cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TH-C-144-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (THERAPY) - Use of Radiation-Induced Ultrasound to Image Proton Dosimetry

Purpose: The objectives of this study are to simulate the ionizing radiation induced thermoacoustic signal from scanning proton beam; and investigate the various designs and techniques of ultrasound tomographic imaging to map three dimensional dose (3D) proton dose distributions. Methods: A 3D dose and proton fluence distribution in a water phantom from a scanning spot beam from a treatment nozzle was simulated using a Monte Carlo (MC) code FLUKA (v. 2012) for 6.5, 16 and 27 cm proton range. An initial radio‐acoustic computed tomographic (RCT) scanner design of a cylinder with 128 transducer array (0.5MHz center frequency; 50% bandwidth at −6dB; flat surface) centered along the height of the cylinder (z‐axis) at a radial distance of 15 cm was evaluated. The thermoacoustic generated pressure signals from the proton beam were simulated and digitally sampled for each transducer over time, which was rotated over 30 angles about isocenter. A 3D filtered backprojection algorithm was used to reconstruct the dosimetric image volume consisting of the Bragg peak (initially at 5×5×5mm3), and then compared to the MC results. Results: The comparison between the beam profiles as simulated by MC and measured from commissioning of the beam had an estimated deviation of about 2%. An analysis of the RCT intensity dependence on depth as compared to MC simulated data demonstrated that the distal edge of the Bragg peak was within binning size of the reconstruction image and MC position prediction, with an average variation in RCT intensity around 6%. Conclusion: This feasibility study demonstrates that RCT can be used to monitor the dose distribution and proton range in proton therapy. Additional scanner designs (geometry, transducer bandwidth consideration, phantom designs) will be investigated and presented, such as phase‐array methods. Acquiring measurement data to compare with the simulated data is work in progress.
Inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence suppresses no-reflow after focal cerebral ischemia in baboons.

While polymorphonuclear leukocytes may contribute to the "no-reflow" phenomenon after focal cardiac and skeletal muscle ischemia/reperfusion, their contribution to acute focal cerebral ischemia is unresolved. We have examined the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in microvascular perfusion defects after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in a baboon model of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion with the anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody IB4, which inhibits neutrophil adherence to endothelium.Microvascular patency in the basal ganglia after 3-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion and 1-hour reperfusion (by india ink tracer perfusion) was quantified by computerized video imaging. Animals were randomized to receive intravenous IB4 infusion 15 minutes before reperfusion (n = 7) or to receive no treatment (n = 6). Binding of IB4 to baboon leukocytes was maximal within 5 minutes of infusion.In the untreated group, a significant reduction in patency was observed in microvessels less than 30 microns diamet...
Gender Differences in Smoking and Meanings of Smoking in Asian-American College Students

This study examined the meanings of smoking among Asian-America college students and the associations between those meanings and their smoking behaviors. Data were collected from two postsecondary institutions in southern California. A total of 460 students with 205 males and 255 females completed the survey. The odds ratio of each meaning to students' smoking behaviors was calculated. Spearman's correlational analyses were run to make comparisons between genders. Males who endorsed social meanings were more likely to smoke while females who endorsed personal meanings were more likely to smoke. Gender-tailored smoking prevention programs may be needed for Asian-American college students.
DETECTING AND INTERPRETING LOCAL ITEM DEPENDENCE USING A FAMILY OF RASCH MODELS

This paper describes a method for detecting and in terpreting disturbances of the local independence as sumption among items that share common stimulus material or other substantive features. Dichotomous and polytomous Rasch models are used in an example to analyze Structure of the Learning Outcome (SOLO) superitems and examine the results for local independ ence problems. The results indicate that some disturb ances were present among particular subsets of the items. Index terms: local independence, partial credit model, one-parameter logistic model, Rasch model, rating scale model.
Eosinophil cationic protein's role in human hepatic allograft rejection

Although it is known that eosinophils consistently infiltrate rejecting human liver allografts, their function is unknown. Infiltrating eosinophils can release a cytotoxic substance, eosinophil cationic protein. Furthermore, eosinophil cationic protein may be identified in biopsy specimens using immunoperoxidase staining of an eosinophil cationic protein-specific monoclonal antibody. To study a possible effector role of eosinophils in rejecting liver allografts, 38 serial allograft biopsy specimens from 12 patients with acute rejection, 54 biopsy specimens from 11 patients with allograft dysfunction caused by other causes and 22 biopsy specimens from 8 patients without allograft dysfunction were stained for extracellular eosinophil cationic protein. In addition, the absolute blood eosinophil counts and the portal tract eosinophil percent of the total number of portal tract inflammatory cells were tabulated in these patients until 30 days after transplantation. The blood absolute eosinophil count, portal tract eosinophil percent and incidence of positive extracellular eosinophil cationic protein staining were significantly increased in patients with rejection compared with patients with dysfunction from other causes (p < 0.05 to 0.005, t test). Furthermore, each of these parameters predicted rejection with excellent sensitivity (75% to 92%) and specificity (91% to 100%). Of patients with rejection, 59% had significant elevation of all three parameters before or during rejection, and 92% had at least two parameters elevated. Conversely, of the patients with dysfunction from other causes, 0% had elevations of any parameter. The recognized cytotoxic properties of eosinophil cationic protein and its almost exclusive presence, along with eosinophils in the blood and allograft biopsy specimens of patients during acute rejection, support the role of the eosinophil as an effector cell in tissue injury during acute liver allograft rejection. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;13:1117–1125.)
Congenital urethral fistula with incomplete penoscrotal transposition

A unique case of congenital urethral fistula at the penoscrotal junction with incomplete penoscrotal transposition is reported. The embryological basis and surgical repair of the abnormality are briefly discussed.
Cross-informant ratings of social competence in children and adolescents

Abstract The cross-informant ratings of social competence displayed by children and adolescents were investigated in a meta-analytic study. Effect sizes from 74 studies containing the ratings of the social competence of children and adolescents from at least two different informants were included in this meta-analysis. Results indicated that studies investigating the correspondence of the child or adolescent's own report with the report of parent, teacher, or peer informants had average effect sizes that were small in magnitude. The average effect sizes of other types of cross-informant pairs (e.g., parent–teacher) were moderate in magnitude, with teachers and peers demonstrating the greatest correspondence. Potential moderators (e.g., the type of measure completed by the informants, the age and gender of the target child or adolescent, and the location of the assessment) were also examined. These results demonstrate the importance of selecting carefully informants when evaluating the social competence of children and adolescents.
Autoimmune ulceration of the leg

Abstract Autoimmune diseases are those disorders characterized by circulating autoantibodies or specific immune effector cells targeted towards a variety of self antigens. These disorders have traditionally included the so-called collagen vascular diseases, such as lupus erythematosus or scleroderma, certain vascultides, and a variety of immunologically mediated bullous diseases. The collagen vascular diseases and vasculitides, in particular, are occasionally associated with chronic, relapsing lower extremity ulcerations that may be refractory to traditional management schemes. Table 1 offers a classification of such disorders and provides a basis for the discussion which follows. The frequency of these diseases among leg ulcer patients in general is difficult to gauge and depends in large part on the demographics of one's patient population as well as on efforts made to solicit such patients. For the last 18 months at the University of Pittsburgh, we have seen 303 new patients with leg ulcerations as part of a multidisciplinary wound healing and limb preservation clinic. Of this number, 20 patients (6.6%) have had leg ulcerations that were felt to be directly attributable to a variety of collagen vascular diseases or vasculitides. An understanding of these disorders and their potential to form ulcerations of different types is important in the differential diagnosis of patients with leg ulcerations in general, and management of these patients in particular. The following is a discussion of the most important autoimmune disorders associated with leg ulcerations, with emphasis on practical aspects of diagnosis and management.
Tissue-specific and dietary control of alpha-amylase gene expression in the adult midgut of Drosophila melanogaster

The regulatory effects of allelic substitution at the trans-acting mapP locus and of dietary glucose on the expression of the duplicate genes for alpha-amylase (Amy) in Drosophila melanogaster were examined in the anterior midgut and posterior midgut regions of mature flies. The levels of amylase activity and amylase protein, as well as the abundance of amylase-specific RNA, were quantified. All 3 parameters of Amy expression were concordant. Results indicate that the effects of both mapP and dietary glucose are exerted at the level of amylase RNA. However, the tissue-specific effects of mapP are restricted to the posterior midgut and can therefore be distinguished from the effects of glucose in food medium, which influences amylase RNA levels in both the anterior and posterior midgut regions. Our data suggest that, in large part, strain-specific effects of dietary glucose can be explained on the basis of alternate alleles at the mapP locus in different homozygous strains of flies. Levels of amylase RNA in tissue extracts of flies from an amylase-null strain were also measured. Low levels were observed in both anterior and posterior midgut extracts. These were unresponsive to dietary conditions.
A transmission electron microscopy study of the defect microstructure of Al2O3, subjected to ion bombardment

Abstract The defect microstructure induced in single-crystal aluminum oxide by bombardment with high-energy ions has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of the irradiation temperature, the type of ion used for irradiation, and the presence of inert gas atoms upon the microstructure were examined in detail. The intrinsic, displacement-induced defect structures which resulted from ion bombardment appeared quite similar to the microstructures of aluminum oxide subjected to fast neutron or high energy electron irradiation at similar temperatures and doses. The most significant changes in the microstructure were caused by bombardment with helium ions. Implantation of helium into alumina at low temperature followed by annealing at high temperature resulted in the formation of a dense dislocation network. The large number of defects required to account for this network may have arisen from strong trapping of helium by radiation-induced vacancies, which left a large population of i...
DNA polymerase of reticuloendotheliosis virus: Inability to detect endogenous RNA-directed DNA synthesis

Abstract Purified preparations of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) appear to lack the endogenous RNase-sensitive DNA polymerase activity present in most, if not all, avian RNA tumor viruses. Although no endogenous RNA-directed DNA polymerase could be detected in REV, we have been able to demonstrate the presence of a virion-associated DNA polymerase by employing exogenous synthetic homopolymers as template · primer. A comparison of the REV-associated DNA polymerase activity with the RNA-directed DNA polymerase of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) reveals similarities in the preference of the enzymes to utilize certain synthetic template · primer complexes containing ribopolymers as template. For example, both enzymes prefer poly(rA) · oligo(dT) 10 to poly(dA) · oligo(dT) 10 as template · primer. In addition, poly(rC) · oligo(dG) 10 appears to be efficiently utilized by the REV DNA polymerase under conditions whereby a DNA-directed DNA polymerase does not utilize this synthetic homopolymer as template · primer. Although the REV 70 S RNA genome is not transcribed by the DNA polymerase contained within virions of REV, it is as good a template · primer for the purified avian oncornavirus RNA-directed DNA polymerase as RSV 70 S RNA. Furthermore, the virion-associated REV DNA polymerase can transcribe REV 70 S RNA when oligo(dT) 12–18 is present as a source of primer. Therefore, the inability of the REV DNA polymerase to transcribe effectively the REV genome in vitro appears to reflect either some unique property of the REV enzyme or some structural feature of REV 70 S RNA, such as the lack of certain primer molecules required by the REV DNA polymerase for the initiation of DNA synthesis.
Microtwinning and other shearing mechanisms at intermediate temperatures in Ni-based superalloys

Abstract In Ni-based superalloys, microtwinning is observed as an important deformation mechanism at intermediate temperature and low stress and strain rate conditions. Current knowledge concerning this unusual deformation mode is comprehensively reviewed, and fundamental aspects of the process are further developed using state of the art experimental and modeling techniques. The nature of microtwins and the microtwinning dislocations at the atomic level have been determined using High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging. The results unambiguously confirm that the operative twinning dislocations are identical Shockley partials a/6〈1 1 2〉, and that they propagate through the γ′ precipitates in closely-separated pairs on consecutive {1 1 1} planes. The rate-limiting process of the microtwinning deformation mechanism is the diffusion-controlled reordering in γ′-phase. It is shown that reordering requires very simple, vacancy-mediated exchange between Al and Ni atoms. The energetic aspect of the vacancy-mediated exchanges is studied for the first time using ab initio calculations. The concept of reordering as a rate-limiting process is generalized and shown to be relevant for other, previously reported deformation mechanisms in superalloys such as a〈1 1 2〉 dislocation ribbons, and superlattice intrinsic and superlattice extrinsic stacking fault formation. Other diffusion phenomena associated with microtwinning, such as segregation of heavy elements, is also discussed and supported by experimental evidence. The influence of the γ/γ′ microstructure on microtwinning deformation mode is also discussed in light of observations and phase-field dislocation modeling results.
Inwardly rotating spiral waves in a reaction-diffusion system.

Almost 30 years have passed since the discovery of concentric (target) and spiral waves in the spatially extended Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Since then, rotating spirals and target waves have been observed in a variety of physical, chemical, and biological reaction-diffusion systems. All of these waves propagate out from the spiral center or pacemaker. We report observations of inwardly rotating spirals found in the BZ system dispersed in water droplets of a water-in-oil microemulsion. These “antispirals” were also generated in computer simulations.
Fast iterative algorithms based on optimized explicit time stepping

Abstract The Generalized Nonlinear Minimal Residual (GNLMR) method is shown to consistently accelerate and stabilize iterative algorithms for solving nonlinear problems by using the optimized explicit multistepping. The examples presented in this paper illustrate the beneficial effects of the optimized multistep algorithm on the computational efficiency and the convergence rate as applied to several nonlinear problems in fluid dynamics. The significant reduction in computing time when using the multiple optimized acceleration factors is only negligibly weighed down by the computation costs due to the requirements for additional computer storage.
Inhibition of L-type calcium current by genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in pregnant rat myometrial cells.

Abstract Possible regulation of L-type Ca 2+ channels by tyrosine kinase was examined in freshly isolated uterine smooth muscle cells obtained from late pregnant (18–19 day) rat, using whole-cell voltage clamp. Bath application of genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, decreased L-type Ca 2+ current ( I Ca(L) ) dose-dependently. The maximal inhibition of I Ca(L) was 46% and the concentration for half-maximal inhibition (IC 50 ) was 50 μM (at a holding potential of -60 mV). The effect of genistein was reversible. Daidzein, an inactive analog of genistein, had no inhibitory effect on ka(L) at concentrations as high as 300 μM. The steady-state inactivation curve for I Ca(L) was shifted to the left by genistein (15 mV at 100 μM), whereas the activation curve was not affected, suggesting that genistein exerts a voltage-dependent block. These results suggest that the L-type Ca 2+ channels in myometrial cells may be modulated by endogenous tyrosine kinase, i.e., they are in a tonically stimulated state due to tyrosine kinase activity. This modulatory mechanism may play a role on the regulation of Ca 2+ influx and uterine contraction during normal labor and preterm labor.
Stochastic wavefunction methods beyond the Born - Markov and rotating-wave approximations

We develop a stochastic wavefunction approach to analyse non-Markovian system - reservoir interactions. Provided that the reservoir density operator is Gaussian, this approach can be used to treat strong reservoir coupling beyond the Born and rotating-wave approximations. The memory effects associated with the finite reservoir correlation time are incorporated into the dynamics by expanding the initial system using fictitious harmonic oscillator modes, so that the new enlarged system has Markovian dissipative interactions. We apply the new approach to the analysis of exciton - phonon interaction in a quasi-zero-dimensional GaAs structure and predict a strong deviation from the Born - Markov result.
Longitudinal Impact of Yoga on Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment and Quality of Life in Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer: A Case Series

Purpose Adjuvant chemotherapy for women with breast cancer has significantly improved the cure rate; however, it has been associated with chemotherapy-related cognitive impact (CRCI). The literature provides preliminary support for the feasibility and efficacy of yoga interventions for the general cancer population, however, controlled trials are scarce and no studies have examined the effect of yoga on cognition for women with breast cancer during chemotherapy. This case series aims to identify the impact of yoga on measures of cognition, functional outcomes, and quality of life (QOL) for breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods Four women with a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer prior to chemotherapy treatment were administered the following physiologic measures at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks during chemotherapy, and at one and three months after the conclusion of the study: Functional Reach test (balance) and Sit and Reach test (flexibility), and QOL, POMS (Mood) and FACT-B (QOL), at baseline. Primary outcomes of cognition were measured with the Perceived Cognition Questionnaire (PCQ) and CogState, a computerized measurement of cognition. Women attended an Iyengar-inspired yoga program twice a week for 12 weeks. Qualitative questionnaires were administered after the completion of the study to determine perceived benefits and challenges of the yoga program. Results Four women with Stage II breast cancer ranged in age from 44-65 years. CogState computerized testing showed changes in varying domains of cognition through treatment and follow-up. Improved balance, flexibility, and QOL were also noted over time. No adverse events were observed. Analysis of qualitative data revealed the yoga classes were helpful and subjects continued the practice elements of yoga including relaxation, breathing, and stretching. The most challenging aspect of the study was physical limitations due to various medical complications and included fatigue, decreased range of motion, and pain. Conclusion This case series suggests that yoga may impact various aspects of cognition during and after chemotherapy administration as noted through quantitative measures. Women describe yoga as improving various domains of QOL through the treatment trajectory. This mind-body intervention may stave off CRCI; however, further investigation is needed for additional randomized controlled trials on the effects of yoga on cognition for women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy treatment.
The London Stock Exchange's AIM experiment: Regulatory or market failure? A discussion of Gerakos, Lang and Maffett☆

Abstract The conference paper by Gerakos, Lang and Maffett (2013) provides reliable, descriptive evidence on the post-IPO performance of firms listing on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Their findings are consistent with both a failure of private sector regulation and incorrect market expectations about AIM's investor protections. In this discussion of Gerakos et al. (2013), I highlight the strengths and limitations of their conference paper, summarize how various regulatory and market factors could produce the observed systematic under-performance of AIM offerings, and outline paths for future research on the topic.
Light microscopic localization of angiotensin II binding sites in canine medulla using high resolution autoradiography.

Abstract Angiotensin II (Ang II) produces dose-related, site-specific cardiovascular effects in the canine and rat dorsal medulla. Our previous studies suggested that Ang II binding sites are associated with presynaptic vagal afferent fibers in the nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) and vagal efferent neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (dmnX). High resolution autoradiography now establishes the relationship of putative Ang II receptors to the cytoarchitecture of these nuclei. Sections of the canine medulla oblongata were processed for film or emulsion autoradiography with 0.3–1 n M 125 I-Ang II. Quantitative densitometry of films before and after processing sections for emulsion coating confirmed no selective alteration in labeling. In emulsion coated sections, dense labeling was seen over the majority of the large perikarya and surrounding neuropil in the ventral dmnX. Bands of label overlaid vagal efferent fibers coursing ventrolaterally to exit the medulla. In the nTS, Ang II binding was restricted to regions with heavy vagal afferent innervation. In the dorsal nTS, label was distributed over both cell bodies and neuropil, with highest density capping the solitary tract. In the medial nTS, label was concentrated over perikarya, with scattered grains over the intervening neuropil. The discrete subnuclear association of Ang II binding sites in the dorsal medulla with vagal cells and fibers documents that Ang II receptors are present on both afferent vagal fibers and intrinsic medullary neurons, and reveals an anatomical substrate for the autonomie effects of Ang II in this region.
The First Five Seconds in the Life of a Clathrin-Coated Pit

Summary Coated pits assemble by growth of a clathrin lattice, which is linked by adaptors to the underlying membrane. How does this process start? We used live-cell TIRF imaging with single-molecule EGFP sensitivity and high temporal resolution to detect arrival of the clathrin triskelions and AP2 adaptors that initiate coat assembly. Unbiased object identification and trajectory tracking, together with a statistical model, yield the arrival times and numbers of individual proteins, as well as experimentally confirmed estimates of the extent of substitution of endogenous by expressed, fluorescently tagged proteins. Pits initiate by coordinated arrival of clathrin and AP2, which is usually detected as two sequential steps, each of one triskelion with two adaptors. PI-4,5-P 2 is essential for initiation. The accessory proteins FCHo1/2 are not; instead, they are required for sustained growth. This objective picture of coated pit initiation also shows that methods outlined here will be broadly useful for studies of dynamic assemblies in living cells.
Mechanical Dyssynchrony in Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Intraventricular Conduction Delay as Depicted by 3D Tagged Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Recent studies have generated interest in the potential for left or biventricular pacing to improve cardiac function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and intraventricular conduction delays.1 2 3 4 The premise is that these hearts display profound basal mechanical dyssynchrony and that pacing can restore synchronization and, thereby, improve function. Here, we demonstrate the extent of mechanical dyssynchrony in such patients. Images were generated by tagged magnetic resonance …
Ascending aorta-to-pulmonary artery anastomosis for cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Abstract A total of 101 infants and children with cyanotic congenital heart disease and inadequate pulmonary blood flow underwent an ascending aorta-to-pulmonary artery anastomosis at the University of Florida from January, 1964, to December, 1972. The operative mortality was 37%. The 64 surviving patients have experienced improved oxygenation of the blood and disappearance of hypoxic episodes for up to 8 years postoperatively. Two of 4 late deaths were related to inadequate pulmonary blood flow. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 16 patients 1 week to 6 years after the operation. Eight patients later underwent complete cardiac repair and discontinuance of the shunt.
Plasma-Type Oscillations of Kinked Dislocations

The oscillation frequencies of interacting kinks of both signs have been determined taking into account long range interaction between kinks. The frequencies are proportional to the square root of the sum of positive and negative kink densities and are consequently temperature dependent, in contrast to the frequencies of the dislocation string model. The temperature dependence of the relaxation time for the phonon scattering peak is therefore determined not only by the temperature dependence of the damping constant B but also by that of the kink densities. Die Oszillationsfrequenzen von wechselwirkenden Kinken beiderlei Vorzeichens wurden unter Berucksichtigung der weitreichenden Wechselwirkung bestimmt. Die Frequenzen sind proportional zur Quadratwurzel aus positiver und negativer Kinkdichte und deshalb temperaturabhangig, im Gegensatz zu den Frequenzen des Versetzungssaitenmodells. Die Temperaturabhangigkeit der Relaxationszeit fur das durch Phononstreuung verursachte Absorptionsmaximum ist daher nicht nur durch die Temperaturabhangigkeit der Dampfungskonstante B, sondern auch durch die der Kinkdichten bestimmt.
The New Economics of Personnel

. Traditional issues in personnel have generally been analysed by industrial psychologists or sociologists. While their work has produced insights, some of the problems are inherently economic. This paper examines some traditional personnel issues in an economic framework. Worker turnover, incentive problems, promotion decisions, compensation methods, up-or-out arrangement and job tenure are analysed. Some questions for future research are presented in conclusion.
Preferential formation and repair of chromium-induced DNA adducts and DNA-protein crosslinks in nuclear matrix DNA

The distributions of chromium-DNA adducts and DNA-protein crosslinks induced by treatment of intact CHO cells with carcinogenic chromium were examined in distinct chromatin subfractions: a chromatin subfraction released by digestion of isolated nuclei with micrococcal nuclease (1SF, 14% of total nuclear DNA), bulk chromatin (74% of total DNA) and a nuclear matrix fraction (12% of total DNA). The identity of the matrix fraction was confirmed by hybridization of DNA from each subfraction with a cDNA probe prepared from total mRNA isolated from CHO cells, which showed that the 1SF and nuclear matrix fractions were 2.3- and 3.8-fold enriched in actively transcribed genes respectively, compared to total unfractionated DNA. Immediately following treatment of cells with 150 microM sodium chromate for 2 h the binding of chromium to each chromatin fraction was found to be non-uniform. Compared with total unfractionated nuclei, the nuclear matrix fractions were enriched in chromatin-bound chromium (3.4-fold), whereas the bulk chromatin fraction was relatively depleted (0.5-fold). Approximately 13% of nuclear chromium was associated with the detergent-soluble lipid component of nuclei. A similar distribution of chromatin-bound chromium was also apparent 24 h after the chromate treatment. Immediately after the 2 h chromate treatment, chromium-DNA adducts were detected in all the chromatin subfractions. Total nuclear and bulk chromatin DNA contained similar levels of this type of damage. The 1SF fraction was depleted approximately 3-fold in this type of damage compared with total nuclear DNA. In contrast, the nuclear matrix was markedly enriched in chromium-DNA adducts (approximately 4-fold compared with total nuclear DNA) at this time. As previously demonstrated, chromium-DNA adducts in total nuclear DNA decreased within the first 24 h, but thereafter persisted at a similar level. Chromium-DNA adducts in nuclear matrix DNA also reached maximum levels at the end of the 2 h treatment and decreased to 68% and 39% of this level by 24 and 48 h after treatment respectively. In contrast, the adduct levels in the 1SF and bulk chromatin fractions did not change up to 48 h after treatment. Chromium-induced DNA-protein crosslinks, which were stable to 8 M urea and 2% SDS, occurred almost exclusively in the nuclear matrix fraction. The crosslinks in this fraction reached a maximum level at the end of the 2 h treatment, but returned to control levels 24 h later.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Applying Schema Theory to Foreign Language Reading

ABSTRACT In this article, reading is considered to bean interactive process in which the schematic information a reader possesses for the topic of a given text is as important to adequate comprehension as the information presented on the printed page. When reading in a foreign language, understanding of that language's accompanying culture enables students to approach reading topics from the appropriate cultural perspective. Several classroom activities are described for use before reading, while reading, and after reading.
Teaching brief intervention for alcohol problems to emergency practitioners: Development, implementation, and testing of a model

Study objectives: As part of a National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)–funded project to evaluate the efficacy of a brief intervention, the brief negotiation interview (BNI) was developed for harmful and hazardous drinkers presenting to the emergency department (ED). Hazardous drinkers are defined as those drinking over the NIAAA guidelines for low-risk drinking who are not dependent. Harmful drinking was defined as an injury with blood alcohol content 0.2 g/dL or greater. We determine the feasibility and acceptability of teaching emergency practitioners to perform these interventions. Methods: All emergency medicine faculty, third- and fourth-year emergency medicine residents, and physician associates practicing in a Level I urban teaching hospital were eligible for training. Two-hour teaching sessions were conducted, including a 30-minute didactic presentation, a 10-minute role-playing demonstration, and a 50-minute skills-based workshop. All emergency practitioners were later tested using a standardized patient scenario that was audiotaped to ensure adherence to and competence with the BNI protocol. A rater identified that critical actions were completed. If emergency practitioners failed the testing station, they were given additional instruction and retested at a later time. Results: All 57 emergency practitioners were trained during 7 teaching sessions. One attending physician left the institution before testing. Fifty-one (91%) of 56 passed the first test, including 19 faculty, 28 emergency medicine residents, and 9 physician associates. A total of 5 (9%) emergency practitioners needed remediation: 1 faculty, 1 emergency medicine resident, and 3 physician associates. The 1 faculty and 1 emergency medicine resident left the institution before remediation. The remaining 3 physician associates successfully completed the test. Once tested, the emergency practitioners were responsible for providing BNIs for 250 harmful and hazardous drinkers identified on their ED shifts as part of the NIAAA project. These interventions were audiotaped and rated for adherence to protocol. Conclusion: We were able to develop and successfully teach a targeted intervention for harmful and hazardous drinkers to practicing emergency practitioners. They were successful in performing the intervention in a real-world ED setting.
The search for remnants of early evolution in present-day metabolism.

As a newcomer to the field, it makes me quite proud to have been asked to participate in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the appearance of Oparin’s “Origin of Life.” This date truly marks the birth of a new branch of bioscience, which I have only lately begun to appreciate. In this book, Oparin established a base from which one could begin to explore the prebiotic phase of evolution.
Acute erosive reactive arthritis associated with campylobacter jejuni-lnduced colitis

A case of acute erosive, reactive arthritis following Campylobacter jejuni-induced ulcerative colitis is presented. This is the 12th such case reported in the literature and the first in which destructive lesions of periarticular bone are demonstrated. A review of the literature suggests that reactive arthritis associated with C. jejuni infection is similar to that following other invasive types of bacterial diarrhea and is often associated with HLA-B27 lymphocyte antigen.
Nilutamide: possible utility as a second-line hormonal agent.

Abstract Objectives. To study the ability of nilutamide to induce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses in patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer who had been exposed to prior antiandrogen therapy, because resistance to antiandrogens may be mediated by altered binding to a mutated or overexpressed androgen receptor and because an alternative antiandrogen may overcome such resistance. Nilutamide is a little used antiandrogen that has a chemical structure distinct from that of the other two antiandrogens, flutamide and bicalutamide. Methods. Fourteen patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer were treated with nilutamide 150 mg/day (n = 12) or 300 mg/day (n = 2). Seven had been treated with one prior antiandrogen (all with bicalutamide), five with both bicalutamide and flutamide, and two had received bicalutamide and prior chemotherapy. Results. In a retrospective analysis, 7 (50%) of the 14 patients had a greater than 50% decline in their PSA level, and 4 of the 6 patients with bone pain experienced subjective improvement. The median duration of the PSA response was 11 months (range 2 to 28+) with 2 of the 7 patients still experiencing a PSA response. In addition, 3 patients (20%) had brief and minor PSA responses (less than 50%). Conclusions. A subset of patients, whose disease progresses with prior antiandrogen therapy, may experience a PSA response to nilutamide. The role of nilutamide in such hormone-resistant patients deserves additional prospective study.
Effect of Gaussian noise on statistics-based digital interference suppression in BPSK wireless receivers

In this paper, analysis and computer simulation results are presented to examine the effect of Gaussian noise on interference suppression performance of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) wireless receivers adopting blind source separation techniques. As expected, the interference suppression performance degraded with the addition of Gaussian noise. In addition, it is found that, if the receiver adopts a recently proposed structure with only one antenna and a single downconversion path, the Gaussian noise has more detrimental effect on the system performance, as compared to receivers with two antennas and two downconversion paths. This phenomenon is consistent with our theoretical analysis.
Chi'08 alt.chi / auralscapes: engaging ludic ambiguity in the design of a spatial system

Ambiguity as a resource for interactive systems is gaining momentum within HCI. In this paper we describe a spatial system designed at the intersection of architecture and computing; using ludic ambiguity as its theoretical construct. Through description of the system and an examination of the ambiguous nature of the representations we will explore how such mediations could lead to richer interpretations of information.
Effect of anesthesia on voiding function after tension-free vaginal tape procedure

Abstract Objective To determine whether the mode of anesthesia used during the tension-free vaginal tape procedure affects postoperative voiding function. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using cases in which tension-free vaginal tape placement was the sole procedure performed. Of the 173 cases reviewed, we were able to use the data from 163. Hierarchal linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of our dependent variable: days to complete voiding. In the first block, established predictors of postoperative voiding dysfunction were entered into the model. In the second block, potential confounders of the relationship between anesthesia type and days to complete voiding identified during univariate analysis (P Results The mean days to complete voiding was similar in our local or regional anesthesia (n = 90) and general anesthesia groups (n = 73) (2.3 [0–21] versus 2.3 [0–14], P = .95). Our final regression model (F = 2.74, P = .011) included age, prior pelvic organ prolapse surgery, and preoperative urge symptoms and explained 22.2% of the variance in days to complete voiding. Anesthesia type did not add any predictive improvement after controlling for these variables. Conclusion General anesthesia, and therefore lack of a cough-stress test, does not increase the chance of postoperative voiding dysfunction associated with tension-free vaginal tape.
Insulin Regulates Brain Function, but How Does It Get There?

We have learned over the last several decades that the brain is an important target for insulin action. Insulin in the central nervous system (CNS) affects feeding behavior and body energy stores, the metabolism of glucose and fats in the liver and adipose, and various aspects of memory and cognition. Insulin may even influence the development or progression of Alzheimer disease. Yet, a number of seemingly simple questions (e.g., What is the pathway for delivery of insulin to the brain? Is insulin’s delivery to the brain mediated by the insulin receptor and is it a regulated process? Is brain insulin delivery affected by insulin resistance?) are unanswered. Here we briefly review accumulated findings affirming the importance of insulin as a CNS regulatory peptide, examine the current understanding of how peripheral insulin is delivered to the brain, and identify key gaps in the current understanding of this process.
Intraguild predation and cannibalism in a size-structured community of marine amphipods

Body size differences can impact the strength and type of interaction among and within species. This study examines the effect of body size differences on intraguild predation (IGP) and cannibalism in regulating the relative abundance of two species of temperate marine amphipods throughout a season. Intraguild predation was asymmetrical, with primarily Jassa marmorata preying on Apocorophium acutum (with little predation by A. acutum on J. marmorata). Intraguild predation increased significantly as body size difference increased. Cannibalism in J. marmorata was only significant among individuals of different body sizes. Tube building by A. acutum was also found to be effective in protecting against IGP, especially in the presence of large J. marmorata. Experimental results suggest an ontogenetic niche shift occurs in J. marmorata, which may provide a potential explanation for observed patterns of abundance in a natural population.
Angular effects on thermochromic liquid crystal thermography

This paper directly discusses the effects of lighting and viewing angles on liquid crystal thermography. This is because although thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) are a widely-used and accepted tool in heat transfer research, little effort has been directed to analytically describing these effects. Such insight is invaluable for the development of effective mitigation strategies. Using analytical relationships that describe the perceived color shift, a systematic manner of improving the performance of a TLC system is presented. This is particularly relevant for applications where significant variations in lighting and/or viewing angles are expected (such as a highly curved surface). This discussion includes an examination of the importance of the definition of the hue angle used to calibrate the color of a TLC-painted surface. The theoretical basis of the validated high-accuracy calibration approach reported by Kodzwa et al. (Exp Fluids s00348-007-0310-6, 2007) is presented.
Early Pleistocene Paleoclimatic Record from Sonoran Desert, Arizona

Three pollen spectra from lake sediments stratigraphically well below mid-Kansan fauna indicate plant associations for the Sonoran desert, Arizona, approximating those found now at elevations of 1500 ft and more above the desert floor. The presence of Ostrya, Betula, and Artemisia may indicate some invasion by northern species as well. A climate cooler or wetter, or both cooler and wetter, than the present climate is inferred from paleobotanical and sedimentary evidence. Correlation with the Nebraskan glacial stage is tentatively suggested.
The Analysis and Identification of Flux-Induced Voltage Transients on Low-Loss Transmission Lines with Application to the Lightning-Transient-Analysis (LTA) Problem

One of the acknowledged lightning threats to aircraft is the induction threat in which a lightning-induced fuselage skin current inductively or capacitively flux couples through small dielectric "holes" or apertures in the fuselage onto intemal avionics cabling. In order to optimize the circuit protection, it is necessary to identify both the nature and location of the flux excitation. Using standard capacitor-bank LTA testing, this paper advances a linear-system-identification technique, based on the impulse response, that will defme both the nature and location of the dominant excitations. The technique is then successfuily applied to the identification of the Yaw Damper Circuit of the USAF F-111.
On Several types of universal invariants of framed links and 3-manifolds derived from Hopf algebras

Without using representations of quasitriangular ribbon Hopf algebras, Hennings, Kauffman and Radford, Ohtsuki and the author gave different methods to construct invariants of links and 3-manifolds respectively. To understand these different methods and the resultant invariants, we made a comprehensive comparison study in this paper. We show the relations among the universal invariants of framed links defined by these different authors. We also figured out the relations among the resultant invariants of 3-manifolds defined by these different authors. Ignoring the difference by scalar constants and the inversion of Hopf algebras, we found that the invariants of 3-manifolds obtained by these authors are the same or equivalent to each other. Therefore, in a sense, there is only one way to construct invariants of 3-manifolds without using representation theory of Hopf algebras.
Characterizing the Expansive Deformation of a Bioresorbable Polymer Fiber Stent

Polymeric vascular stents must employ other strategies than malleable deformation, as generally practiced with metal stents, to expand and withstand compressive stresses in situ. The stent expansion strategy must further consider induced flow perturbations and wall stresses that may injure the vessel wall and promote thrombogenesis. Analyzing the stresses furled stents undergo during balloon-assisted expansion is an important first step in achieving a better understanding of stent–wall mechanical interactions, thereby to improve stent function. To this end, we performed finite element (FE) analysis of the balloon-induced unfurling of an internally coiled, bioresorbable polymeric stent employing a 3D FE solid model of a 120° symmetric stent segment and a large deformation finite strain formulation. Uni-axial tensile testing of stent fiber elastic to plastic yielding provided the mechanical property information, and the von Mises criterion was employed to establish the elastic–plastic transition in the FE model. The model was validated with pressure and deformation measurements obtained during stent expansion tests. The internal coils of this inner coil–outer coil design twisted as the stent expanded, leading to plastic yielding at the point of tangency of the inner and outer coils. The remaining stent fiber portions underwent elastic bending. Cross-sections revealed only the outside surface layer of the coiled fiber underwent plastic yielding. The interior elastic fiber was supported by this plastic shell. The analysis suggests that during balloon-induced expansion, local plastic yielding in torsion “sets” the stent fibers, imparting high radial collapse resistance. The results further suggest that the stent exerts non-uniform mechanical forces on the vessel wall during expansion.