cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarized Raman scattering from single GaN nanowires

Raman spectra of single (hexagonal wurtzite) $\mathrm{GaN}$ nanowires grown by vapor-liquid-solid synthesis were recorded. By investigating the polarization dependence of the Raman intensities of the observed bands as a function of the angle between the long axis of the nanowire and the electric vector of the incident (and scattered) light, one is able to distinguish between nanowires whose crystallographic $c$ axis corresponds to (${c}^{*}$ directed), or is substantially perpendicular to (${a}^{*}$ directed) the long axis of the nanowire---the two preferred directions of nanowire growth. For ${a}^{*}$-directed nanowires, polarization-dependent Raman intensity analysis can also determine, within tolerable limits, the orientation of the crystalline $c$ axis with respect to laboratory-fixed coordinates. Simultaneous transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirm the conclusions derived from the Raman measurements. The polarization-dependent Raman intensities could only be understood if one assumed a complex-valued Raman tensor. The detection of resonance enhancement together with the tendency of the nanowires to grow with a high concentration of defects and the observation of yellow luminescence in the photoluminescence spectrum may account for the complex-valued Raman tensor we observe for $\mathrm{GaN}$ even at sub-band-gap photon energies.
Determinants of technology adoption in US oil and gas industry

Studies point out that the extent of new technology adoption in an organisation is a good indicator of both successful implementation and integration of such technology in operations. Implementation of new technologies in an organisation requires proper top management support and resource commitment for resource requirements to adoption effort. An important measure to indicate organisational readiness to adopt new technology is the organisation's absorptive capacity. New and innovative technologies are continuously being introduced in O&G industry despite the turbulent economic cycle it had been facing since 2014. Yet this segment of economy has received less attention in scientific management studies. The current study empirically investigates relationship between key variables identified in adoption literatures- i.e., absorptive capacity, top management support, resource commitment, and task-technology fit with adoption of new technology in US Oil and Gas (O&G) industry. Discussion of the empirical results, implications, and limitation of this study is also provided.
Joint generative model for fMRI/DWI and its application to population studies

We propose a novel probabilistic framework to merge information from DWI tractography and resting-state fMRI correlations. In particular, we model the interaction of latent anatomical and functional connectivity templates between brain regions and present an intuitive extension to population studies. We employ a mean-field approximation to fit the new model to the data. The resulting algorithm identifies differences in latent connectivity between the groups. We demonstrate our method on a study of normal controls and schizophrenia patients.
Guidelines for Animal Care and Use in Biomedical Research

This appendix describes the general requirements for ethical use of animals in biomedical research. Several important Web sites are provided for further information on relevant regulations. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 49:A.4.1-A.4.2. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: AAALAC; IACUC; Animal Welfare Act; OLAW; Guide
Is there Evidence for Depletion of CNO in the Interstellar Medium

In any discussion of interstellar abundances it is crucial to know to what extent the gas phase abundances are representative of the true interstellar abundances. Extensive interstellar absorption data has been obtained in the last few years with the UV telescope on the Copernicus satellite. It has been claimed that this data provides evidence for depletion for many elements, including CNO (see the review by Spitzer and Jenkins 1975 and references therein). My purpose here is to point out that the conclusion that CNO are depleted from the interstellar gas is based on an analysis of the data which is excessively naive. I will conclude that there is no reliable evidence for depletion of these elements in the relatively thin and diffuse clouds (NH≲1021cm−2, nH≲103cm−3) studied in the Copernicus observations. It should be borne in mind that I am not claiming that CNO are not depleted, rather, I will simply argue there is no good evidence for their depletion. Although attention is restricted here to CNO, my remarks will apply, in general, to any abundance derived from saturated absorption features.
Increased metabolic efficiency in obese mutant mice.

Body composition (percent fat and lean body mass) and basal metabolic rates were determined in 67 obese adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 16 years (30 male, 37 female). Basal oxygen uptake was determined on rising in the morning using open-circuit spirometry with a 10-min collection period. Body composition was determined from body density measurements using the underwater weighing procedure. There were no male-female differences (except for basal VCO2 production, P less than 0.05) for any body composition or metabolic variable. The subjects' (male and female) average weight was 73 kg, height--157 cm, percent fat--40 percent, fat weight--30 kg, lean body mass--92 kg, and kcal/24 h--1535. Correlations between age, body composition and basal energy expenditure were all moderate to low (r less than or equal to 0.78). In contrast to adult data, lean body mass was not highly correlated to basal energy expenditure suggesting that perhaps there is a 'metabolic condition' of the obese adolescent modulated by excess fatness or the instability of the body cell mass. Stepwise multiple linear regression revealed that for the obese male adolescent, body surface area and percent fat, and for the obese female adolescent body surface area and body weight resulted in the best prediction of basal kcal/24 h. The standard errors of prediction were +/- 17.9 percent for the males, and +/- 14.4 percent for the females.
Regulation of the Nigrostriatal Pathway by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors during Development

Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra heavily innervate the striatum, making it the nucleus with the highest levels of dopamine in the adult brain. The present study analyzes the time course and the density of striatal innervation by nigral dopamine neurons and characterizes the role of the neurotransmitter glutamate during the development of the nigrostriatal pathway. For this purpose, organotypic cultures containing the cortex, the striatum, and the substantia nigra (triple cultures) were prepared from rat brains at postnatal day (PND) 0–2 and were cultured for up to 60 d in vitro (DIV). Dopamine fibers and neurons were labeled using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. Striatal TH-ir fiber density was quantitatively analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In long-term triple cultures (44 ± 3 DIV), the striatal dopamine fiber density was high and was weakly correlated with the number of nigral dopamine neurons. The high striatal dopamine fiber density mainly resulted from an enhanced ingrowth and ramification of dopamine fibers from nigral neurons during 8–17 DIV. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonistl(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (l-AP-3) selectively inhibited this dopaminergic innervation of the striatum, whereas ionotropic GluR antagonists had no effect. Thel-AP-3-mediated inhibition was prevented by the mGluR agonist 1 S ,3 R -aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1 S ,3 R -ACPD). The inhibition of the striatal dopaminergic innervation by l-AP-3 was further confirmed by anterograde tracing of the nigrostriatal projection with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin. These results indicate that glutamate, by acting on group I mGluRs, plays an important “trophic” role for the development of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway.
Nonlinear analysis of flow pulses and shock waves in arteries

In jeder Gruppe von Menschen variieren die Kreislaufparameterwerte von Individuum zu Individuum ziemlich stark. Um die Effekte realistischer Schwankungen dieser Parameter auf die Strom-und Druckpulse in arteriellen Leitungen zu untersuchen und um mogliche Manifestationen gewisser pathologischer Zustande wie Arteriosklerosis und die Insuffizienz der Aortenklappen zu identifizieren, werden hier einige der Resultate prasentiert, die sich auf Grund des im ersten Teil beschriebenen mathematischen Modells ergeben. Insuffizienz der Aortenklappen ist nachgebildet durch einen Ausstromungspuls mit aussergewohnlich grossem Ruckstrom. Der zugehorige Druckpuls zeigt die bekannten Eigenschaften von Stosswellen, die anscheinend verantwortlich sind fur die ≪pistol shot sounds≫, die man uber der arteria femoralis und der arteria radialis von Patienten mit Aorteninsuffizienz hort.
Periodic Modulation of X-Ray Intensity from Coronal Loops – Heating by Resonant Absorption?

We have applied time-series analysis to sequences of coronal loop images obtained with the Yohkoh soft X-ray telescope (SXT). Using images obtained in fast-cadence mode (δ t = 4 s), we have generated X-ray light curves and power spectra for multiple subregions of a number of coronal loops. Our analysis indicates that out of 544 spectra of loops which range in length L from 40 Mm to 150 Mm, there are 16 cases where the X-ray brightness is modulated periodically with ≥99.5% confidence. The periods τ range from 9.6 s to 61.6 s, and the amplitudes range from 0.4% to 1.8%. Our result is statistically significant at the 8σ level.
Resolution of Ion Translocating Proteolipid Subclasses Active in Bacterial Calcification

Formation of calcium hydroxyapatite occurs on membrane surfaces via interaction of calcium, inorganic phosphate, phospholipids, calcifiable proteolipids, and ion flux to and from the nucleating site. Recently, this laboratory reported that proteolipids from the calcifying bacterium, Bacterionema matruchotii, act as an ionophore when reconstituted into bacteriorhodopsin-proteoliposomes. This ionophoric activity is blocked by [14C] dicyclohexylcarbodiimide ([14C]DCCD). SDS-PAGE shows that [14C]DCCD binds to a single band of Mr 8500. To determine whether proteins other than the [14C]DCCD-binding protein are involved, we examined the function of proteolipid species extracted by solvents of differing polarity. Proteolipids were isolated independently from chloroform:methanol (2:1) and chloroform:methanol:HCl (200:100:1) extracts of the bacteria by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and were electrophoresed on 12.5% acrylamide gels. The chloroform:methanol extract contained a major band at Mr 10,000 that was not pre...
Economic model predictive control of parabolic PDE systems using empirical eigenfunctions

This work focuses on the development of reduced-order models (ROMs) of transport-reaction processes described by nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) and their application in the formulation of economic model predictive control (EMPC) systems. Specifically, the reduced-order models of the PDEs are constructed on the basis of historical data-based empirical eigenfunctions by applying Karhunen-Loeve expansion. Several EMPC systems each using a different ROM (i.e., different number of modes and derived from either using analytical sinusoidal/cosinusoidal eigenfunctions or empirical eigenfunctions as basis functions) are applied to a tubular reactor example where a second-order reaction occurs. The model accuracy, computational time and closed-loop economic performance of the closed-loop tubular reactor under the different EMPC systems are compared.
Optical oscillator strengths for neon

Abstract An analytic atomic independent particle model is used to calculate optical oscillator strengths for 2 p-ns and 2 p-nd transitions in neon. Impressive agreements are obtained with the results of Hartree-Fock-Slater calculations and experiment.
Using histograms to estimate answer sizes for XML queries

Estimating the sizes of query results, and intermediate results, is crucial to many aspects of query processing. In particular, it is necessary for effective query optimization. Even at the user level, predictions of the total result size can be valuable in "next-step" decisions, such as query refinement. This paper proposes a technique to obtain query result size estimates effectively in an XML database.Queries in XML frequently specify structural patterns, requiring specific relationships between selected elements. Whereas traditional techniques can estimate the number of nodes (XML elements) that will satisfy a node-specific predicate in the query pattern, such estimates cannot easily be combined to provide estimates for the entire query pattern, since element occurrences are expected to have high correlation.We propose a solution based on a novel histogram encoding of element occurrence position. With such position histograms, we are able to obtain estimates of sizes for complex pattern queries, as well as for simpler intermediate patterns that may be evaluated in alternative query plans, by means of a position histogram join (pH-join) algorithm that we introduce. We extend our technique to exploit schema information regarding allowable structure (the no-overlap property) through the use of a coverage histogram.We present an extensive experimental evaluation using several XML data sets, both real and synthetic, with a variety of queries. Our results demonstrate that accurate and robust estimates can be achieved, with limited space, and at a minuscule computational cost. These techniques have been implemented in the context of the TIMBER native XML database (available at http://www.eecs.umich.edu/db/timber) at the University of Michigan.
Practicality of intraoperative teamwork assessments

Background: High-quality teamwork among operating room (OR) professionals is a key to efficient and safe practice. Quantification of teamwork facilitates feedback, assessment, and improvement. Several valid and reliable instruments are available for assessing separate OR disciplines and teams. We sought to determine the most feasible approach for routine documentation of teamwork in in-situ OR simulations. We compared rater agreement, hypothetical training costs, and feasibility ratings from five clinicians and two nonclinicians with instruments for assessment of separate OR groups and teams. Materials and methods: Five teams of anesthesia or surgery residents and OR nurses (RN) or surgical technicians were videotaped in simulations of an epigastric hernia repair where the patient develops malignant hyperthermia. Two anesthesiologists, one OR clinical RN specialist, one educational psychologist, one simulation specialist, and one general surgeon discussed and then independently completed Anesthesiologists’ Non-Technical Skills, NonTechnical Skills for Surgeons, Scrub Practitioners’ List of Intraoperative Non-Technical Skills, and Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery forms to rate nontechnical performance of anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, technicians, and the whole team. Results: Intraclass correlations of agreement ranged from 0.17e0.85. Clinicians’ agreements were not different from nonclinicians’. Published rater training was 4 h for Anesthesiologists’ Non-Technical Skills and Scrub Practitioners’ List of Intraoperative Non-Technical Skills, 2.5 h for Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons, and 15.5 h for Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery. Estimated costs to train one rater to use all instruments ranged from $442 for a simulation specialist to $6006 for a general surgeon. Conclusions: Additional training is needed to achieve higher levels of agreement; however, costs may be prohibitive. The most cost-effective model for real-time OR teamwork
cis-bond-producing hydrogenation of polyunsaturates catalyzed by polymer-complexed Cr(CO)3 catalysts

cis-Bond-producing chromium carbonyl catalysts were prepared by complexing conventional or macroreticular, styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers or cross-linked poly (vinyl benzoate) with Cr(CO)6. With one exception, these polymer-Cr(CO)3 catalysts were as selective as the corresponding homogeneous arene-Cr(CO)3 complexes for the formation ofcis-monoenes from methyl sorbate and from conjugated, polyunsaturated fatty esters in cyclohexane. Although several of the polymer catalysts were very active when fresh, they all lost activity on recycling. They could not be recycled more than two times before a marked decrease in activity occurred due to loss of Cr, as shown by elemental analysis and infrared absorption in the recovered catalyst. Thermal analysis indicated instability of the polymer complexes at hydrogenation temperatures.
The early extra petals1 Mutant Uncovers a Role for MicroRNA miR164c in Regulating Petal Number in Arabidopsis

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 20–25 nucleotide non-protein-coding RNAs that negatively regulate expression of genes in many organisms, ranging from plants to humans. The MIR164 family of miRNAs in Arabidopsis consists of three members that share sequence complementarity to transcripts of NAC family transcription factors, including CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON1 (CUC1) and CUC2. CUC1 and CUC2 are redundantly required for the formation of boundaries between organ primordia. The analysis of transgenic plants that either overexpress miR164a or miR164b or express a miRNA-resistant version of CUC1 or CUC2 has shown that miRNA regulation of CUC1 and CUC2 is necessary for normal flower development. A loss-of-function allele of MIR164b did not result in a mutant phenotype, possibly because of functional redundancy among the three members of the MIR164 family. Results: In this study, we describe the characterization of the early extra petals1 (eep1) Arabidopsis mutant, whose predominant phenotype is the formation of extra petals in early-arising flowers. We demonstrate that eep1 is a loss-of-function allele of MIR164c, one of three known members of the MIR164 family. Our analyses of miR164c function and eep1 mir164b double mutants reveal that miR164c controls petal number in a nonredundant manner by regulating the transcript accumulation of the transcription factors CUC1 and CUC2. Conclusions: The data presented in this study indicate that closely related miRNA family members that are predicted to target the same set of genes can have different functions during development, possibly because of nonoverlapping expression patterns.
Differential effects of elevated CO2 on acorn density, weight, germination, and predation among three oak species in a scrub‐oak forest

Much research on the effects of elevated CO2 on forest trees has focused on quantitative changes in photosynthesis, secondary chemistry, and plant biomass. However, plant fitness responses to rising CO2 should also include quantitative measures of reproduction, since most forest systems are recruitment limited. Until now, it has proved very difficult to grow forest trees to sexual maturity in a CO2-enriched environment. This paper is the first of its kind to address the effects of elevated CO2 on the reproduction of hardwood trees in a natural forest. Beginning in 1996, scrub-oak vegetation, predominantly three species of scrub-oaks, Quercus myrtifolia, Q. chapmanii, and Q. geminata, were grown inside eight chambers with elevated CO2 (704parts per million (ppm)) and eight with ambient CO2 (379ppm) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. In elevated CO2, acorn production increased significantly for the dominant species Q. myrtifolia and for Q. chapmanii, but it did not increase for the subdominant, Q. geminata. Acorn weight, germination rate, and predation by weevils were unaffected by CO2. Thus, recruitment of some forest tree species into the Florida scrub-oak community is likely to be accelerated in an atmosphere of increased CO2. However, because the acceleration of recruitment differs among species, over the long term, Q. myrtifolia and Q. chapmanii will be favored over Q. geminata and this is likely to change patterns of species diversity.
1305 FIRST TRIMESTER MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN (MSAFp) SCREENING

Second trimester MSAFP screening is valuable in the prenatal detection of neural tube defects and in the recognition of other problems. Our screening leads to amniocentesis in 1:400, but not infrequently leads to a later conclusion of prenatal studies with options to abort often between 20-24 wks. DB has established an extremely sensitive “simultaneous-sandwich” radioimmunoassay (M-RIA) with polystyrene beads coated with anti-AFP monoclonal antibodies and using solid phase support. Comparative assays to available polyvalent commercial kits showed M-RIA to be 4-10 times more sensitive. In addition, inter- and intra-assay variation and reproducibility were assessed over a wide range of values. Results were noted to be accurate with a coefficient of variation < 5%. MRIA studies of 400 non-pregnant females showed serum AFP undetectable in 99.6%, others having MSAFP values < 3 ng/ml. We have analysed 449 first trimester MSAFP samples, from apparently normal pregnancies. We report that AFP was detectable between 8-9 wks, significant (p <0.001)AFP “elevations” were noted at 10 wks, AFP rose linearly 10-24 wks, SEM's were small, higher AFP levels were found & M-RIA was accurate, precise, & reproducible. 3/4 patients have also had a 2nd trimester MSAFP screen. Correlations between ultrasound studied pregnancies, 1st and 2nd trimester AFPs, and outcome will be presented. These preliminary data suggest that MSAFP screening may be possible earlier than 16 wks and even in the 1st trimester.
Reprogramming of Pancreatic β Cells into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been derived from fibroblast, stomach, and liver cultures at extremely low frequencies by ectopic expression of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, c-myc, and Klf4, a process coined direct or in vitro reprogramming [1-8]. iPS cells are molecularly and functionally highly similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including their ability to contribute to all tissues as well as the germline in mice. The heterogeneity of the starting cell populations and the low efficiency of reprogramming suggested that a rare cell type, such as an adult stem cell, might be the cell of origin for iPS cells and that differentiated cells are refractory to reprogramming. Here, we used inducible lentiviruses [9] to express Oct4, Sox2, c-myc, and Klf4 in pancreatic beta cells to assess whether a defined terminally differentiated cell type remains amenable to reprogramming. Genetically marked beta cells gave rise to iPS cells that expressed pluripotency markers, formed teratomas, and contributed to cell types of all germ layers in chimeric animals. Our results provide genetic proof that terminally differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells, suggesting that in vitro reprogramming is not restricted to certain cell types or differentiation stages.
Optimal distribution of multimaterial composites for torsional beams

In this paper, we consider the optimal design of torsional beams using an arbitrary number of materials. The problem is initially ill-posed, and must be relaxed by the introduction of multimaterial composites. The optimization algorithm for multimaterial composites is described and computational results for both perturbations and asymptotical cases are presented. It is noticed that the case for three or more composites undergoes a phenomenon very much like a phase transition when certain conditions are satisfied.
Evolutionary and ecological aspects of some Antarctic and sub-Antarctic penguin distributions

Penguins probably originated in the core of Gondwanaland when South America, Africa, and Antarctica were just beginning to separate. As the continents drifted apart, the division filled with what became the southern ocean. One of the remaining land masses moved south and was caught at the pole by the Earth's rotation. It became incrusted with ice and is now known as East Antarctica. Linking it to South America was a series of submerged mountain ranges that formed a necklace of islands. The northern portion of the necklace, called the Scotia Arc, is now the "fertile crescent" of the Southern Ocean. The greatest numbers and biomass of penguins are found here as well as that of krill, the primary prey species of most penguins, and many other marine predators. Today penguins are found throughout the sub-Antarctic islands and around the entire Antarctic continent. Using satellite transmitters and time-depth recorders, while taking advantage of the parental dedication of breeding birds, numerous investigators have described foraging habits of several species of penguins. The information obtained is labor intensive and costly so that studies are restricted to certain species, areas and seasons. Here I review the patterns evident among six of the most abundant and completely studied of the penguins. The variation in behavior is considerable from those species that seldom dive deeper than 20 m in search of prey to those that will dive to depths >500 m to catch mesopelagic fish and squid. Foraging trips from breeding colonies vary among species and with the season. Often the birds travel no more than 30 km and at other times the trips may exceed 600 km. Sub-Antarctic species often reach more productive waters near or within the Antarctic Polar Front zone, where the mixing of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters provide rich resources for their prey. Antarctic species usually remain close to shore, along the continental slope, or near the sea ice edge. Less is known about penguins during the pelagic phase between breeding cycles. What we do know is surprising in regard to their dispersal, which ranges from hundreds to thousands of kilometers from the breeding colonies.
Analysis of bilevel positive airway pressure therapy in children based on weight

Obesity as a comorbidity adds a challenge when treating children presenting to the PED in status asthmaticus. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is an accepted treatment modality for children in status asthmaticus. Our purpose was to analyze BiPAP use and outcomes for children with status asthmaticus and obesity in our PED.
A short, formal, biomimetic synthesis of (+/-)-polygalolides A and B.

Reaction of bisacetoxy pyranone 9 with Et3N gave 3-oxidopyrylium ylide 10, which underwent a stereo- and regiospecific [5 + 2] cycloaddition with α-methylenebutyrolactone to afford 16 (34%). Treatment of 16 with Cs2CO3 resulted in hydrolysis of the lactone and acetate and conjugate addition of the hydroxyethyl group to the enone. Lactonization on acidification afforded 4 (57%), completing a two-step, formal synthesis of polygalolides A and B.
Electronic Gaming and the Obesity Crisis

Children and adolescents in the United States and in many countries are projected to have shorter life spans than their parents, partly because of the obesity crisis engulfing the developed world. Exposure to electronic media is often implicated in this crisis because media use, including electronic game play, may promote sedentary behavior and increase consumption of high-calorie foods and beverages that are low in nutritional value. Electronic games, however, may increase children's physical activity and expose them to healthier foods. We examine the role of electronic games in the pediatric obesity crisis and their contribution to more favorable health outcomes.
RAPIDARC RADIATION THERAPY: FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

Purpose To evaluate treatment planning and delivery for patients treated during our initial year of experience with RapidArc™ radiation therapy. Methods and Materials RapidArc was used to treat 52 patients at The University of Alabama at Birmingham between May 2008 and April 2009. A single ionization chamber phantom with film and a two-dimensional ionization chamber array were used for quality assurance measurements. Of the 52 patients, 44 had a static gantry dynamic multileaf collimated (SG-DMLC) IMRT treatment plan, seven of which had quality assurance (QA) measurements. Results The mean difference between ionization chamber measurement and calculation was 1.2% ± 0.9% (1 standard deviation). For film, the mean fraction of pixels with γ > 1 (3%/3 mm criterion) was 4.6% and for the two-dimensional chamber array was 1.4%. For the seven corresponding SG-DMLC plans, the results were similar. Differences in important dosimetric indicators were typically within 1% relative to SG-DMLC. The volume of nontarget tissue that received >20 Gy was less for RapidArc compared with SG-DMLC, whereas the volume that received more than 10 Gy was larger. The mean difference between the measured and planned leaf positions and the monitor units obtained from machine log files was 0.0 ± 0.5 mm and 0.4 ± 0.3 MU, respectively. Mean delivery times were 1.5 ± 0.2 and 3.3 ± 0.4 min for one- and two-arc plans, respectively. On average, SG-DMLC delivery took 4.4 min longer. Conclusions RapidArc plans have quality comparable to our standard SG-DMLC IMRT technique, and are delivered with similar accuracy in shorter time.
Weighted localization in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks using vehicle-to-vehicle communication

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) have attracted the interest of many researchers all over the world. With advances in technologies in wireless networks, vehicles will be able to communicate with each other and roadside units (RSU), to exchange road and traffic information. VANET and many other applications demand a real-time, accurate position of a vehicle; highlighting the importance of accurate localization. A number of methods and protocols have been proposed to fulfill this requirement, However, they have not attained high location accuracy required for VANET safety applications. We propose two new localization methods that assist vehicles in estimating their positions: 1) weighted localization (WL) using signal to interference-noise ratio (SINR) obtained from the exchange messages, and 2) weighted localization using SINR and distance between the neighboring vehicles (WLD). Our methods expand the concept of centroid localization (CL) by assigning a weight to each of the neighboring vehicles' coordinates, based on SINR values and the distance. We develop a simulation program to evaluate our methods against CL and relative span weighted localization (RWL). Our simulation results show that WLD demonstrates a better performance with less average location errors than CL and RWL in varying of densities
Iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases: an emerging group of molecular targets for nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Nickel compounds are important occupational and environmental pollutants. Chronic exposure to these pollutants has been connected with increased risks of respiratory cancers and cardiovascular diseases. However, it is still not clear what are the specific molecular targets for nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity. Here, we propose that the iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family enzymes are important intracellular targets that mediate the toxicity and carcinogenicity of nickel. In support of this hypothesis, our data show that three different classes of enzymes in this iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family, including HIF-prolyl hydroxylase PHD2, histone demethylase JHDM2A/JMJD1A, and DNA repair enzyme ABH3, are all highly sensitive to nickel inhibition. Inactivation of these enzymes accounts for a number of deleterious effects caused by nickel in cells, namely hypoxia-mimic stress and aberrant epigenetic changes. Future studies on nickel’s effects on these iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases would deepen our understanding on nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity.
Toxicokinetics and biotransformation of p-nitrophenol in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Abstract White sturgeon (Acipencer transmontanus) were exposed to 7.2 μM (1.0 ppm) 14C-labeled p-nitrophenol (PNP) in brackish water for 24 h and then allowed to depurate in clean brackish water for another 24 h. Absorption, conditional uptake clearance, and conditional elimination rate constants were 0.08±0.04 h−1, 8.1±3.6 mL g−1 h−1, and 0.46±0.21 h−1, respectively. A whole-organism total concentration factor of 18.7±2.6 was determined from equilibrium tissue and water concentrations. Sturgeon depurated 89.4% of absorbed PNP within 24 h, of which 53.0±8.3% was unmetabolized parent compound, 9.6±3.6% was p-nitrophenyl-β- d -glucuronide, and 39.1±8.3% was p-nitrophenylsulfate.
The Role of Testosterone and Other Hormones in Regulation of LH

Abstract Although many data suggest a role for oestrogen in the negative feedback for LH in the rodent, more recent studies indicate that testosterone or 5α-dihydrotestosterone is also important. Nonaromatizable androgens decrease LH, and in several diseases LH is high when plasma testosterone is low, even though plasma oestradiol is normal. Testosterone and oestradiol modulate the response to GnRH differently. In recent studies in men using an inhibitor of aromatization, a role for both testosterone and oestradiol was demonstrated. Finally, there are data to suggest that a tubular factor and excessive secretion of glucocorticoids or prolactin can affect LH release.
Quadratic electro-optic effect in a nano-optical material based on the nonconjugated conductive polymer, poly(ethylenepyrrolediyl) derivative

Abstract We report the results of optical absorption, quadratic electro-optic and electroabsorption measurements in a novel nano-optical material based on the nonconjugated conductive polymer, poly(ethylenepyrrolediyl) derivative. Two peaks at about 310 and 420 nm have been observed in the optical absorption spectrum of the polymer at a low doping level of iodine. The Kerr constant as determined at 633 nm, which is close to resonance, is about 1.2×10−9 m/V 2 which is about 495 times that of nitrobenzene. This exceptionally large Kerr coefficient has been attributed to the special structure and quantum confinement of this electronic system within a subnanometer domain.
Meprin B : Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the meprin β metalloproteinase subunit in human and mouse cancer cells

A novel mRNA isoform encoding the cell surface metalloproteinase meprin beta is expressed in mouse teratocarcinoma cells and in a variety of cultured human cancer cells. In both mouse and human cells, the cancer cell-specific mRNA isoform, referred to as beta', has an extended 5' UTR as compared to the meprin beta mRNA isoform expressed in normal kidney and intestinal epithelium. The work herein aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms for the expression of meprin beta and beta' in normal and cancer cells, respectively. Analysis of the 5' end of the mouse meprin beta gene revealed that the unique sequences in the beta and beta' mRNA isoforms are encoded by separate exons that are alternately spliced, and transcribed from independent promoters. By contrast, the human meprin beta and beta' mRNAs have identical sequences except for 87 additional bases in the 5' UTR sequence of beta', indicating that a single, mixed usage promoter directs expression of the isoforms. The region upstream of the human meprin beta' transcription start site contained elements with homology to the promoters of intestine-specific genes, interspersed with AP-1 and PEA3 elements; the latter were essential to meprin beta' promoter activity in cancer cells. Phorbol myristal acetate increased meprin beta' mRNA levels in cultured human colon cancer cells, providing further evidence that AP-1/PEA3 sites are actively involved in meprin beta' expression.
Case Conceptualization and Treatment of Comorbid Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and eating disorders often co-occur and share some clinical features. In addition, the co-occurrence of BDD and an eating disorder may be associated with greater impairment in functioning. Furthermore, clinical impressions suggest that this comorbidity may be more treatment resistant than either disorder alone. The current article discusses the treatment of a 48-year-old female diagnosed with BDD and comorbid bulimia. We attempted to address these co-occurring disorders in a strategic, formulation-based manner using a variety of cognitive-behavioral strategies such as cognitive restructuring, rational disputation, exposure with response prevention, and mirror retraining. Despite the complexity of this case, results suggest that comorbid BDD and bulimia nervosa can be effectively managed with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Influence of cAMP on cerebrospinal fluid opioid concentration: role in cAMP-induced pial artery dilation.

Previously, it has been observed that cGMP analogs and agents that elevate cGMP levels markedly increase the concentration of the opioids [Met5]enkephalin and [Leu5]enkephalin in cortical periarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the newborn pig. However, such agents had no effect on CSF dynorphin-(1-13) concentration. The present study was designed to: (1) investigate the influence of cAMP on the CSF concentration of the opioids [Met5]enkephalin, [Leu5]enkephalin and dynorphin-(1-13); and (2) determine the role of these opioids in cAMP-induced pial artery vasodilation. Piglets equipped with closed cranial windows were used to measure pial artery diameter and collect cortical periarachnoid CSF for assay of opioids. The cAMP analog, 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Bromo cAMP) elicited pial dilation that was blunted by a cAMP antagonist, Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate (10(-5) M) (11 +/- 1 and 19 +/- 1 vs. 1 +/- 1 and 1 +/- 1 for 10(-8) M, 10(-6) M 8-Bromo cAMP before and after Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate, respectively). The dilation produced by 8-Bromo cAMP was accompanied by modest increases in CSF [Met5]enkephalin and co-administration of Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate with 8-Bromo cAMP blocked these increases in CSF opioid concentration (1179 +/- 48, 1593 +/- 92 and 2079 +/- 88 vs. 1054 +/- 32, 1038 +/- 15 and 1071 +/- 17 pg/ml for control, 10(-8) M and 10(-6) M 8-Bromo cAMP before and after Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate, respectively). The release of CSF [Leu5]enkephalin by 8-Bromo cAMP was also blocked by Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate. In contrast 8-Bromo cAMP produced marked increases in CSF dynorphin-(1-13) (38 +/- 3, 61 +/- 3 and 88 +/- 6 vs. 27 +/- 3, 28 +/- 3 and 30 +/- 4 pg/ml for control, 10(-8) M and 10(-6) M 8-Bromo cAMP before and after Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate, respectively). Similar blunted vascular and biochemical responses were observed with the co-administration of Sp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, another analog of cAMP, with Rp 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monosphorothioate. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg i.v.) attenuated 8-Bromo cAMP-induced dilation (9 +/- 1 and 17 +/- 1 vs. 5 +/- 1 and 8 +/- 1 for 10(-8) M, 10(-6) M 8-Bromo cAMP before and after naloxone). These data show that cAMP contributes to the release of the CSF opioids [Met5]enkephalin, [Leu5]enkephalin and dynorphin-(1-13), and suggest that, while cGMP is more important relative to cAMP in elevating CSF [Met5]enkephalin and [Leu5]enkephalin concentration, the converse is true for dynorphin-(1-13). Further, these data indicate that opioids contribute to cAMP-induced pial artery vasodilation.
High external parametrial dose can increase the probability of radiation proctitis in patients with uterine cervix cancer.

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between external parametrial dose and radiation proctitis after external irradiation and high-dose-rate intracavitary (HDR-IC) brachytherapy among patients with cervical cancer. Methods. From May 1993 through December 1996, 191 patients with stage IB–IVA cervical cancer were managed by curative-intent radiotherapy. External irradiation to the whole pelvis (44–45 Gy/ 22–25 fractions) was delivered to all patients initially. One hundred twenty-seven patients received additional bilateral parametrial and sidewall boost (5.4–14.4 Gy/ 3–8 fractions) with 4-cm midline shielding. HDR-IC brachytherapy, 19.2–24 Gy/ 5 fractions to Point A, was given after external irradiation. Patients receiving an external dose of 44–45, 50–54, and >54 Gy were categorized as no parametrial boost (NPMB), low parametrial boost (LPMB), and high parametrial boost (HPMB) group, respectively. The actuarial proctitis rate was compared among the three groups. Results. Three-year overall and Grade 2–4 proctitis rates were 30 and 15%, respectively. Overall proctitis rates were 12, 34, and 51% in the NPMB, LPMB, and HPMB groups ( P P = 0.0022), respectively. In multivariate analysis of overall and Grade 2–4 radiation proctitis, external parametrial dose was the only independent prognostic factor ( P = 0.0002 and 0.0030, respectively). Conclusion. Regardless of central shielding after 44–45 Gy whole pelvis irradiation, more patients with high external parametrial dose developed radiation proctitis. Incomplete midline shielding of the upper rectum may be the cause. Diminishing the external beam doses further may decrease rectal complications.
Defective two sublattice model for a binary liquid

A statistical thermodynamic analysis is given for a quasicrystalline liquid model in the binary systemM-X in which the atoms of each type are randomly mixed with vacancies on one of two sublattices of a structure with the stoichiometric formulaMX s. The relative, excess partial molar quantities and the equations relating the site-fraction of vacancies in each sublattice to the temperature and composition are obtained. The constraints upon the model parameters required to insure that the Schottky constant increases with temperature and that the site fractions of vacancies be less than unity below a specified temperature (above which the model is not physically meaningful) are also obtained. The excess Gibbs free enthalpies for the creation of the vacancies are assumed to depend linearly upon atom fraction and it is shown that this is the simplest model capable of generating an asymmetric liquidus line for the solid compound,MX. The chemical potentials for a more general model are given in an Appendix. An application is made to the Cd-Te system where a quantitative fit is obtained to the liquidus points, partial pressures along the CdTe 3-phase curve, and the CdTe-Te eutectic temperature with values of the liquid parameters that yield the proper enthalpy and entropy of mixing of the liquid at 50 at. pct and 1092 °C.
Preparation, structures, and band gaps of RbInS2 and RbInSe2

Abstract The two compounds RbInS2 and RbInSe2 have been synthesized at 773 K by means of the reactive flux method. These isostructural compounds crystallize in space group C2/c of the monoclinic system with 16 formula units in a cell at 153 K of dimensions a = 11.0653 ( 7 ) A , b = 11.0643 ( 7 ) A , c = 15.5796 ( 9 ) A , and β = 100.244 ( 1 ) ° for RbInS2, and a = 11.477 ( 3 ) A , b = 11.471 ( 3 ) A , c = 16.186 ( 6 ) A , and β = 100.16 ( 2 ) ° for RbInSe2. The In atoms are four-coordinated. The structure consists of two-dimensional ∞ 2 [ In Q 2 - ] ( Q = S , Se) layers perpendicular to [001] separated from the Rb+ cations. Adamantane-like In4Q10 units are connected by common corners to form the layers. Band structure calculations indicate that these compounds are direct band-gap semiconductors with the smallest band gap at the Γ point. The calculated band gaps are 2.8 eV for RbInS2 and 2.0 eV for RbInSe2, values that are consistent with the colors of the compounds.
Prisoner's Dilemma in Graphs with Heterogeneous Agents

Prisoner's dilemma (PD) game has been used as a prototypical model for studying social choice situations with self-interested agents. Although in a single shot PD game, both players playing defect is a Nash equilibrium, in social settings, cooperation among self-interested agents is usually observed. This phenomenon of emergence of cooperation can be captured by repeated PD games in graphs consisting of agents of same type. In this paper, motivated by modeling of conflict scenarios in societies with multiple ethno-religious groups, we study repeated PD games in graph with multiple types of agents. In our model with two types of agents, agents play PD game with neighbors of the other type and their strategy update neighborhood can consist of either (a) neighbors of their own type or (b) neighbors of both type. We show by simulation that in both cases the fraction of players playing defect in the final solution is much more than the conventional case where no distinction exists between game playing and strategy update neighbors (i.e., the agents are of the same type). We also present a theoretical analysis of the strategy evolution dynamics, and design algorithms to compute all fixed points of the evolution dynamics.
THE PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF CLOACAL EXSTROPHY

AbstractPurpose: We assess and clarify diagnostic features for making the prenatal diagnosis of cloacal exstrophy.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 9 patients born with cloacal exstrophy at our institutions (2 prospectively and 7 retrospectively) for diagnostic features on prenatal ultrasound studies. We also thoroughly reviewed the literature on 13 previous prenatally diagnosed cloacal exstrophy cases. Diagnostic criteria were assessed by combining the findings in our patients and those in previous reports.Results: Of the 22 patients with prenatal ultrasound studies and cloacal exstrophy whom we analyzed 1 of our 9 and 2 in the literature had a cloacal membrane that persisted at 22 weeks of gestation. Major ultrasound criteria for diagnosing cloacal exstrophy prenatally are nonvisualization of the bladder, a large midline infraumbilical anterior wall defect or cystic anterior wall structure (persistent cloacal membrane), omphalocele and lumbosacral anomalies. Seven less frequent or minor criteria inclu...
Altered muscle polyamine levels in human neuromuscular diseases

Intracellular polyamine levels were measured in 17 patients with neuromuscular diseases and 13 normal controls and were correlated with morphological changes in muscle biopsies. Elevated polyamine levels were found in muscles with marked morphological changes, regardless of the nature of the disease process.
Ubiquitin-Related Proteins Regulate Interaction of Vimentin Intermediate Filaments with the Plasma Membrane

Abstract Integrin-associated protein (IAP, CD47) is a plasma membrane receptor for thrombospondins and signal regulatory proteins (SIRPs) that has an essential role in host defense through its association with integrins. The IAP gene encodes alternatively spliced carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic tails that have no previously described function. IAP cytoplasmic tails can bind two related proteins that mediate interaction between IAP and vimentin-containing intermediate filaments, named proteins linking IAP with cytoskeleton (PLICs). Integrins interact with PLICs indirectly, through IAP. Transfection of PLICs induces redistribution of vimentin and cell spreading in IAP-expressing cells. This novel connection between plasma membrane and cytoskeleton is likely to be significant in many adhesion-dependent cell functions.
Phosphorylation of TRAF2 inhibits binding to the CD40 cytoplasmic domain.

Abstract TRAF2 is a signal transducing adaptor molecule which binds to the CD40 cytoplasmic domain. We have found that it is phosphorylated, predominantly on serine residues, when transiently overexpressed in 293 cells. The phosphorylation appears to be related to the signaling events that are activated by TRAF2 under these circumstances, since two nonfunctional mutants were found to be phosphorylated significantly less than the wild-type protein. Furthermore, the phosphorylation status of TRAF2 had significant effects on the ability of the protein to bind to CD40, as evidenced by our observations that the CD40 cytoplasmic domain interacted preferentially with underphosphorylated TRAF2 and that phosphatase treatment significantly enhanced the binding of TRAF2 to CD40. We conclude from these studies that the phosphorylation of TRAF2 is likely to play an important role in regulating signaling by virtue of its ability to influence the CD40–TRAF2 interaction.