cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐486: Comparison of TLD Measured Dose and MVCT Reconstructed Dose for Post‐Mastectomy Chest Wall Irradiation with TomoTherapy

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of TomoTherapy's delivery verification planned adaptive (DVPA) dose reconstruction software in post‐ mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) calculations to the chest wall. Methods: Archived treatment data for 5 patients treated at MBPCC were restored to the DVPA analysis software. This data included daily pretreatment MVCT images as well as exit detector transit dosimetry data collected during treatment. These were used to calculate the delivery verification (DV) sinogram for each treatment fraction. The DV sinogram and MVCT image for each fraction were used to reconstruct the delivereddose for that fraction using a convolution/superposition algorithm. Point doses at four TLD locations were previously acquired for 15 treatment fractions for each patient. The DVPA and TLDdoses for each patient TLD for each fraction and compared to our clinically acceptable criterion of 5% agreement. Results: The mean difference for all the data was −3.2 ± 0.28% (4.7%). Approximately 66% of the data points agreed within 5%. The largest difference between measured and calculated doses was −17.3%. While the mean difference was within 5%, the large standard deviation of the data demonstrates the potential for large differences in agreement for individual fraction data. Conclusions: Patient motion after the MVCT can have a large effect on the calculation of radiological path‐length used by the database technique, especially near the surface. This uncertainty may be responsible for the differences seen in this work. Future evaluations of the DVPA software will include anthropomorphic phantom studies. Since the motion variable is removed in the treatment of the phantom it is expected that the dose reconstruction will compare well to TLDdoses.
Multidimensional modeling of two‐phase flow and heat transfer

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss a mechanistic modeling concept for local phenomena governing two‐ and multi‐phase flows and heat transfer.Design/methodology/approach – An overview is given of selected issues concerning the formulation of multidimensional models of two‐phase flow and heat transfer. A complete computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) model of two‐phase flow is presented, including local constitutive models applicable to two‐phase flows in heated channels. Results are shown of model testing and validation.Findings – It has been demonstrated that the overall model is capable of capturing various local flow and heat transfer phenomena in general, and the onset of temperature excursion (CHF) in low quality forced‐convection boiling, in particular.Research limitations/implications – Whereas the multiphase model formulation is applicable to a large class of problems, geometries and operating conditions, the closure laws and results are focused on forced‐convection boiling in heated ch...
Making color infrared film a more effective high-altitude remote sensor

Abstract Although Kodak Ektachrome Infrared Aero Film, type 8443 transparency film, has long been recognized as a useful remote sensor, recent high-altitude and spacecraft images indicate that its potential is curtailed by as little as one atmospheric mass between the camera and target. Examination of the unique properties of the film indicates that significant improvement can be made by using auxiliary minus-visual filters with the necessary minus-blue filtration recommended. Although not a panacea for all uses of color infrared film, the auxiliary filter technique makes a substantial “breakthrough” in the use of the film at high altitudes and gives the individual investigator many more research options that utilize the near infrared.
Reproductive endocrine function in female atlantic croaker exposed to pollutants

To examine whether xenobiotics impair teleost reproduction by altering reproductive endocrine function, steroid hormone secretion and ovarian growth were investigated in female Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) after chronic oral administration with sublethal doses of three classes of reproductive toxins (lead, benzo[a]pyrene and Aroclor 1254). All the sublethal treatments significantly impaired ovarian growth as assessed by the gonadosomatic index. Reduced ovarian growth was accompanied by a significant decline in circulating 17β-estradiol levels in fish exposed to lead and benzo[a]pyrene. All three toxicants significantly decreased plasma testosterone levels. However, the steroidogenic capacity of ovarian tissue in vitro was not altered by xenobiotic exposure. The data suggest that the decreased ovarian growth in croaker after pollutant exposure may be a consequence of the decline in plasma 17β-estradiol levels. Further, this decrease in circulating levels of gonadal steroids does not appear to be caused by a direct effect of the chemicals on ovarian steroid synthesis.
Life Pure Fusion Target Designs: Status and Prospects

Analysis and radiation-hydrodynamics simulations for expected high-gain fusion target performance on a demonstration 1-GWe Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE) power plant are presented. The require...
Perception For A Large Deployable Reflector Telescope

Optical science and technology concepts for a large deployable reflector for far-infrared and submillimeter astronomy from above the earth's atmosphere are discussed. Requirements given at the Asilomar Conference are reviewed. The technical challenges of this large-aperture (about 20-meter) telescope, which will be diffraction limited in the infrared, are highlighted in a brief discussion of one particular configuration.
Chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to characterize prospectively the course and outcome of chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents during a 2-year period after infectious mononucleosis. METHODS: A total of 301 adolescents (12–18 years of age) with infectious mononucleosis were identified and screened for nonrecovery 6 months after infectious mononucleosis by using a telephone screening interview. Nonrecovered adolescents underwent a medical evaluation, with follow-up screening 12 and 24 months after infectious mononucleosis. After blind review, final diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome at 6, 12, and 24 months were made by using established pediatric criteria. RESULTS: Six, 12, and 24 months after infectious mononucleosis, 13%, 7%, and 4% of adolescents, respectively, met the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. Most individuals recovered with time; only 2 adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome at 24 months seemed to have recovered or had an explanation for chronic fatigue at 12 months but then were reclassified as having chronic fatigue syndrome at 24 months. All 13 adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome 24 months after infectious mononucleosis were female and, on average, they reported greater fatigue severity at 12 months. Reported use of steroid therapy during the acute phase of infectious mononucleosis did not increase the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious mononucleosis may be a risk factor for chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents. Female gender and greater fatigue severity, but not reported steroid use during the acute illness, were associated with the development of chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents. Additional research is needed to determine other predictors of persistent fatigue after infectious mononucleosis.
Nonlithographic fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates using a rastered atmospheric-pressure microplasma source

A nonlithographic patterning technique based on a numerically controlled atmospheric-pressure microplasma source has been developed to fabricate surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Microstructures in silver (Ag) films on glass are created by localized physical sputtering of Ag atoms using an argon (Ar) microplasma horizontally scanned across the glass substrate. Detection of crystal violet on patterned substrates shows an enhancement of the Raman scattering signal intensity by eight to ten orders of magnitude higher than bare Ag/glass substrates. The SERS enhancement depends on the pattern geometry showing that the mechanism is related to surface irregularities in the sputtered holes.
The chromatic organization of the goldfish cone mosaic.

Abstract Responses of individual goldfish cones to spectral lights were monitored using reduction of Nitro-blue tetrazolium chloride as an indicator of response magnitude. Red sensitive cones (long double, some long single and miniature long single cones), green sensitive cones (short double and some long single cones) and blue sensitive cones (short single and miniature short single cones) were identified in flat mounts of whole retinae. Cone patterning, densities and dimensions were examined in whole mounts and thin sections. The total chromatic composition of the retina was found to be 45% red cones, 35% green cones and 20% blue cones.
A mutuality perspective of psychological contracts regarding career development and job security

Abstract Psychological contracts are more likely to be fulfilled when the parties to the contract develop mutuality (agreement) concerning the expectations and obligations of both parties. This study explores the impact of psychological contract mutuality about career development responsibility and job security on the in-role and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) performance of employees. These relationships are also tested to see if they vary by the managerial vs. non-managerial job level of the employee.
Myopericytoma of the Hypothenar Eminence: Case Report

Myopericytomas belong to a benign group of tumors consisting of perivascular myopericytes or pericytes with a characteristic myoid differentiation pattern. The tumor is histologically and radiographically heterogenous, similar to superficial myofibromas. We report on a case of a myopericytoma arising in the hypothenar eminence of a 58-year-old man with a history of over 15 years of ulnar-sided and midcarpal wrist pain. Decision was made to excise the mass after it had increased in size by over 50 % over a 10-year period. Excision of the mass led to remarkable relief of his symptoms in the hypothenar as well as midcarpal regions. Consideration of this rare perivascular tumor should be included in patients with slow-growing benign appearing masses within the subcutaneous tissues of the hand.
The effects of social skills training on behavioral and cognitive components of anger management

Abstract While cognitive change and other methods for the management of anger have reported successes, little attention has been paid to the systematic assessment of the effects of one type of treatment (e.g., behavioral) on an area targeted primarily by the other (e.g., cognitive). In the present study both behavioral and cognitive changes were assessed when a treatment strategy devoted to changing behavior alone was used. Results indicated that changes in behavior altered cognitions, and that a strategy designed to alter cognitions alone was unnecessary.
Localization of an RNA binding element of the iron responsive element binding protein within a proteolytic fragment containing iron coordination ligands

Abstract The iron responsive element binding protein (IRE-BP) regulates iron storage and uptake in response to iron. This control results from the interaction of the IRE-BP with the iron responsive element (IRE), a conserved sequence/structure element located near the 5' end of all ferritin mRNAs and in the 3' UTR of transferrin receptor mRNAs. Proteolysis was used to probe for functional elements of the IRE-BP. Partial chymotrypsin digestion generates a simple digestion pattern yielding fragments of 68, 56, 41, and 30 kDa. The 68 and 30 kDa fragments are derived from a single cleavage at Trp623. Further cleavages of the 68 kDa polypeptide yield the 56 and 41 kDa peptides. A combination of UV-crosslinking and chymotrypsin digestion was used to localize an RNA binding element within the C-terminus of the 68 kDa fragment, between amino acid residues 480 and 623. This region includes cysteine residues 503 and 506 which have been shown to be required for iron-sulfur cluster assembly and for iron regulation of the IRE-BP. Proteolytic fragments of the IRE-BP that contain this RNA binding region can be crosslinked to the IRE but do not bind with high affinity, suggesting that elements within the IRE-BP, in addition to those located between residues 480 and 623, are required for high affinity binding to the IRE.
The Golden Crescent and HIV/AIDS in Central Asia: Deadly interactions

Afghanistan has become the world's largest producer of illicit opiates. Opium and its derivative heroin are widespread substances of use, abuse and dependency in Central Asia. The region is currently undergoing expanding HIV epidemics driven largely by needle sharing among people who use drugs, in contexts where public health interventions to reduce the harms associated with substance use are limited by policy, law and legalistic and repressive approaches to drug users. Evidence-based approaches to drug treatment are lacking or limited in multiple states. Urgent reform is needed. The massive volumes of Afghan's illicit opiate exports are having serious impacts on the health of the region.
Contributions of Phonological and Semantic Short-Term Memory to Sentence Processing: Evidence from Two Cases of Closed Head Injury in Children ☆

This paper reports the short-term memory and sentence processing performance of two head-injured children who were approximately 10 years of age at the time of test. The two children were found to have similarly reduced memory span on a variety of short-term memory tasks relative to age-matched control children, but differing patterns of performance. One child showed reduced (or absent) effects of phonological variables, and the other showed reduced effects of semantic variables. A dissociation in their performance on sentence processing tasks was also observed, with one child showing preserved comprehension but impaired repetition, and the other child showing the reverse. The results are consistent with previous findings from brain-damaged adults supporting a multiple-components model of short-term memory in which phonological and semantic components play different roles in sentence processing. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, the phonological component did not appear to play a more important role in sentence comprehension for children than for adults.
The Influence of Skin Color on Heterosexual Black College Women's Dating Beliefs

Black women's skin color perceptions were identified utilized qualitative methods. The primary goal was to identify the relevance of these perceptions on their understandings about dating preferences and related beliefs about appropriate scripts using a Black feminist thought framework. Twenty- eight self- identified Black women attending a large university in the southeastern United States were interviewed for this study. Lighter- skin was perceived as being more attractive, and associated with four themes about dating: (a) positive personality traits, (b) increased value in dating contexts, and (c) sexual appeal to men. Therapeutic considerations for addressing skin color concerns with Black female clients, including addressing within group differences and validation of skin color values, are addressed.
Vascularizing the tissue surrounding a model biosensor: how localized is the effect of a subcutaneous infusion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)?

Abstract Implantable continuous biosensors would improve disease management but long term function of such devices have been limited by a hypovascular foreign body capsule that inhibits influx of analytes. To assess whether capsule vascularity could be increased, we studied the histologic effects of a 28-day continuous infusion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (0.45 μg/day) vs. saline from the surface of a model disk biosensor that was implanted subcutaneously in rats. At day 40, tissue was obtained at varying distances from the infusion port and capsular microvessels were counted using two histologic techniques. VEGF treatment led to a marked increase in capillary density. In tissue located 1 mm away from the infusion site, capillary density in VEGF-treated animals was 200–300% higher than in saline controls. Tissue located 13 mm away, but not 25 mm away, also demonstrated neovascularization. Serum obtained from a distant vein during the infusion did not show an elevated concentration of VEGF. These data demonstrate that a subcutaneous infusion of VEGF creates localized neovascularization of the foreign body capsule and suggest that systemic effects of VEGF are avoidable. Vascularization of a foreign body capsule surrounding a subcutaneous biosensor might well extend its useful life.
Listeria monocytogenes and hemolytic Listeria innocua in poultry

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous, saprophytic, Gram-positive bacterium and occasional food-borne pathogen, often associated with ready-to-eat meat products. Because of the increased consumer interest in organic, all natural, and free range poultry products, it is important to understand L. monocytogenes in the context of such systems. Pasture-reared poultry were surveyed over the course of two 8-wk rearing periods. Cecal, soil, and grass samples were collected for Listeria isolation and characterization. Seven of 399 cecal samples (or 1.75%) were Listeria-positive. All positive cecal samples were obtained from broilers sampled at 2 wk of age. Grass and soil samples were collected from the pasture both before and after introduction of the poultry. Environmental samples collected after introduction of poultry were significantly more likely to contain Listeria (P < 0.001). The results of analytical profile index Listeria, sigB allelic typing, and hlyA PCR tests found that both L. monocytogenes and L. innocua, including hemolytic L. innocua, were recovered from the cecal and environmental (grass/soil) samples. The sigB allelic typing also revealed that (1) positive samples could be composed of 2 or more allelic types; (2) allelic types found in cecal samples could also be found in the environment; and (3) allelic types could persist through the 2 rearing periods. Our data indicate that both pasture-reared poultry and their environment can be contaminated with L. monocytogenes and hemolytic L. innocua.
Photoemission studies of core exciton decay in KI

Abstract The decay of K + 3 p -core excitons in KI was studied by using new methods for obtaining photoemission spectroscopy data with synchrotron radiation. The Auger and non-radiative direct-recombination decay processes are separately identified in the data and a measure for the Auger energy distribution is obtained.
Optical constants of evaporated carbon target foils

Abstract Least-squares fitting procedures on transmittance data for unsupported carbon foils have been used to find the complex refractive index of evaporated carbon foils in the wavelength range 400–2600 nm. This information permits the calibration of carbon-target surface densities to within about ±10% over the range 10–200 μg/cm 2 using any of several different light sources, as well as the calibration of composite targets and filters composed of one or more layers of carbon and one or more metallic layers.
Near Edge X‐Ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) Studies of Copper Ion‐Containing PAMAMOS Dendrimer Networks

The interaction of Cu 2+ with C, N and O moieties in nanocomposites containing copper ions complexed in poly(amidoamine-organosilicon), PAMAMOS, dendrimer networks was characterized using near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). The effects on the 1s → π* and Is → σ* orbital transitions were determined at the C, N and O K edges. The influence of Cu 2+ on the transitions of Is → π*(N-H) at 401 eV, and Is → σ*(N-C) type transitions at 412 eV within the N edge increased with increasing Cu 2+ content up to the theoretical limit of the copper-accommodating capacity of the PAMAMOS dendrimer used. As ligands, the carbonyls were found to saturate at much lower Cu 2+ concentrations compared with those associated with N.
On the R-curve behavior of human tooth enamel

In this study the crack growth resistance behavior and fracture toughness of human tooth enamel were quantified using incremental crack growth measures and conventional fracture mechanics. Results showed that enamel undergoes an increase in crack growth resistance (i.e. rising R-curve) with crack extension from the outer to the inner enamel, and that the rise in toughness is a function of distance from the dentin enamel junction (DEJ). The outer enamel exhibited the lowest apparent toughness (0.67+/-0.12 MPam(0.5)), and the inner enamel exhibited a rise in the growth toughness from 1.13 MPam(0.5)/mm to 3.93 MPam(0.5)/mm. The maximum crack growth resistance at fracture (i.e. fracture toughness (K(c))) ranged from 1.79 to 2.37 MPam(0.5). Crack growth in the inner enamel was accompanied by a host of mechanisms operating from the micro- to the nano-scale. Decussation in the inner enamel promoted crack deflection and twist, resulting in a reduction of the local stress intensity at the crack tip. In addition, extrinsic mechanisms such as bridging by unbroken ligaments of the tissue and the organic matrix promoted crack closure. Microcracking due to loosening of prisms was also identified as an active source of energy dissipation. In summary, the unique microstructure of enamel in the decussated region promotes crack growth toughness that is approximately three times that of dentin and over ten times that of bone.
Magnetic and magneto-optical properties of heteroepitaxial magnetite thin films

Abstract The magnetic and magneto-optical properties of heteroepitaxial magnetite (Fe3O4) thin films were investigated. Of interest was the role of misfit strain on determining its magnetic properties. Epitaxial magnetite thin films were deposited by molecular beam epitaxy using molecular oxygen on (1 0 0) oriented SrTiO3, BaTiO3 and MgO. Polar spectroscopic magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) measurements on the thin films over near infrared to visible spectral region revealed two dominant magneto-optical transitions. It is shown that the magnetic and magneto-optical properties depend strongly on misfit strain. The longitudinal MOKE saturation rotation angle decreased with the lattice misfit and was attributed to the formation of antiphase boundaries. Coercivity ranged from 19 to 39 mT and was proportional to the lattice misfit. Thin films were all magnetically isotropic within the plane. The magnetic domain size measured by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) decreased with misfit.
A temperature-stable linear gate for nanosecond signals and an optional stretcher circuit

Abstract A temperature-stable linear gate with an optional stretcher circuit has been developed for gating nanosecond signals from photomultipliers. Stabilization of the gate circuit results in a baseline drift at a 50 Ω output of less than a millivolt for a 50° C change in temperature from 0 to 50 °C. In addition to good temperature stability and linearity, this direct-coupled circuit switches in less than 5 ns with small switching transients; moreover, it is unaffected by the gating rate or duty cycle. Gate intervals from 30 ns to any larger interval are possible. The responsible is linear to within 2% over 30:1 range of input pulse heights. A linear dynamic range of 300:1 has been achieved with a combination of two circuits. The optional stretcher circuit integrates the gated pulse from the photomultiplier anode and generates a stretched analog signal which is proportional to the total charge of the gated signal.
LIMITS ON A NEW U(1) COUPLING

Abstract The existence of a new U(1) gauge coupling is considered. The range and strength are not constrained. The coupling is constrained by the demand that the model be anomaly free and that the right-handed neutrino not be light. Phenomenological bounds are considered in detail. Assuming that the symmetry breaking occurs at the weak scale, it is found that the gauge boson would be undetected if its mass were between 1 MeV and 7 GeV or if its mass were less than 10−8 eV.
230 GENETIC INFLUENCES ON PANCREAS TRANSPLANTATION

The susceptibility of mice to develop experimental diabetes vary among different inbred strains. 6J mice are more resistant to develop diabetes than KsJ mice due to the ability of their islet cells to undergo hypertrophy. These differences may manifest also during transplantation. Twelve 6J mice were made diabetic with streptozotocin given at 1 mg per gm body weight and 12 KsJ mice with 0.5 mg per gm. A week later islet cells from 6 week old normal 6J and KsJ mice were transplanted into the kidney capsule of the diabetic mice. Pancreas tissue from two normal 6J and two KsJ mice were minced with scissors into fragments about 0.5 to 1 mm in Hank's solution and immediately transferred into the renal capsule of the 6J and KsJ diabetic host respectively. The course of the diabetes was followed by determination of plasma glucose. The pre transplantation mean ±SD glucose was 524±119 in 6J and 529±76 mg/per 100 ml in KsJ, and the post transplantation was 263±134 in 6J and 426±135 mg/per 100 ml in KsJ. Islets containing beta cells were stained with aldehyde fuchsin and found to be present in higher numbers in 6J than in KsJ mice. The significantly higher recovery from hyperglycemia in 6J mice than in KsJ mice suggests a genetic influence in the ability of transplanted islet cells to reverse diabetes.
Primary cesarean section and subsequent fertility

The incidence of infertility after primary cesarean section (study group) was compared to an age- and parity-matched control group who underwent vaginal delivery during 1978 at The New York Hospital. Secondary infertility occurred in 17/291 (5.8%) of the study group and 5/279 (1.8%) of the control group (p
Verification and standardization of cephalometric coordinate data.

Abstract This paper presents the details and logic of two FORTRAN computer programs designed to verify the accuracy of digitized coordinate data arising from cephalometric radiographs, prior to entry into a databank. In addition, the software accounts for varying magnifications of the radiographs which result from the use of different cephalometers. Finally, data from all records are oriented in the same coordinate system, thus standardization of the data has been accomplished. As a result of the two programs, the user may be guaranteed accurate and comparable data for any or all records contained in the databank.
Using in-situ measurements to evaluate the new RapidEye™ satellite series for prediction of wheat nitrogen status

This study assessed whether vegetation indices derived from broadband RapidEye™ data containing the red edge region (690-730 nm) equal those computed from narrow band data in predicting nitrogen (N) status of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Various single and combined indices were computed from in-situ spectroradiometer data and simulated RapidEye™ data. A new, combined index derived from the Modified Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index (MCARI) and the second Modified Triangular Vegetation Index (MTVI2) in ratio obtained the best regression relationships with chlorophyll meter values (Minolta Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) 502 chlorophyll meter) and flag leaf N. For SPAD, r 2 values ranged from 0.45 to 0.69 (p<0.01) for narrow bands and from 0.35 and 0.77 (p<0.01) for broad bands. For leaf N, r 2 values ranged from 0.41 to 0.68 (p<0.01) for narrow bands and 0.37 to 0.56 (p<0.01) for broad bands. These results are sufficiently promising to suggest that MCARI/MTVI2 employing broadband RapidEye™ data is useful for predicting wheat N status.
Holding a Mirror to Management Research On Creativity, Elitism, and the Defense of Dogmatism

The authors previously suggested a new, more collaborative and constructive approach to the research process, termed the research advisory board (RAB). Here, the authors further develop this approach, focusing on five concerns about RABs raised by Hitt in his recent commentary on the state of academic research in management and organization. In particular, the authors (a) expand on their discussion of forms, structures, and governances of RABs; (b) contend that regulation of RABs would be unfortunate and disturbing; (c) argue that RABs could be important catalysts for creativity; (d) suggest that RABs could serve as checks on elitism; and (e) emphasize that RABs are envisioned as a voluntary form that could be accessed as desired, even by those seeking to disseminate unpopular or extrerme ideas.
Examining the Causal Order of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment

Four hypotheses have been advanced regarding the causal relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment: (a) satisfaction causes commitment, (b) commitment causes satisfaction, (c) satisfaction and commitment are reciprocally related, and (d) no causal relationship exists between the two constructs. These four hypotheses were represented by separate structural equation models in a longitudinal research design. Using a sample of management information systems professionals, the models were tested using a combination of pseudo-generalized least squares, and full information maximumlikelihood estimation procedures. The latter procedures controlled for the unmeasured causal variables problem characterizing past studies. Results supported the commitment-causes-satisfaction model.
Severe bacterial endophthalmitis: towards improving clinical outcomes

Endophthalmitis is an infection and inflammation of the interior of the eye that can result in significant vision loss. This infection occurs as a result of the seeding of organisms into the interior of the eye following surgery (postoperative), trauma (post-traumatic) or an infection in another site in the body (endogenous). The general rate of endophthalmitis has remained steady over the past several years. However, the increased use of intraocular injections to treat various degenerative and inflammatory ocular diseases, in addition to the already large and growing number of invasive ocular surgeries, may increase the opportunities in which organisms can gain access to the eye. In most cases of endophthalmitis, useful vision can be retained if proper treatment is instituted. However, in severe cases of bacterial endophthalmitis, blindness often occurs despite treatment. This article summarizes information on endophthalmitis epidemiology, treatment issues and current regimens, and recent experimental and clinical efforts to improve the outcome of severe and blinding forms of bacterial endophthalmitis.
Update - concept of operations for Integrated Model-Centric Engineering at JPL

The increasingly ambitious requirements levied on JPL's space science missions, and the development pace of such missions, challenge our current engineering practices. 12All the engineering disciplines face this growth in complexity to some degree, but the challenges are greatest in systems engineering where numerous competing interests must be reconciled and where complex system-level interactions must be identified and managed. Undesired system-level interactions are increasingly a major risk factor that cannot be reliably exposed by testing, and natural-language single-viewpoint specifications are inadequate to capture and expose system level interactions and characteristics. Systems engineering practices must improve to meet these challenges, and the most promising approach today is the movement toward a more integrated and model-centric approach to mission conception, design, implementation and operations. This approach elevates engineering models to a principal role in systems engineering, gradually replacing traditional document-centric engineering practices.
Compact and ultra‐low‐loss planar photonic crystal taper

We propose a novel method to enhance the coupling efficiency between a dielectric waveguide and a planar photonic crystal (PC). The proposed method is based on introducing structural imperfections to change the mode size and shape inside the taper to match that of the PC line-defect waveguide. This method involves changing both the size and position of the inner taper rods. We found that the transmission efficiency is above 88% for the size change method, while it is above 94% for the position change method. The order of which method to apply first is important. Our results show that applying the size change method, followed by the position change method increases the coupling to about 96% without affecting the transmission spectrum of the structure. We also found that the input and output taper geometries are different because light faces different scattering mechanisms when entering or exiting the line defect waveguide. (2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1454–1459, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25222
Patterns of pinitol accumulation in soybean plants and relationships to drought tolerance

Previous studies indicate that methylated cyclitols are potentially important osmolytes in plants. In a search for genetic diversity for pinitol (D-3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol) accumulation in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), two- to three-fold differences in pinitol accumulation in leaf blades were found among Chinese plant introductions. Furthermore, it was found that genotypes that accumulated high concentrations of pinitol, when grown under well-watered conditions, had been selected for performance in regions of China having low rainfall. Among the carbohydrates analysed, pinitol accumulation was uniquely associated with adaptation to dry areas of China. A detailed study of pinitol accumulation in the soybean plant showed two- to three-fold gradients in pinitol concentration from the bottom to the top of the plant. The gradient shifted during plant development, with consistently higher concentrations of pinitol in the uppermost leaves. Pinitol accumulation was not correlated with activity of the key biosynthetic enzyme, inositol methyl transferase. This result and other lines of evidence indicated that shifting patterns of pinitol accumulation were due to translocation of the cyclitol from lower to upper nodes. Pinitol, proline, and sugars accumulated in leaf blades on soybean plants subjected to drought, but the molar concentration of pinitol in stressed plants was greater than the concentrations of proline or sugars. Although the mechanism by which pinitol participates in drought tolerance is not fully known, our results provide additional correlative evidence linking pinitol and drought tolerance in soybean.
Optimum extensions of prefix codes

Abstract An algorithm is given for finding the minimum weight extension of a prefix code. The algorithm runs in O(n3), where n is the number of codewords to be added, and works for arbitrary alphabets. For binary alphabets the running time is reduced to O(n2), by using the fact that a certain cost matrix satisfies the quadrangle inequality. The quadrangle inequality is shown not to hold for alphabets of size larger than two. Similar algorithms are presented for finding alphabetic and length-limited code extensions.
Performance evaluation of a spinning flat reflector for millimeter-wave radiometry

Describes experiments to demonstrate the use of spinning reflectors of SHF/EHF ground-based dual-frequency radiometers for the purpose of cloud remote sensing. This work is particularly important for observation of the supercooled liquid water of winter storms. The experiments confirmed the value of spinning reflectors in dispersing precipitating particles that would otherwise land on the reflector and interfere with the radiometer readings.
An Unsupervised Approach to Recognizing Discourse Relations

We present an unsupervised approach to recognizing discourse relations of CONTRAST, EXPLANATION-EVIDENCE, CONDITION and ELABORATION that hold between arbitrary spans of texts. We show that discourse relation classifiers trained on examples that are automatically extracted from massive amounts of text can be used to distinguish between some of these relations with accuracies as high as 93%, even when the relations are not explicitly marked by cue phrases.
Phase plane and bifurcation analysis of thin wavy films under shear

A long-wave equation for film thickness as a function of position is derived for a general case incorporating viscous, surface tension, and interfacial shear effects. The derivation considers both the parabolic and the power-law velocity profiles. The analysis is aimed at revealing the wave velocity that induces infinitely long (homoclinic) periods as well as substrate thickness and wave peak amplitude. Phase plane analysis shows that at Re ≫ 1, due to time-scale separation, the homoclinic velocity is near that at the Hopf bifurcation. That enables analytical derivation of the wave characteristics. Comparison with experimental results in the range of Re-310–3, 100 with countercurrent gas flow, shows encouraging agreement. At very high Re the wave velocity suggests the onset of turbulence, in agreement with theory. Phase plane analysis predicts also that the wave shape consists of a simple peak with a steep front, with short waves riding on the main wave at low Re.
Using genome-context data to identify specific types of functional associations in pathway/genome databases

Background: Hundreds of genes lacking homology to any protein of known function are sequenced every day. Genome-context methods have proved useful in providing clues about functional annotations for many proteins. However, genome-context methods detect many biological types of functional associations, and do not identify which type of functional association they have found. Results: We have developed two new genome-context-based algorithms. Algorithm 1 extends our previous algorithm for identifying missing enzymes in predicted metabolic pathways (pathway holes) to use genome-context features. The new algorithm has significantly improved scope because it can now be applied to pathway reactions to which sequence similarity methods cannot be applied due to an absence of known sequences for enzymes catalyzing the reaction in other organisms. The new method identifies at least one known enzyme in the top ten hits for 58% of EcoCyc reactions that lack enzyme sequences in other organisms. Surprisingly, the addition of genome-context features does not improve the accuracy of the algorithm when sequences for the enzyme do exist in other organisms. Algorithm 2 uses genome-context methods to predict three distinct types of functional relationships between pairs of proteins: pairs that occur in the same protein complex, the same pathway, or the same operon. This algorithm performs with varying degrees of accuracy on each type of relationship, and performs best in predicting pathway and protein complex relationships. Contact: pkarp@ai.sri.com
Manganese toxicity alleviated by mycorrhizae in soybean

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants nodulated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Nitragin strain 61A118, were grown with or without the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus mosseae (Nicol. Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe in pot cultures in soil high (40.4 μg/g) in available Mn. Leaves of the nonVAM plants showed severe symptoms of Mn toxicity and had toxic (314 μg/g) concentrations of Mn in the foliage. NonVAM plants had significantly lower dry weights and nodule mass than VAM plants. Concentrations of Mn in the VAM plants were significantly (P<0.05) lower than in the nonVAM plants, and there were no symptoms of Mn toxicity. Both VAM and nonVAM plants had a significant negative correlation between shoot dry mass and leaf Mn concentration. Since levels of Mn increased with increasing VAM‐fungal colonization, we conclude that it was not the VAM condition per se which alleviated Mn toxicity. We suggest that the significantly higher levels of Mn in the leaves (P<0.05) and the roots (P<0.001) ...
The role of representation in computer architecture

There are two basic components to an effective computer architecture: the user representation and the base technology. The architecture is a compromise between the two. Current user representations, at least in the scientific arena, have been developed over a period of time before the introduction of large scale computing. Indeed, the form of large scale computers has been largely determined by existing functional mathematical representations. If we wish to make significant advances in the effectiveness of our base technology-our computer hardware-we must reconsider the user representation. An alternative proposal is to solve problems by particle simulation rather than the traditional continuous model using global memory. Particle simulation models can be solved by cellular computers which closely match the 3 dimensional distributed computing models with structured local interconnection available in optical technology.
Modeling and Control of Transverse and Torsional Vibrations in a Spherical Robotic Manipulator: Theoretical and Experimental Results

The present work addresses modeling and control issues pertaining to the positioning and orientating of rigid body payloads as they are being manipulated by flexible spherical robotic manipulators. A general approach, to systematically derive the equations of motion of the robotic manipulator, is used herein. The objective of the controller is to yield a desired rigid body response of the arm while damping out the transverse and torsional vibrations of the compliant link. Note that the control objective has to be achieved by solely relying on the existing joint actuators whose bandwidths are far below the natural frequencies of the torsional modes. The current work demonstrates that, in spite of the physical limitations of the system, the controller can actively damp out the torsional vibrations by relying on the coupling terms between the torsional vibrations and the remaining degrees of freedom of the arm. Moreover, a gain scheduling procedure is introduced to continuously tune the controller to the natural frequencies of the flexible link whose length is varied by the prismatic joint. The digital simulation results demonstrate the capability of the rigid and flexible motion controller (RFMC) in drastically attenuating the transverse and torsional vibrations during point-to-point (PTP) maneuvers of the arm. Furthermore, the gain scheduling procedure is shown to significantly reduce the degradations in the RFMC performance that are brought about by having the flexible link connected to a prismatic joint. A limited experimental work has also been conducted to demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach.
Glucose attenuation of auxin-mediated bimodality in lateral root formation is partly coupled by the heterotrimeric G protein complex.

Background Auxin and glucose are both essential elements in normal root development. The heterotrimeric G protein complex in Arabidopsis thaliana, defined as containing alpha (AtGPA1), beta (AGB1), and gamma (AGG) subunits and a GTPase accelerating protein called Regulator of G Signaling 1 protein (AtRGS1), are involved in glucose signaling and regulate auxin transport. Methodology/Principal Findings A systems approach was used to show that formation of lateral roots, a process requiring coordinated cell division followed by targeted cell expansion, involves a signaling interaction between glucose and auxin. We dissected the relationship between auxin and glucose action using lateral root formation as the biological context. We found that auxin and glucose act synergistically to yield a complex output involving both stimulatory and antagonist glucose effects on auxin responsiveness. Auxin-induced, lateral-root formation becomes bimodal with regard to auxin dose in the presence of glucose. This bimodality is mediated, in part, by the G protein complex defined above. Conclusion/Significance Auxin and glucose are essential signals controlling the rate of cell proliferation and expansion in roots. Auxin promotes the formation of lateral roots and is consequently essential for proper root architecture. Glucose affects the activation state of the heterotrimeric G protein complex which regulates auxin distribution in the root. The bimodality of auxin-induced, lateral-root formation becomes prominent in the presence of glucose and in roots lacking the G protein complex. Bimodality is apparent without added glucose in all loss-of-function mutants for these G protein components, suggesting that the heterotrimeric G protein complex attenuates the bimodality and that glucose inhibits this attenuation through the complex. The bimodality can be further resolved into the processes of lateral root primordia formation and lateral root emergence, from which a model integrating these signals is proposed.
Acoustic emission–based impact location estimation on composite structures:

In this article, an acoustic emission–based impact location estimation algorithm is presented for use with composite structures. The algorithm is formulated as a constrained optimization problem by...
Pituitary Adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide orchestrates neuronal regulation of the astrocytic glutamate-releasing mechanism system xc−

Glutamate signaling is achieved by an elaborate network involving neurons and astrocytes. Hence, it is critical to better understand how neurons and astrocytes interact to coordinate the cellular regulation of glutamate signaling. In these studies, we used rat cortical cell cultures to examine whether neurons or releasable neuronal factors were capable of regulating system xc (-) (Sxc), a glutamate-releasing mechanism that is expressed primarily by astrocytes and has been shown to regulate synaptic transmission. We found that astrocytes cultured with neurons or exposed to neuronal-conditioned media displayed significantly higher levels of Sxc activity. Next, we demonstrated that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) may be a neuronal factor capable of regulating astrocytes. In support, we found that PACAP expression was restricted to neurons, and that PACAP receptors were expressed in astrocytes. Interestingly, blockade of PACAP receptors in cultures comprised of astrocytes and neurons significantly decreased Sxc activity to the level observed in purified astrocytes, whereas application of PACAP to purified astrocytes increased Sxc activity to the level observed in cultures comprised of neurons and astrocytes. Collectively, these data reveal that neurons coordinate the actions of glutamate-related mechanisms expressed by astrocytes, such as Sxc, a process that likely involves PACAP. A critical gap in modeling excitatory signaling is how distinct components of the glutamate system expressed by neurons and astrocytes are coordinated. In these studies, we found that system xc (-) (Sxc), a glutamate release mechanism expressed by astrocytes, is regulated by releasable neuronal factors including PACAP. This represents a novel form of neuron-astrocyte communication, and highlights the possibility that pathological changes involving astrocytic Sxc may stem from altered neuronal activity.
Small‐scale fluid dynamics of olfactory antennae

A critical step in the process of olfaction is the arrival at the surface of a chemosensory structure of chemical signals from the environment. Many organisms use appendages bearing arrays of microscopic hairs to pick up chemical signals from the surrounding water or air. In this study a general model of fluid flow between neighboring hairs in an array is used to explore the effects of hair size, spacing, and speed on flow near olfactory hairs. If an array of hairs is moved more rapidly: 1) the volume flow rate through it rises, causing higher molecule encounter rates even though a smaller proportion of the odorants passing through the array have time to diffuse to hair surfaces, and 2) velocity gradients along hair surfaces become steeper, causing greater sensitivity to changes in odorant concentration. The more closely‐spaced the hairs, the less sensitive they are to these effects of changing speed.