cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of epilarynx area on vocal fold dynamics

Objective This study investigated the influence of epilarynx area on an excised human vocal fold during phonation. Study design A hemilarynx set-up using an excised human larynx was used. An artificial vocal tract with an epilarynx tube of variable cross-sectional area was attached. High-speed imaging was performed and standard phonatory variables were measured. Results Glottal airflow, fundamental frequency, and sound level increased as a function of subglottal pressure. A decrease in epilarynx area decreased phonation threshold pressure, glottal airflow, and vocal fold displacements and velocities. Conclusions Preliminary experimental results confirm that narrowing the epilarynx area facilitates phonation by decreasing phonation threshold pressure, presumably through impedance matching of the glottal source and vocal tract. Significance As this phenomenon associated with epilarynx narrowing is further quantified and generalized, eventually new surgical alterations of the epilaryngeal structure may be suggested to facilitate phonation, in addition to standard phonosurgical procedures.
Calculations of band gaps in polyaniline from theoretical studies of oligomers

Geometries and band gaps of polyaniline oligomers up to decamer have been systematically calculated and analyzed using various computational techniques such as molecular mechanics, semiempirical, and ab initio methods. On the basis of fully optimized geometries of neutral and charged forms of polyaniline oligomers, excitation energies are calculated at the semiempirical ZINDO (INDO/S) level and extrapolated to the band gap value of the infinite chain. Band gaps are also approximated by extrapolating the HOMO/LUMO difference calculated at the density functional level (B3LYP/6-31G*). The ZINDO//AM1 band gaps in the reduced and oxidized form of polyaniline (4.3 and 2.7 eV) are in good agreement with experimental values (3.8 ± 2 and 1.8 ± 3 eV, respectively). The doped form of polyaniline (two positive charges per four aniline units) has been computed with a spin-unrestricted method (UAM1) and the band gap approximated from an extrapolation of the tetramer and octamer. The calculated band gap of 1.3 eV (UZIND...
Finding Joy in Social Work: Interpersonal Sources:

Despite the social work profession's strengths orientation, research on its workforce tends to focus on problems (e.g., depression, problem drinking, compassion fatigue, and burnout). In contrast, this study explored ways in which social workers find joy in their work. We used an appreciative inquiry approach, semistructured interviews (n = 26), and a collaborative grounded theory method of analysis. Participants identified interpersonal (making connections and making a difference) and intrapersonal (making meaning and making a life) sources of joy and reflected significant personal initiative in the process of finding joy. The focus of this article is on the interpersonal sources of joy of making connections and making a difference. We discuss implications for social work practice.
Women's Work and Health in the Dominican Republic

Numerous studies have shown that women's participation in the economy of Caribbean and Latin American countries has dramatically increased over the past three decades. Researchers and international health agencies have pointed out that health indicators related to working conditions in developing countries are less frequently found or unavailable despite the growth in the number of women engaged in both the formal and informal economy. Although women's participation in paid and nonpaid economic activities is important to national economies and household survival, knowledge of their morbidity profile in relation to their working environments continues to be limited.
Experience In Visual Simulation With Implication For A Systematic Approach To Development

Simulation of the visual aspects to flight has been the curse of both the simulator user and the simulator producing industry for many years. The United States Air Force, during the past 15 years, has been involved in at least 12 visual simulation programs. The degree of success of these programs, with the exception of a few, has been limited.© (1969) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis and the prevention of preterm birth: a meta-analysis

PREVENTION OF PRETERM BIRTH: A META-ANALYSIS ANA VIDAL, NIKOLAOS ZACHARIAS, LUIS DIEGO PACHECO, GEORGE SAADE, University of Texas Medical Branch, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Galveston, TX OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in asymptomatic women for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB) using a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCT’s). STUDY DESIGN: We searched the literature for RCT’s that probed the use of antibiotic treatment for BV during pregnancy and had PTB as one of the outcomes. The random-effects model was used for analysis. Two definitions of high risk population were used for subgroup analysis: A) studies that included patients with a history of preterm delivery ( 15% in the placebo arm. RESULTS: We included 13 RCT’s (4,824 women) between 1991 and 2003. The use of antibiotics was not associated with an overall reduction in the risk of PTB (RR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.78-1.02). Five studies enrolled high risk gravidas by definition A (506 women, 44.4% median incidence of PTB in the placebo arm) and 5 by definition B (632 women, 34.7% median incidence of PTB in the placebo arm). Eight studies enrolled gravidas not at high risk by definition A (4,318 women, 9.4% median incidence of PTB in the placebo arm) and 8 by definition B (4,192 women, 8.2%median incidence of PTB in the placebo arm). When subdivided by risk, there was a significant reduction in PTB in the high risk group with definition A (RR = 0.77; 95%CI: 0.63-0.95) and definition B (RR = 0.80; 95%CI: 0.65-0.97). In non high risk groups there was a small but not significant reduction in the risk for PTB (definition A: RR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.811.15, definition B: RR = 0.96: 95%CI: 0.80-1.14). Heterogeneity was noted in the high-risk group by both definitions. CONCLUSION: Despite a recent article indicating a decrease of PTB in asymptomatic women treated for BV, analysis of the literature shows that antibiotics decrease the incidence of PTB only in pregnancies at risk for PTB.
Morphology of the Eosinophil in Japanese Quail

Abstract Eosinophils from Japanese quail exhibit characteristic vacuoles when blood smears are stained with May-Grunwald-Wright stain and when fresh blood preparations are stained with neutral red. These vacuoles are the distinguishing trait of this leucocytic cell-type in Japanese quail. Thus, eosinophils in Japanese quail can be differentiated from heterophils and eosinophils in the chicken and other avian species.
A dual-mixed approximation method for a three-field model of a nonlinear generalized Stokes problem

In this work a dual-mixed approximation of a nonlinear generalized Stokes problem is studied. The problem is analyzed in Sobolev spaces which arise naturally in the problem formulation. Existence and uniqueness results are given and error estimates are derived. It is shown that both lowest-order and higher-order mixed finite elements are suitable for the approximation method. Numerical experiments that support the theoretical results are presented.
Molecular characterization of plasmid pMoma1of Moraxella macacae, a newly described bacterial pathogen of macaques

We report the complete nucleotide sequence and characterization of a small cryptic plasmid of Moraxella macacae 0408225, a newly described bacterial species within the family Moraxellaceae and a causative agent of epistaxis in macaques. The complete nucleotide sequence of the plasmid pMoma1 was determined and found to be 5,375 bp in size with a GC content of 37.4 %. Computer analysis of the sequence data revealed five open reading frames encoding putative proteins of 54.4 kDa (ORF1), 17.6 kDa (ORF2), 13.3 kDa (ORF3), 51.6 kDa (ORF4), and 25.0 kDa (ORF5). ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3 encode putative proteins with high identity (72, 42, and 55 %, respectively) to mobilization proteins of plasmids found in other Moraxella species. ORF3 encodes a putative protein with similarity (about 40 %) to several plasmid replicase (RepA) proteins. The fifth open reading frames (ORF) was most similar to hypothetical proteins with unknown functions, although domain analysis of this sequence suggests it belongs to the Abi-like protein family. Upstream of the repA gene, a 470-bp intergenic region, was identified that contained an AT-rich section and two sets of tandem direct and indirect repeats, consistent with a putative origin of replication site. In contrast to other plasmids of Moraxella, the occurrence of pMoma1 in M. macacae isolates appears to be common as PCR testing of 14 clinical isolates from two different research institutions all contained the plasmid.
Neutron Capture Therapy - Theory versus Practice

The principles involved in boron neutron capture therapy are described. In this method, /sup 10/B is administered in a compound expected to localize in the tumor and highly localized tumor irradiation is received from the /sup 10/B(n,..cap alpha..)/sup 7/Li reaction. Depth-dose patterns in a phantom are presented and some chemical experience is also discussed.
Biology of HIV Mucosal Transmission

Purpose of reviewHIV-1 mucosal transmission plays a critical role in HIV-1 infection and AIDS pathogenesis. This review summarizes the latest advances in biological studies of HIV-1 mucosal transmission, highlighting the implications of these studies in the development of microbicides to prevent HIV
Resistance of α-crystallin-glutathione mixed-disulfide to tryptic digestion

Protein-mixed disulfides (PSSG) were formed by interaction of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) with lens crystallins. Total water-soluble crystallins and α-crystallin purified on a Sephacryl S-200 column were separately incubated with 0, 2, 4, and 8 mM (final concentrations) GSSG overnight and then dialyzed to remove unbound GSSG and GSH. Either TPCK-treated trypsin or TLCK-treated α-chymotrypsin were added to about 200 μg crystallin samples and incubated for 20 min at room temperature. Reactions were terminated by boiling in SUS-mercaptoethanol-Tris (pH 6.8) solution and subjected to electrophoresis on 10% polyacrylamide slab gels. Comparison of SDS-PAGE patterns of proteolysis with or without GSSG treatment showed that GSSG at a concentration of 2 mM or higher reduced or abolished proteolysis of α-crystallin by trypsin but not by α-chymotrypsin. The protective effect of GSSG was greater with α-crystallin than with β-crystallins. Addition of α-crystallin-mixed-disulfide to an assay system in which trypsin wa...
Protein Supply from Undegraded Dietary Protein

A summary of in vivo estimates of the amount of dietary protein from individual feedstuffs that escapes microbial degradation in the rumen is presented. Values range from approximately 20% for protein in barley, oats, wheat, and alfalfa silage to 65 to 70% for protein in fish meal and animal by-products. In vitro or in situ methods for estimating protein degradation can be used, but at this stage of development, the methodology is more useful in providing a relative ranking of feedstuffs on the basis of protein degradation than in providing absolute estimates of protein degradation. A number of factors influence protein breakdown in the rumen, including extent of crosslinking in the protein (disulfide bonds), retention time in the rumen, protein solubility, and processing and storage effects on protein. It is important to consider the amino acid content of the undegraded dietary protein, particularly lysine and methionine, two amino acids likely to be limiting for milk production. Strategies for using protected proteins in dairy cattle diets are discussed.
Endogenous opioids and alcohol dependence: opioid alkaloids and the propensity to drink alcoholic beverages

Rats consume alcoholic beverages in a wide variety of circumstances. Opioid antagonists, naloxone and naltrexone, decrease intake of many ingesta, including alcoholic beverages. Small doses of morphine increase intake of alcoholic beverages. Further, the effects of small doses of morphine are persistent and there is no sign that tolerance to morphine's ability to increase alcohol intake develops as seen with morphine's ability to produce analgesia. Morphine's effects can combine with other variables that enhance intake of alcoholic beverages to produce very large daily intakes of ethanol. These generalizations, from a large number of separate experiments, support the conclusion that alcoholism is a special case of an ingestive disorder involving opioidergic systems.
Design of fish fin actuators using shape memory alloy composites

The present paper considers a design of fish fin actuators based on shape memory alloy composites composed of a couple of plates with the opposite functions. Both SMA plates, whose microstructure is either martensite or austenite, are individually arranged in parallel and operated as a bias to each other. The actuation mechanism is based on change in elastic constant, from stiff to soft during austenite to martensite transformation. First, a preliminary model of the elastic and superelastic deformation is proposed for prediction of the optimum curvature of SMA plates, which enable us to control the steering of an underwater object. The analytical model provides the relationship between the bending moment and the curvature for the composite plates in each deformation range. For a given velocity of a moving fish robot, the underwater curvature and bending moment of its plates is successfully obtained. We design such a fish fin actuator made of a set of different types of SMA composite plates which are embedded in an elastometer matrix to form a fish tail fin.
Isolation, characterization and functional assessment of a hemagglutinin from the plasma of Biomphalariaglabrata, intermediate host of Schistosomamansoni

An agglutinin from the plasma of Biomphalaria glabrata, vector of Schistosoma mansoni, has been isolated and partially characterized. Its isolation is a simple two-step process, yielding an essentially pure preparation that can then be manipulated free from other plasma components. It is a large glycoprotein (10(6) daltons), found in four of the five snail strains tested, and possesses affinity for galactose-type sugar residues. Based upon criteria such as molecular weight, carbohydrate and erythrocyte specificity, physical stability and anatomical source, this agglutinin is considered to be distinct from others reported from this mollusc. Involvement of the agglutinin in the host-parasite interaction is discussed.
How DNA polymerase X preferentially accommodates incoming dATP opposite 8-oxoguanine on the template.

The modified base 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (oxoG) is a common DNA adduct produced by the oxidation of DNA by reactive oxygen species. Kinetic data reveal that DNA polymerase X (pol X) from the African swine fever virus incorporates adenine (dATP) opposite to oxoG with higher efficiency than the non-damaged G:C basepair. To help interpret the kinetic data, we perform molecular dynamics simulations of pol X/DNA complexes, in which the template base opposite to the incoming dNTP (dCTP, dATP, dGTP) is oxoG. Our results suggest that pol X accommodates the oxoGsyn:A mispair by sampling closed active conformations that mirror those observed in traditional Watson-Crick complexes. Moreover, for both the oxoGsyn:A and oxoG:C ternary complexes, conformational sampling of the polymerase follows previously described large subdomain movements, local residue motions, and active site reorganization. Interestingly, the oxoGsyn:A system exhibits superior active site geometry in comparison to the oxoG:C system. Simulations for the other mismatch basepair complexes reveal large protein subdomain movement for all systems, except for oxoG:G, which samples conformations close to the open state. In addition, active site geometry and basepairing of the template base with the incoming nucleotide, reveal distortions and misalignments that range from moderate (i.e., oxoG:Asyn) to extreme (i.e., oxoGanti/syn:G). These results agree with the available kinetic data for pol X and provide structural insights regarding the mechanism by which this polymerase can accommodate incoming nucleotides opposite oxoG. Our simulations also support the notion that α-helix E is involved both in DNA binding and active site stabilization. Our proposed mechanism by which pol X can preferentially accommodate dATP opposite template oxoG further underscores the role that enzyme dynamics and conformational sampling operate in polymerase fidelity and function.
Arthroscopic reattachment of osteochondritis dissecans lesions using resorbable polydioxanone pins.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Debridement of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) cartilage lesions results in fibrocartilage and imperfect hyaline repair tissue, and forms a permanent irregularity to the subchondral bone plate. Objective: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic and outcome effects of OCD cartilage flap reattachment for select lesions as an alternative to OCD debridement. Hypothesis: Separated cartilage flaps resulting from OCD lesions may be re-incorporated into the hyaline cartilage surface by reattachment rather than debridement and removal. Methods: Resorbable polydioxanone pins were used to reattach OCD flap lesions in 16 joints of 12 horses. Criteria for attachment, rather than removal, included an unmineralised cartilage flap on preoperative radiographs and a relatively smooth surface with some residual perimeter attachment at surgery. Results: There were 12 subjects, 6 males and 6 females, 7 Thoroughbred or Standardbred weanlings, 3 Warmbloods, 1 Arabian and 1 Quarter Horse, mean age at surgery 6.8 months. All horses had effusion of the affected femoropatellar joint (n = 9), tarsocrural joint (n = 1) or fetlock (n = 2). Radiographic lesions varied in length between 1.8–6.3 cm; reattachment was used in 16 of 18 affected joints and the OCD cartilage was not satisfactory for salvage in 2 stifles. Number of pins required was 2–10. One horse was subjected to euthanasia due to a tendon laceration 8 weeks after surgery; of the remaining 11 horses, mean duration of follow-up was 3.9 years (range 4 months-8 years). Nine of these were sound and had entered work, while 2 were sound but remained unbroken 4 and 6 months post operatively, respectively. Radiographic resolution of the OCD lesion occurred in 14 of 16 pinned joints in the 9 horses with long-term follow-up. The 2 remaining joints had a 3 and a 5 mm mineralised flap in the original defect sites. Conclusions: This study indicated cartilage flap reattachment was an alternative to removal in selected OCD lesions. Potential relevance: Relatively smooth OCD cartilage flaps may be salvaged by reattachment and can result in normal radiographic subchondral contour and a high likelihood of athletic performance. Further case numbers are required to determine which lesions are too irregular or contain too much mineral for effective incorporation after reattachment.
NOS inhibition blunts and delays the compensatory dilation in hypoperfused contracting human muscles

We previously demonstrated that skeletal muscle blood flow is restored in the exercising forearm during experimental hypoperfusion via local dilator and/or myogenic mechanisms. This study examined ...
Estradiol target sites immunoreactive for β-endorphin in the arcuate nucleus of rat and mouse hypothalamus

Abstract Combined autoradiography and immunocytochemistry was performed to examine estradiol-concentrating neurons of the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized rats and mice for β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity. A high number of [ 3 H]estradiol-labeled cells occurred in the arcuate nucleus of both species. Neurons immunoreactive for β-endorphin could be visualized throughout the arcuate nucleus as well as ventrolaterally outside of this nucleus. Colocalization of [ 3 H]estradiol nuclear labeling and β-endorphin-like cytoplasmic immunoreactivity could be found scattered throughout the arcuate nucleus, most frequently in the ventromedial part, although most of the [ 3 H]estradiol target neurons did not react with the antibodies. The results suggest that a subpopulation of β-endorphin neurons is directly addressed by estradiol and that the arcuate nucleus contains different groups of estradiol receptive neurosecretory cells.
Ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of coronal streamers in the SOHO era

Measurements made with the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory can be used to determine physical parameters in the solar corona such as hydrogen and ion kinetic temperatures, electron densities, and absolute elemental abundances. Hydrogen and ion outflow velocities can be determined by combining the UV spectroscopic measurements with white light polarized brightness measurements. These combined measurements can be used to reveal physical characteristics of coronal streamers. To date we have studied plasma properties, such as the variation of plasma outflows in quiescent streamers, primarily in classic helmet streamers at solar minimum. Out-flows have not been observed in the centers of coronal streamers suggesting that these are closed magnetic field regions. We propose to study all of the coronal streamers in the UVCS synoptic dataset in order to investigate different types of streamers and their long-term evolution.
Fourteen and six per second positive spike pattern in a patient with hepatic coma

Abstract The finding of the 14 and 6 c/sec positive spike pattern in the EEG of a patient deeply comatose from infectious hepatitis was described and the significance of this observation was briefly discussed.
Metastatic Breast Carcinoma to the Abdomen and Pelvis

Abstract Objective. The role of surgical resection of metastatic breast cancer to the abdomen and pelvis is controversial. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics, surgical management, and outcome of women with a history of breast adenocarcinoma who developed abdominal or pelvic metastases during follow-up. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 female patients with documented invasive breast cancer who were referred to the Gynecology Service between 1986 and 1995 and were found to have metachronous abdominal and/or pelvic metastases. Results. The median patient age at exploration by the Gynecology Service was 53.5 years (range 27–79 years), and the median interval from breast cancer diagnosis to exploration was 80 months (range 9–264 months). The majority of patients, 32 (80%), had a preoperative diagnosis of a new pelvic mass or suspected abdominal carcinomatosis. With a median follow-up of 14.2 months following the diagnosis of abdominal or pelvic metastasis, the median survival for all patients was 24.1 months. Patients who had no gross residual disease in the abdomen or pelvis after surgery had a median survival of 41.6 months, which did not significantly differ from those with gross residual ≤2 cm (16.1 months) or >2 cm (18.4 months) ( P = 0.624). Conclusion. Metachronous abdominal and pelvic metastases from breast cancer may appear many years following initial diagnosis and are often operated on by gynecologists because of their clinical presentation. Surgical resection may be indicated in some symptomatic patients; however, the survival advantage of surgical cytoreduction remains to be determined.
Prediction of structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate our sense of vision, smell, taste, and pain. They are also involved in cell recognition and communication processes, and hence have emerged as a prominent superfamily for drug targets. Unfortunately, the atomic-level structure is available for only one GPCR (bovine rhodopsin), making it difficult to use structure-based methods to design drugs and mutation experiments. We have recently developed first principles methods (MembStruk and HierDock) for predicting structure of GPCRs, and for predicting the ligand binding sites and relative binding affinities. Comparing to the one case with structural data, bovine rhodopsin, we find good accuracy in both the structure of the protein and of the bound ligand. We report here the application of MembStruk and HierDock to β1-adrenergic receptor, endothelial differential gene 6, mouse and rat I7 olfactory receptors, and human sweet receptor. We find that the predicted structure of β1-adrenergic receptor leads to a binding site for epinephrine that agrees well with the mutation experiments. Similarly the predicted binding sites and affinities for endothelial differential gene 6, mouse and rat I7 olfactory receptors, and human sweet receptor are consistent with the available experimental data. These predicted structures and binding sites allow the design of mutation experiments to validate and improve the structure and function prediction methods. As these structures are validated they can be used as targets for the design of new receptor-selective antagonists or agonists for GPCRs.
Effect of Wordline/Bitline Scaling on the Performance, Energy Consumption, and Reliability of Cross-Point Memory Array

The impact of wordline/bitline metal wire scaling on the write/read performance, energy consumption, speed, and reliability of the cross-point memory array is quantitatively studied for technology nodes down to single-digit nm. The impending resistivity increase in the Cu wires is found to cause significant decrease of both write and read window margins at the regime when electron surface scattering and grain boundary scattering are substantial. At deeply-scaled device dimensions, the wire energy dissipation and wire latency become comparable to or even exceed the intrinsic values of memory cells. The large current density flowing through the wordlines/bitlines raises additional reliability concerns for the cross-point memory array. All these issues are exacerbated at smaller memory resistance values and larger memory array sizes. They thereby impose strict constraints on the memory device design and preclude the realization of large-scale cross-point memory array with minimum feature sizes beyond the 10 nm node. A rethink in the design methodology of cross-point memory to incorporate and mitigate the scaling effects of wordline/bitline is necessary. Possible solutions include the use of memory wires with better conductivity and scalability, memory arrays with smaller partition sizes, and memory elements with larger resistance values and resistance ratios.
Depolarization ratio in Raman spectroscopy as a function of frequency

A method for determining the depolarization ratio in Raman spectroscopy as a function of the scattering frequency (to the resolution limit of the spectrometer) is described. The method is analyzed briefly and compared to current methods. Experimental results for four well-known Raman bands of liquids are reported.
Combining Global and Local Estimates for Spatial Distribution of Mosquito Larval Habitats

Malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes, is the leading cause of mortality in many African countries. This study assesses the spatial distribution of mosquito larval habitats on the highlands of western Kenya. Environmental factors such as ter- rain, land use, and surface waters are evaluated for their influence on the habitats. Logistic regression is used to model the global trend in the variation of larval habi- tats, while kriging is used to model the spatially dependent local variation. Results show notable improvement in modeling accuracy by combining the regression and kriging estimates over using the regression estimate alone.
Strand displacement in DNA-based materials systems

Hybridization activity between single-stranded DNA has been well-studied for decades and employed in numerous schemes ranging from nucleic acid detection to oligonucleotide-linked nanostructures. The related, but distinct activity involving strand exchange in duplexes, however, has received less attention. The recent emergence of DNA-based technologies in which strand exchange or displacement events play key functional roles warrants a deeper understanding of how these secondary hybridization events can uniquely enable sequence recognition-based reaction cascades and reversible or reconfigurable assembly schemes in materials systems. The following review discusses the development and implementation of DNA strand exchange events for a range of nanoscale and mesoscale structures in responsive materials.
SU‐E‐J‐13: A Study to Establish the Effect of CBCT Image Rotational Displacement on IGRT and ART Lung SBRT Treatments

Purpose: To determine whether the accuracy of CBCT based IGRT and ART lungSBRTtreatments may require extra quality assurance (QA) steps. Methods: During CBCT Rando phantom acquisition we detected an unexpected ∼2° image rotation when comparing the CW and CCW acquired scans. Misregistered angular coordinates may Result in a rotated reconstructed image and the target localization may lead to an under‐ or over‐dosage of the target volume (TV) and organs at risk (OARs). The effect of image rotation on CBCT‐guided lungSBRT was retrospectively examined in a group of six patients treated at our institution. Patient CT sets were rotated by 1,2, and 3°. Treatment plans were recalculated using these rotated images to examine changes of dose‐volume histogram indicators for IGRT and ART guided treatments. C++ simulations were run to evaluate the effect of CBCTimage rotation. Results: We determined through mathematical analysis that the dose coverage of the TV is dependent on its shape, location and orientation relative to isocenter. Dosimetric evaluation of lungSBRT patients showed that even for 1< N2<3°, changes in D95 to the PTV were from 2.3 ± 2.1 to 11.5 ± 3.9% for IGRT and from 8.5 ± 8.4 to 16.6 ± 8.0% for ART. Significant changes were also detected at critical structure level. Conclusions: When IGRT and ART are employed for lungSBRTtreatments, significant dosimetric changes may Result from the rotation of CBCTimage data sets. The extent of alterations in dose indicators depends on both the shape of the TV and its relative location to isocenter. Based on our results, angular alignment of CBCT to <1° is essential in maintaining accurate dose delivery of IGRT and ART based lungSBRTtreatments.
Live dynamic imaging and analysis of developmental cardiac defects in mouse models with optical coherence tomography

Understanding mouse embryonic development is an invaluable resource for our interpretation of normal human embryology and congenital defects. Our research focuses on developing methods for live imaging and dynamic characterization of early embryonic development in mouse models of human diseases. Using multidisciplinary methods: optical coherence tomography (OCT), live mouse embryo manipulations and static embryo culture, molecular biology, advanced image processing and computational modeling we aim to understand developmental processes. We have developed an OCT based approach to image live early mouse embryos (E8.5 – E9.5) cultured on an imaging stage and visualize developmental events with a spatial resolution of a few micrometers (less than the size of an individual cell) and a frame rate of up to hundreds of frames per second and reconstruct cardiodynamics in 4D (3D+time). We are now using these methods to study how specific embryonic lethal mutations affect cardiac morphology and function during early development.
The molecular logic of endocannabinoid signalling

The endocannabinoids are a family of lipid messengers that engage the cell surface receptors that are targeted by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active principle in marijuana (Cannabis). They are made on demand through cleavage of membrane precursors and are involved in various short-range signalling processes. In the brain, they combine with CB1 cannabinoid receptors on axon terminals to regulate ion channel activity and neurotransmitter release. Their ability to modulate synaptic efficacy has a wide range of functional consequences and provides unique therapeutic possibilities.
Protests by the young and digitally restless: the means, motives, and opportunities of anti-government demonstrations

Inspired by the recent wave of global protests, this paper seeks to empirically investigate the role and interaction of a burgeoning young population and the penetration of information and communications technology (ICT) in explaining the onset and diffusion of anti-government demonstrations. Employing a cross-national global analysis between the years 1995 and 2011, we find that youth bulges and ICT affect protest activities in a more complicated and nuanced manner than the conventional wisdom suggests. The proliferation of anti-government protests is multiplicatively heightened when the enhanced technological means of protest are fused with the structural and opportunity-based conditions often witnessed in countries with large youth bulges. In contrast, we do not find that either of our variables of interest affects the probability of the outbreak of protests, which is rather explained by more contextual factors. A nuance in our results pertaining to the prevalence of protests suggests that it is the pr...
Migration Energy of an Interstitial He Atom in LiH

The method of lattice statics is used to study the distortion of the LiH crystal with an interstitial He atom in the body-centered or face-centered position. In these calculations, one needs to know the defect-host-ion interaction potentials and the dynamical matrix of the undistorted host crystal. The Heitler-London method is used to estimate the defect-host-ion interaction potentials. The dynamical matrix of the perfect crystal is calculated on the basis of the deformation dipole model. The formation energies are computed for the two defect positions and their difference, 0.650 eV, gives the migration energy of an interstitial He atom in LiH. The calculated migration energy is discussed in light of the high-temperature experimental result for the activation energy of diffusion of He gas in LiH crystal (1.22 eV).
Small-angle neutron scattering of soot formed in laminar premixed ethylene flames

We used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to measure soot development in one-dimensional, laminarpremixed flames. Scattering spectra were collected for two sooting ethylene/oxygen/argon flames at six positions above the burner surface. A detailed analysis of the scattering signals yielded the basic properties of the soot size distributions as a function of position. The experiments demonstrate that SANS can be used to extract spatially resolved, quantitative information about incipient soot formation and growth with better particle size resolution than light scattering and extinction.
Asymptotically stationary and static spacetimes and shear free null geodesic congruences

In classical electromagnetic theory, one formally defines the complex dipole moment (the electric plus 'i' magnetic dipole) and then computes (and defines) the complex center of charge by transforming to a complex frame where the complex dipole moment vanishes. Analogously in asymptotically flat spacetimes, it has been shown that one can determine the complex center of mass by transforming the complex gravitational dipole (mass dipole plus 'i' angular momentum) (via an asymptotic tetrad transformation) to a frame where the complex dipole vanishes.We apply this procedure to such spacetimes which are asymptotically stationary or static, and observe that the calculations can be performed exactly, without any use of the approximation schemes which must be employed in general. In particular, we are able to exactly calculate complex center of mass and charge world-lines for such spacetimes, and—as a special case—when these two complex world-lines coincide, we recover the Dirac value of the gyromagnetic ratio.
Origins of submovements during pointing movements

Submovements that are frequently observed in the final portion of pointing movements have traditionally been viewed as pointing accuracy adjustments. Here we re-examine this long-lasting interpretation by developing evidence that many of submovements may be non-corrective fluctuations arising from various sources of motor output variability. In particular, non-corrective submovements may emerge during motion termination and during motion of low speed. The contribution of these factors and the factor of accuracy regulation in submovement production is investigated here by manipulating movement mode (discrete, reciprocal, and passing) and target size (small and large). The three modes provided different temporal combinations of accuracy regulation and motion termination, thus allowing us to disentangle submovements associated with each factor. The target size manipulations further emphasized the role of accuracy regulation and provided variations in movement speed. Gross and fine submovements were distinguished based on the degree of perturbation of smooth motion. It was found that gross submovements were predominantly related to motion termination and not to pointing accuracy regulation. Although fine submovements were more frequent during movements to small than to large targets, other results show that they may also be not corrective submovements but rather motion fluctuations attributed to decreases in movement speed accompanying decreases in target size. Together, the findings challenge the traditional interpretation, suggesting that the majority of submovements are fluctuations emerging from mechanical and neural sources of motion variability. The implications of the findings for the mechanisms responsible for accurate target achievement are discussed.
Developmental prosopagnosia and super-recognition: no special role for surface reflectance processing.

Face recognition by normal subjects depends in roughly equal proportions on shape and surface reflectance cues, while object recognition depends predominantly on shape cues. It is possible that developmental prosopagnosics are deficient not in their ability to recognize faces per se, but rather in their ability to use reflectance cues. Similarly, super-recognizers’ exceptional ability with face recognition may be a result of superior surface reflectance perception and memory. We tested this possibility by administering tests of face perception and face recognition in which only shape or reflectance cues are available to developmental prosopagnosics, super-recognizers, and control subjects. Face recognition ability and the relative use of shape and pigmentation were unrelated in all the tests. Subjects who were better at using shape or reflectance cues were also better at using the other type of cue. These results do not support the proposal that variation in surface reflectance perception ability is the underlying cause of variation in face recognition ability. Instead, these findings support the idea that face recognition ability is related to neural circuits using representations that integrate shape and pigmentation information.
A conservative three-dimensional Eulerian method for coupled solid-fluid shock capturing

A new method is presented for the explicit Eulerian finite difference computation of shock capturing problems involving multiple resolved material phases in three dimensions. We solve separately for each phase the equations of fluid dynamics or solid mechanics, using as interface boundary conditions artificially extended representations of the individual phases. For fluids we use a new 3D spatially unsplit implementation of the piecewise parabolic (PPM) method of Colella and Woodward. For solids we use the 3D spatially unsplit Eulerian solid mechanics method of Miller and Colella. Vacuum and perfectly incompressible obstacles may also be employed as phases.A separate problem is the time evolution of material interfaces, which are represented by planar segments constructed with a volume-of-fluid method. The volume fractions are advanced in time using a second-order 3D spatially unsplit advection routine with a velocity field determined by solution of interface-normal two-phase Riemann problems. From the Riemann problem solutions we also determine cross-interface momentum and energy fluxes.The volume fractions in mixed cells may be arbitrarily small, which would ordinarily make the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy time step stability limit arbitrarily small as well. We overcome this limitation using the mass-redistribution formalism to conservatively redistribute generalized mass in the neighborhood of the split cells.We present an application of this method to an explosion contained in a metal can: a reactive fluid (approximating PBX 9404) is encased within an elastic-plastic solid (approximating copper) surrounded by vacuum. Our implementation is in parallel, and with adaptive mesh refinement.
Advanced malignant mesothelioma mimicking acute contained thoracic aortic rupture

In the emergent setting, patients presenting with acute interscapular pain along with haemodynamic instability require immediate evaluation. We describe the case of a patient in which computed tomographic scanning demonstrated a large hyper-dense, periaortic collection on post-contrast imaging. Urgent endovascular repair was performed for descending thoracic aortic rupture. Her postoperative course, however, was atypical with a readmission 1 week after discharge with symptoms similar to her primary presentation. Alternative pathologies were then considered in a more elective setting in which the correct diagnosis of diffuse malignant mesothelioma was ultimately discovered in a patient with no previous exposure to occupational toxins. The tumour burden was advanced and the patient opted for palliative care. Herein, we suggest a consideration for oncological thoracic pathology in patients presenting with signs and symptoms mimicking acute thoracic aortic rupture or dissection, who may demonstrate atypical symptoms.
Some varied effects of punishment on ongoing avoidance behavior in the hamster

Hamsters were trained to avoid shock by leaving a startbox and traversing a straight alley. During the first extinction phase (Phase I), one group was given 20 regular extinction (RE) trials, while a second group was given shock punishment (PE) in the center of the alley. During the last 30 extinction trials (Phase II), conditions were reversed for the groups. Unlike earlier research with other species, punishment typically suppressed running, especially in the prepunishment area. However, a temporary punishment induced facilitation of alley speed was found.
Page Oriented Holographic Memories And Optical Pattern Recognition

In the twenty-two years since VanderLugt's introduction of holographic matched filtering, the intensive research carried out throughout the world has led to no applications in complex environment. This leads one to the suspicion that the VanderLugt filter technique is insufficiently complex to handle truly complex problems. Therefore, it is of great interest to increase the complexity of the VanderLugt filtering operation. We introduce here an approach to the real time filter assembly: use of page oriented holographic memories and optically addressed SLMs to achieve intelligent and fast reprogramming of the filters using a 10 4 to 10 6 stored pattern base.
Kallikrein/Kinin Protects against Myocardial Apoptosis after Ischemia/Reperfusion via Akt-Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 and Akt-Bad·14-3-3 Signaling Pathways

Our previous study has shown that human tissue kallikrein protected against ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury. In the present study, we investigated the protective role of local kallikrein gene delivery in ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and its signaling mechanisms in promoting cardiomyocyte survival. Adenovirus carrying the human tissue kallikrein gene was delivered locally into the heart using a catheter-based technique. Expression and localization of recombinant human kallikrein in rat myocardium after gene transfer were determined immunohistochemically. Kallikrein gene delivery markedly reduced reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis identified by both in situ nick end-labeling and DNA fragmentation. Delivery of the kallikrein gene increased phosphorylation of Src, Akt, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta, and Bad(Ser-136) but reduced caspase-3 activation in rat myocardium after reperfusion. The protective effect of kallikrein on apoptosis and its signaling mediators was blocked by icatibant and dominant-negative Akt, indicating a kinin B2 receptor-Akt-mediated event. Similarly, kinin or transduction of kallikrein in cultured cardiomyocytes promoted cell viability and attenuated apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. The effect of kallikrein on cardiomyocyte survival was blocked by dominant-negative Akt and a constitutively active mutant of GSK-3beta, but it was facilitated by constitutively active Akt, catalytically inactive GSK-3beta, lithium, and caspase-3 inhibitor. Moreover, kallikrein promoted Bad.14-3-3 complex formation and inhibited Akt-GSK-3beta-dependent activation of caspase-3, whereas caspase-3 administration caused reduction of the Bad.14-3-3 complex, indicating an interaction between Akt-GSK-caspase-3 and Akt-Bad.14-3-3 signaling pathways. In conclusion, kallikrein/kinin protects against cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro via Akt-Bad.14-3-3 and Akt-GSK-3beta-caspase-3 signaling pathways.
Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning

資訊的過度爆發和全球化所帶來的競爭， 對所有行業帶來極大挑戰，為了求生存並能進一步獨占驁頭，現代的學生必須具有資訊素養;圖書館員和課堂教授能併肩合作， 以幫助學生達此目標。本文探討聖荷西州立大學 (San Jose State University) 圖書館員如何與課堂教授合作，以期培養學生成為終身學習者，更進一步重點性地敘說部分圖書館員所設計的工具和學習計畫以加強學生資訊素養技能。 頁次：11-17
Managing Childhood Asthma: Challenge of Preventing Exacerbations

Acute episodes of airway obstruction followed by periods of apparent wellness are the main clinical manifestations of the disease for many children with persistent asthma. Although currently available asthma controllers decrease the risk for acute asthma exacerbations, 30% of children taking these medicines still have ≥1 episode requiring oral corticosteroid treatment per year. There is increasing evidence that neutrophilic inflammation, against which inhaled corticosteroids are not very effective, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma exacerbations. New therapeutic approaches are needed for this frequent cause of consultation in pediatric practice. One approach could be the development of drugs that target neutrophilic inflammation specifically. Studies in adults have shown that use of inhaled corticosteroids every time a bronchodilator is needed may decrease the frequency of asthma exacerbations. This strategy is currently being tested in a large clinical trial involving children with mild persistent asthma.
First order approximation of the ordered binary symmetric channel

Soft-decision decoding algorithms of binary linear block codes require reordering of the received symbols within each block in decreasing reliability. Efficient decoding algorithms based on reordering have been devised. This paper presents different results related to the ordering of a sequence of N received symbols with respect to their reliability measure, for BPSK transmission over the AWGN channel model. First, a tight approximation of Pe(i; N), the probability that the hard decision associated with the ith symbol of the ordered sequence is in error, is derived. Then, it is shown that despite the fact that the random variables representing the noise at positions n/sub 1/, n/sub 2/,...,n/sub j/ of the ordering are no longer independent, the events of having a hard decision decoding error at these positions remain almost independent. Pe(n/sub 1/,n/sub 2/,...,n/sub j/; N), the probability that the hard decisions associated with the symbols at positions n/sub 1/, n/sub 2/,...n/sub j/ in the ordered sequence are in error, is thus well approximated from each of the Pe (n/sub i/; N), for i/spl isin/[1,j]. Finally, based on the independence of these events, the fully connected 2/sup N/-state BSC representing the channel after ordering is simplified by N independent time-shared 2-state BSCss. This new model allows one to easily and tightly approximate the capacity of the channel after ordering.