cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical Instability Leads To Labyrinthine Transition In Binary Lipid/Polymer Monolayers

Near critical points, the microscopic structures of fluid mixtures become unimportant and systems are characterized by strong susceptibility to small perturbations, large fluctuations and mesoscopic ordering. In biological membranes, these fluctuations in physical properties (composition, density, and curvature) may provide a spatially and temporally defined structural means to organize important functions such as formation of lipid rafts, caveolar invaginations or molecular colocalization. We report an observation of characteristic critical fluctuations in lipid monolayers composed of binary mixtures of 1,2 dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and polyoxyethylene stearate (PegxS of varying PEG chain length) confined to an air/water interface. Using fluorescence and Brewster angle microscopy, compositional changes that occur during the expansion of an initially phase-separated binary monolayer reveal a passage through a critical composition at vanishing lateral surface pressure. The corresponding morphological transformation from an optically homogeneous liquid expanded state to a gas bubble phase via a striped, labyrinthine phase reflects the competition between long-range electrostatic repulsion and line tension forces caused by interactions between DPPC and PegxS.
Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on hypothalamic norepinephrine and dopamine content, ultrastructure of the median eminence, and plasma corticosterone.

Abstract The effects of 6-hydroxydopamine on the catecholamine content of the hypothalamus and other tissues, the morphology of the median eminence of the hypothalamus, and plasma corticosterone were studied after intraperitoneal injection of the drug. The effect of injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the third ventricle of the brain in unanesthetized animals was also studied. One day after injection by either route, hypothalamic norepinephrine was reduced and plasma corticosterone was elevated, suggesting increased secretion of ACTH from the pituitary. There were degenerative changes in a small number of neurons ending in the external layer of the median eminence, while other neurons in the median eminence were unaffected. Fifteen days after injection, hypothalamic norepinephrine and plasma corticosterone had returned to normal in the animals given 6-hydroxydopamine intraperitoneally. In the rats injected intraventricularly, hypothalamic norepinephrine was still reduced but plasma corticosterone was normal. In both groups at 15 days, neuronal debris had accumulated in phagocytic cells, but most neurons appeared normal. The data provide evidence that norepinephrine-containing neurons end in the external layer of the median eminence. They are also consistent with the hypothesis that a central adrenergic system inhibits ACTH secretion. Fifteen days after injection, an as yet unknown mechanism compensates for the decrease in norepinephrine content and ACTH secretion returns to normal.
The Rewards Outweigh the Efforts: Breastfeeding Outcomes for Mothers of Preterm Infants:

This study describes the rewards and efforts of breastfeeding for mothers of preterm infants. Using a semi-structured interview guide, 20 mothers of preterm infants were interviewed in their homes approximately 1 month after infant discharge from a Level III NICU. Mothers described the following rewards of breastfeeding: knowing they were providing the healthiest nutrition for the infant, enhancing closeness between the mother and infant, perceiving infant contentment and tranquility during breastfeeding, providing convenience for the mother, and giving the mother a tangible claim on the infant. Most mothers identified some "efforts" associated with breastfeeding their preterm infants, but indicated that overall, breastfeeding was a rewarding experience. These data provide scientific support for the promotion and facilitation of breastfeeding for mothers of preterm infants, in that mothers perceive specific emotional advantages that they relate to the breastfeeding experience.
Assessment of right ventricular ejection fraction during intravenous 133Xe pulmonary ventilation study.

Abstract Intravenous 33 Xe in saline was used to estimate right-ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF In three healthy volunteers, the first pass RVEF with 133 Xe was followed by RVEF estimation by intravenous 99 m Tc-pertechnetate. There was agreement between the 133 Xe and 99 m Tc determined values. Subjects rebreathed the liberated 133 Xe gas, allowing an estimation of regional pulmonary ventilation. Intravenous 133 Xe in saline may have potential use in measuring RVEF, as well as in evaluating pulmonary function in cor pulmonary.
Failure of Phenobarbital and Marijuana to Stimulate the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum in the Human Intestinal Absorptive Cell

. Administration of phenobarbital or marijuana to healthy volunteers did not induce changes in the small intestinal microsomal fraction, as estimated by electron microscopy and by protein quantification. These results are in contrast to the susceptibility of the hepatocyte to smooth endoplasmic reticulum induction by phenobarbital.
Effect of hydroxylic additives on the electrochemical reduction of some azobenzenes

Abstract The reduction of trans-azobenzene, Azb, has been studied in acetonitrile in the absence and presence of added water. The first step of reduction involves formation of the anion radical, Azb - , and in the second Azb - is reduced to Azb2− followed by rapid protonation by water to give the monoanion of hydrazobenzene, AzbH−. This second step of reduction was a candidate for a concerted proton–electron-transfer reaction (CPET) but it turned out instead to be electron transfer followed by proton transfer. From studies of the formal potential of the first step as a function of water concentration, formation constants for the 1:1 ( Azb ( H 2 O ) ) and 2:1 ( Azb - ( H 2 O ) 2 ) hydrogen-bonded complexes were evaluated. Proton transfer from water to Azb - occurs leading to AzbH , which in turn is reduced to AzbH−. Kinetic analysis of the voltammetric results indicates that this proton transfer occurs within the 3:1 hydrogen-bonded complex, ( Azb - ( H 2 O ) 3 ) , a species with a very small formation constant, 0.3 M−1. Two other derivatives, trans-4,4′-dichloroazobenzene and trans-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene were studied briefly and found to behave similarly to Azb.
Extreme lymphoplasmacytosis and hepatic failure associated with sulfasalazine hypersensitivity reaction and a concurrent EBV infection: case report and review of the literature

We present an unusual case of a patient with extreme lymphoplasmacytosis and hepatic failure in association with a reaction to sulfasalazine and a concurrent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Sulfa drugs can cause a wide range of allergic and hypersensitivity reactions and occasionally can lead to a fulminant illness. In the case under discussion the patient had hepatotoxicity, skin rash, fever, and peripheral blood atypical lymphocytosis. Initial impressions suggested the possibility of a malignant lymphoproliferative disorder. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood and a bone marrow biopsy provided clear evidence for a reactive, polyclonal process as opposed to a malignant disorder. Cessation of the offending drug and administration of steroids led to dramatic improvement. This case illustrates that drug hypersensitivity reactions can be manifested by an extreme lymphocytoid leukemoid reaction.
Data Flow Computing&#8212;Software Development

Data flow computing is one of the most radical approaches for multiprocessing. A computation is represented by its data flow graph and scheduling of each operator is done at run-time when all of its operands' values are available. This paper addresses the problem of language design for a data flow environment. It briefly surveys several alternatives for a data flow language and then focuses on one specific effort: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's VAL. This language stresses implicit concurrency. Both programmer and translator can easily identify and exploit concurrency because VAL disallows all forms of side-effects and aliasing. The paper concludes with an analysis of the language and areas of continued research. While substantial progress has been made, much remains to be done in the areas of language design, translation, and use.
Comparison of techniques for target detection in noise

One of the basic problems in pattern recognition is the detection of a pattern in noise. This problem becomes particularly difficult if the spectral content of the signal and noise overlap. In this case, high levels of noise make detection of the signal very difficult. Noise cancellation using adaptive filters has been successful when the characteristics of the noise source and the signal are known. Another problem in pattern recognition involves recognizing the same pattern in different spatial positions. Some special high order neural networks have been shown to exhibit positional invariance, but these systems do not work well in noisy environments. The combined problem of identifying a target that varies in position and is embedded in noise has been approached by cascading systems that attempt to remove the noise and then detect the target with positionally invariant systems. In this paper, a number of different approaches to detecting a specific, translational target in noise are examined and compared. These techniques include, among others, adaptive filtering and a higher order neural network. The higher order neural network incorporates both translational invariance and noise reduction.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Vwa+ Virulence Factor of Yersiniae: The Molecular Basis of the Attendant Nutritional Requirement for Ca++

The plague V antigen is a cytoplasmic 90,000-dalton peptide, and the W antigen is a primarily extracellular 145,000-dalton lipoprotein of unknown origin. Wild-type yersiniae undergo restriction of cell division when producing these plasmid-mediated virulence antigens (Vwa+) during cultivation at 37 C in Ca++-deficient media. In Yersinia pestis both restriction and synthesis of V and W antigens are potentiated in this environment by elevated Mg++ and prevented by Ca++ or exogenous nucleoside triphosphates. Restriction occurs by mechanisms that also are involved in nutritional stepdown (shutoff of stable RNA synthesis with reduction of nucleotide pools). Attendant regulatory mechanisms remain undefined; they are independent of MS nucleotides but may involve V antigen. Restriction is similar in Vwa+ Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica, which, unlike Y. pestis, produce ancillary outer membrane peptides. Synthesis of these activities is dependent on elevated temperature but may not be influenced by Ca++; their presence is associated with spontaneous autoagglutination in vitro.
Improvement of the Structural Model for the M1 Phase Mo–V–Nb–Te–O Propane (Amm)oxidation Catalyst

An improved structural model for the M1 phase in the Mo–V–Nb–Te–O propane (amm)oxidation catalyst has been refined after accounting for a molybdenum-substituted-V2O5 impurity and by making adjustments based on aberration-corrected imaging results. The newly refined unit cell has Pba2 symmetry with a = 21.134(1) A, b = 26.647(1) A, c = 4.0140(2) A, and Z = 4, in good agreement with our earlier findings (DeSanto et al. Top Catal 23:23 [20], DeSanto et al. Z Kristallogr 219:152 [22]). From the newly refined occupancies, the formula unit is {TeO}0.86(1)·Mo7.48(6)V1.52(6)NbO28. As in the earlier models, V is concentrated in sites that link the pentagonal rings of M1. Careful analysis of bond valences, in combination with the electroneutrality constraint, suggest that the linking sites S3, S4, and S7 all have mixed Mo/V occupancies and valences (d1/d0). Furthermore, these sites may contain a mix of Mo5+ and V5+, which is consistent with the proposed catalytic mechanism in which V5+ plays an important role in propane activation.
Computerized scoring of histopathology for predicting coronary vasculopathy, validated by intravascular ultrasound.

Abstract Background Allograft coronary vasculopathy results from a complex interplay between immunologic and non-immunologic factors. We devised a computerized biopsy scoring method based on histopathology to predict the development of coronary vasculopathy. Methods One hundred forty heart transplant recipients underwent serial intravascular ultrasound analysis at baseline (within 1 month) and at 1 year after transplantation and were evaluated for development of coronary vasculopathy (change in coronary maximal intimal thickness, CMIT). We evaluated serial endomyocardial biopsy specimens for cellular rejection, vascular rejection, ischemia, and fibrosis. In a mathematical model, we computed a biopsy score in each patient based on the duration and severity of histopathology. Results We found a significant correlation between biopsy score (RY) and progression of coronary vasculopathy ( r = 0.54, p = 0.001). Using a sensitivity analysis method, an RY value of ≥560 predicted development of coronary vasculopathy with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 62%, and diagnostic accuracy of 80%. Compared with patients with low-risk biopsy scores (RY n = 37), patients with high-risk biopsy scores (RY ≥ 560, n = 103) had increased progression of coronary vasculopathy (CMIT, 0.59 ± 0.29 vs 0.19 ± 0.10 mm, p p = 0.01). Conclusion The biopsy score is an effective method for predicting the development of coronary vasculopathy and for predicting outcome in cardiac transplant recipients.
Shortest path games

Abstract We study cooperative games that arise from the problem of finding shortest paths from a specified source to all other nodes in a network. Such networks model, among other things, efficient development of a commuter rail system for a growing metropolitan area. We motivate and define these games and provide reasonable conditions for the corresponding rail application. We show that the core of a shortest path game is nonempty and satisfies the given conditions, but that the Shapley value for these games may lie outside the core. However, we show that the shortest path game is convex for the special case of tree networks, and we provide a simple, polynomial time formula for the Shapley value in this case. In addition, we extend our tree results to the case where users of the network travel to nodes other than the source. Finally, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for shortest paths to remain optimal in dynamic shortest path games, where nodes are added to the network sequentially over time.
Spatial and temporal effects on plant-microbial competition for inorganic nitrogen in a california annual grassland

The changes in N-dynamics which occur after the start of autumn rains, following an extended summer drought, were examined in a California annual grassland. Competition for NH+4and NO−3 between plants and microbes, and the role of spatial compartmentalization. were studied using short-term ( < 24 h) experiments using 15N pool dilution and tracer techniques. Temporal dynamics of mineralization, nitrification and simultaneous plant and microbial uptake of NH4+ and NO−3 were assessed in intact soil microcosms periodically watered to simulate autumn rains. During the first week after initial soil wetting, both mineralization and immobilization rates increased; mineralization rate continued to increase during the next 6 weeks but immobilization rate remained constant. After 6 weeks of simulated wet-season, microbes consumed more of both NH+4 and no−3 than did plants in 8 h diurnal 15N tracer experiments. Though ambient NO−3 concentrations were low, nitrification accounted for about 13 of the N mineralized. Plants competed better for NO−3 than for NH4+. This suggests that nitrification benefitted plants by increasing accessible N. Spatial factors were critical in controlling N-dynamics. Microsites free of NH+4 were presumably responsible for the extensive microbial NO3− uptake. Of the activities measured in the top 9cm of the soil, the surface 5mm accounted for almost half of mineralization and plant NH4+-uptake, but only 11% of microbial NH4+-uptake.
Microstructure and transport behavior of grain boundaries in YBa2Cu3Oy: A comparison between thin films and bulk bicrystals

Abstract The microstructure and transport properties of grain boundaries in thin film and bulk bicrystals of YBa2Cu3O7-δ have been studied in detail. In this paper, we will concentrate on the unique features of grain boundaries in dual-seeded bulk bicrystals, particularly in comparison with grain boundaries in thin film bicrystals. The structures of these two types of grain boundaries can be very different: thin film boundaries typically exhibit meandering and impurity phases that extend through the thickness of the film while the bulk boundaries exhibit long, straight facets that can be relatively free of impurity phases. While the meandering configurations of grain boundaries in thin films has led to inconsistencies in transport results, the planar grain boundaries found in bulk samples provide an excellent opportunity to study the grain boundary transport behavior in a simpler geometry. Furthermore, the fabrication of these bulk bicrystals is flexible and reproducible so that boundaries of virtually any misorientation may be prepared. As an example of this versatility, we have systematically measured the transport critical current density as a function of misorientation angle in bulk bicrystals and compare these results with those measured in thin film bicrystals.
Surgical management of primary spinal hemangiopericytomas: an institutional case series and review of the literature

Purpose Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor of the central nervous system. Primary spinal occurrence of this tumor is extremely uncommon and cases involving the intramedullary spinal cord are even more rare. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical features, surgical strategies, outcome and pathology in a consecutive series of patients treated at a single institution.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A NEW EXPERIMENTAL METHOD TO IDENTIFY DAMPING MATRICES OF A DYNAMIC SYSTEM

As demonstrated in the authors' previous work, damping matrices in the equation of motion of a dynamics system can be identified from the frequency response function matrix (FRM) of the system. A newly developed method with a much simpler algorithm is proposed in this paper for more effective damping matrices identification. Theoretical validation of the method and related noise study are conducted using a simple example, which reveals the method's improved features. A set of specially designed measurements are conducted for a qualitative, experimental validation of the identification method. Important measurement issues learned from the experiment, which include needs for phase matching and FRM conditioning, are explained. Possible significant applications of the method are also discussed.
Remote Vehicle Exhaust Emission Sensing for Traffic Simulation and Optimization Models

Abstract This paper presents the development of the ONROAD vehicle exhaust emission model for estimating CO and HC emissions. This model is developed based on the on-road emission data collected from five highway locations in Houston area using a remote emission sensor. The ONROAD emission estimation model establishes relationships between the on-road vehicle exhaust emission rates and a vehicle’s instantaneous speed profile. Since a vehicle’s instantaneous speed profile is a function of different traffic demand and control scenarios, this emission model can be used to estimate the emission implications of alternative traffic control and management strategies. Because of the aggregate nature of the ONROAD emission model, it can be easily incorporated into a traffic simulation or dynamic traffic assignment model where a vehicle’s instantaneous speed profile can be tracked consistently. Hence, this emission model is ideal for traffic simulation and optimization analyses.
The Acylation Mechanism of CTX-M β-Lactamase at 0.88 Å Resolution

The apo crystal structure of CTX-M-9 β-lactamase has been determined to 0.88 A at pH 8.8. This unusually clear picture of proton positions and residue interactions supports the role of Glu166 as the general base for the controversial acylation step of class A β-lactamase catalysis. The ability to distinguish low-energy conformations sampled by the enzyme allows us to link the two conformations of Lys73 to different protonation states of Glu166.
Effects of photoperiod and melatonin on lymphocyte activities in male broiler chickens.

Abstract Understanding the role of the pineal gland in regulating the immune response and the role of photoperiod in influencing pineal gland secretions are becoming increasingly important. The purposes of the present experiments were to investigate the effects of different photoperiod regimens on T- and B-lymphocyte activities in broiler chickens. Next, the influence of different photoperiod regimens on the responsiveness of lymphocytes to melatonin in vitro was examined. The effect of melatonin in vitro on lymphocyte activities was also studied, regardless of the photoperiod received. Finally, the effects of photoperiod on the profiles of different splenocyte cell types were investigated. To study the effect of photoperiod on lymphocyte activities, different photoperiod regimens were used. These were: constant lighting, 23 h light:1 h darkness; intermediate lighting, 12 h light:12 h darkness; and intermittent lighting, 1 h light:3 h darkness. Peripheral blood and splenic lymphocyte activities were tested at 3 and 6 wk of age by performing a mitogen cell-proliferation assay with a polyclonal T-cell mitogen, concanavalin A (Con A), and T-dependent B-cell mitogen, pokeweed mitogen (PWM). To study the effect of photoperiod on the responsiveness of lymphocytes to melatonin in vitro or the effect of melatonin in vitro on lymphocyte activities regardless of photoperiod received, lymphocytes from the chickens that were exposed to the different photoperiod regimens were incubated with mitogen and different concentrations of melatonin. To study the effect of photoperiod on profiles of different cell types, the percentages of splenocyte subpopulations from birds exposed to different photo-periods were determined using flow cytometry with CD4+, CD8+, CD3+, and B-cell markers. The results of these studies indicate that splenic T and B lymphocytes from 6-wk-old chickens grown in intermittent lighting had higher activities than those from chickens grown in constant lighting. Peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes from chickens raised under constant lighting were more responsive to melatonin in vitro than those from chickens raised under intermittent lighting. This difference in response may be due to lower levels of melatonin in birds receiving constant lighting, making them more sensitive to melatonin in vitro. Melatonin in vitro enhanced the mitogenic response of peripheral blood T lymphocytes from 6-wk-old chickens, splenic T lymphocytes from 3-wk-old chickens, and splenic T and possibly B lymphocytes from 6-wk-old chickens. Finally, intermittent lighting increased the percentages of splenic CD4+, CD8+, and CD3+ cells but not B-cell subpopulations at 6 wk of age, presumably because of increased levels of melatonin in birds receiving intermittent lighting. Our results re-emphasize the importance of melatonin in regulating host immune response; this regulation could be accomplished through exposing broiler chicks to intermittent lighting.
Remembered duration: Effects of event and sequence complexity

Two experiments investigated the remembered duration of relatively long intervals. In both, subjects viewed two sequences of visual patterns. Then they unexpectedly were asked to make a comparative judgment of duration of the two intervals. In Experiment 1 there was no effect of complexity of the individual patterns on remembered duration. In Experiment 2, however, there was an effect of complexity of the entire sequence, with a complex sequence remembered as longer in duration than a simple sequence. In both experiments there was a positive time order error. Several subsequent memory tests were given in an attempt to determine what types of retrieval processes mediate remembered duration. Results were discussed in terms of several current hypotheses, and a contextual change hypothesis was proposed.
FREE VIBRATION OF A ROTATING TAPERED COMPOSITE TIMOSHENKO SHAFT

A mechanical model is developed of a tapered, filament-wound composite, Timoshenko shaft which is rotating at constant speed about its axis. The model represents an extended length cutting tool intended for use in high-speed operations. The effects of shaft tapering and the use of composite materials on the structure's free response are studied. The spatial solutions to the equations of motion are carried out using the general Galerkin method. It is found that by tapering, bending natural frequencies and stiffness can be significantly increased over those of uniform shafts having the same volume and made of the same material. The potential for designing a taper function to meet a particular cutting need is also discussed. Various composite laminate cases are treated and it is found that improvements of performance are possible over equivalent steel shafts.
Biochemical changes associated with the development and reversal of galactose cataracts.

Abstract The rate of synthesis of glutathione (GSH) in lens extracts during cataract formation has been determined and found to be the same as that of extracts from normal lenses. It is concluded that unlike X-ray-induced cataracts the potential mechanism for GSH synthesis in galactose cataracts is unaffected. In addition, the levels of GSH, free amino acids, dulcitol, cations and the degree of hydration of the lens during the development and reversal of galactose cataract have been determined. Feeding of a normal diet even after the development of mature cataracts (20 days) leads to the disappearance of cortical opacities almost completely leaving an essentially clear lens with only a very fine pinhead nuclear opacity. The levels of GSH, taurine and other free amino acids, which fall rapidly dudring cataract formation, return to near normal values during the reversal phase even though the lenses are hydrated. In cnntrast to the near complete recovery of these constituents, sodium ion concentration remains four times higher than in the control lenses almost 4 weeks after diet reversal. The recovery of potassium ion during the same period is about 70% of controls. The continued hydration of the lenses during the reversal phase of cataract, despite the disappearance of dulcitol, is apparently related to the elevated sodium ion concentration. A possible explanation for the recovery of GSH and free amino acids in hydrated lenses has been suggested.
Separate and Combined Effects of Retinoic Acid and Vitamin D on Fetal and Postnatal Rat Lung Fibroblast Proliferation

Separate and Combined Effects of Retinoic Acid and Vitamin D on Fetal and Postnatal Rat Lung Fibroblast Proliferation
The Growth of Biological Thought Revisited

I believe that it is Mayr's criticism of cladistics and defense of what has come to be known as "the adaptationist program" that causes difficulty i accepting his summary of evolutionary thought. Mayr is a primary adversary of the cladistic school of taxonomy, which became influential in the 1970s. Mayr's book details the history of various taxonomic schools but does not give a picture of the intensity of feeling that presently accompanies the espousal of cladistic taxonomy. Tattersall is an adherent of cladistics (Eldredge and Tattersall 1975; Tattersall 1982), and Mayr has always questioned the cladistic scenario of strictly dichotomous branching and concomitant extinction of the ancestral species. A further problem concerns evolutionary changes after the splitting of lineages. Mayr nd others believe that taxonomy should occasionally recognize paraphyletic groups, in order to reflect the existence of major shifts in adaptive zone. If great weight is given to derived characters acquired by one sister group and not by the other, grades or levels of evolutionary change are recognized. Recognition of such paraphyletic groups would express degree of evolutionary divergence, but would preclude a classification based on cladograms. The study of adaptive zones necessarily involves the study of the adaptations of organisms, which itself creates controversy. Some researchers have argued that the study of adaptations leads to the idea that all organisms are adaptively optimal. This Panglossian statement has been termed "the adaptationist program" by Gould and Lewontin, who believe that the study of adaptation often yields trivial research. Mayr has argued (1983) that the study of adaptations, the analysis of function, and the asking of Aristotelian "why" questions (of which more in the 1982 monograph) are not insignificant concerns, for they have led to many important biological discoveries. The heuristic power of the adaptationist program therefore justifies its careful use. Invention of a catch-phrase like "the adaptationist program" to describe extreme cases, and setting this up as a straw man for attack, does not necessarily mean that a traditional feature of biological study, adaptation, is extinct as a research issue.
Intelligent ePR system for evidence-based research in radiotherapy: proton therapy for prostate cancer

Proton therapy (PT) utilizes high energy particle proton beam to kill cancer cells at the target region for target cancer therapy. Due to the physical properties of the proton beam, PT delivers dose with higher precision and no exit dose compared to conventional radiotherapy. In PT, patient data are distributed among multiple systems, a hindrance to research on efficacy and effectiveness. A data mining method and a treatment plan navigator utilizing the infrastructure and data repository of a PT electronic patient record (ePR) was developed to minimize radiation toxicity and improve outcomes in prostate cancer treatment. The workflow of a proton therapy treatment in a radiation oncology department was reviewed, and a clinical data model and data flow were designed. A prototype PT ePR system with DICOM compliance was developed to manage prostate cancer patient images, treatment plans, and related clinical data. The ePR system consists of four main components: (1) Data Gateway; (2) ePR Server; (3) Decision Support Tools; and (4) Visualization and Display Tools. Decision support and visualization tools are currently developed based on DICOM images, DICOM-RT and DICOM-RT-ION objects data from prostate cancer patients treated with hypofractionation protocol proton therapy were used for evaluating ePR system effectiveness. Each patient data set includes a set of computed tomography (CT) DICOM images and four DICOM-RT and RT-ION objects. In addition, clinical outcomes data collected from PT cases were included to establish a knowledge base for outcomes analysis. A data mining search engine and an intelligent treatment plan navigator (ITPN) were developed and integrated with the ePR system. Evaluation was based on a data set of 39 PT patients and a hypothetical patient. The ePR system was able to facilitate the proton therapy workflow. The PT ePR system was feasible for prostate cancer patient treated with hypofractionation protocol in proton therapy. This ePR system improves efficiency in data collection and integration to facilitate outcomes analysis.
Oscillatory signaling and network responses during the development of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract Periodic biological variations reflect interactions among molecules and cells, or even organisms. The Dictyostelium cAMP oscillatory circuit is a highly robust example. cAMP oscillations in Dictyostelium arise intracellularly by a complex interplay of activating and inhibiting pathways, are transmitted extracellularly, and synchronize an entire local population. Once established, cAMP signal-relay persists stably for hours. On a two-dimensional surface, >100,000 cells may form a single coordinated territory. In suspension culture, >10 10 cells can oscillate in harmony. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms that cyclically activate and attenuate signal propagation and on chemotactic responses to oscillatory wave progression.
When linear and weak discrepancy are equal

The linear discrepancy of a poset P is the least k such that there is a linear extension L of P such that if x and y are incomparable, then | h L ( x ) - h L ( y ) | ? k , whereas the weak discrepancy is the least k such that there is a weak extension W of P such that if x and y are incomparable, then | h W ( x ) - h W ( y ) | ? k . This paper resolves a question of Tanenbaum, Trenk, and Fishburn on characterizing when the weak and linear discrepancy of a poset are equal. Although it is shown that determining whether a poset has equal weak and linear discrepancy is NP -complete, this paper provides a complete characterization of the minimal posets with equal weak and linear discrepancy. Further, these minimal posets can be completely described as a family of interval orders.
Secretion of Prolactin by Patients with Pituitary and Hypothalamic Tumors

Serum prolactin activity was determined by the 32P-casein in vitro bioassay in patients with various tumors of the pituitary and and hypothalamus. Markedly elevated values were observed in 9 patients with the Forbes-Albright syndrome, and the prolactin levels observed in these patients following removal of a chromophobe adenoma represented the relative effectiveness of the surgical resection. The rate of disappearance of prolactin from the serum after pituitary surgery indicated a biological half-life of approximately IS minutes for this hormone. Serum prolactin levels were also elevated in 4 patients who developed the Chiari-Frommel syndrome as a progressive manifestation of a chromophobe adenoma which appeared following bilateral adrenalectomy (Nelson's syndrome.) Serum prolactin activity was elevated in only one of 9 patients with acromegaly. Abnormal secretion of prolactin was a characteristic of 11 patients with various types of hypothalamic tumors. Increased secretion of prolactin was the only evide...
Interleukin 1 pretreatment decreases ischemia/reperfusion injury

Abstract Hearts isolated from rats treated 36 hr before with interleukin 1 (IL-1) had increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity and decreased hydrogen peroxide levels and injury after global ischemia (I, 20 min)/reperfusion (R, 40 min) compared with hearts from untreated rats. Hearts isolated from rats treated 6 hr earlier with IL-1 also had increased polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), H2O2 levels, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents compared with hearts from untreated rats. Depletion of circulating blood PMN by prior treatment with vinblastine prevented both early (from treatment 6 hr before study) IL-1-induced increases in myocardial PMN accumulation, H2O2 levels, and GSSG contents and late (from treatment 36 hr before study) increases in myocardial G6PD activity and protection against I/R. Our results indicate that IL-1 pretreatment causes an early (6 hr after IL-1 treatment) myocardial PMN accumulation and most likely an H2O2-dependent oxidative stress, which contributes to late (36 hr after IL-1 treatment) increases in myocardial G6PD activity and decreases in I/R injury.
Metamodel evolution through metamodel inference

Serving as the schema of models, a metamodel defines the abstract syntax of models and the interrelationships between model elements. Model instances are often inaccessible due to metamodel evolution or the metamodel becoming lost. This poster describes our research recovering a metamodel from model instances to support metamodel driven evolution.
Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Fat With and Without Choline and Antibiotic + B12 Supplements to Chicks

Abstract THE trend to high energy rations in the production of broilers has led to increased interest in the possibility of adding fat to this type ration. Reiser and Pearson (1949) used lard and hydrogenated vegetable oils in chick starter rations and the addition of these fats showed no deleterious effects on the growth of chicks. Buckner et al. (1947) have also indicated that the addition of 17% corn oil to rations for laying hens showed no deleterious effects although utilization of the corn oil was not complete. Studies with rats (Pearson and Panzer, 1949; Barki et al., 1950; Geyer et al., 1945; Deuel et al., 1947) and weanling dogs (Siedler and Schweigert, 1952) have indicated that added levels of fat improved the general performance of the animals. Barki et al. (1950) have shown that the response of rats to added levels of fat in the diet is not attributable to …
Stimulation of a pulse of LH and reduction in PRL concentration by a physiologic dose of GnRH before, during, and after luteolysis in heifers

Abstract A single physiologic dose (5.0 μg) of GnRH was given to 9 heifers each day (Hour 0) beginning on Day 15 postovulation until regression of the corpus luteum. Blood samples were taken each day for Hours −3, −2, −1, 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Based on daily progesterone concentrations, data were grouped into phases of before (n = 4), during (n = 8), and after (n = 7) luteolysis. The number of LH pulses with a peak at pretreatment Hours −2 or −1 (0.35 ± 0.12 pulses/sampling session) was less (P
Creation of RNA molecules that recognize the oxidative lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in DNA

We used in vitro evolution to obtain RNA molecules that specifically recognize and bind with high affinity to the oxidative lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in DNA. A pool of ≈1015 RNA molecules containing a random insert of 45 nucleotides in length was subject to 10 successive rounds of chromatographic enrichment using an 8-oxodG affinity matrix, reverse transcription, PCR amplification, and RNA synthesis. Selected RNA molecules bind to 8-oxodG located at the 3′ terminus (Kd ≤ 270 nM) or in the center (Kd ≤ 2.8 μM) of a 19-nt strand of DNA, with no detectable affinity for the corresponding dG-containing DNA sequences. These 8-oxodG-binding RNAs will be used to monitor levels of 8-oxodG in DNA from biological sources and should provide a unique method for evaluating oxygen-mediated DNA damage. This approach should be applicable for the creation of RNA molecules that can bind to and identify the different modifications of DNA produced by a variety of environmental agents.
Vaught's theorem recursively revisited

In this paper we investigate the relationship between the number of countable and decidable models of a complete theory. The number of decidable models will be determined in two ways, in ? 1 with respect to abstract isomorphism type, and in ?2 with respect to recursive isomorphism type. DEFINITION 1. A complete theory is (a, j3) if the number of countable models of T, up to abstract isomorphism, is 3, and similarly the number of decidable models of Tis a. DEFINITION 2. A model d is c-decidable if ||'I = c and for an effective listing {0,jn i is the structure obtained by expanding ,V to interpret a new constant symbol by a. The new constant symbol that a interprets will often be denoted by 'a'. If 0 is a formula, then 0 =_ 0 and 01 =_ 0. For tuples d = , b = we at times use d to ambiguously denote rg(d), and similarly d U b for rg a U rg b. For a set of formulas B(x1, .. ., x"), we sometimes write 'B(xl, ., Xn) FO(X1, ..., x" , Z1, . . ., Zm) for Vz1, ..., Vzn0(x1, . X", Z1, ...I Zm) e B(x1, ..., x"). For other definitions and conventions see [1]-[4].
Biological monitoring--consider the alternatives.

Methodes disponibles actuellement pour detecter et determiner les consequences biologiques de l'exposition aux agents mutagenes-carcinogenes,ainsi que les populations a risques.
Infections Caused by Nondiphtheria Corynebacteria

After decades of confusion about their microbiologic classification and clinical significance, the nondiphtheria corynebacteria have emerged as important pathogens. Although isolation of these organisms may represent contamination with skin flora, several species, including Corynebacterium ulcerans, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (Corynebacterium ovis), Corynebacterium haemolyticum, Corynebacterium pseudodiptheriticum, Corynebacterium equi, Corynebacterium bovis, Corynebacterium xerosis, and corynebacteria of group JK, clearly cause disease in humans. Most of these organisms infect animals, which are the source of human infection with some species. Some nondiptheria species of Corynebacterium produce recognizable clinical syndromes such as granulomatous lymphadenitis, pneumonitis, pharyngitis, cutaneous infections, and, most commonly, endocarditis. Certain species infect healthy hosts, while others predominantly attack immunocompromised individuals. Several species produce toxins, including a diphtheria-like toxin, a dermonecrotic toxin, and a soluble hemolysin. A microbiologic scheme of identification of the genus Corynebacterium and its major defined species is presented.
Prospects for larger or more frequent earthquakes in the los angeles metropolitan region.

Far too few moderate earthquakes have occurred within the Los Angeles, California, metropolitan region during the 200-year-long historic period to account for observed strain accumulation, indicating that the historic era represents either a lull between clusters of moderate earthquakes or part of a centuries-long interseismic period between much larger (moment magnitude, M_w, 7.2 to 7.6) events. Geologic slip rates and relations between moment magnitude, average coseismic slip, and rupture area show that either of these hypotheses is possible, but that the latter is the more plausible of the two. The average time between M_w 7.2 to 7.6 earthquakes from a combination of six fault systems within the metropolitan area was estimated to be about 140 years.
V-hilar suture renorrhaphy during robotic partial nephrectomy for renal hilar tumors: preliminary outcomes of a novel surgical technique.

Objective To report the preliminary outcomes of a novel renorrhaphy surgical technique, V-hilar suture (VHS), developed and implemented at our institution to manage hilar masses chosen for robotic partial nephrectomy. Methods Of all patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy for a single renal tumor from June 2007 to October 2011, 15 had hilar renal tumors. Of these 15 patients, only 5 had been considered for VHS renorrhaphy and were compared with the rest. The patients' demographic and perioperative data were recorded. They were followed up postoperatively for renal function. The VHS renorrhaphy was obtained by first having inner layer sutures to reshape the renal parenchyma with medialization of the central-lateral border of the resection bed. Next, a continuous horizontal mattress suture was used to reapproximate the renal capsule. Results The main patient and tumor characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. No difference was found in terms of operating room time or warm ischemia time. A trend was noted in favor of the VHS group for estimated blood loss (250 vs 575 mL; P = .137), postoperative complications (2 vs 6; P = .056), and hospital stay (2.6 vs 6.6 days; P = .157). No significant difference was found in the postoperative changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate between the 2 groups. Conclusion The preliminary outcomes of the present surgical technique have demonstrated its safety and efficacy. It might represent a valuable asset for robotic surgeons treating complex hilar renal tumors. Additional larger studies with longer follow-up are required to confirm these encouraging findings.
A direct comparison between fatty acid analysis and intact phospholipid profiling for microbial identification

Abstract Two chemical methods for characterization of micro organisms were compared: phospholipid ester-linked fatty acid (PLFA) analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and intact phospholipid profiling (IPP) using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. Both methods were tested on five reference pseudomonad strains: Pseudomonas putida mt-2, Pseudomonas putida F1, Burkholderia cepacia G4, Burkholderia pickettii PKO1, and Pseudomonas mendocina KR1. PLFA detected eight major fatty acids in these pseudomonads, ranging in chain length from C 14 to C 19 . IPP detected 16 phospholipids in three different classes: phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidyl-dimethylethanolamine. Factor analysis of the data showed that IPP is superior to the PLFA technique in microbial differentiation and identification.
Food, Farming, and Sustainability: Readings in Agricultural Law

This book provides an issues-based study of some of the most compelling areas of agricultural law and is designed for use in a law school survey course. Notes provided by the author raise current issues regarding not only agriculture, but the food system that it supports. Sustainability is an ongoing theme throughout. From the initial discussion fo "agricultural exceptionalism" to the concluding remarks on the future of our food system, the book is designed both to inform and to spark thoughtful dialogue.
A Review of Intervention Programs to Prevent and Treat Behavioral Problems in Young Children with Developmental Disabilities

Children with developmental disabilities are at higher risk for internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems than children in the general population. Effective prevention and treatment programs are necessary to reduce the burden of behavioral problems in this population. The current review identified 17 controlled trials of nine intervention programs for young children with developmental disabilities, with parent training the most common type of intervention in this population. Nearly all studies demonstrated medium to large intervention effects on child behavior post-intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests interventions developed for the general population can be effective for children with developmental disabilities and their families. A greater emphasis on the prevention of behavior problems in young children with developmental disabilities prior to the onset of significant symptoms or clinical disorders is needed. Multi-component interventions may be more efficacious for child behavior problems and yield greater benefits for parent and family adjustment. Recommendations for future research directions are provided.
Evidence That the Autoimmune Antigen Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) Ac1-9 Binds Towards One End of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Cleft

The NH2-terminal peptide of myelin basic protein (MBP) bound to the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein I-Au is an immunodominant epitope in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a murine model of multiple sclerosis. However, the MBP-I-Au complex is very unstable. To investigate this, we performed site-directed mutagenesis of the I-Au MHC protein and the MBP peptide. Biochemical, T cell activation, and molecular modeling studies of mutant complexes demonstrate that the MBP peptide's key residue for MHC binding, lysine 4, is buried in the P6 pocket of I-Au, which is predominantly hydrophobic. This implies that the MBP-I-Au complex differs from more stable complexes in two respects: (a) the peptide leaves the NH2-terminal region of the MHC peptide-binding cleft unoccupied; (b) the peptide is not anchored by typical favorable interactions between peptide side chains and MHC pockets. To test these hypotheses, a modified MBP peptide was designed based on molecular modeling, with the aim of producing strong I-Au binding. Extension of the NH2 terminus of MBP with six amino acids from the ova peptide, and replacement of the lysine side chain in the P6 pocket with an aromatic anchor, results in >1,000-fold increased binding stability. These results provide an explanation for the unusual peptide-MHC-binding kinetics of MBP, and should facilitate an understanding of why mice are not tolerant to this self-peptide- MHC complex.