cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-337: Treatment Planning Study of Craniospinal Irradiation with Spot Scanning Proton Therapy

Purpose: To develop a treatment planning technique that achieves optimal robustness against systematic position and range uncertainties, and interfield position errors for craniospinal irradiation (CSI) using spot scanning proton radiotherapy. Methods: Eighteen CSI patients who had previously been treated using photon radiation were used for this study. Eight patients were less than 10 years old. The prescription dose was 23.4Gy in 1.8Gy fractions. Two different field arrangement types were investigated: 1 posterior field per isocenter and 2 posterior oblique fields per isocenter. For each field type, two delivery configurations were used: 5cm bolus attached to the treatment table and a 4.5cm range shifter located inside the nozzle. The target for each plan was the whole brain and thecal sac. For children under the age of 10, all plan types were repeated with an additional dose of 21Gy prescribed to the vertebral bodies. Treatment fields were matched by stepping down the dose in 10% increments over 9cm. Robustness against 3% and 3mm uncertainties, as well as a 3mm inter-field error was analyzed. Dose coverage of the target and critical structure sparing for each plan type will be considered. Ease of planning and treatment delivery was also considered for each plan type. Results: The mean dose volume histograms show that the bolus plan with posterior beams gave the best overall plan, and all proton plans were comparable to or better than the photon plans. The plan type that was the most robust against the imposed uncertainties was also the bolus plan with posterior beams. This is also the plan configuration that is the easiest to deliver and plan. Conclusion: The bolus plan with posterior beams achieved optimal robustness against systematic position and range uncertainties, as well as inter-field position errors.
Effect of size and shape on modulus of deformability

Abstract The effect of size and shape on the modulus of deformability was investigated and the analysis was extended to irregularly shaped cross-sections. Cylindrical specimens of raw potatoes with diameters (D) of 8.6 and 12.4 mm, heights (L) L = D and L = D / 2 and water activity 0.94 were used as test materials. Their modulus of deformability was evaluated from a compression test. Multiplying the linear region moduli obtained from the stress–strain curves, by a modification factor of D/4L yielded a size-independent modulus. D/4L represents the ratio of the stress-bearing cross-sectional area that accounts for expansion to the stress-free surface area that accounts for material compressibility. The concept was further applied to samples with irregularly shaped cross-sections. Force–deformation data for these samples were converted to stress–strain data by using the cross-sectional area of the silhouettes of the samples. Modulus of deformability was evaluated from the stress–strain data and modified by multiplying with Df/4L where Df is the ferret diameter of the stress-bearing cross-section. Moduli of deformability for the irregularly shaped samples were found to behave similar to their cylindrical counterparts. This type of analysis should help to obviate the need for any other correction procedure and make comparative evaluation of deformation moduli more meaningful.
Simultaneous high- and low-angle particle impact during wear of metering blades used in paper coating

Coating blades are used in the paper industry to meter off the excess coating applied to the paper. They are essential in attaining high-quality coating films with minimum operating cost. During the coating process, the blades are worn down at the tip and are replaced when the coating quality degrades. The objectives of this study are to predict the wear rate of the blades and examine the hypothesis that the blades wear into a quasi-steady-state wear profile, despite both low- and high-angle particle impact. Experimental data and results from finite element simulations are presented for a series of blade materials and suspensions. The approach taken differs considerably from earlier studies, in that it treats blade wear as erosion from the action of the impacting slurry particles rather than abrasion, thus explaining the enhanced wear around the heel. The current approach relies on computer experiments to solve the equations for the liquid flow field, the individual particle motion, the substrate deformation and the eroded volume of the blade, rather than employing empirical relations between wear rates and average fluid velocity. The shear thinning behavior of the coating suspension was properly taken into account. To validate the calculations, blade samples from both a pilot and an off-machine coater were collected at a variety of time intervals. The blade samples aided not only in the establishment of the wear rates and the identification of the wear patterns, but also in the confirmation of the steady-state wear hypothesis that is correctly predicted by the simulations.
Transformation and microinjection

Copyright: © 2006 Thomas C. Evans and contributors. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and contributors reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: tom.evans@uchsc.edu Transformation and microinjection* Thomas C. Evans, ed., Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
A kilohertz frame rate cinemagraphic PIV system for laboratory-scale turbulent and unsteady flows

A kilohertz frame rate cinemagraphic particle image velocimetry (PIV) system has been developed for acquiring time-resolved image sequences of laboratory-scale gas and liquid-phase turbulent flows. Up to 8000 instantaneous PIV images per second are obtained, with sequence lengths exceeding 4000 images. The two-frame cross-correlation method employed precludes directional ambiguity and has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than single-frame autocorrelation or cross-correlation methods, facilitating acquisition of long uninterrupted sequences of valid PIV images. Low and high velocities can be measured simultaneously with similar accuracy by adaptively cross-correlating images with the appropriate time delay. Seed particle illumination is provided by two frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers producing Q-switched pulses at the camera frame rate. PIV images are acquired using a 16 mm high-speed rotating prism camera. Frame-to-frame registration is accomplished by imaging two pairs of crossed lines onto each frame and aligning the digitized image sequence to these markers using image processing algorithms. No flow disturbance is created by the markers because only their image is projected to the PIV imaging plane, with the physical projection device residing outside the flow field. The frame-to-frame alignment uncertainty contributes 2% to the overall velocity measurement uncertainty, which is otherwise comparable to similar film-based PIV methods.
Perceptions of Organizational Politics Scale (POPS): Development and Construct Validation

Organizational politics has been referred to as omnipresent as well as elusive. This elusiveness arises because of the lack of a clear understanding of what constitutes organizational politics. The...
Targeted analysis of whole genome sequence data to diagnose genetic cardiomyopathy.

Background— Cardiomyopathy is highly heritable but genetically diverse. At present, genetic testing for cardiomyopathy uses targeted sequencing to simultaneously assess the coding regions of >50 genes. New genes are routinely added to panels to improve the diagnostic yield. With the anticipated $1000 genome, it is expected that genetic testing will shift toward comprehensive genome sequencing accompanied by targeted gene analysis. Therefore, we assessed the reliability of whole genome sequencing and targeted analysis to identify cardiomyopathy variants in 11 subjects with cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results— Whole genome sequencing with an average of 37× coverage was combined with targeted analysis focused on 204 genes linked to cardiomyopathy. Genetic variants were scored using multiple prediction algorithms combined with frequency data from public databases. This pipeline yielded 1 to 14 potentially pathogenic variants per individual. Variants were further analyzed using clinical criteria and segregation analysis, where available. Three of 3 previously identified primary mutations were detected by this analysis. In 6 subjects for whom the primary mutation was previously unknown, we identified mutations that segregated with disease, had clinical correlates, and had additional pathological correlation to provide evidence for causality. For 2 subjects with previously known primary mutations, we identified additional variants that may act as modifiers of disease severity. In total, we identified the likely pathological mutation in 9 of 11 (82%) subjects. Conclusions— These pilot data demonstrate that ≈30 to 40× coverage whole genome sequencing combined with targeted analysis is feasible and sensitive to identify rare variants in cardiomyopathy-associated genes.
Free Tubulin and cAMP-Dependent Phosphorylation Modulate Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Hepg2 Cells: Possible Role of VDAC

BACKGROUND: Conductance of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in the mitochondrial outer membrane has been proposed to limit mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells and contribute to the Warburg effect. Since tubulin binding and phosphorylation promote VDAC closure, we hypothesized that free tubulin and cAMP-dependent phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA) modulate ΔΨ in cancer cells by regulating VDAC-dependent flux of substrates into mitochondria. Our AIM was to modulate VDAC closure and opening in intact cells by increasing and decreasing endogenous free tubulin and by promoting and blocking PKA activation. METHODS: HepG2 human hepatoma cells were incubated in Hank's solution with 5% CO2/air, and ΔΨ was assessed by confocal microscopy of TMRM. Free and polymerized tubulin was determined using a commercial kit. RESULTS: Myxothiazol (10 μM), a respiratory inhibitor, caused only a slight decrease of (TMRM fluorescence), but subsequent addition of oligomycin (10 μg/ml), a F1-F0-ATPase inhibitor, collapsed ΔΨ nearly completely, showing that inhibition of both respiration and ATPase are required to collapse ΔΨ. Stabilization of microtubules by paclitaxel (10 μM) increased ΔΨ by 60%, whereas disruption by colchicine (10 μM) or nocodazol (10 μM) decreased ΔΨ by 60-70%. Paclitaxel pretreatment prevented the depolarizing effect of colchicine and nocodazol. Dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM) decreased ΔΨ by 45% whereas H89 (1 μM), a specific inhibitor of PKA, increased ΔΨ by 94% and blocked the effect of dibutyryl cAMP. CONCLUSION: Free tubulin and cAMP/PKA-dependent phosphorylation modulate mitochondrial ΔΨ in HepG2 cells, most likely by regulating VDAC conductance. Up and down regulation of ΔΨ by tubulin polymerization/depolarization and PKA dependent phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is consistent with the hypothesis that VDAC is rate-limiting for mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells and responsible, at least in part, for the Warburg effect.
The effect of deformed states in the Ca isotopes

Abstract An attempt is made to explain the low-lying levels of 40 Ca, 41 Ca, 42 Ca and 41 Sc as mixtures of shell-model and deformed states. The deformed states are constructed using the isospin coupling scheme of Zamick, and the matrix elements between spherical and deformed states are calculated using the Hamada-Johnston nucleon-nucleon force. Wave functions are obtained for these states and predicted values for some transition rates and single-particle strengths are compared with experiment.
Fisheries in the East German Länder: some aspects of the integration process

Abstract The unification of Germany in 1990 can be considered as a clear example of all those topics strictly linked to the transition from a centrally planned economy to an open market, also considering that these kind of issues arose there for the first time. This process of deep change created a great number of problems involving all sectors not only of the economy but also of the society in the regions of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), which today still appear as the weaker part of the country. After a formal legal and economic unity, the questions related to how to solve all the problems linked to the political, psychological and social unity still remain unanswered for the great differences between the two German societies. In this article the fishery sector has been used as an example to show the peculiarities of the East German transition towards the market: many governmental programmes have been launched in order to quickly achieve an economic system based on efficiency and environmental sustainability—something that East-Central Europe in general is aiming to achieve at present. The idea of adsorbing the economy of the GDR into the West German model easily and rapidly, forced all the consequences of the process of a quick integration onto a society used to living in a public property system, based on subsidies, and social costs were not sufficiently taken into account. In the fishery sector, as well as in other economic sectors, a concrete reduction in output became one of the first goals to achieve with scarce attention paid to the social effects of these policies. The result was that the reduction in East German producers' income and high unemployment represented a serious heritage for the united Germany and the European Union, making the GDR a sort of laboratory for a transformation towards the market without a transition.
Potential mates analysis and the study of human population structure

Analysis of the size and characteristics of potential mate pools is a powerful technique for assessing the importance of social, demographic, geographic, and other influences on patterns of mating and migration. It is also useful for testing the effects of certain assumptions underlying methods commonly used in studies of population structure. Potential mates analysis has been applied to several different populations. It has clarified some aspects of population structure that have been studied by other means in the past and has uncovered some phenomena not previously recognized. The advantages and limitations of this technique are discussed, and its uses to date are reviewed in light of some current criticisms of human population structure studies.
A multiple feature based particle filter using mutual information maximization

In designing a tracking algorithm, utilizing several different features, e.g., color histogram, gradient histogram and other object descriptors, is preferable to increase robustness of tracking performance. In this paper, we propose a multiple feature fusion framework to improve the tracking by assigning appropriate weights to individual features. The feature weights are optimally obtained by a waterfilling procedure that maximizes mutual information between target object features and query features. Especially, in this paper, we focus on a particle filter tracking implementation of the multiple feature fusion framework. Our experiments show that object tracking with multiple features outperforms single feature based tracking methods and illustrates that the proposed optimal feature weighting increases robustness of multiple-feature based tracking performance.
Insulin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate increase prolactin gene expression through different response pathways.

Abstract Insulin and cAMP stimulate prolactin gene transcription and prolactin-CAT expression in rat pituitary tumor GH cells. Expression of prolactin-CAT construct, pPrl(−173/+75)CAT, is stimulated 10- to 30-fold by either insulin or cAMP Addition of both insulin and cAMP resulted in an additive 20- to 60-fold stimulation. Although the regulatory sequences have not been defined precisely, both insulin and CAMP appear to stimulate transcription of prolactin-CAT expression through possibly identical sequences in the −106 −87 region of the promoter. Insulin mediated increases in prolactin-CAT expression are not ras-dependent in GH4 cells. Thus, a number of experiments were performed to determine that the effects of insulin and CAMP are independent. First, insulin does not stimulate cAMP levels in GH4 cells. Second, CAMP action was inhibited by expression of a mutant regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A that does not bind CAMP and by expression of an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, while insulin action was not affected by expression of these proteins. Thus, although the regulatory sequences for insulin and CAMP may be identical, the effects of insulin and cAMP on the prolactin gene are clearly mediated through distinct response pathways.
An infinite game with topological consequences

Abstract We introduce a two player infinite game for which a winning strategy is preserved by Σ -products and implies the existence of a winning strategy in Gruenhage's W-space game. A space exhibiting a winning strategy is collectionwise normal and countably paracompact. Consequently, a Σ -product of spaces is collectionwise normal if each space possesses a winning strategy. This is a generalization of a well-known result on Σ -products of metrizable spaces. Finally we show certain uniform box products have a winning strategy.
Evaluation of a standardized order form for the withdrawal of life support in the intensive care unit.

Objective:The intensive care unit remains a setting where death is common, and a large proportion of these deaths are preceded by withdrawal of life support. We describe a quality improvement project implementing and evaluating a “withdrawal of life support order form” to improve quality of end-of-l
Chocolate, Women and Empire: A Social and Cultural History

Chocolate, Women and Empire: A Social and Cultural History Emma Robertson Manchester and New York, Manchester University Press, 2009 272 pp., ISBN: 978-0-7190-7777-7 (£60.00 hardback) In this contr...
The Unique Ligand-binding Pocket for the Human Prostacyclin Receptor SITE-DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS AND MOLECULAR MODELING

Abstract The human prostacyclin receptor is a seven-transmembrane α-helical G-protein coupled receptor, which plays important roles in both vascular smooth muscle relaxation as well as prevention of blood coagulation. The position of the native ligand-binding pocket for prostacyclin as well as other derivatives of the 20-carbon eicosanoid, arachidonic acid, has yet to be determined. Through the use of prostanoid receptor sequence alignments, site-directed mutagenesis, and the 2.8-A x-ray crystallographic structure of bovine rhodopsin, we have developed a three-dimensional model of the agonist-binding pocket within the seven-transmembrane (TM) domains of the human prostacyclin receptor. Upon mutation to alanine, 11 of 29 candidate residues within TM domains II, III, IV, V, and VII exhibited a marked decrease in agonist binding. Of this group, four amino acids, Arg-279 (TMVII), Phe-278 (TMVII), Tyr-75 (TMII), and Phe-95 (TMIII), were identified (via receptor amino acid sequence alignment, ligand structural comparison, and computer-assisted homology modeling) as having direct molecular interactions with ligand side-chain constituents. This binding pocket is distinct from that of the biogenic amine receptors and rhodopsin where the native ligands (also composed of a carbon ring and a carbon chain) are accommodated in an opposing direction. These findings should assist in the development of novel and highly specific ligands including selective antagonists for further molecular pharmacogenetic studies of the human prostacyclin receptor.
Computational analysis and system implications of video watermarking applications

The aim of this paper is to analyze the computational requirements of video watermarking algorithms running on PC-based systems and to study their implication for the design of general-purpose processors and systems. Selected watermarking algorithms are analyzed from a computational point of view. Application examples are executed on current general-purpose processor architecture to understand the computational requirements and to detect potential bottlenecks. In addition to this workload analysis, the potential exploitation of data level parallelism through the use of SIMD instructions available on current architectures is evaluated. Thread level parallelism schemes is also studied in current watermarking in order to understand the potential benefit of simultaneous multithreading processors and symmetric multiprocessor systems for such applications. Even if the study of the different watermarking algorithms is crucial to understand the requirements of a system, it is not sufficient. Indeed, watermarking schemes are very often only one kernel in a complete application and the interaction between the watermarking kernel and the rest of the application can highly influence the computational and memory bandwidth requirements of the system. Therefore the example of watermarking detection in a video decoder is used to understand the additional system implications due to the merging of video decoding and watermarking algorithms.
Off-Forward Parton Distributions in 1+1 Dimensional QCD

We use two-dimensional QCD as a toy laboratory to study off-forward parton distributions (OFPDs) in a covariant field theory. Exact expressions (to leading order in 1/N{sub C}) are presented for OFPDs in this model and are evaluated for some specific numerical examples. Special emphasis is placed on comparing the x>{zeta} and x<{zeta} regimes as well as on analyzing the implications for the light-cone description of form factors.
Heuristics and bounds for the travelling salesman location problem on the plane

In this paper we present heuristics for the travelling salesman location problem on the plane with rectilinear or Euclidean distances. For the rectilinear case we show a polynomial heuristic which produces solutions that are at most 50% worse than the optimal solution. For the Euclidean case we present two polynomial heuristics which have a worst-case relative error, respectively, of 0.5 + @e and @/2 (32) - 1.
High activity of K+-dependent plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in hippocampal CA1 neurons.

Ca 2+ influx via reversed K + -dependent (NCK X) and/or K + -independent (NCX) plasmalemmal Na + /Ca 2+ exchangers may play a role in neuronal death following global brain ischemia to which CAI neurons are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, this work tested whether the rates of Ca 2+ influx via reversed NCKX or NCX in cultured rat CAI neurons differ from those in forebrain neurons (FNs) or cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). The NCKX-mediated Ca 2+ influx was several times more rapid in CAI neurons than in FNs or CGCs and was not affected by Na + / Ca 2+ exchange inhibitors, KB-R7943 or bepridil. NCKX reversal inhibitors are not yet available. Their development would greatly facilitate further testing the role of NCKX in ischemic death of CAI neurons.
Regional anesthesia in pediatric surgery: Complications and postoperative comfort level in 174 children

Postoperative pain control (PPC) in children is a difficult management problem. Systemic narcotics often result in respiratory depression, while nonnarcotic analgesics are associated with inconsistent PPC. This report reviews a 29-month (January 1989 through July 1991) experience with 174 children (aged < 18 years) who received regional PPC through indwelling catheters. There were 105 males and 69 females. Patient age ranged from 1 day to 17 years 10 months (mean age, 97 months). All catheters were placed using introduction needles ranging from 24 to 16 gauge. Agents were delivered as either continuous infusion (151 patients, 87%) or bolus injections (23 patients, 13%). Analgesics were age- and weight-determined dosages of bupivacaine with or without narcotic supplementation. All patients had surgical procedures except two who had catheters placed for pain control after trauma and one who had a catheter for intractable abdominal pain of unknown etiology. Twenty-five (15%) children had thoracic incisions, 76 (43%) abdominal, 16 (9%) flank, and 54 (31%) extremity. Catheter placement included 40 thoracic epidurals (23%), 100 lumbar (57%), 27 caudal (16%), and 7 pleural (4%). Catheters were utilized for a duration of 0.5 to 8 days (mean, 2.1 +/- 1.2 days). One hundred forty-four children required no additional pain medications (83%). Thirty (17%) patients required supplemental medications. Acetaminophen was used in 6 (3%), acetaminophen with codeine in 4(2%), morphine in 18 (10%), and Percocet in 1(1%). Minor complications occurred 21 times in 16 children (9%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The reaction kinetics of NO2

The chemistry of NO2. is reviewed. Experimental results from both the liquid and gas phase, and from both aqueous and non-aqueous systems, are used to gain insight into the basic chemistry of this radical.
Fiber-coupled electrical-substitution picowatt cryogenic radiometer

We describe a picowatt cryogenic radiometer (PCR) fabricated lithographically for electrical-substitution optical fiber power measurements. The absorber, electrical heater, and thermometer are all on a micro-machined membrane less than 1mm on a side. The PCR is sensitive to input powers from 50fW to 65pW, has a noise equivalent power of 2 × 10−15W/√Hz, and an effective time constant below 100 ms. A comparison of the response to electrical and optical input powers yields a response standard deviation below ·0.3% (k = 2) for input optical powers of 12pW to 65pW.
Comparison of the prognostic significance of uterine factors and nodal status for endometrial cancer

Objective We examined the prognostic significance of uterine risk factors (RF) compared to nodal metastases in endometrial cancer. Study Design Women with stage I–IIIC endometrioid cancer were stratified based on the presence of positive or negative lymph nodes. Each patient was characterized by the number of RF present: myoinvasion ≥50%, cervical stromal involvement, and grade 3 histology. Results A total of 26,967 women were identified. In a multivariable model, uterine RF strongly influenced survival but nodal disease was a more important negative prognostic factor. Five-year overall survival was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63–72%) for group 1 (node positive/no RF) vs 69% (95% CI, 66–72%) for group 5 (node negative/multiple RF). Five–year survival was lower for node–positive patients with RF (58%; 95% CI, 54–61%) than node–positive patients without RF (68%; 95% CI, 63–72%). Conclusion Uterine RF strongly influenced survival both in the presence and absence of nodal metastasis.
S-matrix for finite quantum field theory in the interaction representation

Abstract Following the theory of shadow states, we construct a unitary S-matrix in the interaction representation for finite quantum field theory with indefinite metric. The unitarity of the S-matrix is proved. Furthermore, we show that the S-matrix in the interaction representation is equivalent to, at least up to a second order perturbation expansion, the S-matrix in the Heisenberg representation formulated by Gleeson and the author.
On the magnetostatic interactions between nanoparticles of arbitrary shape

Abstract The general expression for the magnetostatic energy of two magnetized nanoparticles with arbitrary shape and magnetization state is derived within the framework of a Fourier space approach. It is shown how the standard dipole–dipole interaction, valid for large interparticle distances, should be modified in order to take into account the shape anisotropy of each particle. Explicit computations are given for a simple system of two interacting cylinders. For magnetic nanowires, i.e., cylinders with a very large aspect ratio, a simple derivation shows that the interaction is of monopolar, rather than dipolar, nature.
Doppler echocardiographic assessment of the effect of varying atrioventricular delay and pacemaker mode on left ventricular filling

Pulsed Doppler echocardiography was used to study the timing and dynamics of left ventricular filling in 14 patients with permanent dual-chamber programmable pacemakers. Pacemakers were programmed to atrial sensed (VDD) mode and atrial-ventricular sequential paced mode at low (DVI-L) and high (DVI-H) heart rates, and pulsed Doppler recordings of transmitral flow were analyzed at atrioventricular delays of 50 to 300 msec in each mode. There was a significant decrease in the one-third filling fraction in both VDD and DVI-L modes and a significant increase in DVI-H modes with increasing atrioventricular delay. The ratio of early filling area to atrial filling area was significantly lower at longer atrioventricular delays in both VDD and DVI-L modes. The time from pacemaker spike to mitral valve closure was highly significantly correlated with atrioventricular delay in VDD, DVI-L, and DVI-H modes (r = -0.92, p = 0.0001; r = -0.90, p = 0.0001; and r = -0.85, p = 0.0001, respectively) as was the diastolic filling time to a lesser extent (r = -0.73, p = 0.0001; r = -0.69, p = 0.0001; r = -0.61, p = 0.0001, respectively). Events reflecting atrial systole occurred at a later time in the cardiac cycle in the atrial paced vs the atrial sensed mode. Thus changes in atrioventricular delay and pacemaker mode in this group of patients are a strong determinant of the timing and dynamics of left ventricular filling.
Does snoring intensitivity predict flow limitation or respiratory effort during sleep

Abstract We tested whether snoring sound intensity could be an accurate predictor of the degree of respiratory effort or the decrease of inspiratory volume during partially obstructed breathing in sleep. Six snorers were investigated with nocturnal polygraphic monitoring including measurement of esophageal pressure (Pes), airflow (pneumotachometer and face mask, indicating tidal volume [V t ]), and snoring sound intensity (SSI) measured in decibels. SSI was a poor predictor of fow limitation during snoring. Considerable between-and within-subject variance did not allow establishment of models for the interdependence between V t and SSI. The increase in peak-negative inspiratory efforts was better predicted by SSI. Individual multiple correlation analyses of Pes on SSI indicated a positive interdependence in all subjects. Calculation of ecological correlations with subject means of Pes and SSI was performed. SSI significantly predicted the level of peak-negative inspiratory effort during obstructed, noisy breathing for a given subject. Monitoring of snoring sound intensity maby be a useful indicator identifying subjects performing high peak negative inspiratory efforts with obstructed, noisy breathing during sleep.
A peculiar set of problems in linear structural mechanics

Abstract Peculiar analytical results encountered in the literature on continuously supported structures are pointed out and investigated. They are: (1) for a finite beam which rests on a Winkler foundation and. is centrally loaded by a concentrated force P, the points of separation of beam and base are not affected by the magnitude of the load, and (2) according to the well known solution for an infinite (or a semi-infinite) beam attached to a Winkler foundation and subjected to a concentrated load P, the location of the zero points for deflections and bending moments do not depend on P. Intuitively, it is expected that these entities should depend on the load P. At first, it is shown that these peculiar results are a consequence of the linearity of the respective formulations and that the same feature will also be exhibited for other linear foundation models (for example, the Pasternak model or the elastic continuum). To clarify these analytical features, the above problems are re-analysed by including a non-linearity in the Winkler foundation response. To simplify the analyses, a bi-linear response is used. It was found that: (1) for the finite beam that rests on the base, the intensity of the load does affect the location of the point of separation of beam and base; namely, that an increasing load and a “stiffening” base decrease the region of contact; (2) for the infinite beam that is attached to 'the base the situation is similar; an increasing load and a “stiffening” of the base decrease the distances of the zero locations and reduce the maximum bending moment, whereas for a “softening” base these distances increase as compared to the linear case.
Solution of steady-state, convective transport equation using an upwind finite element scheme

Abstract A new finite element scheme is presented for overcoming the problem of numerical oscillation associated with the steady state convection-diffusion equation when its convective terms are important. This scheme differs from the standard Galerkin scheme in that discretization is performed using a general weighted residual procedure and weighting functions of asymmetric forms which are dependent on the direction of flow velocity along each side of a finite element. These functions are referred to as ‘upwind weighting functions’ and are developed for linear quadrilateral and triangular elements. Numerical results have been obtained for three test examples and compared with the results obtained using the conventional Galerkin procedure. It is shown that in all cases the proposed upwind scheme produces solutions which are oscillation-free and considerably more accurate than the Galerkin solutions provided the recommended procedure for minimizing false or artificial numerical dispersion is used.
Prescribing eyeglass correction for astigmatism in infancy and early childhood: a survey of AAPOS members.

Purpose: To determine prescribing practices of pediatric ophthalmologists for astigmatism and astigmatic anisometropia in infants and young children. Methods: A survey was sent to the 700 North American AAPOS members listed in the 2004 web site directory. Results: A total of 412/700 surveys (59%) were returned. The level of astigmatism at which pediatric ophthalmologists prescribe eyeglasses for astigmatism varies considerably across the age range from birth to 3 years. The level at which 50% would prescribe glasses was ≥4.00 D from 0 to Conclusions: The American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns guidelines accurately reflect prescribing practices of pediatric ophthalmologists for 1- and 2-year-old children for bilateral astigmatism and astigmatic anisometropia. However, the AAO guidelines do not accurately reflect the prescribing practices for children in the 0 to
High density lipoprotein metabolism in a rabbit model of hyperalphalipoproteinemia

The potential utility of an animal model of hyperalphalipoproteinemia for examining the role of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in atherogenesis prompted the current studies. Preliminary data indicated that in rabbits high-coconut oil feeding for 30 days doubled plasma HDL-cholesterol levels, but did not affect lower density lipoproteins (LDL) (d < 1.063 g/ml). Experiments were performed to examine the composition of these HDL and to determine the mechanism for the diet-induced increase in plasma HDL. Rabbits were fed commercial chow or chow plus 14% (w/w) coconut oil and blood samples were collected 18 h after feeding. Compared to chow-fed rabbits, peak levels of HDL-cholesterol were attained within 2 weeks, and coconut oil feeding doubled the plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol, phospholipids and protein for up to 4 months without affecting HDL lipid and apoprotein composition. After 3 months the diet also increased VLDL- (107%) and LDL-cholesterol (40%) levels, but the absolute increases in each of these lipoprotein fractions was less than half of that of HDL. Isotope kinetic studies of 125I-HDL protein indicated a doubled rate of production of HDL and no change in the efficiency of removal of HDL from plasma. These studies demonstrate that in the rabbit high-coconut oil feeding doubles the rate of production and turnover of apparently normal HDL particles. It is proposed that such an animal model could be utilized to examine directly the role of HDL in atherogenesis.
A woman's touch? Gendered management and performance in state administration

Understanding the relationship between organizational performance, gender, and management is crucial to scholars and practitioners alike. In this article, we focus on whether women manage differently than their male counterparts and whether these varied behaviors translate to organizational outcomes. With respect to management activities, we examine internal management as well as external networking patterns with peers and political principals. Through our investigation, we also address a number of theoretical issues related to previous research on management and performance, particularly the work on modeling public management. This analysis offers avenues for expansion, explanation, and evaluation of its theoretical and empirical implications. We find evidence that female managers spend less time on internal management and networking relationships than their male counterparts. We also see that networking with citizens and clientele groups has a positive effect on organization outcomes for men, whereas networking with peers is more beneficial for women.
An ancient provirus has imposed androgen regulation on the adjacent mouse sex-limited protein gene

The mouse sex-limited protein (Slp) gene is dependent on androgen for expression, unlike its homologous neighbor, which encodes the fourth component of complement (C4). We have found that the extensive identity of Slp and C4 is disrupted by an endogenous provirus inserted 2 kb upstream of Slp. The 5' LTR of this element corresponds to the previously characterized hormone-responsive enhancer associated with Slp regulation, leading to the conclusion that the provirus has conferred androgen response on the adjacent Slp gene. The provirus is extremely old, based on LTR sequence divergence, the accumulation of mutations in former retroviral-like coding regions, and its stability within the mouse genome. The association of this transposable element with Slp regulation thus provides a long-sought example of an insertional mutation that has been maintained in evolution.
Spatial regulation of Cdc55–PP2A by Zds1/Zds2 controls mitotic entry and mitotic exit in budding yeast

Budding yeast CDC55 encodes a regulatory B subunit of the PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A), which plays important roles in mitotic entry and mitotic exit. The spatial and temporal regulation of PP2A is poorly understood, although recent studies demonstrated that the conserved proteins Zds1 and Zds2 stoichiometrically bind to Cdc55–PP2A and regulate it in a complex manner. Zds1/Zds2 promote Cdc55–PP2A function for mitotic entry, whereas Zds1/Zds2 inhibit Cdc55–PP2A function during mitotic exit. In this paper, we propose that Zds1/Zds2 primarily control Cdc55 localization. Cortical and cytoplasmic localization of Cdc55 requires Zds1/Zds2, and Cdc55 accumulates in the nucleus in the absence of Zds1/Zds2. By genetically manipulating the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of Cdc55, we showed that Cdc55 promotes mitotic entry when in the cytoplasm. On the other hand, nuclear Cdc55 prevents mitotic exit. Our analysis defines the long-sought molecular function for the zillion different screens family proteins and reveals the importance of the regulation of PP2A localization for proper mitotic progression.
A decentralized team decision problem with an exponential cost criterion

A static decentralized team is represented by the nodes of a network working together to optimize the expected value of an exponential of a quadratic function of the state and control variables. The information consists of known linear functions of the normally distributed state corrupted by additive Gaussian noise. For certain ranges of the system parameters, the stationary condition for optimality is satisfied by a linear decision rule operating on the available information. These stationary conditions reduce to a set of algebraic matrix equations and a matrix inequality condition from which the values of the decision gains are determined. Although the stationary conditions are necessary for the linear control law to be minimizing in the class of nonlinear control laws, sufficiency is obtained for our linear controller to be minimizing in the class of linear control laws. Since the quadratic performance criterion produces the only previously known closed form decentralized decision rule, the exponential criterion is an important generalization.
Hepatic Dysfunction as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Cholestasis is a general feature of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary obstruction by various mechanisms including cirrhosis, stricture, choledocholithiasis, hepatitis, and neoplasms. Neoplasms can directly impinge on the hepatobiliary tree resulting in bile stasis. Stauffer's syndrome is another variant of this neoplastic process that can cause cholestasis and liver enzyme elevation without any direct hepatobiliary obstruction, and is thus categorized as a paraneoplastic syndrome of unclear pathophysiology. We report a first case of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with features of Stauffer's syndrome that reversed completely on androgen deprivation therapy. This is in contrast to a previously reported case of Stauffer's syndrome due to metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, which reversed partially to androgen deprivation therapy. Our case demonstrates the importance of early recognition of Stauffer's syndrome and underlying neoplasms in patients who present with cholestasis without clear evidence of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary obstruction, which may lead to early initiation of treatment.
Ultrasonography of the annular ligament partial tear and recurrent "pulled elbow".

A 2-year-old boy had multiple episodes of radial head subluxation, recurrent “pulled elbow.” On initial ultrasonography, there was subluxation of the radial head in relation to the capitellum, and the annular ligament was partially disrupted. Following brace treatment, subluxation of the radial head was corrected and annular ligament disruption healed. As shown by ultrasonography, these findings correlated well with the clinical course and can be utilized to guide treatment.
Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

Objectives: To provide an overview on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). Data Sources: Published articles, book chapters, and research reports. Conclusions: MESCC is a common oncologic emergency that requires prompt recognition and emergency treatment to relieve pain and preserve neurologic function. The signs and symptoms of MESCC are easily detected and can be integral assessment components of the nursing care of any patient with a solid tumor. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nurses can have a dramatic impact on preventing neurologic complications caused by this oncologic metastatic problem. When neurologic compromise is not prevented or reversed, nurses also can provide expert care to patients and families in the rehabilitation phase of MESCC.
Correctly estimating how environmental stochasticity influences fitness and population growth.

Abstract: Increased temporal variance in life‐history traits is generally predicted to decrease individual fitness and population growth. We show that a widely used result of stochastic sensitivity analysis that bolsters this generality is flawed because it ignores the effects of correlations between vital rates. Considering the effects of these correlations (although ignoring autocorrelations), we show that the apparently simple relationship between vital rate variance and fitness can be considerably more complex than previously thought. In particular, the previously estimated negative sensitivities of fitness or population growth to variance in a vital rate can be either enhanced by positive correlations between rates or reversed by negative correlations, even to the point that variability in a rate can increase fitness or population growth. We apply this new sensitivity calculation to data from the desert tortoise and discuss its interpretation in light of the factors generating vital rate correlations.
Birth Cohort Effect on Prevalence of Age-related Maculopathy in the Beaver Dam Eye Study

The number of people in the United States with age-related maculopathy is increasing in recent years because of increasing longevity. However, it is possible that a birth cohort effect, due to different levels of exposure to risk factors, may explain changes in the prevalence of age-related maculopathy by age. In this report, the authors utilize data from the population-based Beaver Dam Eye Study (1988-2000) to examine this possibility. They propose a strategy to handle issues of longitudinal measurements and risk factor adjustment for analyzing the birth cohort effect. Results from the analysis (after adjusting for known risk factors) showed an apparent independent birth cohort effect on age-related maculopathy. The authors also found a strong positive association between age-related maculopathy and age, when comparing participants from the same birth cohort. The birth cohort effect was the same across different age groups, except for early age-related maculopathy, where older age increased the association. Our findings demonstrate that the birth cohort effect is likely attributable to unmeasured risk factors for age-related maculopathy and limitations of risk factor measurements. Further study of possible unmeasured risk factors that cause the cohort effect may help us understand the etiology of the disease.
Open-field behavior of C57BL/6J mice: Effect of illumination, age, and number of test days

C57BL/6J mice were tested at either 50 or 100 days of age under one of two illumination levels in the open field for 10 consecutive days. Analysis of activity scores revealed a reliable Age by Illumination interaction, indicating that illumination had different effects at the two ages. Overall defecation scores formed an inverted U-shaped function over test days, with defecation increasing through the 6th test day, but then decreasing over the remaining days. The results of this study show the importance of testing Ss at several different ages and under several stimulus conditions before making general conclusions about the behavior of a particular strain.
Discovery of new genes and deletion editing in Physarum mitochondria enabled by a novel algorithm for finding edited mRNAs

Gene finding is complicated in organisms that exhibit insertional RNA editing. Here, we demonstrate how our new algorithm Predictor of Insertional Editing (PIE) can be used to locate genes whose mRNAs are subjected to multiple frameshifting events, and extend the algorithm to include probabilistic predictions for sites of nucleotide insertion; this feature is particularly useful when designing primers for sequencing edited RNAs. Applying this algorithm, we successfully identified the nad2, nad4L, nad6 and atp8 genes within the mitochondrial genome of Physarum polycephalum, which had gone undetected by existing programs. Characterization of their mRNA products led to the unanticipated discovery of nucleotide deletion editing in Physarum. The deletion event, which results in the removal of three adjacent A residues, was confirmed by primer extension sequencing of total RNA. This finding is remarkable in that it comprises the first known instance of nucleotide deletion in this organelle, to be contrasted with nearly 500 sites of single and dinucleotide addition in characterized mitochondrial RNAs. Statistical analysis of this larger pool of editing sites indicates that there are significant biases in the 2 nt immediately upstream of editing sites, including a reduced incidence of nucleotide repeats, in addition to the previously identified purine-U bias.