cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-127: Application of TG-119 for Evaluation of Proton Spot Scanning Based Planning and Treatment Delivery

Purpose: The clinical test cases presented in AAPM TG-119 are used to evaluate the accuracy of treatment planning and delivery through spot scanning proton beams. Methods: An IBA spot scanning delivery system has been commissioned to be used with the RayStation treatment planning system. Various test cases provided in TG-119 were used for planning and delivery verification. The CT dataset and structures as provided by TG-119 were imported into a mock patient. The plans were optimized using the multi field optimization (MFO) to achieve the desired goals. The planner was given the flexibility to achieve the given dose-volume goals by creating appropriate objectives and constraints. Beams were delivered to a phantom and measurements were performed at multiple depths using the MatrixxPT detector array. The analyses were performed on beam by beam basis and quantified using the gamma index. A tolerance of 3%/3 mm in 2D was used for gamma index analysis along with dose threshold of 10%. Results: The clinical goals for targets and critical structures were met or improved for all cases except the C-Shape target with difficult constraints. The minimum gamma index using the 3%/3mm as a criterion is 93.3% for one of the planes measured for C-Shape target. Using 2%/2mm as a criterion, the minimum gamma index drops to 70%. Only Prostate target has all the planes above >90% pass using the 2%/2mm criterion. Conclusion: The overall accuracy of the treatment planning and delivery is deemed clinically acceptable. The test cases with highly modulated beams can have steep gradients in the dose profiles that can reduce the gamma index pass rate. Gamma analysis based on 3D data may be needed for routine use of 2%/2mm criterion. In addition, improvements in modelling of spot profiles in dose engine may be required for further improving the gamma index pass rate.
Control of spacecraft via nonlinear H/sub /spl infin// method

In this paper, the problem of H/sub /spl infin// control of a rigid spacecraft with three control torques and disturbances is addressed. The Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs inequality on the tangent bundle of SO(3) for H/sub /spl infin// feedback design is solved. An H/sub /spl infin// suboptimal feedback is given and the stability properties of the closed loop system are studied. >
Wireless temperature sensor for condition monitoring of mechanical seals

This paper presents the first RF temperature sensor for condition monitoring of mechanical face seals. The sensor comprises a resonant inductor-capacitor circuit that is inductively coupled to a separate interrogating coil. The resonant circuit is mounted on the stationary face of the mechanical seal. A temperature rise is sensed as a resonant frequency increase, caused by a decrease in the sensor capacitance value. The resonant sensor is implemented using commercially-available components and has a footprint of less than 5.12 mm2. Despite the very close proximity to the steel shaft (0.79 mm) and the stainless steel flange (2 mm), successful interrogation is achieved and the sensor's frequency is increased linearly from 41.1 MHz to 41.6 MHz for a temperature increase from 25°C to 80°C. The measurements are verified by simulating the system using a combination of HFSS-ADS EM-circuit co-simulation model. The uncertainty in the measurements with respect to calibration equation was less than ±5%.
Assessing attitude towards, knowledge of, and ability to apply, software development process

Software development is one of the most economically critical engineering activities. It is unsettling, therefore, that regularly published analyses reveal that the percentage of projects that fail, by coming in far over budget or far past schedule, or by being cancelled with significant financial loss, is considerably greater in software development than in any other branch of engineering. The reason is that successful software development requires expertise in both state of the art (software technology) and state of the practice (software development process). It is widely recognized that failure to follow best practice, rather than technological incompetence, is the cause of most failures. It is critically important, therefore, that (i) computer science departments be able assess the quality of the software development process component of their curricula and that industry be able to assess the efficacy of SPI (software process improvement) efforts. While assessment instruments/tools exist for knowledge of software technology, none exist for attitude toward, knowledge of, or ability to use, software development process. We have developed instruments for measuring attitude and knowledge, and are working on an instrument to measure ability to use. The current version of ATSE, the instrument for measuring attitude toward software engineering, is the result of repeated administrations to both students and software development professionals, post-administration focus groups, rewrites, and statistical reliability analyses. In this paper we discuss the development of ATSE, results, both expected an unexpected, of recent administrations of ATSE to students and professionals, the various uses to which ATSE is currently being put and to which it could be put, and ATSE's continuing development and improvement.
Proposal of Experimental Test of General Relativity Theory

On the basis of the relativistic mass-energy concept we found that a proper mass of a test particle in a gravitational field depends on a potential energy, hence, a freely falling particle has a varying proper mass. Consequently, a multitude of freely falling reference frames cannot be regarded as a multitude of equivalent inertial reference frames. There is a class of experiments, in which an inner observer can distinguish between the state of free fall in a gravitational field and the state of free space by detecting the effect of a proper mass variation. If so, a demonstration of a violation of the Equivalence Principle is possible. It is shown that a variant of the classical Pound-Rebka-Snider experiment on a photon frequency shift in a gravitational field, if conducted in a freely falling laboratory, would be such a test. Abbreviation: SRT- the Special Relativity Theory, GRT- the General Relativity Theory, EP - the Equivalence Principle, PRS - the Pound-Rebka-Snider (experiment)
Kinetics of Steady-state Currents and Charge Movements Associated with the Rat Na+/Glucose Cotransporter

The rat Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and steady-state and transient currents were measured using a two-electrode voltage clamp. The maximal glucose induced Na(+)-dependent inward current was approximately 300-500 nA. The apparent affinity constants for sugar (alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside; alpha MDG) (K alpha MDG 0.5) and sodium (KNa0.5) at a membrane potential of -150 mV were 0.2 mM and 4 mM. The KNa0.5 increased continuously with depolarizing potentials reaching 40 mM at -30 mV, K alpha MDG 0.5 was steeply voltage dependent, 0.46 mM at -30 mV and 1 mM at -10 mV. From all tested monovalent cations only Li+ could substitute for Na+, but with lower affinity. The relative substrate specificity was D-glucose > alpha MDG approximately D-galactose > 3-O-Me-Glc >> beta-naphthyl-D-glucoside >> uridine. Phlorizin (Pz), the specific blocker of sugar transport, showed an extremely high affinity for the rat cotransporter with an inhibitor constant (KPzi) of 12 nM. SGLT1 charge movements in the absence of sugar were fitted by the Boltzmann equation with an apparent valence of the movable charge of approximately 1, a potential for 50% maximal charge transfer (V0.5) of -43 mV, and a maximal charge (Qmax) of 9 nanocoulombs. The apparent turnover number for the rat SGLT1 was 30 s-1. Model simulations showed that the kinetics of the rat SGLT1 are described by a six-state ordered nonrapid equilibrium model, and comparison of the kinetics of the rat, rabbit and human cotransporters indicate that they differ mainly in their presteady-state kinetic parameters.
Database assessment of phytotoxicity data published on terrestrial vascular plants

The PHYTOTOX database was analyzed to determine the taxonomic and geographical scope of information published on the toxicity of organic chemicals to terrestrial vascular plants. The data tabulated show the 20 most frequently tested chemicals, the 35 most often used plant genera and species, and the frequency of toxicity testing conducted on plants maintained under different growth conditions (greenhouse, cultivated field, wild, etc.). This information is discussed with regard to its applicability to environmental issues of concern. Examination of the data indicated that the influence of toxic waste compounds on plants is virtually unknown and that little research attention has been focused on the influence of chemical insult on the growth and development of wild plants.
An Efficient Synthetic Approach to Cyanocycline A and Bioxalomycin β2 via [C+NC+CC] Coupling

The AgI catalyzed [C+NC+CC] coupling reaction of a 2,3-bisaminoaldehyde 5, l-glycyl sultam 6, and methyl acrylate provides highly functionalized pyrrolidine 7, the key intermediate in an efficient ...
Microcosm Study of Bioremediation of Oil-Contaminated Freshwater Wetlands

ABSTRACT Use and transport of petroleum products can result in serious contamination of freshwater habitats via leakage, spills, aerosols, and runoff. Little development of bioremediation strategie...
Partitioning of invariant imbedding systems

Abstract The choice of partitioning the system matrix for a system of N linear ordinary differential equations may determine the ease or difficulty of obtaining a solution by the invariant imbedding method of Scott. This paper shows how the configuration and partitioning of the system matrix is reflected in the fundamental matrix. The partitioning of the fundamental matrix is the key to the ease or difficulty of obtaining a solution. If the fundamental matrix is known for a given system matrix configuration and partitioning, then the fundamental matrix associated with a new system matrix configuration may be derived by the same row and column interchanges that transformed the old system matrix into the new system matrix. The fundamental matrix for the new system matrix does not have to be recalculated anew from the Kronecker delta initial conditions.
“Once More About the Quadratic Trinomial…”: On the Formation of Methodological Skills

This article discusses certain aspects of mathematics teacher education in Russia. To be able successfully to teach through problems, a teacher must know how to select the necessary assignments, to construct mathematical tasks according to methodological principles, and to organize work on these assignments in the classroom; in short, as they say in Russia, the teacher must possess certain well-defined methodological skills. This article analyzes examples of work with pre-service and in-service teachers leading to the formation of such skills. As the author tries to show, substantive and deep mathematical activity can take place in the context of tidying even the most routine school-level topics, such as the quadratic trinomial.
Osteoarticular and intercalary allograft transplantation in the management of malignant tumors of bone

Since 1971, the Orthopaedic Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital has treated 106 patients with malignant or aggressive bone tumors by wide resection and replacement with frozen cadaveric allograft. Sixty-one of these patients have been followed for over two years (mean, 4.5 years), allowing a comprehensive end-results analysis. In 45 patients, mostly with giant-cell tumors of chondrosarcomas, the resection involved the articular end of a long bone and the replacement not only included bone, but glycerolized (to prevent freezing injury) and articular cartilage. Ten of the segments were intercalary (bone alone) and six involved a combination of bone and metallic joint prosthesis. Patients were graded as excellent, good, fair, or failure, depending principally on functional capacity. End-results analysis in this group showed that five of the 61 patients had either a local recurrence (2) and/or distant metastases (3); in five additional patients the limb was amputated or the implant removed, primarily because of infection (total failure rate, 16.5%). Forty-five (73.8%) had successful transplants (graded excellent or good) and were able to live essentially normal lives. Six of the patients (10%) required a brace or cane but three of these patients were able to return to preoperative work activities. Although the operations were arduous and difficult, and despite a high infection rate (13%) and occasional pathologic fractures (10%), the results compare favorably with other techniques used to restore the skeleton following massive segmental resection. In long-term follow-up, the data suggest that if no complication ensue in the first two years, the results are generally quite good and the grafts show no evidence of progressive deterioration with time.
The relationship of case managers’ expressed emotion to clients’ outcomes

Background Expressed emotion (EE) has been studied in families of a relative with schizophrenia as well as other psychiatric disorders; and high EE (hostile, critical, and overinvolved) families have been found to be strongly related to relapse among their relatives. EE has been assessed on a limited basis among non-familial care providers and determined that providers can also have high EE which results in poor quality of life and negative consequences for their clients. Methods The present study assessed 42 case managers serving clients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder regarding their EE for specific clients enrolled in a larger study examining the reliability and validity of two alliance measures. Case managers and clients were personally interviewed at baseline, 3, 6, 6 plus 2 weeks, and 9 months post-client entry into case management. The EE measure was inserted into the 6 months plus 2 week case manager interview. Generalized Estimating Equation analysis was employed to examine predicted outcomes of EE. Results High EE was found to be related to client attitudes toward medication compliance and social contact. Conclusions Family psychoeducation interventions, an evidence-based practice, have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing relapse of relatives with serious mental illness. Given the clinical evidence that EE is modifiable, it is expected that such educational training for non-familial caregivers will have the same potential as for family caregivers. Providers dealing with challenging clients may also need support and skills to better handle difficult situations, especially direct support providers like case managers who are not clinically trained.
Social class and height and weight in metropolitan Madras.

Abstract Interviews were held with a stratified random sample of heads of households (and/ or their spouses) in metropolitan Madras to obtain information on social class identification, height and weight of self and spouse, and other socioeconomic characteristics of the household and of the parents. Social class is found to be weakly but positively correlated with height and ponderal index and is found to be moderately but positively correlated with weight, with age held constant. The social class differences are related to variations among them in ethnic and biological inheritance, the wholesomeness of the household (nutrition, sanitation, and health care), and the value placed on kinds of foodstuffs.
Managing Mental Health Crises of Foreign College Students

Student services professionals manage a number of mental health crises as part of their job responsibilities. This article examines some of the issues that arise from assisting foreign college students experiencing such crises, with special focus on psychiatric committal, withdrawal from school, and return to the home county.
Nanoscale phase separation of GeS2 glass

Abstract Molecular structure of GexS100-x glasses in the 30 < x < 34 atomic percentage range is examined by Raman scattering, 119Sn Mossbauer spectroscopy, and temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the stoichiometric glass with x = 33.33 (T g = 508°C) is chemically disordered. Raman scattering places mode strengths of corner-sharing Ge(S1/2)4 tetrahedra (A), ethane-like Ge2(S1/2)6 units (B), and the distorted rocksalt Ge(S1/6)6 units (C) at approximately 93.4:3.6:3.0 not normalized for mode cross-sections. Mossbauer spectroscopy places the concentration of these units as A : B : C = 76.2:8.8 :15. The drastic reduction in the slope of the glass transition temperature T g with Ge content x coincides with first appearance of these units once x exceeds 32.50, suggesting that these units are demixed and form separate nanophases to lower the global connectivity of the glass network.
Recruitment of Thyroid Hormone Receptor/Retinoblastoma-interacting Protein 230 by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator Is Required for the Transcriptional Response to Both Dioxin and Hypoxia

Abstract The aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator/hypoxia-inducible factor (ARNT/HIF-1β) mediates an organism's response to various environmental cues, including those to chemical carcinogens, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-ρ-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin), via its formation of a functional transcription factor with the ligand activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Similarly, tissue responses to hypoxia are largely mediated through the HIF-1 heterodimeric transcription factor, comprising hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and ARNT. The latter response is essential for a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolytic anaerobic metabolism as well as for angiogenesis and has been implicated as necessary for growth in many solid tumors. In this report, we demonstrate that the thyroid hormone receptor/retinoblastoma-interacting protein 230 (TRIP230) interacts directly with ARNT and is essential for both hypoxic and TCDD-mediated transcriptional responses. We initially identified TRIP230 as an ARNT-interacting protein in a yeast two-hybrid assay screen. This interaction was confirmed in mammalian cell systems using co-immunoprecipitation and in mammalian two-hybrid assays. Furthermore, TRIP230 could be recorded at sites of activated transcription of either TCDD- or hypoxia-inducible genes in a stimulus-dependent fashion by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Finally, using single-cell microinjection and RNA interference assays, we demonstrate that TRIP230 is indispensable for TCDD- and hypoxia-dependent gene transcription.
The validity and utility of classifying genes as ‘essential’

Historically, scientists were interested in understanding how many genes a given organism had to have to be a living organism or for a group of organisms to constitute a coherent class. The basic method for estimating gene numbers used to be saturation mutagenesis. It was soon realized that null mutations in some genes had no phenotypic effects at all (under the test conditions and the limitations of the detection methods), whereas others had non-lethal effects (see, for example, Ref. [1]). Some null mutations led to the premature death of the organism, so the genes where such mutations occurred were sometimes labeled ‘lethal genes’ and sometimes ‘essential genes’.
Influence of cross-flow on particle collection characteristics of multi-nozzle impactors

Abstract Studies of the flow fields and particle impaction characteristics are more complicated in multi-nozzle impactors than in single-nozzle impactors, since the jets of air must penetrate cross-flowing air to impinge on the impaction plate. Results of heat and mass transfer analysis are employed to describe the cross-flow pattern in multi-nozzle impactors. A cross-flow parameter has been derived to predict the deflection of the air jet by the cross-flow. This parameter is expressed as a function of the geometric parameters for the multi-nozzle impactor, D n N 4D c , where N is the number of nozzles, Dn the nozzle diameter and Dc the nozzle cluster diameter. Empirical particle collection data show that multi-nozzle impactors operate satisfactorily, if the cross-flow parameter is less than a critical value of 1.2. Impactors operating with a cross-flow parameter larger than this critical value are shown to possess poor particle collection characteristics.
The catalytic graphitization of naphthalenediol and a urethane foam — a feasibility study

Abstract Catalytic graphitization was accomplished by the addition of Cobalt, Nickel, and Iron to the original polymers of a urethane foam and naphthalenediol, respectively. Structural changes were observed using the scanning electron microscope, as well as changes in interplanar spacings (d002)and apparent crystallite sizes (Lc) by X-ray diffraction. Electron probe and electron diffraction were also used in determining structures present. At 1000°C, partial graphitization occurred and what is believed to be the transition phase from amorphous carbon to graphite was detected. In most specimens, after heat treatment for 0.5 hr at 1500°C, d002 was 3.36 A and Lc was as high as 220 A.
“Don't Destroy the Evidence!”

ABSTRACT As nurses, we interact with both victims and perpetrators of violence. Our goal is to save the patient; however, we also play a role in the legal outcome of that violence. What we do in caring for these patients is important. Means of preserving and documenting evidence while caring for the victims of violence are discussed and guidelines for the nurse s legal role are given. AORN J 72 (Nov 2000) 807–827.
A Pulsed Ultrasonic Flowmeter

A pulsed ultransonic flowmeter has been developed specifically for the simultaneous measurement of blood flow through various major blood vessels in the intact unanesthetized animal. The flow section is a small (1-3 cm) lucite cylinder which is clamped about the blood vessel. Piezoelectric crystals are mounted on the flow section so that bursts of 3-mc sound may be transmitted alternately upstream and downstream. The flowmeter develops a voltage which is proportional to the difference in the upstream and downstream transit times of the sound. This voltage is recorded continuously and calibrated in terms of flow. Under optimal conditions, the output voltage is a linear and accurate representation of volume flow within ±5 per cent, independent of the velocity profile. The flowmeter responds to a step variation in flow within 0.01 second. The maximum noise and baseline drift is equivalent to a flow velocity variation of less than 1 cm/second measured over a 4-hour period.
Evaluation of a new range of light-activated surgical adhesives for tissue repair in a porcine model

An in vitro study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using a new range of light-activated surgical adhesives for incision repair in a wide range of tissue types. Biodegradable polymer membranes of controlled porosity were fabricated with poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and salt particles using a solvent-casting and particulate- leaching technique. The porous membranes were doped with protein solder composed of 50%(w/v) bovine serum albumin solder and 0.5 mg/ml indocyanine green (ICG) dye mixed in deionized water. Tissue incisions were repaired using the surgical adhesive in conjunction with an 805-nm diode laser. Nine organs were tested ranging from skin to liver to the small intestine, as well as the coronary, pulmonary, carotid, femoral and splenetic arteries. Acute breaking strengths were measured and the data were analyzed by Student's T-test. Repairs formed on the small intestine were most successful followed by spleen, atrium, kidney, muscle and skin. The strongest vascular repairs were achieved in the carotid artery and femoral artery. The new surgical adhesive could possibly be used as a simple and effective method to stop bleeding and repair tissue quickly in an emergency situation, or as a substitute to mechanical staples or sutures in many clinical applications.
Predictors of treatment preference for mandibular fracture

Background: Patient treatment preferences do not necessarily remain stable over time. Objective: This study focuses on predictors of patient treatment choice and on the extent to which patients are willing to take risks by choosing surgical versus nonsurgical treatment for mandibular fracture. Methods: Surveys of African-American and Hispanic adults receiving treatment at King/Drew Medical Center for either a mandibular fracture (n = 98) or third-molar removal (n = 105) were used to investigate patterns of patient preference over the course of a 4-month study period using generalized estimating equations controlling for age, gender, income, and fracture versus third-molar patient. The study examined the effects of symptom rating and a “standard gamble” measure reflecting a patient’s willingness to accept scarring or nerve damage. This analysis is based on 169 patients who participated in four waves of data collection. Results: The most salient predictor of patient treatment was the standard gamble measure at 1-month follow-up. Subjects with higher risk tolerance were more likely to select surgery versus jaw wiring. A higher likelihood of choosing surgery was associated with higher income and greater symptom severity. Fracture patients were more likely to select surgery compared with third-molar patients. Conclusions: The significance of symptom severity 1-month post-surgery raises an important issue regarding the healing process. Moreover, the significance of standard gamble as a predictor of treatment choice for mandibular fracture should encourage other researchers to use this measure of willingness to accept risk when studying acute conditions such as jaw fracture.
Elastic-plastic analysis of cracks in pressure-sensitive materials

Abstract In this paper we present an elastic-plastic analysis of the small-scale yielding crack-tip fields for pressure-sensitive materials. Mode I loading and plane-strain conditions are assumed. The yield criterion is chosen to be a linear combination of the effective stress and the hydrostatic stress. For power-law hardening materials, our elastic-plastic finite element analysis shows that HRR-type crack-tipe fields are obtained not only for μ ⩽ μ lim , but also for a range of μ > μ hm . Here μ lim is referred to as the limit value of a pressure sensitivity parameter μ in Li and Pan [ J. Appl. Mech . 57 , 40–49 (1990)]. When elastic-perfectly plastic behavior is considered, the finite element results show that elastic sectors exist near the crack tip. The sizes of the elastic sectors vary with μ. Plastic zones are also given for different values of the pressure sensitivity parameter μ and the hardening exponent n . The parameter μ has a significant effect on the plastic zone sizes and shapes. The contribution of the hydrostatic stress in the yield criterion causes the plastic zone boundary in front of the crack tip to extend much farther than that in an incompressible material.
Retention and Physiological Effects of Surgically Implanted Telemetry Transmitters in Blue Catfish

Abstract The study of movement in catfish via telemetry can be problematic because of transmitter expulsion. Information regarding transmitter retention in blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus is limited. We examined transmitter retention and physical condition after implantation in adult blue catfish (≥600 mm) for two surgical implantation methods. Fifteen fish were implanted with Vemco V16 transmitters that were left free floating in the abdominal cavity (traditional method). Another fifteen fish were implanted with capsules constructed to duplicate externally mounted Vemco V16 transmitters. These capsules were implanted in the abdominal cavity and then anchored to the pectoral girdle using sterile pseudo-monofilament suture (modified method). Fish were held in a flow-through circular tank for 244 d following surgery. Sixteen fish expelled their capsules, 10 from the traditional procedure and 6 from the modified procedure. Expulsions were observed between 23 and 243 d post surgery. The condition of fish with...
Effect of several lipids, fatty acyl chain length, and degree of unsaturation on the motility of bull spermatozoa after cold shock and freezing.

Diluents containing sonicated liposomes of purified phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC) with varying fatty acyl chain lengths and double bonds and cholesterol (CH) alone or in combination, or egg yolk lecithin were evaluated for protection of bull sperm during cold shock produced by rapid cooling from 25 to 0 °C and during freezing and thawing. Bull semen was washed twice and diluted to 50 × 106 sperm/ml in diluents containing no lipid, 0.5 or 5 mM sonicated lipid or 20% egg yolk and plunged into ice water to cold shock the sperm. Sperm so treated were frozen using conventional methods. The percentage of progressively motile sperm (MS) was estimated prior to cooling, after cold shock, and after freezing and thawing. Lipids with fatty acyl chains of less than 12 carbons were toxic to sperm cells. Phosphatidylserine alone or in combination with PC or CH, but not PC or CH alone, protected sperm from cold shock as well as did egg yolk lecithin liposomes or egg yolk. Liposomes of PS/PC or PS/PC were not better than PS in protecting sperm from cold shock. Lipid concentrations of 0.5 mM were more effective than liposomes at 5 mM in protecting sperm during freezing and thawing. During freezing, PS alone or in combination with PC partially protected sperm, but only PSPC was as effective as egg yolk in protecting sperm from freeze-thaw damage. It is concluded that defined diluents, particularly those containing PS, may be useful in studies of cryobiology of spermatozoa.
Microwave spectra of cis-glyoxal-d/1/ and cis-glyoxal-d/2/

Abstract The microwave spectra of cis-glyoxal-d1 (C2HDO2) and cis-glyoxal-d2 (C2D2O2) have been obtained and assigned in the range from 18 to 40 GHz. The determined rotational constants for C2HDO2 were: A = 23857.40 ± 0.36, B = 6075.89 ± 0.09, and C = 4849.65 MHz; and for C2D2O2, A = 21521.82 ± 0.21, B = 5968.99 ± 0.04, and C = 4680.61 ± 0.05 MHz. By using these rotational constants along with those for the light molecule and an assumed CO bond length of 1.207 A, the following structural parameters were obtained from a least-squares fit: r CC) = 1.514 A , r (CH) = 1.130 A ,∢CCO = 123.4°, and ∢CCH = 116.2°. It was found that the carbon-carbon bond distance was the only structural parameter which was significantly affected by the assumed carbon-oxygen bond distance.
New genetic strategies for protein discovery based on whole-genome sequences

Abstract Determining the genomic sequences of the most commonly used model organisms has led to a new era in genetic studies. Each predicted gene of a sequenced organism can now be inactivated to create collections of all possible loss-of-function mutants. Whole-genome mutant collections are now available for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and reagents are available to inactivate every gene in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans . This article describes how these collections have stimulated the development of novel genetic screening methods that have accelerated the pace of genetic research.
Creutzfeldt—Jakob Disease: Current U.S. Policy to Further Reduce the Possible Risk of Transmission by Transfusion

Because the results of epidemiological and subhuman primate studies conducted over the last quarter of a century have failed to show a statistically significant risk of transmission of CJD by transfusion of blood components or plasma derivatives, the FDA's position is that only a theoretical low risk of CJD transmission cannot be excluded at this time. Consequently, FDA issued two memoranda on 8 August 1995 as updated interim policy documents recommending: (1) permanent deferral from donating blood or plasma for all persons who state at the time of donation, or for whom post donation information becomes available, that they have ever received pit-hGh, a dura mater transplant graft, or have a blood relative history of CJD, unless this increased risk for CJD is excluded on the basis of genetic analysis testing; (2) the quarantining of all undistributed in-date units of blood or blood components collected from either of these three groups of donors together with notification of all consignees of such in-date units so that distributed units also can be quarantined and recipient tracing and notification may be effected, and (3) the withdrawal from distribution and quarantining of in-date plasma derivative products derived from plasma pools containing a unit from either of these three groups of donors at known high risk for CJD, or donors subsequently diagnosed as having CJD. Consignees of these products are to be notified in order that they, in turn, may inform physicians or other qualified personnel responsible for the care of product recipients to provide counseling as deemed medically appropriate. The 'family history of CJD' criterion was further clarified to mean a 'history of CJD in 2 or more family members' during the BPAC meeting of 14 December 1995. In a workshop meeting on 29 January 1996 the FDA urged that additional laboratory animal data be generated by plasma derivative manufacturers in order to ascertain if the sterilization steps used in their production of plasma derivatives further reduce the risk of transmission of CJD.
ANDROSTENEDIOL, A PROBABLE INTERMEDIATE IN THE IN VITRO CONVERSION OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE TO TESTOSTERONE BY THE RABBIT TESTIS.

Evidence for the existence of a pathway for the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to testosterone via androstenediol was observed in the whole homogenized rabbit testis in vitro. The mean conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenediol was 3.7%, and it increased to 23% when the alternative pathway was blocked. The latter was identified by its chromatographic mobility, by recrystallization to constant specific activity, and by measuring the free form in a gas chromatograph. When the enzymatically prepared androstenediol was incubated with rabbit testis homogenates, it was converted irreversibly to testosterone in a yield averaging 17 %. (Endocrinology 75:299, 1964)
A unique property of fetal bovine serum: high levels of protein-glutathione mixed disulfides.

Fetal bovine serum has been reported to delay or inhibit “spontaneous” neoplastic transformation in vitro as compared with all other sera tested. The present results indicate that fetal bovine serum is also unique in containing high levels of protein-glutathione mixed disulfides (3 to 7 μg glutathione as mixed disulfide per ml serum). The level of mixed disulfide appears to vary in accordance with the period of gestation of the fetal calves used to prepare the serum, decreasing below detectable levels (less than 0.2 μg per ml) with nearterm fetal calves. Calf, adult bovine, fetal horse, and swine sera did not contain detectable levels of this type of mixed disulfide.
Physical work capacity in diabetic schoolchildren.

Summary The heart rate at fixed work loads for 129 diabetic schoolchildren in Stockholm and matched controls was determined and evaluations with respect to the subjects' body weight were made. Diabetic boys were significantly shorter and weighed less than the corresponding non-diabetics. Teenage diabetic girls were heavier than the controls. After puberty diabetic boys and girls had a higher heart rate than the controls during the standard exercise tests. In this respect the diabetics and the controls in the prepuberal ages did not deviate from one another. On the basis of the observations in this investigation and of other studies from this department it is concluded that the reason for the inferior physical work capacity of the diabetics may probably be explained by inadequate training.
Assessing model mimicry using the parametric bootstrap

Abstract We present a general sampling procedure to quantify model mimicry, defined as the ability of a model to account for data generated by a competing model. This sampling procedure, called the parametric bootstrap cross-fitting method (PBCM; cf. Williams (J. R. Statist. Soc. B 32 (1970) 350; Biometrics 26 (1970) 23)), generates distributions of differences in goodness-of-fit expected under each of the competing models. In the data informed version of the PBCM, the generating models have specific parameter values obtained by fitting the experimental data under consideration. The data informed difference distributions can be compared to the observed difference in goodness-of-fit to allow a quantification of model adequacy. In the data uninformed version of the PBCM, the generating models have a relatively broad range of parameter values based on prior knowledge. Application of both the data informed and the data uninformed PBCM is illustrated with several examples.
Monte Carlo simulations of lattice gauge theories

Monte Carlo simulations done for four-dimensional lattice gauge systems are described, where the gauge group is one of the following: U(1); SU(2); Z/sub N/, i.e., the subgroup of U(1) consisting of the elements e 2..pi..in/N with integer n and N; the eight-element group of quaternions, Q; the 24- and 48-element subgroups of SU(2), denoted by T and O, which reduce to the rotation groups of the tetrahedron and the octahedron when their centers Z/sub 2/, are factored out. All of these groups can be considered subgroups of SU(2) and a common normalization was used for the action. The following types of Monte Carlo experiments are considered: simulations of a thermal cycle, where the temperature of the system is varied slightly every few Monte Carlo iterations and the internal energy is measured; mixed-phase runs, where several Monte Carlo iterations are done at a few temperatures near a phase transition starting with a lattice which is half ordered and half disordered; measurements of averages of Wilson factors for loops of different shape. 5 figures, 1 table. (RWR)
Parallel methods for approximating the root of a function

We present a class of methods for approximating the root of a function. The methods are designed for execution on a parallel processor and when they are so executed, the speed of the approximation process is increased. The increase in speed is estimated analytically by computations of the order of convergence of the various methods presented.
Fairness in Adaptation to Climate Change

Fairness in Adaptation to Climate Change. Edited by W. Neil Adger, Jouni Paavola, Saleemul Huq, and M. J. Mace. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2006. 319p. 25.00 paper. Fairness in Adaptation to Climate Change moves away from the scientific debate on the environmental impacts of climate change and mitigation strategies to an acceptance of the fact that countries and even localities within countries will have to adapt to changes in their climate. The authors also acknowledge that there will be both winners and losers, again, sometimes within countries as well as across international borders. They also note that there are relative winners and losers, and that losses of life, health, and species must be treated differently from economic losses. Although equity has been an important part of the international debate on climate change policy, previous texts have focused on the question of mitigation and whether developing nations should be allowed to continue emitting greenhouse gasses in order to improve their economic conditions, while developed nations are required to reduce emissions.
On medieval Islamic multiplication tables

Abstract Multiplication tables for sexagesimal numbers were used by the astronomers of the Islamic Middle Ages in their arithmetical calculations and in the preparation of more sophisticated tables for finding planetary positions and for reckoning time by the sun and stars. Most known examples of Islamic multiplication tables contain about 3,600 entries, although one has been found containing 216,000 entries.
Differences in steady-state inactivation between Na channel isoforms affect local anesthetic binding affinity

Cocaine and lidocaine are local anesthetics (LAs) that block Na currents in excitable tissues. Cocaine is also a cardiotoxic agent and can induce cardiac arrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation. Lidocaine is commonly used as a postinfarction antiarrhythmic agent. These LAs exert clinically relevant effects at concentrations that do not obviously affect the normal function of either nerve or skeletal muscle. We compared the cocaine and lidocaine affinities of human cardiac (hH1) and rat skeletal (mu 1) muscle Na channels that were transiently expressed in HEK 293t cells. The affinities of resting mu 1 and hH1 channels were similar for cocaine (269 and 235 microM, respectively) and for lidocaine (491 and 440 microM, respectively). In addition, the affinities of inactivated mu 1 and hH1 channels were also similar for cocaine (12 and 10 microM, respectively) and for lidocaine (19 and 12 microM, respectively). In contrast to previous studies, our results indicate that the greater sensitivity of cardiac tissue to cocaine or lidocaine is not due to a higher affinity of the LA receptor in cardiac Na channels, but that at physiological resting potentials (-100 to -90 mV), a greater percentage of hH1 channels than mu 1 channels are in the inactivated (i.e., high-affinity) state.
Effects of oral estrogen and progestin on the lower urinary tract among female nursing home residents

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of oral estrogen/progestin on incontinence and related lower urinary tract conditions among female nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Five NHs. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two incontinent female residents of average age 88. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were randomized to receive either oral estrogen (0.625 mg) combined with progesterone (2.5 mg) or placebo, daily for 6 months. Measures of incontinence severity, the clinical appearance of the vagina, vaginal and urethral cytology, and urine and vaginal cultures were made at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. In addition to active drug or placebo, all subjects received regular toileting assistance (prompted voiding) by trained research aides during 3-day data-collection periods to compensate for mobility and cognitive impairments. RESULTS: At 3 and 6 months there were no significant differences between the groups in the severity of incontinence, the prevalence of bacteriuria, or the results of vaginal cultures. Several clinical findings associated with atrophic vaginitis improved more in the active than the placebo group and vaginal pH and vaginal and urethral cytology exhibited a partial estrogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our results must be interpreted with caution because of the size and the select nature of our subject sample. Up to 6 months of oral estrogen had only a partial estrogenic effect on vaginal and urethral epithelium and no clinical effects in this patient population. We believe that future studies of estrogen for urinary incontinence in frail NH residents should utilize a topical preparation and consider targeting urinary tract infection as an additional outcome measure.
Stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody valve) for surgical mitral valve replacement in infants and children

Objective The options for mitral valve replacement in children with irreparable mitral valve disease have been limited to fixed-diameter prostheses that do not accommodate for somatic growth. We have modified an externally stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody valve) for implantation in this cohort. Because it is not a fixed-diameter prosthesis, we hypothesized that the valve can be expanded in the catheterization laboratory as the child grows. Methods The medical records of patients who had undergone Melody valve implantation in the mitral or left atrioventricular valve position from 2010 to 2013 were reviewed. Results Eleven patients had undergone Melody valve implantation at a median age of 7 months (range, 2-28). The techniques of valve modification and implantation included stent shortening, adding a pericardial sewing cuff, intraoperative balloon expansion, and fixation of the distal stent to the inferior left ventricle wall. The valve was competent, with a low gradient acutely postoperatively in all patients. One patient died, and one required permanent pacemaker implantation. One patient developed valve dysfunction and required explantation. Two patients without a pericardial sewing cuff developed paravalvular leaks. One patient who had not undergone distal stent fixation developed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Three patients who had undergone subsequent catheter-based balloon expansion of the valve have continued to demonstrate acceptable valvular function. Conclusions The Melody valve has demonstrated acceptable short-term function. Implantation techniques to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (suture fixation of the distal stent) and paravalvular leaks (the addition of a pericardial cuff) should be considered. The Melody valve can be percutaneously expanded as the child grows.
Silencing an Anopheles gambiae Catalase and Sulfhydryl Oxidase Increases Mosquito Mortality After a Blood Meal

Catalase is a potent antioxidant, likely involved in post-blood meal homeostasis in mosquitoes. This enzyme breaks down H2O2, preventing the formation of the hydroxyl radical (HO*). Quiescins are newly classified sulfhydryl oxidases that bear a thioredoxin motif at the N-terminal and an ERV1-like portion at the C-terminal. These proteins have a major role in generating disulfides in intra- or extracellular environments, and thus participate in redox reactions. In the search for molecules to serve as targets for novel anti-mosquito strategies, we have silenced a catalase and a putative quiescin/sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX), from the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, through RNA interference (RNAi) experiments. We observed that the survival of catalase- and QSOX-silenced insects was reduced over controls following blood digestion, most likely due to the compromised ability of mosquitoes to scavenge and/or prevent damage caused by blood meal-derived oxidative stress. The higher mortality effect was more accentuated in catalase-silenced mosquitoes, where catalase activity was reduced to low levels. Lipid peroxidation was higher in QSOX-silenced mosquitoes suggesting the involvement of this protein in redox homeostasis following a blood meal. This study points to the potential of molecules involved in antioxidant response and redox metabolism to serve as targets of novel anti-mosquito strategies and offers a screening methodology for finding targetable mosquito molecules.
Hemangiosarcoma of spleen with spontaneous rupture.

A 76-year-old man with spontaneous rupture of a hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, together with a review of 49 previously reported patients with splenic hemangiosarcoma are presented. Twenty-three were women and 27 were men. All but 3 were adults. Fifteen were 50–59 years of age. The symptomatology was nonspecific. Three patients developed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Spontaneous rupture occurred in 17 cases (34%). Metastases occurred in 42 cases; they were primarily hematogenous and most often in the liver. Lymph node involvement, however, was present in 13 cases. The prognosis of untreated splenic hemangiosarcoma is poor. Three of 25 patients survived a year or more after the initial onset of symptoms. Splenectomy before rupture is advisable, since 5 of 19 patients survived at least 1–5 years. It is suggested that hemangiosarcoma be considered in patients with: 1) splenomegaly without evidence of malignant lymphoma or leukemia, 2) splenomegaly with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and 3) unexplained intraperitoneal hemorrhage.