cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Daily variations in the position of the prostate bed in patients with prostate cancer receiving postoperative external beam radiation therapy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of the variation in the position of the prostate bed with respect to the bony anatomy. Methods and Materials: Four patients were treated to 70 Gy in 35 fractions. Before each fraction, a megavoltage computed tomography (CT) of the prostate bed was obtained, resulting in a total of 140 CT studies. Retrospectively, each CT scan was aligned to the simulation kilovoltage scan based on bony anatomy and the prostate bed. The difference between the 2 alignments was calculated for each scan. Results: The average differences (±1 SD) between the two alignments were 0.06 ± 0.37, 0.10 ± 0.86, and 0.39 ± 1.27 mm in the lateral, longitudinal (SI), and vertical (AP) directions, respectively. Laterally, there was no difference ≥3 mm. The cumulative frequency of SI differences were as follows; ≥3 mm: 3%, ≥4 mm: 1%, and ≥5 mm: 1% (maximum: 5 mm). The cumulative frequency of AP differences were as follows; ≥3 mm: 7%, and ≥4 mm: 3% (maximum: 4 mm). Conclusion: In patients with prostate cancer receiving postoperative radiotherapy, the prostate bed motion relative to the pelvic bony anatomy is of a relatively small magnitude. Significant motion (≥3 mm) is infrequent. However, small differences between the prostate bed and the bony anatomy still exist. This might have implications on treatment margins when daily alignment on bony anatomy is performed.
The Effects of Dependency and Social Reinforcement upon Visual Behaviour during an interview

Abstract : Thirty-four male college students categorized as to dominance or dependency in their control orientations toward others were given great or small amounts of social reinforcement for eye contact when speaking to an interviewer. Results showed Ss eye contact with E when speaking to him to be a function of the interaction of social reinforcement and dependency orientation. Dependent Ss looked significantly more at E when given low as compared to high amounts of verbal social reinforcement, and also looked significantly more at E than non-dependent Ss given low amounts of such reinforcement. Non-dependent Ss given high amounts of social reinforcement tended to look more at E than less reinforced non-dependents. The latter difference was not statistically significant. It is suggested that the results support a feedback rather than a reward model to explain the effect of social reinforcement on eye-contact in discussion. Limits on the generality of the results were suggested. The results were also discussed in terms of Argyle and Dean's equilibrium theory of the emission of affiliative behavior. Implications of the procedures and results for certain kinds of personnel selection were considered. (Author)
Speech Retrieval in Unknown Languages: a Pilot Study

Most cross-lingual speech retrieval assumes intensive knowledge about all involved languages. However, such resource may not exist for some less popular languages. Some applications call for speech retrieval in unknown languages. In this work, we leverage on a quasi-language-independent subword recognizer trained on multiple languages, to obtain an abstracted representation of speech data in an unknown language. Language-independent query expansion is achieved either by allowing a wide lattice output for an audio query, or by taking advantage of distinctive features in speech articulation to propose subwords most similar to the given subwords in a query. We propose using a retrieval model based on finite state machines for fuzzy matching of speech sound patterns, and further for speech retrieval. A pilot study of speech retrieval in unknown languages is presented, using English, Spanish and Russian as training languages, and Croatian as the unknown target language.
Optimal power and polarization for the capacity of polarization division multiple access channels

Polarization diversity has attracted substantial attention in wireless communication system design since polarization is a new domain, which is not as fully utilized as conventional time, frequency, and spatial domains. This paper focuses on the capacity of polarization division multiple access (PDMA) channel to propose an optimal PDMA power allocation scheme that refers to cross-polarization discrimination (XPD). The XPD-based water-filling vessel function is introduced as a main measure of the XPD-aware PDMA power allocation. Further, the relation between the XPD and PDMA channel capacity is described in a mathematical manner. This paper clearly describes the dependence of the optimal PDMA power allocation on the aforementioned XPD-based measure to reach the maximum channel capacity in the power-constrained cellular PDMA system based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM).
On the symmetry of friction coefficients for particles moving in fluids with spin

Abstract Friction coefficients for a non-spherical particle moving in an incompressible fluid with spin are studied. Symmetry properties of the coefficients are shown to depend solely on angular velocity boundary conditions at the surface of the particle.
Quantitative estimation of amineoxidase.

THE evidence linking brain function to amineoxidase activity1 has stimulated a large production of papers2. The disagreements that have ensued2 might well be a measure of the interest in these aminases. However, we attribute much of the discord to the accepted method of studying these trace enzymes, namely, respirometry. The present communication shows that respirometry is an erratic yardstick as compared with the measurements of ammonia (or primary amine) released by the amineoxidase reaction. The ease and accuracy of these latter micromethods have been shown previously3–9.
Presence of a copper(I)-thiolate regulatory domain in the copper-activated transcription factor Amt1.

The Amt1 transcription factor from Candida glabrata is activated by the formation of a tetracopper−thiolate cluster. Recombinant Amt1 (residues 1−110) is isolated as a Cu,ZnAmt1 complex. Previous mapping studies [Farrell et al. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 1571−1580] revealed that the Zn(II) site is enfolded by an independent, N-terminal domain consisting of residues 1−40. One prediction from the mapping study is that the tetracopper cluster is enfolded by residues 41−110. A truncated Amt1 peptide consisting of residues 37−110 was expressed and isolated as a CuAmt1 complex with 4 mol equiv of Cu(I) bound. The bound Cu(I) ions in the truncated Amt1 complex were spectroscopically similar to Cu(I) ions bound in the 110-mer Amt1 molecule in the energies and intensities of the ultraviolet S → Cu charge transfer transitions and luminescence. Copper K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) of the truncated CuAmt1 complex revealed the same 2.26 A mean Cu−S bond distance as in the Cu,ZnAmt1 ...
On the projective class group of cyclic groups of prime power order

Let Cq denote the cyclic group of order q and ZCq the integral group ring of Cq. If q is a prime, q = p say, D. S. Rim [18] has proved that the projective class group ITio(ZCp) is isomorphic to /(o(Z[~]), where ~ denotes a primitive p-th root of unity. In turn, it is well known that/(o(Z[~]) is isomorphic to the ideal class group of the ring Z[~] of integers in the cyclotomic field Fo = Q(~). See J. Milnor's book [17], w Corollary 1.11. In this paper we study fflo(ZCq) for q = p,+l, where p is a prime number. For instance, we obtain in w the following result. Let C(Fn) denote the ideal class group of the cyclotomic field F, = Q(~,), .where ~, is a primitive pn+l-st root of unity. If p is a semi-regular odd prime, there is an exact sequence
An expert system for automatic query reformation

Unfamiliarity with search tactics creates difficulties for many users of online retrieval systems. User observations indicate that even experienced searchers use vocabulary incorrectly and rarely reformulate their queries. To address these problems, an expert system for online search assistance was developed. This prototype automatically reformulates queries to improve the search results, and ranks the retrieved passages to speed the identification of relevant information. Users' search performance using the expert system was compared with their search performance on their own, and their search performance using an online thesaurus. The following conclusions were reached: (1) The expert system significantly reduced the number of queries necessary to find relevant passages compared with the user searching alone or with the thesaurus. (2)The expert system puced marinally significant improvemen in precision compared with e user searching on their own. There was no significant differnce in e call achieved b e thre system configurations. (3) Overall, the expert system ranked relevand passages above irrelevant passages
Characteristics of resuspended sediment from Georges Bank collected with a sediment trap

Abstract A sediment trap was deployed 3 m from the bottom at a water depth of 62 m on the southern flank of Georges Bank (41°02·2′N, 67°33·5′W) from 30 September 1978 to 10 March 1979 to qualitatively determine the size of sediments resuspended from the bottom by winter storms and to determine if seasonal changes in the phytoplankton could be observed in the trapped sediment. Bulk X-ray analyses of the trapped sediment showed layers of distinctly different textures preserved in the collection vessel. The median grain size of sampled layers ranged from 2·7 to 6·5 φ (fine sand to silt), but all layers contained a pronounced mode in the 3 φ (fine sand) range. Nine layers containing relatively large amounts of sand were present. The sand content was 75% in the coarest layers and about 32% in the fine layers. The median grain size of bottom sediments at the deployment site was considerably coarser than the trap samples, although the dominant grain size was also 3 φ. Average bottom-current speeds during the deployment period were about 30 cm s −1 with a range of 10 to 50 cm s −1 . Bottom stress, computed from the observed currents and waves, suggest that 11 storms caused sufficient stress to resuspend 3 φ-sized sediments, in good agreement with the nine layers of relatively coarse sediments collected in the trap. Surface waves had to be included in the calculation of bottom stress because the bottom currents alone were insufficient to cause the resuspension of 3 φ-sized sediment. The trapped sediments contain numerous diatoms and coccoliths that are typical of late fall and winter assemblages. No clear seasonal difference in the flora was noted among sampled layers, probably due to the large influx of resuspended material and a reduced primary flux during this period. An undescribed species of Thalassiosira (G. Fryxell, personal communication), and siliceous scales of unknown systematic position were observed at all levels.
Elucidating public perceptions of environmental behavior: a case study of Lake Lanier

Abstract Participation of stakeholders in stewardship of the aquatic environment, including participation from members of the general public, has become much more widespread than was the case a decade or so ago. With this shift, from a former predominantly technocratic stance to something of a democratic stance on the style of management, it becomes important to elucidate public perceptions of environmental behavior. The paper examines this issue: from a rather specific perspective, where the role of time is significant; with a specific purpose in mind—for defining illustrative stakeholder aspirations for the future, whose plausibility is to be assessed against a computational model of lake behavior; and for a specific case study, Lake Lanier in the Chattahoochee watershed of Georgia, USA. Perturbations and variation in the behavior of the aquatic environment span many time frames, from the very short-term response associated with storms, infrastructure failure, transient pollution events, and so on, to the much longer-term, for instance, the biogeochemical ‘ageing’ of a lake over many decades and more. Our analysis is devoted to data from a survey of stakeholder imagination and perceptions of how the future state of Lake Lanier may evolve in the relatively short term (2–5 years) and in the long term, defined as 25+ years (the span of a generation). Overall, stakeholders are pessimistic and fear that things will be worse in the longer term. Guided largely by thinking on the perspectives of the social solidarities of Cultural Theory, extraction and analysis of sub-samples of the survey responses show that this outlook over the two frames of time is persistent, irrespective of what are, in principle, rather different ‘global’ attitudes towards the man-environment relationship. Of interest inter alia to the foresight generating procedure, by which the ‘reachability’ of stakeholder-derived futures for the lake is to be assessed using a computational model of the relevant parts of the science base, is the question of whether the same small number of priorities for further research on lake behavior is robust in the face of the rich variety of aspirations for the future inevitable in a democratic community of stakeholders.
Mamiya Rinzō and the Japanese exploration of Sakhalin Island: cartography and empire

Abstract In 1808–1809, a Japanese cartographer named Mamiya Rinzō (1775–1844) traveled to Sakhalin Island, called Kita Ezo or Karafuto by the Japanese, to map the land and document its inhabitants and natural features. In the seventh month of 1809, according to the lunar calendar, Mamiya arrived at Deren, a Chinese outpost along the Amur River in the Heilongjiang region. When Mamiya mapped Sakhalin and central Heilongjiang, he employed Western cartographic sciences to guard Japanese sovereignty by delineating national borders between Russia, China, and Japan; but he also ‘anticipated empire’ in a manner reminiscent of European powers. His maps placed Sakhalin on a universally recognizable grid and emptied the land of its inhabitants, who were formally relegated to the pages of illustrated ethnographies. Mamiya's activities, as well as those of cartographer Inō Tadataka (1745–1818), suggest a global early modern experience with cartography and ethnography, one in which Japan emerged as a periphery of calculation and deployed cartographic tools to construct nation and empire.
Computational Models of Thermodynamic Properties of Uranium Nitride

The structural, elastic, electronic, phonon and thermodynamic properties of uranium nitride (UN) have been systematically studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated electronic band structure shows that UN is a metallic phase. The ground state structural and elastic properties predicted by DFT agree well with experiments. The thermodynamic properties of UN are studied by quasiharmonic approximation by including both lattice vibrational and thermal electronic contributions to free energies. The calculated enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy and heat capacity show an excellent agreement with experimental results. The thermal electronic contribution due to 5f electrons of U is found to be critical to describe the free energy of UN due to its metallic character.
Computerized Model for Response of Transistors to a Pulse of Ionizing Radiation

A computer program has been formulated to solve the time-dependent differential equations describing electron and hole concentrations and the electric field in one-dimensional planar semiconductor-device geometry. The usual assumptions of small minority-carrier concentration and requirements for separating devices into neutral and space-charge regions are not required since the depletion layer is a natural result of the computer solution. Problems which have been studied include the relaxation of P-N junction diodes and transistors from an intense short pulse of ionizing radiation. The phenomena observed include an apparent long recovery time of diodes in high-impedance circuits, ambipolar diffusion of electron-hole pairs toward the junction of alloy diodes, and electric-field peaking in the depletion layer of reverse-biased alloy junctions.
LIGHT, TEMPERATURE AND CARBOHYDRATE REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOOT‐BUD INITIATION FROM PROTONEMATA IN THE MOSS PHYSCOMITRIUM TURBINATUM

A B S T R A C T Clonal protonemata of the moss Physcomitrium turbinatuin were grown on a mineral nutrient, sucrose, agar medium under a wide range of incandescent light intensity, temperature and photoperiod conditions. Shoot-bud differentiation was assayed as the amount of calendar time and total hours of illumination required between inoculation (protonemal inoculant) and initiationl (the one-celled stage) of the first bud in the colony. There was no correlation between bud initiation and amount of protonemal growth. When temperature was not limiting, bud initiation occurred upon giving a requisite light dose regardless of how the light was divided into photoperiods over various durations of calendar time. We interpret this "cumulative light-dose" effect to mean that budding was dependent upon a threshold level of some morphogenic substance which was synthesized in strict accordance to light dose and was held in store over dark periods. The relationship between time required for bud initiation and light intensity showed that the rate of synthesis of the substance was linear with the log of light intensity in the range from 30-715 ft-c. Experiments at low temperature (16 C) indicated that the light reaction was dependent upon substrates provided by dark reactions. Accumulation of the proposed substance was also dependent upon the sparing action of carbohydrate which could be provided either by optimal photosynthesis or exogenous addition of sugar. In the absence of added sugar time required for budding increased in direct relation to increasing proportions of dark petriods or decreasing light intensity below the optimal level.
A general abstract representation for the study of concurrent programs

In this paper we propose an abstract representation, called Synchronized Generalized Program Graph (SGPG), for concurrent programs. SGPG incorporates the data dependencies, control flow, control dependencies, communication, and synchronization primitives of the concurrent program it represents. The features of SGPG and the process of its construction are outlined. Algorithms for generating the SGPG representation of an imperative concurrent programs are discussed in detail. The producer consumer problem is used as an illustrative example. SGPG can be used for the study and analysis of concurrent programs, research involving the implementation, testing, measurement of cognitive complexity, and for proving correctness of concurrent programs.
Altruism: Choices of healthy and chronically ill children

A substantial increase in the number of chronically-ill children in the United States during the past three decades has prompted researchers to investigate the negative consequences and outcomes of chronic illness. The current study attempted to identify strengths of chronically-ill children that may be related to the positive effects of living with the illness. Specifically, this study compared healthy and chronically-ill children's identification with altruistic behaviors and evaluated the experience of living with a chronic illness on children's altruistic choices. A total of 74 children recruited from a public elementary school and a university hospital participated in this study. A drawing measure and a demographic questionnaire gathered information on the children's altruistic choices, previous hospitalizations, and chronic illnesses. The results demonstrated that the children in this study made more altruistic choices than nonaltruistic choices. Altruistic choices were found to be significantly hig...
Political Dynamics of the Post-Communist Transition: A Comparative Perspective

This article makes a case for viewing the politics of regime transition in communist states as a subcategory of the more generic phenomenon of transition from authoritarian rule. Drawing on case studies from Latin America and Southern Europe and from the more theoretical literature on postauthoritarian transitions that those cases have generated, the article reexamines the politics of reform in the Gorbachev-era USSR. This comparative approach shows that the dynamics of the liberalization process in the USSR adhere to a model of political change previously manifested in other parts of the world. Specifically, it provides a clearer understanding of the initial vitality and subsequent disintegration of Gorbachev's centrist reform program, as well as a new perspective from which to reevaluate Gorbachev's often-criticized program of regime democratization.
Dependence of the band structure on the order parameter for partially ordered Ga x In 1 − x P alloys

An empirical pseudopotential method is demonstrated for realistically and accurately calculating the band structure of partially CuPt ordered ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{x}{\mathrm{In}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{P}$ alloys. A sufficiently large supercell of \ensuremath{\sim}3500 atoms, with all atomic positions relaxed by applying a valence force field method, is used to simulate the (Ga,In) distribution in the partially ordered alloy with the order parameter \ensuremath{\eta} varying from 0 to 1. While agreeing very well with experimental data in the experimentally verifiable region $\ensuremath{\eta}l0.5,$ our results illustrate that a commonly accepted interpolation scheme (i.e., the ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{2}$ rule) is grossly inaccurate for determining certain primary band structure parameters (e.g., the band gap) between $\ensuremath{\eta}=0$ and $\ensuremath{\eta}=1.$
On the direct solution of Poisson's equation on a non-uniform grid

A direct method for the numerical solution of two- and three-dimensional Poisson equations on non-staggered and non-uniform grids is presented. The method is an extension of the method of matrix decomposition proposed by Buzbee et al. (SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 7 (1970)). Attention is focussed on the solution of the Poisson equation subject to Neumann boundary condition and details of the performance of the algorithm including operation counts are presented.
Lead in a Connecticut Salt Marsh

A preliminary investigation of the horizontal and vertical distribution of lead in a Connecticut marsh was conducted in order to examine the possibility of salt marshes serving as sinks for heavy metals. Horizontal and vertical gradients in lead concentration were measured. Lead concentrations in the surface samples ranged from 9 to 190 ppm (mean 96 ppm, coef. of variation 31%) and in the 1 m samples from 3 to 123 ppm (mean 23 ppm, coef. of variation 96%). The sources of this lead contamination are presented. The author concluded that salt marshes are effective in removing lead from inflowing waters from urban centers and that this lead is accumulating in the marsh. Preliminary analyses of the first water to run off adjacent highways following the onset of a storm showed concentrations of between 1 and 14 ppm lead.
Cadmium sulfide of small dimensions produced in inverted micelles

Abstract Inverted micelles are shown to be useful versatile systems for forming stable small (5 A radius) particles of CdS. The agglomeration number grows discontinuously, possibly obeying “magic agglomeration numbers”. The spectroscopic properties of these particles are studied as a parameter of radius and discussed in terms of aqueous CdS colloids and current colloid theory.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS—SOMETIMES

Three telephone surveys conducted during different phases of the Vietnam War (N=401, 199, and 299, respectively) were conducted to determine how changes in events and in sources’ actions relevant to those events affect the perceived credibility of various information sources. Data linking four sources (students, the Stanford University News Service, CBS News, and the White House) to three issues (air pollution, unemployment, the war) indicate that ascribed credibility: (a) increased with the purported objectivity of the source, (b) decreased as the issue became more controversial, and (c) varied overtime as a function of the actions of the various sources and changes in events related to the issues. Results are discussed in terms of how changes in the environment located by major news events are related to changes in the ascribed credibility of various information sources.
Impact of chromatin structure on sequence variability in the human genome

DNA sequence variations in individual genomes give rise to different phenotypes within the same species. One mechanism in this process is the alteration of chromatin structure due to sequence variation that influences gene regulation. We composed a high-confidence collection of human single-nucleotide polymorphisms and indels based on analysis of publicly available sequencing data and investigated whether the DNA loci associated with stable nucleosome positions are protected against mutations. We addressed how the sequence variation reflects the occupancy profiles of nucleosomes bearing different epigenetic modifications on genome scale. We found that indels are depleted around nucleosome positions of all considered types, whereas single-nucleotide polymorphisms are enriched around the positions of bulk nucleosomes but depleted around the positions of epigenetically modified nucleosomes. These findings indicate an increased level of conservation for the sequences associated with epigenetically modified nucleosomes, highlighting complex organization of the human chromatin.
Motivational interviewing with parents of overweight children: Study design and methods for the NOURISH + MI study

There is an urgent need for innovative approaches to pediatric obesity treatment. There is also a demand for targeted strategies that reduce attrition and improve treatment adherence. Intervening exclusively with parents of overweight children is a novel approach with demonstrated efficacy in reducing child body mass index (BMI) percentile. Motivational interviewing (MI), a brief communication style for exploring and resolving ambivalence about behavior change, might enhance treatment engagement when implemented as part of obesity interventions. The aim of this report is to provide the rationale and methods for a novel study of MI with parents in the treatment of their children's overweight. We designed and are currently implementing NOURISH+MI, a randomized controlled trial examining the feasibility and efficacy of an adjunct values-based MI intervention, implemented within a culturally-tailored parent intervention for overweight children ages 5-11 years, NOURISH(+) (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role modeling to Improve Support and Health). Specifically, we are randomly assigning 60 parents to this adjunctive treatment, and investigating if adding two MI sessions prior to the NOURISH(+) group intervention will enhance treatment effects. We will be able to compare NOURISH+MI participants with those from the two NOURISH(+) treatment conditions (NOURISH(+) and control). We hypothesize that children whose parents participate in NOURISH+MI will demonstrate lower attrition and greater adherence with NOURISH(+), ultimately leading to greater treatment effects, compared with children whose parents are randomized to NOURISH(+) or a control group. Findings will contribute to the emerging literature examining the efficacy of MI within pediatric obesity interventions.
Effects of dopamine and kappa opioid receptors on fetal responsiveness to perioral stimuli

Opioid ligands or drugs that act on dopaminergic pathways effect changes in the motor behavior of near-term rat fetuses. In this study, selective manipulation of kappa opioid and D1 DA receptors was used to investigate opioid and dopamine involvement in mediating the behavioral effects of milk infusion. Milk reduced expression of the fetal facial wiping response to a tactile probe, and this effect was blocked by the kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine as well as the D1 antagonist SCH-23390. Administration of either the kappa agonist U50,488 or the D1 agonist SKF-38393 mimicked the effects of milk and reduced fetal responsiveness to the probe in the absence of milk infusion. Administration of nor-binaltorphimine reversed the effects of SKF-38393 and resulted in a high incidence of the wiping response. However, administration of SCH-23390 did not reverse the low incidence of facial wiping induced by U50,488. These findings suggest that milk modulates activity at dopamine receptors, which in turn promotes activity at kappa receptors of the opioid system to bring about changes in cutaneous responsiveness in the fetal rat.
MOLECULAR ORIENTATION IN SINGLE CRYSTAL THIN FILMS OF N-(4-NITROPHENYL)-(L)-PROLINOL

Thin single crystal films of N-(4-nitrophenyl)-(L)-prolinol (NPP) were prepared using the modified shear method. The surface orientation of the single crystal films was determined by x-ray diffraction and was found to be [101]. Polarized microscopy showed uniform birefringence and complete extinction when the thin film was rotated under crossed polarization, implying single crystal thin films with uniform surface were obtained. The molecular orientation in the NPP thin film was studied by polarized UV-visible and polarized micro-FTIR spectroscopy along with x-ray diffraction. The orientation of the NPP molecules was found to be almost parallel to the plane of the film. This parallel orientation is because of the polar (hydrogen bonding) interaction of the −(OH) and the N=O groups of the NPP molecule with the hydrophilic substrate surface. The results of the second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements are consistent with such a molecular orientation. These results show that the final molecular and crystallographic orientation in the film is determined by its initial molecule-substrate interaction.
Antiepileptic drug effects on somatosensory evoked potentials

Abstract Some evoked potential changes have been documented in chronic phenytoin (PHT), valproate (VPA), or benzodiazepine therapy, whereas other studies have suggested little change with carbamazepine (CBZ) or phenobarbital (PB). We recorded median and posterior tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in complex partial seizure patients taking PHT, CBZ, or VPA in monotherapy with stable therapeutic serum levels and no toxic symptoms. Ten patients each were studied with PHT, CBZ, and VPA and were compared with age-matched controls. Median nerve responses were recorded at Erb's point, cervical spine, and contralateral cerebral sites; tibial nerve evoked potentials were recorded from popliteal fossa, lumbar, cervical spine, and midline scalp electrodes. Epileptic patients and controls did not differ in SEP latency, amplitude, or central condition time. PHT prolonged Erb's point and popliteal fossa latencies, but not central conduction time. CBZ had no effect on latencies or amplitudes. Evoked potential amplitudes were reduced by VPA, and cortical response latencies were minimally prolonged. Chronic antiepileptic therapy without toxicity had little effect on SEPs. PHT may have a slight effect on peripheral nerve conduction, and VPA may have an effect on amplitude of cerebral responses.
The unpredictable Earth

Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics.Managing editor Arne K. Richter. European Geophysical Society. 4/yr. DM198 $130 (institutional); DM90, $60 (members).
Human Retinal Dysplasia

We studied the ultrastructure of the four types of dysplastic rosettes and compared them with retinoblastoma rosettes. Dysplastic rosettes have morphologic characteristics intermediate between the normal photoreceptor layer and retino-blastoma rosettes; Muller cells contribute to the formation of dysplastic but not neoplastic rosettes. Abnormality in the relationship between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium is frequent in cases with spontaneously occurring retinal dsyplasia and is consistent with previous observations that the retinal pigment epithelium influences the development of retinal morphology and function. We believe the normal developmental sequence of cell death and disappearance of necrotic cells may have gone awry in retinal dysplasia.
Practical Wisdom And Organizations

Abstract When institutions are not working as they should, their leaders and policy makers typically reach for two tools with which to improve them—detailed rules and “smart” incentives. This paper argues that neither rules, no matter how detailed, nor incentives, no matter how smart, can do the job in any situation that involves human interaction. What is needed is character, and most especially the character trait that Aristotle called practical wisdom. People with practical wisdom have the moral will to do the right thing and the moral skill to figure out what the right thing is in any particular situation. The paper further argues that although they may be well intentioned, rules and incentives actually erode wisdom. Excessive reliance on rules deprives people of the opportunity to develop moral skill, and excessive reliance on incentives undermines moral will. Rules and incentives demoralize activities and the people who engage in them. Finally, the downward spiral of diminished practical wisdom created by increasing reliance on rules and incentives is taken as an example of “ideology”—a false conception of human nature that comes increasingly to look true as institutional conditions force people to behave in ways that confirm it.
Progress in the genetic manipulation of crops aimed at changing starch structure and increasing starch accumulation

The starch content and its composition have important consequences for the yield of the harvested crop and the materials extracted from it. The functional properties of the foods or other processed materials derived from these crops are also affected by the structure and composition of the starch. Recently, genetic engineering has been used to produce plants with an elevated starch content, achieved by transforming the plant with a mutated bacterial gene coding for an ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase that is active in the presence of metabolites which inhibit the plant enzyme. Besides the practical implications of these results, this experiment provided direct evidence for the regulatory role of the ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase in starch synthesis. Other bacterial enzymes, such as glycogen synthase and branching enzyme, could be introduced in order to modify starch structure. However, a more elegant (but longer-term) approach would be to learn enough about the structure-function relationships of the plant enzymes so that the product of their action could be changed. To achieve this objective, much more will have to be learned about the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of starch than is presently known. Here, the basic properties of starch and the current research approaches to understanding its biosynthesis are described, together with a perspective of how genetic manipulation of starch structure may be achieved.
Grangeat-type helical half-scan computerized tomography algorithm for reconstruction of a short object.

Currently, cone-beam computerized tomography(CT) and micro-CT scanners are under rapid development for major biomedical applications. Half-scan cone-beam image reconstruction algorithms assume only part of a scanning turn, and are advantageous in terms of temporal resolution and image artifacts. While the existing half-scan cone-beam algorithms are in the Feldkamp framework, we have published a half-scan algorithm in the Grangeat framework for a circular trajectory [Med. Phys. 30, 689–700 (2003)]. In this paper, we extend our previous work to a helical case without data truncation. We modify the Grangeat’s formula for utilization and estimation of Radon data. Specifically, we categorize each characteristic point in the Radon space into singly, doubly, triply sampled, and shadow regions, respectively. A smooth weighting strategy is designed to compensate for data redundancy and inconsistency. In the helical half-scan case, the concepts of projected trajectories and transition points on meridian planes are introduced to guide the design of weighting functions. Then, the shadow region is recovered via linear interpolation after smooth weighting. The Shepp–Logan phantom is used to verify the correctness of the formulation, and demonstrate the merits of the Grangeat-type half-scan algorithm. Our Grangeat-type helical half-scan algorithm is not only valuable for quantitative and/or dynamic biomedical applications of CT and micro-CT, but also serves as an intermediate step towards solving the long object problem.
Treatment algorithm for osteochondral injuries of the knee.

The treatment of osteochondral fractures and OCD lesions in the knee is controversial. Many new procedures and techniques have been developed recently to address osteochondral lesions, indicating that no single procedure is accepted universally. Our treatment algorithm is based on the age of the patient, skeletal maturity, and the presence of adequate subchondral bone attached to the chondral lesion. Most nondisplaced lesions in the patient with open physes will heal with conservative treatment. The onset of skeletal maturity indicates a need for a more aggressive treatment approach. If adequate cortical bone is attached to the fragment, drilling of stable lesions, or drilling with fixation of unstable or loose fragments is appropriate. Autologous bone graft can be necessary to stimulate healing and properly reconstruct the subchondral bony contour. For failed fixation attempts or lesions not amenable to fixation, each treating surgeon must be proficient and comfortable with an articular surface reconstruction technique. The goal for the reconstructive procedure, to produce a smooth gliding articular surface of hyaline or hyaline-like cartilage, is possible using current techniques including mosaicplasty, osteochondral allograft transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Debridement, drilling, microfracture, and abrasion chondroplasty have been shown to result in fibrocartilage with inferior mechanical properties when compared with hyaline cartilage. No long-term studies have been published, however, to confirm the benefits of replacing osteochondral defects with hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage. Although the results of many reconstructive procedures are quite encouraging with early follow up, the ultimate goal is to prevent long-term degenerative arthritis. Only well-designed prospective studies with long-term follow up will determine the adequacy of these procedures in reaching the ultimate goal. This treatment algorithm is based on the senior author's (WGC) experience with the complex dilemma of osteochondral lesions of the knee.
BW373U86, a non-peptide δ opioid agonist with novel receptor-protein-mediated actions

Abstract BW373U86 (BW373) is a potent and highly selective non-peptide agonist for δ opioid receptors. In order to determine its ability to activate G-protein-linked second messenger systems, the effects of BW373 on inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and stimulation of low Km GTPase activity were examined. In rat striatal membranes, BW373 inhibited basal AC in a GTP-dependent, δ-selective manner, with maximal inhibition similar to the δ agonist DSLET. However, BW373 was 75 times more potent than DSLET. In NG108-15 membranes, BW373 inhibited AC with a 5-fold lower IC50 value than DSLET, and stimulated low Km GTPase with equal potency to DSLET. Although DSLET and BW373 were also equipotent in displacing [3H]diprenorphine binding to NG108-15 cell membranes in the absence of sodium and guanine nucleotides, BW373 was unique in displaying no change in binding affinity in the presence of sodium and guanine nucleotides. These results show how lack of guanine nucleotide regulation of the binding of a full agonist to a G-protein-coupled receptor affects agonist potency.
Impact of initiation species on index distribution in diffusion photopolymers

Models of the index response of diffusion photopolymers typically assume that polymerization is proportional to optical intensity. However, common radical initiators self-terminate. This reduces the polymerization rate and has been shown in steady state to result in polymerization that is proportional to the square root of intensity. We examine the impact of sublinear polymerization rate on the spatial distribution of index in volume photopolymers. In contrast to previous work based on spatial frequency harmonics, we consider a Gaussian focus and examine the index in the spatial domain. This can thus be thought of as the impulse response of the material which, due to the nonlinear response, is not the Fourier transform of the previous studies. We show that sublinear polymerization rate dramatically impacts the spatial confinement of the index response. A case of particular interest to applications such as shift-multiplexed holography is a Gaussian beam translated orthogonal to its axis. In this geometry, a square-root material response yields an index profile of infinite axial dimension. We verify this prediction experimentally. The axial confinement of cationic (linear) photopolymer is shown to be significantly smaller than a radical (sublinear) photopolymer under the same writing conditions, confirming the prediction.
Molecular biology of red cell blood group genes

The explosion of new information and technology for probing the fine architecture of gene structure has already brought new insights into the varied phenotypic expression of red cell blood group antigens. Molecular biologic techniques will be increasingly applied to red cell antigens as well as blood group antigens on other blood cells. Not since the introduction of the Coombs reagent has such a powerful method been available with which to increase our understanding of the nature of blood cell antigens.
Observations on the effect of calcium segregation on the fracture behaviour of polycrystalline alumina

The influence of calcium segregation to the grain boundaries of polycrystalline alumina on room temperature fracture behaviour has been investigated. In a commercial high-density single-phase alumina containing less than 5 ppm calcium by weight, thermal treatments were employed to achieve equilibrium segregation from 0.6 to 1.6 at % calcium without detectable changes in grain size (18μm) or porosity distribution. Room temperature SENB test results revealed an inverse dependence of KIC on calcium segregation levels in the range examined. Fractures were primarily intergranular in all specimens. Qualitatively, the relationship between KIC and calcium segregation would be predicted from a consideration of the effect of such an ion on the interatomic spacing at the boundary. However, quantitative agreement with the model is poor, the measured effect being much greater than predicted. A relatively high KIC value was achieved in a fine grained (2μm) hot-pressed alumina containing very low levels of segregated impurities. This material exhibited substantial amounts of cleavage fracture. The higher fracture toughness of this alumina is discussed in terms of both increased intergranular and transgranular fracture stresses promoted by the relatively clean grain boundaries and small grain size, respectively.
Frontiers for computer science in computational science

Computational Science (CPLSC) is an emerging discipline characterized by interdisciplinary team efforts and high precision computing. Computer science is just one dimension of this new discipline.We describe the Clemson program focusing on three major issues: (i) what are the foundations of CPLSC, (ii) how are we to educate computer science students in CPLSC, and (iii) what role does computer science play in CPLSC research?
Effect of dietary zinc and copper on ?-Amyloid precursor protein expression in the rat brain

The β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the source of the amyloid β-peptide that accumulates in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Recently, APP has been shown to bind zinc and copper, and this binding has been suggested to control APP conformation and stability. In vitro studies show that zinc ions cause β-amyloid protein to form plaques resembling the amyloid plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This suggests a role for zinc and/or copper in the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (100 ± 10 g) were fed diets containing 5, 35, or 350 μg zinc/g diet, and 1.5, 3 or 6 μg copper/g diet for 6 weeks. Brain APP expression was determined by using Western blots. Proteins were separated on 8.5% SDS-PAGE, and the APP immunoreactive species were detected by using anti-Alzheimer precursor protein A4 clone 22C11. Alterations in dietary zinc and copper significantly (P < 0.05) affected ceruloplasmin, red blood cell and extracellular superoxide dismutase activities, and tissue mineral concentrations. Although brain zinc concentrations were 13% lower (P < 0.005) in animals fed low dietary zinc than in animals fed high dietary zinc, and brain copper concentrations were 11% lower (P < 0.0001) in animals fed low dietary copper than in animals fed high dietary copper, there were no significant differences in the expression of APP among the different dietary treatments. Therefore, it seems that dietary zinc and copper do not affect APP expression in the rat brain. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 10:249–258, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Effect of prostaglandins on fatty acid metabolism in lung.

Abstract This is the first report of the effect of prostaglandins on the biochemical pathways for fatty acid synthesis. PGE2 and PGF2α inhibited fatty acid elongation in a lung microsomal fraction. Neither prostaglandin affected the de novo, or soluble, system for fatty acid synthesis (i.e. acetyl CoA carboxylase or fatty acid synthetase). The results also suggest that the initial inhibition of fatty acid synthesis leads to a decrease in free fatty acids available for esterification into phospholipids. The site and possible mechanisms of inhibition are discussed.
Sodium channel β1 subunits promote neurite outgrowth in cerebellar granule neurons

Many immunoglobulin superfamily members are integral in development through regulation of processes such as growth cone guidance, cell migration, and neurite outgrowth. We demonstrate that homophilic interactions between voltage-gated sodium channel β1 subunits promote neurite extension in cerebellar granule neurons. Neurons isolated from wild-type or β1(-/-) mice were plated on top of parental, mock-, or β1-transfected fibroblasts. Wild-type neurons consistently showed increased neurite length when grown on β1-transfected monolayers, whereas β1(-/-) neurons showed no increase compared with control conditions. β1-Mediated neurite extension was mimicked using a soluble β1 extracellular domain and was blocked by antibodies directed against the β1 extracellular domain. Immunohistochemical analysis suggests that the β1 and β4 subunits, but not β2 and β3, are expressed in cerebellar Bergmann glia as well as granule neurons. These results suggest a novel role for β1 during neuronal development and are the first demonstration of a functional role for sodium channel β subunit-mediated cell adhesive interactions.
Does endograft support alter the rate of aneurysm sac shrinkage after endovascular repair

Purpose:To test the hypothesis that stent-graft support influences sac shrinkage independent of endoleak rates after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).Methods:Ninety AAA patie...