cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo based protocol for cell survival and tumour control probability in BNCT.

A mathematical model to calculate the theoretical cell survival probability (nominally, the cell survival fraction) is developed to evaluate preclinical treatment conditions for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). A treatment condition is characterized by the neutron beam spectra, single or bilateral exposure, and the choice of boron carrier drug (boronophenylalanine (BPA) or boron sulfhydryl hydride (BSH)). The cell survival probability defined from Poisson statistics is expressed with the cell-killing yield, the (n, ) reaction density, and the tolerable neutron fluence. The radiation transport calculation from the neutron source to tumours is carried out using Monte Carlo methods: (i) reactor-based BNCT facility modelling to yield the neutron beam library at an irradiation port; (ii) dosimetry to limit the neutron fluence below a tolerance dose (10.5 Gy-Eq); (iii) calculation of the (n, ) reaction density in tumours. A shallow surface tumour could be effectively treated by single exposure producing an average cell survival probability of - for probable ranges of the cell-killing yield for the two drugs, while a deep tumour will require bilateral exposure to achieve comparable cell kills at depth. With very pure epithermal beams eliminating thermal, low epithermal and fast neutrons, the cell survival can be decreased by factors of 2-10 compared with the unmodified neutron spectrum. A dominant effect of cell-killing yield on tumour cell survival demonstrates the importance of choice of boron carrier drug. However, these calculations do not indicate an unambiguous preference for one drug, due to the large overlap of tumour cell survival in the probable ranges of the cell-killing yield for the two drugs. The cell survival value averaged over a bulky tumour volume is used to predict the overall BNCT therapeutic efficacy, using a simple model of tumour control probability (TCP).
Factors determining the specificity of hemoglobin synthesized in a cell-free system.

In the cell-free system from reticulocytes, hemoglobin is synthesized which is characteristic of the cell species. The major objective of this investigation was to determine how the specificity in hemoglobin synthesis is attained. Cellular components—microsomes, pH 5 fraction and supernatant—were prepared from the reticulocytes of rabbits and sheep. Various combinations of these components from the two species were incubated under appropriate conditions. [ 14 C]valine and [ 14 C]leucine were used to identify the newly formed hemoglobins, which were separated chromatographically. A correlation could then be established between the type of hemoglobin synthesized and that of the cellular components. The experiments present evidence that the microsomal fraction is highly specific and that the pH 5 fraction is not. They also indicate that there may, in addition, exist a factor in the supernatant fraction controlling specificity of hemoglobin synthesis. A speculative mechanism accounting for such dual specific- ity is discussed. Further experiments suggest the presence of yet another factor in the reticulocyte supernatant fraction which seems to be particularly concerned with the release of hemoglobin from reticulocyte microsomes.
A convenient synthesis of substituted γ-pyrones

Abstract An efficient and general synthetic method for various 2-mono- and 2,6-disubstituted γ-pyrones has been developed. This utilizes the C-acylation (70–85%) of β-methoxy-α,β-enone lithium enolates 4 by acid chlorides 3 followed by the acid-catalyzed cyclization (>80%) of the resulting enols 5 to γ-pyrones 6.
Is the sequencing of change processes by stage consistent across health problems? A meta-analysis.

Clinicians and researchers applying the transtheoretical model (J.O. Prochaska, C.C. DiClemente, & J.C. Norcross, 1992) to health promotion often assume that relationships of processes and stages observed in smoking cessation can be generalized to other problems. A reanalysis of 47 cross-sectional studies determined that use of change processes varies by stage, but the sequencing of processes is not consistent across health problems. In smoking cessation, cognitive processes were used in earlier stages than were behavioral processes. In exercise adoption and diet change, use of behavioral and cognitive processes increased together. Results for substance abuse and psychotherapy were less consistent. Substituting new behaviors, making a commitment, considering consequences, seeking information, controlling cues, and using rewards varied most by stage. Future longitudinal studies should assess these processes as potential mediators of lifestyle change.
Current and Future Orientations: The Sociology of Sport:

The purpose of the study was to assess the present and future status of the Sociology of Sport. A sample of 36 individuals who have published or taught extensively in the field were sent questionnaires for information regarding themselves and their educa tional institutions. Results demonstrated that over 66 percent of the respondents spend 50 percent or more of their research time in the field of Sport Sociology. The most popular areas of interest within the discipline were socialization, racism, stratification, youth sports and the social structure of sport. Analysis discovered that 37 new formal courses were initiated between 1975 and 1979, as compared to 25 during 1970-74 and six during 1966-69. Also, the data indicated that sport courses in Sociology were more popular than those in Physical Education. The number of graduate students in the field was found to have increased steadily since 1973, with current enrollments being 19 Masters and 9 Ph.D. candidates. The respondents indicated an optimistic at...
Visual Cueing Effects Investigation for a Hovering Task

In simulators, as in actual aircraft, pilots conduct their missions according to perceived vehicle performance and spatial orientation from out-the-window (OTW) information. Ground-based flight simulations rely upon computer-generated OTW visual scenes. The realism and fidelity of a specific OTW simulation therefore has a significant impact on mission effectiveness. This study investigates effects of three visual parameters of the computer-generated image system (field-of-view, collimation, and resolution) on a disturbance-rejection hovering task. Pilots' performance and workload were studied under the following conditions: collimated optics vs. noncollimated optics, wide field-of-view (FOV) vs. narrow FOV, and higher resolution vs. lower resolution. Subjects were instructed to maintain a station-keeping position during disturbances while piloting an uncoupled four degrees-of-freedom (DOF) helicopter model, which had a satisfactory rate-command system in pitch and roll axes and ideal heading and altitude hold. Display collimation and FOV were found to have significant effects on pilots performance and subjective their subjective perception of visual cueing quality.
Eye injuries in road traffic accidents

Summary Sixty-four cases of road traffic accidents with eye injury were seen between January, 1966 and April, 1971. Fifty-one of these cases were studied in detail. Most of the accidents involved frontal collision with another vehicle and produced eye injuries to the unbelted driver or the front seat passenger. Ninety per cent of the eye injuries in this series were caused by tempered glass windscreen. Perforating injuries that are bilateral or involve the expulsion of the lens at the time of accidents have the worse visual prognosis. The mechanism of eye injuries is discussed. Most of the injuries can be prevented by wearing safety belts and installing high penetration resistant laminated glass windscreens.
Opportunities and ethical challenges for the practice of medicine in the digital era.

Technological advances have been a driving force in the practice of medicine. From the discovery of x-rays’ medical applications to the utilization of dialysis and surgical transplantation of organs, technology has presented new opportunities, and at times, ethical challenges for physicians. In recent years, the increased proliferation of social media tools has had a significant impact on how people engage with one another, and how they want to engage with their healthcare providers. Medical schools have begun to examine some of the issues surrounding use of social media in the context of professionalism in their curricula. Many of the physicians already in practice are left to grapple with how to learn about and wield social media in not only a professional capacity and their personal lives, but often where the two intersect. This paper will explore both opportunities for social media engagement and ethical concerns such usage presents to physicians and in particular to those in the field of musculoskeletal medicine.
The effect of time after treatment, treatment schedule and animal age on the frequency of 6-thioguanine-resistant T-lymphocytes induced in Fischer 344 rats by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea.

The persistence of 6-thioguanine-resistant (TGr) T-lymphocytes was investigated in Fischer 344 rats treated with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) using two schedules. Male rats, aged 3 months, were given i.p. injections containing a total of 0, 50 or 100 mg ENU/kg either as a single treatment (single-dose group) or divided among 10 weekly treatments (split-dose group). At 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 weeks after the single-dose treatment, and 10, 20, 30 and 50 weeks after beginning the split-dose regimen, animals were assayed for the frequency of TGr spleen lymphocytes. ENU produced significant dose- and time-dependent responses in the single- and the split-dose treatment groups. Although a few of the 50 mg/kg split-dose treatments were significantly higher than the comparative single-dose groups, the number of TGr lymphocytes produced by the two dosing regimens were generally similar. The frequency of TGr cells for control animals increased with the age of the animals. The mode of ENU administration did not greatly influence the percent cloning efficiency (%CE) of the non-selection cultures, although the %CE declined in animals over 10 months of age. To investigate the relationship between the frequency of TGr cells and the age of the animals at the time of ENU administration, additional rats aged 17 months were treated with a single dose of ENU and at 1, 5 and 10 weeks following exposure, the frequencies of TGr cells were determined from the isolated lymphocytes. No difference in mutagen sensitivity between rats treated at 3 months of age and those treated at 17 months of age was detected at the time points evaluated. The data demonstrate the persistence of ENU-induced TGr T-lymphocytes in the rat and suggest that the dose and possibly the treatment schedule, but not the age of the animal at the time of treatment, affect the response.
Fiber Optic Network Design Expert System

The Fiber Optic Network Design Expert System (FONDES) is an engineering tool for the specification, design, and evaluation of fiber optic transmission systems. FONDES encompasses a design rule base and a data base of specifications of system components. This package applies to fiber optic design work in two ways, as a design-to-specification tool and a system performance prediction model. The FONDES rule base embodies the logic of design engineering. It can be used to produce a system design given a requirement specification or it can be used to predict system performance given a system design. The periodically updated FONDES data base contains performance specifications, price, and availability data for current fiber optic system components. FONDES is implemented in an artificial intelligence language, TURBO-PROLOG, and runs on an IBM-PC.
Multistep aggregation pathway of human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist: kinetic, structural, and morphological characterization.

The complex, multistep aggregation kinetic and structural behavior of human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was revealed and characterized by spectral probes and techniques. At a certain range of protein concentration (12–27 mg/mL) and temperature (44–48°C), two sequential aggregation kinetic transitions emerge, where the second transition is preceded by a lag phase and is associated with the main portion of the aggregated protein. Each kinetic transition is linked to a different type of aggregate population, referred to as type I and type II. The aggregate populations, isolated at a series of time points and analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, show consecutive protein structural changes, from intramolecular (type I) to intermolecular (type II) β-sheet formation. The early type I protein spectral change resembles that seen for IL-1ra in the crystalline state. Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared data demonstrate that type I protein assembly alone can undergo a structural rearrangement and, consequently, convert to the type II aggregate. The aggregated protein structural changes are accompanied by the aggregate morphological changes, leading to a well-defined population of interacting spheres, as detected by scanning electron microscopy. A nucleation-driven IL-1ra aggregation pathway is proposed, and assumes two major activation energy barriers, where the second barrier is associated with the type I → type II aggregate structural rearrangement that, in turn, serves as a pseudonucleus triggering the second kinetic event.
The ordered assembly of the phiX174-type primosome. III. PriB facilitates complex formation between PriA and DnaT.

The properties of two mutant PriA proteins, PriA C439Y and PriA C445Y have been used to reveal the role of PriB during assembly of the φX174-type primosome. The replication defects of both mutant PriA proteins could be rescued by high concentrations of DnaT. Analysis of the formation of intermediate complexes in primosome assembly and the effect of PriB on PriA binding to DNA demonstrated that the mutant PriA proteins could not form a PriA-PriB complex on DNA carrying a primosome assembly site. Consequently, the mutant proteins also could not form PriA-PriB-DnaT complexes at concentrations of DnaT sufficient to form such a complex with wild-type PriA. In addition, PriB was found to stabilize wild-type but not mutant PriA proteins on DNA. At high concentrations of DnaT, both mutant and wild-type PriA proteins could form a PriA-DnaT complex and support PriB-independent φX174 complementary strand DNA replication. Thus, during primosome assembly, PriB facilitates complex formation between PriA and DnaT.
Preconditioning eigenvalues and some comparison of solvers

Abstract Preconditioning techniques are discussed for symmetric eigenvalue problems. The methods Davidson, Jacobi–Davidson, Rayleigh quotient iteration, and preconditioned Lanczos are considered. Some relationships are given between these different approaches, and some experimental comparisons are done. Jacobi–Davidson appears to be efficient in both expense and storage. A hybrid method may be helpful for the case of a poor initial vector.
Validation of Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation and 3D SSP Model to Predict Risk of Work-Related Low Back Pain

This study is based upon data collected for a large scale, multi-site prospective cohort study of work-related low back pain (WLBP). The aim of this study was to validate the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) and the 3D Static Strength Prediction Model (3D SSPM) to predict the risk of WLBP. Complete baseline and follow up data on job physical exposure and WLBP status were available on 258 workers free of WLBP at baseline. Relationships between job physical factors and incident cases of WLBP were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. There was evidence of association between load moment and the Lifting Index calculated from the RNLE and incidence of WLBP, and no evidence of association with estimated compressive force on L5/S1 disc and percent capable population. It is concluded that the RNLE is predictive of future risk of WLBP.
INCLUDING DISPERSION AND ATTENUATION IN TIME DOMAIN MODELING OF PULSE PROPAGATION IN SPATIALLY-VARYING MEDIA

Modeling of acoustic pulse propagation in nonideal fluids requires the inclusion of attenuation and its causal companion, dispersion. For the case of propagation in a linear, unbounded medium Szabo developed a convolutional propagation operator which, when introduced into the linear wave equation, accounts for attenuation and causal dispersion for any medium whose attenuation possesses a generalized Fourier transform. Utilizing a one dimensional Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) model Norton and Novarini showed that for an unbounded isotropic medium, the inclusion of this unique form of the convolutional propagation operator into the wave equation correctly carries the information of attenuation and dispersion into the time domain. This paper addresses the question whether or not the operator can be used as a basic building block for pulse propagation in a spatially dependent dispersive environment. The operator is therefore used to model 2-D pulse propagation in the presence of an interface separating two dispersive media. This represents the simplest description of a spatially dependent dispersive media. It was found that the transmitted and backscattered fields are in excellent agreement with theoretical expectations demonstrating the effectiveness of the local operator to model the field in spatially dependent dispersive media. [Work supported by ONR/NRL.]
Incremental and Decremental Support Vector Machine Learning

An on-line recursive algorithm for training support vector machines, one vector at a time, is presented. Adiabatic increments retain the Kuhn-Tucker conditions on all previously seen training data, in a number of steps each computed analytically. The incremental procedure is reversible, and decremental "unlearning" offers an efficient method to exactly evaluate leave-one-out generalization performance. Interpretation of decremental unlearning in feature space sheds light on the relationship between generalization and geometry of the data.
A Survey of Epithelial Odontogenic Tumors and Cysts in Dogs and Cats

A retrospective histologic study of 12 canine and eight feline epithelial odontogenic tumors and cysts was conducted from oral masses (n = 3,917) obtained between 1980 and 1990. No sex or breed predilection was identified. Ameloblastoma was observed in two dogs (case Nos. 1, 2) 6 and 8 months of age. Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors were seen in a dog (case No. 3) and in two cats (case Nos. 4, 5) between 8 and 16 years of age. Ameloblastic fibroma (or fibroameloblastoma) was observed in cats (case Nos. 6-10) only. Inductive fibroameloblastoma was observed in four cats (case Nos. 6-9) up to 1 year of age, whereas ameloblastic fibroma was seen in a 14-year-old cat (case No. 10). A single ameloblastic odontoma was identified in a 20-month-old dog (case No. 11). Two complex odontomas occurred in a 6-month-old (case No. 12) and a 4-year-old (case No. 13) dog. Odontogenic cysts were identified in five dogs (case Nos. 14-18) aged 4.5 months to 16 years and in a 1-year-old cat (case No. 19) and have not been previously reported in these species. These cysts were lined by a stratified epithelium reminiscent of the appearance of ameloblastic epithelium. An odontogenic keratocyst with prominent central parakeratotic keratinization was identified in one 9-year-old female dog (case No. 20). Almost all epithelial odontogenic tumors were circumscribed, benign tumors that warranted a good prognosis for survival, although local recurrence may have followed (or may follow) incomplete excision. Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors may be locally invasive. Of six odontogenic cysts (case Nos. 14-19), two (case Nos. 15, 18) gave rise to basi-squamous carcinomas. The classification and behavior of epithelial odontogenic tumors and cysts in human beings, dogs, and cats are discussed.
Role of biofilms in the survival of Legionella pneumophila in a model potable-water system

Legionellae can infect and multiply intracellularly in both human phagocytic cells and protozoa. Growth of legionellae in the absence of protozoa has been documented only on complex laboratory media. The hypothesis upon which this study was based was that biofilm matrices, known to provide a habitat and a gradient of nutrients, might allow the survival and multiplication of legionellae outside a host cell. This study determined whether Legionella pneumophila can colonize and grow in biofilms with and without an association with Hartmannella vermiformis. The laboratory model used a rotating disc reactor at a retention time of 6·7 h to grow biofilms on stainless steel coupons. The biofilm was composed of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and a Flavobacterium sp. The levels of L. pneumophila cells present in the biofilm were monitored for 15 d, with and without the presence of H. vermiformis, and it was found that, although unable to replicate in the absence of H. vermiformis, L. pneumophila was able to persist.
Cyclic GMP does not inhibit protein kinase C-mediated enzyme secretion in rat pancreatic acini.

Abstract In pancreatic acini, cGMP can be increased by secretagogues such as cholecystokinin (CCK), cholinergic agents, and bombesin, whose actions on enzyme secretion are believed to be mediated by protein kinase C. However, the role of cGMP in acinar cell function has been unclear. A recent paper by Rogers et al. (Rogers, J., Hughes, R.G., and Matthews, E. K. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 3713-3719) reported that two analogues of cGMP, N2,O2-dibutyl guanosine 3':5'-monophosphate (Bt2cGMP) and 8-bromoguanosine 3':5'-monophosphate (8Br-cGMP), at concentrations in the nanomolar range, inhibited the stimulation of amylase secretion caused by CCK-8, bethanechol, bombesin, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Rogers et al. also reported that sodium nitroprusside inhibited the stimulation of enzyme secretion caused by CCK-8 or TPA. These authors concluded that cGMP inhibits protein kinase C-mediated secretion in pancreatic acini. In the present study we attempted to confirm the findings of Rogers et al., We found, however, that Bt2cGMP inhibited CCK-8-stimulated amylase release only at concentrations of the nucleotide above 10 microM. Moreover, there was a close correlation between the ability of Bt2cGMP to inhibit CCK-8-stimulated amylase release and its ability to inhibit binding of 125I-CCK-8. Bt2cGMP, at concentrations as high as 3 mM, did not alter the stimulation of amylase release caused by carbachol, bombesin, TPA, or A23187. 8Br-cGMP, at concentrations up to 1 mM, did not inhibit the stimulation of amylase release caused by CCK-8 or TPA. At concentrations above 0.1 mM, 8Br-cGMP augmented the stimulation of amylase release caused by CCK-8, carbachol, bombesin, or TPA. Sodium nitroprusside, at a concentration that causes a 60-fold increase in cGMP, did not inhibit the stimulation of amylase release caused by CCK-8, carbachol, bombesin, or TPA. Our results do not confirm the findings of Rogers et al. and indicate that cGMP does not inhibit protein kinase C-mediated secretion in pancreatic acini.
Multiple regression on distance matrices: a multivariate spatial analysis tool

I explore the use of multiple regression on distance matrices (MRM), an extension of partial Mantel analysis, in spatial analysis of ecological data. MRM involves a multiple regression of a response matrix on any number of explanatory matrices, where each matrix contains distances or similarities (in terms of ecological, spatial, or other attributes) between all pair-wise combinations of n objects (sample units); tests of statistical significance are performed by permutation. The method is flexible in terms of the types of data that may be analyzed (counts, presence–absence, continuous, categorical) and the shapes of response curves. MRM offers several advantages over traditional partial Mantel analysis: (1) separating environmental distances into distinct distance matrices allows inferences to be made at the level of individual variables; (2) nonparametric or nonlinear multiple regression methods may be employed; and (3) spatial autocorrelation may be quantified and tested at different spatial scales using a series of lag matrices, each representing a geographic distance class. The MRM lag matrices model may be parameterized to yield very similar inferences regarding spatial autocorrelation as the Mantel correlogram. Unlike the correlogram, however, the lag matrices model may also include environmental distance matrices, so that spatial patterns in species abundance distances (community similarity) may be quantified while controlling for the environmental similarity between sites. Examples of spatial analyses with MRM are presented.
ReOs and UPb geochronological constraints on the eclogite–tonalite connection in the Archean Man Shield, West Africa

Abstract Mantle-derived eclogite xenoliths and tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorites (TTG) that occur in the Man Shield, West Africa, sample different levels of Archean lithosphere. Chemical and oxygen isotope systematics indicate that low MgO eclogites from the Koidu kimberlite are ancient remnants of subducted oceanic crust that may have been involved in regional Archean crust formation. ReOs whole rock isotopic data for these eclogites scatter about a line with slope corresponding to an Archean age of 3.44±0.76 Ga (2σ), with ReOs model ages ranging from 1.4 to 3.9 Ga. This wide range of model ages overlaps with the age range for crust formation and metamorphism in the Man Shield. In situ UPb ages of zircons from crustal rocks have been measured by laser ablation ICP-MS. A tonalitic gneiss has discordant zircons with rare old cores (∼3.6 Ga) and an upper concordia intercept at 2890±9 Ma (2σ). Zircons from a mafic lower crustal granulite xenolith are concordant at 2686±32 Ma. Our results, together with previously published ages for Man Shield rocks, indicate an early Archean crust formation event followed by major crustal growth at 2.9–3.0 Ga and a last major metamorphic event at 2.7 Ga. These data show that the eclogites and the continental crust of the West African Craton overlap in time of formation (but only at the very broad age uncertainty provided by the eclogite ReOs results). They are permissive of Archean crustal growth by melting of the protoliths of the materials now sampled as the Koidu eclogite xenoliths. If so, this suggests that Archean crustal growth in the Man Shield occurred in a convergent margin setting.
The Segal-Bargmann transform for unitary groups in the large-N limit

This paper describes results of the author with B. K. Driver and T. Kemp concerning the large-N limit of the Segal--Bargmann transform for the unitary group U(N). We consider the transform on matrix-valued functions that are polynomials in a single variable in U(N). We show that in the large-N limit, the transform maps functions of this type to single-variable polynomial functions on the complex group GL(N;C). This result was conjectured by Ph. Biane and was also proved independently by G. Cebron. The first main ingredient in our proof of this result is an "asymptotic product rule" for the Laplacian on U(N), which allows us to compute explicitly the leading-order large-N behavior of the heat operator on U(N). The second main ingredient in the proof is the phenomenon of "concentration of traces," in which the relevant heat kernel measures are concentrating onto sets where the trace of any power of the variable is constant.
Using AI in knowledge management: knowledge bases and ontologies

This article looks at the use of artificial intelligence in knowledge management systems, focusing on such AI-related technologies as knowledge bases and ontologies. Because these technologies both depend on particular settings, the author discusses knowledge management as practiced at three major professional services firms.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Neonatal Nosocomial Infections: Association of Infection With a Blood Pressure Cuff

Nosocomial infections acquired in a special care nursery were surveyed longitudinally. The rates of acquired infection were determined, allowing the evaluation of specific infection control measures. A blood pressure cuff, utilized for all infants in the nursery, was associated with an increased rate of infection.
Delayed development and lifespan extension as features of metabolic lifestyle alteration in C. elegans under dietary restriction

Studies of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans have almost exclusively utilized growth on a bacterial diet. Such culturing presents a challenge to automation of experimentation and introduces bacterial metabolism as a secondary concern in drug and environmental toxicology studies. Axenic cultivation of C. elegans can avoid these problems, yet past work suggests that axenic growth is unhealthy for C. elegans. Here we employ a chemically defined liquid medium to culture C. elegans and find development slows, fecundity declines, lifespan increases, lipid and protein stores decrease, and gene expression changes relative to that on a bacterial diet. These changes do not appear to be random pathologies associated with malnutrition, as there are no developmental delays associated with starvation, such as L1 or dauer diapause. Additionally, development and reproductive period are fixed percentages of lifespan regardless of diet, suggesting that these alterations are adaptive. We propose that C. elegans can exist as a healthy animal with at least two distinct adult life histories. One life history maximizes the intrinsic rate of population increase, the other maximizes the efficiency of exploitation of the carrying capacity of the environment. Microarray analysis reveals increased transcript levels of daf-16 and downstream targets and past experiments demonstrate that DAF-16 (FOXO) acting on downstream targets can influence all of the phenotypes we see altered in maintenance medium. Thus, life history alteration in response to diet may be modulated by DAF-16. Our observations introduce a powerful system for automation of experimentation on healthy C. elegans and for systematic analysis of the profound impact of diet on animal physiology.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in necrotizing soft tissue infections.

Abstract Background Surgical debridement and antibiotics are the mainstays of therapy for patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs), but hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is often used as an adjunctive measure. Despite this, the efficacy of HBO remains unclear. We hypothesized that HBO would have no effect on mortality or amputation rates. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of our institutional experience from 2005 to 2009. Inclusion criteria were age > 18 y and discharge diagnosis of NSTI. We abstracted baseline demographics, physiology, laboratory values, and operative course from the medical record. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality; the secondary endpoint was extremity amputation rate. We compared baseline variables using Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Significance was set at P Results We identified 80 cases over the study period. The cohort was 54% male (n = 43) and 53% white (n = 43), and had a mean age of 55 ± 16 y. There were no significant differences in demographics, physiology, or comorbidities between groups. In-hospital mortality was not different between groups (16% in the HBO group versus 19% in the non-HBO group; P = 0.77). In patients with extremity NSTI, the amputation rate did not differ significantly between patients who did not receive HBO and those who did (17% versus 25%; P = 0.46). Conclusions Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not appear to decrease in-hospital mortality or amputation rate after in patients with NSTI. There may be a role for HBO in treatment of NSTI; nevertheless, consideration of HBO should never delay operative therapy. Further evidence of efficacy is necessary before HBO can be considered the standard of care in NSTI.
Computing consistent normals and colors from photometric data

We present a method for computing normals and colors from multiple sets of photometric data that are consistent with each other and an underlying lower resolution mesh. Normals are computed by locally adjusting the light source intensities using data from the underlying mesh. Colors are derived from the photometric calculations, and are adjusted by a global color registration, analogous to global geometric registration.
On The Chemical Composition and Origin of Engine Deposits

Knowledge of the chemical composition of engine deposits is essential to establishing the mechanisms of deposit formation and to understanding the influence of in-cylinder deposits on such problems as ORI and increased hydrocarbon emissions. Of particular concern is the identification of those deposit components which may be promoting deposit accumulation by functioning as binders.
Role of Nitric Oxide and Membrane Phospholipid Polyunsaturation in Oxidative Cell Death

There is great interest in the mechanisms of cell death since better understanding might lead to therapy that slows the rate of aging and prevents or treats human disease. Two major processes of cell death have been described, apoptosis and necrosis; other alternative pathways generally are variations of these (Formigli et al., 2000; Sperandio et al., 2000; Reed, 1999). Some of the intracellular events related to these types of death have been discovered (Reed, 2000). After exposure to noxious stimuli, the balance between antiapoptotic and proapoptotic influences can result in either survival or death. Many of these variable influences and the subsequent downstream concatenated events involve oxidation, which targets cellular components such as DNA, cellular proteins and membrane phospholipids. Our laboratory and others have studied the role of the redox-active cellular constituents nitric oxide 1 and membrane phospholipid
Making sense of risk tolerance criteria

Abstract Risk analysts spend a great deal of effort quantifying risk, both in terms of consequence and likelihood. But until risk is compared against risk tolerance criteria (RTC), it impossible to know whether that risk is too high or not, and if it is too high, by how much it must be reduced to become tolerable. RTC drive the allocation of finite resources for risk reduction. Rational RTC lead to rational allocation of resources while irrational RTC lead to misallocation of resources and ultimately, poorer safety. Most practitioners acknowledge the need for RTC but do not discuss how they are developed. While a few countries dictate RTC, most governments, including that of the United States, leave it to organizations to establish and justify their own RTC. Traditional PHA risk matrices are flawed in that they frequently employ consequence severity categories for a variety of impact vectors (safety, community, environment, etc.) that are neither internally consistent nor consistent in relationship to each other. They are also flawed in that they use likelihood categories that are not logarithmic, and have risk categories that consider risk in terms of the urgency to do something—anything—rather than have risk categories that consider risk in terms of risk reduction. This work reviews a methodology based on impact equivalency to evaluate whether RTC are structurally sound, and goes to on to explore a variety of risk benchmarks and shows how to infer RTC from them. Finally, the work proposes a methodology for addressing the historically poor equivalency between safety and environmental RTC.
CP asymmetry measurements in J/ψK0 and the CKM paradigm

Abstract Recent experimental observations of CP asymmetry in B→J/ψ +K 0 constitute the first significant signal of CP-violation outside the neutral kaon system; thus they represent an important milestone to test the CKM paradigm. We, therefore, undertake a critical appraisal of the existing experimental and theoretical inputs used to deduce constraints on sin2β and other important parameters and thus find, in particular, sin2β>0.47 at 95% CL which is completely compatible with the combined experimental result: sin2β=0.48±0.16, representing an important success of the CKM model of CP-violation. Searches for new physics in B decays to J/ψ +K 0 like final states will require improved precision; we make some suggestions to facilitate these. We also present a global fit including the new CP asymmetry measurements in B→J/ψ +K 0 as an additional input yielding, e.g., γ=(29°→67°), η =(0.20→0.37) , ρ =(0.08→0.36) , JCP=(1.8→3.1)×10−5, Br (K + →π + ν ν )=(0.52→0.92)×10 −10 , Br (K L →π 0 ν ν )=(0.11→0.31)×10 −10 and ΔmBs=(15.2–28.3) ps−1, all at 95% CL.
Role of the Spleen in Interferon Production in Mice.

SummaryThe effect of splenectomy on interferon formation in mice following intravenous injection of Newcastle disease virus is described. Serum from splenectomized mice had markedly lower protective activity than serum from control animals. Organ cultures of spleens and livers removed from these animals after injection of NDV showed interferon production in the spleen but not in the liver.
A simplified procedure for the determination of aflatoxin B1 in cottonseed meals

A simplified procedure for the detection of aflatoxin B1 in cottonseed meals has been developed. The procedure substantially reduces the time and cost of aflatoxin analysis. A single chromatographic column of celite is used to concentrate and purify the aflatoxin fractions. A new solvent system of ether-methanol-water (96:3:1) improves separation of aflatoxin fractions on TLC plates. This improvement permits measurement of B1 spots in one sweep of the plate with a densitometer using a 10–15 mm slit. The number of samples which can be screened for aflatoxin contamination on one TLC plate is doubled by re-use of the plate. The use of technical reagents and stainless steel beakers also helps reduce the time and cost of analysis. The procedure is sensitive to about 5 µg of B1 per kg of meal.
Targets of polyamine dysregulation in major depression and suicide: Activity-dependent feedback, excitability, and neurotransmission

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide characterized by altered neuronal activity in brain regions involved in the control of stress and emotion. Although multiple lines of evidence suggest that altered stress-coping mechanisms underlie the etiology of MDD, the homeostatic control of neuronal excitability in MDD at the molecular level is not well established. In this review, we examine past and current evidence implicating dysregulation of the polyamine system as a central factor in the homeostatic response to stress and the etiology of MDD. We discuss the cellular effects of abnormal metabolism of polyamines in the context of their role in sensing and modulation of neuronal, electrical, and synaptic activity. Finally, we discuss evidence supporting an allostatic model of depression based on a chronic elevation in polyamine levels resulting in self-sustained stress response mechanisms maintained by maladaptive homeostatic mechanisms.
The Relationship of Sibling Reflux to Index Patient Dysfunctional Voiding

AbstractThe rate of sibling reflux in index patients with and without dysfunctional voiding symptoms was compared. Of the siblings of index patients with reflux and dysfunctional voiding 20 per cent demonstrated reflux compared to 38 per cent of siblings of those without symptoms of bladder dysfunction. The difference is significant and suggests an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. These factors are discussed. There remains a need to screen siblings of patients with reflux regardless of symptoms of either the index patient or the sibling.
Serum polychlorinated biphenyls and their hydroxylated metabolites are associated with demographic and behavioral factors in children and mothers

Factors contributing to the inter-individual variation in body burden of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) have not been fully elucidated. We examined associations between total serum concentrations of 209 PCBs, 64 OH-PCBs, and frequently detected individual congeners with demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity and community of residence), body mass index (BMI or BMI percentile), and breastfeeding history in children and their mothers from 83 U.S. households. There was a significant positive association between age and concentrations of total PCBs and OH-PCBs in mothers. Non-Hispanics had significantly higher concentrations of total PCBs in mothers and OH-PCBs in children than Hispanics. Concentrations of total PCBs were significantly lower in mothers who had longer breastfeeding duration. Living in the Columbus Junction, Iowa community as compared to East Chicago, Indiana was associated with higher total PCBs in children, probably attributable to higher exposures at school. Lower concentrations of OH-PCBs were significantly associated with a higher BMI percentile in children. Congener-specific associations were observed for 30 PCB and 12 OH-PCB congeners and followed comparable trends. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine factors contributing to variations in serum concentrations of total 209 PCBs and total OH-PCBs in children, as well as to examine ethnic differences in OH-PCB levels. Results from this study revealed that demographic characteristics, body mass index and breastfeeding history are factors that should be considered for human exposure and risk assessment of PCBs and OH-PCBs.
“I Readed the Book Last Week.” The Role of Dominant Language, Receptive Vocabulary and Language Structure on Morphosyntactic Awareness in Monolingual and Heritage Language Children *

In this research, 5- and 6-year-old monolingual (English) and heritage language (English–Spanish, English–Urdu) children completed a grammaticality judgment test to assess their awareness of grammatically correct and incorrect morphosyntactic structures in English. Results demonstrated that language group differences were minimized when heritage language children exhibited average receptive vocabulary proficiency for the sample, and when more difficult morphosyntactic structures were assessed. In this middle range, only two group differences were found. Our findings highlight the need to consider factors such as receptive vocabulary when assessing morphosyntactic awareness and language group differences.
Climate co-benefits of green building standards: water, waste and transportation

ABSTRACTThis paper quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions co-benefits associated with water, waste and transportation usage in certified green commercial office buildings in California. The study compares the measured values of water, waste and transportation usage self-reported by office buildings certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance (LEED EBOM) to baseline values of conventional California office buildings. The green buildings in the LEED EBOM dataset produced 50% less GHGs due to water consumption than baseline buildings, 48% less due to solid waste management, and 5% less due to transportation. If applied to the entire California office building stock, performance typical of the certified green buildings would save 730,038 MgCO2e/yr (metric tonnes) from transportation, 87,601 MgCO2e/yr from water, and 45,280 MgCO2e/yr from waste, for a total potential savings of about 862,920 MgCO2e/yr relative to conven...
Beyond One Hip Fracture at a Time

Abstract The argument in this article is that the basic conceptual model used in construction of services to older people served well in years past but is now inadequate, descriptively or analytically. An alternative approach to the construction of community-based services is proposed and then examples from the practice of the author and from other communities are described.
Artificial quantum thermal bath: Engineering temperature for a many-body quantum system

Temperature determines the relative probability of observing a physical system in an energy state when that system is energetically in equilibrium with its environment. In this paper we present a theory for engineering the temperature of a quantum system different from its ambient temperature. We define criteria for an engineered quantum bath that, when coupled to a quantum system with Hamiltonian $H$, drives the system to the equilibrium state $\frac{{e}^{\ensuremath{-}H/T}}{\mathrm{Tr}({e}^{\ensuremath{-}H/T})}$ with a tunable parameter $T$. This is basically an analog counterpart of the digital quantum metropolis algorithm. For a system of superconducting qubits, we propose a circuit-QED approximate realization of such an engineered thermal bath consisting of driven lossy resonators. Our proposal opens the path to simulate thermodynamical properties of many-body quantum systems of size not accessible to classical simulations. Also we discuss how an artificial thermal bath can serve as a temperature knob for a hybrid quantum-thermal annealer.
Subthalamic oscillations and phase amplitude coupling are greater in the more affected hemisphere in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Objective Determine the incidence of resting state oscillations in alpha/beta, high frequency (HFO) bands, and their phase amplitude coupling (PAC) in a large cohort in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Intra-operative local field potentials (LFPs) from subthalamic nucleus (STN) were recorded from 100 PD subjects, data from 74 subjects were included in the analysis. Results Alpha/beta oscillations were evident in >99%, HFO in 87% and PAC in 98% of cases. Alpha/beta oscillations ( P P =0.03). Alpha/beta oscillations were primarily found in 13–20Hz (low beta). Beta and HFO frequencies with the greatest coupling, were positively correlated ( P =0.001). Tremor attenuated alpha ( P =0.002) and beta band oscillations ( P Conclusions STN alpha/beta band oscillations and PAC were evident in ⩾98% cases and were greater in MA hemisphere. Resting tremor attenuated underlying alpha/beta band oscillations. Significance Beta band LFP power may be used to drive adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), augmented by a kinematic classifier in tremor dominant PD.
Reversible sensing of heavy metal ions using lysine modified oligopeptides on porous silicon and gold

Abstract Phytochelatins (PCs), oligomers of glutathione, naturally chelate heavy metals (HMs) in aqueous solution; small peptides such as these cannot be used as covalently bound bioprobes on transducer surfaces due to their propensity to induce corrosion of standard sensor supports such as gold and porous silicon (PSi). In this work, we chemically modify a commercial PC oligopeptide with a six poly-lysine (Lys) chain, thereby changing its isoelectric point from 4.2 to 6.9. PC-Lys bioprobes were successfully immobilized on both PSi multilayers and flat gold surfaces. The interaction of PC-Lys and HM ions, namely Lead (II), Cadmium (II) and Arsenic (III) in aqueous solution was quantified by optical spectroscopic reflectometry and quartz crystal microgravimetry. As a result, it was proven that the biomolecular interactions are reversible and the affinities between PC-Lys complex and HM ions are in the range of 10 −12 M.
Intimate attachments and migrant deportability: lessons from undocumented mothers seeking benefits for citizen children

Nicholas De Genova (2002) suggests that undocumented status is primarily experienced through consciousness of being deportable. Interviews with undocumented Mexican migrant women living in Arizona ...