cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interspecific induction of egg laying in Hawaiian aplysiids.

Abstract Nervous system extracts of gastropods contain factors (putative neurohormones) which cause egg laying when injected into the species from which they were obtained. Interspecies injections of nervous system extracts into several gastropod species were done to test whether the putative neurohormones were similar enough to cause egg laying when cross-injected between species in different subfamilies and in different orders of gastropods. Within the order Anaspidea: Neural extracts of Aplysia (subfamily Aplysiinae) caused egg laying in Stylocheilus (subfamily Notarchinae) and Dolabrifera (subfamily Dolabriferinae). The threshold dose to cause egg laying in Stylocheilus with Aplysia extracts was less than 1 64 of a parietovisceral ganglion. Between orders: Active Pleurobranchaea (Notaspidea) extracts did not usually cause egg laying in Stylocheilus (Anaspidea). In experiments to localize the egg laying hormone within the nervous system of Stylocheilus , it was found that visceral and pleural ganglia extracts caused egg laying when injected into Stylocheilus , whereas pedal and cerebral ganglia extracts did not.
Does a Calculated “NAFLD Fibrosis Score” Reliably Negate the Need for Liver Biopsy in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery?

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the USA. Biopsy has been the standard for determining fibrosis but is invasive, costly, and associated with risk. Previous studies report a calculated “NAFLD fibrosis scores” (cNFS) as a means to overcome the need for biopsy. We compared cNFS versus biopsy-pathological scoring for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Watt-Level Ka-Band Quasi-Optical Amplifier Arrays

Small-signal gain, resonant-mode gain, and saturated output power are studied on two Ka-band quasi-optical slot-antenna amplifier arrays fabricated with commercial MMICs on aluminum-nitride substrates. The amplifier arrays have small-signal gains of 2.1dB at 31.02 GHz and 6.5 dB at 31.40 GHz, respectively. The average small-signal gain of the active array is 10 dB over passive. In resonant mode, the amplifiers have small-signal gains of 10.7 dB at 31.52 GHz and 11.8 dB at 31.47GHz. In saturation, the arrays deliver 89 W EIRP or 0.3W output power at 30.40 GHz and 145 W EIRP or 0.5 W output power at 31.15GHz, respectively.
More Microwave Observations of Saturn: Modeling the Ring with a Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Code

Abstract We present a second epoch of Very Large Array Saturn observations taken in February 1997 spanning wavelengths 1.3–21 cm. These observations complement earlier observations at Saturn's autumnal equinox in November 1995. In this epoch, however, we generally have better signal-to-noise ratios and the ring inclination of the present observations was −5.0°, whereas the previous observations were made with ring inclination +2.7°. Our observations confirm the latitudinal structure on the saturnian disk as seen at 2.0, 3.6, and 6.1 cm. We also see some latitudinal structure at 1.3 cm for the first time. The details of this structure have changed dramatically from those reported by I. de Pater and J. R. Dickel (1991, Icarus 94 , 474–492) for the 1980s and are consistent with those seen in F. van der Tak et al. (1999, Icarus 142 , 125–147). The most prominent features are a pair of brightness enhancements just inside the edges of the Equatorial Zone. The rings do not show the east–west asymmetry seen in our previous epoch, perhaps indicative of a viewing angle effect on the scattering properties of the rings. The radial trend in brightness in the ansae is generally consistent with that expected from optical depth variations and increasing distance from the source of scattered light. In particular the increased optical depth towards the center of the C ring is evident. Azimuthal variation in brightness in the C ring shows the forward scattering expected of Mie scattering. By contrast, the A and B rings show little or no azimuthal variation. We present Monte Carlo simulations of the ring brightness under the assumptions of isotropic and Mie scattering. These are the first synthetic maps of Saturn which can be directly compared to the images we obtained. Neither model fits all the data well. However, a hybrid model combining isotropic and Mie scattering does fit well. We interpret the consistency with isotropic scattering in the outer rings as an indication that near-field effects may be important. This in turn implies geometrically thin rings, as predicted by dynamical simulations of these rings.
Inhibitory action of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on fibroblast growth.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits thymidine incorporation into human fibroblasts and may thus interfere with cellular growth.
A Free Boundary Problem for the linear heat equation

Throughout, f is assumed positive and continuous on t >, 0. Additional assumptions will be made as they are needed. This same problem was considered recently by Cannon and Hill [I]. They established, via noncontructive methods, that (E) (FBC) has a unique solution when f is as above. The methods considered here differ from theirs; they are constructive and provide a means of solving the problem asymptotically. We shall be intersted in those solutions of the FBP for which fi > 0. We introduce the change of variable
Promoting recovery of sexual functioning after radical prostatectomy with group-based stress management: The role of interpersonal sensitivity

Abstract Objective Treatment for localized prostate carcinoma (PCa) is frequently associated with decrements in sexual functioning and satisfaction. Given the highly interpersonal nature of these decrements, interpersonal problems (such as interpersonal sensitivity) may affect recovery of sexual functioning after PCa treatment through interference with physician and partner communication and through distorted cognitions surrounding sexual dysfunction. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of interpersonal sensitivity on several treatment indicators, including response to a group-based psychosocial intervention. Methods Participants were 101 older men recovering from radical prostatectomy who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a 10-week group-based cognitive–behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention. Measures included the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems and the sexual functioning subscale of the University of California-Los Angeles quality-of-life measure. Results At baseline, interpersonal sensitivity was related to a belief linking sexual dysfunction to core male identity ( r =.29, P Conclusions CBSM was effective in improving sexual function after radical prostatectomy. Individuals with higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity were more likely to perceive sexual dysfunction as a threat to masculine identity and made larger gains in the CBSM intervention. Results and relevance to the older male cancer patients are discussed from the perspective of interpersonal theory.
Organic light-emitting devices based upon divalent osmium complexes: II. Design, fabrication, and characterization of osmium nanoscale devices

Efficient red electrophosphorescence was achieved from double-layer light emitting devices using osmium (Os) complex doped blends of either poly(vinylcarbazole) and 2- tert -butylphenyl-5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PVK:PBD), or poly(vinyl naphthalene) and 2- tert -butylphenyl-5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PVN:PBD) as the emitting layer. Blending PVN with PBD greatly suppresses the electromer emission of PVN. The PVN:PBD blend emanates a short wavelength EL emission peaking at around 375 nm, which well overlaps with the absorption spectra of the Os complexes and ensures very efficient energy transfer to the Os complex dopants. PVK:PBD has and EL emission around 450 nm which does not overlap the absorption bands of the osmium complexes as well and produces devices of lower efficiency, but PVK is a better transport layer and produces brighter devices. The best external quantum efficiency of the double-layer devices was 2.2%, with a photometric efficiency of 1.9 cd/A. The brightest device achieved was 1,400 cd/m 2 .
Where do we go from here: The pasts, presents and futures of Ground Zero

Spring 2006, when the rebuilding of Ground Zero began, was a unique moment in time — a turning point for the New York site and its publics. It signified transformation from debris to a memorial museum; a move from past catastrophe to future memories, as the nationalized narration of the events in the formal exhibit on site emphasized. Surprisingly, while the end result was already known, this moment of transformation allowed different audiences to put at halt the nationalized interpretation of the events of 9/11 and engage in personal, collected and collective, local and global, perspectives on the past, while enacting the presents and futures which seem to unfold from them. This article examines these distinct yet connected moments in order to reveal the different connections that people and governments make between pasts, presents and futures. It uses a non-linear approach to time, which explores and reworks the tension between linearity and relativity, as a sensitive lens to a political change that has...
Foam Separation of Cyanide Complexed by Iron

Abstract An experimental investigation is presented of the foam separation of cyanide, complexed with ferrous iron, using a cationic surfactant, ethylhexa-decyldimethylammonium bromide (EHDA-Br). The effects of pH over the range 5.8–11.4, of iron concentration, and of surfactant and cyanide concentrations on the separation of noncomplexed and complexed cyanide are established. Prior to surfactant addition and foaming, variation of the iron-to-cyanide ratio in the initial solutions produced different species of complexed cyanide, ranging from [Fe(CN)6]4-to polynucleated [FeFe(CN)6]2-, which, in turn, brought about markedly different solution characteristics. Initial solutions containing 0.206 and 0.351 moles of iron per mole of cyanide exhibited contrasting foam separation behavior, at pH 7 and below, but not at pH 8 and above. The fractional residuals of complexed cyanide were approximate linear functions of the ratios of surfactant to complexed cyanide in the initial (feed) solutions, enabling the predic...
Theory and simulation of collisionless parallel shocks

This paper presents a self-consistent theoretical model for collisionless parallel shock structure, based on the hypothesis that shock dissipation and heating can be provided by electromagnetic ion beam-driven instabilities. It is shown that shock formation and plasma heating can result from parallel propagating electromagnetic ion beam-driven instabilities for a wide range of Mach numbers and upstream plasma conditions. The theoretical predictions are compared with recently published observations of quasi-parallel interplanetary shocks. It was found that low Mach number interplanetary shock observations were consistent with the explanation that group-standing waves are providing the dissipation; two high Mach number observations confirmed the theoretically predicted rapid thermalization across the shock.
Thermodynamics of ammoniawater mixture

Abstract The recent experimental data on phase equilibria in ammonia-water mixture were fitted on basis of the author's version of thermodynamic perturbation theory in the wide range of temperature (200 – 640 K) and pressure (0.02 – 23 MPa). Effects of mixing on enthalpy and volume and some deviations from one-fluid approximation have been analyzed.
Using Stereo Vision to Construct 3-D Surface Models

Surface model reconstruction from stereo vision is appealing to the rehabilitation industry, including the rehabilitation treatment equipment manufacturers. This article presents a systematic approach for constructing editable three-dimensional (3-D) surface models from stereo cameras and employ this approach to develop a commercializable system for automatically building custom-contoured seats.
Marine asymptotic daylight field: effects of inelastic processes.

The governing equations are developed for the marine asymptotic daylight field in the scalar approximation, including the effects of inelastic processes-Raman scattering and chromophoric dissolved organic matter fluorescence. The governing equations are solved numerically and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that these solutions are the actual radiance distributions approached by the asymptotic field in the Monte Carlo simulations. Sample solutions are provided to show the sensitivity of the light field to the various parameters of the medium. For certain values of the parameters, inclusion of inelastic processes can drastically alter the radiance distribution, e.g., from a near-Dirac delta function in the absence of inelastic processes to a near-isotropic distribution in their presence. The results suggest that in a real ocean, the asymptotic (and near-asymptotic) radiance distribution will tend to become more uniform as the wavelength increases beyond ~500 nm. Finally, it is shown that even for depths far from the asymptotic regime, the radiance distribution of the inelastic component of the light field can be well approximated by the asymptotic theory developed here for inelastic processes. Two exact analytical solutions to the governing equations are also provided.
Effects of reuptake inhibitors on dopamine release from the stalk-median eminence and posterior pituitary in vitro.

Abstract Similar to other dopaminergic systems, the dopaminergic neurons innervatingthe stalk-median eminence (SME) and posterior pituitary (PP) possess an uptake mechanism for dopamine (DA). However, the extent of DA reuptake in these tissues and its physiological significance are debated since much of the released DA is removed by the hypophysial portal vasculature before recapture. The objectives of this study were: (1) to establish in vitro conditions for examining the effects of reuptake inhibitors on DA release from the PP and SME; (2) to compare the effects of nomifensine, diclofensine and amphetamine on DA release from the SME and PP; and (3) to distinguish between reuptake and releasing properties of these drugs. Individual SME and PP were dissected from ovariectomized rats and incubated in either a static or perifusion system. Media DA was extracted with alumina and quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The reuptake inhibitors, nomifensine, diclofensine and amphetamine, in the presence of pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, stimulated both basal and K+-evoked release of DA from the SME and PP under static incubation conditions. The drugs elicited a 2–3-fold higher increase in basal DA release from the SME as compared to the PP. Only amphetamine stimulated DA release in the perifusion system whereas nomifensine and diclofensine were without effects. We concluded that: (1) a mechanism for the reuptake of DA is operable in both the SME and PP; (2) the reuptake of DA appears to be more active in the SME than the PP; and (3) unlike amphetamine, nomifensine and diclofensine are pure reuptake inhibitors devoid of direct DA releasing activities.
The rapid evolution of self-fertility in Spartina hybrids ( Spartina alterniflora × foliosa ) invading San Francisco Bay, CA

Plant hybridization can lead to the evolution of invasiveness. We wished to determine whether hybrids between the largely self-sterile Atlantic Spartina alterniflora and California native S. foliosa had evolved self-fertility during their ca 30 year existence in San Francisco Bay, CA. In pollination experiments we found that neither of the parental species was self-fertile, nor were early generation hybrids. A large fraction of later generation hybrids were profusely self-fertile. Inbreeding depression was high in the parental species and early generation hybrids, but was much reduced in later generation hybrids—some even showed outbreeding depression. We found that populations of later generation hybrids and their seedling progeny were almost two-fold more homozygous than early generation hybrids, consistent with the evidence of increased selfing shown by our parentage analyses based upon 17 microsatellite markers. We posit that evolved self-fertility has contributed substantially to the rapid spread of hybrid Spartina in San Francisco Bay.
A review of exercise interventions to improve bone health in adult cancer survivors

Introduction Cancer-treatment induced bone loss and associated fracture risk is a growing concern for cancer survivors. Exercise offers a non-pharmacologic strategy for preserving bone health during and after treatment, but only until recently has it been studied for its efficacy and safety in cancer survivors. The purpose of this review is to provide an early qualitative evaluation of exercise trials in adult cancer survivors with bone health as a primary or secondary endpoint.
Peptide conformation in gas phase probed by collision-induced dissociation and its correlation to conformation in condensed phases

A kinetic peptide fragmentation model for quantitative prediction of peptide CID spectra in an ion trap mass spectrometer has been reported recently. When applying the model to predict the CID spectra of large peptides, it was often found that the predicted spectra differed significantly from their experimental spectra, presumably due to noncovalent interactions in these large polypeptides, which are not considered in the fragmentation model. As a result, site-specific quantitative information correlated to the secondary/tertiary structure of an ionized peptide may be extracted from its CID spectrum. To extract this information, the kinetic peptide fragmentation model was modified by incorporating conformation-related parameters. These parameters are optimized for best fit between the predicted and the experimental spectrum. A conformational stability map is then generated from these conformation-related parameters. Analysis of a few bioactive α-helical peptides including melittin, glucagon and neuropeptide Y by this technique demonstrated that their stability maps in the gas phase correlate strongly to their secondary structures in the condensed phases.
Analysis of center of gravity roller drum soil stiffness on compacted layered earthwork

This paper describes the interpretation of intelligent compaction (IC) data from two layered soil test beds using center of gravity (CG) roller-measured soil stiffness. Conventional edge-mounted (E...
A Parametric Design Evaluation of Lateral Prophylactic Knee Braces

Six major mechanical design variables characterizing single-upright lateral prophylactic knee braces were studied experimentally, using a generic modular brace (GMB). Impulsive valgus loading tests were conducted with the GMB applied to a surrogate leg model. The surrogate involved anatomically realistic aluminum-reinforced acrylic components to model bone, and expendable polymeric blanks to mimic the major knee ligaments. Behavior of the surrogate system reasonably reproduced that of human cadaveric knees under similar loading conditions. Load at failure of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) analog, gross knee stiffness, and MCL relative strain relief were measured for each of twelve parametric brace design permutations. Compared to the unbraced condition, bracing provided statistically significant increases in valgus load uptake at failure and in MCL strain relief. Increasing the dimensions of individual brace components (hinge length and offset; upright length, breadth, and thickness; cuff area), relative to those of a GMB baseline configuration deemed representative of current commercial products, failed to achieve statistically significant improvements in brace performance. However, most below-baseline dimensioning of individual components did significantly compromise GMB performance. These surrogate test data indicate that geometric modifications of current single-upright lateral brace designs are unlikely to substantially improve upon the fairly modest valgus load protection afforded by this class of devices.
Conservation easements in California blue oak woodlands: testing the assumption of livestock grazing as a compatible use.

ABSTRACT: Blue oak woodland is an endemic natural community in the Central Valley region of California. It is dominated by blue oak (Quercus douglasii Hook. & Arn.) and has an understory of annual grasses and forbs. Most blue oak woodlands are found on privately owned cattle ranches which are currently threatened by conversion to housing, vineyards, and cropland. Land trusts are acquiring conservation easements which include terms that allow for continued commercial grazing. Some studies suggest that livestock grazing negatively impacts biodiversity, although others show that it creates a beneficial disturbance regime and can play an important role in controlling invasive plants. There is also concern that grazing may be negatively impacting blue oak seedling regeneration. Our study begins to address the assumption that livestock grazing is a conservation-compatible land use on ranches with conservation easements. Our study questions whether livestock grazing reduces oak seedling density, if invasive non-...
Paradoxic Slowing of Ventricular Rate with Intravenous Isoproterenol in a Patient with A-V Block

A recent clinical report demonstrated facilitation of conduction in both the A-V node and HisPurkinje system with intravenous isoproterenol.' Despite this facilitation of conduction, it was anticipated that paradoxic worsening of conduction could occur in patients with bilateral bundle branch disease, due to increase in atrial rate with this agent.' In this report, we document paradoxic worsening of heart block and slowing of ventricular rate during isoproterenol infusion in a patient with 2: 1 AV block distal to the His bundle. The implications of these findings are briefly discussed.
Association of a promoter polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and distinct photoregulation of transcription.

Ultraviolet irradiation stimulates keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts to release cytokines involved in apoptosis and immunomodulation, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1α. Recent work has associated the - 308A polymorphism of the human tumor necrosis factor-α promoter with systemic lupus erythematosus and adverse outcomes in several infectious diseases. To explore the role of this polymorphism in ultraviolet-induced disease, we used two approaches. First, we examined its prevalence in individuals with different ultraviolet sensitivity. Compared with healthy controls, there was a substantially increased prevalence of - 308A in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, an extremely photosensitive form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, but not in discoid lupus erythematosus, a less photosensitive form. Next, to examine molecular regulation by tumor necrosis factor - 308A, cultured 3T3 fibroblasts were transiently transfected with chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter constructs under the control of either - 308A or the wild-type - 308G promoter. Without added interleukin-1α the two constructs produced similar baseline chloramphenicol acetyl transferase activity and similar responses to ultraviolet. The responses to interleukin-1α, a photoinduced cytokine, were markedly different: interleukin-1α without ultraviolet produced a 15-fold increase in chloramphenicol acetyl transferase transcription from the - 308A construct without affecting the wild-type - 308G. Interleukin-1α plus ultraviolet B caused a remarkable 300-fold increase in - 308A chloramphenicol acetyl transferase transcription over baseline, while increasing the wild type to
Cell identification in primary cell cultures from skin.

Primary cell cultures can readily be obtained from human skin using the explant method. With special care it is possible to obtain primary cultures consisting of epidermal keratinocytes without fibroblast contamination. By means of differences in their growth patterns and retention of specific differentiative functions in vitro, keratinocytes and fibroblasts can easily be distinguished. The high degree of confidence in establishing cell identity permits meaningful experimental use of this system. The method of enzymatic separation of epidermis from dermis, followed by culture of cells from the dissociated epidermal tissue, provides both epithelial and dendritic cells. The former are probably keratinocytes, whereas the latter are definitely melanocytes. The possibility of eventual fibroblast overgrowth, using this latter method, has not yet been ruled out with certainty.
Direct Adaptive Rejection of Persistent Disturbances

Given any finite set of persistent disturbances that can be represented by a finite sequence in the Banach space of bounded continuous functions, it is shown that stable disturbance rejection is possible for command generator tracker (CGT) model reference adaptive control if certain conditions are satisfied. If the system in question is disturbance-free, the addition of disturbance accommodating adaptive gains into the control law will not impede the asymptotic convergence of the tracking error. Almost periodic disturbances are explored and an illustrative example of the method is given.
The Atlas project-a new pulsed power facility for high energy density physics experiments

Atlas is a facility being designed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to perform high-energy-density experiments in support of weapon physics and basic research programs. It is designed to be an international user facility, providing experimental opportunities to researchers from national laboratories and academic institutions. For hydrodynamic experiments, it will be capable of achieving a pressure exceeding 30 Mbar in a several cubic centimeter volume. With the development of a suitable opening switch, it will be capable of producing more than 3 MJ of soft X-rays. The capacitor bank design consists of a 36 MJ array of 240 kV Marx modules. The system is designed to deliver a peak current of 45-50 MA with a 4-5-/spl mu/s rise time. The Marx modules are designed to be reconfigured to a 480-kV configuration for opening switch development. The capacitor bank is resistively damped to limit fault currents and capacitor voltage reversal. An experimental program for testing and certifying prototype components is currently under way. The capacitor bank design contains 300 closing switches. These switches are a modified version of a railgap switch originally designed for the DNA-ACE machines. Because of the large number of switches in the system, individual switch prefire rates must be less than 10/sup -4/ to protect the expensive target assemblies. Experiments are under way to determine if the switch-prefire probability can be reduced with rapid capacitor charging.
Nitrogen oxide fluxes between corn (Zea mays L.) leaves and the atmosphere

Abstract In the United States, fertilized corn fields, which make up approximately 5% of the total land area, account for approximately 45% of total soil NO x emissions. Leaf chamber measurements were conducted of NO and NO 2 fluxes between individual corn leaves and the atmosphere in (1) field-grown plants near Champaign, IL (USA) in order to assess the potential role of corn canopies in mitigating soil–NO x emissions to the atmosphere, and (2) greenhouse-grown plants in order to study the influence of various environmental variables and physiological factors on the dynamics of NO 2 flux. In field-grown plants, fluxes of NO were small and inconsistent from plant to plant. At ambient NO concentrations between 0.1 and 0.3 ppbv, average fluxes were zero. At ambient NO concentrations above 1 ppbv, NO uptake occurred, but fluxes were so small (14.3±0.0 pmol m −2 s −1 ) as to be insignificant in the NO x inventory for this site. In field-grown plants, NO 2 was emitted to the atmosphere at ambient NO 2 concentrations below 0.9 ppbv (the NO 2 compensation point), with the highest rate of emission being 50 pmol m −2 s −1 at 0.2 ppbv. NO 2 was assimilated by corn leaves at ambient NO 2 concentrations above 0.9 ppbv, with the maximum observed uptake rate being 643 pmol m −2 s −1 at 6 ppbv. When fluxes above 0.9 ppbv are standardized for ambient NO 2 concentration, the resultant deposition velocity was 1.2±0.1 mm s −1 . When scaled to the entire corn canopy, NO 2 uptake rates can be estimated to be as much as 27% of the soil-emitted NO x . In greenhouse-grown and field-grown leaves, NO 2 deposition velocity was dependent on incident photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD; 400–700 nm), whether measured above or below the NO 2 compensation point. The shape of the PPFD dependence, and its response to ambient humidity in an experiment with greenhouse-grown plants, led to the conclusion that stomatal conductance is a primary determinant of the PPFD response. However, in field-grown leaves, measured NO 2 deposition velocities were always lower than those predicted by a model solely dependent on stomatal conductance. It is concluded that NO 2 uptake rate is highest when N availability is highest, not when the leaf deficit for N is highest. It is also concluded that the primary limitations to leaf-level NO 2 uptake concern both stomatal and mesophyll components.
EFFECT OF RESTRICTION OF WORKING MEMORY ON REPORTED PARANORMAL BELIEF

56 college students completed Tobacyk's 1988 Revised Paranormal Belief Scale and Watson, Clark, and Tellegen's 1988 Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Experimental group participants, but not control group participants, rehearsed a five-digit number while completing the Paranormal Belief Scale. Analysis showed higher reported paranormal belief for experimental group participants but no differences on the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Results are discussed in terms of the effect of restriction in working memory on the critical evaluation of paranormal phenomena.
SU-FF-T-207: An Effective Correction Algorithm For Off-Axis Portal Dosimetry Errors

Purpose: Portal dosimetric images acquired for IMRT pretreatment verification show dose over‐response of up to 15% with increasing off‐axis position, compared to TPS portal dose predictions. Quality assurance measurements with other standards (e.g. diode arrays, ion chambers) verify these IMRT fluences are delivered accurately. This work explores an effective, highly useable correction algorithm accounting for TPS/EPID disagreements. Method and Materials: By creating test fields of various sizes and positions, then comparing acquired vs. predicted dose, correction factors were determined to precisely modify the diagonal calibration profile utilized in calibrating the EPID for absolute dosimetry. Because the diagonal profile modifications need be calculated only once, then applied during each dosimetrycalibration, this correction algorithm is both straightforward and efficient. With the modified calibration, portal dose images were acquired for IMRT fluences varying in size, position, and complexity (70 fields total) to verify the accuracy of the correction, independent of these parameters. These methods were completed for both 6 MV and 23 MV beams. Results: Along the major diagonal, EPID over‐response increases linearly with off‐axis distance, from 1.7% at 10.0 cm to 7.1% at 17.5 cm for the 6 MV beam, and 2.1% at 4.5 cm to 11.7% at 16.5 cm for the 23 MV beam. Before correction, gamma evaluation (3mm, 3%) for asymmetric fields results in only 69.5% passing points on average. After applying the correction algorithm, pass rates for the same fields improve by up to 60%, to an average of 98.5% passing points. Conclusions: This correction algorithm is effective and convenient, producing excellent agreement between TPS predictions and EPID measurements in most regions of the detector. Because the diagonal calibration profile is applied by circular symmetry, this algorithm does not account for over‐response in those regions of the detector with high backscatter from non‐uniform components below the imager.
Near-infrared fluorescence contrast-enhanced imaging with intensified charge-coupled device homodyne detection: measurement precision and accuracy.

Fluorescence frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) through tissue refers to the propagation of intensity-modulated fluorescent light that originates from tissue-laden fluorophores following illumination with an intensity-modulated excitation light source. FDPM measurements of modulation amplitude and phase are ultimately employed in an inversion algorithm for tomographic reconstruction of interior optical and fluorescent property maps that delineate disease enhanced with fluorescent contrast agent. Because the inverse problem is underdetermined, measurement precision and accuracy crucially impact its solution. Reported here are the precision and accuracy of FDPM measurements acquired using an intensified CCD homodyne detection system. By introducing 32 phase delays between the oscillators used to modulate the intensifier gain and light source intensity at 100 MHz, mean precision is maximized at +/-0.46% and +/-0.26 deg for measurements of modulation amplitude and phase, respectively. Measurement precision improves when the number of phase delays increases. Measurements of fluorescence modulation amplitude and phase, acquired from the surface of a tissue phantom at distances ranging between 0.71 and 3.6 cm from an incident excitation point source, exhibit a mean accuracy of 17% and 1.9 deg, respectively. Measurement accuracy deteriorates with increasing distance from the point source, but for distances up to 1.0 cm from the point source, measurements of fluorescence modulation amplitude and phase exhibit a mean accuracy of 5.4% and 0.30 deg, respectively.
High-speed on-chip ECC for synergistic fault-tolerance memory chips

The placement of error-correcting-code (ECC) systems on dynamic-RAM (DRAM) chips poses many practical problems, among which are increased access time and chip size. The authors describe an optimized, self-contained, and self-timed on-chip ECC system embedded in a high-speed 16-Mb DRAM chip. This chip also has redundant word and bit lines. The combination of redundancy and on-chip ECC produces a synergistic effect which results in a major increase in fault tolerance for the hard manufacturing defects. It also improves the reliability of the chip, regardless of manufacturing defects. This improvement is attained with only a 5-ns penalty in access time and an 11% increase in chip size. >
The CD44-initiated pathway of T-cell extravasation uses VLA-4 but not LFA-1 for firm adhesion

Leukocytes extravasate from the blood in response to physiologic or pathologic demands by means of complementary ligand interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. The multistep model of leukocyte extravasation involves an initial transient interaction (“rolling” adhesion), followed by secondary (firm) adhesion. We recently showed that binding of CD44 on activated T lymphocytes to endothelial hyaluronan (HA) mediates a primary adhesive interaction under shear stress, permitting extravasation at sites of inflammation. The mechanism for subsequent firm adhesion has not been elucidated. Here we demonstrate that the integrin VLA-4 is used in secondary adhesion after CD44-mediated primary adhesion of human and mouse T cells in vitro, and by mouse T cells in an in vivo model. We show that clonal cell lines and polyclonally activated normal T cells roll under physiologic shear forces on hyaluronate and require VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1, as ligand for subsequent firm adhesion. This firm adhesion is also VLA-4 dependent, as shown by antibody inhibition. Moreover, in vivo short-term homing experiments in a model dependent on CD44 and HA demonstrate that superantigen-activated T cells require VLA-4, but not LFA-1, for entry into an inflamed peritoneal site. Thus, extravasation of activated T cells initiated by CD44 binding to HA depends upon VLA-4–mediated firm adhesion, which may explain the frequent association of these adhesion receptors with diverse chronic inflammatory processes.
Molecular cloning and regulation of mRNA expression of the thyrotropin β and glycoprotein hormone α subunits in red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus

Full-length cDNAs for thyrotropin β (TSHβ) and glycoprotein hormone α (GSUα) subunits were cloned and sequenced from the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). The cDNAs for TSHβ (877 bp) and GSUα (661 bp) yielded predicted coding regions of 126 and 94 amino acid proteins, respectively. Both sequences contain all invariant cysteine and putative glycosylated asparagines characteristic of each as deduced by comparison with other GSUα and TSHβ sequences from representative vertebrate species. Multiple protein sequence alignments show that each subunit shares highest identity (79% for the TSHβ and 86% for the GSUα) with perciform fish. Furthermore, in a single joint phylogenetic analysis, each subunit segregates most closely with corresponding GSUα and TSHβ subunit sequences from closely related fish. Tissue-specific expression assays using RT-PCR showed expression of the TSHβ subunit limited to the pituitary. GSUα mRNA was predominantly expressed in the pituitary but was also detected in the testis and ovary of adult animals. Northern hybridization revealed the presence of a single transcript for both TSHβ and GSUα, each close in size to mRNA transcripts from other species. Dot blot assays from total RNA isolated from S. ocellatus pituitaries showed that in vivo T3 administration significantly diminished mRNA expression of both the TSHβ and GSUα subunits and that goitrogen treatment caused a significant induction of TSHβ mRNA only. Both TSHβ and GSUα mRNA expression in the pituitary varied significantly in vivo over a 24-h period. Maximal expression for both TSHβ and GSUα occurred during the early scotophase in relation to a peak in T4 blood levels previously documented. These results suggest the production of TSH in this species which may serve to drive daily cycles of thyroid activity. Readily quantifiable, variable, and thyroid hormone-responsive pituitary TSH expression, coupled with previously described dynamic daily cycles of circulating T4 and extensive background on the growth, nutrition, and laboratory culture of red drum, suggests that this species will serve as a useful model for experimental studies of the physiological regulation of TSH production.
Hydrodynamic Modeling of Cerebrospinal Fluid Motion Within the Spinal Cavity

The fluid that resides within cranial and spinal cavities, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), moves in a pulsatile fashion to and from the cranial cavity. This motion can be measured hy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and may he of clinical importance in the diagnosis of several brain and spinal cord disorders such as hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, and syringomyelia. In the present work, a geometric and hydrodynamic characterization of an anatomically relevant spinal canal model is presented. We found that inertial effects dominate the flow field under normal physiological flow rates. Along the length of the spinal canal, hydraulic diameter was found to vary significantly from 5 to 15 mm. The instantaneous Reynolds number at peak flow rate ranged from 150 to 450, and the Womersle number ranged from 5 to 17. Pulsatile flow calculations are presented for an idealized geometric representation of the spinal cavity. A linearized Navier-Stokes model of the pulsatile CSF flow was constructed based on MRI flow rate measurements taken on a healthy volunteer. The numerical model was employed to investigate effects of cross-sectional geometry and spinal cord motion on unsteady velocity, shear stress, and pressure gradientfields. The velocity field was shown to be blunt, due to the inertial character of the flow, with velocity peaks located near the boundaries of the spinal canal rather than at the midpoint between boundaries. The pressure gradient waveform was found to be almost exclusively dependent on the flow waveform and cross-sectional area. Characterization of the CSF dynamics in normal and diseased states may be important in understanding the pathophysiology of CSF related disorders. Flow models coupled with MRI flow measurements mnay become a noninvasive tool to explain the abnormal dynamics of CSF in related brain disorders as well as to determine concentration and local distribution of drugs delivered into the CSF space.
A high speed digital recording system for continuous measurements of secondary radar channel activity

There is significant value in building and maintaining data collection systems for monitoring the beacon radar frequencies, both for new system development and for existing system troubleshooting. This paper has described the existing and proposed Lincoln Laboratory data collection equipment, and several of the tasks to which they have been put to use over the years. Lincoln Laboratory is actively pursuing funding to build the EMS, while maintaining the readiness of the existing systems for data collections until the EMS is fully operational.
Growing Up and Going Abroad: How Ghanaian Children Imagine Transnational Migration

Migration scholars should give attention to migration as seen through children's eyes for at least two reasons. Firstly, children's perspectives help us to understand whether or not children are being socialised into their community's culture of migration, a culture which shapes migration patterns and flows. Secondly, given that some children migrate and some children are left behind by migrant parents or relatives, children's imaginings of whether they as children ought to migrate affect where the responsibility and costs for their care will be located between family members, countries and states. In this paper I examine how children aged 8–22 in a town in southern Ghana imagine life abroad, conceptualise the timing of migration in their life-course, and articulate their goals in migrating. I use this rich material as a case study for exploring the wider issues.
A self referencing platinum nanoparticle decorated enzyme-based microbiosensor for real time measurement of physiological glucose transport

Glucose is the central molecule in many biochemical pathways, and numerous approaches have been developed for fabricating micro biosensors designed to measure glucose concentration in/near cells and/or tissues. An inherent problem for microsensors used in physiological studies is a low signal-to-noise ratio, which is further complicated by concentration drift due to the metabolic activity of cells. A microsensor technique designed to filter extraneous electrical noise and provide direct quantification of active membrane transport is known as self-referencing. Self-referencing involves oscillation of a single microsensor via computer-controlled stepper motors within a stable gradient formed near cells/tissues (i.e., within the concentration boundary layer). The non-invasive technique provides direct measurement of trans-membrane (or trans-tissue) analyte flux. A glucose micro biosensor was fabricated using deposition of nanomaterials (platinum black, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, Nafion) and glucose oxidase on a platinum/iridium microelectrode. The highly sensitive/selective biosensor was used in the self-referencing modality for cell/tissue physiological transport studies. Detailed analysis of signal drift/noise filtering via phase sensitive detection (including a post-measurement analytical technique) are provided. Using this highly sensitive technique, physiological glucose uptake is demonstrated in a wide range of metabolic and pharmacological studies. Use of this technique is demonstrated for cancer cell physiology, bioenergetics, diabetes, and microbial biofilm physiology. This robust and versatile biosensor technique will provide much insight into biological transport in biomedical, environmental, and agricultural research applications.
Olanzapine-associated neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially serious complication of neuroleptic drugs. It may vary in both presenting characteristics and severity. Several different criteria for diagnosis exist, and each differs from the others slightly. We describe a 66-year-old woman with chronic paranoid schizophrenia who was prescribed olanzapine along with several other psychiatric drugs and an antihypertensive drug. The patient displayed several characteristics of NMS during therapy with olanzapine, including fever, elevated creatine kinase level, leukocytosis, and mild muscle rigidity. When olanzapine was held, the signs and symptoms improved and then returned with rechallenge of olanzapine. For this reason, olanzapine was considered strongly associated with this patient's apparent NMS episode. The patient's β-blocker therapy may have masked additional signs of NMS. In addition, the patient tolerated other neuroleptics that were started in the hospital after the suspected NMS episode. The variation among different diagnostic criteria makes this syndrome a challenging diagnosis at times, in particular when atypical antipsychotics are suspected as the causative agent.
Comments to: Edward C. Posner, “The Application of Extreme Value Theory to Error Free Communication”

The paper of Mr. Posner [4] applies extreme value theory to problems arising in communication systems. We have always believed that such an application was possible, but didn't find the right approach. This paper opens new and important roads, and shows considerable skill in handling complicated data. The following remarks should therefore not be considered as minimizing these merits. Our main aim is to show the large influence which small differences in the estimation of the parameters in the extreme value distribution exercise on the forecast of exceeding a certain critical value which Posner calls the "threshold". This problem is of a general nature and therefore merits a detailed consideration.
On Statistical Properties of Hyperbolic Systems with Singularities

We study hyperbolic systems with singularities and prove the coupling lemma and exponential decay of correlations under weaker assumptions than previously adopted in similar studies. Our new approach allows us to study the mixing rates of the reduced map for certain billiard models that could not be handled by the traditional techniques. These models include modified Bunimovich stadia, which are bounded by minor arcs, and flower-type regions that are bounded by major arcs.
Does Watching Sex on Television Predict Teen Pregnancy? Findings From a National Longitudinal Survey of Youth

OBJECTIVE.There is increasing evidence that youth exposure to sexual content on television shapes sexual attitudes and behavior in a manner that may influence reproductive health outcomes. To our knowledge, no previous work has empirically examined associations between exposure to television sexual content and adolescent pregnancy. METHODS.Data from a national longitudinal survey of teens (12‐17 years of age, monitored to 15‐20 years of age) were used to assess whether exposure to televised sexual content predicted subsequent pregnancy for girls or responsibility for pregnancy for boys. Multivariate logistic regression models controlled for other known correlates of exposure to sexual content and pregnancy. We measured experience of a teen pregnancy during a 3-year period. RESULTS.Exposure to sexual content on television predicted teen pregnancy, with adjustment for all covariates. Teens who were exposed to high levels of television sexual content (90th percentile) were twice as likely to experience a pregnancy in the subsequent 3 years, compared with those with lower levels of exposure (10th percentile). CONCLUSIONS.This is the first study to demonstrate a prospective link between exposure to sexual content on television and the experience of a pregnancy before the age of 20. Limiting adolescent exposure to the sexual content on television and balancing portrayals of sex in the media with information about possible negative consequences might reduce the risk of teen pregnancy. Parents may be able to mitigate the influence of this sexual content by viewing with their children and discussing these depictions of sex. Pediatrics 2008;122:1047‐1054