cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of microRNAs in bovine and human pre-implantation embryo culture media

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short non-coding RNAs which act to regulate expression of genes driving numerous cellular processes. These RNAs are secreted within exosomes from cells into the extracellular environment where they may act as signaling molecules. In addition, they are relatively stable and are specifically expressed in association to certain cancers making them strong candidates as biological markers. Moreover, miRNAs have been detected in body fluids including urine, milk, saliva, semen, and blood plasma. However, it is unknown whether they are secreted by embryonic cells into the culture media. Given that miRNAs are expressed throughout embryonic cellular divisions and embryonic genome activation, we hypothesized that they are secreted from the embryo into the extracellular environment and may play a role in the developmental competence of bovine embryos. To test this hypothesis, bovine embryos were cultured individually from day 5 to day 8 of development in an in vitro fertilization system and gene expression of 5 miRNAs was analyzed in both embryos and culture media. Differential miRNA gene expression was observed between embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage and those that failed to develop from the morula to blastocyst stage, deemed degenerate embryos. MiR-25, miR-302c, miR-196a2, and miR-181a expression was found to be higher in degenerate embryos compared to blastocyst embryos. Interestingly, these miRNAs were also found to be expressed in the culture media of both bovine and human pre-implantation embryos. Overall, our results show for the first time that miRNAs are secreted from pre-implantation embryos into culture media and that miRNA expression may correlate with developmental competence of the embryo. Expression of miRNAs in in vitro culture media could allow for the development of biological markers for selection of better quality embryos and for subsequent successful pregnancy.
Transfusion therapy in neonates.

• Infants, particularly those who were very small premature neonates, are among the most common of all patient groups to undergo extensive transfusion. It is estimated that approximately 300000 neonates undergo transfusions annually. Most infants who undergo transfusion are exposed to multiple blood donors, and although each exposure poses only a small risk, the potential for adverse effects of multiple transfusions is not trivial. Transfusion practices for neonates are controversial, variable, and based on scanty scientific information. For the most part, controlled scientific studies have not been performed to clearly establish the indications for the transfusion of blood components to neonates. Considering these limitations, guidelines are offered for the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils into neonates. (AJDC. 1991;145:904-911)
Collisional activation spectra of the [C9H11O]+ ion from 2-methyl-2-phenylpropane-1,3-diol†

Collisional activation spectra show that the [C9H11O] ion formed by loss of CH2OH from the title compound has rearranged to the protonated phenylacetone structure.
Constituents of Suriana maritima: A triterpene diol of novel structure and a new flavonol glycoside

Suriana maritima L., often classified in Simaroubaceae, but regarded also as the monotypic member of Surianaceae, is devoid of the terpenoid lactones that characterize Simaroubaceae. It contains a novel triterpenoid diol, surianol, the structure of which is described. In addition to this, β-sitosterol, rutin. and rhamnetin-3-rutinoside, the latter a new flavonol glycoside, were also found as constituents of the plant.
Development of the integrated product information model for product sustainability assessment

The sustainability of a product is evaluated using the product sustainability index (ProdSI) methodology. This methodology is based on the total product life-cycle and a 6R approach. When it comes to product information models, it is difficult to extract required information to evaluate certain elements of ProdSI from the currently available geometry-based product data models. This paper discusses the development of an integrated product information model that will provide all such information, and will facilitate the ProdSI assessment process. The proposed model combines information about geometry and topology along with function, behaviour, manufacturing processes and product sustainability related information.
Percutaneous Doxycycline Treatment of Aneurysmal Bone Cysts With Low Recurrence Rate: A Preliminary Report

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) has a recurrence rate of between 12% and 71% without en bloc resection or amputation. There is no percutaneous ABC treatment drug regimen demonstrating consistent evidence of bone healing with recurrence of < 12%. Doxycyline has properties that may make it appropriate for percutaneous treatment. We therefore asked: (1) Is there reduction in ABC lytic cyst volume with injectable doxycycline? (2) Is it associated with thickening of involved bony cortex? (3) Is the recurrence rate after percutaneous treatment < 12%? We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of ABCs with doxycycline from 2006 to 2010. The mean age was 10 years (range, 3–18 years). There were 21 treatment locations: humerus (six), spine (five), clavicle (two), fibula (one), femur (two), ulna (two), tibia (two), and scapula (one). Twenty patients completed treatment involving 118 treatment sessions (two to 14 sessions per patient). Treatment response was evaluated radiographically by measuring the lytic component and thickness of involved cortex. Recurrence was indicated by new areas of lytic destruction after completion of treatment. The minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 38 months). Twenty of 20 patients demonstrated reduction in lytic destruction and bony healing. All patients demonstrated cortical thickening. One patient demonstrated recurrent minimal lytic destruction after 20 months of observation. In this series, patients undergoing percutaneous doxycycline treatment of ABCs demonstrated a healing response and a recurrence rate of 5% at more than 24 months. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Electric circuit models of the nuclear reactor

A series of equivalent circuits are established for the partial differential equations representing the diffusion of neutrons in a reactor. One-, two-, and three-dimensional spatial models, valid for all curvilinear orthogonal reference frames, are given first for monoenergetic neutrons. The presence of variable-energy neutrons is represented next by the appearance of a fourth dimension. Variation of neutron density in time is also considered along an extra fifth dimension. Circuit models with arbitrary shapes and with tens of thousands of net points may now be solved quickly and efficiently with the aid of digital computers by the recently developed tensorial method of tearing the model apart into smaller parts and solving each part separately. The effect of movable and variable control fixtures in the reactor, also a variation in composition, may now be considered without repeating the solutions arrived at for the rest of the reactor.
SU-F-BRF-02: Automated Lung Segmentation Method Using Atlas-Based Sparse Shape Composition with a Shape Constrained Deformable Model

Purpose: To develop an automated lung segmentation method, which combines the atlas-based sparse shape composition with a shape constrained deformable model in thoracic CT for patients with compromised lung volumes. Methods: Ten thoracic computed tomography scans for patients with large lung tumors were collected and reference lung ROIs in each scan was manually segmented to assess the performance of the method. We propose an automated and robust framework for lung tissue segmentation by using single statistical atlas registration to initialize a robust deformable model in order to perform fine segmentation that includes compromised lung tissue. First, a statistical image atlas with sparse shape composition is constructed and employed to obtain an approximate estimation of lung volume. Next, a robust deformable model with shape prior is initialized from this estimation. Energy terms from ROI edge potential and interior ROI region based potential as well as the initial ROI are combined in this model for accurate and robust segmentation. Results: The proposed segmentation method is applied to segment right lung on three CT scans. The quantitative results of our segmentation method achieved mean dice score of (0.92–0.95), mean accuracy of (0.97,0.98), and mean relative error of (0.10,0.16) with 95% CI. The quantitativemore » results of previously published RASM segmentation method achieved mean dice score of (0.74,0.96), mean accuracy of (0.66,0.98), and mean relative error of (0.04, 0.38) with 95% CI. The qualitative and quantitative comparisons show that our proposed method can achieve better segmentation accuracy with less variance compared with a robust active shape model method. Conclusion: The atlas-based segmentation approach achieved relatively high accuracy with less variance compared to RASM in the sample dataset and the proposed method will be useful in image analysis applications for lung nodule or lung cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy assessment in thoracic computed tomography.« less
Evaluating, Recycling, and Extending Useful Life

Cas des chaussees souples et cas des chaussees rigides. Systeme de gestion des chaussees. Evaluation des tabliers de pont. Recyclage des materiaux, recyclage des chaussees en beton de ciment Portland. Methode de rehabilitation
Co-evolution: A Behavioral ‘Spam Filter’ to Prevent Nest Parasitism

A series of recent studies on nest parasitism shows that, in addition to rejection of foreign eggs, host birds also use mobbing behavior to prevent cuckoos from laying eggs in the first place, which has likely led to two interrelated co-evolutionary arms races between cuckoos and their hosts.
Adrenocorticotropin-Independent Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia: An Unusual Cause of Cushing’s Syndrome*

Inappropriate ACTH secretion with bilateral diffuse or macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome. This report describes a patient with Cushing's syndrome and feminization due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. A 47-yr-old black man presented with Cushingoid features, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, impotence, and gynecomastia. Urinary cortisol and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion were 94 nmol/mmol creatinine (normal, less than 32) and 5.8 mumol/mmol creatinine (normal, 0.6-3.6), respectively. Both decreased by less than 30% after administration of dexamethasone (8 and 16 mg/day), and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion did not increase after metyrapone (750 mg, orally, every 4 h for six doses). Plasma ACTH was undetectable (less than 1 pmol/L) and was not stimulated by administration of metyrapone or ovine CRH. Serum testosterone was 5.2 nmol/L (normal, 7-30), FSH was 5 U/L (normal, 3-18), LH was 2.8 U/L (normal, 1.5-9.2), and estrone was 767 pmol/L (normal, 55-240). Both adrenal glands were enlarged, with a total weight of 86 g (normal, 8-10), and contained multiple nodules (diameter, greater than 0.5 cm) composed of two active cell types, one of which was also observed between the nodules. Cushing's syndrome with feminization due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is an unusual process of unknown etiology that should be included with the other known causes of Cushing's syndrome.
Pulmonary cavitation, difficulty in differential diagnosis by x-ray.

SUMMARY Pulmonary cavitation is found during the course of many various illnesses affecting the lungs. Various text-books on Radiology have attempted to describe typical lesions, using location, shape, size, number and character of the walls of the cavities as criteria. The character of the surrounding pulmonary parenchyma also aids in the differential diagnosis. A chart was made cross-indexing the causes of cavitation with these criteria for diagnosis. This chart proved helpful only in typical cases. Films are presented where similar radiographs were found in different diseases. The reason for this is that the basic cause for cavitation in all these illnesses is one and the same, namely destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma. Differential diagnosis in these cases was possible only by using all the available information, anamnesis, laboratory studies, clinical findings and serial x-rays.
Genetic mapping and functional studies of a natural inhibitor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase: the mouse ortholog of human alpha2-HS glycoprotein.

Fetuin/α2-HS glycoprotein (α2-HSG) homologs have been identified in several species including rat, sheep, pig, rabbit, guinea pig, cattle, mouse and human. Multiple physiological roles for these homologs have been suggested, including ability to bind to hydroxyapatite crystals and to specifically inhibit the tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of the insulin receptor (IR). In this study we report the identification, cloning, and characterization of the mouse Ahsg gene and its function as an IR-TK inhibitor. Genomic clones derived from a mouse Svj 129 genomic library were sequenced in order to characterize the intron–exon organization of the mouse Ahsg gene, including an 875 bp subclone containing 154 bp upstream from the transcription start site, the first exon, and part of the first intron. A second genomic subclone harboring a 3.45 kb Bgl II fragment contained exons 2, 3 and 4 in addition to two adjacent elements within the first intron-a repetitive element of the B1 family (92 bp) and a 271 bp tract of (T,C)n * (A,G)n. We have mapped mouse Ahsg at 16 cM adjacent to the Diacylglycerol kinase 3 (Dagk3) gene on chromosome 16 by genotyping interspecific backcross panels between C57BL/6J and Mus spretus. The position is syntenic with human chromosome 3q27, where the human AHSG gene resides. Using recombinant mouse α2-HSG expressed from a recombinant baculovirus, we demonstrate that mouse α2-HSG inhibits insulin–stimulated IR autophosphorylation and IR-TKA in vitro. In addition, mouse α2-HSG (25μg/ml) completely abolishes insulin-induced DNA synthesis in H-35 rat hepatoma cells. Based on the sequence data and functional analysis, we conclude that the mouse Ahsg gene is the true ortholog of the human AHSG gene.
Capturing the Surface Texture and Shape of Pollen: A Comparison of Microscopy Techniques

Research on the comparative morphology of pollen grains depends crucially on the application of appropriate microscopy techniques. Information on the performance of microscopy techniques can be used to inform that choice. We compared the ability of several microscopy techniques to provide information on the shape and surface texture of three pollen types with differing morphologies. These techniques are: widefield, apotome, confocal and two-photon microscopy (reflected light techniques), and brightfield and differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) (transmitted light techniques). We also provide a first view of pollen using super-resolution microscopy. The three pollen types used to contrast the performance of each technique are: Croton hirtus (Euphorbiaceae), Mabea occidentalis (Euphorbiaceae) and Agropyron repens (Poaceae). No single microscopy technique provided an adequate picture of both the shape and surface texture of any of the three pollen types investigated here. The wavelength of incident light, photon-collection ability of the optical technique, signal-to-noise ratio, and the thickness and light absorption characteristics of the exine profoundly affect the recovery of morphological information by a given optical microscopy technique. Reflected light techniques, particularly confocal and two-photon microscopy, best capture pollen shape but provide limited information on very fine surface texture. In contrast, transmitted light techniques, particularly differential interference contrast microscopy, can resolve very fine surface texture but provide limited information on shape. Texture comprising sculptural elements that are spaced near the diffraction limit of light (∼250 nm; NDL) presents an acute challenge to optical microscopy. Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy provides data on the NDL texture of A. repens that is more comparable to textural data from scanning electron microscopy than any other optical microscopy technique investigated here. Maximizing the recovery of morphological information from pollen grains should lead to more robust classifications, and an increase in the taxonomic precision with which ancient vegetation can be reconstructed.
Use of chemical tracers to assess diet and persistent organic pollutants in Antarctic Type C killer whales

Measuring chemical tracers in tissues of marine predators provides insight into the prey consumed and the predator's contaminant exposure. In this study, samples from Type C killer whales {Orcinus area) biopsied in Antarctica were analyzed for chemical tracers (i.e., stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, fatty acids, and persistent organic pollutants [POPs]). Profiles of these individual tracers were very different from those of killer whale populations that have been studied in the eastern North and eastern Tropical Pacific. For example, δ 13 C and δ 15 N stable isotope values and most POP concentrations were significantly lower in the Antarctic population. In addition, multivariate statistical analyses of both fatty acid and POP profiles found distinctly different patterns for Antarctic Type C whales compared to those from whales in the other populations. Similar assays were conducted on four species of Antarctic marine fish considered potential prey for Type C killer whales. Results were consistent with a diet of fish for Type C whales, but other species (e.g., low trophic-level marine mammals or penguins) could not be eliminated as supplemental prey.
Surface waves at a biaxial bicrystalline interface

Localized to the planar interface of two identical dielectric biaxial crystals with optic ray axes parallel to the interface but with a relative twist about an axis perpendicular to the interface, electromagnetic wave propagation along the bisectrix of the two crystallographic orientations is possible with either real-valued or complex-valued transverse decay constants as the twist angle varies from 0° to an upper limit (≤90°) that is dependent on the angle between the two optic ray axes.
Identification of genetic variants and gene expression relationships associated with pharmacogenes in humans.

Objectives The very important pharmacogenes (VIPs) were selected by Pharmacogenetic Research Network (National Institutes of Health-PGRN) owing to their significant effects on drug treatment both at the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic levels. Our objective was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that potentially affected the expression of these genes or potential SNP–gene interactions involved to improve our understanding of genetic effects on drug therapy. Basic methods Gene expression was evaluated in 176 International HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from CEU (CEPH, Utah residents with ancestry from northern and western Europe; n=87) and YRI (Yoruba in Ibadan, Nigeria; n=89) using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Exon 1.0 ST arrays (Affymetrix Laboratory, Affymetrix Inc., Santa Clara, California, USA) with interrogation of greater than 17 000 human genes. Genome-wide association was performed between over two million publicly available HapMap SNPs and gene expression. Main results The expression of two PGRN-VIPs (GSTT1 and GSTM1) are significantly associated with SNPs within 2.5 Mb of the genes; whereas the expression of three and ten PGRN-VIPs are significantly associated with distant-acting SNPs in CEU and YRI, respectively. In addition, three and four PGRN-VIPs harbor SNPs that are distantly associated with other gene expressions in CEU and YRI, respectively. Principal conclusion Using this information, one may identify genetic variants that are significantly associated with the expression of any set of genes of interest; or evaluate potential gene–gene interaction through SNP expression relationships.
How I do it: managing radiation dose in CT.

The purpose of this article is to describe the techniques the authors use to manage and minimize CT radiation dose in their practices.
Human Telomere Length Correlates to the Size of the Associated Chromosome Arm

The majority of human telomere length studies have focused on the overall length of telomeres within a cell. In fact, very few studies have examined telomere length for individual chromosome arms. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between chromosome arm size and the relative length of the associated telomere. Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (Q-FISH) was used to measure the relative telomere length of each chromosome arm in metaphases from cultured lymphocytes of 17 individuals. A statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.6) was found between telomere length and the size of the associated chromosome arm, which was estimated based on megabase pair measurements from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/mapview/.
The interface between an alternating CG motif and a random sequence motif displays altered nuclease activity.

Abstract Previously we described the B-Z junctions produced in oligomers containing (5meCG)4 segments in the presence of 5.0 M NaCl or 50 uM Co(NH3)6 +3 [Sheardy, R.D. & Winkle, S.A., Biochemistry 28, 720–725 (1989); Winkle, S. A., Aloyo, M.C., Morales, N., Zambrano, T.Y. & Sheardy, R.D., Biochemistry 30, 10601–10606 (1991)]. The circular dichroism spectra of an analogous unmethylated oligomer containing (CG)4, termed BZ-IV, in 5.0 M NaCl and in 50 uM CO(NH3)+3 suggest, however, that this oligomer does not form a B-Z hybrid. BZ-IV possesses Hha I sites (CGCG) in the (CG)4 segment and an Mbo I site (GATC) at the terminus of the (CG)4 segment BZ-IV is equally digestible in the presence and absence of cobalt hexamine by Hha I, further indicating that the structure of BZ-IV is fully B-like under these conditions. The Mbo I cleavage site at the juncture between the (CG)4 segment and the adjacent random segment displays enhanced cleavage by both Mbo I and its isoschizomer Sau3A I in the presence of cobalt hexam...
Progress in gaps

Cell-to-Cell Communication. Edited by Walmor C. De Mello. Plenum:1987. Pp.374. $59.50 (North America), $71.40 (elsewhere).
A theory of flame spread over a solid fuel including finite-rate chemical kinetics

Abstract A theory for the steady-state flame spread over a thermally thin solid fuel is developed in this study. The model considers a laminar diffusion flame in a uniform opposed flow and includes the two-dimensional, elliptic, gas-phase energy, and species equations with one-step overall chemical reaction and second-order, finite-rate Arrhenius kinetics. The unsteady, solid-fuel equations neglect heat conduction ahead of the flame but include transient heating and Arrhenius pyrolysis kinetics and are coupled to the quasisteady gas phase. The equations are solved in the laboratory coordinate system. In this study the two-dimensional distributions of temperature and species are obtained, including the low reactivity zone in the flame region. The solid-fuel surface profiles indicate a region of almost uniform temperature (vaporization temperature) during pyrolysis for some parameter values; however, the value is not universally constant for the fuel and does depend on the ambient parameters (pressure, oxygen mass fraction, and magnitude of opposed velocity). The dependence of the flame-spread rate on the ambient parameters is investigated, and qualitative agreement is obtained with experimental results in the near-extinction-limit region. Quantitative agreement with experimental data depends on the choice of parameter values, especially the gas-phase kinetics model parameters, which are generally unknown. The flame-extinction limits due to increased opposed velocity, reduced pressure, and reduced ambient oxygen mass fraction are all obtained in the results calculated from this theory.
Transmission and Microevolution of USA300 MRSA in U.S. Households: Evidence from Whole-Genome Sequencing

ABSTRACT Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 is a successful S. aureus clone in the United States and a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 146 USA300 MRSA isolates from SSTIs and colonization cultures obtained from an investigation conducted from 2008 to 2010 in Chicago and Los Angeles households that included an index case with an S. aureus SSTI. Identifying unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and analyzing whole-genome phylogeny, we characterized isolates to understand transmission dynamics, genetic relatedness, and microevolution of USA300 MRSA within the households. We also compared the 146 USA300 MRSA isolates from our study with the previously published genome sequences of the USA300 MRSA isolates from San Diego ( n = 35) and New York City ( n = 277). We found little genetic variation within the USA300 MRSA household isolates from Los Angeles (mean number of SNPs ± standard deviation, 17.6 ± 35; π nucleotide diversity, 3.1 × 10 −5 ) or from Chicago (mean number of SNPs ± standard deviation, 12 ± 19; π nucleotide diversity, 3.1 × 10 −5 ). The isolates within a household clustered into closely related monophyletic groups, suggesting the introduction into and transmission within each household of a single common USA300 ancestral strain. From a Bayesian evolutionary reconstruction, we inferred that USA300 persisted within households for 2.33 to 8.35 years prior to sampling. We also noted that fluoroquinolone-resistant USA300 clones emerged around 1995 and were more widespread in Los Angeles and New York City than in Chicago. Our findings strongly suggest that unique USA300 MRSA isolates are transmitted within households that contain an individual with an SSTI. Decolonization of household members may be a critical component of prevention programs to control USA300 MRSA spread in the United States. IMPORTANCE USA300, a virulent and easily transmissible strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is the predominant community-associated MRSA clone in the United States. It most commonly causes skin infections but also causes necrotizing pneumonia and endocarditis. Strategies to limit the spread of MRSA in the community can only be effective if we understand the most common sources of transmission and the microevolutionary processes that provide a fitness advantage to MRSA. We performed a whole-genome sequence comparison of 146 USA300 MRSA isolates from Chicago and Los Angeles. We show that households represent a frequent site of transmission and a long-term reservoir of USA300 strains; individuals within households transmit the same USA300 strain among themselves. Our study also reveals that a large proportion of the USA300 isolates sequenced are resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The significance of this study is that if households serve as long-term reservoirs of USA300, household MRSA eradication programs may result in a uniquely effective control method.
An investigation of the effect of acceleration on the burning rate of composite propellants

Abstract : The average burning rates of composite solid rocket propellant were measured in acceleration fields up to 2000 times the standard acceleration of gravity. The acceleration vector was perpendicular to and into the burning surface. Propellant strands were burned in a combustion bomb mounted on a centrifuge, and surge tanks were employed to ensure essentially constant pressure burning at 500, 1000, and 1500 psia. The burning rates of both aluminized and non-aluminized composite propellants were found to depend on acceleration. The effect of acceleration on burning rate was found to depend on the burning rate of the propellant without acceleration, aluminum mass loading, and aluminum mass median particle size. The relative burning rate increase was found to be greater for slow burning propellant than for faster burning propellants. The experimental results are compared to the analytical models proposed by Crowe for aluminized propellants and by Glick for non-aluminized propellants. The results indicate that these models do not adequately predict the observed relative burning rate increase with acceleration, and hence, that more complex modeling will be required to explain the observed acceleration effect.
Survival of the fastest: the Internet and 21st century business practice

Contends the Internet is a medium for commerce, marketing, advertising and distribution, as well as invention, entertainment and discussion. Reckons that on the Internet there is only on certainty – when creative destruction reigns it is business as usual. Concludes that succeeding in the global Internet economy is very difficult, and survival is far from assured.
Is there a key to the normative budgeting lock

This article explores how to answer the normative question: ‘What is a good budgetary process?’ It proposes that a deliberative process involving practitioners and academics could identify and justify achievably ambitious standards for budgetary processes, and the best practices for attaining those standards. In hopes of beginning that deliberation, the article sets out a prototype model, and then applies the model to the federal budgetary process.
The MammoSite balloon brachytherapy catheter for accelerated partial breast irradiation

Whole-breast irradiation after lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer appears to prevent relapse only at the site of initial involvement, and therefore it is likely that radiation can safely be limited to tissues immediately surrounding the excision cavity. Accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) with the MammoSite catheter (Proxima Therapeutics, Alpharetta, GA) has been proposed as a means through which APBI can be offered to a wide range of patients. Although sufficient follow-up is not yet available regarding local control, survival, late toxicity, and long-term cosmetic results, early results are promising. This article reviews the current literature reflecting treatment, dose optimization, outcomes, and toxicity of APBI with the MammoSite brachytherapy catheter.
Survey of motile microaerophilic bacterial morphotypes in the oxygen gradient above a marine sulfidic sediment.

Enrichment cultures for free-swimming microaerophilic bacteria were prepared from marine sulfidic sediment samples (Niva Bay, Denmark). We observed nine different morphotypes; three of these morphotypes represented already-described species, i.e., Thiovulum majus, “Candidatus Ovobacter propellens,” and an as-yet-unnamed large vibrioid bacterium. In addition, we observed several morphotypes of spirilla and one vibrioid morphotype. A common feature of all investigated bacteria was that they aggregated chemotactically at the oxic-anoxic interface, whereas preferred oxygen concentration were in the range of 1 to 10 μM. The motile behavior and flagellar dynamics are analyzed in detail with an emphasis on spirilla.
A Comparison of Pergolide and Bromocriptine in the Initial Rehabilitation of Cocaine Dependence

Numerous pharmacologic agents have been used in an attempt to improve treatment outcome for cocaine-dependent individuals. In this study, 41 men and women newly admitted to a 30-day inpatient treatment program for cocaine dependence were randomized to open treatment with pergolide or bromocriptine (two dopamine agonists) or a no-medication group. Treatment groups were compared for mean length of stay in the hospital (MLS), number of discharges against medical advice (AMA), and on a self-report visual analog craving scale prior to treatment and again between Day 7 and Day 10. The pergolide and bromocriptine groups both had an MLS of 25 days, with one AMA discharge (6%). The no-medication treatment group had an MLS of 16.2 days and four (36%) AMA discharges. Mean decrease in the craving scores in the pergolide group was 31.8, in the bromocriptine group, 24.0, and in the no-medication group, 7.9.
Host Cell Invasion by Toxoplasma gondii Is Temporally Regulated by the Host Microtubule Cytoskeleton

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that invades and replicates within most nucleated cells of warm-blooded animals. The basis for this wide host cell tropism is unknown but could be because parasites invade host cells using distinct pathways and/or repertoires of host factors. Using synchronized parasite invasion assays, we found that host microtubule disruption significantly reduces parasite invasion into host cells early after stimulating parasite invasion but not at later time points. Host microtubules are specifically associated with the moving junction, which is the site of contact between the host cell and the invading parasite. Host microtubules are specifically associated with the moving junction of those parasites invading early after stimulating invasion but not with those invading later. Disruption of host microtubules has no effect on parasite contact, attachment, motility, or rate of penetration. Rather, host microtubules hasten the time before parasites commence invasion. This effect on parasite invasion is distinct from the role that host microtubules play in bacterial and viral infections, where they function to traffic the pathogen or pathogen-derived material from the host cell's periphery to its interior. These data indicate that the host microtubule cytoskeleton is a structure used by Toxoplasma to rapidly infect its host cell and highlight a novel function for host microtubules in microbial pathogenesis.
A circadian pacemaker for visual sensitivity

Visual signal detectability oscillates as a circadian rhythm, capable of free-running in constant conditions, and entrainment by external lighting schedules. These functions persist after lesioning of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), implicating a separate pacemaker for visual sensitivity. Its locus, physiology, and mode of interaction with the SCN have yet to be established.
Effects of solute—solvent complexation reactions on dissolution kinetics: Testing of a model by using a concentration jump technique

The rates of dissolution of 2-naphthol in cyclohexane and in cyclohexane containing different concentrations of additives which complex with dissolved solute such as n-propanol, undecanol, N,N-dimethylpropionamide, and N,N-dimethyldodecamide were measured. To minimize the effects on the rates of: (a) differences in area of the solid-liquid interface from one experiment to the next, (b) changes in the area of the solid-liquid interface that occur during an experiment, and (c) small variations in hydrodynamics, a “concentration jump” technique was employed. The rates of dissolution could be accounted for by using a modified form of Olander's film theory model, which included the effects of complexation equilibria on mass transfer. The model and results clearly demonstrated the importance of the magnitudes of both the diffusion coefficient of the complexing component in the solvent and of the stability constant of the complex on dissolution kinetics.
Connecting Community and Culture.

In order to be effective educators in the 21 st century, it is essential for teacher candidates to develop a deep understanding of the culture and contextual factors surrounding their students’ lives, and the ability to apply this understanding to classroom instruction. This action research study discusses how the implementation of teaching learning community propensities with Teacher Work Sample methodology provides a unique perspective for pre-service teachers to first examine the social context of urban students, and then to consider these contextual factors with the implications for effective instructional practices.
Band strength and line half-width of the 10·4 μ CO2 band

Abstract Experimental absorption data using a 10·4 μ CO2 laser have been re-analysed. The band intensity of the 10·4 μ (1000–0001) CO2 band is 0·0184 cm-1 (atm cm273°K)-1±5% at 300°K and the self broadened Lorentz half-width of the P(20) line is 0·096 cm-1±5% at 1 atm and 300°K.
Transmembrane Organization of the Bacillus subtilis Chemoreceptor McpB Deduced by Cysteine Disulfide Crosslinking

The Bacillus subtilis chemoreceptor McpB is a dimer of identical subunits containing two transmembrane (TM) segments (TM1, residues 17 –34: TM2, residues 280 – 302) in each monomer with a 2-fold axis of symmetry. To study the organization of the TM domains, the wild-type receptor was mutated systematically at the membrane bilayer/extracytoplasmic interface with 15 single cysteine (Cys) substitutions in each of the two TM domains. Each single Cys substitution was capable of complementing a null allele in vivo, suggesting that no significant perturbation of the native tertiary or quaternary structure of the chemoreceptor was introduced by the mutations. On the basis of patterns of disulfide crosslinking between subunits of the dimeric receptor, an a-helical interface was identified between TM1 and TM1 0 (containing residues 32, 36, 39, and 43) and between TM2 and TM2 0 (containing residues 276, 277, 280, 283 and 286). Pairs of cysteine substitutions (positions 34/280 and 38/273) in TM1 and TM2 were used to further elucidate specific contacts within a monomer subunit, enabling a model to be constructed defining the organization of the TM domain. Crosslinking of residues that were 150– 1808 removed from position 32 (positions 37, 41, and 44) suggested that the receptors may be organized as an array of trimers of dimers in vivo. All crosslinking was unaffected by deletion of cheB and cheR (loss of receptor demethylation/methylation enzymes) or by deletion of cheW and cheV (loss of proteins that couple receptors with the autophosphorylating kinase). These findings indicate that the organization of the transmembrane region and the stability of the quaternary complex of receptors are independent of covalent modifications of the cytoplasmic domain and conformations in the cytoplasmic domain induced by the coupling proteins. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Effect of active layer morphology on recombination mechanism in polymer: fullerene organic bulk heterojunction solar cells

The effect of phase separation of the donor-acceptor (DA) blend on the dominant recombination mechanism in polymer-fullerene [(poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)] based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) cells has been investigated. Coarse (70-150 nm) and fine (20-25 nm) phase separated blends and corresponding devices were prepared using chlorobenzene (CB) and ortho-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB) as spin casting solvents respectively. Nanoscale mobility measurements indicated highly unbalanced charge transport in coarse morphology based (CB cast) devices. Linear dependence of short circuit current (Jsc) vs. light intensity (I) suggested first order monomolecular (MR) recombination in the fine phase separated devices (1,2-DCB cast) whereas sub-linearity suggested dominant role of bimolecular (BR) recombination in coarse phase separated devices (CB cast). Improved device efficiency of 1,2-DCB based devices (η ≈ 2.54 %) compared to CB (η ≈ 0.9 %) may be attributed to reduced BR recombination as a result of finer phase separation.
Extension of a Temperature-Dependent Aqueous Solvation Model to Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and Sulfur

Most methods for predicting free energies of solvation have been developed or validated exclusively for room temperature. Recently, we developed a model called SM6T for predicting aqueous solvation free energies as a function of temperature for solutes composed of C, H, or O, and here we present solvation model 8 with temperature dependence (SM8T) for predicting the temperature dependence of aqueous free energies of solvation for compounds containing H, C, N, O, F, S, Cl, and Br in the range 273-373 K. We also describe the database of experimental aqueous free energies of solvation used to parametrize the model. SM8T partitions the temperature dependence of the free energy of solvation into two components: the temperature dependence of the bulk electrostatic contribution to the free energy of solvation, which is computed using the generalized Born equation, and the temperature dependence of first-solvation-shell effects, which is modeled by terms proportional to the solvent-exposed surface areas of atoms in functional groups determined entirely by geometry. SM8T predicts the temperature dependence of aqueous free energies of solvation with a mean unsigned error of 0.08 kcal/mol over a database of 4403 measurements on 348 compounds at various temperatures. We also discuss the accuracy of SM8T for predicting the temperature dependence of aqueous free energies of solvation for ions and present free energies of solvation as a function of temperature for two sample ions.
Novel image analysis of two-dimensional X-ray fiber diffraction patterns: example of a polypropylene fiber drawing study

On-line studies of the structural development during continuous drawing of a polypropylene fiber were carried out using synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction. A unique image analysis method was introduced to extract quantitative information on the crystal, amorphous and mesomorphic fractions. In addition, the unit-cell parameters and the crystal orientation were obtained under various draw conditions. It was found that the mesophase remained about constant during drawing. At draw ratios less than 6.0, the crystallinity increased and the crystal density decreased as a result of the stress-induced crystallization of crystals with a large degree of disordering. At draw ratios above 6.0, the crystallinity increased slowly and the decrease in crystal density was also retarded because of the draw-induced melting. The crystal orientation increased with increasing draw ratio up to a ratio of 6.0 and then decreased, probably because of chain breakage.
Cancer-related risk indicators and preventive screening behaviors among lesbians and bisexual women.

Objectives. This study examined whether lesbians are at increased risk for certain cancers as a result of an accumulation of behavioral risk factors and difficulties in accessing health care. Methods. Prevalence estimates of behavioral risk factors (nulliparity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use), cancer screening behaviors, and self-reported breast cancer histories derived from 7 independently conducted surveys of lesbians/bisexual women (n = 11 876) were compared with national estimates for women. Results. In comparison with adjusted estimates for the US female population, lesbians/bisexual women exhibited greater prevalence rates of obesity, alcohol use, and tobacco use and lower rates of parity and birth control pill use. These women were also less likely to have health insurance coverage or to have had a recent pelvic examination or mammogram. Self-reported histories of breast cancer, however, did not differ from adjusted US female population estimates. Conclusions. Lesbians and bisexual women differ from heterosexual women in patterns of health risk. These women would be expected to be at especially greater risk for chronic diseases linked to smoking and obesity. (Am J Public Health. 2001;91:591‐597)
Effects of aerobic and anaerobic conditions on P, N, Fe, Mn, and Hg accumulation in waters overlaying profundal sediments of an oligo-mesotrophic lake.

Abstract Concentrations of key nutrients and metals in water overlaying profundal sediments were evaluated in replicate experimental chambers containing undisturbed sediment–water interface samples from Deer Lake, an oligo-mesotrophic lake in eastern Washington. Chambers were incubated under three sequential phases: aerobic (21 d), anaerobic (27 d), and second aerobic (14 d). In general, nutrients and metals in chamber water were lower under aerobic versus anaerobic conditions. However, in some cases compounds anticipated to appear only under anaerobic conditions, including ammonia, phosphate, and manganese, were observed during aerobic conditions. Correlation analysis elucidated a number of interactions between compounds. Phosphate correlated significantly (p
Political Science and Political Biography (II): Reflections on the Study of Leadership

A MERICAN POLITICAL SCIENTISTS have been inclined to avoid the I study of individual leadership, a subject which not only has great operational relevance today for Lasswell's "policy scientists," but would seem to be basic as well to the theoretical study of politics in general. More than a decade ago, a leading American psychologist called for intensive analysis of the personalities of the world's political leaders, asserting that "the impact on recent world events of individuals like Churchill, Stalin', Ghandi, Hitler, and Roosevelt make it abundantly clear that the influence of the 'great man,' for good or evil, must not be underestimated."' To his list we can now add names like de Gaulle and Castro, Nasser and Nehru, Ho Chi Minh and Ngo Dinh Diem, which daily crowd the headlines. The personality characteristics of leaders-and of men who aspire to leadership-in so far as they are relevant to their successes and failures, their relationship to their social environment, and their decision-making activities, would seem to demand the particular attention of those who claim that the struggle for power over public policy-making is the prime concern of political science. Nevertheless, books and articles on individual political leaders have been rare indeed among members of the profession in recent years. On the whole political scientists, perhaps somewhat disdainfully, have preferred to leave it to others to write about the individual political leader and, particularly, the relationship of his personality to his political behavior. Periodic appeals from fellow scholars, even from fellow members of the profession, have scarcely been heeded. A review of current research in American political science a few years ago noted that biography, while admittedly a legitimate sub-
Development of Complex Artificial Ground Planes in Antenna Engineering

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction FDTD Analysis of Complex Artificial Ground Planes Various Complex Artificial Ground-Plane Designs Applications of Artificial Ground Planes in Antenna Engineering Summary References
Isolation and Characterization of the Gene Encoding the ß-Subunit of Rat Thyrotropin

Thyrotropin (TSH) is a member of the glycoprotein hormone family which includes pituitary lutropin (LH) and follitropin and placental chorionic gonadotropin. As with the other glycoprotein hormones, TSH is composed of two nonconvalently linked subunits, α and TSHβ. The a subunit is common to all of the hormones and the β subunit is distinct for each hormone (1,2). Separate mRNAs which are encoded by separate genes have been identified for the TSH subunits (3–8). In the rat, there appears to be a single TSH mRNA (0.7 Kb) which is consistent with data from Chin et al. (7) that indicates a single rat TSHβ gene. On the other hand, Kourides and co-workers have suggested the possibility of two TSHβ genes in the mouse with only one being expressed (9).
Behavioral observations onAethalion reticulatum (Hem., Aethalionidae) and associated ants

Aethalion reticulatum nymphs and adults were found feeding onPiper umbellatum in Costa Rica. Adult females protected their egg masses by sitting atop the masses and scraping their hind legs along the sides. Two parasitoids,Gonatocerus sp. andPterygogramma sp. were reared from egg masses. Nymphs and adults were regularly tended byCamponotus sericeiventris andCamponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp.Camponotus sericeiventris tended only during the daylight hours and aggressively protected the hemipterans.Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp. was competitively displaced by the former species.