cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contrast-to-noise ratio improvement in volume-of-interest cone beam breast CT

In this study, we demonstrated the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) improvement in breast cone beam CT (CBCT) using the volume-of-interest (VOI) scanning technique. In VOI breast CBCT, the breast is first scanned at a low exposure level. A pre-selected VOI is then scanned at a higher exposure level with collimated x-rays. The two image sets are combined together to reconstruct high quality 3-D images of the VOI. A flat panel detector based system was built to demonstrate and investigate the CNR improvement in VOI breast CBCT. The CNRs of the 8 plastic cones (Teflon, Delrin, polycarbonate, Lucite, solid water, high density polystyrene, nylon and polystyrene) in a breast phantom were measured in images obtained with the VOI CBCT technique and compared to those measured in standard full field CBCT images. CNRs in VOI CBCT images were found to be higher than those in regular CBCT images in all plastic cones. The mean glandular doses (MGDs) from the combination of a high exposure VOI scan and a low exposure full-field scan was estimated to be similar to that from regular full-field scan at standard exposure level. The VOI CBCT technique allows a VOI to be imaged with enhanced image quality with an MGD similar to that from regular CBCT technique.
Investigation of the hydrogen and impurity contents of amorphous silicon by secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to characterize glow-discharge-deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) as a function of depth. These depth profiles were used to determine hydrogen concentration as well as levels of impurities (carbon, oxygen and nitrogen) unintentionally grown into the films. Concentration profiles of dopants are also shown. Whenever possible, SIMS data are correlated with electrical measurements.
Optimization of diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy accessories

The value of diffuse reflectance as an infrared or near-infrared spectroscopic sampling procedure has been limited by the low efficiency of accessories designed for it. In terms of signal-to-noise ratio, these average 2-6% for integrating spheres and 10-12% for various ellipsoidal mirror arrangements. Much better performances, up to 37% efficiency, can be obtained by optimizing a concentric confocal ellipsoidal mirror arrangement by using a very large central opening in the amular collector mirror, and adapting the throughput of the detector to the geometry of the collected beam.
Comparison of T1ρ, dGEMRIC, and Quantitative T2 MRI in Preoperative ACL Rupture Patients

Rationale and Objectives T1ρ, inversion recovery sequence with a gadolinium contrast agent (dGEMRIC), and T2 mapping have shown sensitivity toward different osteoarthritic-associated compositional changes after joint injury, but have not been studied concomitantly in vivo. We hypothesized that these magnetic resonance imaging sequences can be used to measure early glycosaminoglycan (GAG) losses and collagen disruption in cartilage of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture patients. Materials and Methods Thirteen acute ACL rupture patients were each imaged during a 4-hour presurgery workup to acquire a fast-spin-echo-based T1ρ sequence, a multi-echo spin-echo T2 sequence, and T1-weighted dGEMRIC an average of 55.7 days after injury. After acquisition, the three sequences' relaxation times were analytically compared. Results Site-specific differences were evinced, but nonsignificant differences in mean relaxation time between layers of the same region and sequence were observed (analysis of variance, P Conclusion No appreciable focal GAG loss was detected by dGEMRIC, and T2 was generally elevated in the early acute phase of blunt trauma injury. In contrast, both general and focal elevations in T1ρ relaxation times were identified, indicating an acute increase in unbound water in the matrix after blunt trauma, and show that patient-specific cartilage changes occur within otherwise healthy, young patients. Further investigation into each sequence's long-term significance is warranted to help clinicians decide which sequence(s) will be the most useful for osteoarthritis prognosis given the challenge of concomitantly acquiring all three in a busy clinical setting.
Sugars as signaling molecules

Recent studies indicate that, in a manner similar to classical plant hormones, sugars can act as signaling molecules that control gene expression and developmental processes in plants. Crucial evidence includes uncoupling glucose signaling from its metabolism, identification of glucose sensors, and isolation and characterization of mutants and other regulatory components in plant sugar signal transduction pathways. The emerging scenario points to the existence of a complex signaling network that interconnects transduction pathways from sugars and other hormone and nutrient signals.
Endometrial and ovarian cancer in lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant familial cancer risk syndrome that occurs due to a germline mutation in one of several mismatch repair genes and is associated with an increased risk of colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. The risk of endometrial cancer equals or exceeds that of colorectal cancer in women with LS. The diagnosis of gynecologic cancer precedes that of colorectal cancer in over half of women with metachronous gynecologic and colon cancers, making gynecologic cancer a “sentinel cancer” for LS. There are no studies addressing the effectiveness or safety of chemoprevention for women with LS. Surveillance with gynecologic examination including assessment of symptoms, transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography, endometrial biopsy, and CA125 tumor marker assessment can be offered, but has not been shown to improve outcomes for these patients. Prophylactic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy performed after the completion of childbearing may be offered for gynecologic cancer prevention.
Hydroxyl stretching in substituted phenols: An AM1 study

Hydroxyl-stretching frequencies (vOH) were estimated for a number of 4-substituted and 2,6-disubstituted phenols using the AM1 all-valence electron molecular orbital approximation. There was significant correlation between calculated and experimentally observed frequencies with better correlation observed with the gas phase as compared with dilute solution-phase values. Significant Hammett sigma–rho relationships were recorded for the 4-substituted phenols, consistent with experimental observations. The vOH stretching frequency associated with the equilibrium structure of 2,6-di-t-butylphenol was calculated to be 15 cm−1 higher than that of phenol and this increase was attributed to steric interactions that act to effectively shorten the OH bond length. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mammary Specific Transgenic Over-expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) Increases Pig Milk IGF-I and IGF Binding Proteins, with no Effect on Milk Composition or Yield

IGF-I regulates lactation by stimulating mammary mitogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and partially mediating the effects of growth hormone on lactogenesis. Herein, lactation performance during first and second parity was assessed in transgenic swine (TG) that over-expressed human IGF-I in milk under the control of the bovine α-lactalbumin promoter, regulatory regions and signal peptide coding sequence. Milk samples were collected throughout lactation (farrowing to d24) from TG sows and non-transgenic littermates (CON) and IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP determined. Colostral (<24 h postpartum) IGF-I content was 26-fold greater (p < 0.001) in TG sows (949 ± 107 μg/L; range 228–1600 μg/L) than CON (36 ± 17.8 μg/L) and was 50- to 90-fold greater (p < 0.001) in mature milk (d2-24 postpartum). There was no effect of parity on milk IGF-I content. Milk IGF-II concentration was unaffected by IGF-I over-expression. Low molecular weight IGFBP (IGFBP-2 and -5) in the milk of TG sows were higher (p = 0.02) than CON in the early postpartum period, but did not differ in mature milk. Milk yield, determined by weigh-suckle-weigh, was similar in TG and CON as was litter weight gain. Milk nutrient composition was not significantly affected by IGF over-expression. Thus, mammary specific transgenic over-expression of IGF-I significantly increased milk IGF-I and IGFBP content, but did not impact lactation performance in swine.
Interglacial climates and Antarctic ice surges

Wilson's theory of ice ages implies that the present interglacial will end with, or at least be interrupted by, an Antarctic ice sheet “surge”. Such surges in the past would have caused distinctive rises of sea level: by 10–30 m, in 100 yr or much less, and precisely at the break of climate at the end of each interglacial. Lithostratigraphic, pollen-analytic and radiometric evidence hinting at such a rise (to 17 m?) late in the last interglacial (at about 95,000 BP?) is found in the Spencer's Point formation in Bermuda, the Ladson and Canepatch formations in S. Carolina, the Norfolk formation in Virginia, and above the Walker interglacial swamp in Washington, DC. The strongest evidence that could be found against this rise would be pollen diagrams up toward 17 m which showed continuously freshwater conditions late in the interglacial. Features that might be explained by a surge occur in the Camp Century ice core, in Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico marine cores, and in the Orgnac stalagmite.
Feeding under predation hazard: response of the guppy and Hart's rivulus from sites with contrasting predation hazard

Populations of guppies, Poecilia reticulata and Hart's rivulus, Rivulus harti, in Trinidad experience different levels of predation hazard from piscivorous fish. Those from the larger rivers (“downstream sites’) experience chronically high predation hazard, while those from headwater streams (“upstream sites”) have few predators. Guppies and Hart's rivulus, collected from downstream and upstream sites, were assayed for their feeding rate in the presence and absence of predators. We defined tenacity as the ratio of the feeding rates in the presence and absence of a predator stimulus. Thus, tenacity expresses the degree to which the forager maintains its feeding rate when a predator stimulus is present. Previous work by Seghers (1973) showed that non-feeding guppies from downstream sites responded more strongly to predators than did guppies from upstream sites. Based on this, we initially hypothesized that fish from downstream sites would show lower tenacities than fish from upstream sites. However, we found the opposite in every case. When confronted with a predator stimulus, guppies and Hart's rivulus from downstream sites fed at consistently greater rates and displayed greater tenacities than did those from upstream sites. These differences were found in experiments using both live and model predators. The results suggest that upstream fish readily trade off feeding for hiding and avoiding predation hazard, a likely response when predators appear infrequently, while downstream fish appear to be selected for boldness and tenacity while foraging under chronically high hazard.
Photoassimilation of organic compounds by autotrophic blue-green algae

SUMMARY Four obligately photoautotrophic blue-green algae were shown to assimilate acetate. This reaction was light dependent and was greatly decreased in the absence of carbon dioxide. Acetate was incorporated mainly into the ethanol extractable (lipid) fraction of the organisms and into the protein fraction. Only four amino acids (glutamate, proline, arginine, leucine) were significantly radioactive as a result of the incorporation of (I-) or (2-)14Cacetate. Partial degradations of amino acids derived from specifically labelled acetate and enzyme assays on crude cell-free extracts of Anacystis nidulans support the operation of established pathways for the biosynthesis of these amino acids. Growth of blue-green algae was not significantly affected by the presence of moderate concentrations of the sodium salts of the lower fatty acids, with the exception of propionate, low concentrations of which inhibited growth. The blue-green algae are a ubiquitous group of procaryotic micro-organisms which grow photosynthetically and, unlike the photosynthetic bacteria, produce oxygen. Apart from studies on their photosynthetic activities and, with certain species, also on their nitrogen-fixing activities, surprisingly few biochemical investigations have been made on this important group of organisms. Although blue-green algae commonly occur in soil and waters containing organic matter, very few studies have been made on their ability to metabolize organic compounds. It is believed that most of the blue-green algae are obligate photoautotrophs. This seems well established for three pure cultures of blue-green algae studied by Kratz & Myers (1955a, b): namely Anacystis nidulans, Anabaena variabilis and Nostoc muscorum G. These organisms should therefore be useful for a study of the phenomenon of obligate photoautotrophy. It has been found that some obligately autotrophic photosynthetic bacteria can assimilate certain organic compounds (Sadler & Stanier, 1960; Hoare & Gibson, 1964). Accordingly a study has been made of the ability of some blue-green algae to assimilate some simple organic compounds. A preliminary account of part of these investigations has been published (Hoare & Moore, 1965; Hoare, Hoare & Moore, 1966~~ b). METHODS
Arterial elastin synthesis in the growing chick.

In the growing chick a marked stimulation in soluble and mature arterial elastin synthesis occurs 2 and 5 weeks after hatching. Measurement of [3H]valine and [3H] proline incorporation into arterial soluble protein during this period indicated that most of the label is found in a 70,000 dalton protein subunit. The labeled soluble subunit had the characteristics of native soluble elastin or tropoelastin. During the period in which the greatest percentage increase in mature elastin occurs, the highest specific activities of soluble [3H]valine-labeled protein were observed. These changes were striking and suggest a developmental period for the growing chick in which factors related to elastin metabolism may be more easily studied. For example, one of our interests has been the effects of diet on vascular wall metabolism. The aortas from birds fed 1% cholesterol in their diets appear to synthesize soluble elastin (the 70,000 dalton subunlt) at rates 2–3 times that of controls. This newly synthesized soluble elastin also appears to be incorporated very quickly and quantitatively into insoluble elastin. Furthermore, pulse labeling with as much as a three hour chase does not appear to alter significantly the nature of the soluble elastin subunlt, i.e., significant proteolysis does not occur with respect to the remaining non-incorporated soluble elastin. Also, in some of the experiments Proteinase inhibitors were used (EDTA, e-aminocaproic acid, N-ethylmaleimide, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride). No indication of a “pro”-tropoelastin was observed, which suggests that in the growing chick this form of elastin must be very short lived. Quantitation of soluble elastin in the extracts was also performed using a radioimmunoassay.
Zero field spin relaxation studies as a probe of positive muon diffusion mechanisms

Abstract A theory of spin relaxation in zero external field is developed for a nonstationary distribution of diffusing particles. Application to μSR experiments in Nb and Bi is made to distinguish between models of muon diffusion in the presence of traps.
Space-Related Research for Retention and Professional Development of Undergraduate Engineering Students

The Space Engineering Institute (SEI) at Texas A&M University was established to improve the retention of engineering students with a focus on under-represented groups. Studies have shown that engineering students often leave engineering majors because they lose interest in the subject early on in their academic careers. The SEI program involves undergraduate students in challenging space-related research projects beginning in the freshman year to help students maintain an interest in engineering. Ancillary effects of this program are the professional development of the participating students, as well as an exposure to research and the graduate environment. This paper describes the SEI goals and approach, the professional development of the students, and perceived impacts of the program based upon survey results.
On the Estimation of Dynamic Load Factor of Thin Cylindrical Pressure Vessels in Deflagration Events

The determination of the dynamic load factor (DLF) of pressure vessels in deflagration events is essential to bridging the gap between transient dynamic pressure load and static pressure load. The static pressure load is being used by industrial codes as the basic type of load for pressure vessel design. Employing the methodology previously developed by the authors, this paper presents an analytical solution for estimating the DLF of a simply-supported thin cylindrical pressure vessel in a deflagration event. The DLF is successfully simplified as a function of four key parameters: deflagration type (non-venting or venting), pressure rise time in the deflagration event, the frequency of the fundamental extensional mode of the shell circumference, and length to diameter ratio. The master curves of DLF versus length to diameter ratio are presented for both non-venting and venting deflagration events.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Functional cerebral imaging in the evaluation and radiotherapeutic treatment planning of patients with malignant glioma

Abstract zPurpose: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography are relatively new modalities of great potential value in the evaluation, treatment, and subsequent follow-up care of patients with malignant glioma. We report our experience with the incorporation of functional imaging data into radiation therapy three-dimensional (3-D) treatment planning. Methods and Materials: Over a 24-month period, a total of 37 positron emission tomography and 29 functional MRI studies have been conducted on eight consecutive patients prior to, during, and following the completion of radiation therapy. Functional imaging was conducted prior to radiation therapy treatment planning and at approximate 3-month follow-up time intervals. Results: In two patients, functional imaging provided additional information over conventional imaging modalities and resulted in subsequent modification of conventional radiation therapy treatment planning. Conclusion: Although it is premature to make definitive statements regarding the use of these new imaging parameters in the prognostic setting, functional imaging may likely prove to be a useful adjunct in the initial evaluation, radiation treatment planning, and follow-up care of patients with malignant glioma.
Human β-galactosidase and α-neuraminidase deficient mucolipidosis: Genetic complementation analysis of the neuraminidase deficiency

Human β-galactosidase and α-neuraminidase deficient mucolipidosis [ML(gal-neur-)] is an inherited lysosomal enzymopathy which recently was designated as a sialidosis. We analyzed the neuraminidase deficiency of this disorder with genetic complementation analyses using a heterokaryon enrichment procedure. The genetic defects of two apparent variants of this disorder complemented the defects of the neuraminidase deficiency diseases, sialidosis I and mucolipidosis I, resulting in the restoration of neuraminidase activity in heterokaryons. The neuraminidase deficiency, therefore, may not be the primary defect in ML(gal-neur-) and is not an appropriate test for determining carrier status. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of this disorder suggest that a post-translational or processing event for these enzymes may be defective. The defect, however, is different from I-cell disease and pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy, two disorders of post-translational lysosomal enzyme biosynthesis, since complementation studies demonstrated recovery of intracellular β-galactosidase and α-neuraminidase levels in heterokaryons. The lack of human β-galactosidase expression in man-mouse somatic cell hybrids formed from fibroblasts of the infantile onset type disorder suggests that the defect is not corrected by the mouse genome. The ML(gal-neur-) disorder therefore appears to be a distinct subtype of the inherited neuraminidase deficiencies in which the defect may occur in a post-translational or regulatory step which coordinately affects the expression of lysosomal β-galactosidase and α-neuraminidase.
Dosing implications of altered gentamicin disposition in patients with cystic fibrosis.

A pharmacokinetic approach was used for gentamicin dosing in 19 children and young adults with cystic fibrosis. A one-compartment open-model analysis of steady-state gentamicin pharmacokinetics revealed a significantly larger apparent volume of distribution and total plasma clearance for patients with CF as compared to a similar population of children without the disease. The increase in the apparent volume of distribution for patients with CF produced a larger daily gentamicin dose requirement to maintain similar steady-state serum levels as compared to children without the disease. Significant differences in the elimination rate constant and half-life for gentamicin were not found between these populations. Linear correlations between creatinine clearance and k e1 for gentamicin, and total body weight and the apparent volume of distribution were demonstrated for children with varying degrees of stable renal function but not in patients with CF. Altered gentamicin disposition peculiar to CF precludes application of currently used dosing nomograms or guidelines derived from normal populations, and emphasizes the need for individualized gentamicin therapy guided by a pharmacokinetic approach in these patients.
Assessing forecast performance in a cointegrated system

This paper examines the forecast performance of a cointegrated system relative to the forecast performance of a comparable VAR that fails to recognize that the system is characterized by cointegration. The cointegrated system we examine is composed of three vectors, a money demand representation, a Fisher equation, and a risk premium captured by an interest rate differential. The forecasts produced by the vector error correction model (VECM) associated with this system are compared with those obtained from a corresponding differenced vector autoregression, (DVAR) as well as a vector autoregression based upon the levels of the data (LVAR). Forecast evaluation is conducted using both the ‘full-system’ criterion proposed by Clements and Hendry (1993) and by comparing forecast performance for specific variables. Overall our findings suggest that selective forecast performance improvement (especially at long forecast horizons) may be observed by incorporating knowledge of cointegration rank. Our general conclusion is that when the advantage of incorporating cointegration appears, it is generally at longer forecast horizons. This is consistent with the predictions of Engle and Yoo (1987). But we also find, consistent with Clements and Hendry (1995) that relative gain in forecast performance clearly depends upon the chosen data transformation.
Development and applications of holonic manufacturing systems: A survey

This paper surveys the literature in the holonic manufacturing systems area in an attempt to bring together the key issues in the development and applications of holonic systems. A brief introduction presents the characteristics of today’s manufacturing environment and the requirements for next generation manufacturing systems. Then, starting with considerations about the origins of the holonic concept and its first applications in manufacturing, the paper presents the advances made in applying the holonic concept to manufacturing systems area. Several considerations for the development of holonic manufacturing systems and specific holonic system requirements are discussed. As holonic concept is considered a solution for next generation manufacturing systems, there is a significant number of applications and implementations of the holonic concept in manufacturing systems domain. The most important and relevant approaches developed so far are presented. Finally, a short conclusion and future research directions in the area are provided
A utility approach to R & D decisions

The traditional monetarily based economic model is inadequate as a guide to responsible R & D decisions. Modern utility theory, on the other hand, can incorporate intangible factors and has a value system base. Both techniques are compared via a case example, which results in some social implications of utility based decisions.
The fauna and overall interpretation of the “Cutting 10” Acheulean site at Elandsfontein (Hopefield), southwestern Cape Province, South Africa

The Cutting 10 site at Elandsfontein (Hopefield), southwestern Cape Province, South Africa, is one of only three sites in southern Africa where bones and Acheulean artifacts have been documented together in primary or near primary context and the only such site where the association is in the open air. The Cutting 10 bones belong to a minimum of 15 mammalian species, which together suggest both a mid-Pleistocene age for the site and a vegetational setting in which grasses played a much more important role than they did historically. The absence of evidence for hearths, windbreaks, and other features, the composition of the artifact assemblage, the relatively sparse scatter of bones and artifacts, the relatively high bone to artifact ratio, the species composition of the fauna, and the numbers of different kinds of skeletal elements represented all indicate that the Cutting 10 occurrence was more a butchering site than a campsite. Although people are probably responsible for most of the bones, some of them probably come from animals that were killed by large carnivores or that died naturally.
Posttreatment reactivation of tuberculosis in mice caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis disrupted in mce1R.

Background The reactivation of tuberculosis arises in persons who are latently infected and in those who have been previously treated. The mechanism of the reactivation of tuberculosis in either situation is not well understood. A 13-gene mce1 operon of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was previously shown to be associated with latent infection in mice and may also play a role in reactivation. Methods We tested mce1 operon M. tuberculosis mutants in a Cornell mouse model to examine disease progression and reactivation. Results In BALB/c mice, the wild-type, mce1 operon mutant, and mce1R (negative transcriptional regulator of the mce1 operon) mutant M. tuberculosis strains were equally susceptible to orally administered isoniazid and pyrazinamide. However, after cessation of the treatment, the mce1R mutant rapidly and progressively proliferated in mouse lungs and spleens, whereas the other strains remained latent. The reactivation of the mce1R mutant was associated with disease progression in the mouse lungs. Conclusion This observation demonstrates that the constitutive expression of the mce1 genes by M. tuberculosis in the latent state can cause a reactivation of tuberculosis. The constitutive expression of the mce1 genes in the mce1R mutant may allow this mutant to maintain its lipid metabolism, enabling it to survive long-term and proliferate inside granulomas.
New Formulation and Solution of the Phase Problem in X-Ray Analysis of Noncentric Crystals Containing Anomalous Scatterers

Use of anomalous dispersion in x-ray analyses of noncentric crystals reduces the problem of phase determination for any given structure factor to the choice between two possible roots of two simultaneous quadratic equations. This assumes that anomalous scatterer positions have been established by classical techniques. Selection of the correct root is aided by: the ${P}_{s}(\mathrm{u})$ function of Okaya, Saito, and Pepinsky; heavy atom or isomorphous replacement techniques; or the linear inequalities of Okaya. Given moderately accurate structure factor amplitudes $|F\mathrm{h}|$ and $|F\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{h}|$, the phase problem is solved for noncentric crystals containing anomalous scatterers; and the absolute configuration of the structure is obtained as a by-product of the direct analysis.
Improvement of Typical Egyptian Broiler Diets by Addition of Either Lysine and Methionine or Blood Meal

Abstract Two assays were completed to evaluate practical means of improving rate and efficiency of gain of chicks fed a typical Egyptian broiler diet. Growth rate was increased by as much as 50% when crystalline methionine and lysine were added to the diet. Blood meal addition also improved performance markedly. When fortified with lysine and methionine and also supplemented with fat to increase caloric density, a diet containing typical Egyptian ingredients resulted in chick gains and gain/feed ratios similar to those observed with a typical American broiler diet.
Effect of Moisture Content on the Heating Profile in Composted Broiler Litter

Moisture content can affect the magnitude of heat generation during composting. Temperature was recorded every 2 min for 7 d at 10-cm increments throughout the vertical profile of broiler litter treated with five quantities of water addition. Water additions were applied to achieve litter moisture contents of 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45% MC w.b. Broiler litter moisture content between 30 and 35% was found to provide maximum heat generation during composting. Mean maximum temperature across all treatments was highest at the 10 and 20 cm litter depths. No moisture content treatment generated temperatures of required durations to meet all aspects of the EPA 503b rule for class B compost standards. Populations of total culturable aerobes, total culturable anaerobes and total culturable coliforms were enumerated in raw litter (time 1) and in treated litter after 84 h of composting (time 2) to determine if changes in population density were apparent. Over the 84 h composting period, a 4-log10 reduction in aerobes and coliforms was found for litter samples where a temperature of 40°C was sustained for as little as 4 h. Populations of total culturable anaerobes were reduced from time 1 to time 2, though the reduction was not physiologically relevant. The results demonstrate that incorporation of water to achieve a litter moisture content between 30 and 35% provides for greater heating during litter composting. Published time-temperature goals for pathogen reduction may not be achievable even with the added moisture, though relevant reductions in total culturable aerobes and coliforms were demonstrated with 84 h of composting.
Icodextrin enhances survival in an intraperitoneal ovarian cancer murine model utilizing gene therapy.

Abstract Objective. Icodextrin, a novel glucose polymer solution utilized for peritoneal dialysis, has been demonstrated to have prolonged intraperitoneal (IP) instillation volumes in comparison to standard PBS solutions. In an animal model of ovarian cancer, we explored whether a survival advantage exists utilizing icodextrin rather than PBS as a delivery solution for an infectivity enhanced virotherapy approach. Methods. Initial experiments evaluated whether icodextrin would adversely affect replication of a clinical grade infectivity enhanced conditionally replicative adenovirus (Δ24-RGD). Virus was added to prepared blinded solutions of PBS or icodextrin (20%) and then evaluated in vitro in various human ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3.ip1, PA-1, and Hey) and in vivo in a SKOV3.ip1 human ovarian cancer IP murine model. Viral replication was measured by detecting adenovirus E4 gene levels utilizing QRT-PCR. Survival was subsequently evaluated in a separate SKOV3.ip1 ovarian cancer IP murine model. Cohorts of mice were treated in blinded fashion with PBS alone, icodextrin alone, PBS+Δ24-RGD, or icodextrin+Δ24-RGD. Survival data were plotted on Kaplan–Meier curve and statistical calculations performed using the log-rank test. Results. There was no adverse affect of icodextrin on vector replication in the ovarian cancer cell lines nor murine model tumor samples evaluated. Median survival in the IP treated animal cohorts was 23 days for the PBS group, 40 days for the icodextrin group, 65 days for the PBS+Δ24-RGD group, and 105 days for icodextrin+Δ24-RGD ( p =0.023). Of note, 5 of the 10 mice in the icodextrin+Δ24-RGD group were alive at the end of the study period, all without evidence of tumor (120 days). Conclusions. These experiments suggest that the use of dialysates such as icodextrin may further enhance the therapeutic effects of novel IP virotherapy and other gene therapy strategies for ovarian cancer. Phase I studies utilizing icodextrin-based virotherapy for ovarian cancer are currently in development.
Thrombin-dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels in human fetal membranes.

Objective. Amniochorion matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels increase during labor, reaching a maximum in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Bleeding is a major risk factor for PPROM. Since such hemorrhage into the tissue factor-enriched decidua induces intense thrombin formation, we determined whether thrombin stimulates MMP levels in amniochorionic membranes.Study design. Fetal membrane (amniochorion) cultures were maintained in media with and without thrombin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP)-14, and the anti-inflammatory steroid, dexamethasone (DEX). Concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in culture media were measured by ELISA and normalized to total cell protein.Results. The presence of thrombin induced MMP-9 levels. TRAP-14, a thrombin receptor agonist, also significantly increased MMP-9 levels, suggesting that thrombin-induced changes in MMP-9 expression were mediated through the thrombin re...
Critical and Postmodern Perspectives on Adult Learning

This chapter characterizes and compares knowledge, power, and learning in the critical and postmodern theoretical worldviews.
Femtosecond studies of the presolvated electron: An excited state of the solvated electron?

Femtosecond studies of the formation, decay, and absorption spectra of the wet or presolvated electron are presented. The discovery of an isosbestic wavelength shows for the first time that the wet-to-solvated electron transition involves only two states. The model of the wet electron as an excited state of the solvated electron and the wet-to-solvated electron transition, viewed as a radiationless transition, is discussed. An ultrafast component of the visible absorption signal is believed to be ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$.
Glutamic acid metabolism in brain and liver during infusion with ammonia labelled with nitrogen-15.

RECENT results of in vivo experiments using glutamic acid labelled with carbon-14 were consistent with the hypothesis that the amidation of the administered amino-acid to glutamine represents a metabolic event occurring in a tissue or cellular compartment1,2. Since glutamic acid and glutamine syntheses in the central nervous system are the two known processes by which ammonia enters organic linkage, it appeared of great interest to approach the question of setting into compartments the metabolism of glutamic acid and its derivatives with the aid of ammonia labelled with nitrogen-15.
Mechanical tugging force regulates the size of cell–cell junctions

Actomyosin contractility affects cellular organization within tissues in part through the generation of mechanical forces at sites of cell–matrix and cell–cell contact. While increased mechanical loading at cell–matrix adhesions results in focal adhesion growth, whether forces drive changes in the size of cell–cell adhesions remains an open question. To investigate the responsiveness of adherens junctions (AJ) to force, we adapted a system of microfabricated force sensors to quantitatively report cell–cell tugging force and AJ size. We observed that AJ size was modulated by endothelial cell–cell tugging forces: AJs and tugging force grew or decayed with myosin activation or inhibition, respectively. Myosin-dependent regulation of AJs operated in concert with a Rac1, and this coordinated regulation was illustrated by showing that the effects of vascular permeability agents (S1P, thrombin) on junctional stability were reversed by changing the extent to which these agents coupled to the Rac and myosin-dependent pathways. Furthermore, direct application of mechanical tugging force, rather than myosin activity per se, was sufficient to trigger AJ growth. These findings demonstrate that the dynamic coordination of mechanical forces and cell–cell adhesive interactions likely is critical to the maintenance of multicellular integrity and highlight the need for new approaches to study tugging forces.
OUT‐PATIENT USE OF BETA‐BLOCKING AGENTS–PRESCRIBING PREFERENCES OF PHYSICIANS IN TRAINING

Beta-blocking agents are among the most frequently prescribed medications. To investigate the factors that influence their use we analysed the practices of 25 medical residents who provided longitudinal care in the out-patient clinics of a teaching hospital. A computer-based audit identified the 349 patients treated with one of four beta-blocking agents during a 4-month period. The most frequently prescribed was atenolol (48%), followed by metoprolol (28%), propranolol (20%), and nadolol (4%). Ease of use and compliance and continuation of a beta-blocker prescribed by a previous physician emerged as the most influential factors. In contrast, cost of drugs, manufacturers' promotions and advertisements had no significant influence on beta-blocker selection.
Microvascular response in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Objective:To examine the mechanisms contributing to decreased microvascular blood flow in cardiogenic shock by comparing patients with cardiogenic shock with critically ill controls and with patients with septic shock.Design:Prospective, consecutive entry of patients meeting the criteria for septic
Indoor air condensate as a novel matrix for monitoring inhalable organic contaminants

With the population of developed nations spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical indicator of human health risks from inhalation of airborne contaminants. We present a novel approach for qualitative monitoring of IAQ through the collection and analysis of indoor air condensate discharged from heat exchangers of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Condensate samples were collected from six suburban homes and one business in Maricopa County, Arizona, concentrated via solid-phase extraction, analyzed for 10 endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and screened for additional organic compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). All 10 EDCs were detected in at least one of the sampled buildings. More than 100 additional compounds were detected by GC-MS, of which 40 were tentatively identified using spectral database searches. Twelve compounds listed as designated chemicals for biomonitoring by the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program were detected. Microfiltration of condensate samples prior to extraction had no discernable effect on contaminant concentration, suggesting that contaminants were freely dissolved or associated with inhalable, submicron particles. This study is the first to document the utility of HVAC condensate for the qualitative assessment of indoor air for pollutants.
Clinical pharmacodynamics of anticancer drugs: a basis for extending the concept of dose-intensity

The studies reviewed herein support the precept that "systemic dose-intensity" (i.e., systemic exposure) may be more informative than "administered dose-intensity" for certain anticancer drugs. This does not mean that the administered dose-intensity should be ignored; in fact these data indicate the importance of documenting and assessing administered dose-intensity as an initial step toward identifying those situations where systemic dose-intensity may be most important. The studies described in this review were selected as representative examples of successful clinical pharmacodynamic studies; other published examples include vincristine AUC versus severity of neurotoxicity, etoposide systemic exposure versus leukopenia, red cell concentration of mercaptopurine metabolites versus neutropenia in children with ALL, and ARA-CTP retention in leukemic blasts versus clinical response in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. As is the case with other types of clinical trials in cancer patients, there are also examples of negative pharmacodynamic studies (i.e., no relationship found between concentration and effects). There are several possible reasons for such negative findings, including the lack of such a relationship for some drugs, measuring the inappropriate drug moiety (e.g., failure to measure all active metabolites), measuring drug concentrations in the wrong biological fluid, evaluating systemic exposure over too narrow a range (i.e., all patients have either sub- or supra-therapeutic systemic exposure), selecting inappropriate sampling times or pharmacokinetic parameters, inadequately assessing drug toxicity or response, or simply studying an inadequate number of patients or patients with drug-resistant cancers. Therefore, negative findings in some pharmacodynamic studies should not deter the investigation of other drugs and/or other malignant diseases, just as negative therapeutic trials do not preclude subsequent clinical trials in oncology. Also, finding a relation between systemic exposure and drug toxicity, in the absence of a clear relation to antitumor effects, is potentially of great clinical utility. Such data should allow more objective escalation of drug dosages in individual patients, to ensure maximum dose-intensity while avoiding host toxicity. Obviously, if such dose escalation could be guided by more easily measured patient characteristics (e.g., age, weight, CrCl, shoe size, etc.), then using drug concentrations in individual patients might be obviated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Overcoming Economic Barriers to Implement International Nutrition Education in an Urban University

HAES paradigm, while also addressing diversity and social justice. Social Cognitive Theory was used to guide the development of the HAES GE course. Students studied the impact environmental cues can have on body image and health behaviors and modeled HAES patterns to peers. Description: Health at Every Size: A non-diet approach to wellness provides an overview of social, cultural and environmental influences of body esteem. Topics include size discrimination, body dissatisfaction, intuitive eating and activity. Evaluation: Changes in dieting patterns, intuitive eating scores, body esteem scores, and anti-fat attitudes of students enrolled in the course compared to students in a traditionally taught nutrition course will be presented. Conclusions and Implications: Data analysis is in progress, though essays written by students in the HAES GE course post intervention suggest notable shifts in attitudes surrounding anti-fat bias and lower body dissatisfaction. GE courses should be considered for implementing HAES interventions. Funding: None.
A case for tracking and exploiting inter-node and intra-node memory content sharing in virtualized large-scale parallel systems

In virtualized large-scale parallel systems scientific workloads consist of numerous processes running across many virtual nodes. Their memory footprint is massive, and this has consequences for services that enhance performance, reliability, or power. We argue that a service that dynamically tracks the sharing of memory content, both within individual nodes, and across nodes, can simplify and enhance the implementation of such services. For example, leveraging content sharing could significantly reduce the size of a checkpoint of a group of nodes. As another example, it could speed VM migration by allowing the reconstruction of a VM's memory from multiple source VMs. Finally, a service that improves reliability by introducing memory redundancy could leverage existing content sharing to minimize the memory costs of any particular level of redundancy. We argue that both intra- and inter-node memory content sharing is common in parallel applications, supporting this claim by a detailed study of both kinds of sharing, at different scales, different granularities, and different times for a range of applications and application benchmarks. We then describe the high level approach we are taking to design and implement a distributed, VMM-based system that can efficiently and scalably identify and track such sharing with low overhead.
Amphibian Body Impressions from the Mississippian of Pennsylvania, USA

Temnocorpichnus isaacleai is a new ichnogenus and ichnospecies of temnospondyl amphibian body impression from the Mississippian (Visean) Mauch Chunk Formation of eastern Pennsylvania, United States. The shovel-shaped head, robust limbs, relatively short trunk and smooth integument diagnose the ichnotaxon and readily distinguish it from Hermundurichnus and Sauropleura, the only other named body impressions of Paleozoic tetrapods. Temnocorpichnus is a compound ichnogenus in which the footprint ichnogenus Batrachichnus is a behaviorally distinct component. The temnospondyl identity of Temnocorpichnus adds to the sparse and earliest records of temnspondyls, which are of Visean age. The smooth integument of the ichnogenus does not support the presence of ventral scales or armor in the earliest temnospondyls, but body proportions of the Mauch Chunk body impressions indicate a relatively terrestrial temnospondyl not matched by any taxon now known from bones. Three closely associated impressions of Temnocorpichnu...
Hemoglobin South Florida: A genetic variant with laboratory recognition of only 20% of its product

Hemoglobin South Florida is a recently identified hemoglobin variant that is not associated with any clinical disorder. The standard electrophoretic procedures routinely utilized to identify hemoglobin variants did not recognize hemoglobin South Florida. The acetylated form of this hemoglobin co-eluted with hemoglobin A1c on a Bio-Rex 70 column. The quantity of this hemoglobin component was consistent with the amount of hemoglobin A1c associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The affected individuals did not have diabetes. This observation led to the characterization of a hemoglobin variant that otherwise would have gone unrecognized. This is an example of a variant peptide that was unrecognized for two generations in one family. It is likely that this type of unrecognized peptide variation is common in mammals. These silent structural alterations may be responsible for the variable physical responses occurring in humans exposed to the same environmental agents.
Noise control characteristics of synchrophasing. II - Experimental investigation

A simplified cylindrical model of an aircraft fuselage is used to investigate the mechanisms of interior noise suppression of the synchrophasing technique. This investigation allows isolation of important parameters to define the characteristics of synchrophasing. The optimum synchrophase angle for maximum noise reduction is found for several interior microphone positions with pure tone source conditions. Noise reductions of up to 30dB are shown for some microphone positions, however, overall reductions are less. A computer algorithm is developed to decompose the modal composition of the cylinder vibration over a wide range of synchrophase angles. The circumferential modal response of the shell vibration is shown to govern the transmission of sound into the cylinder rather than localized transmission.