cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain metastases treated with radiosurgery alone: an alternative to whole brain radiotherapy?

OBJECTIVE: Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) provides benefit for patients with brain metastases but may result in neurological toxicity for patients with extended survival times. Stereotactic radiosurgery in combination with WBRT has become an important approach, but the value of WBRT has been questioned. As an alternative to WBRT, we managed patients with stereotactic radiosurgery alone, evaluated patients' outcomes, and assessed prognostic factors for survival and tumor control. METHODS: One hundred seventy-two patients with brain metastases were managed with radiosurgery alone. One hundred twenty-one patients were evaluable with follow-up imaging after radiosurgery. The median patient age was 60.5 years (age rang, 16-86 yr). The mean marginal tumor dose and volume were 18.5 Gy (rarige, 11-22 Gy) and 4.4 ml (range, 0.1-24.9 ml). Eighty percent of patients had solitary tumors. RESULTS: The overall median survival time was 8 months. The median survival time in patients with no evidence of primary tumor disease or stable disease was 13 and 11 month. The local tumor control rate was 87%. At 2 years, the rate of local control, remote brain control, and total intracranial control were 75, 41, and 27%, respectively. in multivariate analysis, advanced primary tumor status (P = 0.0003), older age (P = 0.008), lower Karnoisky Performance Scale score (P = 0.01), and malignant melanoma (P = 0.005) were significant for pooser survival. The median survival time was 28 months for patients younger than 60 years of age, with Karnofsky Performance Scale score of at least 90, and whose primary tumor status showed either no evidence of disease or stable disease. Tumor volume (P = 0.02) alone was significant for local tumor control, whereas no factor affected remote or intracranial tumor control. Eleven patients developed complications. six of which were persistent. Nineteen (16.5%) of 116 patients in whom the cause of death was obtained died as a result of causes related to brain metastasis. CONCLUSION: Brain metastases were controlled well with radiosurgery alone as initial therapy. We advocate that WBRT should not be part of the initial treatment protocol for selected patients with one or two tumors with good control of their primary cancer, better Karnofsky Performance Scale score, and younger age, all of which are predictors of longer survival.
The intrinsic antimicrobial activity of selected sclerosing agents in sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND. Detergent sclerosing agents may have intrinsic antimicrobial properties. In addition, they may have synergistic effects with other antibiotics such as penicillin. They may induce suppression of intrinsic resistance to penicillin in Staphylococcus aureus. OBJECTIVE. It is in this setting that the present study was carried out in order to determine the degree of suppression of resistance to methicillin and oxacillin in S. aureus by two detergent sclerosing solutions. METHODS. Four strains of S. aureus including a quality control strain were isolated. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Sotradecol 1.0% and Polidocanol 0.5% were determined in Mueller Hinton Broth. These dilutions were subsequently seeded with 10 5 organisms of the strain of S. aureus being tested. Serial dilutions of penicillin were made and then the sclerosing agents were added in the appropriate dilutions. RESULTS. Sotradecol 1.0% produced a MIC of 1/64 in two strains of S. aureus and 1/128 in two other variant strains. Polidocanol 0.5% produced a MIC of 1/64 against two strains of S. aureus and an MIC of 1/8 and 1/4 with two other variant strains. In addition, in three of the four S. aureus strains both sclerosing agents had synergistic activity with penicillin and augmented its activity approximately 16-fold. CONCLUSION. This study presents the first successful modification in which detergent sclerosing solutions influence methicillin resistance in a Staphylococcal species. This points out a new potential therapeutic indication for this class of agents.
Intraperitoneal Photoimmunotherapy of Ovarian Carcinoma Xenografts in Nude Mice Using Charged Photoimmunoconjugates

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of photoimmunoconjugates with cationic and anionic molecular charges on intraperitoneal photoimmunotherapy of ovarian cancer xenografts in nude mice. Methods. The photosensitizer chlorin e6 (c e6 ) was conjugated via a poly-l-lysine linker to the F(ab′) 2 fragment of the murine anti-ovarian cancer monoclonal antibody OC125, resulting in a photoimmunoconjugate with a pronounced cationic charge. Alternatively, by succinylating the poly-l-lysine conjugate, a photoimmunoconjugate with a pronounced anionic charge was obtained. A murine model of ovarian cancer derived from intraperitoneal inoculation of NIH:OVCAR-5 cells was employed. The conjugate was injected intraperitoneally followed after 3 h by red light delivered through a fiber into the peritoneal cavity. These photoimmunotherapy treatments were repeated three times, and the results obtained with the anionic and cationic photoimmunoconjugates were compared with those obtained with free c e6 and control. The extent of residual macroscopic disease and death from disease were the evaluable outcomes for tumoricidal and survival studies, respectively. Results. In contrast to other intraperitoneal photosensitizers, mice showed no systemic toxicity or morbidity from the treatment. In this initial study the mean residual tumor weights in all treatment groups ranged from 33 to 73 mg, as compared with 330 mg in untreated controls ( P e6 ( P P = 0.009). Conclusion. Photoimmunotherapy with a cationic photoimmunoconjugate produces results superior to those obtained with an anionic conjugate, and further optimization of the treatment regimen may lead to a potential treatment for advanced ovarian cancer.
Highly concentrated ceramic bonding suspensions. Mechanism and features of structure formation during drying

Using as an example castings of VKVS of acid and acid-amphoteric compositions we studed the main rules governing their structure formation in the process of drying. The drying process at the first stage (reduction in moisture content by 0.5–1.2%) is characterized by shrinkage (0.05–0.3%), and in the latter stages by a gradual expansion 0.017–0.08%). We established a relationship between the various factors of dispersion in the VKVS and the expansion of the castings based on them, and showed that a decisive influence on the magnitude of the expansion is exerted by the concentration in the suspension of particles measuring less than 0.1 μm. We put forward a scheme for structure formation during drying of the casting, including three stages: shrinkage of the casting on account of the removal of physical-mechanical moisture; expansion of the casting on account of the action of repulsive forces between the colloidal particles, developing with an increase in the concentration of the latter, in the intergrain spaces, during removal of moisture; and finally the strengthening of the developed contacts on account of the formation of siloxane bonds. During the making of the goods based on VKVS we should take into consideration the stresses developing on account of the nonsimuitaneous occurrence of the processes of expansion and shrinkage across the thickness of the casting, and we need to select grinding and dispersion factors for the VKVS, bearing in mind the dimensions an required technical properties of the articles.
Coherence and Correspondence Competence: Implications for Elicitation and Aggregation of Probabilistic Forecasts of World Events

One potentially useful concept that arises in the elicitation and aggregation of probabilistic forecasts is Hammond’s (1996) distinction between coherence and correspondence. A study was conducted to test the commonly held assumption that coherence competency, a judge’s ability to reason correctly according to the prescriptions demanded by the problem, directly yields correspondence competency, a judge’s ability to predict the outcome that actually happens in the external world. The role of a visualization aid in terms of moderating these effects was also examined. Participants who were knowledgeable baseball fans predicted the probability with which their favored team would win the 2011 Major League Baseball World Series, giving a prior probability shortly before the start of the Series, and then sequentially updating their answer as the individual games unfolded over time. Results show that for participants using the visualization, their ability to update probabilities according to the dictates of Bayes...
Additivity of isotope effects for successive deuteration in the deacetylation of acetyl-α-chymotrypsin

Abstract α-Chymotrypsin, converted to the acetyl enzyme by the p-nitrophenyl esters of CH3COOH, CH2DCOOH, CHD2COOH, and CD3COOH, undergoes deacetylation at pH 7.6 (phosphate buffer) and 25°C with secondary isotope effects of k( CH 3 ) k( CH 2 D ) = 0.985 ± 0.006 , k( CH 3 ) k( CHD 2 ) = 0.971 ± 0.010 , and k( CH 3 ) k( CD 3 ) = 0.956 ± 0.008 . These isotope effects obey the simple additivity rule (“Rule of the Geometric Mean”) to within 20 J/mol, corresponding to about 5–6% of the maximum isotope effect for carbonyl addition. Thus, to this level, the three hydrogenic sites of the acetyl group are not rendered distinct in their contributions to the overall isotope effect even in the chiral environment of the chymotrypsin active site.
Operator-based and random mutant selection: better together

Mutation testing is a powerful methodology for evaluating the quality of a test suite. However, the methodology is also very costly, as the test suite may have to be executed for each mutant. Selective mutation testing is a well-studied technique to reduce this cost by selecting a subset of all mutants, which would otherwise have to be considered in their entirety. Two common approaches are operator-based mutant selection, which only generates mutants using a subset of mutation operators, and random mutant selection, which selects a subset of mutants generated using all mutation operators. While each of the two approaches provides some reduction in the number of mutants to execute, applying either of the two to medium-sized, real-world programs can still generate a huge number of mutants, which makes their execution too expensive. This paper presents eight random sampling strategies defined on top of operator-based mutant selection, and empirically validates that operator-based selection and random selection can be applied in tandem to further reduce the cost of mutation testing. The experimental results show that even sampling only 5% of mutants generated by operator-based selection can still provide precise mutation testing results, while reducing the average mutation testing time to 6.54% (i.e., on average less than 5 minutes for this study).
The SGOT/SGPT ratio--an indicator of alcoholic liver disease.

The SGOT/SGPT ratio is significantly elevated in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis (2.85±0.2) compared with patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis (1.74±0.2), chronic hepatitis (1.3±0.17), obstructive jaundice (0.81±0.06) and viral hepatitis (0.74 ±0.07). An SGOT/SGPT ratio greater than 2 is highly suggestive of alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. It occurs in 70% of these patients compared with 26% of patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis, 8% with chronic hepatitis, 4% with viral hepatitis and none with obstructive jaundice.
Grammars, Words, and Embodied Meanings: On the Uses and Evolution of So and Like

L'A. examine un mot allemand (so) et un mot anglais americain (like), dont l'usage accompagne un comportement non verbal du locuteur, un mouvement du corps, lui assignant un role semantique et syntaxique. Ces marqueurs prototypiques du jeu corporel dans l'interaction sont analyses dans des enregistrements video de conversations
Post-translational modifications of aquaporin 0 (AQP0) in the normal human lens: spatial and temporal occurrence.

Because of the lack of protein turnover in fiber cells of the ocular lens, Aquaporin 0 (AQP0), the most abundant membrane protein in the lens, undergoes extensive post-translational modification with fiber cell age. To map the distribution of modified forms of AQP0 within the lens, normal human lenses ranging in age from 34 to 38 were concentrically dissected into several cortical and nuclear sections. Membrane proteins still embedded in the membranes were digested with trypsin, and the resulting C-terminal peptides of AQP0 were analyzed by HPLC tandem mass spectrometry, permitting the identification of modifications and estimation of their abundance. Consistent with earlier reports, the major phosphorylation site was Ser 235, and the major sites of backbone cleavage occurred at residues 246 and 259. New findings suggest that cleavage at these sites may be a result of nonenzymatic truncation at asparagine residues. In addition, this approach revealed previously undetected sites of truncation at residues 2...
Protection by vitamin E selenium, trolox C, ascorbic acid palmitate, acetylcysteine, coenzyme Q, beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, and (+)-catechin against oxidative damage to liver slices measured by oxidized heme proteins.

Male SD rats were fed a vitamin E- and selenium-deficient diet, a diet supplemented with vitamin E and selenium, and diets supplemented with vitamin E, selenium, trolox C, ascorbic acid palmitate, acetylcysteine, beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, coenzyme Q0, coenzyme Q1, and (+)-catechin. Liver slices were incubated at 37°C with and without CBrCl3, t-butyl-hydroperoxide, Fe+2, or Cu+2. The effect of antioxidant nutrients on the oxidativedamage to rat liver was studies by measurement of the production of oxidized heme proteins (OHP) during the oxidative reactions. Diet supplemented with vitamin E and selenium showed protection against heme protein oxidation compared to the antioxidatt-deficient diet. Furthermore, increasing the diversity and quantity of antioxidants in the diets provided significantly more protection.
Encounter rate and task allocation in harvester ants

As conditions change, social insect colonies adjust the numbers of workers engaged in various tasks, such as foraging and nest work. This process of task allocation operates without central control; individuals respond to simple, local cues. This study investigates one such cue, the pattern of an ant's interactions with other workers. We examined how an ant's tendency to perform midden work, carrying objects to and sorting the refuse pile of the colony, is related to the recent history of the ant's brief antennal contacts, in laboratory colonies of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. The probability that an ant performed midden work was related to its recent interactions in two ways. First, the time an ant spent performing midden work was positively correlated with the number of midden workers that ant had met while it was away from the midden. Second, ants engaged in a task other than midden work were more likely to begin to do midden work when their rate of encounter per minute with midden workers was high. Cues based on interaction rate may enable ants to respond to changes in worker numbers even though ants cannot count or assess total numbers engaged in a task.
A reply to Veresoglou et al. Symbiont metacommunities: hosts of challenges or opportunities?

In response to my article on joining research on metacommunities and symbiont communities [1], Veresoglou and colleagues [2] raise concern about the immediate implementation of metacommunity theory in host–symbiont systems. First, the authors point out that symbionts may not conform to classic metacommunity paradigms [3] due to characteristics that are either completely unique to them or sufficiently different from free-living species and their more spatially static habitats. Second, the authors list very specific hosts and symbionts that would fit the assumptions of these modeling paradigms, cautioning that adjustments must be made to the models before applying theory on a wider diversity of host–symbiont systems.
Solid‐State Kinetics of LaAl11O18

Synthesis of LaAl11O18 by the solid-state reaction of La2O3 and Al2O3 occurs in two stages, i.e. LaAlO3 forms immediately at 1450°C in air but LaAl11O18 formation is very slow and requires up to 141 days. First-order kinetics were observed and an activation energy of 118±4 kcal was calculated. Formation of LaAl11O18 depends on external O2-gas partial pressure. In an N2-gas atmosphere, the very slow formation of LaAl11O18, observed in air, is slowed even further. Possible mechanisms are also discussed.
Correction of maxillofacial deformities in a patient with partial lipodystrophy syndrome.

Abstract A case of partial lipodystrophy syndrome has been presented. The problems peculiar to this patient have been discussed, and the literature pertinent to the syndrome has been reviewed. The procedures required for the correction of the patient's facial disharmonies are described, as well as the postoperative airway problems which developed. Staging of the procedures was thought to be necessary in view of the extensiveness of the planned surgery and the patient's complex metabolic derangements.
Cyber-physical control of unmanned aerial vehicles

During the past few years, research in the field of cooperative control of swarms of robots and especially UAV has continuously increased. In order to develop research in the field of swarms of UAV, this paper identifies three problems: the development of a testbed for UAV, the implementation of an ad hoc network and a protocol based on network control, and a consensus control algorithm for cooperative control of UAV. The testbed currently enables us to perform waypoint navigation using a Global Positioning System (GPS). The protocol communication designed for the ad hoc network has proved to be reliable for our application and can be expanded to be used with different numbers of agents. The algorithm of consensus control has been analyzed and tested in simulation. Future work will allow implementing the consensus control as a centralized or distributed control.
Progress In Pulsed Power Discharge Driven X-Ray Laser Research

In experiments performed during the past two years on Proto II (a 10-TW pulsed-power accelerator), we imploded annular plasmas onto thin-walled annular x-ray laser targets in order to create both a radiation pump source and an x-ray laser medium. For x-ray lasing the Z-pinch must be axially uniform, must efficiently produce the pump radiation, yet not destroy the laser medium on the cylindrical axis of symmetry until after the x-ray laser pulse. To characterize the pump source x-rays and lasant conditions, we regularly field a large number of x-ray diagnostics. In recent experiments, we produced over 15 kJ of >1-keV pump radiation with an imploding neon gas-puff load, recorded spectra from the pump source and lasant, and measured the axial pump source asymmetry. We are considering both recombination and resonance-pumped x-ray laser schemes.
Ecosystem consequences of species richness and composition in pond food webs

Resolving current concerns about the role of biodiversity on ecosystems calls for understanding the separate roles of changes in species numbers and of composition. Recent work shows that primary productivity often, but not always, saturates with species richness within single trophic levels1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. However, any interpretation of such patterns must consider that variation in biodiversity is necessarily associated with changes in species composition (identity)9,10,11,12, and that changes in biodiversity often occur across multiple trophic levels13,14. Here we present results from a mesocosm experiment in which we independently manipulated species richness and species composition across multiple trophic levels in pond food webs. In contrast to previous studies that focused on single trophic levels, we found that productivity is either idiosyncratic or increases with respect to species richness, and that richness influences trophic structure. However, the composition of species within richness levels can have equally or more marked effects on ecosystems than average effects of richness per se. Indirect evidence suggests that richness and associated changes in species composition affect ecosystem attributes through indirect effects and trophic interactions among species, features that are highly characteristic of natural, complex ecosystems.
Efficacy Comparison of Two Cholinolytics, Scopolamine and Azaprophen, When Used in Conjunction with Physostigmine and Pyridostigmine for Protection Against Organophosphate Exposure

Pretreatment with either pyridostigmine (PYR) or physostigmine (PHY) followed by atropineoxime therapy is very effective in reducing the lethality of organophosphorus nerve agents. The therapeutic ...
Early repair of avulsive facial wounds secondary to trauma using interpolation flaps.

Abstract Purpose This article describes the use of various local interpolation flaps for the reconstruction of facial defects resulting from trauma. Patients and methods Fifteen interpolation flaps were used to restore missing tissue of 14 patients who sustained trauma. Two of the procedures were performed as a single stage, whereas 13 flaps required a separate surgery to “take down” the pedicle. All flap procedures were performed within 72 hours from the time of trauma. Four types of interpolation flaps were used. Results All flaps healed without evidence of infection, dehiscence, or necrosis. Two patients required secondary treatment 6 months after the flap procedure. Conclusion Various local interpolation flaps provide a reliable and aesthetic treatment option for early repair of soft tissue defects secondary to trauma.
Mathematical analysis of the effects of particle retention efficiency on determination of filtration rate

Morphological, ecological, and behavioral aspects of filtration of small, inefficiently retained particles by benthic as well as planktonic filter-feeders are of current as well as historical interest. The exponential model applied to determination of filtration rate was originally conceived for filter-feeders clearing suspensions of large, efficiently retained cells. Therefore, applicability of this model and its assumptions to filtration of small, inefficiently retained particles merits critical re-examination. Derivation of the exponential model historically used in calculation of filtration rate is reviewed and shown to be inappropriate when filtration efficiency is less than 100%. Box models are constructed for filter-feeders that act either as sieves or aerosol filters in suspensions of small inefficiently filtered cells. The models predict a complex or double exponential decline in cell concentration that cannot easily be translated into filtering or pumping rates. The models further predict that apparent filtration rate will decline over time because of physical limitations, rather than behavioral changes, with respect to filtration efficiency. Compartmental analysis of filtration of inefficiently retained particles in a turbidostat system predicts a similar artifact in determination of filtration rate.
SU-E-T-337: Monte-Carlo Study of Dose Perturbation Effects in External Beam Therapy of the Prostate Caused by the Presence of Post-Implant Brachytherapy Seeds

Purpose: Previously it has been reported that brachytherapydose distribution can be affected by seed self‐attenuation. We investigate the magnitude of dose perturbation in external beam radiation therapy caused by the presence of remaining brachytherapy seeds in the prostate. Methods: A phantom from a patient CT data was generated. A custom Python code was developed to modify the phantom by replacing selected voxels with the Cs‐131 seed material and density. 3D dose distributions and mean dose in the volume containing seeds for different seed arrangements were calculated using Monte‐Carlo EGSnrc dosxyznrc code and compared to the dose distributions without the seeds for a typical 5‐field treatment using 6MV and 18MV beams. Seeds were arranged symmetrically around the isocenter in a rectangular grid pattern with varying number of seeds along the x‐, y‐ and z‐ axes. In calculating mean dose and dose difference maps, seed voxels were excluded from calculation. Results: Difference in mean dose in the volume containing seeds and the same volume without seeds, was calculated for 6 and 18 MV beams. Mean dose increase is linear with the number of seeds and ranges from 0.7% for 75 seeds to 1.4% for 175 seeds for 6 MV and from 1.8% for 75 seeds to 4.6% for 18 MV for 175 seeds. Conclusions: In the external beam radiotherapy of the prostate, that contains seeds from the previous LDR seed implant, the mean dose in the prostate is increased proportionally to the number of seeds and the external beam energy used.
Reconstitution of active dimeric ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase from an unfolded state depends on two chaperonin proteins and Mg-ATP

In vitro reconstitution of active ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) from unfolded polypeptides is facilitated by the molecular chaperones: chaperonin-60 from Escherichia coli (groEL), yeast mitochondria (hsp60) or chloroplasts (Rubisco sub-unit-binding protein), together with chaperonin-10 from E. coli (groES), and Mg-ATP. Because chaperonins are ubiquitous, a conserved Mg-ATP-dependent mechanism exists that uses the chaperonins to facilitate the folding of some other proteins.
Unsupervised extraction of text segments from heterogeneous document collections

This paper describes a simple, unsupervised bootstrapping procedure that identifies morphological description segments from heterogeneous biodiversity document collections. While the procedure is used to preprocess biodiversity literature for semantic annotation of morphological descriptions in our project, it also can be used to crawl the Web for morphological descriptions for a biodiversity niche search engine.
Some conceptual issues in the modeling and computational analysis of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

Abstract We present an interpretive history of the development of the computational analysis of the Canada-U.S. FTA. Several important conceptual issues are identified, including: perfect competition and national product differentiation; imperfect competition and increasing returns to scale; tariff liberalization and monopolistic competition; adjustment and dynamic effects; macroeconomic effects; and other pertinent aspects of market structure and firm behavior.
Stock market reactions to announced corporate illegalities

Extending the work of Davidson and Worrell (1988), we further investigate the stock market's reaction to announced corporate illegalities. We examine a sample of 535 announcements of corporate crime and obtain an overall insignificant stock market reaction. However, when the sample is divided by type of crime, we find that the stock market reacts significantly to announcements of bribery, tax evasion, and violations of government contracts. We also find a significantly negative reaction to announcements of corporate crime when the company had been previously accused of other illegal activity. For companies accused of crime in the 1970s, 51% of them were accused again in the 1980s.
The development of defense mechanisms from pre-adolescence to early adulthood: Do IQ and social class matter? A longitudinal study

Abstract The defense use of participants in the Berkeley Guidance Study, Intergenerational Studies, University of California, Berkeley, was traced longitudinally from pre-adolescence (n = 130) to early adulthood (n = 120). Of these participants, 78 were assessed at both ages, making it possible to assess defense change. As coded from their TAT stories using the Defense Mechanism Manual [DMM: Cramer, P. (1991a). The development of defense mechanisms: Theory, research and assessment. New York: Springer], the results showed change in defense use at adulthood. Consistent with previous findings, the defense of Projection was used more frequently than Denial at both ages. However, in adulthood there was a decline in the relative prevalence of Identification and an increase in the relative prevalence of Denial. This change in defense use between pre-adolescence and early adulthood was predicted by both childhood IQ and social class.
Temporalis and masseter muscle function during incision in macaques and humans

Most previously published electromyographic (EMG) studies have indicated that the temporalis muscles in humans become almost electrically quiet during incisai biting. These data have led various workers to conclude that these muscles may contribute little to the incisai bite force. The feeding behavior and comparative anatomy of the incisors and temporalis muscles of certain catarrhine primates, however, suggest that the temporalis muscle is an important and powerful contributor to the bite force during incision. One purpose of this study is to analyze the EMG activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles in both humans and macaques with the intention of focusing on the conflict between published EMG data on humans and inferences of muscle function based on the comparative anatomy and behavior of catarrhine primates. The EMG data collected from humans in the present study indicate that, in five of seven subjects, the masseter,anterior temporalis, and posterior temporalis muscles are very active during apple incision (i.e., relative to EMG activity levels during apple and almond mastication). In the other two human subjects the EMG levels of these muscles are lower during incision than during mastication, but in no instance are these muscles ever close to becoming electrically quiet. The EMG data on macaques indicate that, in all six subjects, the masseter, anterior temporalis, and posterior temporalis muscles are very active during incision. These data are in general agreement with inferences on muscle function that have been drawn from the comparative anatomy and behavior of primates, but they do not agree with previous experimental data. The reason for this disagreement is probably due to differences in the experimental procedure. In previous studies subjects simply bit isometrically on their incisors and the resulting EMG pattern was compared to the pattern associated with powerful clenching in centric occlusion. In the present study the subjects incised into actual food objects, and the resulting EMG pattern was compared to the pattern associated with mastication of various foods. It is not surprising that these two procedures result in markedly different EMG patterns, which in turn result in markedly different interpretations of jaw-muscle function. In an attempt to explain the evolution of the postorbital septum in anthropoids, it has been suggested that the anterior temporalis is more active than the masseter during incision (Cachel, 1979). The human and macaque EMG data do not support this hypothesis; during incision, the two muscles show no consistent differences in humans and the masseter appears to be in fact more active than the anterior temporalis in macaques.
Double stranded chains and interwoven structures: the role of conformational isomerism in coordination polymers

Abstract The 1:3 and 1:1.5 coordination complexes of 1,3–bis(4–pyridyl)propane, 1, [Ni(1)2(H2O)2][NO3]2⋅(1)⋅(H2O), 2 and [Cd4(1)6(NO3)8], 3 form a double stranded chain and four-fold interwoven structures, respectively. Complex 2 is an unusual coordination complex where the ligand not only coordinates with the metal salt but also cocrystallizes with the coordination complex. The double stranded linear chains in 2 have 24 membered rings with a Ni···Ni intra-chain distance of 11.53 A and close-pack to form a two dimensional layered structure. The anions, non-coordinating ligands, and the solvated water molecules sandwich between the layers in a bilayer fashion. Complex 3 forms an open network owing to its T-shaped geometry but the conformational flexibility of the ligand blurs the difference between the expected brick wall pattern and the distorted hexagonal network. The internal dimensions between opposite Cd metal centers in the distorted non-planar network are ca 18.3×23.2×28.5 A. These open networks readily undergo four-fold parallel interpenetration and result in a carpet like structure.
Basolateral to apical transcytosis in polarized cells is indirect and involves BFA and trimeric G protein sensitive passage through the apical endosome

We have used temperature and nocodazole blocks in an in vivo basolateral to apical transcytosis assay to dissociate the early transcytotic steps occurring during the formation of transcytotic vesicles and their microtubule-dependent translocation into the apical region, from the late steps when transcytotic cargo is delivered into the apical media. We found that polarized MDCK cells transfected with rabbit polymeric IgA receptor (pIgA-R) internalize basolaterally added pIgA-R ligand ([Fab]2 fragment of IgG against the receptor's ectodomain) at 17 degrees C but do not deliver it to the apical PM. Instead, the ligand accumulates in an apically localized transcytotic compartment, distal to the basolateral endosome and the microtubule-requiring translocation step. We have characterized this compartment and show that it is distinct from basolateral transferrin recycling endosomes, basolateral early endosomes or late endosomes or lysosomes. The apical transcytotic compartment colocalizes with the compartment containing apically recycling membrane markers (ricin and apically internalized pIgA-R ligand) but is distinct from the compartment receiving apically internalized fluid phase marker (BSA). This compartment is an intermediate station of the overall pathway since transcytotic ligand can exit the compartment and be released into the apical medium when cells preloaded at 17 degrees C are subsequently incubated at 37 degrees C. We have used this system to examine the effect of Brefeldin A (BFA) and the involvement of trimeric GTPases in the late (post apical transcytotic compartment) steps of the transcytotic pathway. We found that addition of BFA or cholera toxin, a known activator of Gs alpha, to cells preloaded with transcytotic ligand at 17 degrees C significantly inhibits the exit of ligand from the apical transcytotic compartment. General structure and function of the apical endosome are not affected since neither BFA nor cholera toxin inhibit the recycling of apically internalized membrane markers (ricin and pIgA-R ligand) from the same compartment. The data suggest that transcytosis connects the "membrane-sorting" sub-domain of the basolateral endosome with a homologous sub-domain of the apical endosome and that exit of transcytosing cargo from the apical endosome is controlled by a BFA and trimeric G protein sensitive mechanism, distinct from that used for recycling of apically internalized proteins (ricin or pIgA-R).
Countercurrent flow limits for steam and cold water through a horizontal perforated plate with vertical jet injection

Etude experimentale des limites de l'ecoulement a contre-courant de vapeur d'eau et d'eau froide a travers une plaque perforee horizontale dans le cas d'une injection d'eau par un jet vertical descendant. Etablissement de correlations donnant la penetration de l'eau en fonction des differentes conditions operatoires
How do obstetric providers discuss referrals for prenatal genetic counseling

To investigate referrals of pregnant women to genetic counseling, we analysed transcripts from audiotaped first prenatal visits of 104 patients (72 actual patient visits and 32 simulated patient visits) with 32 providers (obstetricians and nurse-midwives). All patients had at least one indication for referral. Only 10% of visits with actual patients included a genetic counseling referral. When genetic counseling was discussed, it was only briefly described, primarily as an information session. This study shows that the majority of pregnant women with an indication for referral for genetic counseling are not referred. In addition, obstetric providers’ inadequate descriptions of prenatal genetic counseling may result in women being poorly prepared for genetic counseling sessions.
Using students' lived experiences in an urban science classroom: An elementary school teacher's thinking

This paper examines the use of students' lived experiences in an urban elementary science classroom. Students bring different funds of knowledge that are accumulated through their lived experiences into the classroom, and I examine what those funds of knowledge mean to an elementary science teacher working in an urban school. I describe how a female elementary teacher integrates her life experiences with that of her students, and utilizes those experiences to teach meaningful science. This paper also discusses what it means to students when their lived experiences are the part of science learning. I also include a description of how the Linking Food and the Environment (LiFE) curriculum can provide a framework to teach science using students' lived experiences. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed90:94–110, 2006
Fluorometric field instrument for continuous measurement of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide.

A sensitive (limit of detection ∼<100 pptv at S/N = 3), fully automated, portable (32 × 25 × 38 cm, 4.5 kg) instrument has been designed for continuous field measurement of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide. Air is sampled by a PTFE membrane-based diffusion scrubber and collected into an alkaline fluorescein mercuric acetate (FMA) solution flowing under a controlled and constant pneumatic pressure. The collected sulfide quenches the fluorescence that is measured with a miniature blue LED photodiode-based fluorescence detector. Acquisition and interpretation of signal and all flow control are carried out via a mininotebook personal computer (PC) using custom software written in HP-VEE. The instrument provides for self-calibration and zero functions using an on-board permeation tube enclosed in a thermostated block, at any preprogrammed desired interval. During sampling, the computed H2S concentration is stored every 2 min. The complete system, including the PC, is operated in the field by a 12-V marine battery....
Impact of mobilized blood progenitor cell quality determined by the CFU-GM/CD34+ ratio on rapid engraftment after blood stem cell transplantation.

Abstract ABSTRACT To find a parameter to predict the quality of collected mobilized CD34+ blood as hemopoietic reconstituting cells, the ratio of CFU-GM to CD34+ cells was examined. One hundred six consecutive patients who underwent blood stem cell transplantation at the University of Rochester from 01/01/99 to 12/31/99 were examined retrospectively for the number of days to reach an absolute neutrophil count of 500 or 1000 cells/μl and an absolute platelet count of 20,000 or 50,000 cells/μl without transfusion support as measures of engraftment. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine factors influencing engraftment. The number of CD34+ cells/kg and CFU-GM/kg correlated highly with the number of nucleated blood cells/kg. In this population, in which 90% of patients received >2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, neither the number of CD34+ cells/kg nor the number of CFU-GM/kg correlated with the time to engraftment as judged by neutrophil or platelet levels. In contrast, the lower the ratio of CFU-GM to CD34+ cells, the more rapid the reconstitution of platelets to 20,000/μl (P = 0.03) and 50,000/μl (P = 0.02). Thus, a lower ratio of the CFU-GM/CD34+ appended to reflect a greater number of hematopoietic reconstituting cells in the blood cell collection. The CFU-GM/CD34+ ratio is an apparent predictor of earlier platelet engraftment, suggesting that the ratio reflects the engraftment potential of mobilized donor progenitor cells.
Artificial neural networks for automated year-round temperature prediction

Crops and livestock in most of the southeastern United States are susceptible to potential losses due to extreme cold and heat. However, given suitable warning, agricultural and horticultural producers can mitigate the damage of extreme temperature events. To provide such a warning, air temperature prediction models are needed at horizons ranging from 1 to 12h. The goal of this project was to explore the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the prediction of air temperature during the entire year based on near real-time data. Ward-style ANNs were developed using detailed weather data collected by the Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring Network (AEMN). The ANNs were able to provide predictions throughout the year, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of the year-round models that was less during the winter months than the MAE of the models resulting from the application of previously developed winter-specific models. The prediction MAE for a year-round evaluation set ranged from 0.516^oC at the one-hour horizon to 1.873^oC at the twelve-hour horizon. A detailed graphical analysis of MAE by time-of-year and time-of-day was also performed. A tendency to over-predict temperatures during summer afternoons was associated with localized cloud cover during that period. The inclusion of rainfall as input to the model was also shown to improve prediction accuracy. In addition, two simple ensemble techniques were explored and neither parallel nor series aggregation was found to reduce prediction errors. When simulated over two extreme temperature events, the models were capable of rapidly adjusting predictions on the basis of new information. The final models were applied to prediction horizons of 1-12h and deployed on the website of the Georgia AEMN (www.GeorgiaWeather.net) for use as a general, year-round decision support tool.
Controlled beta-hydride elimination during tetrahydropyran formation with Pd(II); diastereoselective formation of the tetrahydropyran ring of tetronomycin

Abstract The use of DMSO solvent allows control of beta-hydride elimination following alkoxy-palladation of alkenes, producing a side chain trans alkene unit on 2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyrans. The method is applied towards the synthesis of tetronomycin.
Ligase Detection Reaction/Hybridization Assays Using Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Networks for the Detection of Low-Abundant DNA Point Mutations

We have fabricated a flow-through biochip assembly that consisted of two different microchips: (1) a polycarbonate (PC) chip for performing an allele-specific ligation detection reaction (LDR) and (2) a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chip for the detection of the LDR products using an universal array platform. The operation of the device was demonstrated by detecting low-abundant DNA mutations in gene fragments (K-ras) that carry point mutations with high diagnostic value for colorectal cancers. The PC microchip was used for the LDR in a continuous-flow format, in which two primers (discriminating primer that carried the complement base to the mutation being interrogated and a common primer) that flanked the point mutation and were ligated only when the particular mutation was present in the genomic DNA. The miniaturized reactor architecture allowed enhanced reaction speed due to its high surface-to-volume ratio and efficient thermal management capabilities. A PMMA chip was employed as the microarray d...
The effective wave velocities of heterogeneous materials

Abstract The effective wave velocities and impedances of two phase elastic solids are determined by an approximate ‘self-consistent’ method. It is shown that improved Voigt and Reuss estimates can be obtained by a direct iterative solution of the elastodynamic equations with space fluctuating properties. In particular, estimates of the effective bulk and shear moduli are shown to be close to the most restrictive bounds available.
Modeling and simulation standards development, adoption and conformity in the attainment of system values: A framework for the tension between two process ideals

This article discusses the dynamics inherent in modeling and simulation (M&S) standards development processes within the context of the competitive struggle for resources and market dominance. A conceptual framework is presented that provides the theoretical logic for the tension between inclusive, consensus-driven standards development processes and exclusive, preferential processes. Standards development is conceptualized as a porous process subject to both cooperative interests and competitive pressures. We elucidate how the tension between these two process ideals shapes the adoption and conformity of M&S standards and, in turn, how these processes facilitate broader system values. Normative questions are explicated about the proper tradeoffs among the desire to realize collective efficiencies gained through standards, the drive to create, own, and financially exploit new, emerging technologies through the concept of intellectual property, and the objective of economic development through fostering innovation. Both the organizational and individual incentives to engage in standards processes are discussed, together with how the politics of participation may shape standards development. This research contributes a compelling theoretical perspective not fully developed in the growing and changing discipline of M&S. The significance of exploring these questions is found in that there is a national interest in M&S standards development activities that contribute to our technological innovation and economic competitiveness.
Sex Differences during the Development of Vitamin D Deficiency in the Rat: Serum Parathyroid Hormone, Calcitonin, Calcium, and Phosphorus*

Male and female Holtzman rats were raised from weaning on a vitamin D-deficient diet (−D). Control (+D) animals were raised on the same diet and orally given 70 IU vitamin D3 twice each week. Serum Ca levels fell at the same rate in −D males and females. In contrast, serum parathyroid hormone increased more rapidly in males than females, but reached the same maximal level in both sexes. There were no sex differences in serum Ca or parathyroid hormone in the +D group. Serum calcitonin increased with age in all groups. This increase began at an earlier age in females than in males in both +D and −D animals. In both sexes, the increase occurred several weeks earlier in +D than in -D animals, and within each of these groups, males had higher phosphate levels than females. Female rats exhibited greater longevity on the -D diet than their male counterparts. Results of this study document prominent sex differences in the endocrine regulation of Ca homeostasis that were revealed during the development of vitamin ...
Performance improvement of a dc-dc converter feeding a telecommunication specific distributed power system using dynamic decoupling design

This work analyzes the stability of a distributed dc power system commonly used in telecommunication and data center applications and proposes a new design procedure based on dynamic decoupling of the effects of the downstream network on the upstream source converter. First, the small-signal model of the upstream converter is introduced. Next, the model of the downstream network is added to the converter model and the complete system model is extracted. Then, the loop gain of the upstream converter when it is feeding the downstream network and when it is feeding a single resistor is compared and the decoupling factor is found. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the design procedure.