cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-FF-T-133: Analysis of the Correlation Between MLC File Parameters and IMRT QA

Purpose: We examined IMRT beams for potential correlations between properties of the MLC files and the agreement between the expected and measured dose distributions for patient specific QA. Method and Materials: We studied the significance of the incomplete modeling of the MLC rounded leaf edge in the Pinnacle‐v6.2b TPS. Test beams were generated with opposed leaf separation widths of 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 cm. Different percentages of the total MU were delivered with these small separation segments with the remaining MUs delivered via an open field. A diode array was used to measure the delivered dose. The agreement between the planned and delivered beams (pass‐rate) was based on a 3%‐3mm dose‐difference and distance‐to‐agreement criteria. A software program examined the MLC files and identified opposed leaves separations less than 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0cm and calculated the fractional area (Area) exposed by the separated leaves as well as the percentage of MUs (%MU) delivered via that segment. Correlations between the product of the %MU and Area and the pass rate were examined. Results: For the test beams, strongly statistically significant Spearman correlations were found for %MU*Area and pass rate for leaf separations of 0.5 and 0.7cm (ρ=0.9 and ρ=0.8). An analysis of the 350 step‐and‐shoot beams indicates a possible correlation between the pass rate and the %MU*Area value for separation thresholds of 0.5 and 0.7cm (ρ=0.5 and ρ=0.51). Conclusion: The pass rates and leaf separation were correlated in the test beams, however the ability of the small separations to predict pass rates in real beams was not significant. For real beams, there are contributing factors such as interleaf leakage and leaf position errors which can cause the low pass rates. For 1.0cm separations, the pass rate was 100% indicating that the systematic errors for leaf separation greater than 1cm were not significant.
Flow Localization in the Plane Strain Tensile Test

Abstract The deformations in a plane strain tensile test are analyzed numerically, both for a solid characterized by a phenomenological corner theory of plasticity and for a nonlinear elastic solid. As opposed to the simplest flow theory of plasticity with a smooth yield surface, both these material models exhibit shear band instabilities at a realistic level of strain. Initial imperfections are specified in the form of thickness inhomogeneities. A long-wavelength imperfection grows into the well-known necking mode and subsequently, at a sufficiently high local strain level, bands of intense shear deformations develop in the necking region. The location of these shear bands is strongly influenced by the location of small strain concentrations near the surface, induced by various short-wave patterns of initial thickness imperfections. In accord with the non-uniform straining in the neck it is found that the intensity of the localized deformations varies along the bands, and some of the shear bands end inside the material.
Potential of Chemical Preservation and Improvement of Forages

Abstract Wilted hay-crop silages are difficult to manage for ensiling at an optimum dry matter. Even at optimum dry matter, protein degradation is considerable. If the forage becomes too dry, additional protein becomes indigestible from heat damage. Untreated direct-cut silages have low recoveries of energy and nitrogen. Protein degradation is extensive during storage. Low intake, partial feed conversion, daily animal production, and animal production per ton or hectare result. Formic acid may be used to desiccate standing forage in an effort to control dry matter, but adding formic acid to direct-cut forage at the silo is probably as beneficial. Formic acid alone, formic acid-formaldehyde, or formaldehyde alone eliminate many of the problems of direct-cut silage. Amounts of formaldehyde, when used alone, may be too critical for farm use. Formic acid also improves the quality and animal responses with wilted silages. Propionic acid controls the heat damage in wilted silages where the forage becomes too dry before ensiling. Sodium, calcium, and ammonium hydroxides increase the digestibility and intake of crop residues enough to make them more valuable feedstuffs for ruminants.
Male Nonemployment in White, Black, Hispanic, and Multiethnic Urban Neighborhoods, 1970−2000:

Many social problems in urban neighborhoods are rooted in high rates of male nonemployment. Past research suggests that male joblessness is a problem largely in low−income, Black neighborhoods. In contrast, this study reports that increases in male nonemployment over the past 30 years have been more widely distributed across urban neighborhoods. Although rates of male joblessness rose most sharply in low−income Black neighborhoods, more advantaged Black neighborhoods and low−income to moderate−income Hispanic and multiethnic neighborhoods also experienced substantial increases. Multivariate models highlight the important role that changes in the economy played in the growth of male nonemployment in low−income and moderate− income neighborhoods.
The structure function νW2 of hot spots at HERA

Abstract The behavior of the host spots (BFKL pomeron) that may be observed at HERA is briefly reviewed and the structure function νW 2 is evaluated in perturbative QCD.
Factors Affecting the Passage of Liquids into the Rumen of the Dairy Calf. II. Elevation of the Head as Milk is Consumed

Summary 1.Anatomical studies suggested that the elevation and the mechanical manipulation of the head and neck of calves, within limits that may be employed in practical feeding, are not primary factors affecting the functioning of the esophageal groove. 2.This suggestion was substantiated from observations of rumen-fistula calves fed milk either through a rubber nipple at different levels, floor and elevated, or from open pails at these levels. 3.Though the elevation of the head and neck was not an important factor affecting the extent of milk passage into the rumenoreticular cavity, the type of feeder, nipple or open, was very significant. 4.Irrespective of feeder level, milk rarely entered the rumen when consumed via nipple but frequently entered when drunk from an open pail. 5.The vagi are paths over which certain stimuli may be transmitted to the esophageal groove, but the transmission and resulting esophageal groove reaction are unaffected by positions of the head and neck.
Improvement of oral peptide bioavailability: Peptidomimetics and prodrug strategies

Clinical development of orally active peptide drugs has been restricted by their unfavorable physicochemical properties, which limit their intestinal mucosal permeation and their lack of stability against enzymatic degradation. Successful oral delivery of peptides will depend, therefore, on strategies designed to alter the physicochemical characteristics of these potential drugs, without changing their biological activity, in order to overcome the physical and biochemical barrier properties of the intestinal cells. This manuscript will focus on the physiological limitations for oral peptide delivery and on various strategies using chemical modifications to improve oral bioavailability of peptide-based drugs.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Collaborating to improve the standard of care.

Mental health practitioners are often called upon to provide services to children, adolescents, and families in the aftermath of traumatic experiences such as child neglect, sexual or physical abuse, family/domestic violence, sexual assault, interpersonal violence. school and community violence, serious accidental injury, catastrophic medical illness, traumatic bereavement, or mass casualty events, including natural and man-made disasters. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was established in 2001 to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families, and communities throughout the United States. This article describes the development of the NCTSN, its structure, programs, and many of the products and resources-including online lectures, training programs and videos, and searchable databases of child trauma resources-available through the NCTSN Web site (www.nctsn.org) to assist professionals in providing state-of-the-art assessment, treatment, and services to these children and their families.
A three pronged approach to teaching undergraduate operating systems

This paper describes an approach to teaching an undergraduate operating systems course that relies on three aspects. First, a standard textbook is used for the basic theoretical material. Second, programming projects are used to reinforce some of the material covered from the textbook. Lastly, simulators are used to illustrate other material. A key to the approach is to use experimentation by the student to enhance understanding and prepare them for research. Although no formal evaluation has been done, students seem to enjoy using the simulators and student performance on exams has increased since the simulators were introduced.
The significance of lead isotopes in detrital feldspar with respect to chemical differentiation within the earth's mantle

On a continental scale, leads in K-feldspars from North America were found to deviate from closed system evolution such that there is an excess of Pb206 and, in lesser extent, Pb208 which increases as the age of the feldspar decreases. This effect can be shown to result from the transport of uranium and thorium, over long periods in the past, from the interior of the earth to an outer mantle layer which functioned as a source of segments of continental crust that were formed and isolated at different times and locations. The effect is decisive in defining, as a function of time, the rates of transport of uranium, thorium and lead from the inner mantle to the outer mantle : there was a sharp decrease in the rates of transport of these three elements during the first one hundred m.y. after the earth was formed; during the remaining aeons, lead transport became essentially zero while uranium and thorium transport remained appreciable. The effect also suggests that the bulk of the North American continent was formed during the interval 3500-2500 m.y. ago.
Bacterial Actin Homolog ParM: Arguments for an Apolar, Antiparallel Double Helix

The bacterial actin homolog ParM has always been modeled as a polar filament, comprising two parallel helical strands, like actin itself. I present arguments here that ParM may be an apolar filament, in which the two helical strands are antiparallel.
Drag reduction effectiveness of dilute and entangled xanthan in turbulent pipe flow

Abstract The ability to reduce the frictional drag in turbulent flow in pipes and channels by addition of a small amount of a high molecular weight polymer has application in myriad industries and processes. Here, the drag reduction properties of the polyelectrolyte xanthan are explored in differing solvent environments (salt free versus salt solution) and delivery configurations (homogeneous versus stock solution dilution). Drag reduction effectiveness increases when an entangled xanthan solution is diluted compared to solutions prepared in the dilute regime. Based on dynamic rheological measurements of the elastic modulus, residual entanglements and network structure are hypothesized to account for the observed change in drag reduction effectiveness. Drag reduction effectiveness is unchanged by the presence of salt when the stock solution concentration is sufficiently above the critical concentration c D . Finally, the drag reduction effectiveness decreases with time when diluted from an entangled stock solution but remains greater than the homogeneous case after more than 24 h.
Fertility of long-term male survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed during childhood

Fertility impairments among men treated during childhood for cancer are known to occur after some, but not all, types of anti-cancer therapy. This is the first study to evaluate proven fertility among adult male survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In a retrospective cohort study, proven fertility (ever fathered a pregnancy) was evaluated by self-report among 213 men treated for ALL before age 18 on protocols of the Children's Cancer Group (CCG). Controls (N = 145) were drawn from among male siblings. Overall, with a proportional hazards analysis, proven fertility of male survivors was not different from that of controls (relative fertility (RF) = 0.95, 95% CI 0.63-1.43). However, married men treated before age 10 with high dose (24 cGy) cranial radiotherapy (RT), without spinal RT, had only 9% of the fertility of controls (Relative risk, RR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.82). High dose cranial RT at older ages was not associated with a statistically significant fertility deficit (RR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.25-1.28). In this first study of proven fertility among men treated for childhood leukemia, the majority of survivors showed no evidence of fertility impairment compared to controls. However, men treated at a young age with high dose cranial RT may have impaired fertility. These results suggest that further investigation of men with these treatments is needed to confirm and extend these findings.
International socialization of young people: Obstacles and opportunities

Abstract The international or intercultural socialization of young people depends upon an appropriate skill-set and experiential background of a competent core of teachers. This paper presents an analysis of psychosocial development of young people, arguing that the middle childhood years represents the critical period to begin addressing international and intercultural socialization. Analysis of cohorts of educators utilizing the intercultural development inventory (IDI) and other surveys suggest that most teachers, however, lack the knowledge and experience required to adequately address these issues in schools. Finally, research that supports the role that international student teaching experience can play in enhancing teacher's intercultural sensitivity is presented.
Identification of cytosolic peroxisome proliferator binding protein as a member of the heat shock protein HSP70 family.

Abstract Clofibrate and many of its structural analogues induce proliferation of peroxisomes in the hepatic parenchymal cells of rodents and certain nonrodent species including primates. This induction is tissue specific, occurring mainly in the liver parenchymal cells and to a lesser extent in the kidney cortical epithelium. The induction of peroxisomes is associated with a predictable pleiotropic response, characterized by hepatomegaly, and increased activities and mRNA levels of certain peroxisomal enzymes. Using affinity chromatography, we had previously isolated a protein that binds to clofibric acid. We now show that this protein is homologous with the heat shock protein HSP70 family by analysis of amino acid sequences of isolated peptides from trypsin-treated clofibric acid binding protein and by cross-reactivity with a monoclonal antibody raised against the conserved region of the 70-kDa heat shock proteins. The clofibric acid-Sepharose column could bind HSP70 proteins isolated from various species, which could then be eluted with either clofibric acid or ATP. Conversely, when a rat liver cytosol containing multiple members of the HSP70 family was passed through an ATP-agarose column, and eluted with clofibric acid, only P72 (HSC70) was eluted. These results suggest that clofibric acid, a peroxisome proliferator, preferentially interacts with P72 at or near the ATP binding site.
Interkingdom signaling between pathogenic bacteria and Caenorhabditis elegans

Investigators have recently turned to the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a small animal infection model to study infectious disease. To extrapolate findings concerning bacterial pathogenesis from non-mammals to mammals, virulence factors should be conserved in function, independent of the infection model. Emerging from these studies is the observation that bacterial virulence regulatory networks function in a conserved manner across multiple hosts, including nematodes, mice and plants. Several regulatory networks have been implicated in nematode innate immune function and are being exploited in the C. elegans infection model to develop novel chemical therapies against bacterial pathogens.
Correlation coefficients for modal response combination of non-classically damped systems

Correlation coefficients to perform modal combination of responses for non-classically damped systems are studied. The frequency domain analysis method is used to calculate the coefficients for 12 earthquake records and 10 damping ratios. The response of non-classically damped systems is evaluated for a range of frequencies between completely rigid and completely non-rigid. It is found that the earlier proposed linear relationship of the rigid response coefficient with frequency on a semilogarithmic graph is not accurate and that the rigid response coefficient is a function of the damping ratio. New expressions for determining the rigid response coefficients for displacement and velocity responses are proposed. The related key frequencies are also studied and found to be different from those proposed in the earlier studies. New formulations for determining these frequencies are presented. Modified equations for correlation coefficients proposed in this study are found to yield good agreement with the numerically evaluated displacement and velocity correlation coefficients for all frequency ranges. Further investigation is needed for the cross-correlation coefficient to improve the agreement with numerical results in the high frequency range.
why hunters gather: optimal foraging and the Aché of eastern Paraguay

The determinants of food choices made by hunter-gatherers have long been a topic of speculation and controversy. In this paper, we analyze the foraging behavior of the Ache of eastern Paraguay and conclude that it is consistent with predictions derived from optimal foraging models. We infer that these very general models will continue to prove useful in explaining variation in hunter-gatherer subsistence patterns throughout time and space. [Ache, hunter-gatherers, optimal foraging theory, South America, tropical forest]
Buying Peace? The Difficulties of Building States and Nations in Deeply Divided Post-conflict Societies

Would that policy-makers in Washington had read Darden's and Mylonas's Promethean Dilemma when they were considering policy options for Iraq and Afghanistan. Had their paper been reviewed, illusion...
Pro-Inflammatory Chemokine CCL2 (MCP-1) Promotes Healing in Diabetic Wounds by Restoring the Macrophage Response

Prior studies suggest that the impaired healing seen in diabetic wounds derives from a state of persistent hyper-inflammation characterized by harmful increases in inflammatory leukocytes including macrophages. However, such studies have focused on wounds at later time points (day 10 or older), and very little attention has been given to the dynamics of macrophage responses in diabetic wounds early after injury. Given the importance of macrophages for the process of healing, we studied the dynamics of macrophage response during early and late phases of healing in diabetic wounds. Here, we report that early after injury, the diabetic wound exhibits a significant delay in macrophage infiltration. The delay in the macrophage response in diabetic wounds results from reduced Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) expression. Importantly, one-time treatment with chemoattractant CCL2 significantly stimulated healing in diabetic wounds by restoring the macrophage response. Our data demonstrate that, rather than a hyper-inflammatory state; the early diabetic wound exhibits a paradoxical and damaging decrease in essential macrophage response. Our studies suggest that the restoration of the proper kinetics of macrophage response may be able to jumpstart subsequent healing stages. CCL2 chemokine-based therapy may be an attractive strategy to promote healing in diabetic wounds.
Growth in vitro of excised tobacco and sunflower tissue with different temperatures, hydrogen-ion concentrations and amounts of sugar

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE for the initiation and continuation of pathological growth have been studied with plant materials because they offer certain opportunities for research (Riker, 1939) not provided by animal materials. Some advantages of plant materials include (a) large numbers, (b) low cost, (c) ease of experimental use, (d) physiological variability, (e) genetic purity, and (f) the possibilitv of tissue culture on a medium of known composition (Riker, 1942). Among the plant materials the crown gall disease caused by Phytomonas tumefaciens (Smith and Town.) Bergey et al. has received special attention because of certain similarities between this pathological growth in plants and cancer of higher animals (e.g., Smith, 1922; Levine, 1936; White and Braun, 1912). The early literature on crown gall was reviewed by Riker and Berge (1935). The anatomy of the host tissue and physiology of the bacteria have been extensively studied by various investigators. The physiology of the host tissue, however, has remained relatively obscure because of certain technical difficulties, some of which mav be overcome by cultivation of tissue on a synthetic medium in vitro. Plant tissue culture has been accomplislhed only recently. The idea was probably first suggested by Haberlandt (1902). Limited growth of excised root tips was reported by Kotte (1922) and by Robbins (1922), while unlimited growth was reported by White (1934) with tomato roots. Since root tips contain several kinds of tissue, their cultivation may be considered organ culture. True tissue cultures capable of unlimited growth were first reported by White (1939) with tobacco callus and by Gautheret (1939) and Nobecourt (1939) with carrot callus. Recently, White and Braun (1941) have cultivated tissue from "secondary" crown galls on sunflower. The extensive history and applications of plant tissue culture have been reviewed by White (1943). In tissue culture simple, somatic cells may be isolated from the influence of neighboring cells, tissues, and organs and may be studied under controlled conditions on a synthetic medium containing only ingredients whose chemical formulae can be written. Such a technique offers a tool for the study of critical vital processes of tissue metabolisn. While many basic requirements of excised root tips in vitro have been determined by various investi-
Brevetoxins in sharks and rays (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from Florida coastal waters

In October 2000, a mass mortality of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) and Atlantic sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) in northwest Florida occurred in conjunction with a Karenia brevis red tide bloom. Before this incident, no information existed on red tide-induced shark mortalities or baseline brevetoxin levels in sharks and rays from red tide-endemic areas. We report here that brevetoxin accumulation in live and red tide-killed elasmobranchs is common during K. brevis blooms and non-bloom periods. Strong relationships were found between the frequency of red tide blooms and the average brevetoxin concentrations in elasmobranch tissues. The presence of brevetoxins in Atlantic coast sharks in the absence of documented K. brevis blooms may suggest that blooms are occurring in areas that are not well monitored. Although red tide-related shark mortalities are rarely observed, the presence of brevetoxins in shark embryos raises questions about the effects these toxins may have on the reproductive success of sharks.
Effect of sulfhydryl group modification on the neurotoxic action of a sea snake toxin

Pelamis toxin alpha is a major neurotoxin isolated from the venom of Pelamis platurus (yellow-bellied sea snake). The effect of sulfhydryl group modification by NN'-1,4-phenylenedimaleimide on the neurotoxic action of Pelamis toxin alpha has been investigated. The cross-linked toxin having a molecular weight of 11 000 was formed without significant structural changes in the toxin. Lethality tests on the modified toxin indicated that it retained considerable toxicity, although its potency was weaker than that of the native toxin. Binding studies with the acetylcholine receptor isolated from the electroplax of Torpedo californica indicated that the modified toxin binds to the receptor but less effectively than the native toxin. These results suggest that the decreases in toxicity and binding to the receptor are due to a decrease in accessibility of cross-linked neurotoxin to the receptor. This leads us to the conclusion that the region of the neurotoxin containing the sulfhydryl group is not essential for its biological activity. Analysis of the structure and function relationships of the modified toxin suggests that the neurotoxin-acetylcholine receptor interaction requires the proper orientation of the neurotoxin molecule.
Criteria in the choice of an occluding cuff for the indirect measurement of blood pressure

For a sphygmomanometric method of indirect blood-pressure measurement to be accurate, the cuff must operate so that the intrabladder pressure is always the same as the pressure applied by the tissues of the arm to the artery wall. To determine under what conditions this occurs, analyses are presented assuming the arm to be a rotationally symmetric, incompressible solid cylinder acted upon by various cuff pressure fields. The results indicate that the pressure applied to the artery wall is markedly influenced by longitudinal motion of the arm tissue, which must be constrained to have an accurate pressure transmission. It is shown that a wide cuff does effectively accomplish this under its central region. The analyses agree with experiments in which indirect and direct blood-pressure measurements were made and most of the clinical observations of others. However, the claim that ‘if the cuff is too wide, the reading will be erroneously low’ is not indicated in the analytical solution and has not been observed in the authors' experiments. These analytical and experimental results were used to establish criteria for the design of appropriate occluding cuffs. Based upon these criteria, cuffs for clinical use have been produced from a plastic film in a variety of lengths and widths.
Robotic cardiac surgery.

Background Cardiac surgery, traditionally conducted via median sternotomy, has been recently forwarded by progressively advanced technology facilitating sternal-sparing minimally invasive, access to the heart. Robotic systems, comprised of miniaturized surgical instruments mounted on long thin shafts with multiple degrees of range of motion coupled with a dual camera endoscope providing true three-dimentional high-magnification visualization have greatly propelled this field. Methods The robotic system and the literature base pertaining to robotic cardiac surgery is reviewed in depth. Results Robotic cardiac surgical procedures have been performed to repair and replace the mitral valve, bypass coronary arteries, close atrial septal defects, implant left ventricular pacing leads, and resect intracardiac tumors. Conclusions As minimally invasive and robotic surgical technology advances, so proceeds the spectrum of potential applications for robotic cardiac surgery. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative aspects of silver deposition in proteins resolved in complex polyacrylamide gels

Deposition of silver or silver compounds in proteins separated in linear gradient polyacrylamide electrophoretic gels is influenced by protein concentration and location, polyacrylamide concentration, extent of washing after incubation in ammoniacal silver hydroxide solution, and development time in a citric acid: formaldehyde solution. Our modification of existing silver staining methods provided routine resolution of polypeptides separated in 1.0 to 1.5-mm-thick gels without high background staining or surface staining and with picogram detection sensitivity. Removing electrophoretic components, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sulfhydryl reagents (2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol and dithioerythreitol), glycerol, tris-glycine, carrier ampholytes, urea, and acetic acid, was essential in order to attain silver staining of proteins with a negligible background. Ammoniacal silver ions or silver ions, associated and unassociated with proteins separated in polyacrylamide gels, were removed during the washing step following incubation in ammoniacal silver hydroxide solution. Loss of stain intensity at discrete protein clusters was shown to correlate with polyacrylamide concentration in gradient gels. Standardizing the washing step enhanced reproducibility of staining. Using this silver staining method and computer-assisted image processing, it was possible to detect quantitatively as little as 27 picograms of protein per mm in 10 %-20 % linear gradient polyacrylamide gels (1.2 mm thick). Based on the lowest detection limits for Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 staining of protein (10 nanograms), this method for silver staining is at least 370-fold more sensitive.
Specific Language As Constituents of Intelligence

The Article This article presented evidence for empirical associations between specific units of language units (distinct from global verbal ability) and cognitive abilities. The authors provided a principal hypothesis that specific language units (precise words and phrases) might function as units of analysis for understanding individual differences in global cognitive abilities, including intelligence. The study revealed that productive use of specific language in persuasive essays predicted cognitive ability scores on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). A modest sum of particular words used (range: 0-7) correlated with cognitive factors almost as highly as the ability tests intercorrelated.
Modest, reliable spectral peaks in preceding sounds influence vowel perception

When a spectral property is reliable across an acoustic context and subsequent vowel target, perception deemphasizes this cue and shifts toward less predictable, more informative cues. This phenomenon (auditory perceptual calibration) has been demonstrated for reliable spectral peaks +20 dB or larger, but psychoacoustic findings predict sensitivity to more modest spectral peaks. Listeners identified vowel targets following a sentence with a reliable +2 to +15 dB spectral peak centered at F2 of the vowel. Vowel identifications weighted F2 significantly less when reliable peaks were at least +5 dB. Results demonstrate high sensitivity to reliable acoustic properties in the sensory environment.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an acquired hypercoagulable disorder caused by drug-dependent antibodies that recognize complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. The clinical syndrome manifests as thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis in temporal association with heparin therapy. Owing to the frequent occurrence of asymptomatic PF4/heparin antibodies in patients receiving heparin, current approaches to the diagnosis of HIT rely on clinical criteria with additional support provided by laboratory testing for heparin-dependent antibodies. This chapter will address the clinical and laboratory diagnostic features of HIT.
Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies of diffusion in bulk polystyrene near the glass transition temperature (Tg)

Etude des variations de courbe SANS au cours du recuit au-dessus de Tg et du refroidissement au-dessous de Tg afin de mesurer les coefficients de diffusion. Utilisation de la methode de Summer Field-Ullman pour la deconvolution des fractions de courbe SANS qui diminuent et augmentent avec le temps de recuit. Effets de trainage qui produisent des coefficients de diffusion apparente
Application of the variational-asymptotical method to composite plates

A method is developed for the 3D analysis of laminated plate deformation which is an extension of a variational-asymptotical method by Atilgan and Hodges (1991). Both methods are based on the treatment of plate deformation by splitting the 3D analysis into linear through-the-thickness analysis and 2D plate analysis. Whereas the first technique tackles transverse shear deformation in the second asymptotical approximation, the present method simplifies its treatment and restricts it to the first approximation. Both analytical techniques are applied to the linear cylindrical bending problem, and the strain and stress distributions are derived and compared with those of the exact solution. The present theory provides more accurate results than those of the classical laminated-plate theory for the transverse displacement of 2-, 3-, and 4-layer cross-ply laminated plates. The method can give reliable estimates of the in-plane strain and displacement distributions.
Imatinib mesylate associated with delayed hematopoietic recovery after concomitant chemotherapy

Imatinib mesylate associated with delayed hematopoietic recovery after concomitant chemotherapy
The effect of bromotrifluoromethane on operant behavior in monkeys.

Abstract Seven monkeys trained on continuous and discrete avoidance performance tasks were exposed to concentrations of bromotrifluoromethane 2 (CBrF 3 ) ranging from 10.5% to 42.0%. Significant performance decrements were observed in all subjects during exposures of 20–25% CBrF 3 . Higher concentrations resulted in impaired performance to the point of complete disruption of operant behavior in some subjects. No visible signs of central nervous system depression or analgesia accompanied this loss of ability to perform on conditioned performance tasks. These results suggest that the mechanism by which CBrF 3 causes impaired performance differs from the central nervous system depression and analgesia produced by halogenated anesthetics.
A Method for Clustering the Experiences of a Mobile Robot that Accords with Human Judgments

If robotic agents are to act autonomously they must have the ability to construct and reason about models of their physical environment. For example, planning to achieve goals requires knowledge of how the robot’s actions affect the state of the world over time. The traditional approach of handcoding this knowledge is often quite difficult, especially for robotic agents with rich sensing abilities that exist in dynamic and uncertain environments. Ideally, robots would acquire knowledge of their environment and then use this knowledge to act. We present an unsupervised learning method that allows a robotic agent to identify and represent qualitatively different outcomes of actions. Experiments with a Pioneer-1 mobile robot demonstrate the utility of the approach with respect to capturing the structure and dynamics of a complex, real-world environment, and show that the models acquired by the robot correlate surprisingly well with human models of the environment.
Haemophilus Ducreyi-Induced interleukin-10 Promotes a Mixed M1 and M2 Activation Program in Human Macrophages

During microbial infection, macrophages are polarized to classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated (M2) cells in response to microbial components and host immune mediators. Proper polarization of macrophages is critical for bacterial clearance. To study the role of macrophage polarization during Haemophilus ducreyi infection, we analyzed a panel of macrophage surface markers in skin biopsy specimens of pustules obtained from experimentally infected volunteers. Lesional macrophages expressed markers characteristic of both M1 and M2 polarization. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) also expressed a mixed M1 and M2 profile of surface markers and cytokines/chemokines upon infection with H. ducreyi in vitro. Endogenous interleukin 10 (IL-10) produced by infected MDM downregulated and enhanced expression of several M1 and M2 markers, respectively. Bacterial uptake, mediated mainly by class A scavenger receptors, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathways were required for H. ducreyi-induced IL-10 production in MDM. Compared to M1 cells, IL-10-polarized M2 cells displayed enhanced phagocytic activity against H. ducreyi and similar bacterial killing. Thus, IL-10-modulated macrophage polarization may contribute to H. ducreyi clearance during human infection.
Sokatra, a New Side-Necked Turtle (Late Cretaceous, Madagascar) and the Diversification of the Main Groups of Pelomedusoides

ABSTRACT Sokatra antitra, n. gen. et sp., is a new side-necked turtle from the Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) Maevarano Formation, Mahajanga Basin, northwestern Madagascar. Sokatra antitra is based on a series of incomplete skulls: a partial skull that lacks the premaxillae and some of the basicranium, a partial skull that has a complete ear region and partial basicranium, and other isolated specimens, including dentaries. Although this species exhibits some features of the North African and Brazilian Euraxemydidae, it does not belong to this family, but instead it is the sister taxon of the magnafamily Podocnemidera of Gaffney et al. (2006, 2011). Characters of Sokatra uniting it with the magnafamily Podocnemidera are: quadrate-basisphenoid contact, ventral covering of processus interfenestralis of opisthotic, and at least half of prootic covered ventrally The laterally open foramen jugulare posterius and the distinct accessory ridge on the maxilla are characteristic, but not unique, features shared wi...
Selective exposure to self

Abstract Male undergraduates received either an accepting or unaccepting communication from a coed. Then each subject had the opportunity to listen to his own voice or the voice of another male, and it was found that preference for listening to one's own voice was higher among subjects who had received positive feedback from the coed. There was also evidence that this pattern of selective exposure is weakened when feedback is less impactful. The results were interpreted through a theory of objective self awareness.
COL5-04 Efficacité et tolérance du linézolide (LZD) versus vancomycine (VAN) dans le traitement des infections compliquées de la peau et des tissus mous (ICPTM) documentées à SARM

Introduction et objectifs Etude randomisee, en ouvert, versus comparateur, multicentrique, dans le traitement des ICPTM, documentees a SARM. Materiels et methodes 1 052 patients âges d’au moins 18 ans, dont 16 % recrutes en Europe et 61 % aux Etats-Unis, avec des ICPTM ont ete randomises pour recevoir LNZ 600 mg IV/PO q12, ou VAN 15 mg/kg IV q12, ajustee a la ClCr, pendant 7 a 14 jours ; 640 ont ete documentes a SARM. Aztreonam et metronidazole ont ete associes si besoin. Le critere primaire d’evaluation etait l’efficacite clinique en fin d’etude (EOS, 7-10 j apres derniere prise), chez les patients remplissant les criteres d’inclusion/exclusion (per protocol PP). Les criteres secondaires incluaient le succes clinique en fin de traitement (EOT), l’efficacite microbiologique a l’EOS et l’EOT, en les analysant dans la population en intention de traiter modifiee (mITT). La non-inferiorite etait evaluee par un IC95 bilateral pour la difference dans le taux de succes a l’EOS (delta = 10 %). Resultats Il n’y a pas eu de difference majeure entre les regions concernant le critere d’efficacite. Les 3 effets indesirables lies aux traitements les plus frequents etaient : gastro-intestinaux (65 LNZ [12,1 %], 23 VAN [4,5 %]), infection/infestation (26 LNZ [4,8 %], 10 VAN [1,9 %]), et cutanees/sous-cutanees (10 LNZ [1,9 %], 35 VAN [6,8 %]).18 deces sont survenus : 11 LNZ (2,0 %), 7 VAN (1,4 %), aucun attribuable aux traitements. Conclusion LNZ est aussi efficace que VAN pour le traitement des ICPTM documentes a SARM, avec un rapport benefice risque positif. Population PP Linezolide N (%) Vancomycine N (%) p IC 95 Succes clinique EOS, n (%) 227 (100) 209 (100) 0,249 (-3 ; 11,5) Succes 191 (84,1) 167 (79,9) Echec 36 (15,9) 42 (20,1) Succes biologique EOS, n (%) 228 (100) 209 (100) 0,127 (-1,9 ; 15,0) Succes 171 (75,0) 143 (68,4) Echec 57 (25,0) 66 (31,6)
Identification of class III β-tubulin as a marker of angiogenic perivascular cells

A full understanding of the functional role for pericytes in microvascular network growth requires identifying the specific cell phenotypes involved in angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate class III β-tubulin expression along remodeling adult rat mesenteric microvascular networks. Mesenteric tissues were harvested from unstimulated adult male Wistar rats and at 2, 10 and 30 days post-compound 48/80 stimulation (n=4 per experimental group). Tissues were immunohistochemically labeled with antibodies for class III β-tubulin, NG2 and PECAM. In unstimulated microvascular networks, class III β-tubulin was nerve specific, and did not identify vascular cells along PECAM positive arterioles, venules, and capillaries. Two days post 48/80 stimuli, class III β-tubulin labeling of perivascular cells, including pericytes and smooth muscle cells, was observed along capillary sprouts, capillaries, venules, and arterioles in network regions characterized by increased vessel density and tortuosity. Pericyte identity along capillaries and capillary sprouts was confirmed by cell morphology and co-labeling with NG2. The percentage of vessels with class III β-tubulin positive labeling decreased at subsequent time points and temporally correlated with the time course of capillary sprouting. The results identify class III β-tubulin as a marker of angiogenic perivascular cells and suggest that specific pericyte phenotypes are associated with capillary sprouting.
Relationship of toxoplasma infections to other diseases in dogs

Toxoplasma infection as detected by the immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test was found in 13.2% of 448 dogs examined at the Purdue University Small Animal Clinic. Only titres of 1/64 and above were considered positive, but lesser titers were encountered more frequently. The highest titer observed was 1/1024 in 2 dogs one of which had idiopathic epilepsy and the other had dirofilariasis as well as hip dysplasia. The incidence of positive sera from male and female dogs were 11.7 and 14.5%, respectively. The highest frequency of infection occurred in young dogs up to 4 years of age and the lowest was in older animals. The presence of the high toxoplasmosis IFA titers in the sera of dogs seems to be associated with other disease conditions. Stress such as joint dislocations, fractures, helminth parasitism, and concomitant bacterial and viral infections, etc., was observed in 62.7% of the positive cases. Presence of tumors and renal disease conditions were associated with 28.8 and 5.2%, respectively, of the positive sera.
Arp2/3 ATP hydrolysis: to branch or to debranch?

Actin filament branch initiation by the Arp2/3 complex requires that the Arp2 and Arp3 subunits are loaded with ATP. However, whether ATP hydrolysis is required for branch initiation or subsequent debranching is controversial. New analysis of budding yeast Arp2/3 mutants suggests that debranching, not branching, depends on ATP hydrolysis.
Education and equality: Comparative perspectives on the expansion of education and women in the post-war period

Abstract This article surveys the expansion of women's primary, secondary and higher education enrollments worldwide in the post-war period and asks if that expansion led to equality of access, process, outcome and output with males. While equality of access to education has been achieved in a number of countries, even to higher education, women do not receive the same quality and kind of education as do men. As educational opportunity expands for women, greater differentiation between male and female schooling appears to occur. The article also looks at the labor force and political outcomes of women's education and asks if they have changed as a result of changed women's educational opportunity. While women's educational enrollments have expanded, there have been few changes in women's participation in the labor force; in fact in Third World countries there has been an erosion in female employment. Women's income relative to men's has remained stagnant and in many countries changes in women's educational levels have been accompanied by progressive political disenfranchisement.
Synthesis of perfluoroalkyl steroids as CO-emulsifying agents for 1-bromoperfluorooctane and other perfluorocompounds

Abstract Syntheses of steroids substituted with perfluoroalkyl groups at C-3, C-7, and C-20 positions on the steroid nucleus are described. Synthetic methods employed included coupling of perfluoroalkylcopper with allylic bromides and Grignard reactions. Free radical additions of perfluoroalkyl iodide to unsaturated steroids and reaction of perfluoroalkyl Grignard reagents with 6-ketosteroid were unsuccessful. Perfluoroalkyl -substituted steroids are desired for testing as co-emulsifying agents in perfluorooctyl bromide/water emulsions which are used as blood substitutes ( synthetic blood ). A rationale for the choice of perfluorooctyl bromide as the oxygen-carrying agent in the fluorocarbon-based blood substitute and on the use of perfluoroalkyl-substituted steroids as co-emulsifying agents is also reported.
Male specific expression of a cytochrome P450 (Cyp312a1) in Drosophila melanogaster

Using cDNA array techniques, the transcriptional levels of Drosophila cytochrome P450 (P450) genes were compared between male and female flies. Of the 86 P450s, 15 isoforms were picked up and the levels of transcription were confirmed by the real time quantitative RT-PCR. Cyp315a1 and Cyp302a1, which had been reported as P450s involved in the ecdysteroid biosynthesis, were included in the 15 isoforms and expression of these P450s was 8.6- and 7.9-fold higher in females than in males, respectively. In addition, we confirmed that expression of Cyp312a1 was 82-fold higher in adult males than females. This gene expression was observed mostly in the abdomen and its transcription level gradually increased from pupal stage and peaked in the 5-day-old adult. Furthermore, the male specific expression of Cyp312a1 was universally observed in three Drosophila strains originated from the USA (Oregon R), China (Canton S), and Japan (HKJ), suggesting possible involvement of this P450 in significant endogenous catalytic reaction(s). This is the first report of a P450 enzyme being predominantly expressed in male Drosophila.
Sound generated in a cascade by three-dimensional disturbances convected in a subsonic flow

Discrete tone sound generation in a subsonic fan subject to three-dimensional disturbances is investigated. The analytical model used treats the fan rotor and stator as linear cascades of thin airfoils in a rectangular duct subject to a three-dimensional gust for which a complete aerodynamic theory already exists. The sound pressure can then be cast as the sum of a finite number of discrete sound waves (modes) the magnitude of which depends on an unknown function satisfying a singular integral equation. Similarity rules are derived to reduce the problem to that of a two-dimensional gust. Three-dimensional effects on the cut-off condition, the sound pressure, and the acoustic power are first investigated for each mode. The theory is then applied to noise generated by typical rotor-wake-defect and rotor-tip-vortex disturbances interacting with a stator.