previously described responses in its dependency on protein and RNA synthesis.
Paleoproductivity from benthic foraminifera abundance: Glacial to postglacial change in the west-equatorial Pacific

Surface productivity is correlated with the rate of accumulation of benthic foraminifera on the deep-sea floor. As a rule of thumb, for each 1 mg of organic carbon arriving at the sea floor, one benthic foram shell >150 μm is deposited. The correlation can be used to reconstruct organic flux to the sea floor in the past, and hence the productivity of past oceans. Applying the appropriate equations to box core data from the Ontong Java Plateau in the western equatorial Pacific, we found that productivity during the last glacial maximum exceeded present productivity by a factor of between 1.5 and 2.0, with intermediate values for the mid-transition period. Accumulation of benthic foraminifera was depressed on top of the plateau during the glacial and transitional period, presumably because increased winnowing removed part of the food supply.
Gay American Indian Men's Mobility and Sexual Sedentarism in the United States Census Rules of Residence

The mobility of gay American Indian men in and of itself challenges broader social agendas attaching sexuality to a particular political category, such as same-sex marriage. Having same-sex marriage and partnering recognized on the United States census fulfills the activist goals of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer political majority at the same time that it produces a normalization of sedentary sexuality. Sexual mobility, often associated with the spread of HIV/AIDS and promiscuity, is politically at odds with a progressive political agenda seeking marriage equality. The sedentarianism imposed on gay sexuality by the United States census, and specifically on the residential patterns of gay male American Indians, has the effect of further excluding a population whose sexual and cultural mobility are already and always non-normative. In this article, I seek to examine the ways in which sexuality, culture, and disease converge to produce a particular set of orientations toward mobility among...
Minimal shortening in a high-frequency muscle

Reducing the cost of high-frequency muscle contractions can be accomplished by minimizing cross-bridge cycling or by recycling elastic strain energy. Energy saving by contractile minimization has very different implications for muscle strain and activation patterns than by elastic recoil. Minimal cross-bridge cycling will be reflected in minimal contractile strains and highly reduced force, work and power output, whereas elastic energy storage requires a period of active lengthening that increases mechanical output. In this study, we used sonomicrometry and electromyography to test the relative contributions of energy reduction and energy recycling strategies in the tailshaker muscles of western diamondback rattlesnakes ( Crotalus atrox ). We found that tailshaker muscle contractions produce a mean strain of 3%, which is among the lowest strains ever recorded in vertebrate muscle during movement. The relative shortening velocities ( V/V max) of 0.2-0.3 were in the optimal range for maximum power generation, indicating that the low power output reported previously for tailshaker muscle is due mainly to contractile minimization rather than to suboptimal V/V max. In addition, the brief contractions (8-18 ms) had only limited periods of active lengthening (0.2-0.5 ms and 0.002-0.035%), indicating little potential for elastic energy storage and recoil. These features indicate that high-frequency muscles primarily reduce metabolic energy input rather than recycle mechanical energy output.
Siphon regeneration in Ciona

IN 1923 Paul Kammerer summarised research which he claimed demonstrated the inheritance of acquired characteristics. Since the success of Mendelian genetics had already made Kammerer's work suspect a report of his lecture1 was followed by a long and acrimonious debate. The Kammerer case thereby became a cause celebre in the biology of that decade. The controversy has recently been resurrected in a popular book by Koestler2 and has gained additional prominence from an internationally televised BBC documentary based on the book. This paper reports a failure to duplicate one of Kammerer's key experiments.
Intragenic sequences of the human glucocorticoid receptor complementary DNA mediate hormone-inducible receptor messenger RNA down-regulation through multiple mechanisms.

Glucocorticoid receptors (GR) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that play a critical role in the endocrine control of cell growth, differentiation, and death. These steroid receptors are widely recognized to undergo down-regulation after exposure to ligand in cell cultures and animals, including humans. This reduction in cellular receptor levels leads to insensitivity to subsequent hormone administration. The mechanisms controlling homologous down-regulation of the GR are, however, poorly understood. We have previously shown (1) that a transfected human GR (hGR) complementary DNA (cDNA) contains sequences that are sufficient to recapitulate the down-regulation of both hGR messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein seen in vivo. We have now evaluated potential mechanisms involved in the hormonal regulation of the hGR mRNA and, further, have identified an intragenic domain of the hGR cDNA that contains the down-regulatory signal. Glucocorticoid treatment of COS-1 cells expressing a transfected hGR cDNA resul...
Combined liver‐kidney and kidney‐alone transplantation in primary hyperoxaluria

Combined liver-kidney and kidney-only transplantation outcomes in primary hyperoxaluria (PH) are described. Strategies for the selection of type and timing of transplantation and pretransplantation and posttransplantation management are reviewed. Records were reviewed for 16 patients with PH who received 9 liver-kidney and 10 kidney-only transplants. Plasma oxalate values declined from 61 +/- 42 micromol/L pretransplantation to 9 +/- 6 micromol/L 1 month after transplantation in liver-kidney transplant recipients and 92 +/- 19 to 9 +/- 5 micromol/L in kidney-only transplant recipients. In most liver-kidney transplant recipients, hyperoxaluria persisted for 6 to 18 months after transplantation. Follow-up was 3.5 +/- 4.1 years in liver-kidney and 4.5 +/- 6.3 years in kidney-alone transplant recipients. Patient survival rates were 78% for liver-kidney and 89% for kidney-only transplant recipients. No hepatic allografts were lost. Three of 9 liver-kidney and 6 of 10 kidney-alone transplants lost renal allograft function. In those with functioning kidneys, renal clearance was 45.1 +/- 19.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in liver-kidney transplant recipients and 49.5 +/- 26.1 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in kidney-only transplant recipients at last follow-up. Kaplan-Meier 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year renal allograft survival rates for patients undergoing transplantation after 1984 were 78%, 78%, 52%, and 52% in liver-kidney transplant recipients and 86%, 71%, 54%, and 36% in kidney-only transplant recipients. Simultaneous grafting of liver and kidney after the development of renal insufficiency is recommended for the majority of patients with PH type I (PH-I). Kidney-alone transplantation is recommended for those with pyridoxine-responsive type I disease because pharmacological therapy allows favorable management of oxalate production in this situation. Kidney-alone transplantation also is recommended for PH type II (PH-II). This disease is less severe than PH-I, and it is currently unknown whether liver transplantation will correct the metabolic defect responsible for PH-II.
Crystallographic and Computational Analysis of the Supramolecular Structure of 2,5-Dimethylpyrazolo (1,5-a)pyrimidin-7(4H)-one

The structure of 5-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one 1 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound 1 crystallizes in the space group P−1 with two molecules in the asymmetric unit solvated with one molecule of the acetic acid The unit cell parameters are a = 8.796(1) A, b = 10.531(1) A, c = 10.680(1) A, α = 96.901(2)o, β = 98.135(2)o, γ = 107.248(2)o. In the crystal molecules A and B are linked into R 2 2 (9) hydrogen bonded rings and these rings form chains parallel to [101] Overall, the supramolecular structure 1 consists of two hydrogen bonded and two π–π stacking dimers. An energetic interplay between these dimers has been studied using B3LYP DFT calculations. In addition π–π interactions are analyzed using the Bader’s atoms in molecules’ (AIM) theory. The structure of 5-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one 1 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound 1 crystallizes in the space group P−1 with two molecules in the asymmetric unit solvated with one molecule of the acetic acid The unit cell parameters are a = 8.796(1) A, b = 10.531(1) A, c = 10.680(1) A, α = 96.901(2)o, β = 98.135(2)o, γ = 107.248(2)o. In the crystal molecules A and B are linked into R 2 2 (9) hydrogen bonded rings and these rings form chains parallel to [101] Overall, the supramolecular structure 1 consists of two hydrogen bonded and two π–π stacking dimers. An energetic interplay between these dimers has been studied using B3LYP DFT calculations. In addition π–π interactions are analyzed using the Bader’s atoms in molecules’ (AIM) theory.
Electromagnetically Driven Expanding Ring Experiments for Strength Studies

Most high-temperature mechanical properties of metals are available for isothermal conditions obtained after heating the specimen for several hours. However, in pulsed-power applications, materials are adiabatically heated by rapid deposition of energy. Experimental evidence from electron beam heating indicates that high- temperature mechanical properties significantly depend on the rapidity and duration of heat deposition. We have designed an experimental apparatus to apply heat using a short-duration electric pulse in an expanding ring experiment originally developed by Gourdin et al. [1], [2]. While earlier experiments were primarily concerned with obtaining high-strain-rate strength and fragmentation data, our primary goal is to obtain high-temperature data under pulsed heating conditions. The experiment uses a primary coil powered by an RC circuit designed to be critically damped to induce a current pulse in a thin ring of specimen that expands and fragments due to electromagnetic forces. The induced current heats the sample prior to significant expansion of the ring. Current in the primary and secondary are measured using Pearson and Rogowski coils. We used a VISAR to measure the ring's expansion speed and a high-speed camera to capture its dynamic fragmentation. Data generated will quantify the rate of heating sensitivity of material properties in commonly used materials for development and validation of appropriate constitutive equations.
Length of psychiatric hospitalization and prediction of antipsychotic response.

Abstract 1. 1. Clinical variables determining length of psychiatric hospitalization for psychotic inpatients were explored. Forty psychotic inpatients received a 14 day fixed dose neuroleptic trial. 2. 2. Neuroleptic responders ( 25 40 ) were discharged 15 ± 2 days after initiation of phannacotherapy. For neuroleptic non-responders ( 15 40 ) antipsychotic medication was then altered as clinically indicated. Patients requiring one change in medication (N = 8) were discharged after 27 ± 5 days; those requiring two medication adjustments (N = 4) were discharged after 33 ± 3 days and those requiring three alterations in phannacotherapy (N = 3) were discharged after 42 ± 12 days. 3. 3. Statistical analysis of clinical and diagnostic variables indicated that 84% of the variation in length of hospitalization was accounted for by the number of alterations in phannacotherapy required for symptom remission and discharge. It is suggested that length of hospitalization may be decreased by decreasing the length of time a clinician prescribes phannacotherapy that subsequently proves not effective. 4. 4. Bayesian analysis was employed to identify the minimum length of pharmacotherapy which accurately predicts subsequent antipsychotic response/non-response. During the fixed dose neuroleptic trial response/non-response could be accurately predicted for 65% of the patients by Day 3 of the trial while by Day 7 response/non-response could be predicted for 80% of the patients. 5. 5. The present data indicate that a three to seven day trial of antipsychotics may be sufficient for making phannacotherapy decisions as such a trial demonstrates a diagnostic efficiency similar to other predictive tests employed in clinical medicine.
Elevated body mass index does not increase the risk of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia in patients receiving pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.

Abstract Objectives. The dose-limiting toxicity of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). Some physicians are reluctant to use this drug in overweight patients, postulating that larger size increases the likelihood of PPE. We sought to determine whether a correlation exists between body mass index (BMI) and the frequency or severity of skin reactions during PLD chemotherapy. Methods. The records of all patients receiving PLD chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancy at our institution were reviewed for chemotherapy history, BMI at start of treatment, dose, infusion time, and adverse outcomes. Skin reaction sites, grade, and treatments were recorded. Possible predisposing factors were extracted, as well as the reason for drug discontinuation. Results. Over 7 years, 103 patients were treated with PLD for gynecologic malignancies. 429 cycles were given, and PPE occurred in 36% of patients treated. Of those with PPE, reactions were grades 1, 2, or 3 in 54%, 32%, and 14% of patients, respectively. The BMI of patients with PPE (29.0) was not significantly different from that of patients without PPE (28.8). Analysis using finer subsets of weight also revealed no association. Finally, logistic regression revealed no relationship between BMI and rash grade. Conclusions. Elevated BMI does not appear to correlate with occurrence of PPE in our population. Of interest, among patients discontinuing PLD due to skin toxicity, 25% had clinical evidence of response. The identification of predisposing risk factors may help guide treatment decisions; however, elevated BMI does not appear to be such a risk factor.
Tyrosinase Activities and Isoenzymes in Three Strains of Mushrooms

Tyrosinase activities and isoenzymes were examined in three strains of mushrooms. Using L-dopa as a substrate, the M9 strain contained more active and latent enzyme than M2 or M8 strains. Each strain showed a characteristic isoenzyme profile after electrophoresis. The M8 strain contained at least four isoenzyme forms while M2 and M9 strains contained fewer than three forms. In the M8 strain more tyrosinase was found in cap skin and flesh tissue than in stalk or gill tissue. Cap flesh also contained the greatest amount of latent enzyme. Each tissue showed a characteristic isoenzyme profile after electrophoresis. Tyrosine and dopa oxidation were associated with one isoenzyme form while another major form preferred dopa as substrate.
Eco-certification of sustainably managed fisheries—Redundancy or synergy?

Abstract There is an increasing global awareness of the consequences of overfishing and the need to implement sustainable fisheries management practices. The traditional custodians, governments and regional fisheries management organizations, have been slow to react creating a niche for environmental and non-profit groups to become increasingly active through eco-certification and sustainability ranking programs. While both the traditional and the new players tend to share a similar approach based on maximum sustainable yield reference points, they differ in scope and delivery mechanisms. The potential exists for confusion with regard to who should be determining whether a fishery is sustainable with the cost of possible redundancy being ultimately borne by the public. However, there is also the potential for synergy and, given the limited progress thus far with respect to achieving sustainable fisheries by traditional means, perhaps both are needed for the time being—a “belt and braces” approach.
Uncertain data and expert opinions in the assessment of the unavailability of suppression systems

The probability distribution of the demand unavailability of water-based special suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers) for nuclear power plants is developed from direct nuclear experience and indirect evidence from tests and non-nuclear applications. The indirect evidence is treated as expert estimates, and is combined with the direct evidence using Bayes' theorem. The credibility of the estimates is explicitly modeled in the likelihood function. The sensitivity of the results to the major assumptions of the model is investigated.
Introducing object oriented design patterns through a puzzle-based serious computer game

In this paper we confront the stereotype which depicts a software engineer as an individual who is programming all day in his or her cubicle. We present an interactive, puzzle-based game, which is similar to Lemmings, to help students ranging from middle school to college juniors learn high-level concepts about the design phase of the software engineering life cycle. Object oriented design patterns are represented in our game in the form of actions that can be assigned to lemmings. The actions are metaphors for object oriented design patterns in software development, which means the student is not actually developing a design for a real software system. This could be an abstract and intimidating process. Instead, the student plays a puzzle-based game which is appealing especially to a younger audience. The key is the student is still using the same strategies that would be used in a real software project to develop a design to beat our game.
MO-B-18C-01: Proton Therapy II: Proton Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Proton stereotactic radiotherapy shares fundamental principles with general proton therapy physics, specifically range uncertainties and broad beam measurement techniques. Significant differences emerge when treating with smaller field sizes that suffer lateral disequilibrium and when fractions are reduced. This session will explore the history and scope of proton stereotactic radiotherapy in clinical practice. Uncertainties and treatment planning methods specific to stereotactic treatments will be discussed. The session will include an overview of the physical properties of small proton fields and resulting needs for accurate measurements and modeling of dose distributions for radiosurgery treatment planning. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the clinical rationale for proton radiosurgery. 2. Understand the similarities and differences from general proton therapy. 3. Understand the similarities and differences from photon stereotactic radiosurgery. 4. Understand the basic physics and clinical physics methods for measuring and commissioning a radiosurgery program.
TU-B-BRA-05: Evaluation of the New Varian Trilogy MX Flattening Filter Free 6 MV and 10 MV Photon Beams

Purpose: The Trilogy MX is a new linear accelerator designed by Varian Medical Systems to provide enhanced treatment delivery options. Among these is a flattening filter free (FFF) photon beam mode that can achieve unprecedented high dose rates of up to 3000MU/min. A preliminary investigation of the high intensity beam properties and treatment capabilities has been performed. Method and Materials: PDD, profile and Total Scatter Factor data were measured for the 6MV FFF and 10MV FFF beams and compared to non‐FFF data. The modeling of the FFF beam by the Eclipse planning system AAA algorithm was investigated for IMRT and RapidArc treatment modalities. Results: The FFF PDDs had a shallower dmax and steeper falloff beyond dmax. The FFF profiles appearing almost triangular in shape and exhibit an advantageous lower profile tail dose. The Total Scatter Factors varied less with field size for the FFF beams then for the filtered beams. Calculated and measured dose distributions agreed to within 2%/2mm for IMRT fields and 4%/2mm for RapidArc fields on average (10% dose threshold, 95%+ pass rate). Measured and calculate dose distribution profiles agreed well. Conclusion: A preliminary investigation shows that the Eclipse planning system (AAA algorithm) can accurately model the FFF beam. It is expected that the high dose rate beams will be particularly useful for radiosurgical treatments where large doses are delivered in a given session; for RapidArc treatments where the increased dose rate allows for faster gantry travel and more dose per gantry angle; and also for respiratory gated treatments because the high dose rate will reduce the treatment time and minimize the delivery interruptions. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Varian.
An autonomous distributed demand-side energy management network using fluorescent lamp sensors

This paper demonstrates the building blocks of a new autonomous demand-side energy management system. The system uses a network of lamp sensors interfaced with frequency-controlled dimming ballasts. The auto-dimming lamps detect occupants and automatically adjust their own brightness levels. These occupancy detections may be used to adjust power consumption of other systems such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) as well. This paper also demonstrates a quasistatic frequency-modulated (FM) wireless link to network auto-dimming lamps with each other. The wireless link reuses the frequency-controlled action of the dimming ballast to transmit data and the lamp sensor electric field measurement to receive data. All of the electronics are made to fit inside a ballast box with the intent to create a drop-in replacement for standard ballasts. This paper presents critical system characterizations and design strategies as well as a demonstration of an auto-dimming lamp and the wireless link.
Exploring MODIS band 23 for urban remote sensing: Seasonal and view angle effects

Spanning 3-5 microns, the middle infrared (MIR) region (3-5μm) of the electromagnetic spectrum has received little attention in terrestrial remote sensing. Here we explore the potential of MIR for urban remote sensing. We focus on MODIS band 23 (4.02-4.08 μm) at a spatial resolution of 1 km. By capturing both the solar reflectance and terrestrial emittance, the MIR offers some new approaches for monitoring urban areas. We are interested in the seasonal contrast created by MIR-dark vegetation and MIR-bright impervious surfaces, which allow urban areas to emerge from the surrounding vegetated landscape. We found (1) Viewing geometry and (2) land surface phenology (LSP) due to distinct spectral characteristics of impervious surfaces and vegetation to be two major influences on the dynamics of MIR brightness. Analyzing the dynamics of MIR brightness in relation to seasonal and view angle effects, is a key consideration for future image processing and compositing, urban morphology monitoring, and analysis.
Treatment of Tourette syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) consists of chronic motor and phonic tics and characteristically begins in childhood. The tics can be disabling and commonly associated behavioral comorbities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), can also cause problems in daily functioning. The underlying etiology and neurobiology of TS remain unknown although genetic factors appear to be important, cortical control of basal ganglia motor function appears to be disturbed and neurochemical abnormalities, particularly involving dopamine neurotransmission, are likely present. The treatment of TS involves appropriate education and support. Tics can be treated with habit reversal cognitive behavioral therapy, medications (most commonly alpha agonists and antipsychotics), local intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin and some severe, refractory cases have responded to deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS). It is important to appropriately diagnose and treat comorbid behavioral disorders that are disrupting function. OCD can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and atypical antipsychotics. DBS has become a treatment option for patients with disabling OCD despite other therapies. ADHD is treated with appropriate classroom accommodations, behavioral therapy, alpha agonists, atomoxetine or methylphenidate-containing stimulant drugs.
Antibody levels correlate with creatine kinase levels and strength in anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase-associated autoimmune myopathy.

Objective Autoantibodies recognizing 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) are found in patients with statin-associated immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and, less commonly, in statin-unexposed patients with autoimmune myopathy. The main objective of this study was to define the association of anti-HMGCR antibody levels with disease activity. Methods Anti-HMGCR levels, creatine kinase (CK) levels, and strength were assessed in anti-HMGCR–positive patients. Associations of antibody level with CK level and strength at visit 1 were analyzed in 55 patients, 40 of whom were exposed to statins. In 12 statin-exposed and 5 statin-unexposed patients with serum from 5 serial visits, the evolution of antibody levels, CK levels, and strength was investigated. Results Antibody levels were associated with CK levels (P < 0.001), arm strength (P < 0.05), and leg strength (P < 0.05) at visit 1, but these associations were only significant among statin-exposed patients in stratified analyses. With immunosuppressive treatment over 26.2 ± 12.6 months (mean ± SD), antibody levels declined (P < 0.05) and arm abduction strength improved (P < 0.05) in the 17 patients followed up longitudinally. The separate analysis showed that statin-exposed patients developed decreased antibody levels (P < 0.01), decreased CK levels (P < 0.001), improved arm strength (P < 0.05), and improved hip flexion strength (P < 0.05) with treatment. Anti-HMGCR antibody levels did not normalize in any patient. Conclusion In the entire cohort, initial anti-HMGCR levels correlated with indicators of disease activity; with immunosuppressive treatment, antibody levels declined and arm strength improved. Statin-exposed patients had significant improvements in CK levels and strength whereas statin-unexposed patients did not, suggesting a phenotypic difference between statin-exposed and statin-unexposed anti-HMGCR–positive patients.
Actin-based centripetal flow: phosphatase inhibition by calyculin-A alters flow pattern, actin organization, and actomyosin distribution.

Previous studies have suggested that the actin-based centripetal flow process in sea urchin coelomocytes is the result of a two-part mechanism, actin polymerization at the cell edge coupled with actomyosin contraction at the cell center. In the present study, we have extended the testing of this two-part model by attempting to stimulate actomyosin contraction via treatment of coelomocytes with the phosphatase inhibitor Calyculin A (CalyA). The effects of this drug were studied using digitally-enhanced video microscopy of living cells combined with immunofluorescent localization and scanning electron microscopy. Under the influence of CalyA, the coelomocyte actin cytoskeleton undergoes a radical reorganization from a dense network to one displaying an array of tangential arcs and radial rivulets in which actin and the Arp2/3 complex concentrate. In addition, the structure and dynamics of the cell center are transformed due to the accumulation of actin and membrane in this region and the constriction of the central actomyosin ring. Physiological evidence of an increase in actomyosin-based contractility following CalyA treatment was demonstrated in experiments in which cells generated tears in their cell centers in response to the drug. Western blotting and immunofluorescent localization with antibodies against the phosphorylated form of the myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) suggested that the demonstrated constriction of actomyosin distribution was the result of CalyA-induced phosphorylation of MRLC. Overall, the results suggest that there is significant cross talk between the two underlying mechanisms of actin polymerization and actomyosin contraction, and indicate that changes in actomyosin tension may be translated into alterations in the structural organization of the actin cytoskeleton.
Responsive List Construction A Conversational Resource for Accomplishing Multifaceted Social Action

Research by Gail Jefferson has established that list construction in conversation can be used to perform a range of interactional tasks. This report provides an extension and application of Jefferson's work to demonstrate how this practice can be used to produce a delicately formulated, multifaceted response. A preliminary characterization of a single case of responsive list construction is presented. Next, the practice of list construction is described. List construction can be used to formulate a class of objects through an inductive procedure by moving from the particular to the general. This feature of list construction can be used to correct an error in an unexposed fashion by recasting a problematic, but possibly complete, remark as merely the first item in a list. These features of list construction are then applied as analytic resources in a further explication of an individual utterance presented at the outset of the report. Responsive list construction can be used to achieve a qualified acceptan...
Psalm 2 and the Disinheritance of Earthly Rulers: New Light from the Ugaritic Legal Text RS 94.2168

AbstractThis paper offers a fresh reading of Psalm 2 with special attention to the presence of legal motifs in the poem, including that of inheritance rights as a metaphor for YHWH’s delegation of earthly authority. A new impetus for such a reading comes from the recently published Ugaritic legal text RS 94.2168, which provides the first attestation in Ugaritic of a transitive verb BHL denoting the exclusion of a biological heir from the inheritance of his father’s estate. In light of this technical usage, it will be proposed that the Piel form יבהלמו in Psa 2:5 is best understood, not as an act of terrifying the rulers of the earth, but as YHWH’s (metaphorical) disinheritance of them, a declaration that is naturally followed by the designation of his anointed one as the exclusive heir of the nations (2:8).