cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐J‐174: Quantitative Evaluation of Setup Error and Interfraction Prostate Motion Using Tomotherapy MVCT

Purpose: To evaluate daily setup error and interfraction prostate motion using tomotherapy MVCT. Methods: The evaluation was based on 400 daily shifts from 10 prostate patients. Prior to daily treatment, prostate patients were initially setup with the tattoos and then Tomotherapy MVCT scans were performed and registered with planning KVCT in 3D. The shifts based on the registration were applied before treatments. The shift information in LR, SI, and AP directions was analyzed to characterize the setup error and interfraction prostate motion. Statistic analysis was performed by using mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values. Results: The mean shifts of daily setup are 0.1mm, −0.5mm, and 1.5mm in LR, SI, and AP directions respectively and the standard deviations are 4.3mm, 2.0mm, and 4.0mm respectively. Maximum shifts of 18mm, 9mm, and 18.4mm in LR, SI, and AP directions were observed. The shifts are patient dependant. The mean shifts vary from 0.1mm to 4.0mm (LR), from 0.6mm to 2.8mm (SI), and from 0.1mm to 11.6mm (AP) among the 10 patients. Standard deviations range from 2.6mm to 7.2mm (LR), from 1.4mm to 2.6mm (SI), and from 2.8mm to 6.1mm (AP). However, in general, the LR and AP shifts showed larger standard deviation than the SI shifts. This is mostly due to filling status of bladder and rectum, which pushes or moves prostate in AP and LR directions more than in SI direction. The maximum shift value of 18mm was observed in the data set and was most likely caused by the initial setup error. Conclusions: The study shows larger interfraction prostate motion in AP and LR than in SI direction. The results suggest a smaller margin of prostate CTV in SI direction for treatment planning.
Polyethylenimine‐Starch Products: Preparation and Use in Heavy Metal Removal

Water-insoluble crosslinked starch was reacted with ethylenimine to yield polyethylenimine covalently bonded to the starch. Other products were prepared by reacting crosslinked starch containing 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl groups with polyethylenimine. The products were evaluated in removal of heavy metal cations and anions from industrial wastewater. Polyethyleniminstarke-Produkte: Darstellung und Verwendung bei der Entfernung von Schwermetallen. Waserunlosliche vernetzte Starke wurde mit Ethylenimin zur Reaktion gebracht, um kovalent an Starke gebundenes Polyethylenimin zu erhalten. Weitere Produkte wurden durch Reaktion von vernetzter Starke, die 3-Chlor-2-hydroxypropylgruppen enthielt, mit Polyethylenimin dargestellt. Die Produkte wurden hinsichtlich der Entfernung von Schwermetallkationen und Anionen aus industriellem Abwasser gepruft.
Ovarian involvement in neuroblastoma

A case of neuroblastoma involving the ovaries bilaterally at diagnosis is reported. A review of previous cases of neuroblastoma at Johns Hopkins Hospital revealed no previous occurrence of ovarian metastatic disease at diagnosis, but involvement in about one-third of cases at autopsy. This appears to be a more common site of metastatic disease than has been previously recognized. The significance of this site of metastases in neuroblastoma is unknown.
Exogenous Creatinine Clearance Accurately Assesses Filtration Failure in Rat Experimental Nephropathies

The purpose of this study was to determine whether creatinine clearance (C cr ), determined under conditions of exogenous creatinine infusion, accurately reflects glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the rat. Normal rats and rats with either glomerulopathy (nephrotoxic serum nephritis, adriamycin nephropathy), ablative nephropathy, or acute renal failure (ischemic, HgCl 2 ) were subjected to simultaneous C cr and inulin clearance (C in ) determinations at a time that plasma creatinine concentrations were maintained at 10 to 20 mg/dL by exogenous creatinine infusion. C in ranged from 0.02 to 2.49 mL/min, and a nearly perfect correlation with C cr ( r = .997) was obtained. Excellent correlations between C cr and C in were found in each of the individual study groups. When the rats were subdivided into groups according to their level of renal function (C in >1.5 mL/min; C in 0.5 to 1.49 mL/min; C in 0.02 to 0.49 mL/min), excellent correlations between C in and C cr were still observed ( r = .93, .97, and .97, respectively). We concluded that exogenous C cr accurately reflects GFR in the rat over the entire range of renal function and in a wide variety of experimental nephropathies. Given the simple methodology, exogenous C cr could have substantial research application for assessing degrees of excretory function in experimental renal disease.
Convective effects in crystals grown from melt

Abstract When a crystal is grown from a high-temperature melt, the temperature field often plays a significant role in determining the nature and the properties of the crystal. The temperature field in the melt gives rise to gradients of density, or surface tension, or both. Such gradients generate fluid motion which may substantially affect the growth process. In particular, this thermally-induced fluid flow may interact with dynamic boundary conditions such as imposed rotations. The resultant fluid motion is often complex, but critical to crystal quality. This review surveys the nature of such convective motion. Thermofluid motion occuring in Czochralski growth, horizontal and Bridgman growth and growth in the space environment has been emphasized. Available work in these areas on both bulk flows and oscillatory motions has been reviewed. The inversion of the interface during Czochralski pulling from oxide melts has also been considered as an example of a crystal growth process which may be dominated by transport conditions. This review examines the highly developed practical art of crystal growth from the perspective of a fluid-dynamicist, and thereby suggests areas for research which would increase the understanding of the growth process.
Partial amino acid sequence of monoclonal extracellular antigen-specific T cell proteins

Antigen-specific molecules secreted by murine T cell hybrids (TABM) specific for 4-hydroxy 3-nitrophenyl (NP) or azobenzenearsonate (ABA) were purified from ascitic fluid by ion exchange chromatography and/or affinity for antigen. Partial amino acid sequence of reduced Mr 72,000 NP-specific polypeptides and Mr 20,000 peptides prepared by treatment of the ABA-specific immunoprotein with cyanogen bromide was obtained and a septapeptide of the NP-specific TABM shared 3/7 residues with the ABA-specific TABM. Both TABM shared residues present in 95% T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) VaL subgroup I and 83–96% murine immunoglobulin VK Fr3. These results provide evidence that extracellular antigen-specific T cell proteins are soluble analogues of TCR aL chains and belong to the immunoglobulin supergene family.
How I treat acquired aplastic anemia

Survival in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has markedly improved in the past 4 decades because of advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive biologics and drugs, and supportive care. However, management of SAA patients remains challenging, both acutely in addressing the immediate consequences of pancytopenia and in the long term because of the disease's natural history and the consequences of therapy. Recent insights into pathophysiology have practical implications. We review key aspects of differential diagnosis, considerations in the choice of first- and second-line therapies, and the management of patients after immunosuppression, based on both a critical review of the recent literature and our large personal and research protocol experience of bone marrow failure in the Hematology Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
How effectively are nurse educators preparing students to provide spiritual care

Despite the emphasis on spirituality in nursing, educators may wonder if they really make a difference in preparing students to provide spiritual care. This research investigated the effects of student characteristics and the contribution of nursing education to this ability. The author shares findings from a survey of spiritual care attitudes and practices. Various methods are suggested for including curriculum content related to spirituality.
Damage anneal of antimony/phosphorus double implants in silicon

A method is presented for avoiding the dislocation generation in (100) silicon implanted with phosphorus doses up to 5×1015 ions/cm2 at 50 keV. The residual defects after the damage anneal are considerably reduced if the phosphorus implant is combined with a low dose, e.g. 1×1014 ions/cm2, antimony implant which produces a deeper surface layer of amorphous silicon. It is essential that the phosphorus ions are implanted shallower than the antimony ions, and come to rest within the amorphous layer. Subsequent thermal annealing proceeds by a solid phase epitaxial regrowth mechanism.
AlAs Phonon parameters and heterostructure characterization

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra from an AlAs-GaAs heterostructure yield phonon parameters for non-oxidized pure AlAs at 300, 77 and 6K, which have not been thoroughly established. Strong infrared interference effects in the heterostructure are identified and produce a large peak near the GaAs LO frequency. This explains an anomalous double peak previously observed in infrared spectroscopy of AlxGa1-xAs-GaAs heterostructures.
Crack deflection in functionally graded materials

Abstract Small crack deflection in brittle functionally graded materials (FGMs) is studied. The FGMs are modeled as simply nonhomogeneous materials, i.e., the effect of microstructure is neglected and the material property variation is considered to be continuous. Considering local homogeneity and the small scale inelasticity of brittle materials, the toughness is taken to be independent of direction; therefore, the crack propagates along the direction of maximum energy release rate, or the direction which gives a vanished mode II stress intensity factor. Kink directions for several specimens which may be used to experimentally study fracture behavior of FGMs are calculated. It is shown that material gradients have a strong effect on the kink direction when the crack is at the central region of a FGM, whereas they have little effect when the crack is close to the boundaries of the FGM.
The role of the brain in female reproductive aging

In middle-aged women, follicular depletion is a critical factor mediating the menopausal transition; however, all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis contribute to the age-related decline in reproductive function. To help elucidate the complex interactions between the ovary and brain during middle-age that lead to the onset of the menopause, we utilize animal models which share striking similarities in reproductive physiology. Our results show that during middle-age, prior to any overt irregularities in estrous cyclicity, the ability of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) to modulate the cascade of neurochemical events required for preovulatory gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release and a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is diminished. Middle-aged female rats experience a delay in and an attenuation of LH release in response to E(2). Additionally, although we do not observe a decrease in GnRH neuron number until a very advanced age, E(2)-mediated GnRH neuronal activation declines during the earliest stages of age-related reproductive decline. Numerous hypothalamic neuropeptides and neurochemical stimulatory inputs (i.e., glutamate, norepinephrine (NE), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)) that drive the E(2)-mediated GnRH/LH surge appear to dampen with age or lack the precise temporal coordination required for a specific pattern of GnRH secretion, while inhibitory signals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and opioid peptides remain unchanged or elevated during the afternoon of proestrus. These changes, occurring at the level of the hypothalamus, lead to irregular estrous cycles and, ultimately, the cessation of reproductive function. Taken together, our studies indicate that the hypothalamus is an important contributor to age-related female reproductive decline.
Suppression of Normal Bactericidal Action of Rabbit Serum Following Whole Body X-Irradiation.

Summary1. Whole body x-irradiation of 650 to 725r results in depression of the normal bactericidal activity of rabbit serum. 2. With the x-irradiation doses employed, the bactericidal action of serum from rabbits is normal on the first post-irradiation day, is depressed by the fifth day following whole body x-irradiation and returns in surviving animals by the twentieth post-irradiation day. 3. Following a second dose of 650r, serum bactericidal activity is depressed earlier and remains depressed for a longer time than after the first 650r x-irradiation exposure.
Computed tomographic colonography: Current and future status for colorectal cancer screening

C OMPUTED tomographic colonography (CTC), also referred to as virtual colonoscopy, has received widespread public and scientific attention as a potential new screening test for colorectal neoplasia. CTC is the acquisition and review of a volumetric (3D) dataset of the colorecturn. Volumetric data obtained following highresolution helical CT scanning is analyzed using specialized computer software to detect small cancers and polyps. CT colonography continues to undergo technical improvements, but even so, recent studies suggest that CTC using current techniques may be a highly sensitive full structural screening examination of the colon. The purpose of this article is to review (1) current techniques for CTC image acquisition and interpretation, (2) the performance of CTC in recent clinical trials, (3) future directions for the continuing evolution of CTC, and (4) potential advantages of CTC compared with other colorectal screening examinations.
Macromolecular binding of 5β-H steroids in chick embryo liver

A 5β-H steroid binding component using etiocholanolone has been identified in chick embryo liver which exhibits characteristics of a specific receptor. Kinetic analysis revealed the presence of specific binding sites with a Kd of 8.9 × 10−10 M and a concentration of binding sites of 59 fmol/mg protein. The nuclear and cytosol macromolecule has a sedimentation coefficient of 4.6 under low and high salt conditions. Following in vivo injection of etiocholanolone to chick embryos or in vitro preincubation of chick embryo tissue slices at 30°C the cytosol binding protein was markedly reduced while the nuclear binding protein increased. However, etiocholanolone preincubation of tissue slices at 0°C resulted in no receptor translocation. Competition studies using a 200-fold excess of various unlabelled steroids demonstrated greatest inhibition with steroids having the 5β-H configuration. These data offer strong evidence for the presence of a 5β-H steroid receptor in chick embryo liver.
Lack of effect of transrectal ultrasonography with restraint on lambing rate and prolificacy in ewes.

Abstract The objective was to determine if transrectal ultrasonography for determination of pregnancy in restrained ewes increases embryonic/fetal death or loss of pregnancy. Ten flocks ( N =873 ewes) bred in either the estrous or anestrous season were randomized, into control (C) or examined (E) groups within flock. Examined ewes were placed in a tilting squeeze chute and scanned by one of three operators for pregnancy by transrectal ultrasonography once between Days 25 and 100 post-breeding. Control ewes were not subjected to handling in the squeeze chute or pregnancy diagnosis. Two operators counted embryos in E ewes in six flocks. There were no differences between E and C ewes in percent ewes lambing or lambing rate on a per flock basis. Prolificacy per flock was greater in E ewes ( P =0.05; 1.53 versus 1.60, C and E, respectively) than in C ewes. Eighty-five percent of exposed ewes lambed in the estrous season, while only 62% of ewes lambed in the anestrous season ( P =0.05). Overall prolificacy did not differ with season (1.60 versus 1.53), and there was no season by treatment interaction for any variable tested. Losses averaged 0.02 per E ewe exposed in the estrous season and 0.20 in the anestrous season ( P
Muscarinic cholinergic influences on ACTH and β-endorphin release mechanisms in human subjects

Abstract Arecoline, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist, produced significant elevations in plasma cortisol and β-endorphin immunoreactivity in volunteer subjects.
Measurement of spatial coherence through the shadow of small obscurations

We present a simple method to measure the spatial coherence of a partially coherent field by analyzing far-field measurements with and without a well-characterized obscuration. From these measurements, the coherence can be estimated for all pairs of points whose centroid is the obstacle's centroid. By scanning the obstacle over the test plane, one can recover the four-dimensional coherence function. In principle, such measurements can be performed without any refractive or diffractive elements, allowing them to be done in higher frequency regimes.
Function of an Axonal Chemoattractant Modulated by Metalloprotease Activity

The axonal chemoattractant netrin-1 guides spinal commissural axons by activating its receptor DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Cancer). We have found that chemical inhibitors of metalloproteases potentiate netrin-mediated axon outgrowth in vitro. We have also found that DCC is a substrate for metalloprotease-dependent ectodomain shedding, and that the inhibitors block proteolytic processing of DCC and cause an increase in DCC protein levels on axons within spinal cord explants. Thus, potentiation of netrin activity by inhibitors may result from stabilization of DCC on the axons, and proteolytic activity may regulate axon migration by controlling the number of functional extracellular axon guidance receptors.
NON-POINT SOURCE LOADINGS OF NUTRIENTS AND DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON FROM AN AGRICULTURAL-SUBURBAN WATERSHED IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Unit area loadings for nitrogen, phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon were measured from four sub-watersheds and the entire 256 km2 catchment area tributary to the Indian River Lagoon. The catchment area is a rapidly growing suburban area drained by 322 km of canals in east central Florida. One-third of the annual total nitrogen, one-half of the total phosphorus and one-fourth of the annual dissolved organic carbon were exported in the drainage canal water at the water control structure to downstream waters during a 6-week period when three major storms occurred. High annual loadings of dissolved inorganic (1.3 kg N/ha-yr) and organic (4.4 kg N/ha-yr) nitrogen were recorded for the rotational grazing sub-watershed; during storm events, the entire dissolved inorganic nitrogen load leaving the catchment basin originated from the agricultural sub-watershed. Annual total nitrogen and total phosphorus export coefficients from the agricultural sub-basin deviated considerably from published “national” averages, but were very similar to “regional” coefficients published for Wisconsin. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus had wide variances to the published “regional” coefficients, emphasizing the need for site-specific studies.
Transesophageal echocardiography in intimal flap fenestration

Abstract In selected patients with descending aortic dissection, percutaneous intimal flap fenestration is a less-invasive alternative to surgery. We describe a patient with decreased renal and mesenteric blood flow as a result of descending aortic dissection. Percutaneous balloon intimal fenestration was performed under guidance of transesophageal echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography provided crucial information about the intimal flap puncture site and true- and false-lumen blood flow. After the flap fenestration, false-lumen blood flow increased, and the patient improved clinically. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2000;13:934-6.)
Interlimb symmetry of dynamic knee joint stiffness and co-contraction is maintained in early stage knee osteoarthritis.

Individuals with knee OA often exhibit greater co-contraction of antagonistic muscle groups surrounding the affected joint which may lead to increases in dynamic joint stiffness. These detrimental changes in the symptomatic limb may also exist in the contralateral limb, thus contributing to its risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interlimb symmetry of dynamic knee joint stiffness and muscular co-contraction in knee osteoarthritis. Muscular co-contraction and dynamic knee joint stiffness were assessed in 17 subjects with mild to moderate unilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and 17 healthy control subjects while walking at a controlled speed (1.0 m/s). Paired and independent t-tests determined whether significant differences exist between groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in dynamic joint stiffness or co-contraction between the OA symptomatic and OA contralateral group (p = 0.247, p = 0.874, respectively) or between the OA contralateral and healthy group (p = 0.635, p = 0.078, respectively). There was no significant difference in stiffness between the OA symptomatic and healthy group (p = 0.600); however, there was a slight trend toward enhanced co-contraction in the symptomatic knees compared to the healthy group (p = 0.051). Subjects with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis maintain symmetric control strategies during gait.
Prepulse technique for producing low- Z Ne-like x-ray lasers

We report an application of the prepulse technique which uses a low-intensity prepulse before the main optical drive pulse to prepare the plasma prior to lasing in low-[ital Z], Ne-like ions. Ne-like x-ray lasers are now available over a previously inaccessible range of wavelengths. As an illustration of this technique we report an observation of lasing in Cr[sup 14+] and Fe[sup 16+] on the Ne-like [ital J]=0[r arrow]1, 3[ital p][r arrow]3[ital s] transitions at 285 and 255 A as well as gain measurements for Ti[sup 12+].
Effects of purine nucleoside triphosphates on amino acid incorporation in a cell-free system from 8-azaguanine-treated Bacillus cereus.

Abstract 1. 1. The cell-free amino acid-incorporating systems from normal and 8-azaguanine-treated Bacillus cereus were examined to determine the effect of supplementation with increasing amounts of GTP and ATP on incorporation of l -[14C]phenylalanine into protein. 2. 2. The addition of GTP to the 30-S fraction from normal cells stimulated amino acid incorporation to a greater extent than when added to the 30-S fraction from 8-azaguanine-treated cells. The higher endogenous GTP activity in the 30-S fraction from 8-azaguanine-treated cells was not due to 8-azaguanosine triphosphate, since this compound failed to stimulate amino acid incorporation in the 30-S fraction from normal or 8-azaguanine-treated cells. 3. 3. Amino acid incorporation in the 30-S fraction from normal cells was stimulated when supplemented with ATP. In contrast, the 30-S fraction from 8-azaguanine-treated cells maintained a high level of amino acid incorporation in the absence or presence of added ATP. The concentration of ATP, measured by the luciferase assay, was found to be higher in the 30-S fraction from drug-treated cells than from normal cells.
Antecedents and socioemotional consequences of physical punishment on children in two-parent families

Abstract Objective: The main objective of this study was to test a structural model of the antecedents and socioemotional consequences of mothers’ use of physical punishment on children in two-parent families. Method: Mother-child data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, based on a sample of 1397 4- to 9-year-old children, were used to test a structural model derived by the author from previous research. The hypothesized model was revised; the revised model was cross validated on a split-half sample, and estimated separately by age group, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results: The revised model fit the data well and was supported by cross-validation. Poverty, maternal birth age, parents’ education, maternal depression, and marital conflict were directly or indirectly related to mothers’ frequent use of physical punishment. Frequent use of physical punishment was directly related to children’s socioemotional problems, as were maternal depression and marital conflict. Few subgroup differences were found. Conclusions: Main findings indicate that the effect of poverty on mothers’ use of physical punishment is indirect, and is mediated by maternal depression and marital conflict. Depressed mothers spank their children more frequently and experience higher levels of marital conflict, which, in turn, is directly related to their use of physical punishment. Younger, more educated mothers spank their children less often. Children who are spanked more frequently exhibit more socioemotional problems.
Effect of oxamate on oxidation of specifically labeled glucose by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

SummaryThe oxidation of specifically labeled glucose (0.01 M) by whole Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in the presence of sodium oxamate (0.01 M, 0.03 M, 0.06 M) was investigated. With increase in concentration of oxamate, the expired C14O2 is strikingly increased with glucose-6-C14 substrate and essentially unchanged with glucose-1-C14 substrate. Simultaneously, the amounts of residual glucose increase and of accumulated lactate decrease.
Testing for circadian differences in lethality for intravenous ouabain in male mice

Using a randomized, balanced design and double-blind methodology, ouabain octahydrate was administered intravenously to male mice at six clock times. Eight runs were conducted using six constant dosage levels. All the dose-response curves at the clock times of 02:30, 06:30, 10:30, 14:30, 18:30 and 22:30 were parallel and no significant differences were noted between the respective LD50 determinations using nomograph methods. Independent chi-square analysis of all lethality data indicated no significant variation in response between clock times and between runs but a very highly significant difference between doses. Using regression methods, onset time for death was shown to vary inversely with log-dosage, but those periods of possible increased susceptibility could not be correlated with a shortened time to death. These findings are consistent with a random variation in lethality in regard to clock time rather than a true circadian pattern. The pooled (N = 576) intravenous LD50 for ouabain octahydrate was 3.75 mg/kg with 95% confidence limits of 3.60-3.90 mg/kg or, when calculated as anhydrous ouabain, 3.01 (2.89-3.13) mg/kg.
High-Throughput Discovery of Structure−Mechanical Property Relationships for Segmented Poly(urethane−urea)s

A novel high-throughput method was used to determine the effect of chain extender composition on the mechanical properties of segmented poly(urethane−urea)s. Combinatorial libraries with continuous gradients in chain extender composition (60 < φ < 160 mol % stoichiometry), cure temperature (70 < T < 110 °C), or both were synthesized. Stress vs strain data were obtained at numerous library positions (corresponding to different φ values) using a unique high-throughput mechanical characterization (HTMECH) apparatus developed by the authors. These mechanical measurements were related to the morphology, hydrogen bonding, and degree of phase separation using AFM, FTIR, and DSC. Optimum strength and percent elongation were observed at a chain extender composition of φ = 85 mol %, corresponding also with the finest phase-separated morphology, indicated by an even dispersion of uniform hard domains (dimensions 110−130 nm). DSC measurements indicated increased mixing of soft and hard segments when φ exceeded 85%, w...
Approximate d-states and meson exchange currents

Abstract A simple approximate form for the [21] D-state component of the 3-nucleon ground state wave function, which has correct asymptotic behaviour is introduced and compared to a previously used form. We discuss the implications of approximate D-state wave functions in evaluation of meson exchange current effects.
Comparative genomic hybridization study of placental site trophoblastic tumour: a report of four cases

Placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) is a neoplastic proliferation of the implantation intermediate trophoblast. Although clinicopathological studies are not uncommon in case reports or small series, molecular and genetic studies are quite limited. Four archived cases of PSTT were successfully analysed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in this study. Regional chromosomal gains were observed in two cases. One case showed chromosomal gains in the regions of 19p13.2, 21q11-21 and 22q12. The second case demonstrated a single regional chromosomal gain involving 21q21. No chromosomal loss is observed. The remaining two cases showed a balanced CGH profile without detectable chromosomal gain or loss. In summary, although chromosomal alterations detectable by CGH are not common, rare chromosomal gains do occur in PSTT. The recurrent chromosomal gain involving chromosomal 21q observed in two of our cases deserves additional studies to ascertain whether it carries any pathobiological significance.
Cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity and levels of high-spin cytochrome P-450 in adrenal-regeneration hypertension (ARH).

Whatever steroids are involved in the pathogenesis of adrenal-regeneration hypertension (ARH), cholesterol side-chain cleavage (SCC) activity is a prerequisite for their synthesis. Both cholesterol SCC and 11β-hydroxylase activities were compared in our experiments. By combining the use of cyanoketone, a 3β-ol dehydrogenase inhibitor, with a sensitive radioimmunoassayfor pregnenolone, we were able to measure pregnenolone formed from endogenous cholesterol in adrenal mitochondrial incubations. The results from a quiescent sacrifice indicated greater SCC activity in the ARH group (0.75 nmoles prognenolone⁄minute⁄mg protein) than in controls (0.45 nmoles pregnenolone⁄minute⁄mg protein). This was related to the significantly greater (p < 0.001) amount of SCC cytochrome P-450 in the high spin state observed in adrenal mitochondria from the ARHgroup (determined by the pregnenolone-induced modified Type II spectral, change). After ether stress, both control and ARH groups had comparableamounts of high-spin SCC c...
Energetics and mechanism for the deamination of lithiated cysteine

Lithium cation complexes with cysteine (Cys) are collisionally activated with xenon in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer and observed to deaminate in addition to loss of the intact amino acid. Source conditions are found to influence the cross sections for these processes considerably, a result interpreted in terms of two isomers, Li+(Cys) and (NH3)Li+(C3H4O2S). Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level are used to explore the reaction mechanism for this fragmentation process in detail. A complete reaction coordinate surface for the process is elucidated, including all intermediates and transition states. Theoretical molecular parameters for the two isomers and for the rate-limiting transition state for deamination of Li+(Cys) are then used to analyze the threshold energies in the experimental data, providing experimental measurements of the energies of the transition state and various products. These experimental energies are compared with single point energies calculated at t...
A Note on Estimation in Straight Line Regression When Both Variables Are Subject to Error

Abstract Let yi = α + βxi + eis xi = ξi + δis i = 1, 2, ···, N, N ≥ 3, where (eis δi)s i = 1, 2, ···, N are independent bivariate normal with zero means, variances σ e2 σδ2 and correlation ρ, the ξi being unknown constants at least two of which are distinct. Let τ = (N−1)−1 ΣN i=1 (ξi − ξ)2/Σ δ2 and let . A recent article by Richardson and Wu gives, among other things, the expected value and m.s. error of b, when ρ = 0. This note generalizes their results, using a different method, to the case of ρ ≠ 0.
Coles Creek Period Social Organization and Evolution in Northeast Louisiana

Coles Creek culture is known for the numerous multi-mound sites scattered across the Lower Mississippi Valley. Traditionally these people are thought to be corn agriculturalists with a chiefdom level sociopolitical organization. Evidence from recent excavations has challenged prevailing concepts about Coles Creek subsistence and social organization. Maize agriculture was not as important as it was once thought. Furthermore, the development of complex social entities appears late in the Coles Creek sequence. Although they do not manifest many of the classic traits of chiefdom level societies, it is evident from several lines of archaeological evidence that Coles Creek populations living in northeast Louisiana underwent organizational changes in the last decades of the first millennium A.D. with the end result being the formation of simple elite polities.
Allylic Sulfones in Solid-Phase Synthesis: Preparation of Cyclobutylidenes

Polymer-bound allyl sulfones (cf. 9) were utilized in geminal cycloalkylations with epichlorohydrin to generate a cis-phenylsulfonylcyclobutanol derivative (cf. 11) in one step. In the final step of this solid-phase synthetic sequence, cuprate, organomolybdenum, and organopalladium reagents were screened to obtain an optimal protocol for “traceless” cleavage of cyclobutylidene products from the resin. Among these, palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation was the most efficient. In addition, highly regioselective nucleophilic attack at the less hindered terminus of the allyl fragment (i.e., overall SN2‘ sulfinate displacement) was observed. Cyclobutylidene diversification was demonstrated by incorporating different allylic substituents, O-functionalizations, and C-nucleophiles to prepare a demonstration library of eight cyclobutylidene derivatives (i.e., derivatives of 4) in four steps and 30−38% overall yield from lithium polystyrene/divinylbenzene sulfinate.
Compositional Trends in the Optical Properties of Amorphous Lone-Pair Semiconductors

The pressure and temperature dependence of the refractive index and absorption edge have been measured for a group of amorphous semiconductors with average coordination number between two and four, all containing group-VI elements in twofold coordination (lone-pair semiconductors). Clear compositional trends are observed in the pressure dependence of the optical properties when these measurements are compared with the values for tetrahedral semiconductors. The chemical-bond approach is extended by the introduction of a new material parameter, the average bond-free solid angle (BFSA), in order to explain the large positive pressure coefficient of refractive index ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}n}{\ensuremath{\partial}P})}_{T}$ observed for chalcogenide-rich materials and the small negative values observed for tetrahedral semiconductors. BFSA is the solid angle, associated with each atom, which is free of bond charge. When BFSA is large, atoms can move closer together under stress without compressing bonds. In this case local-field corrections cause positive ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}n}{\ensuremath{\partial}P})}_{T}$. When BFSA is small, local-field corrections are smaller because the charge density is more uniformly distributed. Strain results in bond compression which gives negative ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}n}{\ensuremath{\partial}P})}_{T}$. It is found that BFSA can also explain compositional trends in the pressure coefficient of the absorption edge as well as trends in apparently unrelated material properties such as melting temperature.
Plasma Instability and Optimum Utilization of Laser Energy in Laser Materials Processing

A plume consisting of vapor and ionized particles of the workpiece is usually formed during various types of laser materials processing. The process parameters such as the laser power, spot diameter, scanning speed, material properties and shielding gas affect the properties of this plume. A one- dimensional model is presented to understand the effects of the vapor-plasma plume in continuous wave (cw) laser materials processing. A model for pulsed laser materials processing is also discussed. These models are used to analyze the transmission of the laser beam through the plume and the deposition of energy on the melt pool at the substrate surface. An experimental technique described as the pinhole experiment is devised for pulsed laser operations to measure the partitioning of laser energy between the plume and workpiece and to identify the process parameter regime for efficient energy transfer from the laser beam to the workpiece. The attenuation coefficient of the vapor-plasma plume was measured during cw CO2 laser-assisted metal deposition conditions by directing a CO2 probe laser beam horizontally through the plume and determining the ratio of irradiance of the beam after and before the plume. Assuming an isotropic attenuation coefficient through the plume, the energy partitioning between the plume and workpiece was determined.
When Unwed Mothers Marry The Marital and Cohabiting Partners of Midlife Women

The promotion of marriage and two-parent families as a strategy to reduce welfare dependency continues to be a major public policy goal of the 1996 welfare reform. Based on the assumption that women will marry employed men and that their earnings will lift poor mothers and their children from public dependency, this objective raises important policy questions. In this article, the authors investigate the extent to which unwed mothers—a large proportion of all welfare mothers—enter into and maintain stable cohabiting and marital relationships with economically attractive men. Using retrospective data on relationship histories for 3,872 women from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth, the authors examine the marital life course of unwed mothers and document the social and economic characteristics of their partners at midlife. Their marital search model shows that nonmarital childbearing is adversely associated with the ability to marry economically attractive men and maintain long-term marital unions.
Dynamic point selection in image mosaicking

Image mosaicking is a procedure of integrating information from a series of images to create a comprehensive view of the scene. It is typically carried out by selecting a subset of pixels from each of the individual images, matching these selected pixels from different images, and then mapping all the images onto a common image grid. The number of selected pixels is a critical parameter that affects both computational complexity and mosaicking accuracy. An image mosaicking algorithm is developed by using a novel dynamic point selection concept. The algorithm automatically determines the number of pixels to select according to the similarity of the images. Simulations show that the proposed algorithm generates mosaic accurately and efficiently.
Modeling and performance bounds for concurrent processing

A novel graph-theoretic model for describing the relation between a decomposed algorithm and its execution in a multiprocessor environment is developed. Called ATAMM, the model consists of a set of Petri-net marked graphs that incorporates the general specifications of a data-flow architecture. The model is useful for representing decision-free algorithms having large-grained, computationally complex primitive operations. Performance measures of computing speed and throughput capacity are defined. The ATAMM model is used to develop analytically lower bounds for these parameters. >
METABOLISM OF THE STEROID HORMONES. ADRENAL CORTICAL-LIKE MATERIAL IN HUMAN URINE1

IT HAS BEEN established from recent studies in this laboratory that an extract may be obtained from the urine of normal men which has physiological properties identical with those of adrenal cortical compounds. The extract shows the following activities when tested on the adrenalectomized rat: it protects against exposure to cold (Dorfman, Horwitt and Fish, 1942); it elevates liver glycogen (Horwitt and Dorfman, 1943); it maintains life (Dorfman and Horwitt, 1943); it prolongs muscle work performance (Shipley, Dorfman and Horwitt,1943); and it prevents water intoxication (Schiller and Dorfman, 1943). Evidence that-urine contains adrenal cortical-like material was brought forward by the finding of Perla and Marmorsten-Gottesman (1931) that a benzene extract of human urine would increase the resistance of adrenalectomized rats to histamine. Shortly afterward, Grollman and Firor (1932–33) reported that benzene soluble material obtained from urine wouldprolong life when administered to adrenalectomized rats.
Particle control in dielectric etch chamber

A methodology for evaluating and controlling particle performance in a dielectric etch system is developed and presented. Analysis of particle samples, collected from premature chamber failures for out-of-control particle levels, suggests sputtering of the upper electrode during etching is a key modulator to this problem. To eliminate such sputtering, we designed a series of experiments with the objective of identifying a between-lot conditioning (BLC) process capable of creating a uniform and solid layer of polymer coating that covers the entire upper electrode of a parallel plate, RF, magnetically enhanced reactive ion etch system. An approach comprising a series of short wafer processing marathon runs, with polymer coverage and particle performance as the two main responses, was then used to identify a candidate process for BLC recipe and usage frequency. Adequate non flaking polymer coverage of the upper electrode was achieved by utilizing a BLC process based on octafluoro-cyclobutane/oxygen/argon/carbonmonoxide [C/sub 4/F/sub 8//O/sub 2//Ar/CO] chemistry at high RF power and short transit time settings. The candidate process was then optimized and tested in a manufacturing pilot involving multiple production etch chambers and was subjected to extensive process performance metrics. Based on this methodology, the optimized BLC was successful in controlling defects and in attaining the mean wafer between wet clean goal for the etch system under investigation.
A MODERN BRICK PLANT1

A detailed description is given of the layout and construction of a shale brick plant. This plant fires its ware in a tunnel kiln and is built to conform accordingly.
Basal and thrombin-stimulated platelet cell calcium

To study platelet cell calcium in dogs, we measured the fura-2-determined calcium concentration (Cai) in platelets derived from blood drawn through indwelling arterial catheters in four dogs. Platelet samples were obtained 3 days a week for 39 days. Canine platelet Cai averages 40.5 +/- 1.7 nmol/L when corrected for extracellular fura-2 dye (n = 46); this mean is significantly smaller than the value obtained without such a correction (50.2 +/- 2.0 nmol/L, P < .05). The amplitude of thrombin-induced Ca2+ transients is proportional to basal Cai, increasing 4.9 +/- 0.9 nmol/L peak Ca2+ per nmol/L increase in baseline Ca2+.
Intron retention identifies a malaria vector within the Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albitaris complex (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract : Taxonomic identification of cryptic mosquito species is more than an academic exercise when members of the species complex function as human disease vectors. The correct identification of species involved in disease transmission is vital for development of public health strategies and assessment of effectiveness of previously implemented strategies(e.g., vaccination or vector control efforts). Primary disease vectors may shift in response to variation in local environments including changes driven by human activity. For example, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) marajoara Galvao, and Damasceno (Linthicum, 1988) is the principal malaria vector in northeastern Amazonia, replacing An. darling Root, perhaps as a result of changes in human activity (Conn et al., 2002). Discrimination of An. marajoara from other members of the cryptic Albitarsis Complex remains a challenge, and evolutionary relationships among the members of this complex remain unresolved.
Glass Ceilings or Sticky Floors? Statistical Discrimination in a Dynamic Model of Hiring and Promotion

I show that when two groups differ in (i) their average skill level, (ii) the precision with which they can signal their skill prior to entering the labour market, and/or (Hi) the frequency with which they have the opportunity to signal their skill prior to entering the labour market, then even if firms become increasingly informed regarding each worker's skill over time, equally skilled workers from different groups will have different likelihoods of making it to top jobs in the economy, even though there is no discrimination when it comes to promotion to these top jobs. In 1995, 95% of senior-level managers in the top Fortune 1000 industrial and 500 service companies in the US were male, 97% of whom were also white (Federal Glass Ceiling Commission, 1995). In the UK females make up just 8.3% of the senior judi ciary, 9.7% of top business leaders, and 9.1% of newspaper editors (EOC, 2005). At the end of the 2004 American football season, only 5 of the 32 NFL head coaches were black, and only 2 of the 117 Division I College football teams had black head coaches (Rosenburg, 2004). In 1999, there were only 68 female full professors at the 120 PhD granting economics departments in the US (CSWEP, 1999). This severe underrepre sentation of females and minorities at the highest levels of occupational achievement throughout a wide range of occupations has often been referred to as the 'Glass Ceiling'.1
An assessment of grassland restoration success using species diversity components

Summary 1. We do not know which aspects of community structure and ecosystem processes are restorable for most ecosystems, yet this information is crucial for achieving successful restoration. 2. We quantified three success criteria for 8‐10-year-old grassland plantings in largescale tallgrass prairie restoration (reconstruction) sites relative to three nearby prairie remnant sites. The restoration sites included management of native ungulates and fire, important regulators of diversity and patchiness in intact grasslands. These have not been incorporated simultaneously into previous studies of restoration success. 3. We used the additive partitioning model of diversity, where α is neighbourhood (quadrat) scale diversity, β is accumulation of species diversity across neighbourhoods, and γ is total diversity. We decomposed α into richness and evenness to determine if both were equally restored. 4. The proportion of exotic biomass was similar between the restoration and remnant sites, but the proportion of exotic species and above-ground net primary productivity remained between two and four times higher in the restoration sites. 5. Alpha diversity (Simpson’s 1/D) and richness (S) values were exceptionally high in remnant sites, and approximately twice those of the restoration sites. Alpha evenness was similar between the restoration and remnant sites. 6. Distance per se between quadrats was not related to diversity after accumulated quadrat area was taken into account. Therefore, we may be able to use the additive partitioning model of diversity in areas that differ in size, at least at the scale of this study. 7. Contrary to our original predictions, the proportion of β diversity (1 − D) was approximately twice as high in the restoration sites than in remnant sites, possibly because patches of individual species were larger in the restoration. 8. Synthesis and applications . We have shown that current restoration methods are unable to restore plant diversity in tallgrass prairie. Grassland restoration will be improved if the number of species that co-exist can be increased. New, local-scale restoration techniques are needed to replicate the high levels of diversity observed in tallgrass prairie remnant sites.