cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Implementation of Recovery-Based Discontinuous Galerkin for Diffusion

Progress in the analysis and implementation of the Recovery-based DG method (RDG-2x) for diffusion operators is reported. Among the new theoretical insights in the method we present a general stability proof, and an arbitrary-order penalty-term formulation in one dimension. Regarding implementation we discuss the savings afforded by pre-computing at each interface the smooth recovery basis, which is invariant so long as the grid remains fixed. Furthermore, we discuss various versions of the RDG scheme in standard form (RDG-1x), and the extension of RDG to nonlinear diffusion terms such as appear in the Navier-Stokes equations. In addition we discuss recovery based on more than two neighboring cells, and not just for diffusion. A section with numerical results compares different implementations of RDG-1x with RDG-2x.
Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms: strategies in stent deployment and midterm follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the midterm results of intracranial stent-assisted coil embolization in the treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms and to assess the efficacy of various strategies used in stent deployment. METHODS: A retrospective study of 42 patients with 46 wide-necked cerebral aneurysms enrolled in a prospective single-center registry of patients treated with a Neuroform stent (Boston Scientific/Target, Fremont, CA), a flexible self-expanding nitinol stent, was performed. Twenty-seven of 46 aneurysms were unruptured aneurysms, 14 were recanalized aneurysms, and five were acutely ruptured. Thirty-nine aneurysms were located in the anterior and seven in the posterior circulation. Mean aneurysm size was 9.8 mm. Stenting before coiling was performed in 13 of 45 aneurysms (29%), coiling before stenting in 27 of 45 aneurysms (60%), and stenting alone in five of 45 aneurysms (11%). The balloon remodeling technique for coiling before stenting was performed in 77% of patients. Angiographic and clinical follow up was available in 31 patients with 33 aneurysms and ranged from 3 to 24 months. RESULTS: Neuroform stenting was attempted in 46 wide-necked aneurysms (42 patients). Forty-nine stent sessions were performed, including three poststent retreatments. In 46 of 49 sessions (94%), successful deployment of 47 stents for 45 aneurysms was obtained. In 40 aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling, angiographic results showed 14 (35%) aneurysm occlusions, 18 (45%) neck remnants, and eight (20%) residual aneurysms. In five recanalized aneurysms treated with stenting alone, no changes were observed in four (80%) aneurysms and one (20%) neck remnant reduced in size. At angiographic follow-up in 30 aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling, there were 17 (57%) aneurysm occlusions, seven (23%) neck remnants, and six (20%) residual aneurysms. In three recanalized aneurysms treated with stent alone, two (67%) neck remnants remained unchanged and one (33%) neck remnant decreased in size. Procedural morbidity was observed in two of 42 patients (4.8%) and one patient died. On clinical follow-up, the modified Rankin Scale score was 0 in 27 patients (87%), 1 in three patients (10%), and 2 (3%) in one patient. No aneurysm bled during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term durability of stent-assisted aneurysm occlusion and tolerance to the stent.
Changes in unit activity during stimuli associated with food and shock reinforcement

Abstract Recordings from individual neurons of the squirrel monkey have demonstrated discharge patterns which varied according to the conditioning procedure. These animals received extensive training in which a 4 sec tone was followed by a food pellet, and a different tone preceded a brief electric shock. Time histograms of single unit activity, averaged over ten stimulus presentations, were made during each stimulus type and during a 4 sec control period immediately preceding the stimulus. Records were taken from the anterior commissure, corona radiata, internal capsule, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, cingulate cortex, and sensorimotor cortex. Facilitation, inhibition or complex discharge functions were observed in thirty-nine (31%) of the total one-hundred and twenty-one cells. Responsive units were recorded from all structures sampled except the putamen, internal capsule and caudate. Differentiated discharge patterns for the positive and negative stimulus conditions were noted in 69% of the responsive cells. Records of 33% of the responsive cells showed complex graded discharge patterns during stimulus presentations. It is suggested that cells which responded differentially to the two stimuli belong to a population of cells conveying information about the nature of the conditioned stimulus while cells responding with complex graded discharge patterns convey anticipatory information concerning the time of reinforcement.
Rhetoric and Social Change: Women's Struggles for Economic and Political Equality, 1900–1917

This essay explores the protest rhetoric and extra-discursive actions of wage earning women in their economic and political struggles in the early twentieth century. Wage earning activists employed a rhetoric of collectivity in speeches and pamphlets, using this rhetorical framework as a foundation for extra-verbal actions such as strikes and walk-outs. This essay attempts to shed light on the ways that subordinate groups construct and engage an agency capable of transformation within a context constrained by objective structures and systems.
Piezoelectric response of scleral collagen.

The piezoelectric coefficients (d31) for a number of bovine and human scleral collagen samples were determined as a function of drying time at room temperature. The measured values of d31 decreased with drying time. There were significant differences in the values of the d-coefficient between the human and bovine eyes as well as in the values obtained from different regions of the eye. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 39, 453–457, 1998.
Electron paramagnetic resonance and difference ultraviolet studies of Mn2+ binding to serum transferrin

Serum transferrin is the mammalian protein whose normal function is to transport ferric ions through the blood among sites of absorption, storage, and utilization. It has two specific metal-binding sites that bind a variety of metal ions in addition to ferric ion. The macroscopic equilibrium constant for the binding of the first equivalent of Mn2+ to apotransferrin has been determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to be logKM1 = 4.06 +/- 0.13 at pH 7.4 in 0.1 M N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (Hepes). An equilibrium constant for nonspecific binding of Mn2+ to apotransferrin of logKns = 2.93 +/- 0.13 has also been obtained by using EPR. Binding of Mn2+ to apotransferrin and to both C- and N-terminal nonferric transferrin has also been studied by difference UV spectroscopy. The second stepwise macroscopic equilibrium constant for the formation of Mn2Tf is logKM2 = 2.96 +/- 0.13. The site-specific microconstants for Mn2+ binding are logkN = 3.13 +/- 0.09 for the N-terminal site and logkC = 3.80 +/- 0.09 for the C-terminal site. There does not appear to be any significant cooperativity between the two sites with respect to metal binding. An equilibrium model for the speciation of Mn2+ in serum has been developed which estimates that almost 90% of Mn2+ is bound to serum proteins, but only approximately 1% is bound to transferrin. The weak binding of Mn2+ to apotransferrin and the obvious inability of transferrin to compete with albumin indicates that the appearance of Mn-transferrin as a major serum species in vivo must involve oxidation of the metal to form the much more stable Mn(3+)-transferrin complex. The computer model confirms that albumin has a sufficient binding affinity to complex most of the Mn(II) in serum in competition with the common low molecular weight ligands in serum. However, there is insufficient data to rule out the possibility that some other protein, such as alpha 2-macroglobulin, may compete with albumin for Mn(II).
Scaled quantum mechanical calculations of the vibrational structure of thiirane, thiirene, and their deuterated isotopomers

Abstract The scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method for calculating the vibrational structure of molecules is applied to thiirane, thiirene, and their deuterated isotopomers. The purpose of these calculations is to test the method against the experimental spectra and recent ab initio calculations of these molecules. It is found that the SQM method implemented with the 6-31 G* basis set at the experimental geometry for the thiiranes and with the 6-31 G* set at the 6-31 G* corrected theoretical geometry for the thiirenes gives excellent agreement with experiment and with the largest of the ab initio calculations.
Image quality in electronic journals: A case study of Elsevier geology titles

This study's purpose was to establish the image quality of photographs and figures in online journals verses the print format of five Elsevier titles. The images were evaluated on a point scale, taking three issues out of each journal every five years from 1970 to 2000. The study discovered that there is a significant loss of content in the online photographs from 1970 to 1995. The data found in this study provide important discussion points when considering the purchase of electronic journal backfiles.
CONFLICT IDENTIFICATION AND RECONCILIATION IN A COLLABORATIVE MANUFACTURING SCHEDULING TASK

We studied the process of production scheduling in a large chemical plant. Scheduling in that environment is inherently a group process because multiple experts are needed to construct a schedule and to manage its execution. A mathematical formulation of the production scheduling problem yields a mixed-integer linear programming model too large to solve in a reasonable time with current technology. We therefore use an intelligent decision support system (DSS) to heuristically find a satisficing solution to the production scheduling problem. Our DSS is based on a model of the collaborative nature of the task, and it focuses on the communication, argumentation, and reconciliation strategies undertaken by individuals. Using actual production schedules, we show that our DSS can lead to measurable improvements over humanly-designed plans, where the quality of the schedule is measured using the objective function of the mathematical formulation of the problem.
The hand in the child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical examination of 100 children showed frequent loss of wrist extension and ulnar deviation. Loss of flexion and radial deviation in the metacarpophalangeal joint is more frequent than in the adult. Statistical review of charts and roentgenograms of 200 patients showed all had ulnar shortening up to 9 mm but there was no correlation with ulnar deviation or metacarpophalangeal radial deviation. Conservative treatment is reviewed; surgery is rarely indicated.
Effect of Ethanol on the Binding of 35S-T-butylbicyclophosphorothionate to Mouse Brain Membranes

The effect of in vitro addition of ethanol (0.02-1.0 M) on the binding of 35S-TBPS was examined in brain membranes from cerebellum and cortex of naive or chronically ethanol-treated C57B1 mice. In brain membranes of untreated animals, increasing concentrations of ethanol produced a dose-related inhibition of 35S-TBPS binding in the brain areas investigated. Additional studies showed that this effect of ethanol was due to a decreased affinity of 35S-TBPS for its binding sites. Chronic treatment of the animals with ethanol, which produced tolerance to and dependence on ethanol, did not alter ethanol's ability to inhibit the binding of 35S-TBPS. In naive animals, the in vitro addition of GABA or pentobarbital produced a pronounced inhibition of 35S-TBPS, both drugs being more potent in the cerebellum than in the cortex. Picrotoxin also produced a dose-dependent inhibition at 35S-TBPS, but was equally potent in the brain areas investigated. The inhibition by GABA or pentobarbital was not influenced by in vitro addition of a physiologically relevant concentration of ethanol (100 mM), whereas ethanol produced a significant increase in the IC50 values for picrotoxin both in the cortex and in the cerebellum. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of GABA or pentobarbital on 35S-TBPS binding remained unchanged in animals chronically treated with ethanol for 7 days. Our data indicate that ethanol may affect the GABA receptor system through a rather specific interaction with the 35S-TBPS recognition site, but that this action of ethanol is not altered by the development of tolerance to and dependence on ethanol.
CHAMBER: Comprehensive support for CHARMM force fields within the AMBER software

The similarity of the AMBER force field's energy functional form with that of the CHARMM force field, gives the potential for direct translation of common bonding and nonbonding terms, along with their parameters, present in CHARMM topology and parameter files, with the intent of evaluation within the AMBER software; specifically the SANDER and PMEMD dynamics engines. To this extent, we have created a tool, CHAMBER, which can take a CHARMM protein structure file (PSF), coordinate file (COR) and associated forcefield files, and convert these to an AMBER topology file (prmtop) and associated coordinate file (inpcrd). CHAMBER opens a conversion route which enables the simulation of CHARMM parameterized models using AMBER's PMEMD engine; thus providing improved serial efficiency as well as parallel efficiency over large numbers of CPUs. Significant effort has been expended in ensuring a true representation of the CHARMM force field in AMBER providing energies and forces that are the same to the limits of machine precision. This software will be released in the upcoming version 1.3 of the free AMBERTools suite. 1 © 2009
Persistent hemodynamic improvement with short-term nitrate therapy in patients with chronic congestive heart failure already treated with captopril

Abstract To evaluate the therapeutic potential of organic nitrates in patients with chronic congestive heart (CHF) failure already treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, the temporal hemodynamic effects of oral isosorbide dinitrate, 40 to 120 mg administered every 6 hours to 11 nitrate responders who had been treated with captopril 89 ± 32 mg/day, were studied. The administration of isosorbide dinitrate resulted in a significant decline in mean right atrial pressure, from 13 ± 6 mm Hg at baseline (mean value of measurements performed every 2 hours for 24 hours with captopril therapy) to 9 ± 4 mm Hg at 1 hour with persistent effect for most of the study period. Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 38 ± 7 mm Hg at baseline to 29 ± 9 mm Hg at 1 hour, with effect persisting for 24 hours. Mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure also decreased from 24 ± 6 to 15 ± 7 mm Hg at 1 hour and remained significantly reduced for 20 hours. Systemic blood pressure demonstrated a transient decrease lasting 2 hours after initiation of therapy which was asymptomatic in all patients. The results of this study demonstrate a preserved vasodilatory effect of organic nitrates in patients already treated with ACE inhibitors. Nitrates mediated improvement in right and left ventricular filling pressures, and reduction of pulmonary hypertension demonstrates a rationale for the use of these therapeutic methods in combination and suggest the need for long-term evaluation of the effect of nitrate therapy in patients with chronic CHF already treated with ACE inhibitors.
Un-War: An Aesthetic Sketch

Attempts to abolish war—not a particular war but war as a social institution—are often dismissed as utopian idealism, wild fantasies far removed from the realm of real politics. War, we are told, is inevitable. Humans are territorial and predatory beings. Besides, there has always been war. Who can forget the opening pages of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five, wherein the narrator says that he is writing an antiwar novel and his interlocutor replies, “You know what I say to people when I hear they're writing antiwar books? … I say, ‘Why don't you write an anti-glacier book instead?’” “What he meant, of course,” the narrator explains, “was that there would always be wars, that they were as easy to stop as glaciers. I believe that, too.” (Of course, that was before global warming.)
A latent class model to identify city/town chronic disease patterns.

Abstract Objective Most departments of health grapple with how to most effectively allocate resources to address chronic diseases. We adapted a model created by Massachusetts to create customized city/town profiles in order to identify the patterns of chronic disease among 39 cities/towns in Rhode Island. Methods We used four data sources to identify 20 indicators of four domains: demographics and socioeconomic status; health behaviors and chronic diseases prevalence; no regular provider and non-emergent emergency department visits; and chronic disease-related hospitalizations. A latent class model was used to group cities/towns into distinct latent class memberships based on similar patterns of indicators. Data were analyzed in 2014. Results The latent class model differentiated three distinct classes of city/town, reflecting three levels of economic and health indicators. Conclusions Our model was a simplified version of one constructed by Massachusetts that larger states can also use to understand chronic disease patterns among cities/towns. Chronic disease programs and policies can use the findings to direct resources toward targets not always identified by more traditional analyses.
Diagnostic Approach to Polydipsia and Polyuria

A variety of metabolic disturbances account for the majority of cases of polydipsia and polyuria. This chapter presents guides to differential diagnosis as well as a discussion of the etiology and clinical features of the primary causes--central diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and psychogenic polydipsia.
Evidence for interaction between transmembrane segments in assembly of Kv1.3

Previously, we showed that the N-terminal recognition domain (T1) of Kv1.3 was not required for assembly of functional channels [Tu et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 18904-18911]. Moreover, specific Kv1.3 peptide fragments including regions of the central core are able to inhibit expression of current produced from a channel lacking the T1 domain, Kv1.3(T1-). To elucidate the mechanism whereby Kv1.3 peptide fragments suppress Kv1.3(T1-) current, we have studied the ability of peptide fragments containing the transmembrane segments S1, S1-S2, or S1-S2-S3 to physically associate with the Kv1.3(T1-) polypeptide subunit in vitro in microsomal membranes. Using c-myc (9E10) epitope-labeled peptide fragments and anti-myc antibody as well as antisera to the Kv1.3 C-terminus, we now demonstrate specific association of these peptide fragments with Kv1.3(T1-). Association of peptide fragments with Kv1.3(T1-) was correlated with integration of both proteins into the membrane. Furthermore, the relative strength and kinetics of this association directly correlated with the ability of fragments to suppress Kv1.3(T1-) current. The rate-limiting step in the sequential synthesis, integration, and formation of a complex was the association of integrated polypeptides within the plane of the lipid bilayer. These results strongly suggest that the physical association of transmembrane segments provides the basis for suppression of K+ channel function by K+ channel peptide fragments in vivo. Moreover, the S1-S2-S3 peptide fragment potently suppressed full-length Kv1.3, thus implicating a role for the S1-S2-S3 region of Kv1.3 in the assembly of the Kv1.3 channel. We refer to these putative association sites as IMA (intramembrane association) sites.
Functional Analysis of a Class I Holin, P2 Y

Y is the putative holin gene of the paradigm coliphage P2 and encodes a 93-amino-acid protein. Y is predicted to be an integral membrane protein that adopts an N-out C-in membrane topology with 3 transmembrane domains (TMDs) and a highly charged C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. The same features are observed in the canonical class I lambda holin, the S105 protein of phage lambda, which controls lysis by forming holes in the plasma membrane at a programmed time. S105 has been the subject of intensive genetic, cellular, and biochemical analyses. Although Y is not related to S105 in its primary structure, its characterization might prove useful in discerning the essential traits for holin function. Here, we used physiological and genetic approaches to show that Y exhibits the essential holin functional criteria, namely, allele-specific delayed-onset lethality and sensitivity to the energization of the membrane. Taken together, these results suggest that class I holins share a set of unusual features that are needed for their remarkable ability to program the end of the phage infection cycle with precise timing. However, Y holin function requires the integrity of its short cytoplasmic C-terminal domain, unlike for S105. Finally, instead of encoding a second translational product of Y as an antiholin, as shown for lambda S107, the P2 lysis cassette encodes another predicted membrane protein, LysA, which is shown here to have a Y-specific antiholin character.
1289 PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL AND CYTOGENETIC STUDY OF DiGEORGE SEQUENCE

DiGeorge Sequence (DGS) is a multifactorial defect in development of the third and fourth branchial arches. 24 patients with DGS were ascertained prospectively between 1982-84 by presentation with specific cardiac defects, persistent hypocalce-mia, family history, or thymic aplasia at surgery or autopsy. Peripheral blood lymphocyte or skin fibroblast chromosome studies were done to determine the frequency of abnormalities, primarily monosomy 22q11. T cell function studies and parathyroid hormone levels were studied when possible. Of the 24 cases, 21 were ascertained by their cardiac defect. Two presented with persistent hypocalcemia and seizures. One was detected only at post-mortem. Two cases were familial. One patient with retinoic acid teratogenicity syndrome had decreased T-cell function. High resolution chromosome studies were done on 23 cases and were normal in 20. The three abnormal studies revealed monosomy 22q11, monosomy 18q, and monosomy 10p. The familial case with monosomy 22q11 was previously reported (Hum Genet 65:317, 1984). The other familial case in our series had normal chromosomes. These findings are consistent with DGS as an etiologically and clinically heterogeneous condition with a chromosomal etiology in about 10% of cases. DGS should be suspected and evaluated in all patients with any third and fourth branchial arch defects.
Materials and techniques for pressure calibration by resistance‐jump transitions up to 500 kilobars

The resistance jump of α→e transitions for Fe–V alloys up to 20‐wt. % V is observed by static compression. It is used along with α→e transitions for Fe–Co alloys and some other transitions as the basis for pressure calibration up to 500 kilobar.
Microinvasive breast cancer: ER, PR, and HER-2/neu status and clinical outcomes after breast-conserving therapy or mastectomy

Background. Contemporary clinical outcomes of microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC), defined as no focus [1 mm, are not well characterized. We document the immunophenotype, incidence of axillary metastases, and rate of recurrence in a well-defined case series. Methods. We reviewed 83 consecutive patients with MIBC from 1997 to 2005. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) receptor status were assessed. The cumulative incidence of local recurrence (LR) and nodal/distant recurrence was calculated. Predictors of recurrence were identified and effect estimates determined. Results. Fifty-two patients (63 %) underwent breastconserving therapy (BCT) and 31 (37 %) underwent mastectomy. Sixty-one percent had ER-positive disease and 49 % had HER-2/neu-positive disease. Three (4 %) of 68 patients with sentinel node mapping or axillary dissection had single node micrometastases, and none had macrometastases or multiple nodes involved. Median follow-up was 6.4 years, with 6 LRs, 2 regional nodal recurrences, and 2 concurrent local/distant recurrences. The 5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence (local, nodal, or distant) was 5.3 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.0–13.4) for all patients, and among BCT patients, the 5-year cumulative incidence of LR was 4.2 % (95 % CI 0.7–12.7). HER-2/neu overexpression was not associated with recurrence (P = 0.46). Close/ positive margins (B2 mm) were significantly associated with an increased risk of LR after BCT or mastectomy (hazard ratio 8.8; 95 % CI 1.6–48.8; P = 0.003). Conclusions. MIBC has a favorable prognosis, and HER2/neu overexpression, although highly prevalent, is not significantly associated with recurrence. Axillary metastases at diagnosis are small and infrequent. The cumulative incidence of LR after BCT is acceptable; however, our data confirm that negative margins ([2 mm) are required for optimal BCT outcomes.
Variational solution for a cracked mosaic model of woven fabric composites

Abstract A variational solution for a cracked mosaic laminate model of woven fabric composites is presented using the principle of minimum complementary energy. The solution is derived for the woven laminate in either the plane strain or the plane stress state, with the warp/fill yarn materials being either orthotropic or transversely isotropic, unlike other existing solutions in the literature of laminate elasticity. The stress components are given in closed-form expressions in terms of a perturbation function, which is governed by two (uncoupled) fourth-order inhomogeneous ordinary differential equations (i.e., Euler–Lagrange equations) when the thermal effects are included. All possible expressions of this perturbation function are obtained in closed forms. Young’s modulus of the cracked laminate is calculated using the determined minimum complementary energy. The present closed-form solution can account for different yarn materials, applied loads (crack densities), geometrical dimensions, or their combinations. To demonstrate the solution, a total of 60 sample cases are analyzed using three different composite systems (i.e., glass fiber/epoxy, graphite fiber/epoxy and ceramic fiber/ceramic) and ten different crack densities. The obtained numerical results are also compared to two existing elasticity solutions for cross-ply laminates.
Crystallization of sputter deposited amorphous metal thin films

Abstract We have studied the crystallization of DC sputter deposited amorphous W-Si alloys under three separate conditions: free standing films, amorphous films deposited on Si substrates, and films with one of four different overlayers. In the case of the free standing films the crystallization temperature versus composition was measured by differential thermal analysis (DTA) for films with Si contents from 5 at% to 38 at%. Films with Si concentrations of 38% to 22% were amorphous as deposited, while those with less Si were crystalline. The crystallization temperature was a strong function of composition with a maximum T c of 915°C (at a heating rate of 20 K/min) in alloys with 28% Si. Overlayers of W, Cu, Au and Al were investigated. Both the W and Cu overlayers had little effect on the stability of the underlying W-Si, while both the Au and Al reduced the crystallization temperature by at least 100°C. The results reported here reinforce the observation that the choice of overlayer plays a critical role in determining the overall stability of metallization systems that include amorphous layers as diffusion barriers.
Automated segmentation of cardiac visceral fat in low-dose non-contrast chest CT images

Cardiac visceral fat was segmented from low-dose non-contrast chest CT images using a fully automated method. Cardiac visceral fat is defined as the fatty tissues surrounding the heart region, enclosed by the lungs and posterior to the sternum. It is measured by constraining the heart region with an Anatomy Label Map that contains robust segmentations of the lungs and other major organs and estimating the fatty tissue within this region. The algorithm was evaluated on 124 low-dose and 223 standard-dose non-contrast chest CT scans from two public datasets. Based on visual inspection, 343 cases had good cardiac visceral fat segmentation. For quantitative evaluation, manual markings of cardiac visceral fat regions were made in 3 image slices for 45 low-dose scans and the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was computed. The automated algorithm achieved an average DSC of 0.93. Cardiac visceral fat volume (CVFV), heart region volume (HRV) and their ratio were computed for each case. The correlation between cardiac visceral fat measurement and coronary artery and aortic calcification was also evaluated. Results indicated the automated algorithm for measuring cardiac visceral fat volume may be an alternative method to the traditional manual assessment of thoracic region fat content in the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk.
The evaluation and management of acute, severe asthma

This article provides a systematic approach to the patient with acute, severe asthma. After a brief, focused evaluation prompt treatment with inhaled beta 2-agonists and systemic corticosteroids remains the cornerstone of treatment. Ipratropium bromide is now recognized as a useful addition for both adult and pediatric populations, whereas consideration of intravenous MgSO4 and theophylline is warranted for refractory patients. Ongoing evaluation of antileukotriene agents offers a possibility of these agents as alternative bronchodilators. Further research with a number of potential acute asthma agents will further expand treatment options for rapid symptomatic airway improvement and prevention of progressing airway obstruction, hospitalization, and potential respiratory failure.
Denaturation and Aggregation of Chicken Myosin Isoforms

Heat-induced denaturation and aggregation of chicken myosins isolated from one white muscle (pectoralis) and two red muscles (iliotibialis and gastrocnemius) were investigated using differential sc...
SU-GG-I-32: Preliminary Performance Evaluation of CBCT Image Reconstruction from Reduced Projection Data by TV-Minimization

Purpose: Kilovoltage CBCT has become a useful clinical tool which provides in‐room image guidance for radiation therapy. Frequent use of CBCT also raises patient safety concern, because tomographic images are obtained by reconstruction from projection data acquired at hundreds of angular views, which may accumulate to an un‐negligible amount of radiationdose. It is therefore desired to develop a low‐dose CBCTimaging technique that requires smaller amount of projection data while can still yield images sufficing clinical needs. In this work, we have applied a new TV‐minimization algorithm to reconstructCBCTimages from a fraction of the amount of projection data currently used and have evaluated the image quality according to established quality‐assurance procedures.Materials and methods: We have acquired real projection data of a CATPHAN phantom using a clinical on‐board imaging system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). We then applied the TV‐minimization algorithm to reconstructimages from subsets of the full, 628‐projection data set. The subsets contain from 360 down to 60 projections. We then examined the reconstructed images by calculating a number of metrics, including spatial resolution, contrast linearity, and low‐constrast resolution, and compared the results to the established quality‐assurance (QA) standards. Results: The imagesreconstructed by use of the TV‐minimization algorithm from the reduced data sets appeared to be comparable to the imagesreconstructed from the full data set by the FDK algorithm. In addition, the tested image‐quality metrics can satisfy the QA requirement for imagesreconstructed from as few as 100 projections. Conclusion: The TV‐minimization algorithm can yield CBCTimages from reduced projection data without significant sacrifice of image quality. The imagesreconstructed from about 100 projections may be potentially useful for clinical applications according to QA results.
Structural, biochemical, and functional analyses of CED-9 recognition by the proapoptotic proteins EGL-1 and CED-4.

Abstract Programmed cell death in Caenorhabditis elegans is initiated by the binding of EGL-1 to CED-9, which disrupts the CED-4/CED-9 complex and allows CED-4 to activate the cell-killing caspase CED-3. Here we demonstrate that the C-terminal half of EGL-1 is necessary and sufficient for binding to CED-9 and for killing cells. Structure of the EGL-1/CED-9 complex revealed that EGL-1 adopts an extended α-helical conformation and induces substantial structural rearrangements in CED-9 upon binding. EGL-1 interface mutants failed to bind to CED-9 or to release CED-4 from the CED-4/CED-9 complex, and were unable to induce cell death in vivo. A surface patch on CED-9, different from that required for binding to EGL-1, was identified to be responsible for binding to CED-4. These data suggest a working mechanism for the release of CED-4 from the CED-4/CED-9 complex upon EGL-1 binding and provide a mechanistic framework for understanding apoptosis activation in C. elegans .
Social context influences the initiation and threshold of thermoregulatory behaviour in honeybees

Interactions between individuals in a society are the basis of effective task allocation. Division of labour plays a critical role in the ecological efficiency of social insect societies. In this study we tested whether social context, specifically the number of workers present, affects thermoregulatory task performance in honeybees, Apis mellifera. We report here that worker bees assayed singly were significantly less likely to initiate fanning behaviour in response to elevated temperature than bees assayed in small groups of three or 10 workers. Bees assayed in groups also showed lower response thresholds than those assayed alone. The likelihood for fanning behaviour varied significantly among behavioural castes, while thermal response thresholds did not. These results suggest that worker task performance depends on the presence of other workers and offer another method by which division of labour in societies is organized.
Temperature Dependence of the Debye Temperatures for the Thermodynamic Functions of Alkali Halide Crystals

The temperature dependence at constant volume of the experimental Debye temperatures for the entropy, the thermal energy, and the heat capacity at constant volume of potassium chloride, bromide and iodide, and of sodium iodide is analyzed over a wide range of temperature ($30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K}\ensuremath{\lesssim}T\ensuremath{\lesssim}270\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K}$) taking into account anharmonic effects. The inclusion of the leading anharmonic contribution into the quasiharmonic expansions of the Debye temperatures for the three thermodynamic functions allows one to reproduce over the entire temperature range the curves for the entropy, which are the most accurate, and also those for the thermal energy. The curves for the heat capacity are reproduced at the lower temperatures, and their proper course is indicated at the higher temperatures, where they are affected by sizeable uncertainties. The different form of the temperature dependence of the Debye temperatures for the three functions in the quasiharmonic temperature range, and the different magnitude of the effect of the anharmonic contributions on the Debye temperatures for the three functions at high temperature, are clearly illustrated. Refined values are obtained in each salt for the geometric mean of the vibrational frequencies and for the first few moments of the vibrational spectrum. The good agreement between the values of the moments derived from the three functions confirms the good validity of the quasiharmonic description of the thermal free energy at the lower temperatures. Values are obtained for the anharmonic contributions to the thermodynamic functions at high temperature.
Rotor Airloads Prediction Using Unstructured Meshes and Loose CFD/CSD Coupling

The FUN3D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver for unstructured grids has been modified to allow prediction of trimmed rotorcraft airloads. The trim of the rotorcraft and the aeroelastic deformation of the rotor blades are accounted for via loose coupling with the CAMRAD II rotorcraft computational structural dynamics code. The set of codes is used to analyze the HART-II Baseline, Minimum Noise and Minimum Vibration test conditions. The loose coupling approach is found to be stable and convergent for the cases considered. Comparison of the resulting airloads and structural deformations with experimentally measured data is presented. The effect of grid resolution and temporal accuracy is examined. Rotorcraft airloads prediction presents a very substantial challenge for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Not only must the unsteady nature of the flow be accurately modeled, but since most rotorcraft blades are not structurally stiff, an accurate simulation must account for the blade structural dynamics. In addition, trim of the rotorcraft to desired thrust and moment targets depends on both aerodynamic loads and structural deformation, and vice versa. Further, interaction of the fuselage with the rotor flow field can be important, so that relative motion between the blades and the fuselage must be accommodated. Thus a complete simulation requires coupled aerodynamics, structures and trim, with the ability to model geometrically complex configurations. NASA has recently initiated a Subsonic Rotary Wing (SRW) Project under the overall Fundamental Aeronautics Program. Within the context of SRW are efforts aimed at furthering the state of the art of high-fidelity rotorcraft flow simulations, using both structured and unstructured meshes. Structured-mesh solvers have an advantage in computation speed, but even though remarkably complex configurations may be accommodated using the overset grid approach, generation of complex structured-mesh systems can require months to set up. As a result, many rotorcraft simulations using structured-grid CFD neglect the fuselage. On the other hand, unstructured-mesh solvers are easily able to handle complex geometries, but suffer from slower execution speed. However, advances in both computer hardware and CFD algorithms have made previously state-of-the-art computations routine for unstructured-mesh solvers, so that rotorcraft simulations using unstructured grids are now viable. The aim of the present work is to develop a first principles rotorcraft simulation tool based on an unstructured CFD solver.
Copper Fluoride Luminescence during UV Photofragmentation of Bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato)copper(II) in the Gas Phase.

Gas phase 308 and 350−370 nm photolysis of bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato)copper(II), Cu(hfac)2, produces CuF as well as copper atoms and dimers. These metal-containing fragments, identified by luminescence spectroscopy, are studied under a variety of gas phase conditions ranging from 1 bar in a static chamber to 10-4 mbar in a collision-free molecular beam. Copper atom and dimer luminescence is observed at the higher pressures, whereas at low pressures (total pressure no greater than the vapor pressure of the sample) exclusively CuF emission is observed. The a, A (ω = 0, 1, 2), B, and C excited states at 681.0, 567.6, and 505.1, and 491.7 nm are observed. The 3Π0- component of the A state is observed for the first time. The CuF luminescence obeys a quadratic power law with 308 nm excitation. The partitioning of excess energy into fragment degrees of freedom is determined from the intensities of the emission lines. The vibrational and rotational temperatures of the CuF fragment are in exces...
Involvement of posterior visual pathways by optic nerve gliomas

We describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings in seven children with optic nerve gliomas extending posterior to the chiasm. These tumors spread along the optic tracts and in five of seven cases, involved the lateral geniculate bodies and adjacent optic radiations. The propensity for these tumors to extend along both the anterior and posterior visual pathways aids in their diagnosis. An MR scan was obtained in one patient and identified an unexpected site of tumor extension as well as the mass seen by CT.
Police, prosecutors, and felony case attrition

Abstract Felony case attrition—felony arrests resulting in no conviction or in conviction on reduced charges— has been a long-standing issue in criminal justice. A major share of attrition has been attributed to poor relationships between police and prosecutors, which increase the chances that cases will have evidentiary problems. This article examines the results of a program meant to decrease felony case attrition by improving the coordination between police and prosecutors in the case preparation process. The research shows that the program had only modest effects on case attrition, effects that were limited to enhancing the quality rather than the quantity of convictions. The article concludes by questioning whether felony case attrition should be viewed as an exclusively negative phenomenon.
Reduction of symplectic manifolds with symmetry

We give a unified framework for the construction of symplectic manifolds from systems with symmetries. Several physical and mathematical examples are given; for instance, we obtain Kostant’s result on the symplectic structure of the orbits under the coadjoint representation of a Lie group. The framework also allows us to give a simple derivation of Smale's criterion for relative equilibria. We apply our scheme to various systems, including rotationally invariant systems, the rigid body, fluid flow, and general relativity.
The calcium release-activated calcium channel Orai1 represents a crucial component in hypertrophic compensation and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy

As exceptionally calcium selective store-operated channels, Orai channels play a prominent role in cellular calcium signaling. While most studied in the immune system, we are beginning to recognize...
Turonian Pinaceae of the Raritan Formation, New Jersey

Fossil vegetative and reproductive structures from deposits of the Raritan Formation in New Jersey (Turonian, Upper Cretaceous, ∼90 MYBP) include ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Gymnosperms collected from this formation have been known since the beginning of the 20th century. Fossil leaves, wood and seed cones have been are identified as belonging to the Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, and Taxodiaceae. In the present contribution, we describe a series of fossil dwarf shoots, leaves and a pollen cone belonging to the family Pinaceae. Fossils are charcoalified with preserved three-dimensional structure and excellent cellular detail. The dwarf shoots are assigned to a new species Prepinus crossmanensis sp. nov. and to the previously described Pinus quinquefolia Jeffrey. The new species Prepinus crossmanensis differs in size, shape, presence of hypodermis, sclerenchyma and stomata in the cataphylls, and number and shape of needle leaves from previously known species. Also, isolated leaves were found that were assigned to the new species, Prepinus raritanensis sp. nov. The new species is differentiated by the size and shape of stomata, the presence of number of layers of the hypodermis; and the cell-shape and number of layers of the mesophyll and transfusion tissue. A previously undescribed male cone, Amboystrobus cretacicum gen. and sp. nov., has an axis with spirally attached microsporophylls, each bearing two abaxial ovoid microsporangia. The pollen grains are monosulcate and bisaccate (eusaccate), with an elliptical corpus, granulate exine sculpture, and honeycomb-like wall structure.
LizLand: A geomorphic approach to lizard habitat modeling in the Mojave Desert

Abstract The macro-habitat preferences of three conspicuous and widely distributed species of lizards (Aspidoscelis tigris, Callisaurus draconoides, and Uta stansburiana) were examined across four geomorphic landforms (sandy wash, rocky wash, alluvial plain, and alluvial deposit) in the southern Mojave Desert, California. All three species were non-randomly distributed across the four geomorphic landforms. The goal of this study was to develop less ecologically generalized habitat models (LizLand) than the vegetation-based wildlife–habitat relationship models in the California Gap Analysis Program (CA-GAP). Conceptually, LizLand is a geomorphological approach to habitat modeling in arid environments. Specifically, LizLand is a series of spatially explicit habitat models that define and predict habitat for A. tigris, C. draconoides, and U. stansburiana in Joshua Tree National Park and the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corp Air Ground Combat Center. LizLand models resulted in higher resolution habitat models with minimal reduction in model accuracy. These models more accurately captured the complexity of the Mojave Desert ecosystem and offered greater ecological resolution in identifying habitat in contrast to the CA-GAP models.
Fluorescence characterization of cure and water uptake in polymers and composites

Abstract This paper summarizes our recent research on using intrinsic fluorescence for cure characterization, and extrinsic and intrinsic fluorescence approaches for monitoring water uptake in epoxy cured with a widely used aromatic diamine curing agent (diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS). Intrinsic fluorescence from DDS is used by correlating the red spectral shifts in excitation spectra with the extent of cure. This spectral shift is due to the reaction of DDS amine with epoxide which converts primary amine groups to tertiary amine groups. The technique is applied to neat epoxy cured with DDS as well as composite prepregs reinforced with fibers, using a fiber-optic fluorimeter, and taking into account the effects of temperature on the spectral shift. Use of the fluorescence technique to monitor water uptake is explored, by adding a small amount of extrinsic fluorophore, or by investigating the intrinsic fluorescence near 460 nm in cured epoxy which is probably due to side reaction products. As the water is absorbed, the fluorescence intensity decreases, allowing small amount of water to be detected.
Evaluation of commercial fiber optic sensors in a marine boiler room

evaluate them for naval use. Many sensors advertised needed years of developmentwork before they would be ready for technical evaluation. Several, however, wereremarkably well developed, were available for testing within an acceptable waitingperiod, and were subsequently purchased. NRL provided a quantitative assessment ofthe capabilities and demonstrated performance of these sensors, and identifieddevelopment needed to mature the design. What was lacking was a shipbuilder'sevaluation of the potential of the sensors for incorporation into naval platforms.To this end, NRL established a Navy Potential Contractor Program (NPCP) agreementwith Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company (NNS) to install and evaluate theNavy—supplied sensors in an operational environment. The purpose here was to not
Sequential Inversion Recovery with RIDE—Simultaneous Suppression of Two Solvent Signals in17O NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract Well-resolved17O NMR spectra ofD-mannopyranose in a mixture of solvents were obtained. The17O NMR signals of DMSO and water have been successfully suppressed by incorporating two sequential inversion recovery steps, tuned to the relaxation of the two solvent signals, into the RIDE pulse sequence. The heights of the solvent signals are decreased by a factor greater than 1000.