cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a gene encoding a hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker channel of brain.

Abstract The generation of pacemaker activity in heart and brain is mediated by hyperpolarization-activated cation channels that are directly regulated by cyclic nucleotides. We previously cloned a novel member of the voltage-gated K channel family from mouse brain (mBCNG-1) that contained a carboxy-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (Santoro et al. 1997) and hence proposed it to be a candidate gene for pacemaker channels. Heterologous expression of mBCNG-1 demonstrates that it does indeed code for a channel with properties indistinguishable from pacemaker channels in brain and similar to those in heart. Three additional mouse genes and two human genes closely related to mBCNG-1 display unique patterns of mRNA expression in different tissues, including brain and heart, demonstrating that these channels constitute a widely expressed gene family.
Preparation and properties of haemagglutinin from haemolymph of acrididae (Grasshoppers)

Abstract The proteinaceous haemagglutinin (lectin) present in the haemolymph of Melanoplus sanguinipes (F) has been isolated and biochemically characterized. The protein was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on a column of Sepharose-galactose. The purified haemagglutinin accounted for all observed haemolymphatic haemagglutination activity. Gel filtration and electrophoresis showed the haemagglutinin to be a 600–700,000 mol. wt noncovalent aggregate of 70,000 mol. wt subunits. The 70,000 subunit contained two disulfide-linked polypeptide chains of mol. wt 40,000 and 28,000, respectively. The purified haemagglutinin contained all the common amino acids and had highest amounts of acidic residues and least amounts of methionine and glucosamine. Haemagglutination activity was stable at −20°C in the presence of d -galactose but was destroyed by treatment of the haemagglutinin with trypsin, heat or EDTA. Haemagglutination inhibition studies showed that low concentrations (≤5 mM) of either d -galactosidic or d -glucosidic carbohydrates were bound by the haemagglutinin and inhibited agglutination of human asialo-erythrocytes. The purified haemagglutinin was antigenic in rabbits. Comparative experiments showed that the haemagglutinin from M. differentialis (Thomas) was identical to that from M. sanguinipes.
Pacemaker-twiddler's syndrome: A rare cause of lead displacement and pacemaker malfunction

Pacemaker-twiddler's syndrome is characterized by spontaneous, subconscious, inadvertent, or deliberate rotation of the pulse generator by the patient resulting in lead dislodgement and pacemaker malfunction. We present a case of pacemaker-twiddler's syndrome that involved an atrioventricular sequential pacemaker. It resulted in failure of atrial lead capture and phrenic nerve stimulation but without loss of ventricular lead capture. A search of the literature revealed only ten previous cases reported; none were in the emergency medicine literature, and none involved an atrioventricular sequential pacemaker.
Freshwater Impacts in Normally Hypersaline Marshes

Heavy rainfall in 1978 and 1980 caused flooding of southern California salt marshes. Examination of three marshes demonstrated a broad range of freshwater effects which correlated with the degree of change in soil salinity. At Tijuana Estuary (1980), a short-term reduction in the salinity of normally hypersaline soils was followed by a 40% increase in the August biomass of Spartina foliosa. At Los Penasquitos Lagoon (1978), a longer period of brackish water influence was followed by a 160% increase in August biomass of Salicornia virginica. At the San Diego River (1980), flood flows were augmented by major reservoir discharge. Continuous freshwater flow leached most of the marsh soil salts and caused replacement of halophytes by freshwater marsh species. The first two cases probably fell within the normal range of flooding events, even though the hydrology of both watersheds has been modified. The vegetation response was functional; productivity increased but there was no major change in species composition. As expected, vegetation rapidly returned to preflood conditions. However, the long-term freshwater flow in the Dan Diego River was unnatural. Floral composition changed as soils were leached of salts. Recovery following the return of saline soils has been slow because many native halophytes are not good colonizers. The system's resilience is limited, and modification of natural stream discharge can cause permanent changes in coastal wetlands.
Mitoxantrone: propensity for free radical formation and lipid peroxidation--implications for cardiotoxicity.

Results of comparative studies on stimulation of the rates of cofactor consumption, superoxide generation and hydrogen peroxide production by mitoxantrone (Novantrone®; dihydroxyanthracenedione; MXN), ametantrone (AM), doxorubicin (DOX) and daunorubicin (DNR) in the presence of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, NADH dehydrogenase, or rabbit hepatic microsomes have been reported. MXN and AM were substantially less effective in stimulating the rate of cofactor oxidation, superoxide formation or hydrogen peroxide production relative to the anthracyclines. In the presence of P-450 reductase, the rate of NADPH oxidation or superoxide generation produced by 100 μM MXN or AM was only 15% and 2% respectively of that produced by 100 μM anthracycline. The effects of MXN and AM on lipid peroxidation in hepatic microsomes, cardiac sarcosomes and cardiac mitochondria were determined and compared with those produced by ADM. MXN and AM at 50 μM inhibited the basal rate of NADPH-dependent rabbit liver microsomal lipid peroxidation by 50%; in contrast, DOX enhanced the rate of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation by 2-and 2.5-fold at 100 and 200 μM, respectively. Rabbit cardiac sarcosomal NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation was inhibited completely at 100 μM anthracenedione. NADH-dependent lipid peroxidation in cardiac mitochondria was diminished by 50 μM MXN and AM, whereas 50 μM DOX produced a 2-fold stimulation in lipid peroxidation. The anthracenediones also effectively inhibited DOX-stimulated lipid peroxidation with 50% inhibition occurring at 4 μM (MXN) and 6 μM (AM). Moreover, both MXN and AM potently inhibited iron (100 μM)-stimulated lipid peroxidation in rabbit hepatic microsomes with 80% inhibition produced by 15 μM anthracenedione. These results are consistent with the diminished cardiotoxicity of mitoxantrone and ametantrone relative to DOX or DNR and may require a reassessment of the role of lipid peroxidation in the mechanism(s) of quinone antineoplastic agent-mediated cardiotoxicity.
Radiation-free regimens result in similar outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation in patients aged ≥50 years compared to younger adults with low-risk disease

Age >or=50 years has been reported to be an adverse risk factor for allogeneic BMT, and consequently many of these patients are either not transplanted or treated on nonmyeloablative protocols. To study if older patients perform poorly relative to younger adults following myeloablative allogeneic transplants, we compared the outcomes of consecutive adults aged >or=50 years (n=51) to those or=50 years was a significant adverse factor only when high-risk patients were considered. We conclude that when radiation-free conditioning is used, age >or=50 years is not a significant adverse risk factor for allogeneic BMT in patients with low-risk disease, and that such patients should not be excluded from conventional myeloablative approaches until the efficacy of nonmyeloablative transplantation is better established.
Optimization of an in vitro assay to detect Streptococcus equi subsp. equi

Streptococcus equi is the etiologic agent of a highly infectious upper respiratory disease of horses known as strangles. Bacterial culture methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasopharyngeal washes and guttural pouch lavages are used routinely to test clinical and carrier animals for the presence of S. equi but no definitive or gold standard test method has been shown to be optimal. We hypothesized that (i) a flocked swab submerged in ten-fold serial dilution suspensions of S. equi prepared in 0.9% NaCl would detect more colony forming units (CFU) than a rayon swab when used to inoculate a blood agar plate, (ii) centrifugation of a 1 ml aliquot of each suspension would improve the limit of detection (LOD) by bacterial culture and PCR compared to the culture or PCR of submerged swab samples, (iii) PCR of the centrifuged samples from each suspension would be more sensitive than aerobic culture alone, and (iv) PCR of a 1 ml aliquot directly from a sample would be more sensitive than PCR of a sample following submersion of a flocked swab in 1 ml saline. Using 7 ten-fold serial dilutions of S. equi in 0.9% NaCl, the LOD for 4 bacterial culture methods and 3 PCR methods were compared. The LOD of direct PCR and flocked swab culture was determined at 1 cfu/ml. All PCR methods were equivalent to each other and were more sensitive than any of the culture methods at the lower dilutions. At higher cell densities (>100 cfu/ml) flocked swab culture was not statistically better than rayon swab culture, but it was superior to all other methods tested.
Toward a High-Frequency Pulsed-Detonation Actuator

This paper describes the continued development of an actuator, energized by pulsed detonations, that provides a pulsed jet suitable for flow control in high-speed applications. A high-speed valve, capable of delivering a pulsed stream of reactants a mixture of H2 and air at rates of up to 1500 pulses per second, has been constructed. The reactants burn in a resonant tube and the products exit the tube as a pulsed jet. High frequency pressure transducers have been used to monitor the pressure fluctuations in the device at various reactant injection frequencies, including both resonant and off-resonant conditions. Pulsed detonations have been demonstrated in the lambda/4 mode of an 8 inch long tube at approximately 600 Hz. The pulsed jet at the exit of the device has been observed using shadowgraph and an infrared camera.
Using Multiple Exemplars for Teaching Number-Numeral Correspondence: Some Structural Aspects.

Abstract This study examined the ability of preschool-age children to solve five format exemplars of number-numeral correspondence (e.g., mark the group with three things; color in three pictures). The children were given an initial series of probes in all five formats using a set of three numbers (e.g., 1, 2, and 3). One of the formats in which the child performed poorly was trained, and generalization to other formats was then examined by a second series of probes. The results indicated that some children were able to solve number-numeral correspondence problems in some formats and not in others; this deficiency was remediated by training in one, two or (at most) three format exemplars. Performance in two of the formats was highly correlated in 3 of 4 children, suggesting that there exists a response class structure of number-numeral correspondence. The theoretical and treatment implications of analyzing response structure are discussed.
Influence of index finger proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis on precision pinch kinematics.

Purpose To evaluate the impact of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis on the kinematics of precision pinch. Methods Eleven healthy subjects performed index finger–thumb pinch motions under 4 conditions: unrestricted thumb and index finger (CONTROL) and fusion of the PIP joint of the index finger in flexion of 30° (PIP30), 40° (PIP40), and 50° (PIP50). Fusion was simulated with metallic splints. Kinematics of the thumb and index finger were recorded with a motion capture system. Results Proximal interphalangeal joint fusion at 30°, 40°, and 50° restricted maximal pinch span between the thumb tip and index finger tip by 6%, 10%, and 14%, respectively. At the time of pulp contact, PIP fusion led to an increase in index metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle for the PIP30 condition and an increase in variability of thumb tip location for the PIP50 condition. Furthermore, the dynamic coordination between joint angles throughout the movement was affected by PIP fusion. Conclusions This study reports impairment in the kinematics of precision pinch associated with index finger PIP joint fusion. A PIP joint fusion at 40° to 50° leads to a more natural precision pinch posture, but it restricts the aperture and reduces pinch precision. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic I.
ATOMLLL: ATOMS with shading and highlights

The ATOMS program, written at Bell Telephone Laboratory, is capable of determining the visible portions of a scene consisting of interpenetrating spheres and cylinders, put together to represent “space-filling” or “ball-and-stick” molecular models. The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory version contains enhancements to add shading and highlights, and to render the spheres on film as ellipses, so they will appear round when projected in various wide-screen formats.The visible parts of each sphere or cylinder are shaded by a minicomputer controlling the film recorder, thus releasing the main computer from transferring the millions of intensity values for each frame. The minicomputer is microprogrammed with an efficient algorithm for the intensities, which uses the color look-up tables in the film recorder to store the reflectance as a function of angle of incidence.
Large magnetic storm-induced nighttime ionospheric flows at midlatitudes and their impacts on GPS-based navigation systems

[1] Analysis of GPS phase fluctuations in conjunction with regional total electron content (TEC) maps, in situ measurements of subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) and auroral convection from several Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft, and dynasonde measurements at the Bear Lake Observatory obtained during the intense magnetic storm of 7–8 November 2004 have indicated the serious impact of large ionospheric velocities on GPS-based navigation systems within the midlatitude region in the North American sector. The major difference between this superstorm and the others observed during the earlier October-November 2003 events is the absence of appreciable storm-enhanced density gradients, with the midlatitude region being enveloped by either the auroral oval or the ionospheric trough within which the SAPS were confined during the local dusk to nighttime hours. This shows that it is possible to disable GPS-based navigation systems for many hours even in the absence of appreciable TEC gradients, provided an intense flow channel is present in the ionosphere during nighttime hours. The competing effects of irregularity amplitude ΔN/N, the background F region density, and the magnitude of SAPS or auroral convection are discussed in establishing the extent of the region of impact on such systems.
Ischemic preconditioning upregulates inducible nitric oxide synthase in cardiac myocyte.

Recent evidence has shown that the cardioprotection afforded by the late phase of ischemic preconditioning (PC) is mediated by upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). However, the specific cardiac cell type(s) that express(es) iNOS in response to ischemic PC remains unknown. Thus, mice underwent a sequence of six cycles of 4-min coronary occlusion/4-min reperfusion, which induces late PC, and tissue samples were collected at serial times for measurement of mRNA (Northern) and protein levels (Western). In addition, whole heart samples were cryosectioned for in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The steady-state levels of iNOS mRNA in the ischemic regions started to increase at 1 h after ischemic PC, peaked at 3 h (201±31% of sham, n=5 P<0.01) and remained elevated at 24 h (177±22% of sham, n=5 P<0.01). In accordance with these data, iNOS protein expression was increased at 24 h (219±41% of sham, n=5 P<0.01). In contrast, neither endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA levels nor its protein expression changed at any time-point. The magnitude of iNOS upregulation after ischemic PC was mild compared with that noted 66 h after permanent coronary occlusion (360±53% of sham) or 8 h after endotoxin (3117±61% of control). After ischemic PC, diffuse iNOS signals were detected with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in the cytoplasmic space of cardiac myocytes and, to a lesser degree, in the wall of large vessels, but were absent in smooth muscle and endothelium of small vessels and in fibroblasts. This pattern contrasted with that observed in mouse hearts subjected to permanent coronary occlusion where strong iNOS signals were concentrated in inflammatory cells but absent in cardiac myocytes. Thus, not only the degree of iNOS expression but also its cellular distribution were profoundly different in reversibly injured (preconditioned) v infarcted myocardium. We conclude that iNOS is rapidly upregulated after ischemic PC and that cardiac myocytes are the main source of ischemic PC-induced iNOS expression. This study demonstrates, for the first time, a differential pattern of iNOS expression in sublethal (PC) v lethal ischemia, which may have important implication for the role of iNOS in these two settings.
Search for supersymmetry with a light gravitino

We analyze the prospects for discovering supersymmetry at the Tevatron and LEP in the scenario that the lightest supersymmetric particle is a gravitino of mass
The quenching of a deflagration wave held in front of a bluff body

This paper describes the analysis of two-dimensional premixed flames located in a nonuniform straining flow with particular attention to the case of flame held in front of a circular cylinder in a potential flow. Using activation energy asymptotics and a slow flame approximation, the problem of solving the aerothermomechanical equations is reduced to a generalized Stefan problem. In the neighborhood of the front stagnation point appropriate similarity equations are solved in closed form, and downstream of that point a numerical description is obtained. The behavior at the stagnation point depends in a complicated fashion on the straining rate β and the Lewis Number L, and for some values of these parameters the speed of the stretched flame is greater than the adiabatic flame speed, for others it is less. Quenching occurs if β is large enough, at a nonvanishing flame speed for some values of L, at zero flame speed for others. The full nature of the quenching phenomenon is revealed by a stability analysis. Numerical integration downstream of the stagnation point is carried out for a variety of cases. For a flame attached to a cylinder both the flame speed and the standoff distance increase significantly. For other flows it is possible to quench the flame downstream of the stagnation point.
Precise Measurements of Axial, Magnetron, Cyclotron, and Spin-Cyclotron-Beat Frequencies on an Isolated 1-meV Electron

A sensitive frequency-shift technique is employed to monitor the magnetic quantum state of a single electron stored in a compensated Penning trap. The electron sees a weak parabolic magnetic pseudopotential in addition to the electric well, which causes the axial oscillation frequency to have a slight magnetic quantum state dependence. Transitions at both the spin-cyclotron-beat (anomaly) frequency and the cyclotron frequency have been measured in the same environment to yield a magnetic anomaly ${a}_{e}=(1159652410\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}200)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$.
Endocannabinoids rein in pain outside the brain

Enhancers of endocannabinoid signaling are potential analgesics, but they cause unacceptable psychiatric side effects. A new study reports an inhibitor of endocannabinoid breakdown that has analgesic activity and cannot enter the CNS.
Sole Marks in Siltstone of Nonturbidite Origin: ABSTRACT

Sole marks and other directional structures generally assumed to be of turbidite origin have been found as common features in shallow marine siltstone and shale of Ordovician to Mississippian age in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The sole marks include: flute casts, load casts, groove casts, current crescents, prod marks, bounce marks, brush marks, and channel casts. Other directional features include: micro-ripple marks, micro-cross lamination, oriented fossils, ripple marks, and cross-bedding. Comparison of sole-mark orientations with associated cross-bedding directions, shows a high degree of directional similarity. In those fine-grained sequences, where cross-bedding is rare to absent, the ubiquitous sole marks are the only reliable and available indicators of paleocurrent pattern. This study suggests that paleocurrent investigations of shallow marine sequences need not be restricted to the coarse-grained sediments, since the fine-grained siltstone and silty shale also may have abundant directional features in the form of sole marks. End_of_Article - Last_Page 546------------
A Genomic Day In The Life of a Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Next-generation sequencing technology is available to many clinical laboratories; however, it is not yet widely used in routine microbiology practice. To demonstrate the feasibility of using whole-genome sequencing in a routine clinical microbiology workflow, we sequenced the genome of every organism isolated in our laboratory for 1 day.
The orientation of the magnetic axes of the membrane-bound iron-sulfur clusters of spinach chloroplasts

Abstract Spinach chloroplast membranes were oriented onto mylar sheets by partial dehydration, and the orientation of the magnetic axes of membrane-bound paramagnetic clusters determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the reduced Rieske iron-sulfur cluster signal is of orthorhombic symmetry oriented with the g y = 1.90 axis orthogonal to the membrane plane and with the g z = 2.03 axis in the membrane plane; the g x -axis is undetectable, presumably due to its broadness. If the Rieske center is a two-iron iron-sulfur cluster, we conclude that the iron-iron axis lies in the plane of the membrane. Illumination reduces the two bound chloroplast iron-sulfur proteins known as Clusters A and B. Center A is oriented such that g x = 1.86 and g y = 1.94 lie at an angle of about 40°, and g z = 2.05 is at approximately 25°, to the membrane plane. There are two possible orientations of Cluster B depending on the set of g -values assigned to this cluster. For one set of g -values, g z = 2.04 and g x = 1.89 are oriented in the plane of the membrane while g y = 1.92 is orthogonal to the plane. Alternatively, g z = 2.07 and g z = 1.94 are oriented approximately 50° and 40° to the membrane plane respectively, and g x = 1.80 is in the plane of the membrane. An additional light-induced signal at g = 2.15 oriented orthogonal to the plane is currently unexplained, as are other membrane perpendicular signals seen at g = 2.3 and g = 1.73 in dark-adapted samples.
Quantitative Microradiographic Study of Simultaneous Demineralization/Remineralization of Dental Enamel in Weak Acid Buffers

The remineralization behavior of weak acid-treated bovine tooth enamel has been investigated using a recently developed quantitative microradiographic method. Acetate buffer solutions at pH 4.5 containing calcium, phosphate, and 10 ppm fluoride were used in this study. When the solution ion activity product (KFAP = aCA10aPO46aF2) was 1 × 10−108, the remineralization of the demineralized region was relatively uniform and complete. On the other hand, when the KFAP was ˜ ~ ≤1 × 10−112, remineralization of the outer 10–20 μm was incomplete. In addition, for the smaller KFAP solutions there was significant demineralization in the deeper recesses of the originally demineralized region. These results agree with a recent chemical kinetics study in which it was proposed that KFAP = 1 × 10−112 demarcated the region of solution conditions in which remineralization only occurs from that in which simultaneous demineralization/remineralization takes place. A model consistent with all of the data is proposed.
Inhibition of Calcium Carbonate Nucleation with Aminophosphonates at High Temperature, pH and Ionic Strength

Results of a study on the ability of aminophosphonates to inhibit CaCO3 nucleation are reviewed. Species discussed include ethylene-, butylene-, pentylene-, and hexamethylene-diaminetetramethylenephosphonate. These species form a homologous series differing only in the number of methylene linkages separating amine functional groups in the backbone structures of the molecules. Performance was gauged by the temperature increases required to induce rapid nucleation in solutions of pH and ion composition similar to those used in the isolation of cellulose fiber for papermaking. Aminophosphonates were found to increase nucleation temperatures sharply at concentrations lower than those typically required with other types of antiscalants. The inhibition ability of the aminophosphonate homologous series decreases with increasing number of methylene linkages. Comparison of performances for the analogues ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (EDTMP) and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) indicates that distinctl...
Role of valence electrons in phase transformation kinetics of thallium and its dilute alloys

The kinetics of the phase transformation of thallium and its dilute alloys were investigated using XRD and calorimetry. Pure thallium exhibits a beta(bcc) to alpha(hcp) phase transformation on cooling at 508 K. With alloying additions, the crystal structure for each phase does not change, although the size of the unit cell increases. The enthalpy and the temperature of phase transformation of each alloy have been determined. The chemical free energy change associated with the phase transformation of each alloy was calculated. The valence electrons make an outstanding contribution to the chemical free energy change required for the phase change.
Lack of aneurysm formation after carotid artery ligation in rabbits: a polymer MICROFIL® study.

Introduction Previous studies have noted formation of saccular aneurysms along the distal basilar artery/P1 segments after carotid ligation in rabbits. In this prospective study we employed MICROFIL®, a polymer, which was used to fill the entire arterial tree, to examine the incidence of microaneurysm formation following right common carotid artery (RCCA) ligation in rabbits.
Strengths-Based School Counseling and the ASCA National Model®:

Articles in this special issue illustrate how Strengths- Based School Counseling complements the ASCA National Model® by strengthening the foundation of comprehensive school counseling programs, emphasizing promotion-oriented delivery, reinforcing the accountability and evidence base, engaging in developmental advocacy, and highlighting the counselor's leadership role in systemic change and as a collaborator in school-family-community partnerships. We provide examples of these and offer further suggestions for strengths-based practice and research. These include a downward extension of comprehensive school counseling programs to the preschool programs that are attached to many public schools, research on interventions designed to enhance such evidence-based student strengths such as the multicultural personality, and drawing on knowledge from related disciplines to enrich theory, practice, and research about the newer themes of leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change.
Resonance Raman spectra of mononucleotides obtained with 266 and 213 nm ultraviolet radiation

Resonance Raman spectra of the nucleoside 5′-monophosphates UMP, CMP, AMP, and GMP have been obtained with 266- and 213-nm radiation, the fourth and fifth harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser. The 266-nm radiation is resonant with the states giving rise to the first absorption band of the bases. The resulting spectra are in agreement with those reported previously using similar wavelength excitation but are generally of better quality. The 213-nm radiation is resonant with those states giving rise to the second strong absorption band of the bases. The spectra obtained with this wavelength show several new features relative to the 266-nm spectra, including strong enhancement of modes of the pyrimidines with a character similar to the e2g ν8 mode of benzene, relative enhancement of ring modes at 1580 and 729 cm−1 in AMP, and strong enhancement of the 1670-cm−1 C = O mode of GMP. These enhancements are discussed in terms of previously reported preresonance behavior and predicted intensities based on CNDO bond-order changes and normal-mode calculations. The results of a preliminary study of the effect of the interaction of GMP with cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) on the 213-nm resonance Raman spectrum is also discussed.
A Monte Carlo calculation of dosimetric parameters of 90Sr/90Y and 192Ir SS sources for intravascular brachytherapy

The AAPM TG-60 report has proposed various dose calculation parameters for intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT). These parameters include the dose rate constant (or the dose rate at a reference position for a beta-particle emitting source), the radial dose function, and the anisotropy function. In this work, we have used a modified EGS4 Monte Carlo system to calculate these parameters for the two most commonly used IVBT sources (the beta-particle emitting 90 Sr/ 90 Y source and the photon emitting 192 Ir SS source). To ensure the calculation accuracy, the present calculation was compared with several measurements and calculations reported by other authors. Excellent agreement was found for the results with the photon source. For beta-particle source calculation, the present results for a variety of point sources agree very well with a previous work. The presently calculated radial dose functions for the 90 Sr/ 90 Y source are consistent with those of a published work for intermediate radial distances. The dose uniformity in the axial direction was also studied. The contributions of bremsstrahlung photons to total doses for the 90 Sr/ 90 Y beta source, and the influence of ignoring electron transport on calculated doses for the 192 Ir SS photon source are discussed.
An Immigrant's Run-in with the Law: A Forensic Linguistic Analysis. Kristina Beckman (2007)

In An Immigrant’s Run-in with the Law: A Forensic Linguistic Analysis, author Kristina Beckman argues convincingly that linguistic analysis can be a powerful tool when immigrants with limited English are accused of crimes. Central to the book is the compelling story of LK, a Chinese immigrant convicted of illegal practices in weapons sales. Although forensic linguistics was not admissible evidence in the trial, Beckman gained access to the transcripts of a ‘sting’ operation, used by undercover agents to prosecute LK, and analyzed them in-depth to demonstrate how much more key information a forensic linguistic analysis would have provided. LK is described as a citizen of the U.S. who immigrated in 1982 from China via Hong Kong. Through connections with his brother, LK became the proprietor of Gong’s Market, a struggling small business in Tucson, Arizona. Among the wares sold in his store were a variety of arms and ammunition, some of which showed up later at crime scenes. After tracing the weapons found at the scenes of certain crimes back to Gong’s Market, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco decided to investigate LK’s policies in gun sales to determine whether he intentionally sold guns to criminals without the requisite screening. Posing as gun buyers, members of the Bureau and other confidential informants bought guns from Gong’s Market while surreptitiously tape recording the transactions. The transcriptions of these lengthy recordings are included in an appendix to the volume and form the basis for the analysis conducted by Beckman.
Properties of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase of pig liver

Abstract The isolation and partial purification of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase of pig liver are described. This enzyme does not have isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase, geranyl pyrophosphate synthetase, or geranyl geranyl pyrophosphate synthetase activities. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase catalyzes the formation of farnesyl pyrophosphate through the condensation of geranyl and isopentenyl pyrophosphates. The product of this reaction has been characterized by paper and gas-liquid chromatography. A pH of 7.0 is optimum for the reaction, and Km values for geranyl and isopentenyl pyrophosphates are 4.0 × 10−6 and 2.0 × 10−6M, respectively. An absolute metal requirement has been established for this reaction and Mn++ is approximately 40 times more effective than Mg++ at low ion concentrations. At pH 7.0, 2 × 10−3M iodoacetamide does not inhibit the reaction, but 1 × 10−5M p-hydroxy mercuribenzoate completely inactivates the enzyme.
The role of the Cataloging Department in the implementation of OCLC WorldCat Local

OCLC WorldCat Local (WCL) is a unique service that connects library users to local, regional, and OCLC WorldCat results in a single discovery-and-delivery interface. In spring 2009, Washington State University (WSU) Libraries decided to implement WCL. All WSU Libraries' departments played important roles in the implementation process. It is the focus of this paper to discuss the role of WSU Cataloging Department during the implementation process in terms of training staff to catalog at the network level, changing cataloging policies and procedures, preparing old catalog for WCL, and collaborating with other WSU Libraries' departments.
V-COLLIDE: accelerated collision detection for VRML

Collision detection is essential for many applications involving simulation, behavior and animation. However, it has been regarded as a computationallydemanding task and is often treated as an advanced feature. Most commonly used commercial CAD/CAM packages and high performance graphics libraries, such as SGI Performer, provide limited support for collision detection. As users continue to stretch the capabilities of VRML, collision detection will soon become an indispensable capability for many applications. In this paper, we present a system for accelerated and robust collision detection and describe its interface to VRML browsers. We demonstrate that it is possible to perform accurate collision detection at interactive rates in VRML environments composed of large numbers of complex moving objects. CR
Senior nursing students' knowledge of osteoporosis.

Objective To explore the terminal knowledge of senior nursing students regarding osteoporosis at the end of their baccalaureate program. Design Descriptive, using a convenience sample. Setting University on the West Coast of Florida. Participants Ninety-five senior nursing students. Main outcome measure Identification of osteoporosis-related knowledge using the 22-item Osteoporosis Knowledge Questionnaire. Results Knowledge scores for the sample ranged from 6 to 20 (M = 14.62) out of a possible score of 22. Conclusions Senior nursing students demonstrated limited knowledge related to the magnitude of osteoporosis, risk factors associated with the disease, detection, treatment and preventive measures. These findings should encourage educators to develop or enhance existing curricula to adequately prepare nurses to assume advocacy roles in both the practice settings and public policy arena regarding osteoporosis.
Characterization of some unusual DNAs from the mitochondria from certain "petite" strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Studies on the isolation and characterization of DNA from yeast mitochondria (Mt-DNA)4 have been extended to mitochondria from respiratory deficient cells (ϱ− petites). Under appropriate conditions assuring the absence of gluocse repression such cells have been found to contain mitochondrial DNA in amounts comparable to those of the wild type. Mt-DNA from a neutral petitite exhibits a buoyant density in CsCl and a thermal transition midpoint (Tm) very close to that of its isogenic wild type. Mt-DNA's from two other isogenic ϱ− strains, known to be 10 and 50% suppressive respectively, show a very sharp thermal transition with a Tm of 66.5 ° in 0.15 m NaCl—0.015 m sodium citrate. Upon quick cooling almost complete renaturation is observed, as evidenced by second-cycle heating, again with a sharp transition and a Tm of 66.5 °. The average value of the buoyant density of this DNA in CsCl (at 20 °) is 1.6685 which is 0.003 g/ml lower than that reported for synthetic or crab d(A — T). There is virtually no change in the density of this Mt-DNA upon heating and quenching, with or without prior exposure to proteases, again confirming the great ease of its renaturation. In alkaline CsCl its density increases by 0.076 g/ml, indicating strand separation, but upon reneutralization the density returns to that of native Mt-DNA. Ready renaturation, as measured by thermal profiles, is found even for partially degraded Mt-DNA molecules. All these observations suggest that ease of renaturation is due to compositional homogeneity and therefore does not require these DNA's to exist as covalently continuous circles. The composition and homogeneity of the Mt-DNA from one of these suppressive strains (D310-2A-184) was confirmed by direct analysis of base composition: It was found to contain an equimolar amount of G and C as well as of A and T with the former two bases accounting for no more than four mole percent. The implications of these findings with regard to the mutagenic events reponsible for the formation of these aberrant DNA's and their possible genetic capabilities are discussed.
The AACC Leadership Competencies: Parallel Views from the Top

This study examined how a group of community college presidents and board of trustee chairpersons from New York and Florida viewed the competencies, characteristics, and professional skills identified by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) (2005) as important for effective community college leadership. In addition, the presidents were asked to identify those activities and experiences that they found helpful in developing the AACC leadership competencies. The results from this study suggest that community college presidents and board of trustee chairpersons converge in their views of the AACC leadership competencies. Their views reveal high expectations for community college presidents and highlight experiences related to the development of these competencies. Practice implications for hiring and developing community college leaders are offered.
Fabrication of Silk Microneedles for Controlled-Release Drug Delivery

Microneedles are emerging as a minimally invasive drug delivery alternative to hypodermic needles. Current material systems utilized in microneedles impose constraints hindering the further development of this technology. In particular, it is difficult to preserve sensitive biochemical compounds (such as pharmaceuticals) during processing in a single microneedle system and subsequently achieve their controlled release. A possible solution involves fabricating microneedles systems from the biomaterial silk fibroin. Silk fibroin combines excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, benign processing conditions, and the ability to preserve and maintain the activity of biological compounds entrained in its material matrix. The degradation rate of silk fibroin and the diffusion rate of the entrained molecules can be controlled simply by adjusting post-processing conditions. This combination of properties makes silk an ideal choice to improve on existing issues associated with other microneedle-based drug delivery system. In this study, a fabrication method to produce silk biopolymer microstructures with the high aspect ratios and mechanical properties required to manufacture microneedle systems is reported. Room temperature and aqueous-based micromolding allows for the bulk loading of these microneedles with labile drugs. The drug release rate is decreased 5.6-fold by adjusting the post-processing conditions of the microneedles, mainly by controlling the silk protein secondary structure. The release kinetics are quantified in an in vitro collagen hydrogel model, which allows tracking of the model drug. Antibiotic loaded silk microneedles are manufactured and used to demonstrate a 10-fold reduction of bacterial density after their application. The processing strategies developed in this study can be expanded to other silk-based structural formats for drug delivery and biologicals storage applications.
Relative age of interior layered deposits in southwest Candor Chasma based on high-resolution structural mapping

High-resolution topography generated from stereo HiRISE (High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) imagery reveals the meter-scale structure of interior layered deposits (ILD) in southwest Candor Chasma. This study seeks to determine the age of the local ILD relative to any normal faults that can be attributed to chasma formation. The study area is located near the contact of these ILD and the wall rock and is in an area where chasma-forming normal faults have been proposed. We find that while normal faults are found in the study area, these faults are not sufficiently large nor appropriately located or oriented to accommodate the roughly northeast-southwest extension that is required for normal faults that can be attributed to chasma formation. Additionally, bedding exposed in the local ILD generally dips toward the center of Candor Chasma, consistent with sediment deposition in a preexisting basin. Further, pit craters of Tithonia Catena, presumed to predate or be contemporaneous with the formation of west Candor Chasma, do not cut into the ILD within the study area. These independent lines of evidence support a postchasma age for the ILD exposed within the study area. Chasma-related normal faults may exist within these ILD at depth but are not exposed at the surface. Approximately 2 km of conformable stratigraphy is exposed in the study area, and therefore at least several kilometers of the local ILD were deposited subsequent to any chasma-related normal faulting that may have occurred in this part of Candor Chasma.
Multiscale video compression using adaptive finite-state vector quantization

We investigate the use of vector quantizers (VQs) with memory to encode image sequences. A multiscale video coding technique using adaptive finite-state vector quantization (FSVQ) is presented. In this technique, a small codebook (subcodebook) is generated for each input vector from a much larger codebook (supercodebook) by the selection (through a reordering procedure) of a set of appropriate codevectors that is the best representative of the input vector. Therefore, the subcodebook dynamically adapts to the characteristics of the motion-compensated frame difference signal. Several reordering procedures are introduced, and their performance is evaluated. In adaptive FSVQ, two different methods, predefined thresholding and rate-distortion cost optimization, are used to decide between the supercodebook and subcodebook for encoding a given input vector. A cache-based vector quantizer, a form of adaptive FSVQ, is also presented for very-low-bit-rate video coding. An efficient bit-allocation strategy using quadtree decomposition is used with the cache-based VQ to compress the video signal. The proposed video codec outperforms H.263 in terms of the peak signal-to-noise ratio and perceptual quality at very low bit rates, ranging from 5 to 20 kbps. The picture quality of the proposed video codec is a significant improvement over previous codecs, in terms of annoying distortions (blocking artifacts and mosquito noises), and is comparable to that of recently developed wavelet-based video codecs. This similarity in picture quality can be explained by the fact that the proposed video codec uses multiscale segmentation and subsequent variable-rate coding, which are conceptually similar to wavelet-based coding techniques. The simplicity of the encoder and decoder of the proposed codec makes it more suitable than waveletbased coding for real-time, very-low-bit-rate video applications. © 1998 SPIE and IS&T. [S1017-9909(98)00204-9]
Educating Children with Learning Disabilities in Foxfire Classrooms

Because every classroom in American schools contains heterogeneous groups of students, inclusion is more than an issue of concern just for special educators. This article provides examples of elementary classrooms that have adopted the Foxfire approach to instruction as a means of developing learning communities that serve all children. The teachers who are described turned to learner-centered instruction not as a method to promote the inclusion of children with learning disabilities, but, rather, as a means of providing optimal learning experiences for all their students. The rationale for developing elementary classrooms that are learner-centered communities is explored, and specific examples of instructional approaches are provided.
Evaluation of procedures to reduce fluid flow in the fistulized guinea-pig cochlea.

The rate of longitudinal flow of fluid in scala tympani (ST) has been quantified under a number of experimental conditions. the method used to measure flow involved using a tracer ion (trimethylphenylammonium: TMPA) as a volume flow marker. Movement of marked perilymph was monitored by ion-selective microelectrodes which were capable of detecting exceedingly low concentrations of TMPA. Our results show that when the cochlea is perforated at the apex, flow rates of 400-500 nl/min are induced in ST, compared to the normal very slow rate of 2 nl/min when the cochlea is sealed. This artifactual flow of CSF through the perforated cochlea can be reduced to 6.9 nl/min by releasing the hydrostatic pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or further reduced to 1.8 nl/min by surgically obstructing the cochlear aqueduct. in addition, we observed no basally-directed flow in ST when the round window (RW) was perforated, demonstrating that perilymph is not produced in volume as previously assumed. This study demonstrates ...
Computing cell-based decompositions dynamically for planning motions of tethered robots

Recently researchers have approached the problem of motion planning with topological constraints. In such problems, the inputs to the planner are source and destination points and the output is expected to be a valid path that respects the topological constraints. A concrete example of such problems —and the topic of this paper— is planning for a robot which is connected with a cable of limited length to a fixed point in the operation space. This paper presents a planning method for such problems by examining how the configuration space manifold can be represented efficiently. We introduce a convenient method for generating either parts or the complete atlas for the manifold based on special “cable events”. Generating parts of the configuration space on-the-fly enables improvements over the state of the art: (a) we avoid discretizing the manifold, obtaining competitive time and space complexity for our planner, (b) we are able to exploit topological structure to represent robot-cable configurations concisely, (c) we generalize the representation in order to examine cable-to-cable contacts, which have been widely ignored in the literature until now. Our results show the efficiency of the method and indicate further promise for procedures that represent manifolds via an amalgamation of implicit discrete topological structure and explicit Euclidean cells.