cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐552: Monte Carlo Calculation of Correction Factors for a Free‐Air Ionization Chamber in Support of a National Air‐Kerma Standard for Electronic Brachytherapy

Purpose: To use Monte Carlo radiation transport methods to calculate correction factors for a free-air ionization chamber in support of a national air-kerma standard for low-energy, miniature x-ray sources used for electronic brachytherapy (eBx). Methods: The NIST is establishing a calibration service for well-type ionization chambers used to characterize the strength of eBx sources prior to clinical use. The calibration approach involves establishing the well-chamber’s response to an eBx source whose air-kerma rate at a 50 cm distance is determined through a primary measurement performed using the Lamperti free-air ionization chamber. However, the free-air chamber measurements of charge or current can only be related to the reference air-kerma standard after applying several corrections, some of which are best determined via Monte Carlo simulation. To this end, a detailed geometric model of the Lamperti chamber was developed in the EGSnrc code based on the engineering drawings of the instrument. The egs_fac user code in EGSnrc was then used to calculate energy-dependent correction factors which account for missing or undesired ionization arising from effects such as: (1) attenuation and scatter of the x-rays in air; (2) primary electrons escaping the charge collection region; (3) lack of charged particle equilibrium; (4) atomic fluorescence and bremsstrahlung radiation. Results: Energy-dependent correction factors were calculated assuming a monoenergetic point source with the photon energy ranging from 2 keV to 60 keV in 2 keV increments. Sufficient photon histories were simulated so that the Monte Carlo statistical uncertainty of the correction factors was less than 0.01%. The correction factors for a specific eBx source will be determined by integrating these tabulated results over its measured x-ray spectrum. Conclusion: The correction factors calculated in this work are important for establishing a national standard for eBx which will help ensure that dose is accurately and consistently delivered to patients.
Effects of biofilm production on horizontal gene transfer to Vibrio cholerae

The waterborne bacterial pathogen Vibrio cholerae utilizes a cell-cell communication system called quorum sensing to coordinate group behavior in both a human host and aquatic environments. Virulence genes like the cholera toxin, biofilm genes for sticky secreted attachment factors, and competence genes for DNA uptake are all regulated through this population density-dependent system. In a human host, both virulence and biofilm genes are repressed late in infection presumably to promote transmission upon exhausting the host’s resources. However, in the natural environment, regulation is more complex. Namely, at high cell densities, repression of biofilm production is coordinated with activation of competence genes that can promote horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Based on this model, it was proposed that accumulation of biofilm material on cells could hinder the uptake of extracellular DNA in aquatic settings. In support of this hypothesis, significant decreases were seen in DNA uptake with V. cholerae strains engineered to overproduce biofilm. However, reductions were also observed in strains that produced no biofilms. These results suggest that proper timing of biofilm formation plays an important role in the capacity of V. cholerae to engage in HGT, one mechanism thought to allow this pathogen to rapidly evolve in changing environments.
Genetically Appropriate Expression of HLA and DR (IA) Alloantigens on Human Melanoma Cell Lines

Studies of the expression of HLA and DR alloantigens on cultured human melanoma cells in comparison with those expressed on peripheral lymphocytes and B-cells derived from the same patients have shown that the HLA-A B, and C locus antigens expressed on the cultured tumor cells were consistent with those expected from the typing of periperal blood lymphocytes. One melanoma cell line failed to express all the HLA antigens expected from donor typing. All five of the lines tested also expressed DR antigens and in three instances these could be demonstrated to have genetically consistent allotypes. However, in preliminary studies, stimulation of allogeneic lymphocytes by the DR positive melanoma cells could not be demonstrated.
Pre‐ Versus Postsynaptic Localization of Benzodiazepine and β‐Carboline Binding Sites

[3H]Flunitrazepam (FNP) and [3H]methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (MCC) binding was examined in soluble and particulate fractions from membranes solubilized with Triton X-100 or in subfractions of synaptosomal membranes obtained by a physical separation technique. Results using both methods demonstrate that benzodiazepine and beta-carboline sites reside on both pre- and postsynaptic membranes. Further, subfractionation experiments indicate that the binding sites for both ligands are unequally distributed within the synapse and among brain regions. For example, in cerebral cortical presynaptic membranes there are twice as many FNP as MCC sites whereas in postsynaptic membranes this ratio is reversed. The number of FNP and MCC sites are equal in the presynaptic fraction from cerebellum. The postsynaptic membranes derived from cerebellum have three times the number of FNP compared to MCC sites. In hippocampus this ratio varies between 1.5 and 2.8 in each subfraction. These results support the idea that benzodiazepine and beta-carboline binding sites represent different recognition sites.
Phase Locking, Devil's Staircases, Farey Trees, and Arnold Tongues in Driven Vortex Lattices with Periodic Pinning

Using numerical simulations, we observe phase locking, Arnold tongues, and devil's staircases for vortex lattices driven at varying angles with respect to an underlying superconducting periodic pinning array. This rich structure should be observable in transport measurements. The transverse $V(I)$ curves have a devil's staircase structure, with plateaus occurring near the driving angles along symmetry directions of the pinning array. Each of the plateaus corresponds to a different dynamical phase with a distinctive vortex structure and flow pattern.
Influence of subject eligibility criteria on compliance with National Institutes of Health guidelines for inclusion of women, minorities, and children in treatment research.

Background: Many alcohol treatment outcome studies exclude some patients with particular problems, such as psychiatric disorders, noncompliance, and homelessness. Such criteria may increase the likelihood of a study being successfully conducted, but may also have the unintended consequence of reducing a study's ability to comply with National Institutes of Health guidelines for inclusion of racial minorities, women, and children in treatment research. Methods and Results: This paper examined this issue empirically using 5 prior studies of treatment systems enrolling over 100,000 alcohol patients. Widely used eligibility criteria in the alcohol treatment field typically exclude between one-fifth to one-third of patients from enrolling in research. Under several eligibility criteria, most notably those for drug use and social/residential instability, women and African-American patients are substantially more likely to be excluded than are men and non–African-American patients, respectively. Conclusions: In designing treatment studies with many eligibility criteria, researchers may therefore inadvertently be thwarting their own good faith efforts to ensure that a range of vulnerable populations are able to participate in research. We analyze the implications of this dilemma for the generalizability of treatment results and for research design, and provide data that may help researchers working in different treatment systems estimate the impact of various eligibility criteria.
Venous Thrombosis in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

The antiphospholipid syndrome is a relatively common acquired cause of venous thrombosis. Up to 20% of cases of deep vein thrombosis, with and without pulmonary embolism, may be associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. These antibodies are typically detected in lupus anticoagulant assays and tests for anticardiolipin antibodies. Most antiphospholipid antibodies are directed against several phospholipid-binding plasma proteins. The most common antigens are beta2-glycoprotein I and prothrombin. Immunoassays using these purified antigens are now available. In addition to being markers for thrombotic risk, antiphospholipid antibodies have been shown to directly contribute to hypercoagulability in animal models and in various in vitro studies. Prevention of recurrent venous thrombosis in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome requires long-term anticoagulation. The optimal intensity of warfarin therapy is an ongoing issue, but most clinicians currently favor a target INR in the 2.0 to 3.0 range. In certain patients, antiphospholipid antibodies may interfere with determination of the INR, requiring other approaches to monitor and adjust the warfarin dose. Low-dose aspirin is typically recommended for primary prevention of thrombosis in asymptomatic patients with moderate to high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies, although strong supporting data are lacking.
Low-threshold AlGaN-GaN heterostructure field effect transistors for digital applications

The fabrication of an AlGaN-GaN based digital inverter circuit is reported, in which a large gain (up to 180) and a noise margin of /spl sim/0.5V have been obtained. The measured temperature coefficient of the switching voltage of the inverter was /spl sim/3.5 mV//spl deg/C up to 90/spl deg/C. The simulations predict that such an inverter should operate up to /spl sim/230/spl deg/C.
The nature of the changes in the pattern of RNA synthesis by the juvenile hormone analogue Altosid.

Abstract The effect of various concentrations of Altosid and actinomycin D under defined conditions on housefly metamorphosis was investigated with three strains of houseflies. The morphogenetic response varied with the strains and the length of time which the larvae were exposed to the juvenile hormone analogue. De novo RNA synthesis was studied with (2-14C)-glycine. Methods were developed for the isolation of nuclear, soluble, and ribosomal RNA. The procedure presented provides a DEAE-cellulose chromatographic method for the removal of high molecular weight RNA from DEAE at a neutral pH. Labelling of the RNAs was increased in the presence of the juvenile hormone analogue indicating an increase in the rate of RNA synthesis. The higher incorporation of the labelled precursor into nuclear RNA demonstrates that cytoplasmic RNA is derived from the nuclei.
Manipulating B cell homeostasis: a key component in the advancement of targeted strategies

Understanding the homeostatic mechanisms governing lymphocyte pools achieves critical importance as lymphocyte-targeted therapies expand in use and scope. The primacy of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) family ligands and receptors in governing B lymphocyte homeostasis has become increasingly clear in recent years, affording insight into novel opportunities and potential pitfalls for targeted B cell therapeutics. Interclonal competition for BLyS-BR3 interactions determines the size of naive B cell pools and can regulate the stringency of selection applied as cells complete maturation. Thus one of the predicted consequences of ablative therapies targeting primary pools is relaxed negative selection. This suggests that BLyS levels and B cell reconstitution rates may serve useful prognostic roles and that BLyS itself might be targeted to circumvent relapse. Alternatively, manipulations that allow rare, minimally autoreactive specificities to survive and mature may lead to opportunities in cases where antibody-based vaccine development has heretofore been unsuccessful. BLyS family ligands and receptors also play a role in activated and memory B cell pools, suggesting they might likewise be targeted to promote or delete particular antigen-experienced subpopulations in a similar way.
The best constant in a trace inequality

Abstract The best possible constant in the trace inequality ∥v∥ L 1 (Γ 1 ) ⩽ 0 · ∥▽v∥ 2 (Ω) , ∀v ϵ H 1 Γ 2 (Ω) is shown to be given by a quantity in terms of the solution of an elliptic boundary value problem, where, Γ1, Γ2 are disjoint subsets of ∂Ω with positive measures, and the Sobolev space H 1 Γ 2 (Ω) = {v ϵ H 1 (Ω) ¦v = 0 on Γ 2 } . Some examples are presented with either an analytic expression or a numerical value for the best constant. As an application, the best constant c0 is used to give an upper bound for the first eigenvalue of a modified Steklov eigenvalue problem.
An N‐terminal hydrophobic peak is the sorting signal of regulated secretory proteins

Abstract Endocrine and exocrine cells each contain a regulated and constitutive secretory pathway. The presence of two distinct secretory pathways in the same cell type requires a sorting step to direct secretory proteins to the correct pathway. It is thought that regulated secretory proteins contain a specific sorting signal. However, this signal has not been identified. Amino acid sequence comparisons have not revealed any significant similarity between different regulated secretory proteins, suggesting that the sorting signal does not consist of a conserved primary sequence. In the present report, we have analyzed the predicted secondary structures of regulated secretory proteins and identified an N-terminal hydrophobic peak (NHP) which is located approximately from amino acids 9–26, overlaps with a predicted α-helix and contains charged amino acid residues. This signal is present in regulated secretory proteins that exhibit an N-terminal sorting sequence, but it is absent from constitutively secreted proteins and proteins where the sorting sequence is not located near the N-terminus. It appears that the NHP is both necessary and sufficient for sorting of many secretory proteins to the regulated secretory pathway.
Testosterone-down-regulated Akt pathway during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion: a mechanism involving BAD, Bcl-2 and FOXO3a.

Background Lower levels of myocardial Akt activity in males are associated with a higher incidence of heart failure and worsened cardiac function after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). While Akt activation by estrogen provides cardioprotection in females, no information exists regarding the effect of testosterone on the myocardial Akt pathway following I/R. We hypothesized that following I/R: (1) endogenous testosterone will decrease myocardial Akt activation in male hearts; (2) endogenous testosterone will mediate downstream signals of Akt, including Bad, Bcl-2, and FOXO3a; (3) administration of exogenous testosterone will recapitulate negative effects on the Akt pathway in castrated male hearts. Methods and Results Rat hearts from age-matched adult males, females, castrated males, males with androgen receptor blocker-flutamide, castrated males with chronic 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) implantation, or acute testosterone infusion (ATI) ( n = 9/group) were subjected to I/R (Langendorff). Castration or flutamide treatment significantly up-regulated myocardial Akt activation, increased downstream apoptosis-regulatory molecules p-Bad, Bcl-2, p-FOXO3a, but reduced Fas-L, consistent with decreased myocardial injury in male hearts following I/R. ATI administration, but not chronic DHT, reversed these effects on Akt signaling associated with further exacerbated cardiac dysfunction in castrated males. Notably, lower levels of MnSOD were observed in male hearts, and castration or flutamide treatment restored myocardial MnSOD expression to the levels of females in male hearts after I/R. Conclusion Our study represents the initial evidence of testosterone-induced down-regulation of the Akt pathway in male hearts following I/R, thereby mediating cardiac injury through decreased p-Bad, reduced ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the cytoplasm, and increased FOXO3a in the nucleus.
Risk attitude under two alternative theories of choice under risk

Abstract Anticipated utility theory and prospect theory have been proposed as descriptive models of choice under uncertainty. This paper examines the concept of risk attitude under these two theories, and considers the relationship between risk attitude under von Neumann-Morgenstern expected utility theory and risk attitude under these alternative theories. A risk premium analysis is conducted, and risk premia are partitioned to characterize the complex nature of risk attitude under these theories. Comparative risk aversion across individuals is also considered.
Systematics of Paleogene Micromomyidae (euarchonta, primates) from North America.

Abstract New specimens of micromomyid plesiadapiforms recovered from the late Paleocene and early Eocene of the Clarks Fork and Powder River Basins, Wyoming, include previously unknown tooth positions of Chalicomomys antelucanus, the earliest record and first substantial Paleocene sample of Tinimomys graybulliensis, and additional specimens of early Eocene T. graybulliensis, forming the largest known sample (n = 84, MNI = 14) of a micromomyid species from a single fossil locality. These specimens and newly documented intraspecific variability, coupled with the first detailed descriptions of the dentition of Dryomomys szalayi, allow for a systematic revision of the family. Cladistic analysis of the 11 known micromomyid species using 28 morphological characters produced three most-parsimonious cladograms. Results suggest that several Tiffanian taxa previously classified in the genus Micromomys (excluding the type species Micromomys silvercouleei) are more primitive and are referred to a new genus Foxomomys (Foxomomys fremdi, Foxomomys vossae, and Foxomomys gunnelli). Two other Paleocene and early Eocene species previously classified in Micromomys are instead found to share a special relationship with Dryomomys (Dryomomys millennius and Dryomomys willwoodensis) based primarily on the relative size and shape of the premolars. Results further suggest that early Eocene Chalicomomys (monotypic: Chalicomomys antelucanus) is the sister taxon to a clade that includes Dryomomys and Tinimomys, which diverged from each other by the late Tiffanian. The shape of P4 and the relative size of P3 have distinct patterns of change through the evolution of the group. Additionally, there is a gradual reduction of P2, with Foxomomys having a double-rooted P2, Micromomys, Chalicomomys, and Dryomomys having a single-rooted P2, and Tinimomys lacking a P2. Body size increases from more primitive micromomyids (Foxomomys and Chalicomomys) to more derived genera (Dryomomys and Tinimomys), and size also increases from the older and/or more primitive species within the Dryomomys and Tinimomys lineages.
The Sensory Striatum

The dorsal striatum is regarded as a substrate for action selection and motor habits, but much of it is connected to sensory, not motor, cortex. In this issue of Neuron, Reig and Silberberg (2014) use intracellular recording to reveal connections between sensory cortex and striatum.
Magnetic field dependence of the two-phonon process

Abstract The two phonon spin-lattice relaxation rates of 0.1% Gd 3+ in PrF 3 are found to exhibit magnetic field dependent T 5 terms.
Pyloric atresia with epidermolysis bullosa: fetal MRI diagnosis with postnatal correlation

Pyloric atresia is an uncommon congenital gastric outlet obstruction, accounting for only 1% of gastrointestinal atresias. Up to 55% of cases have associated anomalies, the most common of which is epidermolysis bullosa. Fetal MRI findings of the epidermolysis bullosa-pyloric atresia association have not been previously reported. We present a case of this association diagnosed by prenatal MRI with corroborative postnatal imaging and surgical findings.
Influence of Heating on Artificially Induced Antibacterial Agglutinins in Milk

Summary A technique is described for preparing an acid whey which retains the agglutinating power of milk against bacterial antigens. Using this whey in a tube agglutination test, the heat-resistant characteristics of antibodies specific against S. pullorum were determined. It was found that these characteristics were essentially the same as those previously reported for the serum protein fraction of normal milk; namely, that their inactivation is a function of temperature and the logarithm of time within the range 155 to 165° F. The values obtained indicate that this milk can be pasteurized and dried without impairing its agglutinating ability.
Active vibration control using optimized modified acceleration feedback with Adaptive Line Enhancer for frequency tracking

Abstract Modified acceleration feedback (MAF) control, an active vibration control method that uses collocated piezoelectric actuators and accelerometer is developed and its gains optimized using an optimal controller. The control system consists of two main parts: (1) frequency adaptation that uses Adaptive Line Enhancer (ALE) and (2) an optimized controller. Frequency adaptation method tracks the frequency of vibrations using ALE. The obtained frequency is then fed to MAF compensators. This provides a unique feature for MAF, by extending its domain of capabilities from controlling a certain mode of vibrations to any excited mode. The optimized MAF controller can provide optimal sets of gains for a wide range of frequencies, based on the characteristics of the system. The experimental results show that the frequency tracking method works quite well and fast enough to be used in a real-time controller. ALE parameters are numerically and experimentally investigated and tuned for optimized frequency tracking. The results also indicate that the MAF can provide significant vibration reduction using the optimized controller. The control power varies for vibration suppression at different resonance frequencies; however, it is always optimized.
Quantitative SoS Architecture Modeling

Abstract Improved techniques to develop future System of Systems solution architectures are a systems engineering imperative. The systems engineer must be able to produce quantitative Measures of Performance that parse good performing architectures from bad architectures in a very complex and dynamic domain often and early during concept development. This paper proposes innovative System of Systems Engineering techniques to manage risks and reduce costs in complex systems. We suggest a combination of graph theory, Big Data and Uncertainty Quantification are foundational tools that can model architectures and more importantly the movement of data across architecture interfaces. This provides a mathematical foundation for quantitative architecture, model based systems engineering and simulation environments enabling continuous prototype testing in a model environment. The result is a means to quantitatively validate viable complex architectures early in the lifecycle. This paper describes a graph-based approach to model complex architectures. Complexity will be defined mathematically as a function of the number of entities, inter-entity relationships and active event sequences in the graphical architecture. Uncertainty quantification compares the graph model to the physical System of Systems based on quantities of interest. Big Data facilitates analytics across continuous data threads in the architecture.
The Application of Earth Science Findings to the Practical Problems of Growing Winegrapes

Abstract Transforming science findings into practical applications is presented in the specific case of using remote sensing to detect the presence of an infestation of grapevines. The vines of Napa Valley were attacked by the root louse, Phylloxera, in the 1990's resulting in a very large loss of production. The spectral response of the vines can be causally linked to the disruption in the ecology of these agro-ecosystems. Borrowing from NASA's investments in ecological science and its use of remote sensing, an applied project was formed and conducted with Robert Mondavi Winery to experimentally determine if we could remotely sense changes in the vineyards linked to the actions of this louse. We found that changes in leaf development due to the destruction of the roots was strongly associated with presence of the louse. This result is consistent with the ecological science and remote sensing of natural ecosystems. We also examined changes in leaf biochemical composition, leaf temperature and chlorophyll ...
Effect of Oxygen Limitation on β-Lactamase Production

The dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) is an important variable in aerobic fermentations. Precise control of the DO is critical in fermentation processes for the investigation of the best conditions for secondary product formation. Oxygen limitation conditions have been known to enhance the synthesis of secondary products. An adaptive pole placement control that maintains a constant sheer environment is applied to Bacillus subtilis fermentation for the production of β-lactamase. Auto Regressive eXogeneous (ARX) input models are used for the control, and supervision and coordination techniques are applied to improve the control performance. The effect of DO level on the productivity of β-lactamase under oxygen-limited conditions is assessed.
Effects of Insulin and Glucagon on Carbohydrate and Protein (Metabolism of Adductor Muscle and Diaphragm

The addition of 1 milliunit of insulin/ml of medium increased the glucose uptake and lactate and pyruvate production of adductor fiber groups and diaphragms from control and pancreatectomized rats. Insulin increased the glycogen levels (2-hr incubation) in diaphragm but not in fiber groups. The slight effect of glucagon on glucose uptake and lactate production was probably due to a trace of insulin in the glucagon. Following pancreatectomy, the average percentage decrease in glucose uptake was 40% for fiber groups and 24% for diaphragm. With adductor muscle, lactate production rose and pyruvate production fell, following operation, while no changes were observed with diaphragm muscle. Glucagon, 20/xg/ml, increased amino N release by adductor fiber groups, but had no effect on the release by diaphragm muscle in the control series. These results may be interpreted as evidence that glucagon exerts an over-all catabolic effect on skeletal muscle protein, independent of the secretion of other hormones. Insulin...
Testing the standard model with rare B physics at CLEO

Abstract I present an overview of tests of the Standard Model and searches for non-Standard Model physics with the rare B program at CLEO. I will review our rare B physics analyses, going into further detail for two of our newer analyses, namely measurements of the B→φK branching fraction and CP asymmetry in b→sγ decays.
A study of the motion of zeros of the epstein zeta function associated to m('2) + y('2)n('2) as y varies from 1 to sqrt.6

This paper is concerned with special Epstein zeta functions, $Z(s,y),$ defined by $$Z(s,y) = {1\over2}{\sum\limits\sb{m,n\in Z}}\prime(m\sp2 + y\sp2n\sp2)\sp{-s}$$for $\sigma > 1$ and by analytic continuation in the entire s-plane, where y is real and positive. These functions satisfy the functional equation $$\Phi(s,y) = \Phi(1 - s,y)\ {\rm with}\ \Phi(s,y) = \left({y\over\pi}\right)\sp{s}\ \Gamma(s)Z(s,y).$$ One purpose of the paper is to trace the motion in the s-plane of a pair of zeros of $Z(s,y)$ which are in the critical strip $0 < \sigma < 1$ but not on the critical line $\sigma = {1\over2},$ as y varies downward from $\sqrt{5}.$ This pair of zeros was found in 1935 by Potter and Titchmarsh for the case $y = \sqrt{5}.$ The numerical computations revealed that the pair of zeros approaches and collapses onto the critical line when y approaches $\sqrt{4.006}.$ Another purpose of the paper is to exhibit a new series representation of $\Phi(s,y)$ which is better suited for numerical computations of zeros than previously known expansions. This consists of an expansion into a factorial series in the variable s which converges absolutely and uniformly in vertical strips $\sigma\sb1 1).$ A recursion formula for the coefficients of this expansion is also derived. With the help of this new expansion numerical computations on a medium sized computer were performed to calculate all zeros of $Z(s,y)$ in the critical strip and with $0 < t < 18$ as y varies from 1 to $\sqrt{6}.$ The computer program was written in FORTRAN 77. The computations revealed the existence of other pairs of zeros (not originating from the pair mentioned previously) in the critical strip and not on the critical line for $\sqrt{1.1} < y < \sqrt{2}$ and $\sqrt{2.1} < y < \sqrt{3}$ and for some of these y values there are even two such pairs. A graphical presentation of all these zeros is included in the paper.
Heterobivalent agents targeting PSMA and integrin-αvβ3.

Differential expression of surface proteins on normal vs malignant cells provides the rationale for the development of receptor-, antigen-, and transporter-based, cancer-selective imaging and therapeutic agents. However, tumors are heterogeneous, and do not always express what can be considered reliable, tumor-selective markers. That suggests development of more flexible targeting platforms that incorporate multiple moieties enabling concurrent targeting to a variety of putative markers. We report the synthesis, biochemical, in vitro, and preliminary in vivo evaluation of a new heterobivalent (HtBv) imaging agent targeting both the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and integrin-αvβ3 surface markers, each of which can be overexpressed in certain tumor epithelium and/or neovasculature. The HtBv agent was functionalized with either 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) or the commercially available IRDye800CW. DOTA-conjugated HtBv probe 9 bound to PSMA or αvβ3 with affinitie...
Acute respiratory distress syndrome in children: physiology and management.

Purpose of reviewThe present review seeks to review the pathophysiologic processes that underlie the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children. The review intends to provide the physiologic foundation for the treatment strategies that are associated with the most optimal
Sheath Flow Focusing in Supersonic Jet Spectroscopy

The mechanism of cooling in sheath-flow-focused supersonic jet expansions is examined. Cooling is found to be strongly influenced by the sheath gas flow properties but independent of the carrier gas in the sample stream. These results indicate that considerable turbulence and mixing between the sheath and sample gases occur downstream from the orifice. However, mixing cannot be complete, since, relative to results with a conventional jet expansion, a substantial enhancement of analyte is obtained along the centerline of a sheath-flow-focused jet expansion. Spectral broadening at "high" analyte mass flow rates within the sample stream is found to arise from inefficient cooling. There are limits to both how large and how small the nozzle orifice can be. Small orifices result in spectral broadening, even at very low analyte mass flow rates. Large orifices may have Reynolds numbers sufficient to cause turbulent flow, which degrades the focusing effect. The optimum nozzle geometry and gas flow conditions for sheath-flow-focused jet expansions are discussed.
Rolling radii and a time-dependent dilation

Abstract Three families of solutions of the background field equations for the bosonic string are presented. These solutions describe a D -dimensional space-time for which the constant time slices are tori with D −1 “rolling radii” - that is, radii which are allowed to vary with time, along with a time-dependent dilation field. Each of the three families (which correspond to D = 26, D > 26, or D d radii increase as the other D − d −1 radii decrease, where 0⩽ d ⩽ D − 1. It is shown that these solutions can be extended to order α' in nonlinear sigma model perturbation theory, and it is conjectured that this continues to any given order in α'.
Cortisol response of golden shiners ( Notemigonus crysoleucas ) fed diets differing in lipid content

The purpose of this study was to characterize the plasma cortisol response in golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) under crowding stress, and to determine whether dietary lipid affects the cortisol response. The main differences between the diets were the relative amounts and types of fatty acids of the n-3 and n-6 families. In experiment 1, triplicate groups of golden shiners were fed diets with 4 or 13% menhaden fish oil, or 4 or 13% poultry fat at 3% body weight for 4 weeks before the crowding stress. In experiment 2, fish were fed diets with 8% lipid from soybean oil (SBO), cod liver oil (CLO), (SBO+CLO), or cottonseed oil (CSO) for 6 weeks before the stress test. Plasma cortisol was measured initially, two hours after the stressor was applied, and two hours after the stressor was removed. The overall pattern of the cortisol response was similar to that seen in other warmwater fishes, but the rate and magnitude of the response were not affected by diet in either experiment. Golden shiners have an intermediate cortisol response compared to other fish that have been exposed to similarly stressful conditions.
Memory T cells are uniquely resistant to melanoma-induced suppression.

We have previously observed that in vivo exposure to growing melanoma tumors fundamentally alters activated T cell homeostasis by suppressing the ability of naive T cells to undergo antigen-driven proliferative expansion. We hypothesized that exposure of T cells in later stages of differentiation to melanoma would have similar suppressive consequences. C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with media or syngeneic B16F10 melanoma tumors 8 or 60 days after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and splenic populations of LCMV-specific T cells were quantified using flow cytometry 18 days after tumor inoculation. Inoculation with melanoma on post-infection day 8 potentiated the contraction of previously activated T cells. This enhanced contraction was associated with increased apoptotic susceptibility among T cells from tumor-bearing mice. In contrast, inoculation with melanoma on post-infection day 60 did not affect the ability of previously established memory T cells to maintain themselves in stable numbers. In addition, the ability of previously established memory T cells to respond to LCMV challenge was unaffected by melanoma. Following adoptive transfer into melanoma-bearing mice, tumor-specific memory T cells were significantly more effective at controlling melanoma growth than equivalent numbers of tumor-specific effector T cells. These observations suggest that memory T cells are uniquely resistant to suppressive influences exerted by melanoma on activated T cell homeostasis; these findings may have implications for T cell–based cancer immunotherapy.
Many-body effects in nanocrystal superlattices: departure from sphere packing explains stability of binary phases.

This work analyzes the role of hydrocarbon ligands in the self-assembly of nanocrystal (NC) superlattices. Typical NCs, composed of an inorganic core of radius R and a layer of capping ligands with length L, can be described as soft spheres with softness parameter L/R. Using particle tracking measurements of transmission electron microscopy images, we find that close-packed NCs, like their hard-sphere counterparts, fill space at approximately 74% density independent of softness. We uncover deformability of the ligand capping layer that leads to variable effective NC size in response to the coordination environment. This effect plays an important role in the packing of particles in binary nanocrystal superlattices (BNSLs). Measurements on BNSLs composed of NCs of varying softness in several coordination geometries indicate that NCs deform to produce dense BNSLs that would otherwise be low-density arrangements if the particles remained spherical. Consequently, rationalizing the mixing of two NC species duri...
Luther's use of doublets

Abstract Martin Luther's early writings and sermons contain the frequent use of a stylistic feature I call doublets. While there are several variations possible, doublets usually connect two words of the same grammatical form— finite verbs, adjectives or adverbs, and substantives—with a coordinate conjunction. Rather than necessarily diffusing audience attention, as one contemporary scholar suggests, or typically sacrificing vivacity, as is the concern of an eighteenth‐century theorist, Luther's doublets—when we examine them in context—are an effective tool for consolidating mental focus and strengthening adherence to a thesis. The medieval practice of enarratio, his familiarity with the parallelism and doubling in scripture, and his work with bible translation all probably contributed to Luther's tendency to use doublets.
The environmental and economic feasibility of alternative crops in arid areas: considering mesquite in Baja California, Mexico

Abstract This paper considers the needs for alternatives to usual agricultural practices in environmentally degraded areas, particularly when ecological conditions may not naturally support agriculture, e.g. in arid environments. Growing demand for food and increasing pressures on natural resources call for new approaches to land use that integrate economic and environmental considerations, particularly in less developed nations. This paper conducts cost-benefit analysis of the investment in cultivated mesquite plantations for the purposes of both pod products and lumber. Under all scenarios, investment in mesquite yields positive returns, but highest returns are obtained when trees cultivated for pods and lumber are intercropped rather than either being produced in isolation.
Predicting the Direct Benefits of a Food Price-Reporting or Preference-Changing Program

A method is developed for estimating returns to food price reporting and store selection preference changing programs. The approach is demonstrated by an example. While the extimated return to preference changing is small, the direct savings for price reporting can be substantial. Further replications are required to verify these results.
Expression of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Gene by Dermal Fibroblasts in Response to Ultraviolet Irradiation or Lipopolysaccharide

To examine the effects of different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, we took advantage of mice carrying a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter transgene bearing the entire TNF promoter and 3'-untranslated region. Aside from constitutive expression in the thymus, CAT activity was detected only in locally UVB- or UVC-irradiated skin. After UVB irradiation, markedly greater amounts of CAT activity were traced to the dermis rather than the epidermis; by contrast, almost all CAT activity was localized to the epidermis after UVC irradiation, Fibroblasts have not been shown previously to express the TNF gene, i.e., the TNF gene is highly methylated and inaccessible to exogenous modulation in 3T3 fibroblasts, However, the present report reveals that cultured dermal fibroblasts are capable of producing both CAT and TNF in response to treatment in vitro with either UVB irradiation, UVC irradiation, or lipopolysaccharide. These findings indicate that dermal fibroblasts may serve not only as a target for but also as a source of TNF.
Contextual Citizenship in Modern Islamic Thought

Abstract This paper examines the concept of citizenship in Egyptian Islamic thought. It focuses on a group of intellectuals referred to as the ‘New Islamists’, who have articulated a kind of Islamic citizenship which would include non-Muslim minorities. In contrast to many Islamists, these thinkers do not advocate reviving the dhimma as a model for the treatment of non-Muslims within an Islamic state. The paper looks at the methods and arguments used for justifying citizenship within the Islamic ideological framework. It compares this conception of citizenship with Western assumptions and shows that there are a number of divergences. However, it also questions the efficacy of simply judging citizenship in Islamic thought through this lens. It asks whether a more constructive question is whether Egyptian Islamists have been able to articulate a conception of citizenship that has evolved ‘contextually’, taking into account Egyptian social, moral, and political culture.
Exposing Physicians To Reduced Residency Work Hours Did Not Adversely Affect Patient Outcomes After Residency

In 2003, work hours for physicians-in-training (residents) were capped by regulation at eighty hours per week, leading to the hotly debated but unexplored issue of whether physicians today are less well trained as a result of these work-hour reforms. Using a unique database of nearly all hospitalizations in Florida during 2000–09 that were linked to detailed information on the medical training history of the physician of record for each hospitalization, we studied whether hospital mortality and patients’ length-of-stay varied according to the number of years a physician was exposed to the 2003 duty-hour regulations during his or her residency. We examined this database of practicing Florida physicians, using a difference-in-differences analysis that compared trends in outcomes of junior physicians (those with one-year post-residency experience) pre- and post-2003 to a control group of senior physicians (those with ten or more years of post-residency experience) who were not exposed to these reforms during...
Reliability and validity of measuring scapular upward rotation using an electrical inclinometer.

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a modified two-dimensional electrical inclinometer to measure scapular upward rotation during static humeral elevation. Numerous techniques have been proposed to qualitatively and quantitatively measure upward rotation of the scapula. These techniques are limited by expense or an inability to be synchronized with other measurements, such as muscle activity and force output. For validity testing, static scapular upward rotation was measured separately with a digital protractor and electrical inclinometer while participants were at rest and 60°, 90° and 120° of humeral elevation in the scapular plane. For reliability testing, either 20 min before or 20 min after validity testing, participants performed the testing positions while measurements were taken with the electrical inclinometer only. Significant correlations existed between the modified electrical inclinometer and digital protractor at all four positions (r>0.996, p 0.892, 95%CI: 0.785-0.988 and SEM<1.8°). These results support the use of the electrical inclinometer to measure scapular upward rotation. These findings provide clinicians and researchers with a practical instrument that can accurately measure scapular upward rotation in synchrony with other measurements, such as electromyography and isokinetic data.
The psbC start codon in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

The translation start codon for psbC, the gene encoding CP43, a chlorophyll-binding protein of photosystem II, has been identified for the cyanobacterium Synechosystis sp. PCC 6803 using site-directed mutagenesis. An AUG codon, about 50 bases upstream from the end of psbD-I had previously been assumed to be the translation start site of psbC. However, the fact that the AUG codon is not present in psbC from several other organisms, whereas a GUG codon 14 bases upstream from the end of psbD-I is strictly conserved suggests that CP43 translation starts at the latter codon. Mutation of GUG, but not of AUG, led to a loss of CP43 and photoautotrophic growth, indicating that the GUG codon is the sole initiation site for translation of the CP43 protein in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
Virtual-Reality-Based Social Interaction Training for Children with High-Functioning Autism.

ABSTRACT Employing the multiple-baseline across-subjects design, the authors examined the implementation and potential effect of a virtual-reality-based social interaction program on the interaction and communication performance of children with high functioning autism. The data were collected via behavior observation and analysis, questionnaires, and interviewing. The children participants demonstrated increased performance of responding, initiation, greeting, and positive conversation-ending during the intervention, and improved social competence measures after the intervention. The study also contributed salient themes on the adaptive design of a virtual-reality-based learning environment for learners with special needs. The study findings should extend the discussion on the design and usage of technology-supported informal learning environment for children with diverse characteristics and learning needs.
Rapid Production of Clinical-Grade Gammaretroviral Vectors in Expanded Surface Roller Bottles Using a “Modified” Step-Filtration Process for Clearance of Packaging Cells

Abstract Production of clinical-grade gammaretroviral vectors for ex vivo gene delivery requires a scalable process that can rapidly generate large amounts of vector supernatant, clear large numbers of residual packaging cells with minimal decreases in vector titer, and satisfy all current regulatory guidelines regarding product biosafety. To that end, we have developed a simplified method that is compliant with current good manufacturing practices for the production of clinical-grade gammaretroviral vectors in a clinical research environment. We validated a large-scale production platform utilizing 1,700-cm2 expanded surface roller bottles and a “modified” step-filtration process consisting of a 40/150-μm dual-screen filter for aggregate removal followed by a Sepacell 500II leukocyte reduction filter for removal of residual packaging cells. This clarification process can clear at least 2 × 109 viable producer cells using a single filter set-up without any significant loss of titer post-filtration. This p...
The contributions of smell and taste to overall intensity: a model.

A model is proposed to describe mathematically the integration of olfaction and gustation in producing the sensation of overall intensity or flavor. The basis of this additive model is the premise that the sensationof overall intensity is composed of the summation of the estimates of the intensities of smell and taste. However, since this summation has been consistently shown to be greater than the estimates of the intensity of flavor, the additive model is modified such that the psychophysical functions describing the magnitude estimates of smell and taste are “reduced” when used to predict the overall intensity or flavor. The model’s predictive capacity is demonstrated by the results of a test using the Two-Module Delivery System (Hornung & Enns, 1984) to present the odorant ethyl butyrate and the tastant sucrose. Using all combinations of distilled water and three concentrations of the odorant combined with distilled water and three concentrations of the tastant, subjects used the method of absolute magnitude estimation to scale the intensities of smell, taste, and flavor. Estimates of overall intensity (flavor) were predicted accurately from the intensity ratings given to smell and taste.
Utopia Pre-Empted: Kett's Rebellion, Commoning, and the Hysterical Sublime

In 1549, on Mousehold Heath, outside Norwich, the campmen of Kett's Rebellion created the greatest practical utopian project of Tudor England. Using a commoning rhetoric and practice, they tried to restore the moral economy of the county community, ally themselves with the reforming regime of Protector Somerset, and create a Protestant monarchical republic of small producers. In opposition, Tudor gentlemen and their chroniclers used ‘the hysterical sublime’, a rhetoric and practice of pre-emptive decisionist violence, to crush the Norwich commune, overthrow Somerset, and accelerate capitalist primitive accumulation. These two visions of culture and society continued to clash in Tudor England, but the gentlemen had gained the upper hand.