cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic power of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for targeted detection of breast lesions with microcalcifications

Microcalcifications geographically target the location of abnormalities within the breast and are of critical importance in breast cancer diagnosis. However, despite stereotactic guidance, core needle biopsy fails to retrieve microcalcifications in up to 15% of patients. Here, we introduce an approach based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for detection of microcalcifications that focuses on variations in optical absorption stemming from the calcified clusters and the associated cross-linking molecules. In this study, diffuse reflectance spectra are acquired ex vivo from 203 sites in fresh biopsy tissue cores from 23 patients undergoing stereotactic breast needle biopsies. By correlating the spectra with the corresponding radiographic and histologic assessment, we have developed a support vector machine-derived decision algorithm, which shows high diagnostic power (positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 97% and 88%, respectively) for diagnosis of lesions with microcalcifications. We further show that these results are robust and not due to any spurious correlations. We attribute our findings to the presence of proteins (such as elastin), and desmosine and isodesmosine cross-linkers in the microcalcifications. It is important to note that the performance of the diffuse reflectance decision algorithm is comparable to one derived from the corresponding Raman spectra, and the considerably higher intensity of the reflectance signal enables the detection of the targeted lesions in a fraction of the spectral acquisition time. Our findings create a unique landscape for spectroscopic validation of breast core needle biopsy for detection of microcalcifications that can substantially improve the likelihood of an adequate, diagnostic biopsy in the first attempt.
Creating sharp features by colliding shocks on uniformly irradiated surfaces

Using a theoretical analysis of the ion beam sputtering dynamics, we demonstrate how ion bombardment on an initially sloped surface can create knife-edge-like ridges on the surface. These ridges arise as nonclassical shocklike solutions that are undercompressive on both sides and appear to control the dynamics over a large range of initial conditions. The slope of the ridges is selected uniquely by the dynamics and can be up to 30 or more depending on the orientation dependence of the sputtering yield. For 1 keV Ar${}^{+}$ on Si(001), the scale of the ridge is $\ensuremath{\approx}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}2$ nm. This is much smaller than the most unstable length scale and suggests a method for creating very steep, very sharp features on a surface spontaneously, by prepatterning the surface to contain relatively modest slopes on the macroscale.
Expression of NM23 in Cell Lines Derived from Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Reduced expression of nm23 has been associated with increased metastases and decreased survival in a variety of malignancies. In the present study, the expression of nm23 was examined by Northern and Western blot analyses in a series of cell lines derived from patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Two of twelve (17%) informative cell lines derived from 9 patients had loss of heterozygosity at Nm23-H1. Twenty-two renal cancer cell lines derived from primary tumors, 5 cell lines derived from metastatic tumors and 4 short-term cultures of normal proximal renal tubular cells all expressed Nm23 mRNA in varying amounts. On average, the level of expression of Nm23 mRNA in short-term cultures of benign proximal renal tubular cells was found to be similar to the level seen in renal cancer cell lines. Twenty-eight cell lines derived from renal primary tumors and 8 cell lines derived from metastatic tumors expressed both the Nm23-H1 and Nm23-H2 proteins. High or low relative expression of nm23 at the mRNA or protein level did not correlate with survival. The absence of any anomalous pattern of expression of the nm23 genes and the lack of correlation of expression with survival suggests that nm23 does not play a central role in the progression of this tumor type.
Loss-of-function mutation in tryptophan hydroxylase-2 identified in unipolar major depression.

Dysregulation of central serotonin neurotransmission has been widely suspected as an important contributor to major depression. Here, we identify a (G1463A) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the rate-limiting enzyme of neuronal serotonin synthesis, human tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (hTPH2). The functional SNP in hTPH2 replaces the highly conserved Arg441 with His, which results in ∼80% loss of function in serotonin production when hTPH2 is expressed in PC12 cells. Strikingly, SNP analysis in a cohort of 87 patients with unipolar major depression revealed that nine patients carried the mutant (1463A) allele, while among 219 controls, three subjects carried this mutation. In addition, this functional SNP was not found in a cohort of 60 bipolar disorder patients. Identification of a loss-of-function mutation in hTPH2 suggests that defect in brain serotonin synthesis may represent an important risk factor for unipolar major depression.
Lp-convergence of an optimal adaptive control algorithm

This paper is concerned with the adaptive optimal control of processes whose dynamic characteristics are not completely specified but assumed to be varying slowly with time. It is shown that the identification procedure involves the evaluation of certain essential process characteristics, i.e. measurable differentials, without requiring the determination of the unknown process parameters. The process input and output functions are taken to be elements of Lp - spaces and the optimization procedure is briefly described. For any practical application of the identification algorithm the process output differentials are approximated by first order differences of output time segments, and their corresponding adjoints by retaining only a finite number of terms in an infinite series expression. Utilizing the techniques of Functional Analysis the LP - space convergence of these approximating algorithms is shown.
Accurate ab initio calculations for the 1B1-1A1 separation in methylene

Accurate ab initio calculations have been performed on the 1B1 state of methylene. The basis set was of better than triple-zeta quality and included two sets of polarization functions. This work combined with previous work yields a 1A1-1B1 separation of 1.07 eV. This determination is compared to those using Franck-Condon factors.
ASSESSMENT OF RESAZURIN STAINING AS A PREDICTOR OF MALTING QUALITY IN WINTER AND SPRING BARLEY

Resazurin, a redox indicator, was tested as a predictor of malting quality using sound, germinated and malted grain of ten spring habit and seven winter habit barley genotypes. Malts of spring and winter barley genotypes could not be distinguished based on colour changes of resazurin solutions after 3, 6 or 24 hours. A differential capacity for barley genotypes to reduce resazurin solution pH was observed, depending on the grain substrate used. The capacity to reduce resazurin solution pH was highly correlated with kernel plumpness and weight.
Femoral pseudoaneurysm following nonpenetrating trauma in a patient with aortic insufficiency

Although not uncommon after penetrating vascular trauma, arterial pseudoaneurysms rarely develop following blunt trauma. A patient is described in whom indirect trauma led to pseudoaneurysm of the profunda femoris artery, and persistent bleeding required surgical intervention. In this case, the coexistence of significant aortic valvular regurgitation suggests that wide pulse pressure may predispose to this arterial complication.
Probing vibrational energy transfer in DNA nucleobases with Mid-UV four-wave mixing spectroscopies

Heterodyne-detected four-wave mixing spectroscopies are used to investigate vibrational energy transfer in various DNA nucleobases. Unique insights into the solute-solvent couplings associated with vibrational energy transfer are obtained.
Recurrent and partially reversible cardiomyopathy occurring during treatment with bendamustine and rituximab.

Bendamustine (B) is an anti-neoplastic agent with dual pharmacologic properties resembling both alkylating agents and purine analogs. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administratio...
Highly Qualified Kindergarten Teachers: Have They Been Left Behind ?

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation has increased the academic expectations for kindergarten children. Where kindergarten was once a place for children to learn to socialize through play, many kindergarten classrooms have become replicas of first grade with children sitting at desks completing worksheets, learning to sound out words, and memorizing sight words. And, where once kindergarten teachers were educated with an emphasis on child development, the NCLB requirement of highly qualified teachers shifted state licensing requirements to majoring in subject areas. In many teacher education programs, the change moved the preparation of kindergarten teachers out of early childhood teacher education programs into elementary/middle school programs. This article identifies the characteristics of highly qualified kindergarten teachers, summarizes state credential requirements for kindergarten teachers, shares a research study on the education of kindergarten teachers in one state, and suggests an actio...
Multiobjective optimization of resource leveling and allocation during construction scheduling

Construction scheduling techniques often generate schedules that cause undesirable resource fluctuations that are inefficient and costly to implement on site. This paper presents the development of a novel multiobjective optimization model that is capable of measuring and minimizing these undesirable resource fluctuations to maximize resource utilization efficiency and minimize project duration while complying with all precedence relationships and resource availability constraints. The model incorporates three main modules: (1) a startup module that calculates lower and upper bounds for the model decision variables; (2) a scheduling module that generates practical schedules and evaluates their performance; and (3) a multiobjective genetic algorithm module that searches for and identifies optimal schedules. The model is integrated in a commercially available software system to facilitate its use and adoption by construction planners. An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and...
A colorimetric method for the microdetermination of silicon in the presence of excess phosphorus

Abstract King's method has been modified for the measurement of biological samples. The addition of tartaric acid permits the accurate measurement of silica even in the presence of large excess of phosphorus. This eliminates the need for separating phosphate prior to the silicon determination.
Ampoule failure sensor development for semiconductor crystal growth experiments

Currently there are no devices to detect an ampoule failure in semiconductor crystal growth experiments. If an ampoule fails, it will go undetected until the containing cartridge is breached due to chemical degradation. The experiment will then be terminated resulting in a failed experiment and a loss of data. The objective of this research was to develop a reliable failure sensor that would detect a specific liquid or vapor material before the metallic cartridge is degraded and the processing furnace contaminated. The sensor is a chemical fuse made from a metal with which the semiconductor material reacts more rapidly than it does with the containing cartridge. Upon ampoule failure, the sensor is exposed to the vapor or liquid semiconductor and the chemical reaction causes a resistance change in the sensor material. The sensor shows a step change in resistance on the order of megohms when exposed to mercury zinc telluride (HgZnTe), mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe), or gallium arsenide (GaAs). This ampoule failure sensor is being tested for possible use on the second United States Microgravity Mission (USML-2) and is the subject of a NASA patent application.
A new ligation method for N-terminal tryptophan-containing peptides using the Pictet–Spengler reaction

Abstract Application of a carbon–carbon bond forming reaction for ligating unprotected peptides in acetic acid is described based on a Pictet–Spengler condensation. The peptide segments include a peptide with a Trp at the N-terminal and another with a C-terminal aldehyde, which can be generated through a new cyclic acetal resin.
Childhood Hair Product Use and Earlier Age at Menarche in a Racially Diverse Study Population: A Pilot Study

Purpose Previous studies suggest that hair products containing endocrine disrupting chemicals could alter puberty. We evaluated the association between childhood hair product use and age at menarche in a racially diverse study population. Methods We recruited 300 African-American, African-Caribbean, Hispanic, and white women from the New York City metropolitan area who were between 18–77 years of age. Data were collected retrospectively on hair oil, lotion, leave-in conditioner, perm, and other types of hair products used before age 13. Recalled age at menarche ranged from 8 to 19 years. We used multivariable binomial regression to evaluate the association between hair product use and age at menarche ( Results African-Americans were more likely to use hair products and reached menarche earlier than other racial/ethnic groups. Women reporting childhood hair oil use had a risk ratio of 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.9) for earlier menarche, adjusting for race/ethnicity and year of birth. Hair perm users had an increased risk for earlier menarche (adjusted risk ratio = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8). Other types of hair products assessed in this study were not associated with earlier menarche. Conclusions Childhood hair oil and perm use were associated with earlier menarche. If replicated, these results suggest that hair product use may be important to measure in evaluating earlier age at menarche.
Immediate attributional effects of success and failure in the field: Testing some laboratory hypotheses†

Investigated how team success and failure are attributed to dispositional and situational factors as a function of immediate outcome of the group performance, past success of the team, and individual performance of team members within the group. 150 Little League baseball players' attributions for the team's outcome were taken separately with regard to team- and self-factors immediately after the conclusion of a game. The results reveal that success, independent of the margin of victory, is primarily assigned to effort and ability, while clear-loss is attributed to both effort and task difficulty. Conversely, bare-loss is seen to be mainly due to task difficulty and secondarily to low effort. The results are interpreted as supporting the notion of ego-centered causal judgments, but not necessarily the motive to enhance one's self, on the basis of the new proposition that effort has a different attributional meaning in the cases of success and failure; when losing effort is treated as an external factor, and when winning, effort tends to be interpreted as an internal factor. No differences with respect to attributions exist between individual players who perform poorly and those who excell within the team performance.
High-temperature fuel cells for power generation

Abstract Hybrid systems consisting of series-connected high-temperature solid-electrolyte fuel cells (HTSEFCs) thermally coupled to coal gasifiers show great potential for overall efficiencies of nearly 60% for the production of electricity from coal. This paper describes a steady-state model for the prediction of HTSEFC voltage, current and power density. The HTSEFC model is essentially a distributed parameter electrical network that includes the effects of mass transfer resistance (concentration polarization), chemical kinetic resistance (activation polarization), as well as all relevant electrical resistances (ohmic losses). This electrical network representation leads to a finite-difference discretization which, in effect, divides the fuel cell into many simple current-flow sections. Furthermore, the model computes the fuel and oxidant stream compositions as functions of axial length from energy and mass balances performed on each fuel cell slice. The model yields results that compare favorably with the published experimental data from Westinhouse.
Family member cancer prevalence reported by university students taking a cancer prevention course.

Abstract Genealogical health histories were studied to determine the prevalence of family cancer in students taking an Ohio State University (OSU) cancer prevention/education class. One hundred twenty students enrolled in the spring 1987 Health Education class, “How to Avoid Dying from Cancer … Now and Later”; reported a positive family cancer history. Survey forms indicating a cancer history were selected for use in this study. Cancer incidence and total cancer deaths were calculated for male and female populations. Male cancer incidence reported for fathers was 12%, paternal grandfathers 27%, and maternal grandfathers 25%. Female cancer incidence rates were lower than those reported in the male population. Cancer occurrences include 16%, 11%, and 21%, for mother, paternal grandmother, and maternal grandmother, respectively. In the study population, male (33%) and female (28%) cancer mortalities were reported as the leading cause of death. Frequent occurrences of skin and gastrointestinal cancer in males...
Rights to Liberty in Purely Private Matters: Part II

A claim that certain purely private matters should be beyond the reach of society's laws, moral rules, and other customs is central to the distinctive liberalism of John Stuart Mill. On Liberty, perhaps the most eloquent defense of individual liberty ever written, laments the hostility allegedly displayed in modern mass societies toward “the right of each individual to act [in private matters] as seems good to his judgement and inclinations” (1859, p. 271n.). In Mill's view, a free society must design its institutions with due regard for what he terms “individuality.” That is, public authority, whether in the form of law, customary opinion, or economic power, must be self-limiting so that it does not interfere with the rights of individuals to choose as they like with respect to such private concerns as religious faith, reading materials, living companions, and consumption of drugs and alcohol. Individuals and voluntary groups should be permitted to do whatever they prefer within their private spheres even if everyone else in society dislikes what they do, is annoyed by them, and actually chooses not to be around them or to befriend them (1859, pp. 276–91).
Thermal expansion of structure-H clathrate hydrates

The temperature dependence of the unit cell parameters of two newly identified hexagonal structure clathrate hydrates of hexamethylethane (HME) and 2,2-dimethylbutane (DMB) have been measured by X-ray powder diffraction. The thermal expansion of the two distinct crystallographic axes was found to be inequivalent. However, the coefficients of cubic expansion are comparable to that in the cubic structure I and II hydrates. The larger thermal expansivity in the clathrate hydrates relative to ice is attributed to the weakening of the host lattice due to the internal pressure generated by the rattling motions of the encaged guests.
Public library facility closure: An investigation of reasons for closure and effects on geographic market areas

Abstract Through a nationwide survey of potential public library closures from 1999–2003 (the most recent federal dataset at the time of the study), the researchers assessed the reasons for public library closure, actions taken to alleviate possible loss of library services and resources, and the potential effects on users from the librarians' perspective. Geographic information systems (GIS) was used to analyze the demographics and socioeconomics of the geographic market areas around permanently closed library facilities and compared with national averages from the 2000 U.S. Census. The study found a variety of factors lead to closure; however, a lack of use, a sudden reduction in funding, and the opening of another library facility were the most common closure reasons. The actions taken by the community or library system to alleviate the loss of library services and resources depended on the circumstances of each closure. The geographic market areas around permanently closed facilities tended to include poorer and less educated patrons, and more renters than homeowners when compared to the national average from the 2000 U.S. Census. The study presents a methodology using GIS to describe libraries' geographic market areas and illustrates the need for further exploration into reasons for public library closures and the effects of facility site location, relocation, and permanent closure on potential users.
Coping With Negative Emotions in Purchase-Related Situations

We investigate how consumers manage stressful emotional experiences in purchase-related situations. Eight coping strategies that consumers may use to deal with stressful incidents are distinguished and hypotheses are formulated about which coping strategies are linked to each of four different negative emotions (anger, disappointment, regret, and worry). The findings indicate that distinct strategies are employed by consumers to cope with different emotions, or the problem that caused these emotions, and that the emotion-coping relations are generalizable across two samples of respondents.
Optical anisotropy in pulsed laser deposited a-GeSe2 thin films

Abstract Optical anisotropy was observed by differential polarized optical transmission measurements using polarized 633 nm (sub-bandgap), low incident power (0.9 mW) light on a-GeSe2 thin (
The comparative effectiveness of pairing aversive imagery with relaxation, neutral tasks and muscular tension in reducing snake phobia.

Abstract Fifty females matched on their pre-treatment fear of a live snake were randomly assigned to five groups of which two were no-treatment (NT) and pseudodesensitization (PD) controls. The three experimental groups were exposed to 78 recorded and identically worded and timed sequences of aversive imagery paired with relaxation in one group (SSD), neutral tasks (ANT) in another, and muscular tension (AMT) in the third, in accordance with a scheduled form of desensitization described previously (Nawas, Fishman and Pucel, 1969). Treatment was massed, in the sense that each of the 78 pairs took 2 min to present and all treatment was completed in five long sessions. The results revealed (1) highly significant reduction ( p p muscular relaxation to desensitization. Systematic desensitization was reformulated in Guthrian terms to accommodate these and other findings.
A gene necessary for normal male courtship, yellow, acts downstream of fruitless in the Drosophila melanogaster larval brain.

The fruitless (fru) gene is a member of the Drosophila melanogaster somatic sex determination genetic pathway. Although it has been hypothesized that the primary function of fru is to regulate a genetic hierarchy specifying development of adult male courtship behavior, genes acting downstream of fru have not yet been identified. Here we demonstrate that the yellow (y) gene is genetically downstream of fru in the 3rd-instar larval brain. Yellow protein is present at elevated levels in neuroblasts, which also show expression of male-specific FRU proteins, compared to control neuroblasts without FRU. A location for y downstream of fru in a genetic pathway was experimentally demonstrated by analysis of fru mutants lacking transcription of zinc-finger DNA binding domains, and of animals with temporal, spatial, or sexual mis-expression of male-specific FRU. A subset of fru and y mutants is known to reduce levels of a specific behavioral component of the male courtship ritual, wing extension, and FRU and Yellow were detected in the general region of the brain whose maleness is necessary for development of that behavior. We therefore hypothesized that ectopic expression of Yellow in the 3rd-instar brain, in a y null background, would rescue low levels of wing extension and male competitive mating success, and this was found to be the case. Overall, these data suggest that y is a downstream member of the fru branch of the D. melanogaster sex determination hierarchy, where it plays a currently unknown role in the development of adult male wing extension during courtship. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 53–72, 2003
Keap1 modification and nuclear accumulation in response to S-nitrosocysteine

Keap1 is a key regulator of the Nrf2 transcription factor, which transactivates the antioxidant response element (ARE) and upregulates numerous proteins involved in antioxidant defense. Under basal conditions, Keap1 targets Nrf2 for ubiquitination and proteolytic degradation and as such is responsible for the rapid turnover of Nrf2. In response to oxidants and electrophiles, Nrf2 is stabilized and accumulates in the nucleus. The mechanism for this effect has been proposed to involve thiol-dependent modulation of Keap1 leading to loss of its ability to negatively regulate Nrf2. We have previously shown that nitric oxide and S-nitrosothiols cause nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and upregulation of the ARE-regulated gene HO-1. Here we show that nitric oxide and S-nitrosocysteine (CSNO) cause time- and dose-dependent Keap1 thiol modification. These studies were carried out in HEK293 cells and in HEK293 cells overexpressing hemagglutinin-tagged Keap1. Furthermore we demonstrate that in response to CSNO Keap1 accumulates in the nucleus with a time course similar to that of Nrf2.
Infectious complications in three double hand recipients: experience from a single center.

Abstract Background Composite tissue allograft (CTA) recipients require high level of immunosuppression and, therefore, are at significant risk to acquire opportunistic infections. Patients and Methods A review of all serious infectious complications in the 3 CTA recipients from the Innsbruck Medical University was performed. Results The most common infection was cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated disease, which developed in all 3 individuals. The CMV match was CMV-positive donor/CMV-negative recipient in the first case and CMV-positive donor/CMV-positive recipient in the other 2. The first 2 patients developed complicated CMV infections despite ganciclovir (GCV) prophylaxis and required treatment with anti-CMV hyperimmunoglobulin, foscarnet, and cidofovir to control infection. The third patient had a mild course of CMV disease after withdrawel of prophylaxis, which was successfully treated with ValGCV. Whereas no major additional infections were observed in the first and third case, the second patient, who experienced multiple steroid-resistent rejections, experienced a variaty of additional infections, including 1 episode of Clostridium difficile–associated colitis (CDAC), a soft tissue infection with Alternaria alternata and an infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), which extensively involved both transplanted forearms. CDAC was successfully treated with metronidazole, Alternaria alternata with liposomal amphotericin B, and itraconazole and HPV lesions with topical cidofovir. Conclusion Rare and difficult to treat infections must be expected in CTA recipients, in particular when donor-derived viruses are introduced in naive recipients and when excessive immunosuppression is required. Meticulous infectious screening and prophylaxis are warranted in these high-risk patients.
Complexation of Creatinine by Synthetic Receptors

Abstract A series of highly preorganized, polyheterocyclic hosts for creatinine has been synthesized. Key receptors bearing intrinsic chromophores are ketones 4 and 9. 1H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to detect extraction of creatinine hydrochloride by 4 into CDCl3 and 5% ethanol/chloroform, respectively. Receptor 9, which has an additional hydrogen-bond donor, binds creatinine in 70 % aq. methanol, as shown by changes in UV-visible absorptions at constant pH∗ (4.3). These hexagonal lattice receptors are the most effective complexing agents known to bind creatinine, which is a clinically important constituent of blood.
UTILITY THEORIES IN FIELD PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICAL ECONOMICS (I)

A NEW and more explicit approach to Field Theory was commenced by Francis Ysidro Edgeworth in 1881. His Mathematical Psychics was a conscious attempt to formulate the Field Analogy with respect to Utility Theory. 'The conception of a man as a pleasure-machine may justify and facilitate the employment of mechanical terms and mathematical reasoning in social science." Edgeworth was attracted by the problem of many bodies in dynamics and by the calculus of variations.2 (Walras' mathematical orientation was towards sectors of the classical calculus.) Edgeworth admired Lagrange, Hamilton, and Maxwell3 who, with the aid of their 'generalised co-ordinates' solved the great problems of maxima. He recognised a magnificent analogy to the human tendency to ' accumulate pleasure under existing conditions'. He devised his model of indifference maps on the pattern of fields of forces and established the fundamental analogy for conditions of equilibrium. 'The direction in which X will prefer to move, the line of force or line of preference, as it may be termed, is perpendicular to the line of indifference.'4 (The mathematical and geometrical parallelisms inherent in this statement were not formalised by Edgewortl.) The most significant advance, consciously drawn by Edgeworth from Field Theory, was his formulation of Utility as a function with several independent variables. Utility depends upon the combination of commodities in one's possession just as the potential function depends on the configurations of all co-ordinates. In 1871, ten years prior to Edgeworth, Stanley Jevons 5 already formulated economics as the ' calculus of pleasure and pain '. The' Hedonimetry' of Edgeworth opened a more accomplished phase in the progress of
SU-FF-T-95: Dosimetric Comparison of Helical TomoTherapy Treatment and Step-And-Shoot Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment On Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of Helical TomoTherapy for stereotactic radiosurgery, and to compare the dose conformity, dose uniformity, and dose gradient between plans of Helical TomoTherapy and step‐and‐shoot intensity‐modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) generated by the NOMOS CORVUS system.. Method and Materials: Thirteen patients with intracranial tumors treated with stereotactic radiosurgery by step‐and‐shoot IMRT were analyzed.Tumor sizes varied from 1.45 cc to 40.78 cc. Two step‐and‐shoot IMRT treatment plans, one (IMRT I) with gantry angle restriction due to the existence of beam stopper at our institute and the other (IMRT II) with those constraints removed, were generated using the CORVUS system. Helical TomoTherapy treatment plans were generated for each case with identical anatomic contouring and prescription. The three plans were compared using dose conformity index, homogeneity index and dose gradient score index. Results:IMRT II plans without field angle constraints resulted in better dose conformity and steeper dose drop‐off outside the targets compared to IMRT I with beam stopper restriction. Statistical analysis showed that TomoTherapy plans were better compared to the two step‐and‐shoot IMRT plans by dosimetric study. The average dose conformity index for TomoTherapy is 1.33 (range: 1.14 – 1.60). For IMRT II plans, it is 1.39 (range: 1.17 – 1.89). The dose gradient score index, with 100 being optimal, is 37.3 (range: 16.5 – 52.7) for TomoTherapy plans, and 18.9 (range: −31.1 – 36.2) for IMRT II. Dose homogeneity index does not show statistical difference for the three treatment plans. The average treatment time for TomoTherapy plans is 47 minutes. Conclusion: TomoTherapy treatment planning showed significantly better results compared to the step‐and‐shoot IMRTtreatment planning in dose conformity and dose gradient for intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery. The treatment time using TomoTherapy was comparable to that using step‐and‐shoot IMRT.Conflict of Interest: Research partially supported by TomoTherapy Incorporated.
Fluorocarbon bibenzoxazole polymers: Transitions and thermal stability

The thermomechanical behavior (−180° to 500°C) in nitrogen is reported for two fluorocarbon bibenzoxazole homopolymers and a corresponding copolymer. The dynamic mechanical spectra were generated at low frequencies (∼1 Hz) by an adaptation of the torsional pendulum, torsional braid analysis (TBA), which uses polymer/glass braid composites as specimens. The effects of the variations in molecular structure on physical transitions and thermal stability are discussed. Of particular interest are the specific submolecular assignments for the two glassy-state transitions (T < Tg) found for each polymer.
Stabilization and remodeling of the membrane skeleton during lens fiber cell differentiation and maturation.

Actin filaments are integral components of the plasma membrane-associated cytoskeleton (membrane skeleton) and are believed to play important roles in the determination of cell polarity, shape, and membrane mechanical properties, however the roles of actin regulatory proteins in controlling the assembly, stability, and organization of actin filaments in the membrane skeleton are not well understood. Tropomodulin is a tropomyosin and actin-binding protein that stabilizes tropomyosin-actin filaments by capping their pointed ends and is associated with the spectrin-actin membrane skeleton in erythrocytes, skeletal muscle cells, and lens fiber cells, a specialized epithelial cell type. In this study, we have investigated the role of tropomodulin and other membrane skeleton components in lens fiber cell differentiation and maturation. Our results demonstrate that tropomodulin is expressed concomitantly with lens fiber cell differentiation and assembles onto the plasma membrane only after fiber cells have begun to elongate and form apical-apical contacts with the undifferentiated epithelium. In contrast, other membrane skeleton components, spectrin, actin, and tropomyosin, are constitutively expressed and assembled on the plasma membranes of both undifferentiated and differentiated fiber cells. Tropomodulin, but not other membrane skeleton components, is also enriched at a novel structure at the apical and basal ends of newly elongated fiber cells at the fiber cell-epithelium and fiber cell-capsule interface, respectively. Once assembled, tropomodulin and its binding partners, tropomyosin and actin, remain membrane-associated and are not proteolyzed during fiber cell maturation and aging, despite proteolysis of α-spectrin and other cytoskeletal filament systems such as microtubules and intermediate filaments. We propose that actin filament stabilization by tropomodulin, coupled with partial proteolysis of other cytoskeletal components, represents a programmed remodeling of the lens membrane skeleton that may be essential to maintain plasma membrane integrity and transparency of the extremely elongated, long-lived cells of the lens. The unique localization of tropomodulin at fiber cell tips further suggests a new role for tropomodulin at cell-cell and cell-substratum contacts; this may be important for cell migration and/or adhesion during differentiation and morphogenesis. Dev Den;217:257–270. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
White Matter Integrity and Executive Abilities in Individuals with Phenylketonuria

Previous studies have revealed white matter abnormalities in the brains of individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), but the microstructural nature of these abnormalities and their relationship to phenylalanine (Phe) levels and cognitive outcomes are poorly understood. In the current study, the microstructural integrity of white matter in 29 individuals with early-treated PKU and 12 healthy controls was examined using two complementary diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) approaches: region-of-interest (ROI) based analysis and voxel-wise tract based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis. Relationships among DTI, executive abilities, and Phe level findings were explored. DTI revealed widespread lowering of mean diffusivity (MD) in the white matter of the PKU group in comparison with the control group. Executive abilities were also poorer for individuals with PKU than controls. Within the PKU group, lower MD was associated with higher Phe level and poorer executive abilities. These findings are the first to demonstrate the interplay among microstructural white matter integrity, executive abilities, and Phe control in individuals with PKU.
Extent of plasma protein binding of amphetamine in different species.

The extent of plasma protein binding of amphetamine in different species was determined in vitro by the equilibrium dialysis technique using 3H-d-amphetamine sulphate and liquid scintillation counting. The per cent of amphetamine bound to plasma proteins was independent of drug concentration within the range of concentrations studied, that is 2·5 × 10−7M to 4·0 × 10−6 M. Protein binding was determined in pony, goat, swine, dog, cat, monkey, rabbit, opossum, rat, mouse, human and chicken plasmas at a drug concentration of 1·0 × 10−6 M. The extent of binding was less than 45 per cent in all species but varied significantly among species (F-test, P < 0·01). Protein binding of this base appears to be associated with plasma albumin; there was no binding to 3 per cent equine or procine gamma globulin or to 2 per cent ovalbumin. The extent of protein binding (mean ± S.E.) in intact (23·1% ± 1·7) and nephrectomized uremie (24·3% ± 1·5) dogs was not significantly different. The non-protein bound drug appeared to diffuse freely into cerebrospinal and ocular fluids. The extent of protein binding was independent of drug concentration, similar in normal and uremie plasmas and significantly different among several species. These properties pose the interesting question as to the nature of the binding.
NetSeed: a network-based reverse-ecology tool for calculating the metabolic interface of an organism with its environment

UNLABELLED: NetSeed is a web tool and Perl module for analyzing the topology of metabolic networks and calculating the set of exogenously acquired compounds. NetSeed is based on the seed detection algorithm, developed and validated in previous studies. AVAILABILITY: The NetSeed web-based tool, open-source Perl module, examples and documentation are freely available online at: http://depts.washington.edu/elbogs/NetSeed.
Structure and geometry of water adsorbed on the MgO(100) surface

Adsorption of D2O on the MgO(100)/Mo(100) surface has been studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD), reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). The epitaxially grown MgO(100) films show virtually identical water TPD spectra as the single crystal MgO(100) surface. The first, chemisorbed layer is adsorbed with the plane of the molecule nominally parallel to the surface. A (3 × 2) LEED pattern with missing spots at (0, 12) was also observed. Based on the LEED and RAIRS results, a real space structure for the D2O adsorption on the MgO(100) surface is proposed. This structure implies an absolute coverage of 0.67 ML (D2O molecules per Mg cation) for the first, chemisorbed layer.
Investigation and Modeling of Fluorine Co-Implantation Effects on Dopant Redistribution

A comprehensive model is developed from ab-initio calculations to understand the effects of co-implanted fluorine (F) on boron (B) and phosphorus (P) under sub-amorphizing and amorphizing conditions. The depth of the amorphous-crystalline interface and the implant depth of F are the key parameters to understand the interactions. Under sub-amorphizing conditions, B and P diffusion are enhanced, in contrast to amorphized regions where the model predicts retarded diffusion. This analysis predicts the F effect on B and P to be entirely due to interactions of F with point-defects.
Self-powered advanced meter design for smart grid

A universal GPS synchronized meter is presented, intended for use in smart grid applications. A high fidelity real time monitoring system that enables full awareness of the system status and the operating conditions is achieved. The meter consists of an energy harvester, voltage and current sensors, a GPS receiver, a microprocessor, and a wireless communication component. The device makes use of the magnetic field around the power line to be self-powered. Here a design of the energy harvester is shown, which takes into consideration installation, size, and cost for a practical usage in the smart grid. In addition, a voltage sensor and a current sensor that can measure the magnitude and the phase angle of the corresponding waveform are used. The whole system also combines a GPS receiver, a microprocessor, and a RF communication component to enable a synchronized time and position stamp and a two-way communication of the measured data.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Induce Colorectal Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Suppressing 14-3-3ε

To determine the role of 14-3-3 in colorectal cancer apoptosis induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), we evaluated the effects of sulindac on 14-3-3epsilon protein expression in colorectal cancer cells. Sulindac sulfide inhibited 14-3-3epsilon proteins in HT-29 and DLD-1 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Sulindac sulfone at 600 mumol/L inhibited 14-3-3epsilon protein expression in HT-29. Indomethacin and SC-236, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, exerted a similar effect as sulindac. Sulindac suppressed 14-3-3epsilon promoter activity. As 14-3-3epsilon promoter activation is mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta), we determined the correlation between 14-3-3epsilon inhibition and PPARdelta suppression by NSAIDs. Sulindac sulfide inhibited PPARdelta protein expression and PPARdelta transcriptional activity. Overexpression of PPARdelta by adenoviral transfer rescued 14-3-3epsilon proteins from elimination by sulindac or indomethacin. NSAID-induced 14-3-3epsilon suppression was associated with reduced cytosolic Bad with elevation of mitochondrial Bad and increase in apoptosis which was rescued by Ad-PPARdelta transduction. Stable expression of 14-3-3epsilon in HT-29 significantly protected cells from apoptosis. Our findings shed light on a novel mechanism by which NSAIDs induce colorectal cancer apoptosis via the PPARdelta/14-3-3epsilon transcriptional pathway. These results suggest that 14-3-3epsilon is a target for the prevention and therapy of colorectal cancer.
Growth rates in culture of several species of Sargassum from Florida, USA

When suitable substrate is present, benthic species of the brown algal genus Sargassum are often pre-dominant components of shallow subtidal communities in tropical and subtropical waters (Tsuda, 1972; Wanders, 1976; Connor & Adey, 1977; Cordero, 1981; Morrissey, 1980). Such is the case in shallow subtidal areas of Florida and Caribbean waters where at least twelve benthic species of Sargassum occur (Taylor, 1960). In addition, two pelagic species, S. fluitans Borgesen and S. natans (Linnaeus) Gaillon, can form large accumulations in the Sargasso Sea, the Gulf Stream, and the Gulf of Mexico, although the average standing crop of these species over these vast areas is quite low (Parr, 1939). Most previous investigators (e.g., Howard & Menzies, 1969; Carpenter & Cox, 1974; Blake & Johnson, 1976; Mann et al., 1980) believe that the productivity of pelagic Sargassum is quite low, but recent research (Lapointe, 1986) has demonstrated that the growth rate and productivity of these species can be much higher than previously reported, with rates approximating those of productive benthic macroalgae.
Response to intra-arterial and combined intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy in patients with distal internal carotid artery occlusion.

Background and Purpose — The objective of this study was to determine the clinical features, angiographic findings, and response to treatment with thrombolytic therapy in patients with ischemic stroke caused by acute occlusion of the distal internal carotid artery. Methods — This is a retrospective case series from a prospectively collected stroke database for patients with acute internal carotid occlusion presenting within 6 hours of stroke onset to evaluate safety, feasibility, and response to thrombolytic therapy. The University Hospital–based brain attack database was reviewed over a 5-year period. Demographics, clinical features, stroke mechanisms, severity, imaging findings, type of thrombolysis, treatment responses, mortality, and long-term outcome using modified Rankin Scale and Barthel Index were determined. The short-term outcome was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Acute thrombolytic therapy was administered using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator or urokinase given intra-arterially or in combination with intravenous (IV) routes. Results — Two hundred seven patients treated with thrombolysis between 1995 and 2000 were reviewed, and of these, 101 were studied with cerebral angiography. Eighteen patients were identified with acute ischemic stroke and ipsilateral occlusion of the distal internal carotid artery. Time to treatment was the most powerful predictor of response to thrombolytic therapy ( P <0.001). The response to therapy also correlated well with the severity of the initial clinical deficit as judged by the NIHSS ( P <0.001). There was no difference in recanalization rate, symptomatic hemorrhage, and NIHSS for IV/intra-arterial (IA) versus IA alone ( P =NS). Complete angiographic recanalization was accomplished in 80% of those who received combined IV/IA thrombolysis and in 62% of those who received IA therapy ( P =NS). Those with distal occlusions extending to the middle and anterior cerebral arteries were the least likely to respond to thrombolysis. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 20% of the patients receiving IV/IA therapy, and in 15% of the IA only ( P =NS). At 24 hours, the NIHSS dropped by 3 points in the IA group and 4 points in the IV/IA group ( P =NS). Mild disability with independence was found in 77% of the survivors at 3-month follow-up. The mortality rate was 50% in this group despite thrombolysis. Conclusions — Thrombolytic therapy using a combination of IV and IA routes and using the IA-only route may be effective in improving outcome for the patients suffering from occlusion of the distal internal carotid artery. Shorter intervals between onset and treatment seem to be correlated with higher rate of recanalization and improved outcome.
Rapid fluorescent screening for bifunctional amine-acid catalysts: efficient syntheses of quaternary carbon-containing aldols under organocatalysis.

Direct catalytic aldol reactions of α,α-dialkylaldehyde donors and arylaldehyde acceptors have been performed using pyrrolidine−acetic acid bifunctional catalysts. This general and practical amine−acid combination was identified by screening catalysts using a new fluorescent detection system for carbon−carbon bond formation. Using 0.05 equiv of pyrrolidine and 0.25 equiv of acetic acid as catalyst, we obtained α,α-dialkylaldol product in 96% yield after 2 h at ambient temperature. Proline was a poor catalyst of this reaction.