cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multichannel, portable, “real-time” event encoder-decoder for laboratory and field experiments

An easily constructed, low-cost, portable device is described for observational recording in field studies, or for stimulus programming in the laboratory. The system uses phase-locked loop integrated circuits for recording events in real-time. Multiple events can be simultaneously recorded on a single track of audio cassette tape and subsequently decoded using the same circuit.
Crystallization of three key glycolytic enzymes of the opportunistic pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidium parvum is one of the major causes of waterborne diseases worldwide. This protozoan parasite depends mainly on the anaerobic oxidation of glucose for energy production. In order to identify the differences in the three-dimensional structure of key glycolytic enzymes of C. parvum and its human host, we have expressed, purified and crystallized recombinant versions of three important glycolytic enzymes of the parasite, namely, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. Lactate dehydrogenase has been crystallized in the absence and in the presence of its substrates and cofactors, while pyruvate kinase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase were crystallized only in the apo-form. X-ray diffraction data have been collected for all crystals.
Tackling the burden of postsurgical complications in the USA: would perioperative goal-directed therapy help?

Pay-for-performance programs and economic constraints call for solutions improving the quality of healthcare without increasing costs. Many studies have shown decreased morbidity in major surgery when perioperative goal-directed therapy (PGDT) is used. We assessed the clinical and economic burden of postsurgical complications in the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) in order to predict potential savings with PGDT.
Synthesis and Characterization of PET-Based Liquid Crystalline Copolyesters Containing 6-Oxynaphthalene-2-carboxylate and 6-Oxyanthracene-2-carboxylate Units

Copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) containing 6-oxy-2-carboxyanthracene (OA) and 6-oxy-2-carboxynaphthalene (ON) structural units are prepared by reactive blending of acetoxyarenecarboxylic acid comonomers with PET. The new copolymers are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, DSC, dilute solution viscometry, optical microscopy, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction and compared to poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-4-oxybenzoate), PET-co-OB. Whereas 40 mol % of the OB unit is required to induce liquid crystallinity in PET-co-OB, only 20 mol % of OA or 30 mol % of ON units are required. This is also in contrast to copolymers containing similar amounts of symmetrical arenedicarboxylate structural units which do not form liquid crystalline phases.
Use of Regional Data to Validate and Recalibrate Self-reported Hypertension: Highlighting Differences in Immigrant Groups in New York City

Self-reported hypertension has not been validated in specific Hispanic subgroups (Puerto Ricans, Dominicans) and in Asian Americans. The objectives were to assess validity of self-reported hypertension in Hispanic and Asian American adults, and to recalibrate self-reported hypertension with measured values. Data were from the New York City Community Health Survey 2005–2008 and the Heart Follow-Up Study (HFUS) 2010 (included measured hypertension). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated in the HFUS data; recalibration was conducted using a previously described method by Mentz et al. Sensitivity was similar in Puerto Ricans and Dominicans versus whites. The differences in hypertension prevalence after recalibration were largest in Hispanics. No substantial differences occurred among Asian Americans. Factors such as low health literacy or insurance status are potential explanations for bias in self-reported hypertension among Hispanic subgroups. Surveillance systems may consider recalibration, potentially in areas with a high percentage of Hispanics or uninsured.
On a near-optimal control approach for a wave energy converter in irregular waves

Abstract Real-time smooth reactive control and optimal damping of wave energy converters in irregular waves is difficult in part because the radiation impulse response function is real and causal, which constrains the frequency-dependent added mass and radiation damping according to the Kramers–Kronig relations. Optimal control for maximum energy conversion requires independent synthesis of the impulse response functions corresponding to these two quantities. Since both are non-causal (one being odd and other even), full cancellation of reactive forces and matching of radiation damping requires knowledge or estimation of device velocity into the future. To address this difficulty and the non-causality of the exciting force impulse response function, this paper investigates the use of propagating-wave surface elevation up-wave of the device to synthesize the necessary forces. Long-crested waves are assumed, and the approach is based on the formulations of Naito and Nakamura [2] and Falnes [22] . A predominantly heaving submerged device comprised of three vertically stacked discs driving a linear power take-off is studied. The overall formulation leads to smooth control that is near-optimal, given the approximations involved in the time-shifting of the non-causal impulse response functions and the consequent up-wave distances at which wave surface elevation is required. Absorbed power performance with the near-optimal approach is compared with two other cases, (i) when single-frequency tuning is used based on non-real time adjustment of the reactive and resistive loads to maximize conversion at the spectral peak frequency, and (ii) when no control is applied with damping set to a constant value. Simulation results for wave spectra over a range of energy periods and significant wave heights are compared for the three situations studied. While practical implementation presents engineering challenges, in terms of time-averaged absorbed power, unconstrained near-optimal control is found to perform significantly better than single-frequency tuning in the spectra with longer energy periods (>10 s for the present device), and somewhat better in the spectra with shorter energy periods (here ≤10 s).
Effect of internal excitation on the collision-induced dissociation and reactivity of Co 2 +

The kinetic energy dependence of collision-induced dissociation (CID) of dicobalt ion (Co 2 + ) with He, Ar, and Xe has been investigated using guided ion-beam mass spectrometry. The change in efficiency of CID as the target gas is changed is in general agreement with previous CID studies of other systems: the cross section with Ar is ∼0.5 that with Xe, and no product ions are found with He. By varying the conditions under which the reactant ions are formed, the degree of internal excitation of the dicobalt ions is changed. The internal energies can be characterized by a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. We find that CID and reactions with O2 and CO are very sensitive to Co 2 + internal energy. The bond-dissociation energy derived from this work is Do(Co 2 + )=2.75±0.10 eV (63.4±2.3 kcal/mol). The Co 2 + results are compared with a previous study of Fe 2 + .
Accuracy of semiclassical dynamics in the presence of chaos

We review some of the issues facing semiclassical methods in classically chaotic systems, then demonstrate the long-time accuracy of semiclassical propagation of a nonstationary wave packet using the quantum baker's map of Balazs and Voros. We show why some of the standard arguments against the efficacy of semiclassical dynamics for long-time chaotic motion are incorrect.
IbpA DR2 subunit immunization protects calves against Histophilus somni pneumonia

Histophilus somni is a prevalent cause of pneumonia and septicemia in cattle. Yet evidence for protection against pneumonia by current vaccines is controversial. We have identified a new H. somni virulence factor, IbpA. Previous studies implicated three likely protective subunits or domains in IbpA (A3, A5, and DR2), which were expressed as recombinant GST fusion proteins and purified for systemic vaccination of calves. After two subcutaneous immunizations, calves were challenged intrabronchially with virulent H. somni strain 2336 and clinical signs were monitored for four days before necropsy. Serum samples were collected throughout. At necropsy, the area of gross pneumonia was estimated, bronchial lavage fluid was collected, lesions were cultured and tissue samples were fixed for histopathology. Results showed that calves immunized with IbpA DR2 had a statistically lower percentage of lung with gross lesions than controls, fewer histologic abnormalities in affected areas and no H. somni isolated from residual pneumonic lesions. Calves immunized with the control GST vaccine, IbpA3 or IbpA5 had larger H. somni positive pneumonic lesions. ELISA results for serum antibodies showed that calves immunized with the IbpA DR2 antigen had high IgG1 and IgG2 and lowest IgE responses to the immunizing antigen. Specific IgG responses were also high in the bronchial lavage fluid. High specific serum IgE responses were previously shown to be associated with more severe pneumonia, but high IgG specific anti-IbpA DR2 responses seem to be critically related to protection. Since the IbpA DR2 Fic motif has been shown to cause bovine alveolar cells to retract, we tested the neutralizing ability of pooled serum from the IbpA DR2 immunized group. This pooled serum reduced cytotoxicity by 75–80%, suggesting that the protection was due to antibody neutralization of IbpA cytotoxicity, at least in part. Therefore, IbpA DR2 appears to be an important protective antigen of H. somni. The study shows, for the first time, that immunization with a purified Fic protein protects against disease in a natural host.
Long‐term study measures radon

Preliminary results from a long-term study of indoor radon levels will be presented on Tuesday, May 19, at the AGU Spring Meeting in Baltimore, Md. The study, which is still in progress, has already pointed to some possible links between levels of radon gas in homes and local geology and home construction, according to Douglas Mose and George Mushrush of George Mason University (Fairfax, Va.).
Is there a familial carpal tunnel syndrome? An evaluation and literature review

We review the reports of families proposed to have the familial carpal tunnel syndrome (FCTS). The demographic features of sporadic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) differ from FCTS, where an earlier onset and increased bilateral involvement is seen. We also identify seven new potential FCTS pedigrees on the basis of their having four or more members with symptoms suggesting CTS. In all but two pedigrees an explanation other than FCTS was found. We conclude that the FCTS is a rare, but genetically distinct disorder.
Rounding error effects in the presence of underlying measurement error

A previous related paper considered rounding error effects in the presence of underlying measurement error and presented a Bayesian approach to estimate instrument input random error standard deviation. This addendum to the previous paper emphasizes that the effects of random error depend on the true (and usually unknown) value of the measurand, in terms of both the variance and the item-specific bias. However, it is shown that if we assume that the true values are uniformly distributed, then instrument variance and item-specific bias can be combined into an “effective random error variance” and a strategy to estimate the effective random error variance is provided.
Are Patients With Renal Failure Good Candidates for Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization in the New Device Era

Background—Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing conventional balloon angioplasty have reduced procedural success and increased complication rates. This study was designed to determine the immediate and long-term outcomes of patients with varying degrees of renal failure undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the current device era. Methods and Results—We compared the immediate and long-term outcomes of 362 renal failure patients (creatinine >1.5 mg/dL) with those of 2972 patients with normal renal function who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between 1994 and 1997. Patients with renal failure were older and had more associated comorbidities. They had reduced procedural success (89.5% versus 92.9%, P=0.007) and greater in-hospital combined major event (death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, emergent CABG; 10.8% versus 1.8%; P<0.0001) rates. Renal failure was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.84 to 6.22; P<0.00001). Logistic...
Immune Regulatory Activity of Vitamin D3 in Head and Neck Cancer

While vitamin D exhibits a multitude of cellular effects that can impact on cancer development and progression, this review focuses on its immune modulatory effects. These immune modulatory effects can be both direct and indirect. Compared to other cancer types, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) have received less attention, but are a fascination immunologically because of the profound extent to which they inhibit immune defenses. This review describes the mechanisms of some of these immune inhibitory processes and how vitamin D can help overcome aspects of this immune suppression.
Inotuzumab ozogamicin as novel therapy in lymphomas.

Importance of the field: More than 65,000 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are estimated to have been diagnosed in 2009; the majority are of B-cell lineage, and diffuse large cell lymphoma and follicular together account for nearly half of cases. Despite advances in treatment, most patients are not cured.Areas covered in this review: The antigen CD22 is a transmembrane glycoprotein found on mature B-cells, and on up to 90% of B-cell malignancies. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (CMC-544) is a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody conjugated with calicheamicin. Preclinical data indicate activity against B-cell tumors, and early results from clinical trials indicate activity against B-cell lymphomas including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large cell lymphoma. This paper reviews the design, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and preclinical and clinical experience of this promising novel targeted therapy, with data derived from abstracts and published reports from 2002 to the present.What the read...
Searching for information in a hypertext medical handbook

Effective information retrieval from large medical hypertext systems will require a combination of browsing and full-text document retrieval techniques. Using a prototype hypertext medical therapeutics handbook, I discuss one approach to information retrieval problems in hypertext. This approach responds to a query by initially treating each hypertext card as a full-text document. It then utilizes information about document structure to propagate weights to neighboring cards and produces a ranked list of potential starting points for graphical browsing.
Normal-phase liquid and supercritical-fluid chromatographic separations of steroids with Fourier-transform infrared spectrometric detection

On-line FT-IR detection of a model mixture of steroids is performed for both SFC and HPLC. For HPLC, a conventional cyanopropyl bonded phase analytical-scale column and a highly crosslinked cyanopropyl microbore-scale column were used to separate the steroids. The latter, more deactivated column afforded no separation with the identical mobile phase. The SFC separation was carried out on crosslinked cyanopropyl bonded phase in a packed microbore column and 25% cyano-25% phenyl-50% methyl polysiloxane phase in a capillary column. It was seen that the order of elution of the steroids in both SFC and HPLC can be related to the number of hydroxyl groups present in the steroid molecule. On-line infrared spectra for each compound in both the liquid phase and the supercritical-fluid phase match well, with the carbonyl bands, slightly shifted to lower frequency in the liquid phase. Experiments are described which enable one to estimate the relative efficiency of various columns in several situations which are employed in this study.
Dynamically controlling false sharing in distributed shared memory

Distributed shared memory (DSM) alleviates the need to program message passing explicitly on a distributed-memory machine. In order to reduce memory latency, a DSM replicates copies of data. This paper examines several current approaches to controlling thrashing caused by false sharing in a DSM. Then it introduces a novel memory consistency protocol, writer-owns, which detects and eliminates false sharing at run time. In iterative computations, where the data is accessed similarly every iteration, the writer-owns protocol can have tremendous benefits because the overhead of eliminating false sharing is only incurred once. Performance results show that the writer-owns protocol is competitive with and often better than existing approaches.
Transcriptional Regulation of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin

The action of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on transcription and steady-state mRNA levels, protein expression, and enzymatic activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in cultured human keratinocytes was examined. GAPDH transcription increased as a function of time of exposure to TCDD, reaching a maximum of 23-fold after 8 days. Northern blot analysis showed a 4-fold increase in mRNA after 8 days exposure. Protein levels were increased 4-fold, and dehydrogenase activity by 5-fold, under the same exposure conditions. GAPDH is commonly thought of as a constitutive housekeeping gene and is often used as a loading control for northern blot analysis. Our data suggest that caution should be used when using GAPDH as an RNA control, especially in studies examining cell proliferation and carcinogenesis.
Working and waiting for better rewards: Self-control in two monkey species (Cebus apella and Macaca mulatta)

Self-control is typically defined as choosing a greater, delayed reward over a lesser, more immediate reward. However, in nature, there are other costs besides delay associated with obtaining the greatest outcome including increased effort, potential punishment, and low probability of reward. Effort is an interesting case because it sometimes impairs self-control, by acting as an additional cost, and at other times facilitates self-control, by distracting one from impulsive options. Additionally, different species may perform differently in effortful self-control tasks, based on their natural ecology. To gain insight into these aspects of self-control behavior, we examined capuchin monkeys’ and rhesus monkeys’ self-control in separate working and waiting choice tasks. We hypothesized that capuchins would show greater self-control in the working task, given their naturally higher activity level, whereas rhesus would perform similarly in both tasks. Rhesus performed as predicted, whereas contrary to our hypothesis, capuchins exhibited lesser performance in the working task. Nonetheless, these results may still stem from inherent species differences interacting with details of the methodology. Capuchins, being highly energetic and social monkeys, may have divided their energy and attention between the working task and other elements of the test environment such as visible group mates or manipulanda.
Extrapolation of damage test data to predict performance of large-area NIF optics at 355 nm

For the aggressive fluence requirements of the NIF laser, some level of laser-induced damage to the large (40 x 40 cm) 351 nm final optics is inevitable. Planning and utilization of NIF therefore requires reliable prediction of the functional degradation of the final optics. Laser damage tests are typically carried out with Gaussian beams on relatively small test areas. The tests yield a damage probability vs energy fluence relation. These damage probabilities are shown to depend on both the beam fluence distribution and the size of area tested. Thus, some analysis is necessary in order to use these test results to determine expected damage levels for large aperture optics. The authors present a statistical approach which interprets the damage probability in terms of an underlying intrinsic surface density of damaging defects. This allows extrapolation of test results to different sized areas and different beam shapes (NIF has a flattop beam). The defect density is found to vary as a power of the fluence (Weibull distribution).
The Influence of Alloying Elements on Impurity Induced Grain Boundary Embrittlement

A nonequilibrium thermodynamic model which describes the effect of solute grain boundary segregation on grain boundary cohesion was extended to Fe ternary systems. The extended model directly and simply predicts the effect of alloying elements on impurity-induced grain boundary embrittlement. According to the extended model, Mo, W, and Zr strongly reduce, Ni, Ti, and V slightly reduce, and Cr and Mn enhance impurity-induced grain boundary embrittlement in an Fe ternary system. For the evaluation of the extended model, Fe-P, Fe-P-Mn, Fe-P-Mo, and Fe-P-W alloys were studied by Auger electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, 4-point slow bend tests, and tension tests. The experimental results show that for a given amount of P grain boundary segregation the grain boundary strength increases with increasing Mo or W grain boundary segregation and decreases with increasing Mn grain boundary segregation. These experimental results showing the remedial effect of Mo or W and the embrittling effect of Mn on P-induced grain boundary embrittlement are consistent with the predicted results from the extended model. The nonequilibrium model is also used to evaluate impurity-induced interfacial embrittlement in continuous fiber metal matrix composite materials.
MRSA-Associated Lemierre’s Syndrome in an Intravenous Drug User

24-year-old woman with a history of intravenous drug use presented with 5 days of fevers, rightsided neck pain, and odynophagia. Physical and laboratory examination revealed tender swelling of the right neck and neutrophil-predominant leukocytosis. Computed tomography demonstrated a large right retropharyngeal fluid collection with associated stranding, right internal and external jugular vein thrombi, and multiple peripheral nodular and wedgeshaped pulmonary opacities representing septic emboli (Fig. 1) consistent with Lemierre’s syndrome. The patient underwent emergent incision and drainage of the abscess and received broad-spectrum antibiotics. Peripheral blood and abscess cultures grew methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient was stable postoperatively and completed 4 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Lemierre’s syndrome is defined by recent history of painful oropharyngeal infection (anginal illness), evidence of metastatic lesions, and either septic internal jugular thrombophlebitis or isolation of Fusobacterium sp. from blood or sterile sites. 1 While classically associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum, 14 cases associated with S. aureus are reported in the literature, with roughly half occurring in young adults under 32 years of age. 2–4 In this case, the patient’s history of intrave
The realiability of intradiscal stress profilometry in cadaveric lumbar dics

The measurement of intradiscal stress has been primarily limited to nucleus pulposus pressure. Intradiscal stress profilometry is a technique that measures stress in both the nucleus pulposus (hydrostatic) and annulus fibrosus (compression). Evidence from animal studies suggests that distraction may affect disc physiology and promote repair. A study was performed to determine the reliability of intradiscal stress profilometry measurements in the anterior, posterior, and nucleus regions of cadaveric lumbar discs. Four fresh-frozen human lumbar motion segments were prepared and tested. Five profiles were obtained during two conditions of compression and three conditions of distraction. Discs were then graded for degenerative change. Reliability was judged by within-specimen coefficients of variation. The coefficients of variation were smaller (more reliable) for compression conditions than for distraction conditions. Within-specimen coefficients during compression ranged from 1.58% to 37.2% in the nucleus, 3.9% to 67.4% in the anterior annulus, and 2.3% to 25.5% in the posterior annulus. The reliability of intradiscal stress profilometry is acceptable for repeated measures studies evaluating within-specimen changes, but the sample size will vary depending on the test conditions used and the disc region of interest.
Muscle satellite cells: a validated technique for light microscopic identification and a quantitative study of changes in their population following denervation.

A staining technique, in which basic fuchsin, methylene blue, and Azure II is applied to 0.5 μ sections of striated rat muscle embedded in epoxy resin, has given sufficient differentiation of five nuclear types found in the muscle fascicle to warrant its use as a valid method for identifying satellite cells with the light microscope. The validity of this technique was assessed by studying serial thin and thick sections of denervated rat hind limb muscles. Nuclei “typed” light microscopically were examined under the electron microscope to determine the type of cell in which they were located. This stain technique was then applied to determine the effect of denervation on the satellite cell population of the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. In control muscle of 200 gm rats, satellite cells represented 2% of the total nuclear population. Two and three weeks after denervation they accounted for 6% and 12%, respectively. In 800 gm rats, satellite cells accounted for 0.7% of the total nuclei found in the normal muscle. Denervation increased the percentage to 3% (at 2 weeks) and 5% (at 3 weeks). Paired satellite cells were infrequently observed; however, in 0.5 μ sections a significant number of satellite cells were found to be less than 0.7 μ from a myonucleus of the same fiber. A model is proposed to explain the increase in satellite cells following denervation.
A posteriori error indicators for 3D electromagnetic FE-BI analysis

The paper deals with the time-harmonic, electromagnetic analysis of a 3D inhomogeneous radiator/scatterer in free-space, using a finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) formulation which solves for both the electric and magnetic fields simultaneously. Physics-based, a posteriori error indicators are proposed in this setting.
THE ORPHAN NUCLEAR RECEPTOR TR2 SUPPRESSES A DR4 HORMONE RESPONSE ELEMENT OF THE MOUSE CRABP-I GENE PROMOTER

The mouse orphan nuclear receptor TR2-11-f suppressed the expression of reporters fused to a hormone response element of the mouse cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I gene promoter. TR2-11-f was able to bind to a direct repeat with four nucleotides in the spacer (5‘TGACCTTTGGGGACCT3‘) located within this hormone response element as homodimers. The specificity of protein−DNA interactions was demonstrated by competition in gel retardation and antibody-mediated supershift reactions. The residues critical for TR2-11-f binding were mapped to both repeated sequences, whereas the spacer and the flanking sequences were less important. The Kd and Bmax of TR2-11-f homodimer binding to this direct repeat were determined to be 2.6 nM and 0.012 nM, respectively. By using a yeast two-hybrid system, it was demonstrated that dimerization of TR2-11-f was mediated by its ligand-binding domain. The actions of TR2-11-f in regulating cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I gene will likely influence retinoic action and ...
Double jackknife bias-corrected estimators

Abstract Double jackknife estimators allow to correct for the bias and the error of the bias. A simple and efficient FORTRUN implementation is given which should be of interest to the applied physicist.
The emergence, roles and consequences of an accounting—industrial relations interaction

Abstract This paper reports the findings of one particular company's experiences with a managerial strategy to interweave the concepts and techniques of accounting with the structures and processes of industrial relations. In particular, the paper argues that the emergence, roles and consequences of accounting systems can be best understood in the context of the local social situations in which they operate.
Adjacent metal-coated/uncoated regions facilitate interpretation of STM images of DNA

powerful and widely used instrument in Materials and Surface Science, the reason being itsremarkable spatial resolution. In optimum, but not unusual conditions, lateral and verticalresolutions are 0.1 nm and 0.03 nm, respectively. Another advantage is its ability to providethree dimensional images in real space, as opposed to diffraction techniques that operate in
Children's incidental memory for pictures: Item processing versus list organization

Abstract Third-grade children verified semantic or physical descriptions of pictures and then received an unexpected recall test. In the experimental condition, where utilization of taxonomic categories was possible, recall was superior following the semantic orienting task. However, in two control conditions designed to prevent taxonomic organization, semantic and physical orienting tasks yielded equivalent recall. A second study compared the effects of semantic and nonsemantic processing tasks on children's recall of unrelated pictures and words. Pictures were recalled equally well regardless of the particular orienting task imposed; recall of words was better following the semantic orienting task. It was concluded that: (i) organizational factors, rather than item processing factors per se, were responsible for previously found differences in children's recall of pictures following semantic and physical orienting tasks; and (ii) physical orienting tasks may effectively inhibit subjects' processing of words, but not pictures.
Planning quality and delivery efficiency of sMLC delivered IMRT treatment of oropharyngeal cancers evaluated by RTOG H-0022 dosimetric criteria

The time required to deliver intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments can be significantly longer than conventional treatments, especially for the segmented multileaf collimator (sMLC) delivery system with a large record and verification (R&V) overhead. In this work, we evaluate the impact of the number of intensity-modulated beams (IMBs) and the number of intensity levels (ILs) on the quality and delivery efficiency of IMRT plans, generated by the Corvus planning system for sMLC delivery on a Siemens LINAC with the Lantis R&V system. Detailed studies were performed for three image data sets of previously treated oropharyngeal patients. Treatment plans for patient 1 were developed using 5, 7, 9, or 15 evenly spaced axial IMBs as well as one with 7 axial IMBs whose directions were user-selected, each using ILs of 3, 5, 10, or 20. For patients 2 and 3, plans with 15 IMBs and 20 ILs were not attempted. A total of 42 plans were developed using three oropharyngeal cancer CT image data sets. Plan quality was evaluated by assessing compliance with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) H-0022 protocol criteria and the physician's clinical judgment. Plan efficiency was accessed by the number of segments of each plan. We found that for our treatment-planning and delivery system, an IMRT plan that uses a moderate number of IMBs and ILs, such as 7 or 9 IMBs with 3 or 5 ILs, would appear to be the optimal approach when both quality of the plan and delivery efficiency are considered. Based on this study, we have routinely used 9 IMBs with 3 ILs or 7 IMBs with 5 ILs for head and neck patients. A retrospective comparison indicates that delivery efficiency is improved on the order of 30% compared to plans generated with 9 IMBs with 5 ILs.
Polyploidy in the Arabidopsis genus.

Whole genome duplication (WGD), which gives rise to polyploids, is a unique type of mutation that duplicates all the genetic material in a genome. WGD provides an evolutionary opportunity by generating abundant genetic “raw material,” and has been implicated in diversification, speciation, adaptive radiation, and invasiveness, and has also played an important role in crop breeding. However, WGD at least initially challenges basic biological functions by increasing cell size, altering relationships between cell volume and DNA content, and doubling the number of homologous chromosome copies that must be sorted during cell division. Newly polyploid lineages often have extensive changes in gene regulation, genome structure, and may suffer meiotic or mitotic chromosome mis-segregation. The abundance of species that persist in nature as polyploids shows that these problems are surmountable and/or that advantages of WGD might outweigh drawbacks. The molecularly especially tractable Arabidopsis genus has several ancient polyploidy events in its history and contains several independent more recent polyploids. This genus can thus provide important insights into molecular aspects of polyploid formation, establishment, and genome evolution. The ability to integrate ecological and evolutionary questions with molecular and genetic understanding makes comparative analyses in this genus particularly attractive and holds promise for advancing our general understanding of polyploid biology. Here, we highlight some of the findings from Arabidopsis that have given us insights into the origin and evolution of polyploids.
Altered lipid metabolism in gastroschisis: a novel hypothesis.

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect where there is herniation of abdominal organs. Optimal maternal nutritional intake, in particular, fatty acids, are vital for proper growth and development of the fetus. This pilot case–control study explored the association of several biomarkers of fatty acids and gastroschisis. Between 2008 and 2011, we recruited 13 pregnant women in mid-gestation who were referred to the UCSD Prenatal Center for evaluation of an abnormal maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test and subsequently identified as carrying a baby with gastroschisis. Nine controls were selected from a false positive MSAFP or from the UCSD prenatal clinic. At enrollment, maternal blood was drawn for analysis of fatty acids. Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon tests were used to test for mean differences between erythrocyte fatty acid biomarkers and the fatty acid lipogenic (palmitic acid: linoleic acid) and desaturation (palmitoleic acid: palmitic acid) indices and gastroschisis. Mothers carrying a baby with gastroschisis and gastroschisis babies had consistently higher levels of palmitoleic acid (all P's < 0.05), gastroschisis mothers had lower levels of oleic acid during pregnancy and at delivery, and higher levels of DHA at delivery (all P's < 0.05). The lipogenic index was significantly lower at delivery for gastroschisis mothers (P < 0.05) and the desaturation index was consistently higher in gastroschisis mothers and babies (all P's < 0.01). These findings suggest that early maternal inflammation possibly resulting from an imbalance of fatty acids, leading to a vascular disruption, may be the underlying mechanism responsible for at least some cases of gastroschisis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decision making under time pressure, modeled in a prospect theory framework

The current research examines the effects of time pressure on decision behavior based on a prospect theory framework. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants estimated certainty equivalents for binary gains-only bets in the presence or absence of time pressure. In Experiment 3, participants assessed comparable bets that were framed as losses. Data were modeled to establish psychological mechanisms underlying decision behavior. In Experiments 1 and 2, time pressure led to increased risk attractiveness, but no significant differences emerged in either probability discriminability or outcome utility. In Experiment 3, time pressure reduced probability discriminability, which was coupled with severe risk-seeking behavior for both conditions in the domain of losses. No significant effects of control over outcomes were observed. Results provide qualified support for theories that suggest increased risk-seeking for gains under time pressure.
Imperfection sensitivity of axially compressed stringer reinforced cylindrical sandwich panels

Abstract This paper presents some numerical results of the effects of several nondimensional parameters on the buckling and initial post buckling behaviors of shallow sandwich panels under axial compression. Results are presented that show these effects due to transverse shearing resistance of the core material, different face-sheet thicknesses, and different core thicknesses. Further effects on the buckling and initial postbuckling behaviors of sandwich panels are presented due to the torsional resistance of longitudinal edge stiffeners. The results show that the range of flatness parameter, δ / d , for which sandwich panels remain imperfection-insensitive increases with increases in transverse shearing resistance of the core material and with larger core thicknesses. These results also indicate that this range of δ / d is smallest when the face-sheet thicknesses are equal. Finally, as in the case of homogeneous panels, torsional resistance of the longitudinal edge stiffeners has the effect of making the sandwich panel less imperfection-sensitive.
Road safety and health behavior: some lessons for research and intervention

This brief article discusses recent developments in the field of health research and intervention and how these might be of interest to the field of road safety. The author points out the recognition of the central role of behaviour in determining health; efforts to promote health have had to seek an understanding of behaviour, drawing on the social and behavioural sciences. If this psychosocial approach were applied to road safety research it would allow the establishment of a taxonomy of all the driving behaviours which are risk factors for crashes and associated injuries; in turn this understanding would make possible the design of intervention programs with a logical basis for success. Risk behaviour has been found to have positive as well as negative outcomes; therefore it is necessary to investigate the social and psychological costs and benefits associated with speeding, or drinking and driving, or not using seat belts, for example. There is also a need for research that explores the linkages and covariations among the behaviours within the category of risky driving, such as drinking and driving, drug taking and driving, sleepy driving, expressive driving, speeding, insufficient headroom, non use of seat belts etc; risk driving in turn should be studied in relation to other risk behaviours or lifestyles, such as illicit drug use, violence and aggression. Much can be learned for road safety from the emphasis on health promotion as an alternative to deterrence campaigns.
T1ρ and T2 relaxation times predict progression of knee osteoarthritis

Summary Objective To evaluate whether T 2 and T 1ρ relaxation times of knee cartilage determined with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline predict longitudinal progression of cartilage degenerative changes. Methods Quantitative analysis of cartilage was performed using 3T MRI with both T 2 and T 1ρ mapping techniques in 55 subjects without evidence of severe osteoarthritis (OA) [Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score of 0–3] at baseline. Morphological abnormalities of cartilage, menisci, ligaments and bone marrow were analyzed on sagittal fat-saturated intermediate-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences. Progression of degenerative changes was analyzed over a period of 2 years. Progression was detected in 27 subjects while in 28 subjects no changes were found. Differences between T 2 and T 1ρ relaxation times in these two cohorts were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests. Results Baseline T 2 and T 1ρ values were significantly higher in the progression cohort in all compartments ( P 2 and the medial tibia (MT) for T 1ρ . Progression of cartilage degenerative disease was most pronounced at the medial femoral condyles and at the femoro-patellar joint; differences between the two cohorts for T 2 and T 1ρ were also most significant in these compartments. Conclusions T 2 and T 1ρ measurements were significantly higher at baseline in individuals that showed progression of cartilage abnormalities over a period of 2 years and may therefore serve as potential predictors for progression of degenerative cartilage abnormalities in knee OA.
Carefully on the Margins: Christian Palestinians in Haifa between Nation and State

Christian Palestinians in Israel are a religious minority within a national minority. Among the Palestinians of Haifa, however, they are a majority and an elite. By examining practices of children's socialization, I follow the ongoing process of boundary maintenance among Christian Palestinians in the city of Haifa as they navigate among their potentially conflictual affiliations with the Israeli state, the Palestinian nation, and the Christian religious community. Christian Palestinians vacillate between Christian ethnocentrism on the one hand and Palestinian national identification on the other. I argue that these seemingly contradictory attitudes and practices are responses to and a utilization of the broader political economy of Israeli Palestinians, which has itself been dynamic and even contradictory. Furthermore, I argue that we can use the perspective of such a group on the margins to highlight some of the conflictual aspects of the broader nation-state system. [Palestinians in Israel, Christian Palestinians, marginality, nation-state, oppositional behavior, resistance]
Strain-induced tuning of metal–insulator transition in NdNiO3

We have used the lattice-mismatch epitaxial strain, induced by the constraint of epitaxy, to tune the metal–insulator (M–I) transition temperature of NdNiO3 films grown on Si(100) substrate. Films were integrated with the Si(100) substrate using several combinations of thin buffer layers. A systematic variation in the electrical transport properties has been observed with the change in the lattice mismatch between NdNiO3 and the buffer layer just below it. It was shown that by the proper selection of the substrate and thickness of film, it is possible to control and precisely tune the M–I transition temperature of NdNiO3 to any desired value between 12 and 300 K (temperature range of this study). Fine control over the M–I transition temperature of these films is likely to boost the potential of these films for their applications in bolometers, actuators, and thermal/optical switches in next-generation perovskite-based microelectronic devices.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Block Multiple Steps of Influenza A Virus Replication

Host signaling pathways play important roles in the replication of influenza virus, but their functional effects remain to be characterized at the molecular level. Here we identify two receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) of the tyrphostin class that exhibit robust antiviral activity against influenza A virus replication in cultured cells. One of these (AG879) is a selective inhibitor of the nerve growth factor receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (TrkA/HER2) signaling; the other, tyrphostin A9 (A9), inhibits the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) pathway. We find that each inhibits at least three postentry steps of the influenza virus life cycle: AG879 and A9 both strongly inhibit the synthesis of all three influenza virus RNA species, block Crm1-dependent nuclear export, and also prevent the release of viral particles through a pathway that is modulated by the lipid biosynthesis enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS). Tests of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown and additional small-molecule inhibitors confirmed that interventions targeting TrkA can suppress influenza virus replication. Our study suggests that host cell receptor tyrosine kinase signaling is required for maximal influenza virus RNA synthesis, viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) nuclear export, and virus release and that specific RTKIs hold promise as novel anti-influenza virus therapeutics.
Freud and the Prophetic

Contemporary theoretical interest in the intersections of politics and religion led to the redefinition of the category of the messianic as an inherent category of human subjectivity. In my paper, however, I argue that through a re-examination of Freud's work on the concept of frustration, we can conclude that psychoanalysis falls within the register of the prophetic rather than that of the messianic. The prophetic emerges here as the injunction to realize the community in the living present in accordance with the law that instituted the community in the first place.
Information transmission in brief exposures as a function of association value.

The amount of information Transmitted as a function of Glaze's (1928) association value of nonsense syllables was determined by tachistoscopic presentation of the syllables for 30-msec. durations. S attempted to identify which syllabic of a known set of syllables had been exposed. The information theory meaure of transmission indicated a direct relation between association value and recognizability.
Heats and Free Energies of Formation of Two Sialons by Mass Spectrometry

The heats of formation at 298 K of SiAl2O2N2(c) (β'-sialon) and SiAl4O2N4(c) (15R-sialon) were determined as −413±6 and −592±8 kcal/mol by the third-law method. Second-law values were −414±4 and −595±5 kcal/mol. A tentative method of predicting the heats is given. The major vapor species observed were SiO and N2. It was found that the normal valences of the elements in these two sialons are not rigorously maintained during decomposition in vacuum.
SUMOylation Silences Heterodimeric TASK Potassium Channels Containing K2P1 Subunits in Cerebellar Granule Neurons

K2P channels consist of two subunits that form a K+ selective pore and establish the resting membrane potential. The TASK (two–P domain, acid-sensitive K+) channel subunits K2P3 or K2P9 are activated by decreases in pH (such as those that occur during oxygen deprivation), noxious stimuli, and volatile anesthetics such as halothane. Plant et al . found that the K2P1 subunit coassembled with K2P3 or K2P9 at the surface of cerebellar granule neurons. When ectopically expressed, the responses of these heteromeric channels to halothane or decreases in pH were suppressed by SUMOylation of K2P1, an effect that was reversed by application of a deSUMOylating enzyme. Because K2P1 is found in many of the same tissues as K2P3 and K2P9, SUMOylation could be a widespread mechanism to suppress the activity of heteromeric channels containing K2P1 and the TASK channel subunits.
What Is the Association Between Self-Neglect, Depressive Symptoms and Untreated Medical Conditions?

ABSTRACT Objective. There have been no studies describing the occurrence of untreated medical condition(s) in elders with depression who self-neglect. This study compares the prevalence of depression as indicated by an abnormal score (≥5) on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) between self-neglecters and matched non self-neglecting community-dwelling elders. It also describes the relationship between untreated medical condition(s) associated with self-neglect and abnormal scores on the GDS-SF. Methods. The two samples consisted of 50 self-neglect cases validated by Adult Protective Services and 50 matched non-self-neglecters recruited from a hospital geriatric unit. The cases and controls were matched on age, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status when possible. All were assessed in their home. Each participant received a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which included the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, the Mini-Mental State Exam, the Self-Rated Health and Mortality question...