cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Labeling fibrin fibers with microparticle sized beads alter single fibrin fiber lysis, external clot lysis, and produce large fibrin aggregates upon lysis

Background Fluorescent beads are often used as a tool for visualizing fibrin fibers and can mimic the size of microparticles in the blood. Studies showed microparticles alter the appearance and behavior of whole blood clot systems. Objectives Here we investigate the effect of beads on fibrin fiber lysis and extensibility to enhance understanding of this common research technique and as a biomimetic system for fibrin-microparticle interaction. Methods We used fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to quantify changes in lysis, extensibility, and clot structure of fibrin fibers and clots in the presence and absence of beads. Results and Conclusions Fibrin clot structure and lysis were altered in the presence of beads. Fibrin clots formed with beads had a higher fiber density, smaller fibers, and smaller pores. The rate of lysis for clots was reduced when beads were present. Lysis of bead-labeled individual fibers showed that beads, at concentrations similar to those reported for microparticles in the blood, cause a subset of fibers to resist lysis. In the absence of beads, all fibers lyse. These results demonstrate that beads alter fiber lysis through both a change in fibrin clot structure as well as changes to individual fiber lysis behavior. Additionally, the lysis of clots with beads produced large fibrin aggregates. This data encourages researchers to use careful consideration when labeling fibrin fibers with fluorescent beads and suggests that particles binding fibrin(ogen) in the bloodstream may be an underappreciated mechanism increasing the risk of thrombosis.
Electron-molecule chemistry and charging processes on organic ices and Titan’s icy aerosol surrogates

Abstract Electron-induced polymerization processes and charging events that can occur within Titan’s atmosphere or on its surface were simulated using electron irradiation and dissociative electron attachment (DEA) studies of nitrogen-containing organic condensates. The DEA studies probe the desorption of H− from hydrogen cyanide (HCN), acetonitrile (CH3CN), and aminoacetonitrile (NH2CH2CN) ices, as well as from synthesized tholin materials condensed or deposited onto a graphite substrate maintained at low temperature (90–130 K). The peak cross sections for H− desorption during low-energy (3–15 eV) electron irradiation were measured and range from 3 × 10−21 to 2 × 10−18 cm2. Chemical and structural transformations of HCN ice upon 2 keV electron irradiation were investigated using X-ray photoelectron and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The electron-beam processed materials displayed optical properties very similar to tholins produced by conventional discharge methods. Electron and negative ion trapping lead to 1011 charges cm−2 on a flat surface which, assuming a radius of 0.05 μm for Titan aerosols, is ∼628 charges/radius (in μm). The facile charge trapping indicates that electron interactions with nitriles and complex tholin-like molecules could affect the conductivity of Titan’s atmosphere due to the formation of large negative ion complexes. These negatively charged complexes can also precipitate onto Titan’s surface and possibly contribute to surface reactions and the formation of dunes.
Lawyers on the Auction Block: Evaluating the Selection of Class Counsel by Auction

The lead counsel auction has recently achieved increased visibility as a possible way of improving the selection and compensation of plaintiffs' counsel in class action litigation. Supporters of the auction approach, including judges who have used lead counsel auctions, claim that the lead counsel auction introduces competitive market forces into the selection process, and that these forces can address many existing problems with class action procedures and the jurisprudence of fee awards. The benefits of the auction, they claim, include lower legal fees and better representation of the plaintiff class. These claims have not been subject to careful scrutiny. Indeed, auction advocates have overlooked substantial methodological problems with the design and implementation of the lead counsel auction. Even if these problems were overcome, limitations of the auction procedure hamper its ability to function as an effective method of selecting class counsel. In particular, auctions are poor tools for selecting firms based on multiple criteria, such as price and quality, auctions potentially compromise the judicial role, and lead counsel auctions are unlikely to produce reasonable fee awards. Although the existing record in auction cases is insufficient to permit a rigorous empirical evaluation, early results raise concerns. This article therefore considers an alternative method for selecting and retaining lead counsel: negotiation by an empowered lead plaintiff. The article describes recent developments in institutional activism under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and argues that these developments demonstrate that client empowerment is a more effective way of incorporating market forces into the selection and compensation of class counsel. The article concludes with interpretive guidance for the courts to facilitate further development of the PSLRA model and with an analysis of how the empowered lead plaintiff model can be extended beyond securities litigation.
Review of Regulatory Documents on Taxation Issues in April-May 2013

In the period under review, a struggle for the budget funds of the next fiscal year took place. On April 30, 2013, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation submitted for consideration by the Government of the Russian Federation the draft Main Guidelines of the Tax Policy in 2014 and the 2015-2016 planned period. According to experts’ estimates, the Government does not intend to change the structure of the tax system in the 2014-2016 period and introduce new taxes, except for those which has already been submitted to the State Duma. However, the Ministry of Finance has found reserves for tax revenues growth, that is, raising of rates, changing of rules of calculation and payment of some taxes and specification of procedures for collection of those taxes1. In their turn, entrepreneurs insist on easing of the tax policy. On May 23, 2013, at the meeting in Voronezh – dedicated to the issues of development of the domestic entrepreneurship – President Vladimir Putin promised to consider the business community’s proposal on the tax maneuver; however he pointed out that proposals regarding tax amnesty and tax holidays at newly established small business enterprises were not developed sufficiently, nor were convincing enough.
Design of the Utah/M.I.T. Dextrous Hand

The Center for Engineering Design at the University of Utah, and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a robotic end effector intended to function as a general purpose research tool for the study of machine dexterity. The high performance, multifingered hand will provide two important capabilities. First, it will permit the experimental investigation of basic concepts in manipulation theory, control system design and tactile sensing. Second, it will expand understanding required for the future design of physical machinery and will serve as a "test bed" for the development of tactile sensing systems. The paper includes: 1) a discussion of issues important to the development of manipulation machines; 2) general comments regarding design of the Utah/M.I.T. Dextrous Hand; and, 3) a detailed discussion of specific subsystems of the hand.
The Controversy over the Existence of Ordinary Objects

The basic philosophical controversy regarding ordinary objects is: Do tables and chairs, sticks and stones, exist? This paper aims to do two things: first, to explain why how this can be a controversy at all, and second, to explain why this controversy has arisen so late in the history of philosophy. Section 1 begins by discussing why the ‘obvious’ sensory evidence in favor of ordinary objects is not taken to be decisive. It goes on to review the standard arguments against the existence of ordinary objects – including those based on problems with causal redundancy, parsimony, co-location, sorites arguments, and the special composition question. Section 2 goes on to address what it is about the contemporary approach to metaphysics that invites and sustains this kind of controversy, and helps make evident why debates about ordinary objects lead so readily to debates in metametaphysics about the nature of metaphysics itself.
A systems approach to governance in Maritime Transportation System of Systems

Maritime Transportation System (MTS) is a critical infrastructure system that enables economic activity through transferring goods between national and international destinations and hence, is extremely important for the U.S. National Security. This research applies a systems approach to define MTS as a System of Systems (SoS). The presented definition of Maritime Transportation System of Systems (MTSoS) enables us to study its critical attributes such as resilience and security, and increases understanding of how to govern it more effectively. A variety of systems engineering models have been applied to MTS. However, it is necessary to form a structure for understanding MTSoS and to develop a new System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) toolset that help us in viewing interdependencies and adopting effective governance. Based on Boardman-Sauser definition of SoS, We defined MTSoS as integration of interdependent constituent systems. While each constituent system seeks its own goals, their collective body pursues a unified objective, which is transferring goods in a safe, secure, and efficient manner. This approach enables us to create a SoSE framework that can be used as a tool for more effective governance in MTSoS.
Investigation of Information Control and Reputation as Informal Controls Against Hold-Ups

Interfirm relationships can be successful but are also fraught with problems. We study how to encourage one party, herein the seller, to make a cooperative relation-specific investment that will increase the joint surplus. The seller, fearing he will be held up by the buyer, typically refrains from investing or attempts to protect himself with costly protection mechanisms such as vertical integration. We present two informal protection mechanisms that originate with the seller and the buyer, respectively. We propose that information control by the seller and buyer reputation for fairness can separately or simultaneously help reduce the risk that the seller will be worse off after the investment than before and, accordingly, encourage seller investment. To test the related hypotheses, we conduct two experiments and find that information control in the form of aggregated seller investment and production costs reduces the transparency of the seller’s cost information sufficiently to encourage seller investment and to increase offers of self-interested buyers. Additionally, we find that a fair purchasing strategy can signal the buyer’s intention to not appropriate the surplus created by the seller’s investment, thereby also encouraging the seller to invest in the relation-specific asset. Furthermore, we show that this increased investment efficiency is mitigated by the sellers’ expectations about the trade offers buyers will make ex post.
Gene duplications at the chemokine locus on mouse chromosome 4 : multiple strain-specific haplotypes and the deletion of secondary lymphoid-organ chemokine and EBI-1 ligand chemokine genes in the plt mutation

The murine paucity of lymph node T cell (plt) mutation leads to abnormalities in leukocyte migration and immune response. The causative defect is thought to be a loss of secondary lymphoid-organ chemokine (SLC) expression in lymphoid tissues. We now find that the plt defect is due to the loss of both SLC and EBI-1 ligand chemokine (ELC) expression in secondary lymphoid organs. In an examination of the plt locus, we find that commonly used inbred mouse strains demonstrate at least three different haplotypes. Polymorphism at this locus is due to duplications of at least four genes, three of them encoding chemokines. At least two cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (CTACK), three SLC, and four ELC genes or pseudogenes are present in some haplotypes. All haplotypes share a duplication that includes two SLC genes, which demonstrate different expression patterns, a single functional ELC gene, and an ELC pseudogene. The plt mutation represents a deletion that includes the SLC gene expressed in secondary lymphoid organs and the single functional ELC gene, leaving only an SLC gene that is expressed in lymphatic endothelium and an ELC pseudogene. This lack of CCR7 ligands in the secondary lymphoid organs of plt mice provides a basis for their severe abnormalities in leukocyte migration and immune response.
Role of the G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase Site Serine Cluster in β2-Adrenergic Receptor Internalization, Desensitization, and β-Arrestin Translocation

There is considerable evidence for the role of carboxyl-terminal serines 355, 356, and 364 in G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-mediated phosphorylation and desensitization of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (beta(2)ARs). In this study we used receptors in which these serines were changed to alanines (SA3) or to aspartic acids (SD3) to determine the role of these sites in beta-arrestin-dependent beta(2)AR internalization and desensitization. Coupling efficiencies for epinephrine activation of adenylyl cyclase were similar in wild-type and mutant receptors, demonstrating that the SD3 mutant did not drive constitutive GRK desensitization. Treatment of wild-type and mutant receptors with 0.3 nm isoproterenol for 5 min induced approximately 2-fold increases in the EC(50) for agonist activation of adenylyl cyclase, consistent with protein kinase A (PKA) site-mediated desensitization. When exposed to 1 mum isoproterenol to trigger GRK site-mediated desensitization, only wild-type receptors showed significant further desensitization. Using a phospho site-specific antibody, we determined that there is no requirement for these GRK sites in PKA-mediated phosphorylation at high agonist concentration. The rates of agonist-induced internalization of the SD3 and SA3 mutants were 44 and 13%, respectively, relative to that of wild-type receptors, but the SD3 mutant recruited enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-beta-arrestin 2 to the plasma membrane, whereas the SA3 mutant did not. EGFP-beta-Arrestin2 overexpression triggered a significant increase in the extent of SD3 mutant desensitization but had no effect on the desensitization of wild-type receptors or the SA3 mutant. Expression of a phosphorylation-independent beta-arrestin 1 mutant (R169E) significantly rescued the internalization defect of the SA3 mutant but inhibited the phosphorylation of serines 355 and 356 in wild-type receptors. Our data demonstrate that (i) the lack of GRK sites does not impair PKA site phosphorylation, (ii) the SD3 mutation inhibits GRK-mediated desensitization although it supports some agonist-induced beta-arrestin binding and receptor internalization, and (iii) serines 355, 356, and 364 play a pivotal role in the GRK-mediated desensitization, beta-arrestin binding, and internalization of beta(2)ARs.
New parasitic ants of the genusKyidris, with notes on ecology and behavior

Two new species of the dacetine ant genusKyidris from New Guinea are described. These were always found in mixed colonies with the larger, polymorphic dacetine speciesStrumigenys loriae Emery, which often occurs independently and is generally abundant in the lowland rain forests of New Guinea. The relationship of theKyidris to theStrumigenys is interpreted as a very primitive level of permanent, obligatory, nondulotic parasitism. Multiple queens of both genera occur together, and the brood is completely mixed. The worker population of the parasite is very large, and in one colony studied almost equaled that of the host. The parasite workers contribute to the colony labor by food-gathering and brood-handling, but are relatively inefficient in these tasks; they apparently do not participate in nest building at all.
Energy efficient parameterized FFT architecture

In this paper, we revisit the classic Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for energy efficient designs on FPGAs. A parameterized FFT architecture is proposed to identify the design trade-offs in achieving energy efficiency. We first perform design space exploration by varying the algorithm mapping parameters, such as the degree of vertical and horizontal parallelism, that characterize decomposition based FFT algorithms. Then we explore an energy efficient design by empirical selection on the values of the chosen architecture parameters, including the type of memory elements, the type of interconnection network and the number of pipeline stages. The trade offs between energy, area, and time are analyzed using two performance metrics: the energy efficiency (defined as the number of operations per Joule) and the Energy×Area×Time (EAT) composite metric. From the experimental results, a design space is generated to demonstrate the effect of these parameters on the various performance metrics. For N-point FFT (16 ≤ N ≤ 1024), our designs achieve up to 28% and 38% improvement in the energy efficiency and EAT, respectively, compared with a state-of-the-art design.
Spotlight on secondary breast cancer: a policy initiative to influence the care of women with metastatic breast cancer

SUMMARY As the treatment of metastatic breast cancer improves, women are living longer with progressive disease. However, the care and support services for this population have not kept pace with the developments in medical management. In 2006, Breast Cancer Care (UK) established the Secondary Breast Cancer Taskforce, which comprised of healthcare professionals, policy makers and women with metastatic breast cancer. It aimed to identify and address the needs of women with metastatic breast cancer. This article reports on the progress to date and future service developments needed to ensure all women with metastatic breast cancer receive the care and support they need to live with progressive breast cancer throughout the illness trajectory from diagnosis until the end of life.
Trends in performance on the psychiatry resident-in-training examination (PRITE®): 10 years of data from a single institution.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Examination (PRITE®) scores at one institution from 2001 to 2010. The authors hypothesized that two factors, the 2003 implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty-hour restrictions and the residency program’s 2008 restructuring of its curriculum to a half-day per week of didactics, would lead to improved scores.
School Bullying, Low Self-Control, and Opportunity:

The theory of low self-control has been shown to be a valid predictor of a wide variety of criminal and deviant behaviors. However, a limited number of studies were conducted to understand the relationship between low self-control and bullying and the effects of opportunity factors (i.e., parental supervision, association with other bullies, negative school environment, and disciplinary measures used by teachers) on bullying in the context of low self-control theory. The present study, using a sample of nearly 300 youths, examined the effects of low self-control and opportunity factors on various types of bullying behaviors. Results indicated that youths with low self-control were likely to physically and psychologically bully, consistent with the theory's prediction. When opportunity measures were introduced, they were stronger explanations of bullying than low self-control, especially association with other bullies and youth who experienced disciplinary measures by their teacher. Negative school environment was a significant predictor of psychological bullying but not for physical bullying. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Analysis of factors affecting volatile compound formation in roasted pumpkin seeds with selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and sensory analysis.

Abstract: Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo and maxima) seeds are uniquely flavored and commonly consumed as a healthy roasted snack. The objective was to determine dominant volatiles in raw and roasted pumpkin seeds, and the effect of seed coat, moisture content, fatty acid ratio, total lipids, reducing sugars, and harvest year on volatile formation. Sensory was conducted to evaluate overall liking of seed variety and texture. Seed processing included extraction from the fruit, dehydration, and roasting (150 °C). Oil extraction was done using soxhlet, fatty acid profile using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector, and reducing sugars using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid and UV-spectroscopy. Headspace analysis of seeds was performed by selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Volatiles dominating in raw pumpkin seeds were lipid aldehydes, ethyl acetate, 2,3-butandione, and dimethylsulfide. Compounds contributing to roasted aroma include alkylpyrazines and Strecker and lipid aldehydes. Overall, hull-less seeds had higher volatile lipid aldehydes and Strecker aldehydes. Seeds dehydrated to a moisture content of 6.5% before roasting had higher initial and final volatile concentrations than seeds starting at 50% moisture. Higher oil content resulted in higher lipid aldehyde formation during roasting with a moderate correlation between free fatty acid ratio and corresponding lipid aldehyde. Harvest year (2009 compared with 2010) had a significant impact on volatile formation in hull-less seeds, but not as much as variety differences. No significant correlation was found between reducing sugars and volatile formation. Sensory showed that hull-less seeds were liked significantly more than hulled seeds. Practical Application: Elucidation of aromatic flavor development during roasting with SIFT-MS provides information on flavor release and offers better control during processing. Knowledge of volatiles in raw and roasted pumpkin seeds and effects of seed coat, moisture content, seed composition, and harvest date will allow for better control over the production/storage/transportation process and a more educated decision during selection of a variety for production of pumpkin seeds in the snack food industry.
Aging-induced alterations in gene transcripts and functional activity of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes in the heart

Aging is associated with progressive decline in energetic reserves compromising cardiac performance and tolerance to injury. Although deviations in mitochondrial functions have been documented in senescent heart, the molecular bases for the decline in energy metabolism are only partially understood. Here, high-throughput transcription profiles of genes coding for mitochondrial proteins in ventricles from adult (6-months) and aged (24-months) rats were compared using microarrays. Out of 614 genes encoding for mitochondrial proteins, 94 were differentially expressed with 95% downregulated in the aged. The majority of changes affected genes coding for proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation (39), substrate metabolism (14) and tricarboxylic acid cycle (6). Compared to adult, gene expression changes in aged hearts translated into a reduced mitochondrial functional capacity, with decreased NADH-dehydrogenase and F0F1-ATPase complex activities and capacity for oxygen-utilization and ATP synthesis. Expression of genes coding for transcription co-activator factors involved in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis were downregulated in aged ventricles without reduction in mitochondrial density. Thus, aging induces a selective decline in activities of oxidative phosphorylation complexes I and V within a broader transcriptional downregulation of mitochondrial genes, providing a substrate for reduced energetic efficiency associated with senescence.
Multiple photon transitions induced by a dichromatic laser field

Three-photon transitions induced by a dichromatic C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ laser operating on the $P(10)$ and $P(20)$ lines of the 961-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ band have been observed in a helium plasma. Laser photons interact resonantly with the $4^{3}S$ and $4^{3}P$ helium levels, resulting in new spectral lines which flank the 4713-\AA{}, $2^{3}P\ensuremath{-}4^{3}S$ He line. The multiple photon transition rates are calculated from a numerical diagonalization of the interaction Hamiltonian and are shown to be in agreement with experimental results.
Salivary cortisol levels in children of low-income women with high depressive symptomatology

Children (N = 324 boys, 315 girls) between the ages of 2.5 and 6 (mean age = 3.63) were identified in a house to house survey in low-income areas (income <20th percentile nationally) of urban Mexico. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale was administered to mothers of all children. Salivary cortisol samples were taken in children as a measure of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) system activity at time of arrival (baseline, Time 0), 25 min after arrival (Time 1), and 50 min after arrival (Time 2). Between Time 0 and Time 1, children were administered several cognitive tests. Results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were associated with lower baseline cortisol levels in their children (p < .05), while controlling for age, gender, and time since awakening. Higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were associated with less of an increase in salivary cortisol to the arrival of the experimenters and subsequent cognitive testing (p < .05). All results were moderated by gender, with enhanced cortisol response in girls and no response in boys. These results suggest that among very low-income families, high maternal depressive symptoms are associated with hypoactivity of the HPA system in children, particularly boys.
Voxel-based partial volume correction for accurate quantitative voxel values

Purpose: The accuracy of voxelized information in emission imaging is limited by spatial resolution (FWHM = 2.35σ) producing biases for objects smaller than 3 FWHM. If the signal distribution is non‐uniform within 3σ of the voxel of interest then equilibrium does not exist and partial volume effect (PVE) compromises voxel accuracy. We propose a mathematical model to improve the accuracy of quantitative images of arbitrary distribution by bounding true voxel signal and estimating PVE for each voxel. Methods : A monotonically increasing parametric dataset is created for each voxel of an emission image by radial integration from the voxel center to radius = 6σ. Each cumulative integration plot from r = 3σ to 6σ is fit to a function A*4π /3*r 3 + B*ΔV derived assuming a local uniform signal distribution (A) where ΔV is the voxel volume. The constant BΔV represents the converged within 3σ integral of PVE. B > 0 implies spill‐out, B 99% in simulated 1D & 2D datasets. For the tumor, the original maximum value was 10kBq/ml. We obtained A = 3.5kBq/ml and B = 14kBq/ml for a total of 17.7kBq/ml. This yields (A+B)/original = 1.8 indicating substantial spill‐out of ~80% and a large error for the original voxel value. For a voxel in the center of the bladder, the original value was 46kBq/ml with A = 44kBq/ml, B = 7kBq/ml. (A+B)/original = 1.11 indicating near‐equilibrium at center of bladder and low spill-out of ~11% as expected. Local signal images (A) resemble low‐pass filtered original image and (B) shows the magnitude and direction of PVE. Conclusion : A new mathematical model to estimate the accuracy of voxels in quantitative images of arbitrary distribution has been developed. Analysis of additional patients is underway. ------------------------------------- Cite this article as: Mikell J, Kappadath SC. Voxel-based partial volume correction for accurate quantitative voxel values. Int J Cancer Ther Oncol 2014; 2(2):020229. DOI: 10.14319/ijcto.0202.29
Phenotype management: a new approach to habitat restoration

The goal of habitat restoration is to provide environmental conditions that promote the maintenance and growth of target populations. But rarely is it considered how the allocation of resources influences the diversity of phenotypes in these populations. Here we present a framework for considering how habitat restoration can shape the development and expression of phenotypes. We call this approach phenotype management as it entails restoring the resources in a habitat to manage phenotypic diversity. Phenotype management is achieved by manipulating the spatial and temporal distribution of resources to alter the degree of competition among individuals. Differences in competition, in turn, lead to changes in phenotypic and life history expression that affect population parameters including demography and effective population size (Ne). To illustrate how phenotype management can be applied, we explore how resource distributions shape variation in phenotypes in two imperiled fishes, Pacific salmon and desert pupfish. In both examples, modulating male reproductive phenotypes changes the allocation of reproductive success among population members to subsequently affect Ne. These examples further demonstrate that whether to increase or decrease phenotypic diversity depends on the primary conservation pressures faced by the species. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Speaking Out for Language Why Language Is Central to Reading Development

Although the National Early Literacy Panel report provides an important distillation of research, the manner in which the data are reported underrepresents the importance of language. Unlike other predictors with moderate associations with later reading, language exerts pervasive and indirect influences that are not described by the effect sizes used in the meta-analysis. Also, unlike code-related skills that develop rapidly during the years studied, language develops over an extended time span. Because it is relatively difficult to devise interventions that dramatically alter children’s language abilities, the authors of this response are concerned that schools will target the more malleable code-based skills. They warn against such a move.
Preparation and polymerization of some vinyl monomers containing the 2‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolane group

The synthesis and structure determinations of (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-methyl acrylate, 4-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl itaconate, and [(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl] methyl fumarate are described. Reactivity ratios in the copolymerization of these monomers with other comonomers are reported and the Alfrey-Price Q and e values calculated. The post-polymerization study of the effects of ultraviolet light and heat on these polymers and copolymers is presented. The 1,3-dioxolane group when appended to the polymer chain performs as an internal ultraviolet sensitizer. A mechanism is offered to explain the crosslinking behavior of these polymers when treated with ultraviolet light.
The impact of confederate responsivity on social skills assessment

The current investigation examined the degree to which judges' ratings of skill, anxiety, and attractiveness are influenced by the responsivity of the confederate. High-, medium-, and low-skilled subject-pool groupings, as well as self-referred clinical groups, were exposed to either a moderately or a minimally responsive confederate. Results indicated that subjects were rated as more skillful when interacting with a moderately responsive confederate than when interacting with a minimally responsive confederate. Further, there was a groups × condition interaction for anxiety ratings such that both the high- and the medium-skilled groups appeared more anxious under the minimal condition, whereas the low-skilled and self-referred groups did not. Self-referred subjects received significantly lower attractiveness ratings than did the high- or medium-skilled groups. Implications of these results and future directions for research are discussed.
1618 CELLULAR MALNUTRITION IN UREMIA

Some of the cellular abnormalities of severe protein-calorie malnutrition in children (PCM), e.g., reduced energy-related enzyme activities, energy and protein synthesis levels and intracellular amino acid deficits, are also thought to occur in chronic uremics. Improvement of these abnormal cell bioactivities, characterizing cellular malnutrition, should stabilize and possibly retard progressive cellular deterioration in uremics. We have used the circulating granulocyte as a cell model to study energy-related enzyme activities (pyruvate kinase (PK), phospho-fructokinase (PFK), adenylate kinase (AK), energy charge (Ech=ATP+0.5ADP/(ATP + ADP + AMP)), protein synthesis (3 H-leucine incorp.) and amino acid pools in 52 adult uremics (9 not dialyzed (ND), 40 hemodialyzed (HD) and 13 peritoneally dialyzed (CAPD)) and 61 normal control (C) subjects. Gross clinical estimators of chronic malnutrition (Wt/Ht ratio, skinfolds, arm muscle area, plasma albumin and total lymphocyte count) were within normal limits for the dialyzed uremics. In the ND uremics, all clinical and cell measures were abnormal. In the HD uremics, cell PK, AK, ATP, Ech and PS were significantly (p HD, but ATP and AK were not improved. We conclude that cellular malnutrition occurs in apparently stabilized adult uremics without clinical signs of malnutrition. CAPD seems to improve many cell bioactivities, and therefore, cellular malnutrition in uremics.
An integrated framework for analyzing three-dimensional shape differences: Evaluating prostate morphometry

Three-dimensional (3D) morphometric features of anatomical objects may provide important information regarding disease outcome. In this paper we develop an integrated framework to quantitatively extract and analyze 3D surface morphology of anatomical organs. We consider two datasets: (a) synthetic dataset comprising 640 super quadratic ellipsoids, and (b) clinical dataset comprising 36 prostate MRI studies. Volumetric interpolation and shape model construction were employed to find a concise 3D representation of objects. For the clinical data, a total of 630 pairwise registrations and shape distance computations were performed between each of 36 prostate studies. Graph embedding was used to visualize subtle differences in 3D morphology by non-linearly projecting the shape parameters onto a reduced dimensional manifold. The medial axis shape model used to represent the shape of super quadratic ellipsoids was found to have a large Pearson's correlation coefficient R2 = 0.805 with known shape parameters. For the prostate gland datasets, spherical glands were found to aggregate at one end of the manifold and elliptical glands were found to aggregate at the other extrema of the manifold. Our results suggest our framework might discriminate between objects with subtle morphometric differences.
Management of mandibular ameloblastoma: the clinical basis for a treatment algorithm.

Purpose: This article discusses the management of intraosseous mandibular ameloblastomas as the basis for a treatment algorithm. Patients and Methods: The records of 26 consecutive patients referred for management of mandibular ameloblastoma were reviewed. Demographic data, location, number and types of prior surgical treatment, radiographic findings, number of recurrences, and reconstructive methods used were analyzed. Results: All patients treated with curettage alone developed recurrence (n = 11). No patients treated with either curettage or resection plus liquid nitrogen cryotherapy developed a recurrence (n = 9). Patients whose radiographs showed large tumors with eggshell-thin bony margins, and who underwent segmental resection with excision of the involved soft tissue also had no recurrences (n = 8). In addition, 2 patients were referred with soft tissue recurrence necessitating resection. Both of these patients underwent multiple resective procedures, including neck dissections and skull base resections. All patients were reconstructed with either primary or secondary bone grafting. Only 3 patients went on to have complete dental reconstruction that included osseointegrated implants. Conclusions: Curettage of ameloblastoma results in unacceptable recurrence rates. Lesions contained within the mandible are adequately treated by curettage or marginal resection combined with cryotherapy. Segmental resection of the mandible with involved soft tissue, including periosteum, produces acceptable results when extraosseous spread has occurred. The first operation affords the best chance for cure. When tumor recurs in soft tissue, extensive surgery is necessary to salvage the patient. Few patients in this series went on to full reconstruction that included osseointegrated implants.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Large Volume Nonblood Perfusate Experimental and Clinical Observations

Experimental and clinical data have been presented which support the efficacy of using a large-volume nonblood perfusate for cardiopulmonary bypass. Dogs have consistently survived hemodilution of 100 to 120 ml/kg body wt when manifest hypoxic acidosis has been ameliorated with THAM (tris [hydroxymethyl] aminomethane) or sodium bicarbonate. Fifty-eight patients have undergone total bypass with the disc oxygenator totally primed with 2,500 to 3,000 ml of buffered Ringer9s or Ringer9s lactate solution. Normothermia and moderate hypothermia have been employed with a hemodilution of 33 to 60 ml/kg body wt and a mean perfusion hematocrit of 24%. Despite the decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, acidosis has not been observed during prolonged perfusions at median flow rates. Following oxygenator reinfusion, the postoperative total blood volume has been normal. However, a decrease in red cell mass was observed which necessitated the administration of "packed red cells." With this technique, the clotting time was more readily restored to normal, and kidney function was markedly improved over a comparable series of patients perfused with donor blood.
Stability of monomeric Cro variants: Isoenergetic transformation of a type I′ to a type II′ β-hairpin by single amino acid replacements

The thermodynamic stabilities of three monomeric variants of the bacteriophage λ Cro repressor that differ only in the sequence of two amino acids at the apex of an engineered β-hairpin have been determined. The sequences of the turns are EVK-XX-EVK, where the two central residues are DG, GG, and GT, respectively. Standard-state unfolding free energies, determined from circular dichroism measurements as a function of urea concentration, range from 2.4 to 2.7 kcal/mole, while those determined from guanidine hydrochloride range from 2.8 to 3.3 kcal/mole for the three proteins. Thermal denaturation yields van’t Hoff unfolding enthalpies of 36 to 40 kcal /mole at midpoint temperatures in the range of 53 to 58°C. Extrapolation of the thermal denaturation free energies with heat capacities of 400 to 600 cal/mole deg gives good agreement with the parameters determined in denaturant titrations. As predicted from statistical surveys of amino acid replacements in β-hairpins, energetic barriers to transformation from a type I′ turn (DG) to a type II′ turn (GT) can be quite small.
Water bag bolus in external air cavities to produce dose homogeneity

High energy photon beams traversing large iatrogenic air cavities can lead to surface underdosage and overdosage because of high exit dose. A water bag bolus in such external cavities is a remarkably simple and reproducible means of producing dosage homogeneity.
Ignitability of Rigid Foam Insulation

Various samples of rigid foam plastics used as thermal insulation were evaluated for resistance to ignition by radiant heat, using the screening test method developed at the University of San Francisco. The materials were phenolic, isocyanurate, and polystyrene rigid foams. None of the four samples exhibited flaming ignition at heat flux levels up to 10.5 W/cm/sup 2/ in the absence of a pilot flame. The glowing combustion exhibited by the phenolic foam may be a potential hazard.
DO NUMBERS EXTRACTED NEAR CROSSOVERS REPRESENT CONTINUUM PHYSICS

Abstract We study the fundamental—adjoint SU(2) lattice gauge theory in four dimensions by Monte Carlo simulations. We show that the string tension at the endpoint of the first-order line is finite. The endpoint is therefore not a second-order critical point of the traditional variety. We also measure the lattice Λ parameter from simulations along a line close to this endpoint and find Λ = (3.0 ± 0.3) × 10 −3 σ . This disagrees from previous measurements for the pure fundamental Wilson theory by a factor of 4. Our results cast serious doubt on all continuum limit estimates made near quasi-critical and crossover regions.
Active Intracavity Alignment System Using A Dynamic Hartmann Sensor Approach

A novel method using a Dynamic Hartmann Sensor approach is described that allows measurement of the "composite slope" of an optical system as a function of spatial coordinates across its aperture. The technique allows these measurements to be made either in transmission or in reflection (roundtrip). The present technique may be used as a sensor for aligning components of a multi-element optical cavity. One of the important features of this approach is the ability to measure the total error of the measuring system and to subtract instrumentation error automatically from subsequent measurements. Many of the desired features of an electronic interferometer may be incorporated in the system, since the two-dimensional data - spatially correlated with the optical system's aperture to be measured - is available instantaneously in analog or digital format. This latter feature also makes this technique a significant sensor concept for servo control tasks and in real time systems diagnostics. This paper will describe specific applications.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A temperature conversion nomogram for glycosylated hemoglobin analysis

Analysis of glycosylated hemoglobins by commercial mini-column methods was shown to vary linearly with the ambient temperature. However, the slopes of the temperature dependence lines for diabetic and healthy individuals was different. A method for temperature correction and a nomogram is proposed.
Absence of circadian rhythms of gonadotropin secretion in women.

Controlled studies demonstrate the absence of endogenous circadian rhythms of LH and FSH in early follicular phase women.
Hirschsprung’s disease

Abstract Hirschsprung’s disease is a functional obstruction due to lack of ganglion cells in the distal colon. The aganglionosis extends for a variable distance proximally, typically into the sigmoid colon. Most cases present in newborns with failure to pass meconium and with impressive distal obstruction. A pull-through procedure using ganglionic bowel can be preformed in one or more stages. Outcome is generally good put post-operative enterocolitis due in part to dysfunction of the internal anal sphincter remains a major problem.
Toward physics of the mind: Concepts, emotions, consciousness, and symbols

Mathematical approaches to modeling the mind since the 1950s are reviewed, including artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, and neural networks. I analyze difficulties faced by these algorithms and neural networks and relate them to the fundamental inconsistency of logic discovered by Godel. Mathematical discussions are related to those in neurobiology, psychology, cognitive science, and philosophy. Higher cognitive functions are reviewed including concepts, emotions, instincts, understanding, imagination, intuition, consciousness. Then, I describe a mathematical formulation, unifying the mind mechanisms in a psychologically and neuro-biologically plausible system. A mechanism of the knowledge instinct drives our understanding of the world and serves as a foundation for higher cognitive functions. This mechanism relates aesthetic emotions and perception of beauty to “everyday” functioning of the mind. The article reviews mechanisms of human symbolic ability. I touch on future directions: joint evolution of the mind, language, consciousness, and cultures; mechanisms of differentiation and synthesis; a manifold of aesthetic emotions in music and differentiated instinct for knowledge. I concentrate on elucidating the first principles; review aspects of the theory that have been proven in laboratory research, relationships between the mind and brain; discuss unsolved problems, and outline a number of theoretical predictions, which will have to be tested in future mathematical simulations and neuro-biological research.  2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Locoregional Lymphadenectomy in the Surgical Management of Anorectal Melanoma

Background The effect of lymph node metastasis on local tumor control and distant failure in patients with anorectal melanoma has not been fully studied. Understanding the significance of lymphatic dissemination might assist in stratifying patients for either organ preservation or radical surgery.
Analysis of prognostic factors in localized gastric lymphoma: The importance of bulk of disease

Purpose: To identify prognostic factors in localized gastric lymphoma patients for optimal therapy selection. Methods and Materials: From 1974 to 1990, 77 patients with localized gastric lymphoma (38 Stage IE and 39 Stage IIE) were treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination. Univariate and multivariate local control and survival analyses were performed on possible prognostic factors, such as patient age, gender, histologic subtype, stage, tumor size, depth of penetration, multicentricity, and treatment modality. Results: At 5 years, the relapse-free survival was 52%; 74% of the relapses occurred at local sites. Smaller tumor size was most strongly associated with local control (p = .001) and relapse-free survival (p 10 cm, respectively. The 47 patients who received combined-modality therapy had a relapse-free survival of 65%, compared with 24% for the 30 who received single-modality therapy (p < .01). Although patient age, stage, depth of penetration, and resective surgery affected the above endpoints, these factors were not independent predictors of outcome. Analysis of treatment subgroups showed that surgical resection combined with postoperative irradiation was associated with highest local control (p = .002) and the best relapse-free survival (p = .004), when compared with other treatment modalities. In 27 patients with tumor sizes ≤ 5 cm, comparison of the 15 patients who had surgery with the 12 who did not failed to reveal a local control benefit from the addition of surgery. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that tumor bulk is an important prognostic determinant of local control and relapse-free survival in localized gastric lymphoma patients. Stage IE and IIE lymphoma of the stomach can be selectively treated with primary radiation, but surgical resection may be necessary for large tumors (> 5 cm), followed by adjuvant radiation.