cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
99mTc-Sulfur Colloid Egg Preparation

3056 Background: A common practice in Nuclear Medicine is to cook 99m Tc-Sulfur Colloid into eggs in order to bind the colloid to the protein for gastric emptying studies. The package insert does not currently address this practice. This study was performed to show the colloid does bind to the egg protein and remains bound for at least one hour to establish a beyond use date (BUD). Sodium Pertechnetate (99mTc04-) was used as a control to compare the binding efficacy to sulfur colloid. Mayo Clinic’s egg preparation method is prepared by mixing two eggs with 1 mCi of sulfur colloid and scrambled at 160oF with cooking spray. Materials and Methods:99m Tc-Sulfur colloid and free 99mTcO4- were both cooked into eggs for comparison. One mCi ±10% of either 99mTcO4- or sulfur colloid was added to one cracked egg, the solution was mixed and added to the frying pan with cooking spray to cook at 160oF. Each egg was cooked for one minute on each side and then transferred to a plate to cool. Three eggs were prepared using 99mTcO4- and three with sulfur colloid. All six egg preparations sat for one hour at room temperature and were then minced into rice-sized pieces. Each minced egg was put into separate conical vials with 30mL of saline. These vials were inverted for 5 minutes simultaneously to mix and wash the egg pieces with the saline. The saline solution was then removed with a syringe from the remaining solid. A standard coffee filter was used to filter the saline and then the saline was assayed in a dose calibrator to measure free 99mTcO4- or unbound colloid particles from the egg. This step was repeated for each egg preparation. The egg pieces for each preparation were also assayed in a dose calibrator to measure the amount of radioactivity still bound to the egg. The percent of radioactivity bound to the egg, one hour after prep time, was then determined for the 99m Tc-Sulfur Colloid and 99mTcO4- preparations. Results: 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid has higher binding activity after one hour compared to free TcO4-. The results shown below indicate 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid averaged 95% of activity still bound after one hour, whereas TcO4- averaged in the mid 50% range. Table 1: Preparation Parameters Table 2: Percent of Radioactivity Bound to Egg After One Hour Conclusions: From these results, it is concluded that 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid does bind to eggs effectively, and remains bound one hour after preparation time. Pertechnetate (TcO4-) does not bind to the egg as effectively, therefore it was used as a control expecting it to be detected as unbound radioactivity in the saline. For establishing a BUD, this study demonstrates a one hour BUD is acceptable in regards to how well the 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid remains bound to the egg. Food temperature and safety should also be considered when determining a BUD for clinical practice.
A B-Cell like Phenotype Is Associated with Sensitivity to Venetoclax in Multiple Myeloma

Abstract As B cells differentiate into plasma cells they switch from Bcl-2 dependent to Mcl-1 dependent. Multiple myeloma should therefore be resistant to the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax. However an ongoing phase I trial of venetoclax has reported an ORR of 40% in a subset of myeloma characterized by the t(11;14) translocation. Nevertheless, 60% of patients with t(11;14) failed to respond to treatment, suggesting that factors beyond t(11;14) determine response. Our own testing of 15 cell lines and approximately 50 myeloma patient samples detected both venetoclax resistant t(11;14) samples as well as venetoclax sensitive non-t(11;14) samples. We have also used siRNA to knockdown cyclin D1, the protein overexpressed in t(11;14), and demonstrated that knockdown has no effect on venetoclax response in three venetoclax sensitive t(11;14) cell lines. Together these findings indicate that t(11;14) is neither necessary nor sufficient for response to venetoclax, and is therefore unlikely to be driving Bcl-2 dependence. To identify other factors that predict for response to venetoclax in myeloma, we used RNA sequencing data to analyze the differential gene expression in sensitive vs. resistant cell lines. We identified 148 genes whose mean expression differed by greater than 2 fold and with an fdr Disclosures Nooka: Amgen, Novartis, Spectrum, Adaptive: Consultancy. Kaufman: Amgen, Roche, BMS, Seattle Genetics, Sutro Biopharma, Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Amgen, Novartis: Research Funding. Boise: Eli Lilly and Company: Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy.
High contiguity de novo genome assembly and DNA modification analyses for the fungus fly, Sciara coprophila, using single-molecule sequencing.

Background The lower Dipteran fungus fly, Sciara coprophila, has many unique biological features that challenge the rule of genome DNA constancy. For example, Sciara undergoes paternal chromosome elimination and maternal X chromosome nondisjunction during spermatogenesis, paternal X elimination during embryogenesis, intrachromosomal DNA amplification of DNA puff loci during larval development, and germline-limited chromosome elimination from all somatic cells. Paternal chromosome elimination in Sciara was the first observation of imprinting, though the mechanism remains a mystery. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence for Sciara coprophila to take a large step forward in addressing these features. Results We assembled the Sciara genome using PacBio, Nanopore, and Illumina sequencing. To find an optimal assembly using these datasets, we generated 44 short-read and 50 long-read assemblies. We ranked assemblies using 27 metrics assessing contiguity, gene content, and dataset concordance. The highest-ranking assemblies were scaffolded using BioNano optical maps. RNA-seq datasets from multiple life stages and both sexes facilitated genome annotation. A set of 66 metrics was used to select the first draft assembly for Sciara. Nearly half of the Sciara genome sequence was anchored into chromosomes, and all scaffolds were classified as X-linked or autosomal by coverage. Conclusions We determined that X-linked genes in Sciara males undergo dosage compensation. An entire bacterial genome from the Rickettsia genus, a group known to be endosymbionts in insects, was co-assembled with the Sciara genome, opening the possibility that Rickettsia may function in sex determination in Sciara. Finally, the signal level of the PacBio and Nanopore data support the presence of cytosine and adenine modifications in the Sciara genome, consistent with a possible role in imprinting.
Diagnosis of Bladder Diverticula with Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

Author(s): Lahham, Shadi; Gutierrez, Salvador | Abstract: Case Presentation: A 65-year-old male presented to the emergency department with symptoms including fever, abnormal urinalysis, and elevated post-void residual. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to rapidly diagnose a bladder diverticulum. The patient was subsequently seen by urology for outpatient bladder repair.Discussion: Bladder diverticula, an out-pouching of the bladder, may occur congenitally or as a result of various bladder conditions and/or surgery. Although bladder diverticula are rare and often asymptomatic, severe complications including frequent recurring urinary tract infections may arise depending on the patient.
Branch-and-Price Decomposition for Assignment and Location Problems

This chapter addresses a number of models with an assignment-based structure that require allocating a set of demands to a set of resources. While we have already considered several types of assignment problem in previous chapters, each of these previous models assumed that a specific assignment cost could be specified a priori, which depends only on the particular demand and the resource to which it is assigned. In contrast, for the models considered in this chapter, the costs associated with a resource will sometimes depend on the collective set of demands assigned to the resource. The primary approach applied for solving these problems will be a branch-and-price decomposition method. Of particular interest in applying this approach are the so-called pricing problems that arise in the decomposition. As we will see, these pricing problems will be consistent with several of the models defined and analyzed in previous chapters.
Simplified methods for consistent and selective culture of bovine retinal endothelial cells and pericytes

Different matrix components, in combination with various media and serum supplements, were evaluated for their ability to promote selectively the growth of bovine retinal endothelial cells in primary culture. The optimal setting for the selective growth of retinal endothelial cells was a fibronectin/hyaluronic acid matrix, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 20% pooled human serum and 100 micrograms/ml heparin. These conditions consistently yielded virtually homogeneous cultures of endothelial cells, assessed using specific endothelial markers. Thus obtained, the retinal endothelial cells could be subcultured and maintained in phenotypically stable long-term serial cultivation. Homogeneous cultures of retinal pericytes were obtained when microvessel isolates were seeded to uncoated or gelatin-coated culture dishes and grown in DMEM supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum. The retinal pericytes could also be subcultured and cultivated for numerous populations doublings. Additionally, observations from this study suggest that two populations of pericytes may be obtained in culture and distinguished on the basis of their relative size and antigenic properties.
Participative Decision Making in Construction

Since industrial and governmental organizations have successfully employed participative decision making to improve job satisfaction and productivity, this behavioral science concept was also considered to be a useful motivator on construction projects. Foremen make many of the day-to-day decisions that are required to keep a project on schedule and within cost. In addition, foremen participate with project management in the establishment of job policies such as coffee breaks and crew sizes. Journeymen participate with foremen in methods selection decisions and assist with the integration of work among trades. There is a willingness among foremen to accept suggestions so that journeymen become more involved with the project, and possibly increase their productivity to insure that their ideas save time or effort. Considering the importance of lower level decision making in construction, this may be the only industry where participative decision making occurs due to the challenge of the work environment rather than as an organizational behavior scheme to improve output.
Stopping computer crimes

Two new books about intrusions and computer viruses remind us that attacks against our computers on networks are the actions of human beings. Cliff Stoll's book about the hacker who spent a year, beginning in Aug. 1986, attempting to use the Lawrence Berkeley Computer as a stepping-stone for access to military secrets is a spy thriller that illustrates the weaknesses of our password systems and the difficulties in compiling evidence against a hacker engaged in espionage. Pamela Kane's book about viruses that attack IBM PC's shows that viruses are the modern version of the old problem of a Trojan horse attack. It discusses the most famous viruses and their countermeasures, and it comes with a floppy disk of utility programs that will disinfect your PC and thwart future attack.
The prognostic significance of perineural invasion and race in men considering active surveillance.

Objective To determine the importance of perineural invasion (PNI) on diagnostic biopsy in men enrolled in active surveillance (AS). Patients and Methods Eligibility criteria for AS included clinical stage ≤ T2a and Gleason score ≤6, ≤3 cores positive, maximum single core involvement <50%, and total tumour volume ≤5% on diagnostic biopsy. All men received 12-core confirmation biopsy at ≤6 months. AS ‘failure’ on confirmatory biopsy was defined as failure to meet one or more eligibility criteria. Risk of AS failure was compared in men with and without PNI. Results For the 165 men comprising the study population, the mean (sd) age was 66.9 (6.5) years and the median (interquartile, IQR) PSA level of men at study entry was 4.4 (3.2–6.0) ng/mL. The median (IQR) follow-up was 5.5 (1.1–9.9) months. In all, 8.5% (14/165 men) had PNI on diagnostic biopsy. Compared with those without PNI, men with PNI tended to have more cores involved with cancer, at a mean (sd) of 2.0 (0.7) vs 1.6 (0.8) cores (P = 0.08) but did not have significantly a greater mean (sd) total tumour length on diagnostic biopsy, at 3.0 (2.1) vs 2.3 (3.6) mm (P = 0.27). Men with PNI on diagnostic biopsy were significantly more likely to meet criteria for disease progression on confirmatory biopsy (57% [8/14] vs 21% [32/151]; P = 0.006). PNI remained a significant predictor for AS failure after adjustment for number of positive cores, maximum percentage core involvement, and total tumour length (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.4–14.2). Conclusions PNI on diagnostic biopsy is associated with disease progression on confirmatory biopsy. The presence of PNI should factor into appropriate patient selection and counselling in AS.
Bisim: a simulator for custom ECL circuits

Bisim is an event-driven, transistor-level, logic simulator that models both the logical and timing characteristics of custom emitter-coupled-logic/current-mode-logic circuits. Node voltages are represented by piecewise-linear waveforms, transistor currents are represented by piecewise-constant waveforms, and transistors are modeled as voltage-controlled current switches. Bisim's realistic circuit models enable it to simulate correctly a wide variety of circuit topologies while retaining much of the speed of higher level simulators. >
The Effects of an Early Intervention Program on Physical Symptoms in an Acute Temporomandibular Disorder Population: A Preliminary Study

The current preliminary study investigated the relative effectiveness of an early intervention program on self-reported pain, pain-related disability, emotional distress, and symptoms of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJMD) as defined by the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD). These included symptoms of Axis I Group I muscle disorders, Group II disc displacements, and Group III bone deficiencies. Participants were 271 patients recruited from community dental clinics within a large major metropolitan area. Participants at a high risk for chronicity were randomly assigned to a high-risk self-care intervention or a high-risk biobehavioral intervention and were evaluated for their responsiveness immediately following treatment. As predicted, several symptoms of TMD were significantly reduced immediately following the intervention. Though these results are preliminary, it is implicated that the intervention may lead to symptom improvement.
Evolution of Graphene Growth on Ni and Cu by Carbon Isotope Labeling

Large-area graphene growth is required for the development and production of electronic devices. Recently, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of hydrocarbons has shown some promise in growing large-area graphene or few-layer graphene films on metal substrates such as Ni and Cu. It has been proposed that CVD growth of graphene on Ni occurs by a C segregation or precipitation process whereas graphene on Cu grows by a surface adsorption process. Here we used carbon isotope labeling in conjunction with Raman spectroscopic mapping to track carbon during the growth process. The data clearly show that at high temperatures sequentially introduced isotopic carbon diffuses into the Ni first, mixes, and then segregates and precipitates at the surface of Ni forming graphene and/or graphite with a uniform mixture of 12C and 13C as determined by the peak position of the Raman G-band peak. On the other hand, graphene growth on Cu is clearly by surface adsorption where the spatial distribution of 12C and 13C follows the pre...
Luminescent Thermochromism in a Gold(I)–Copper(I) Phosphine–Pyridine Complex

The AuI complex [Au(Ph2PCH2py)2]BF4 (1) was prepared by mixing (tetrahydrothiophene)gold(I) chloride with 2-[(diphenylphosphino)methyl]pyridine (Ph2PCH2py) in dichloromethane. The addition of [Cu(NCCH3)4]BF4 to 1 produced green-luminescent [AuCu(Ph2PCH2py)2(NCCH3)2](BF4)2 (2). When crystals of 2 were exposed to air, two acetonitrile molecules were lost to form crystals of yellow-luminescent [AuCu(Ph2PCH2py)2](BF4)2 (3). This simple solvent loss perturbs the environment around the CuI center, and the Au···Cu distance shortens from 3.3 to 2.8 A. Crystallization of 2 or 3 from dichloromethane produced the two-coordinate CuI–solvate complex, [AuCu(Ph2PCH2py)2](BF4)2·CH2Cl2 (3·CH2Cl2). Compound 3 exhibits temperature-dependent emissions from 77 to 298 K (543 nm), 298 to 343 K (551 nm), and above 343 K (505 nm) that is reversed upon return to room temperature. The low-temperature emission is typical of complexes with luminescent rigidochromic properties. However, based on differential scanning calorimetry, a phase change is responsible for the high-temperature emission of 3.
Synthesis of Empirical and Theoretical Approaches Toward the Establishment of GBAS σpr_gnd

The objective of this paper is to describe recent progress in the area of the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) σ pr_gnd establishment to ensure aircraft precision approach navigation integrity. In particular, this paper details: (1) the development and testing of a new adaptive binning algorithm for processing GBAS reference station empirical data to account for ranging error non-stationarity; (2) an introduction of a practical empirical method to quantify and compensate for the effects of seasonal variations of ranging error; and (3) the synthesis of these empirical results with existing theoretical ground-multipath models toward a quantitative establishment σ pr_gnd for GBAS.
Estimating Global and Sky Radiation in the Northern Appalachians

Results are presented of one year's observations using KippZonen solarimeters in the mountainous area of northern West Virginia. Empirical relationships are formulated between solar radiation totals and cloudiness, or sunshine duration, as an alternative to unavailable actual solar radiation data. As an example H=H /SUB c/ (1-an) is given, where H is global radiation, H /SUB c/ is global radiation under cloudless sky, a is an empirical coefficient, and n is cloudiness expressed in parts of unity (without specification for the types of clouds). A graph shows yearly course of coefficient a in the equation.
Linking bacteriophage infection to quorum sensing signalling and bioluminescent bioreporter monitoring for direct detection of bacterial agents

Aim: To incorporate into the lambda phage genome, a luxI-based acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthase genetic construct and exploit the autoamplified power of quorum sensing to translate a phage infection event into a chemical signature detectable by a lux-based bioluminescent bioreporter, with focus towards facile detection of microbial pathogens. Methods and Results: The luxI gene from Vibrio fischeri was inserted into the lambda phage genome to construct a model phage-based biosensor system for the general detection of Escherichia coli. The AHL signalling molecules synthesized upon phage infection are detected by an AHL-specific bioluminescent bioreporter based on the luxCDABE gene cassette of V. fischeri. The assay generates target-specific visible light signals with no requisite addition of extraneous substrate. This binary reporter system was able to autonomously respond to lambda phage infection events at target E. coli concentrations ranging from 1 × 108 to 1 CFU ml−1 within 1·5–10·3 h, respectively, in pure culture. When assayed against artificially contaminated lettuce leaf washings, detection within an E. coli inoculum range from 1 × 108 to 130 CFU ml−1 was achieved within 2·6–22·4 h, respectively. Conclusions: The initial feasibility of binary phage-based reporter assays indicates that quorum sensing can be used to translate a phage infection event into an autoamplified chemical signature. Significance and Impact of Study: With further modification, binary phage-based reporter assays may be capable of rapidly and cost effectively detecting pathogenic agents at very low population densities.
Induced effective gauge fields and chaos in large amplitude collective motion

Abstract Both experiment and theory strongly support the idea that in any treatment of many-body systems, one can safely perform a separation of variables into fast and slow degrees of freedom. Standard wisdom then suggests that at a phenomenological level one can limit the analysis of the low energy properties of a many-body system to an effective description in terms of a Hamiltonian with only kinetic and potential energy terms. In a rigorous treatment of large amplitude motion however, effective gauge fields arise naturally and their introduction is unavoidable. In the simplest picture, one can show that effective gauge fields are manifestations of level or band crossings. Their influence on the dynamics is extremely important: quantum numbers can become fractional and the collective trajectories become chaotic. An important consequence of this is a new picture of dissipation in large amplitude collective motion.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of murine HSV-1 keratouveitis.

The intraocular inflammatory reaction in a murine model of herpes simplex keratouveitis was studied using inmunohistochemical techniques. 5 × 105 PFU of HSV-1 (Stewart strain) was applied to the abraded cornea of BALB/c mice. The subsequent development of keratouveitis was documented by sequential examination, conventional histology and immunohistochemical staining of frozen sections with the following monoclonal antibodies: Thy-1, Lyt-1, Lyt-2, Ia, Mac-1 and Lyb-8.2.At one week (in the early stage) there was moderate central corneal edema with inflammatory cell infiltration, consisting of a predominance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, with the appearance of helper/inducer T-cells(Th/i). At two weeks (in the middle stage), a geographic corneal ulcer developed and the majority of inflammatory cells were still polymorphonuclear leukocytes. However, there was a further increase in the Th/i cell population, with the first appearance of B-cells. At three weeks (in the late stage), a dense stromal corneal scar...
The Coiled-coil Region of the G Protein β Subunit

The β and γ subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins remain tightly associated throughout the signaling cycle as the βγ dimer interacts with Gα, receptors, and effectors. A coiled-coil structure involving α-helical segments at the N termini of the β and γ subunits contributes to the dimerization interface and has been implicated in effector signaling in yeast. Scanning mutagenesis of the coiled-coil region of the mammalian β1 subunit was performed to examine the effect of point mutations on βγ assembly and effector signaling in COS cell cotransfection assays. In addition to the E10K mutation described previously, mutations A11E, L14E, and I18E in β1 were found to block βγ association, as evidenced by the failure of the Gβ mutants to undergo cytosolic translocation with cotransfected nonisoprenylated Gγ. Although none of 14 β1 point mutations prevented the βγ-dependent activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) effector pathway, the D20K point mutation enhanced JNK but not phospholipase C-β2 activation. These findings implicate the coiled-coil region of Gβ in JNK signaling, provide further evidence that the structural features of the βγ complex mediating effector regulation may differ among effectors, and identify single codons in the mammalian β subunit where mutation might yield a phenotype of defective signal transduction.
Factors Influencing the Differential Diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder and High-Functioning Autism

We examined the influence of a child's IQ level, presence of a language delay, and his desire to engage others in social interaction on clinicians' diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder. Seventy-four clinicians read an excerpt from a fictional psychological report and recommended a primary diagnosis for the child described in the report. Results indicated that presence of a delay in language milestones decreased likelihood but did not rule out an Asperger's diagnosis. In addition, a higher IQ and a desire to engage others in social interaction when combined with an absence of a language delay significantly increased the likelihood of an Asperger's diagnosis. Results of this study suggest that, when presented with a high-functioning child exhibiting symptoms within the autistic spectrum, clinicians do attend to elements of the DSM-IV criteria when considering differential diagnosis, but do so in conjunction with other factors.
Comment [on “Influence of Mediterranean Outflow on climate”]

The Rahmstorf large-scale circulation model lacks the high resolution needed to reveal the critical fine structure of oceanic circulation, both known and predicted, upon which the ice-age initiation hypothesis is based [Johnson, 1997]. Consequently, it is unable to correctly evaluate the consequences of presently increasing Mediterranean salinity and Outflow. Rahmstorf also seriously misrepresents important elements of the hypothesis. 1) It is not simply an increase in evaporation rate in the warmer Labrador Sea that initiated the Wisconsinan Glaciation. Instead, the larger temperature contrast between cold land and adjacent warmer sea surfaces steered the northeastward-moving cyclonic storm systems into the Baffin area and away from their interglacial path toward Iceland and Scandinavia. This switch in circulation is indicated by the sudden onset of heavy precipitation in northeastern Canada, inferred from a large increase in hematite and clay deposited on the Bermuda Rise about 120,000 year ago when the Wisconsinan Glaciation began [Adkins et al., 1997]. This regional circulation switch could be duplicated only in a very high-resolution model. Note that at this time the Milankovitch insolation was nearly identical to present and there was no CO2 warming or artificial loss of Nile River discharge.
Imaging microwell detectors for x-ray and gamma-ray applications

Gas proportional counter arrays based on the micro-well are an example of a new generation of detectors that exploit narrow anode-cathode gaps, rather than fine anodes, to create gas gain. These are inherently imaging pixel detectors that can be made very large for reasonable costs. Because of their intrinsic gain and room-temperature operation, they can be instrumented at very low power per unit area, making them valuable for a variety of space-flight applications where large-area X-ray imaging or particle tracking is required. We discuss micro-well detectors as focal plane imager for Lobster-ISS, a proposed soft X-ray all-sky monitor, and as electron trackers for the Next Generation High-Energy Gamma Ray mission. We have developed a fabrication technique using a masked UV laser that allows us both to machine micro-wells in polymer substrates and to pattern metal electrodes. We have used this technique to fabricate detectors which image X-rays by simultaneously reading out orthogonal anode and cathode strips. We present imaging results from these detectors, as well as gain and energy resolution measurements that agree well with results from other groups.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sentiment expression conditioned by affective transitions and social forces

Human emotional states are not independent but rather proceed along systematic paths governed by both internal, cognitive factors and external, social ones. For example, anxiety often transitions to disappointment, which is likely to sink to depression before rising to happiness and relaxation, and these states are conditioned by the states of others in our communities. Modeling these complex dependencies can yield insights into human emotion and support more powerful sentiment technologies.We develop a theory of conditional dependencies between emotional states in which emotions are characterized not only by valence (polarity) and arousal (intensity) but also by the role they play in state transitions and social relationships. We implement this theory using conditional random fields (CRFs) that synthesize textual information with information about previous emotional states and the emotional states of others. To assess the power of affective transitions, we evaluate our model in a collection of 'mood' updates from the Experience Project. To assess the power of social factors, we use a corpus of product reviews from a website in which the community dynamics encourage reviewers to be influenced by each other. In both settings, our models yield improvements of statistical and practical significance over ones that classify each text independently of its emotional or social context.
First-principles determination of static potential energy surfaces for atomic friction in Mo S 2 and Mo O 3

Using first-principles electronic-structure calculations of static potential energy surfaces, we investigate the atomic-scale energetic barriers encountered during sliding at $\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ (001) and $\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (001) surfaces and at the $\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}∕\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ interface. The results indicate the minimum energy path to sliding and provide an upper bound to the force that must be applied in order to initiate sliding. The results further suggest that the lowest energy pathway is to slide $\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ over $\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ along the channel direction formed by S atoms at the sliding interface, and the highest energy pathway involves $\mathrm{Mo}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (001) interlayer sliding, which is consistent with the results of experimental microscopic investigations of similar crystalline interfaces.
A micro-sized microbial fuel cell with electrochemical sensing functionality

Integration of electrochemical analytical functionality into a micro-sized microbial fuel cell is demonstrated. Screen-printed carbon ink based working (anode) and counter (cathode) electrodes and Ag/AgCl ink based reference electrode were deployed for sensing. Using such three-electrode configuration, in-situ cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were successfully performed to study the behavior of microbial electron transfer at the anode and to evaluate electrochemical properties of the MFC. In this work, coupling of electrochemical studies to the MFC platform has provided valuable information leading to a quantitative understanding of bacterial redox potential mass transport and the electrode/bacteria electron transfer kinetics.
On the closure of sets of attainability in ℝ 2

We display a class of control systems in the plane for which it is generically true that the set attainable from any point in the plane is a closed Whitney prestratified set. That is, even if the attainable set of some given system is not closed, we can approximate the system as closely as we wish by another system whose attainable sets are closed.
Responsiveness of the adult male rat reproductive tract to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure: Ah receptor and ARNT expression, CYP1A1 induction, and Ah receptor down-regulation.

Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) either in adulthood or during late fetal and early postnatal development causes a variety of adverse effects on the male rat reproductive system. It was therefore of interest to identify male rat reproductive organs and cell types within these organs that might be direct targets of TCDD exposure. Because TCDD toxicity could possibly be the result of alterations in gene transcription mediated by the TCDD/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) complex, the presence of the AhR and ARNT in the various organs of the adult male reproductive tract was examined using Western blotting. Both proteins were detectable in all organs examined (testis, epididymis, vas deferens, ventral prostate, dorsolateral [combined dorsal and lateral] prostate, and seminal vesicle). Although technical difficulties precluded the immunohistochemical evaluation of AhR distribution in these organs, ARNT was localized in all organs in a variety of cell types, including germ cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Subcellular localization varied across organs and across cell types within these organs. In order to determine whether TCDD exposure could alter gene expression in these organs, animals were dosed with TCDD (25 μg/kg po) or vehicle and euthanized at 24 h, and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) expression was evaluated. By Western blotting, only the ventral and dorsolateral prostates exhibited significant induction of CYP1A1. Immunohistochemistry confirmed this induction and localized CYP1A1 expression to epithelial cells of the ventral and lateral lobes of the prostate. Immunohistochemistry also revealed CYP1A1 induction in select epithelial cells in the epididymis and seminal vesicle, as well as endothelial cells in the vas deferens and seminal vesicle. No induction was observed in the testis. Finally, AhR and ARNT expression in TCDD-exposed and control animals was evaluated by Western blotting. Results revealed no effect of TCDD exposure on ARNT protein expression, while AhR expression was decreased to 5–51% of control in all organs examined. In summary, both AhR and ARNT were expressed in all organs of the adult male rat reproductive tract examined, and epithelial and/or endothelial cells within each of these organs (with the exception of the testis) were responsive to TCDD exposure in terms of CYP1A1 induction. In addition, all tissues exhibited marked reductions in AhR protein content after TCDD exposure that did not correlate with the magnitude of the CYP1A1 response.
WE‐A‐134‐02: Combined MV+kV Beam Optimization for Enabling Real‐Time KV Tumor Tracking

Purpose: Despite the existence of real‐time kV intrafractional tumor tracking strategies for many years, clinical adoption has been held back by concern over excess kV imaging dose cost to the patient when imaging in continuous fluoroscopic mode. This work aims to solve this specific problem by performing a first time investigation into the use of convex optimization tools to best integrate this excess kV imaging dose into the MV therapeutic dose as to make real‐time kV tracking clinically feasible. Methods: Phase space files for both a 125 kVp kV beam and a 6 MV treatment beam were generated with BEAMNRC, and used to make dose influence matrices in DOSXYZNRC for a lung cancer patient. The dose optimization problem for IMRT, formulated as a quadratic problem, was modified to include additional kV imaging constraints as required for real‐time kV fluorescent tracking. The MOSEK optimization toolkit was used to solve the modified optimization problem. Results: Compared to conventional IMRT optimization, combined MV+kV optimization leads to a 2.4–5.2% reduction in the total number of monitor units assigned to the MV beam due to inclusion of the kV dose. When using an open kV aperture, combined MV+kV optimization allows for a reduction of up to 50% of the excess kV dose compared to standard IMRT with kV fluoro tracking. For all kV field sizes considered, combined MV+kV optimization provided PTV coverage equal to standard IMRT without kV imaging and superior to standard IMRT plus kV fluoro tracking. Skin dose with combined MV+kV imaging was only slightly higher than the no‐imaging case. Conclusion: The use of MV+kV optimization allows for greatly reduced imaging dose to the skin, especially in cases of large kV aperture imaging. Combined MV+kV optimization demonstrates potential for real‐time tumor tracking without excessive imaging dose, paving the way for clinical implementation.
On the conversion of neutron stars into strange stars

Abstract Strange matter is quark matter that is assumed to be absolutely stable. A seed of strange matter in a neutron star will convert the star into a strange star. The speed at which this conversion occurs is calculated. The calculation takes into account the rate at which the down- and strange-quark Fermi seas equilibrate via weak interactions and the diffusion of strange quarks towards the conversion front. The speed is found as a function of the temperature of the star and the minimum strangeness necessary for strange matter stability. The conversion can be detected as an energy release of ∼ 58 MeV with different luminosities for different stages of a neutron star's evolution and as a “super-glitch” on pulsars' frequencies.
Passage of Tyr-MIF-1 from blood to brain

Abstract Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH 2 ) has been shown to be transported from the brain to blood by a saturable system shared with Met-enkephalin and a few other substances. It is not known whether a similar system exists in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the entry rate of 125 I-Tyr-MIF-1 from blood to brain was measured by a method involving perfusion of the test substances into the common carotid artery. The rate of entry was obtained from the slope of the line determined by brain to blood ratios at multiple points of time. Penetration of 125 I-Tyr-MIF-l across the blood-brain barrier was found to be 4.444 × 10 −3 ml/g/min, an entry rate significantly higher than that of the vascular marker 125 I-albumin. Competition with Tyr-MIF-1 or nonradioactively labeled 127 I-Tyr-MIF-1 showed no difference in rate of entry, indicating that the penetration of 125 I-Tyr-MIF-1 was not saturable. Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin also failed to affect entry of 125 I-Tyr-MIF-l. The results indicate that Tyr-MIF-1 can enter the brain from the blood to a greater extent than does albumin, but that this penetration does not involve a saturable system.
Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine

Sixty-five patients with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine were encountered over a 31 year period. The duodenum was the most common location, with a decreasing frequency distally. Associated malignancies were present in a fourth of the patients. Presenting signs and symptoms were vague and related to either obstruction or bleeding. Barium contrast examination and endoscopy for duodenal tumors were the primary diagnostic modalities. Curative treatment was wide resection of bowel and mesentery for jejunal and ileal tumors and pancreaticoduodenectomy for duodenal tumors. Favorable prognosticators included jejunal location, absence of nodal metastases, and a well-differentiated grade. Stage for stage, the prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine parallels that of patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon. With greater awareness of this tumor, it is possible that earlier detection will lead to improved overall survival.
Avoidable reoperations for thyroid and parathyroid surgery: effect of hospital volume.

Background Hospital volume for thyroid and parathyroid surgery inversely correlates with perioperative complications. This correlation has not been made regarding the need for reoperation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 395 reoperative thyroid (TR) and parathyroid (PR) surgeries at a tertiary care hospital from 1999 to 2007. Based on current standards of care, reoperations were classified as avoidable or unavoidable. Public discharge data were used to classify hospitals as low-volume centers (LVC; Results Hospital data were available for 335 reoperations (85%). There were 134 avoidable (34%) and 201 unavoidable (66%) procedures. Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and thyroid cancer each accounted for a third of cases. Of PR from LVC, 77% were avoidable compared with 22% from HVC (P Conclusion By objective criteria, many thyroid and parathyroid reoperations are avoidable. Most originate from LVC. In addition to decreasing complication rates, thyroid and parathyroid surgery performed at HVC would decrease the need for patients to undergo reoperations.
Statistical Modeling and Simulation of Threshold Variation Under Random Dopant Fluctuations and Line-Edge Roughness

The threshold voltage (Vth) of a nanoscale transistor is severely affected by random dopant fluctuations and line-edge roughness. The analysis of these effects usually requires atomistic simulations which are too expensive in computation for statistical design. In this work, we develop an efficient SPICE simulation method and statistical variation model that accurately predict threshold variation as a function of dopant fluctuations and gate length change caused by lithography and the etching process. By understanding the physical principles of atomistic simulations, we: 1) identify the appropriate method to divide a nonuniform gate into slices in order to map those fluctuations into the device model; 2) extract the variation of Vth from the strong-inversion region instead of the leakage current, benefiting from the linearity of the saturation current with respect to Vth ; 3) propose a compact model of Vth variation that is scalable with gate size and the amount of dopant and gate length fluctuations; and 4) investigate the interaction with non-rectangular gate (NRG) and reverse narrow width effect (RNWE). The proposed SPICE simulation method is validated with atomistic simulation results. Given the post-lithography gate geometry, this approach correctly models the variation of device output current in all operating regions. Based on the new results, we further project the amount of Vth variation at advanced technology nodes, helping shed light on the challenges of future robust circuit design.
Changing Ceramic Production and Exchange in the Petexbatun Region, Guatemala: Reconsidering the Classic Maya Collapse

The typological, modal, and chemical analyses of the pottery from the Petexbatun region of southwestern Peten, Guatemala, are used to establish a regional ceramic chronology and to assess three theories used to explain the Classic Maya collapse of the ninth and tenth centuries a.d. The three explanations are based on: (1) foreign invasion; (2) commercialization; and (3) internal warfare. Each of these theories suggests different changes in the regional ceramic-production and -exchange systems of the Petexbatun. Shifts in the ceramic production system are monitored using a standardization study, while instrumental neutron-activation analysis (INAA) is used to model changes in interregional exchange. The results of these analyses indicate that there was a continuity in the ceramic assemblage from the Late Classic Nacimiento phase (a.d. 600–830) to the Terminal Classic Sepens phase (a.d. 830–950). Together with little change in architectural, mortuary, and other artifactual styles, this finding suggests that no foreign groups invaded the Petexbatun region, and therefore did not lead to the collapse in the Pasion region. The small decreases in pottery standardization and the minor shifts in interregional exchange do not support the second theory that a major reorganization of Maya economy undercut the power base of the Maya elite class. On the other hand, these small decreases in standardization and in the scale of exchange do support the third theory, which suggests that internal warfare between the regional polities disrupted exchange, leading to more localized production. The stability of the ceramic production and exchange systems in the Petexbatun region throughout the collapse also suggests that the political and economic systems were largely disconnected. These findings suggest that internal political processes leading to an increase in competition and to intensified warfare were important factors in the Classic Maya collapse of the Petexbatun region in Peten, Guatemala.
On the measurement of blocking antibody. Blocking of antigenic histamine release compared to maximal antigen binding by antibodies in serum.

Abstract A distinction is made between maximum antigen-binding capacity of serum and the degree to which antibodies in serum responsible for such binding may actually block interaction between antigen and sensitized cells. Measurement of histamine release from leukocytes by antigen previously incubated with serum was compared with release by antigen added simultaneously with serum. Antigenic release of histamine was much less blocked when cells, antigen, and serum antibody were brought together simultaneously. Under such circumstances, measurement of the in vitro blocking effect of antibodies on the functional action of antigen in histamine release yielded results which may be found more relevant to clinical manifestations than maximal antigen-binding capacity of serum.
The observation of CS2 continuum-like emission under collision-free conditions

Abstract The continuum-like emission that arises when CS 2 is excited with mid-ultraviolet radiation is seen to persist both in a fluorescence cell at low pressures and in a supersonic jet. In both cases collisions during the excited state lifetime are highly unlikely. Continuum emission is enhanced by collisions, but it also persists in their absence. It appears wherever one excites in the region of the T and V states, and may arise from a dense background of levels associated with vibrationally excited ground state levels and/or excited triplet states.
Direct-Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosions on Omega

Direct-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) creates extreme states of matter. In current direct-drive cryogenic target implosions on the 60-beam OMEGA laser system, the compressed target has a measured pressure of 5 Gbar. These targets are hydrodynamically scaled from ignition targets for the National Ignition Facility. The ignition targets are predicted to have peak pressures of 3 Tbar after the target ignites. ICF target acceleration and deceleration are realized when hot, low-density plasma pushes against cold, high-density plasma, making the target implosion inherently susceptible to the Rayleigh-Taylor hydrodynamic instability (RTI). The unstable RTI growth causes mixing of cold, high-density shell plasma with the low-density, hot-spot plasma and reduces the primary neutron yield of the implosion. The strategy to control the RTI growth is to reduce the seeds (e.g., laser imprint and target-surface roughness) and the growth rates of the dominant modes. This paper reports on our recent experiments, progress in validating the hydrodynamics codes that are used to design future high-gain cryogenic DT targets, and techniques to improve target performance. A brief description is given of a new high energy petawatt laser — OMEGA EP (extended performance) — that is being added to the OMEGA compression facility.
Characterization of rat pituitary luteinizing hormone charge microheterogeneity in male and female rats using chromatofocusing: effects of castration.

Chromatofocusing was used to characterize the isohormones of rat (r) LH present in extracts of pituitaries of intact and castrate, male and female rats. In each case, at least seven rLH isohormones were observed: one in the void volume of the column [isohormone I, isoelectric point (pi) > 9.8], five in the pH range of 9.25–8.97 (isohormones II-VI), and one which was bound to the column but could be eluted with 1.0 M NaCl (isohormone VII, pi < 7.0). The distribution of immunoreactive rLH among the isohormones was affected by castration in both sexes but was not significantly different in intact males vs. proestrous female rats. Compared to castrates of both sexes, intact male and female rats possessed a larger percentage of immunoreactive rLH as isohormone I. All seven isohormones possessed significant LH biological activity. The bioactivityimmunoactivity (B/I) ratios of rLH isohormones from castrate female rats were significantly greater than those of intact and castrate male rats. The Bio-Index (the amou...