cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of magnesium oxychloride nanorods with controllable morphology and their transformation to magnesium hydroxide nanorods via treatment with sodium hydroxide

In this paper, the formation of magnesium oxychloride (Mgx(OH)yClz·nH2O) nanorods from the system MgO-MgCl2-H2O is investigated thoroughly. By systematically changing the adding amounts of the three starting materials, short nanorods (<1 µ) or long nanorods (up to 20 µ) were obtained readily with the aspect ratio in the range of 10–70. The mechanism of the crystal growth and the change of the crystal phase from 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) to 3Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 3) is also discussed. The products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting magnesium oxychloride nanorods were further transformed to magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) nanorods with the shape remained by treating with NaOH at room temperature. The results shown in this paper indicate a facile pathway to produce magnesium oxychloride or magnesium hydroxide nanorods with controllable morphology on large scale.
Antibacterial activity of electrospun polymer mats with incorporated narrow diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Polymer coatings featuring nonleaching antibacterial agents are needed to significantly reduce bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation. Previously, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been reported to be strong antimicrobial agents that kill microbes on contact. However, the antibacterial activity of freestanding polymer mats with a low weight percent of incorporated SWNTs has not been demonstrated. In this study, four different weight percents of well characterized, small diameter (0.8 nm) SWNTs were incorporated into electrospun polysulfone (PSf) mats. Electrospun PSf−SWNT mats were observed to be flexible and composed of continuous, cylindrical, and randomly oriented fibers. SEM micrographs revealed that SWNT ends were distributed along the longitudinal fiber axis. Loss of bacteria (Escherichia coli) viability was observed to directly correlate to increased SWNT incorporation within the mat, ranging from 18% for 0.1 wt % SWNTs to 76% for 1.0 wt % SWNTs. Time-dependent bacterial ...
SU‐E‐T‐287: The Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Amplitude‐Based Binning Algorithm for 4D CT Reconstruction

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of the first commercial amplitude‐binning algorithm for 4DCT reconstruction, to compare its reconstructed image quality to that of the phase‐binning algorithm, and to investigate possible clinical effects from changing algorithms. Methods: A department customized 4DCT motion phantom was utilized to evaluate the geometry accuracy (correct phase sequencing and motion) of the amplitude‐binning algorithm. 64 4DCT patient cases, in which 60(4) cases were acquired with 4D chest (abdomen) protocol, were collected and evaluated on the respiratory motion artifact severity. The MIP images generated from both algorithms for 10 SBRT cases were further evaluated by two radiation oncologists regarding the tumor sizes and locations. Results: The phantom experiments illustrated that, as expected, maximum inhalation occurred between 90%–10% phases, while maximum exhalation occurred between 40%–60% phases. The amplitude‐binning algorithm provides reasonable phase sequencing and motion within the 4D images. The amplitude‐binning algorithm yielded fewer respiratory motion artifacts on 24/64 cases (37.5%), comparable artifacts to the phase‐binning algorithm on 35/64 cases (54.7%), and slightly greater artifacts on 5/64 cases (7.8%). The 10 SBRT cases indicated that the reconstructedtumor sizes and locations were comparable on 9 MIP image pairs generated from amplitude‐binning and phase‐binning, respectively. However, amplitude‐binning yielded smaller tumor size on one case probably due to the very shallow respiratory amplitude occurring over several breathing cycles. Conclusions: Overall, amplitude‐binning algorithm yielded fewer or equivalent artifacts on 92.2% of cases (59/64 cases), and no dramatic difference on reconstructedtumor sizes and locations from the MIP images based on amplitude and phase binning algorithms. We suggest utilizing the amplitude‐binning 4DCT images for clinical practice, especially for SBRT cases. If very shallow respiratory waves or severe motion artifacts were found on specific cases, physicists should work with the physicians to provide the best achievable 4D images.
Aspiration of the asymptomatic metatarsophalangeal joint in gout patients and hyperuricemic controls

Asymptomatic metatarsophalangeal joints were aspirated in a group of patients with gout, in 2 control groups with hyperuricemia, and in 1 normouricemic control group. Extracellular urate crystals were present in 70% of gout patients, in 1 of 19 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and in 2 of 9 patients with renal failure and hyperuricemia but no history of joint disease. Crystals were not found in the 10 normouricemic patients who had other types of arthritis. The presence of crystals in the subjects with gout was not correlated with a history of podagra, duration of gout, presence of tophi, or degree of control of hyperuricemia. Though crystals were found on rare occasions in joint fluid of asymptomatic hyperuricemic subjects, the presence of these crystals in asymptomatic joints was more common in subjects with gout.
Magnetic exchange interactions propagated by polyatomic bridges

Abstract The investigation of the mechanisms of electron transfer at long distances is one of the crucial problems in bioenergetics. The fundamental nature of electron transfer between transition metal ion sites in both electron-transfer proteins and precursor complexes for outer- and inner-sphere redox reactions needs to be determined. In order for electron transfer to occur between two transition metal ions that are well separated, there has to be an electronic interaction between the two metal ions. This interaction would be propagated by the organic material that is bridging between the two metal ions. In a binuclear complex of paramagnetic metal ions bridged by an organic species the electronic interaction that develops between the two metal ions is called a magnetic exchange interaction There are at least four instances where polyatomic bridges propagated magnetic exchange interactions: (1) Polynuclear transition metal complexes with unsaturated bridges; (2) Polynuclear transition metal complexes with saturated bridges; (3) Transition metal complexes with a paramagnetic ligand; and (4) Organic biradicals. Emphasis will be placed on the first two cases, where unsaturated polyatomic bridges include imidazolate, pyrazine, oxalate, cyanurate and aromatic diamines and saturated bridges are represented by dabco and various aliphatic dicarboxylate dianions. The distance dependence of magnetic exchange interactions will be examined. It will be shown that there is no simple distance dependence. Exchange interactions can be propagated over large distances. For example, hydrogen-bond interactions between metal complexes can propagate exchange interactions; temperature dependence in the exchange parameter J has been seen for some of these complexes by means of the observation of singlet-to-triplet EPR transitions. The relationship between magnetic exchange interactions propagated by extended polyatomic bridges and electron transfer via these same bridges will be discussed. The study of well characterized, generally binuclear, mixed-valence transition metal complexes is proving to be useful in characterizing the factors controlling electron transfer between metal ions. Magnetic exchange interactions are present in certain mixed-valence complexes, such as the trinuclear oxocentered Fe 2 III Fe II carboxylate complexes.
Vitellogenesis and its hormonal regulation in the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti L

Abstract Vitellogenesis and its control by steroid hormones were studied in the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti . Active incorporation of inorganic 32 P into plasma vitellogenin was identified in vitellogenic females following immunoprecipitation by antiserum against whole egg yolk protein. In contrast, males, or sexually immature females, had little or no 32 P activity in blood plasma immunoprecipitates. Autoradiography of the Ouchterlony immunodiffusion plates confirmed that the specific vitellogenin precipitin line contained high activity of 32 P. Such data indicate also that vitellogenin in hagfish, as in higher oviparous vertebrates, is a phosphorus-rich protein. The 32 P radioactivity was detected also in yolk protein from eggs 48 hr following injection of radioactive inorganic phosphate. The incorporation of plasma yolk proteins into ovarian egg yolk appeared to be greater in eggs at later stages of vitellogenesis. Pellets of different steroids were implanted into sexually immature female and male hagfish, or into mature males, for 4 weeks. This was followed by immunodiffusional identification of plasma vitellogenin by immunoprecipitation with anti-hagfish egg yolk serum. Estradiol or estrone were both 100% effective in induction of a vitellogenic female-specific yolk protein; progesterone was partially effective while testosterone or corticosterone were without any effect. It is concluded that the vitellogenin in hagfish, persisting representatives of the most primitive vertebrates, is a phosphorus-rich protein and that its synthesis is inducible by estrogens. The regulation of hepatic vitellogenesis by estrogen thus appears to be a universal phenomenon in oviparous vertebrates from cyclostomes through birds.
Multimedia Design Case Studies

Design Case Studies is one of the new courses that has been developed through the National Science Foundation Coalition, SYNTHESIS, to initiate systemic reform of undergraduate engineering education. The course is designed to update and enhance the case study method of teaching by using multimedia technology and hypermedia to combine live video examples of current engineering processes to illustrate that design is an interdisciplinary, cooperative and dynamic process. These extensive case studies cover all aspects of the life cycle of selected engineered products in which exemplary design practices have been followed. The case studies provide useful examples of design synthesis, interplay between technical and societal factors, industrial practice, multiple engineering disciplines and business considerations. These multimedia case studies, a component of the NSF Synthesis Coalition to improve engineering education, are available for distribution to other coalition campuses. Selected cases will be made downward extensible for use in high school and precollege programs to spark students interest in engineering. The Multimedia Design Case Studies course has been taught at Tuskegee University as a design elective course since Fall 1993.
An adaptive image coding algorithm based on noncausal LPC and vector quantization

An experimental study is reported of a new adaptive monochrome image coding algorithm based on a noncausal linear predictive model and vector quantization. The input image is partitioned into blocks in this algorithm, and a scalar quantizer is designed for the sample mean. Adaptation is achieved in two stages. First, 2-D noncausal linear-predictive-coding (LPC) analysis is performed on the image blocks and the resulting linear predictors are vector quantized. Then the residual signals are coded with an adaptive vector quantizer which uses the spectrum and residual energy information from the LPC codes to control bit allocation. Experimental results show that good coding quality can be achieved at low bit rates. >
Developing a university-wide institutional response to sexual assault and relationship violence.

SUMMARY This article presents a process case study for developing a university-wide response to sexual assault and relationship violence. Following Kelly's (1988) approach to prevention work in community-settings, we began our work with in-depth ecological reconnaissance to understand our local context. Our case study described the processes used to develop an inclusive task force, conduct an environmental scan, and carry out a quantitative-qualitative needs assessment. Our processes for developing an institutional response for both direct services interventions and prevention are discussed in the context of Kelly's (1966, 1968, 2006) ecological principles of interdependence and cycling of resources.
Primary versus recurrent prolapse surgery: differences in outcomes.

Introduction and hypothesis We set out to evaluate anatomical outcomes of recurrent vs. primary prolapse surgery, focusing on anterior colporrhaphy (AC).
Code division multiplexing performance of minimum total-squared-correlation binary signature sets

The total-squared-correlation (TSC), maximum squared correlation (MSC), total asymptotic efficiency (TAE), and sum capacity (C/sub sum/) of underloaded signature sets as well as the TSC and C/sub sum/ of overloaded signature sets are metrics that are optimized simultaneously over the real/complex field. We derive closed-form expressions for the MSC, TAE, and C/sub sum/ of minimum-TSC binary signature sets. Our expressions disprove the general equivalence of these performance metrics over the binary field and establish conditions on the number of signatures and signature length under which simultaneous optimization can or cannot be possible. We comment that the sum capacity loss of the recently designed minimum-TSC binary sets is found to be rather negligible in comparison with minimum-TSC real/complex-valued (Welch-bound-equality) sets.
Towards a deeper understanding of link restoration algorithms for mesh networks

We study the relationship between failure localization and the properties of link restoration algorithms, employing a quantitative measure of a network's ability to recover from two-link failures. This model allows us to consider issues of failure localization that cannot be addressed through models that assume only single failures. Based on the relationship between algorithmic properties and restoration failures, we construct a failure classification hierarchy that provides insight as to the relative value of advances in algorithm design. Finally, we apply this classification scheme to three networks from the literature and discuss the results in terms of their importance for link restoration algorithms. We find that the topological constraints on restoration paths required by algorithms that embed rings within mesh networks result in significant degradation of failure localization. The preselection of restoration paths (as opposed to selection at the time of failure) also has a negative impact, although it is not as significant as the topological effect. Algorithms that make use of the mesh topology and dynamically route around existing failures come close to an inherent limit imposed by the complexity of additional algorithmic advances.
Congestion-optimized scheduling of video over wireless ad hoc networks

We analyze the benefits of information sharing between the application layer and the transport layer, for streaming video encoded at several different qualities, in a mobile wireless network. The application relies on statistics collected at the transport layer and on a video distortion model to select the highest quality that can be supported by the network. At the transport layer, congestion-distortion optimized scheduling is performed to select packets which maximize the received video quality. Experiments performed over a simulated multi-hop wireless network, with H.264 encoded video, show benefits of the proposed approach.
Ultrasparse, ultrawideband phased arrays

Current technology in ultrasound and electromagnetics is now able to construct radiating array elements that can transmit a high energy pulse which has only two or three cycles. The corresponding arrays are called ultrawideband (UWB) arrays. In a highly thinned UWB array, the distribution of side energy is very different from conventional narrowband (NB) arrays. Due to the UWB nature of the pulse, the radiated waveform from these arrays varies in time. As a result, the waveform has an extra dimension with respect to NB across which undesired side energy can be distributed. UWB arrays can be highly thinned and achieve a much lower side energy level than NB arrays. This paper presents a method for characterizing ultrasparse ultrawideband one- and two-dimensional arrays. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this analysis shows that in a highly thinned UWB array, a periodic array is preferred over a random array.
Hyperspectral remote sensing data to map hazardous materials in a rural and industrial district: The Podgorica dwellings case studies

In this paper, we present the results of a hyperspectral airborne and in situ campaign in Montenegro aimed at individuating and monitoring two hazardous materials. They are the residues of the bauxite processing, i.e. red mud, and the asbestos fibers applied in the building materials. We perform laboratory analyses of asbestoscement, red mud and soil samples collected in the study area for (a) recognizing the dominant minerals using XRay Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence; (b) identifying the optical characteristics of the samples using a portable field spectrometer; and (c) characterizing their spectral features and remote sensing detection requirements. A least-squares fitting procedure, on the basis of the significant red mud and asbestos-cement reflectance spectral features, was applied to airborne hyperspectral remote sensing data collected over the study area. Results show that hyperspectral remote sensing data can provide an efficient, fast and repeatable tool for mapping and monitoring the diffusion of pollutants providing the location of the hazardous areas to be checked.
Asperger Syndrome: A Primer for Behavioral Interventionists.

Children and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome are intellectually capable, rigid and often obsessive, adhere to stereotypic routines, demonstrate difficulties with pragmatic language and characteristically lack social skills. While the extent of these behaviors may wax and wane and vary by individual, they are in stark contrast with the high level of intellectual function seen in children and adolescents with this disorder. This primer will examine: the features of Asperger Syndrome, the theories which help explain the nature of the disorder, its comorbidity with other disorders, and the strategies that can impact positively on social skill development. The role that significant others in the environment (parents, teachers, clinicians and trained peers) can play in implementing these social skill strategies is also an area of focus.
Effects of exposure to municipal wastewater in situ on the reproductive physiology of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Effects of representative central Michigan wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents on the reproductive physiology of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were assessed in situ by measuring plasma concentrations of vitellogenin (VTG), 17β-estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T), and evaluating gonad histology and male secondary sex characteristics. Caged adult male and female fathead minnows were exposed for 3 weeks to WWTP effluent. One riverine site and one lacustrine site were included as references for comparison to WWTP sites. Plasma concentrations of VTG, E2, and T in female fish, quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were greater at the lacustrine site than the riverine site or WWTP sites. None of the male fish had mean plasma VTG concentrations similar to that observed in females. Most VTG concentrations in male fish were less than the VTG ELISA detection limit. Female plasma concentrations of E2 were similar among riverine and WWTP sites. Plasma concentrations of E2 in male fish were greater than the riverine site at all WWTP sites except the Williamston site, but were not significantly different from the lacustrine site. Concentrations of T in female and male fish were similar among riverine and exposure sites. No trends in hormone concentrations, male secondary sex characteristics, or gonad histology could be attributed to putative endocrine disrupter exposure in WWTP effluent. The results indicate that the risk for estrogen agonist exposure below these central Michigan WWTPs is small.
Role Conflict, Role Ambiguity, and Role Overload on Boards of Directors of Nonprofit Human Service Organizations:

Much of the literature on boards of directors of nonprofit organizations is prescriptive; that is, it describes what board members are "supposed" to do. The research described here looks at how mem...
Effects of subendocardial ablation on anodal supernormal excitation and ventricular vulnerability in open-chest dogs.

BACKGROUND In Langendorff-perfused hearts and in hearts on cardiopulmonary bypass, chemical ablation of the subendocardium of both ventricles decreases ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation. It was hypothesized that the effects of ablation are a result of the elimination of the subendocardial Purkinje fiber network. This hypothesis has been supported by recent observations that the supernormal excitability that is demonstrable in the Purkinje fibers is associated with arrhythmogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS We tested this hypothesis on 10 open-chest dogs by evaluating the strength-interval curves of anodal and cathodal stimulation with the assistance of computerized mapping techniques. The ventricular fibrillation threshold was also determined. The same test was then performed after chemical ablation of the subendocardium of either the right ventricle (six dogs) or both ventricles (four dogs). Anodal supernormality was consistently demonstrated in all the dogs studied both before and after subendocardial ablation. The ventricular fibrillation thresholds were 23 +/- 5 mA both before and after right ventricular subendocardial ablation (p = NS). The ventricular fibrillation thresholds before and after biventricular subendocardial ablation were 25 +/- 3 and 22 +/- 10 mA, respectively (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that 1) subendocardial ablation does not decrease ventricular vulnerability when the heart is in situ and is not on cardiopulmonary bypass and 2) anodal supernormal excitability can be demonstrated in ventricles without a subendocardial Purkinje fiber network.
The Rise of Fibromyalgia in 20th-Century America

At the beginning of the 21st century, fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) has become a diagnostic category that includes extremely large numbers of people, predominantly women. Yet only a few decades ago, FM (and its predecessor fibrositis) was of little interest or concern to either physicians or the general public. What, then, were the origins of the FM diagnosis, and why did its boundaries expand so rapidly during and after the 1980s? The answers to such questions are complex. Broad social and intellectual currents, internal developments within medicine, the appearance of a self-conscious women's movement, and the rise of an increasingly important pharmaceutical industry all converged to elevate the importance of FM. Yet the diagnosis has remained highly contested, and there are competing etiological theories and therapies.
Mendelian Inheritance in Man and its online version, OMIM.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the publication of the first print edition of Mendelian Inheritance in Man (MIM).1 This seems an appropriate juncture at which to review its origins, evolution, and present status, including and particularly those of its online version, OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man). This is an opportunity, at the same time, to review in brief the rapid progress in an important part of medical genetics and genomics, as chronicled in MIM/OMIM over these 40 years, and to contemplate the future challenges of OMIM.
Can silver nanoparticles be useful as potential biological labels

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles have unique plasmon-resonant optical scattering properties that are finding use in nanomedical applications such as signal enhancers, optical sensors, and biomarkers. In this study, we examined the chemical and biological properties of Ag nanoparticles of similar sizes, but that differed primarily in their surface chemistry (hydrocarbon versus polysaccharide), in neuroblastoma cells for their potential use as biological labels. We observed strong optical labeling of the cells in a high illumination light microscopy system after 24 h of incubation due to the excitation of plasmon resonance by both types of Ag nanoparticle. Surface binding of both types of Ag nanoparticle to the plasma membrane of the cells was verified with scanning electron microscopy as well as the internalization and localization of the Ag nanoparticles into intracellular vacuoles in thin cell sections with transmission electron microscopy. However, the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), degradation of mitochondrial membrane integrity, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, and reduction in proliferation after stimulation with nerve growth factor were found after incubation with Ag nanoparticles at concentrations of 25 μ gm l −1 or greater, with a more pronounced effect produced by the hydrocarbon-based Ag nanoparticles in most cases. Therefore, the use of Ag nanoparticles as potential biological labels, even if the surface is chemically modified with a biocompatible material, should be approached with caution. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Residue-to-binary converters based on new Chinese remainder theorems

The speed of arithmetic operations depends on the size of the numbers involved. Smaller numbers have faster operations. That is exactly the reason why residue number systems are attractive in computer arithmetic. However, the conversion from residue to binary numbers involves a large number module operations. Several residue-to-binary converters are proposed in this paper. The converters are based on the New Chinese Remainder Theorems (CRT's) I and II which represent our work. The New CRT's improve the celebrated CRT. The new algorithms do not use any large size module adders. The numbers involved are much smaller compared to the numbers in the CRT and its alternative, the Mixed Radix Conversion method. Given a moduli set as (P/sub 1/, P/sub 2/,, P/sub n/), to convert a residue number (x/sub 1/,x/sub 2/,...,x/sub n/) to its decimal correspondence, a matrix of numbers bounded by P/sub i/ is needed for the New CRT I compared to the large numbers M/P/sub i/ for the CRT, where M=P/sub 1/P/sub 2/...P/sub n/. The New CRT II uses module multipliers of size less than /spl radic/M. If the condition P/sub i+1/>P/sub 1/+P/sub 2/+...+P/sub i/ is satisfied, only one module operation of size P/sub n/ is needed for the conversion. Residue-to-binary conversion based on the New CRT's presented here will have a significant impact on many algorithms which currently use the CRT, particularly in computer arithmetic such as residue number systems.
Multiple trauma in the achondroplastic dwarf: An emergency medicine physician perspective case report and literature review

Although uncommon, the achondroplastic dwarf (AD) may become the victim of multiple trauma, presenting special challenges for the emergency department (ED) physician. Traditional management of airway, breathing, circulation, and neurological disability is altered by the unique anatomic features of achondroplasia. Despite facial abnormalities observed in the AD, orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation are usually accomplished without particular difficulty; however, abnormalities of the base of the skull and cervical spine make hyperextension of the neck especially hazardous in these patients. The lungs are functionally normal, although vital capacity is decreased and thoracic case abnormalities and abdominal obesity impair lung expansion. Vascular access in the AD is difficult. Peripheral access is difficult because of excessive subcutaneous fat, whereas central venous access is complicated by neck, chest wall, and spinal abnormalities that obscure commonly used anatomic landmarks. Major neurological syndromes observed in ADs are hydrocephalus, cervical medullary compression, and thoracolumbar stenosis. The ED physician should recognize these syndromes, their potential to produce neurological disability, and their unique implications for trauma.
Results of Treatment in 40 Selected Cases of Cryptorchidism

FOR MANY YEARS the management of cryptor chidism has been an intriguing problem to the medical profession. The four major concerns have been with (a) anatomical restitution of the affected organs to a normal position in the scrotum, (b) proper development of the affected organs, (c) normal functional results so as to insure both fertility and the elaboration of male sex hormone, and finally (d) the possibility of degenerative and malignant changes occurring in testes occupying a faulty position, or in testes the position of which has been corrected. Up to recent years the most satisfactory approach to proper placement of the testes was surgical, even though many surgeons have expressed dissatisfaction with the frequency of lack of development following surgery. Numerous reports of operative results have been recorded in the literature, the percentage of cures ranging from 42 to 92%.
Practical advice for organizations new to simulation

Many organizations know the benefits of simulation and desire to add this business intelligence to their organization's process improvement toolkit. However, challenges exist that prevent these organizations from actually executing and successfully bringing simulation into their organization. From the lack of the right model building resources to missing upper management support to not having robust software, simulation initiatives can dwindle for various reasons. This paper will address why simulation is important, what makes a good project, who should build the model, the expected return as well as common pitfalls. Practical advice for organizations serious about developing internal expertise and conducting simulation projects will be provided.
Growth of mixed cultures on mixtures of substitutable substrates: the operating diagram for a structured model

The growth of mixed microbial cultures on mixtures of substrates is a problem of fundamental biological interest. In the last two decades, several unstructured models of mixed-substrate growth have been studied. It is well known, however, that the growth patterns in mixed-substrate environments are dictated by the enzymes that catalyse the transport of substrates into the cell. We have shown previously that a model taking due account of transport enzymes captures and explains all the observed patterns of growth of a single species on two substitutable substrates (J. Theor. Biol. 190 (1998) 241). Here, we extend the model to study the steady states of growth of two species on two substitutable substrates. The model is analysed to determine the conditions for existence and stability of the various steady states. Simulations are performed to determine the flow rates and feed concentrations at which both species coexist. We show that if the interaction between the two species is purely competitive, then at any given flow rate, coexistence is possible only if the ratio of the two feed concentrations lies within a certain interval; excessive supply of either one of the two substrates leads to annihilation of one of the species. This result simplifies the construction of the operating diagram for purely competing species. This is because the two-dimensional surface that bounds the flow rates and feed concentrations at which both species coexist has a particularly simple geometry: It is completely determined by only two coordinates, the flow rate and the ratio of the two feed concentrations. We also study commensalistic interactions between the two species by assuming that one of the species excretes a product that can support the growth of the other species. We show that such interactions enhance the coexistence region.
Successful intelligence: A model for testing intelligence beyond IQ tests

Abstract Standard conventional tests only assess a narrow sampling of the abilities required for success in school and in life. In contrast, the augmented theory of successful intelligence asserts that intelligence involves creative skills in producing new ideas, analytical skills in evaluating whether the ideas are good ones, practical skills in putting the ideas into practice and in convincing other people of the value of the ideas, and wisdom-based skills in confirming that one is using one's knowledge and skills to serve a common good. Three projects were created to evaluate the theory with regard to college admissions: First, the Rainbow Project demonstrated that prediction of first-year college academic performance could be increased while simultaneously decreasing differences between ethnic groups on a predictive assessment, in comparison with the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Second, the Kaleidoscope Project improved prediction of academic and extracurricular performance over SAT scores alone; but the ethnic-group differences usually obtained vanished. Third, the Panorama Project showed the success of similar techniques in a less selective population. The projects demonstrate the application of the augmented theory of successful intelligence in enhancing college and university admissions procedures.
Comparative immunology of carcinogenesis by DNA viruses.

Investigations during the last decade have established a definitive role for certain viruses in the induction and maintenance of neoplasia under natural and laboratory conditions. Although the causal relationship between viruses and neoplasia in animals is well established, no viruses have yet been demonstrated to be the direct cause of human cancer. A close association, however, has been made between the DNA-containing herpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the human population. DNA-containing tumor viruses differ from one another in morphology, nucleic acid content, host range, mode of replication, and ability to undergo latency and to cause neoplasia in their natural host. These include viruses that cause neoplasia in the host in which they replicate (herpes-, pox-, and papovaviruses) and viruses that induce tumors in heterologous hosts in which they undergo abortive infection (papovaviruses and adenoviruses). These viruses invariably transform both permissive and nonpermissive cells in culture to malignancy. One of the consequences of viral transformation of mammalian cells both in vitro and in vivo is the synthesis of macromolecules by the transformed cells, which are distinctly antigenic in the autochthonous or syngeneic host and to which the host makes both a cellular and a humoral immune response. The new antigens expressed in virally transformed cells may be directly coded by the viral genome integrated into the host chromosome or they may be of cellular origin.
Translational and therapeutic potential of oxytocin as an anti-obesity strategy: Insights from rodents, nonhuman primates and humans

The fact that more than 78 million adults in the US are considered overweight or obese highlights the need to develop new, effective strategies to treat obesity and its associated complications, including type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. While the neurohypophyseal peptide oxytocin (OT) is well recognized for its peripheral effects to stimulate uterine contraction during parturition and milk ejection during lactation, release of OT within the brain is implicated in prosocial behaviors and in the regulation of energy balance. Previous findings indicate that chronic administration of OT decreases food intake and weight gain or elicits weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and rats. Furthermore, chronic systemic treatment with OT largely reproduces the effects of central administration to reduce weight gain in DIO and genetically obese rodents at doses that do not appear to result in tolerance. These findings have now been recently extended to more translational models of obesity showing that chronic subcutaneous or intranasal OT treatment is sufficient to elicit body weight loss in DIO nonhuman primates and pre-diabetic obese humans. This review assesses the potential use of OT as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of obesity in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans, and identifies potential mechanisms that mediate this effect.
Cardiac PET Imaging in Coronary Artery Disease

PET is a powerful tool for translational research that offers unique quantitative insights into physiologic and molecular processes in vivo. PET/CT is rapidly advancing our ability to image in great detail the structure and function in the heart and vasculature. By providing concurrent quantitative information about myocardial blood flow and metabolism with coronary and cardiac anatomy, PET/CT offers the opportunity for a comprehensive noninvasive evaluation of the consequences of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries and the myocardium. Indeed, the quantification of myocardial blood flow (in mL/min/g) and coronary flow reserve provides increased sensitivity for identifying and excluding significant coronary artery stenoses. In addition, coronary flow reserve is a powerful marker of clinical risk, which helps refine clinical risk stratification and, potentially, direct therapy. In addition, PET enables noninvasive assessment of myocardial viability that helps identify myocardial viability and facilitates medical decision making in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction due to coronary artery disease.
Acquired seminal vesicle cyst in a teenager with a urethral stricture of unknown etiology

A seminal vesicle cyst remains a very rare diagnosis. Though most seminal vesicle cysts in the pediatric population are congenital and associated with ipsilateral upper urinary tract anomalies. We present a unique case of a 16-year-old with a small seminal vesicle cyst with normal upper urinary tract anatomy. This cyst was associated with urethral inflammation and stricture within the bulbar urethra, it is likely that this individual had an acquired seminal vesicle cyst at an abnormally young age although it is possible the cyst became inflamed and induced the urethral stricture. Despite the fact that the cause of his urethral pathology is unknown, the patient had nearly complete resolution of lower urinary tract signs and symptoms by the time of his follow-up visits at 1 week and 1 month.
Performance variations among clinically available deformable image registration tools in adaptive radiotherapy — how should we evaluate and interpret the result?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance variations in commercial deformable image registration (DIR) tools for adaptive radiation therapy and further to interpret the differences using clinically available terms. Three clinical examples (prostate, head and neck (HN), and cranial spinal irradiation (CSI) with L-spine boost) were evaluated in this study. Firstly, computerized deformed CT images were generated using simulation QA software with virtual deformations of bladder filling (prostate), neck flexion/bite-block repositioning/tumor shrinkage (HN), and vertebral body rotation (CSI). The corresponding transformation matrices served as a "reference" for the following comparisons. Three commercialized DIR algorithms: the free-form deformation from MIMVista 5.5 and the RegRefine from MIMMaestro 6.0, the multipass B-spline from VelocityAI v3.0.1, and the adap-tive demons from OnQ rts 2.1.15, were applied between the initial images and the deformed CT sets. The generated adaptive contours and dose distributions were compared with the "reference" and among each other. The performance in transfer-ring contours was comparable among all three tools with an average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.81 for all the organs. However, the dose warping accuracy appeared to rely on the evaluation end points and methodologies. Point-dose differences could show a difference of up to 23.3 Gy inside the PTVs and to overestimate up to 13.2 Gy for OARs, which was substantial for a 72 Gy prescription dose. Dose-volume histogram-based evaluation might not be sensitive enough to illustrate all the detailed variations, while isodose assessment on a slice-by-slice basis could be tedious. We further explored the possibility of using 3D gamma index analysis for warping dose variation assessment, and observed differences in dose warping using different DIR tools. Overall, our results demonstrated that evaluation based only on the performance of contour transformation could not guarantee the accuracy in dose warping, while dose-transferring validation strongly relied on the evaluation endpoint. As dose-transferring errors could cause misinterpretations when attempting to accumulate dose for adaptive radiation therapy and more DIR tools are available for clinical use, a standard and clinically meaningful quality assurance criterion should be established for DIR QA in the near future.
Introduction to the 5th ADEA International Women's Leadership Conference Proceedings.

The 5th American Dental Education Association (ADEA) International Women’s Leadership Conference, held September 14–16, 2014, in Barcelona, Spain, brought together over 120 attendees from 17 countries to consider strategies for advancing women’s leadership in global academic dentistry.
Association of Excessive Duration of Antibiotic Therapy for Intra-Abdominal Infection with Subsequent Extra-Abdominal Infection and Death: A Study of 2,552 Consecutive Infections

Abstract Background: We hypothesized that a longer duration of antibiotic treatment for intra-abdominal infections (IAI) would be associated with an increased risk of extra-abdominal infections (EAI) and high mortality. Methods: We reviewed all IAI occurring in a single institution between 1997 and 2010. The IAI were divided into two groups consisting of those with a subsequent EAI and those without; the data for each group were analyzed. Patients with EAI following IAI were matched in a 1:2 ratio with patients who did not develop EAI on the basis of their Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score±1 point. Statistical analyses were done with the Student t-test, χ2 analysis, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and multi-variable analysis. Results: We identified 2,552 IAI, of which 549 (21.5%) were followed by EAI. Those IAI that were followed by EAI were associated with a longer initial duration of antimicrobial therapy than were IAI without subsequent EAI (median 14 d [inter-quartile range (IQR...
Abstract 5142: A naturally occurring model for gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. While there are increasing data characterizing the molecular features and defining potential targets for gastric carcinoma, preclinical animal models that recapitulate the human disease are limited. We have developed a number of resources to permit the characterization of spontaneously occurring canine gastric cancer which may provide a useful resource to understand gastric cancer carcinogenesis, its prevention and treatment. While gastric carcinoma is reportedly uncommon in dogs, certain breeds have significantly increased risk. To study this disease, we have established a database and tissue repository. Our goal has been to characterize canine gastric carcinoma clinically, histologically, and molecularly to determine its comparative value as a model for the human disease. Recently, we have performed a histologic review of 50 canine gastric carcinomas and have found that the canine disease is comprises largely of diffuse type gastric carcinoma and is enriched in the signet ring variant. We report for the first time a technique for culturing primary gastric cancer from affected dogs. Gastric cancer tissue specimens collected from spontaneously occurring tumors in dogs were disaggregated with collagenase and cells were grown in mammary epithelial growth media with or without 5% FBS. Four different cell lines were derived from tumors of a Labrador mix (GC1), a Basset hound (GC2), a Bouvier de Flandres (GC3) and a mixed breed (GC4). Early passages of all cell lines were able to form colonies when grown in soft agar. Different growth patterns were observed when cells were cultured with versus without serum. Serum treated cells tend to be fast growing, fibroblastic in appearance and senesce within 10 to 18 passages and these may represent cancer associated fibroblasts or mesenchymal differentiation of cancer cells. However, cells grown in mammary epithelial growth media without serum tend to form spheres that grow well when transferred to ultra-low attachment plate and form extensions when grown in matrigel. That semi-attached growth behavior is consistent with that reported for some human gastric cancer cell lines. Canine gastric cancer cell lines provide a new resource for the characterization of this spontaneous model that recapitulates diffuse, signet ring cell gastric carcinoma. Citation Format: Manar A. AbdelMageed, Monica Betancur-Boissel, Parthena Foltopoulou, Sureshkumar Muthupalani, James G. Fox, Elizabeth A. McNiel. A naturally occurring model for gastric cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5142. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5142
Silver cation affinities of monomeric building blocks of polyethers and polyphenols determined by guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry.

Energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation (CID) of seven silver cation–ligand complexes, Ag+(L), with Xe is studied using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry techniques. The ligands, L, investigated are monomeric building blocks of polyethers and polyphenols including phenol, 2-hydroxyphenol, 3-hydroxyphenol, 4-hydroxyphenol, 2-hydroxymethyl phenol, 3-hydroxymethyl phenol, and 4-hydroxymethyl phenol. In all cases, Ag+ is observed as the primary CID product, corresponding to endothermic loss of the intact neutral ligand. The kinetic-energy-dependent cross sections for CID of these Ag+(L) complexes are analyzed using an empirical threshold law to extract absolute 0 and 298 K Ag+–L bond dissociation energies (BDEs). Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory are used to determine the structures of the neutral ligands and their complexes to Ag+ using either the Stuttgart RSC 1997 valence basis set and effective core potential (SRSC ECP) or DZVP-DFT to describe Ag+. Th...
Comment on “Statistical binning enables an accurate coalescent-based estimation of the avian tree”

Mirarab et al. (Research Article, 12 December 2014, p. 1250463) introduced statistical binning to improve the signal in phylogenetic methods using the multispecies coalescent model. We show that all forms of binning-naive, statistical, and weighted statistical-display poor performance and are statistically inconsistent in large regions of parameter space, unlike unbinned sequence data used with species tree methods.