cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active acoustic classification via transient resonance scattering

The echoes reflected by a sound ping emerging from an active sonar when it interacts with a target in its path can be remotely sensed by a receiver. The presented approach capitalizes on an inverse scattering method that exploits the presence of certain resonance features in the echoes returned by targets to classify them. Classifying underwater objects is important to naval programs such as mine countermeasures (MCM) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to preclude wasting of ordnance on false targets. Although the classification of complex shapes is still aformidable task, considerable progress has been made in classifying simple shapes such as spheroidal or cylindrical shells. This methodology has emphasized the extraction, isolation, and labeling of resonance features hidden within the echo, but little has been said yet about how these could be used to classify a target. A couple of simple examples illustrate exactly howthese resonances can be linked to the physical characteristics of the target, allowing for its unambiguous characterization. The procedure, although illustrated with active acoustics (i.e., sonar), can be extended to any active return from any sensor, including radar.
Cumulative exposure to nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors is associated with insulin resistance markers in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

Objective:To estimate insulin resistance and its relationship to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a cohort of HIV-infected persons with comparison to HIV-seronegative controls.Design:Prospective cohort of 533 HIV-infected and 755 HIV-seronegative men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study evaluated at
Indirect Effects of Functional Communication Training on Non-Targeted Disruptive Behavior

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of functional communication training (FCT) on the occurrence of non-targeted disruptive behavior. The 10 participants were preschool-aged children with developmental disabilities who engaged in both destructive (property destruction, aggression, self-injury) and disruptive (hand flapping, spinning in circles, shrill laughter, screaming, crying) behaviors. Only destructive behavior was targeted for the functional analyses and FCT, but data were also collected on disruptive behaviors. All procedures were conducted in the participants’ homes by their mothers with investigator coaching. Phase 1 consisted of conducting a functional analysis within a multielement design. Phase 2 consisted of conducting FCT with demand fading and repeated extinction baselines within a reversal design. Single-case data are provided for 3 participants, and summary data are provided for all 10 participants. Results of phase 1 showed that all participants’ destructive and disruptive behavior was maintained, at least in part, by negative reinforcement. Results of phase 2 showed that both destructive behavior and non-targeted disruptive behavior occurred at lower levels during FCT when compared to the functional analysis demand condition and baseline conditions, suggesting that FCT was effective in decreasing both target destructive behavior and non-targeted disruptive behaviors.
A mixed-mode extraction flow for high performance microprocessors

This paper describes a mixed mode chip level extraction flow deployed in high performance microprocessor designs. Two extractors of different accuracy levels are integrated to achieve best trade-off between run-time and precision. The goal is to provide sufficient accuracy at different design stages and achieve minimum extraction time possible. Three different extraction modes are made available through combination of an in-house 2D extractor and a vendor 3D extractor: 2D estimated, 2D actual and 3D extraction. The applications in real design projects showed around 75% extraction time-savings by combining these three modes together with a guarantee on meeting timing closure at the end.
Solid-phase conductive fuels for chemical microactuators

In this work, conductive, composite propellant-type, solid fuels are introduced and characterized for use in microactuators. Ignition was achieved with ammonium perchlorate-based fuels by passing electrical current through solid fuel compositions containing 20 vol.% graphite powder. Feasibility of this fuel is also demonstrated with the ignition of preliminary combustors. The fuels tested consist of ammonium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, or sodium azide as the main fuel component, hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene or glycidyl azide polymer as the binder, various rate modifying additives including magnesium powder and submicron-sized aluminum powder, as well as graphite powder, which enables the fuel to become conductive. The resultant fuel mixture serves to simplify device fabrication by allowing ignition to occur by passing current directly through the fuel sample from two MEMS fabricated electrodes as opposed to relying on the transfer of heat from external or imbedded igniters. Results of burn time and conductivity testing indicate that the addition of approximately 20% graphite by volume enables conventional composite propellants to become conductive. Also, the addition of graphite roughly doubles the overall decomposition time in fuels containing hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene and only slightly increases overall decomposition time in fuels containing glycidyl azide polymer.
Facets of the independent set polytope

Theoretical results pertaining to the independent set polytope P ISP =conv{x{0,1} n :Ax≤b} are presented. A conflict hypergraph is constructed based on the set of dependent sets which facilitates the examination of the facial structure of P ISP . Necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for every nontrivial 0-1 facet-defining inequalities of P ISP in terms of hypercliques. The relationship of hypercliques and some classes of knapsack facet-defining inequalities are briefly discussed. The notion of lifting is extended to the conflict hypergraph setting to obtain strong valid inequalities, and back-lifting is introduced to strengthen cut coefficients. Preliminary computational results are presented to illustrate the usefulness of the theoretical findings.
Implantation damage and epitaxial regrowth of silicon studied by differential reflectometry

Differential reflectometry is an extremely fast, nondestructive, and highly sensitive optical technique which can be used to investigate the damage which is inflicted to materials, such as silicon, by ion implantation. In particular, the thickness of an amorphous layer can be determined within a few nanometers. It can be concluded from differential reflectograms whether an implanted wafer is crystalline, damaged crystalline, or amorphous, and whether or not an amorphous layers is submerged below a crystalline region. This paper describes the technique of differential reflectometry and summarizes results on ion-implanted silicon which have been published within the past decade.
Mechanical Contribution of the Rib Cage in the Human Cadaveric Thoracic Spine.

Study design An in vitro biomechanical human cadaveric study of T1-T12 thoracic specimens was performed with 4 conditions (with and without rib cage, instrumented and uninstrumented) in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Objective The objective was to understand the influence of the rib cage on motion and stiffness parameters of the human cadaveric thoracic spine. Hypotheses tested for overall motion in all modes of bending for both uninstrumented and instrumented specimens were (i) in-plane range of motion and neutral and elastic zones will be greater without the rib cage, (ii) neutral and elastic zone stiffness values will be different for specimens without the rib cage, and (iii) out-of-plane rotations will be different for specimens without the rib cage. Summary of background data The rib cage is presumed to provide significant stability to the thoracic spine, but no studies have been conducted to determine the influence of the rib cage in both uninstrumented and instrumented conditions in the full thoracic human cadaveric specimens. Methods Seven human cadaveric spine specimens (T1-T12) with 4 conditions (with and without rib cage, instrumented and uninstrumented) were subjected to 5 N·m pure moments in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Range of motion, neutral and elastic zones, neutral and elastic zone stiffness values, and out-of-plane rotations were calculated for the overall specimen. Results In-plane range of motion was significantly higher without a rib cage for most modes of bending. Out-of-plane motions were also influenced by the rib cage. Neutral zone stiffness was significantly higher with a rib cage present. Conclusion Testing without a rib cage yields different motion and stiffness measures, directly impacting the translation of research results to clinical interpretation. Researchers should consider these differences when evaluating the mechanical impact of surgical procedures or instrumentation in cadaveric or computational models. Level of evidence 5.
IgE antibody-specific activity in human allergic disease

IgE antibody concentration, affinity, clonality and specific activity (also known as the allergen-specific IgE to total IgE ratio) influence the translation of IgE responses into clinically evident allergic symptoms following allergen exposure. Reported IgE-specific activity levels >3–4% place allergic individuals undergoing anti-IgE (Omalizumab®) therapy at a disadvantage for poor resolution of their allergy symptoms following manufacturer’s recommended dosing schemes. We investigated the hypothesis that the specific activity of the IgE antibody response is highly variable with respect to age, allergen specificity and an individual’s total serum IgE level. Second, we investigated whether the IgE-specific activity level influences the extent and rate of loss of effector cell mediator release. IgE-specific activity distributions were plotted against age, allergen specificity and total serum IgE using 18,950 paired total IgE and allergen-specific IgE antibody data obtained from the analysis of sera from 3,614 allergic subjects and covering 182 allergen specificities. The fraction of specific IgE antibody of the total serum IgE was dependent on age of the individual, epitope specificity (clonality) and total serum IgE. The youngest group of allergic individuals with the lowest total serum IgE levels tended to have the highest allergen-specific IgE to total IgE ratios. Hymenoptera venom (54%), peanut (33%) and milk (27%) were the three allergen specificities that elicited the highest frequency of IgE-specific activities >4% among sensitized individuals. A prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving anti-IgE treatment of cat-allergic subjects showed IgE-specific activity was remarkably constant over the 16-week course of treatment, despite the up to 8-fold rise in total serum IgE following repetitive Omalizumab® administration. Changes in specific and total IgE levels paralleled each other in patients receiving anti-IgE therapy. The fastest rate of reduction in cat allergen-induced basophil histamine release following anti-IgE therapy was observed when the cat-specific IgE to total IgE ratio was <2.5%. This reflected the more rapid loss of surface cat-specific IgE antibody with anti-IgE therapy in allergic individuals who displayed a more diverse IgE antibody repertoire. We conclude that IgE-specific activity is an age-, IgE heterogeneity- and total serum IgE-dependent variable that influences the magnitude of effector cell mediator release, and by inference, ultimate allergic symptom induction.
Analysis of tetracycline antibiotics in soil : Advances in extraction, clean-up, and quantification

Abstract Residues of tetracyclines end up in the environment due to the common practice of land application of manure from treated animals. The environmental behavior and the fate of tetracyclines in manure and soil after cropland application remain largely unknown. The lack of information on the nature of the biodegradation products of tetracyclines formed at environmentally-relevant concentrations is mostly due to analytical difficulties encountered when trying to analyze trace levels of these compounds in the presence of complex matrices. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has become widely used in detecting polar pollutants such as antibiotics. In applying LC-MS for environmental investigations, the analyst is faced with two major challenges: poor detectability of analytes; and, highly variable matrix interferences that compromise quantification. To improve our understanding of the fate and effects of tetracycline antibiotics in the environment, improved methods for detection, quantification, and unknown identification are needed. In this review, we discuss strategies for sample preparation, extraction, clean-up using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs), and analysis of tetracyclines and their transformation products in soil, in order to facilitate future environmental fate studies, and to challenge analytical chemists to develop the necessary tools to allow a complete risk assessment of other pharmaceutical contaminants in the environment.
A Case Of Ruptured Diverticulum Of The Left Ventricle With Hemopericardium In A Neonate, Treated Successfully By Surgery

The case of a newborn girl, who had recurrent attacks of cyanosis and dyspnoe from the 4th day of life is described. The heart was steadily enlarging on the radiograph. A diagnosis of congenital malformation could not be confirmed. An aspiration of the pericardial sac on the 21th day of life awoke a suspicion of a hemo-pericardium. Operation disclosed a large amount of old clots in the pericardial sac compromising the heart. By removing the clots a violent bleeding from what was probably a ruptured diverticulum of the left ventricle appeared. This bleeding was followed by a cessation of the heart activity. After closure of the rupture, of about the same size as the tip of the surgeons little finger, blood-transfusion, different repeated heartstimuli and heartmassage were applied. The time which passed before spontaneous heartaction started again was estimated to be about 15 min.Postoperatively the patient was treated in an incubator and a respirator. The patient seems to have escaped without brain damage....
Juxtapapillary capillary hemangiomas. Clinical features and visual acuity outcomes.

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical features, association with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and visual acuity outcomes of patients with a juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma. Design Retrospective observational case series. Participants Seventy-two eyes of 68 patients identified with a juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma. Follow-up data of at least 6 months duration were available for 60 eyes. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with a juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma examined at four medical centers. Main outcome measures Age at diagnosis, visual acuity (VA) at first examination and at last follow-up, tumor growth pattern and location, associated clinical features, type of treatment, association with VHL, and presence of peripheral hemangiomas were recorded for each patient. Results On initial examination, VA was ≥20/40 in 43 of 70 eyes (61%) and was ≥20/200 in 60 eyes (86%). At an average follow-up of 5.4 years (range, 0.5–19 years), VA of ≥20/40 was achieved in 21 eyes (35%) and ≥20/200 in 33 eyes (55%). Patients with VHL had poorer initial VA (48% vs. 70% with VA ≥20/40, and 74% vs. 93% with VA ≥20/200) and final VA (26% vs. 41% with VA ≥20/40, and 39% vs. 65% with VA ≥20/200) compared with patients without VHL. Patients with VHL more commonly were seen at an earlier age (average, 20 vs. 44 years, P P P = 0.001) compared with patients without VHL. Patients selected for laser treatment generally had poorer initial (52% vs. 74% with VA ≥20/40, 79% vs. 96% with VA ≥20/200) and final VAs (18% vs. 56% with VA ≥20/40, 45% vs. 67% with VA ≥20/200) compared with patients not treated with laser. Conclusions On long-term follow-up of patients with a juxtapapillary capillary hemangioma, the VA generally worsens. Patients with VHL and a juxtapapillary hemangioma more often present at a younger age, have tumors with an endophytic growth pattern, and have bilateral, multiple tumors. Treatment with laser photocoagulation results in variable VA outcomes.
Improving locality by critical working sets

A new approach to program locality improvement via restructuring is described. The method is particularly suited to those systems where primary memory is managed according to a working set strategy. It is based on the concept of critical working set, a working set which does not contain the next memory reference. The data the method operates upon are extracted from a trace of the program to be restructured. It is shown that, except in some special cases, the method is not optimum. However, the experimental results obtained by using the method to restructure an interactive text editor and the file system module of an operating system have shown its substantial superiority over the other methods proposed in the literature.
Assessment of Maturity in Juvenile Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations: A Survey of Practitioners

Juvenile competency to stand trial evaluations are performed with greater frequency than ever before; however, few guidelines exist to aid practitioners in conducting these types of assessments. One area that practitioners often address in these evaluations is the role that maturity plays in the competency status of the juvenile offender. Psychologists who specialize in juvenile forensic evaluations were surveyed to explore the methods they currently use to assess maturity in juvenile competency evaluations. Beliefs and practices regarding the assessment and influence of maturity as it relates to competency varied dramatically across respondents. Implications for further defining the role of maturity level in determining juvenile competency are discussed, as are implications for policy and practice.
Transition to a unified system: using Perl to drive library databases and enhance Web site functionality

Libraries need to routinely redesign their Web sites, and using a database to manage the content will improve the process considerably. This case study describes how a Perl‐driven database improved Web site organization and patron access, made subsequent revisions much easier, and allowed non‐HTML savvy staff to update content.
The U.S. basis of electromagnetic measurements

The undersigned believe that the following material, describing the national basis of electromagnetic measurements, deserves the thoughtful consideration of all members of the IEEE, and we have recommended that it be brought to their attention through this publication. The size and importance of the electrical and electronics industry is clear to all members of the IEEE without the need of statistics. What may not be so clear is that this whole industry must rest on a uniform base of accurate and precise measurement if it is to achieve in practice the results which physicists and engineers find possible in principle. That base can only be provided by the National Bureau of Standards. However, the provision of a uniform base of measurement is costly in manpower, laboratory space, equipment, and time because of the great scope of electromagnetic quantities in kind, frequency, magnitude, and accuracy. There is a strong indication, from some of the material presented, that the provision of that base has not kept pace with the growth of the industry. We believe that the National Bureau of Standards is making strong efforts to discharge the task assigned to it by Congress, but we also believe that the importance and magnitude of the problem call for understanding and support from outside NBS. It is from this standpoint that we recommend to members of the profession the reading of this article.
Enucleation/partial nephrectomy for large mixed epithelial stromal tumor and herniating into the pelvicalyceal system

Objectives: Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumor of the kidney is an adult renal neoplasm. It is mostly benign in nature. Typically it is composed of a mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal components. We hereby report on the feasibility of performing partial nephrectomy/enucleation for Huge Mixed Epithelial Stromal Tumor of the kidney without sacrificing the involved renal unit even in the tumors herniating into the collecting system. Methods: Two female patients on long term hormonal therapy developed large enhancing multiloculated and septated renal masses. Kidney mass size was 18.5 cms in one patient and 11.5 in the second. In one patient, the mass was herniating into the collecting system. Both patients had enucleation/partial nephrectomy. Results: Enucleation and partial nephrectomy were successfully performed in both patients. In the patient with the mass herniating into the collecting system, the horns of the mass herniating into the collecting system were easily enucleated with repair of the collecting system and salvage of the involved renal unit. Post op pathology revealed MEST in both patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions: Enucleation and partial nephrectomy for huge MEST is feasible. Mixed Epithelial Stromal Tumor herniating into the pelvicalyceal system may not warrant nephroureterectomy as previously reported.
Integrating theory-driven and empirically-derived models of personality development and psychopathology: A proposal for DSM V.

Although there is growing consensus that the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) should replace the categorical view of mental disorders with a dimensional approach rooted in personality theory, no consensus has emerged about the dimensions that should be the basis of the new classification system. Moreover, recent attempts to bridge the gap between psychiatric nosology and personality theories have primarily relied on empirically-derived dimensional personality models. While this focus on empirically-derived personality theories may result in a psychometrically valid classification system, it may create a classification system that lacks theoretical and empirical comprehensiveness and has limited clinical utility. In this paper, we first argue that research findings increasingly suggest that an integration of theory-driven and empirically-derived models of personality development is not only possible, but also has the potential to provide a more comprehensive and clinically-relevant approach to classification and diagnosis than either approach alone. Next, we propose a comprehensive model of personality development and psychopathology based on an integration of contemporary theory-driven and empirically-derived models of personality. Finally, we outline the implications of this approach for the future development of DSM, and especially its potential for developing research that addresses the interactions between psychosocial and neurobiological processes implicated in personality development and psychopathology.
Relationship between dynamic mechanical property and thermodynamic interaction parameter of concentrated polymer solutions

Abstract The use of concentrated polymer solutions is one of the basic techniques in the application of polymers. They may be coating materials, plasticized polymers, and oil-extended rubber. In these applications the solubility relation is one of the key requirements. The polymer-solvent interaction is expected to influence the mechanical property of the mixture. It is the intent of this study to explore how the dynamic mechanical property is affected by the change of thermodynamic interaction parameter in concentrated polymer solutions. The theoretical development is based on several assumptions: (1) a polymer chain in the amorphous state and in its own environment assumes unperturbed configuration; (2) a polymer chain in a good solvent (poor) is expanded (contracted) relative to the unperturbed dimension; (3) the expanded (contracted) chain configuration results in the higher (lower) entanglement density; (4) both expanded and contracted chains store an elastic energy, the magnitude of which may be est...
Exploring the importance of similarity in the perceptions of foreign visitors and local service providers: the case of long-haul pleasure travelers

Long-haul pleasure travelers to Tahiti make a significant investment in their vacation in terms of time and money. As a result, it is essential for a destination like Tahiti that these visitors have a satisfying experience so they will spread positive word-of-mouth and revisit the islands in the future. For that reason, tourism organizations are interested in promoting strategies that contribute to positive opinions of their destination. This exploratory study indicates that one such construct is ‘buyer–seller’ similarity. The paper discusses the concept of similarity and shows that there was a considerable overlap in the perceptions of tourists and employees. This overlap tends to increase a visitor's satisfaction in the destination and in the tourism employees they deal with. At the same time, there was much less agreement on the groups' perceptions of societal characteristics. The paper discusses the specifics, implications, and limitations of the findings, as well as suggestions for future research.
Greatlakean Substage: A replacement for Valderan Substage in the Lake Michigan basin

New evidence from recent field and seismic investigations in the Lake Michigan basin and in the type areas of the Valders, Two Creeks and Two Rivers deposits necessitates revision of late-glacial ice-front positions, rock- and time-stratigraphic nomenclature and climatic interpretations and deglaciation patterns for the period ca. 14,000–7,000 radiocarbon years B.P. The previously reported and long accepted pattern of deglaciation for the Lake Michigan basin started with a regular retreat from the Lake Border Morainic System, with a minor oscillation marked by the Port Huron moraine(s) and then an extensive Twocreekan deglaciation followed by a major (320 km) post-Twocreekan advance (Valders). However, we now record a major retreat between the times of the Lake Border and Port Huron moraines, followed by a gradual retreat from the Port Huron limit and interrupted by a minor standstill (deposition of Manitowoc Till), a retreat (Twocreekan) and a readvance (Two Rivers Till). No Woodfordian or younger readvance was as extensive as had been the preceding one. This sequence argues for a normal, climatically controlled, progressive deglaciation rather than one interrupted by a major post-Twocreekan (formerly Valderan) surge. This revision appears finally to harmonize the geologic evidence and the palynological record for the Great Lakes region. Our investigations show that Valders Till from which the Valderan Substage was named is late-Woodfordian in age. We propose the term “Greatlakean” as a replacement for the now misleading time-stratigraphic term “Valderan”. The type section and the definition of the upper and lower boundaries of the Greatlakean Substage remain the same as those originally proposed for the Valderan Substage but the name is changed.
New insights in the use of the DC model for steady-state analysis of power systems

The DC model for the steady-state electrical power flow is evaluated from the double viewpoint of its modeling adequacy and its flexibility as an aid to analysis and planning in generation and transmission systems. Two new results are obtained: -The DC model is shown to be conservative with respect to the more accurate AC model (where losses are neglected) in checking for line overloads. -A formula is obtained for the derivative of the aggregate loss of load (or, more generally, the minimum cost of curtailment), as calculated with the DC model, with respect to any branch susceptance. It is felt that the first result adds credibility to the DC model, while the second one enhances its potential as a tool for decision-making.
Oxygen isotope evidence for magmatic variability and multiple alteration events in the Proterozoic St. Francois Mountains, Missouri

Abstract The St. Francois Mountains contain at least two Mesoproterozoic caldera complexes, the Butler Hill and the Taum Sauk calderas, each with diameters greater than 20 km. Igneous zircons from intrusive and extrusive units within the calderas have a range of δ18O(zircon) from 5.8 to 8.2‰ V-SMOW. These zircons are similar to other Proterozoic zircons from igneous rocks around the world and suggest a magma source from partial melting of older crust with variable mantle component. There is no significant difference in the magmatic oxygen isotope ratios between the Taum Sauk and Butler Hill calderas. Values of Δ18O(quartz–zircon) = 2.1–2.4‰ indicating that most quartz from samples in the two calderas still preserves near-magmatic oxygen isotope ratios. The average δ18O(quartz) from the two calderas is 8.6 ± 2.6‰. In contrast, felsic volcanic units within the Taum Sauk caldera exposed at Johnson Shut-Ins suggest interaction with water at low temperature resulting in δ18O(quartz) as high as 16.7‰. Quartz phenocrysts within a single sample from Johnson Shut-Ins range from 8.7 up to 16.7‰. The isotope heterogeneity, coupled with evidence of healed microcracks in cathodoluminescence images, suggests low temperature hydrothermal alteration affected the volcanics during or shortly after eruption. After caldera collapse the hydrothermally altered rocks were partially re-melted and incorporated into the magma chamber as evidenced by the slight increase in δ18O(zircon) of the resurgent dome intrusions. In contrast, the Butler Hill caldera preserves evidence of high temperature hydrothermally altered country rock assimilated into the Stono Mountain granitic ring intrusion based on low δ18O quartz values and visible zoning in CL. The two calderas experienced different alteration histories suggesting the lack of any homogenizing regional fluid influx.
Mu and delta opiate receptors in rat brain are affected by GTP but not by MIF-1

Abstract The possible competition of MIF-1 (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH 2 ) with 3 H-naloxone or 3 H-D-Ala-D-Leu-enkephalin (DADLE) for mu and delta opiate receptors in the rat striatum was examined under conditions of varying temperatures and concentrations of sodium and GTP. MIF-1, in concentrations ranging from 10 −14 to 10 −3 M, failed to compete with either 3 H-DADLE or 3 H-naloxone for delta or mu receptors, GTP (2 μM) facilitated binding (17.7 ± 1.9%) at all concentrations of MIF-1 in the 1 H-DADLE assay; unexpectedly, GTP facilitated binding in the 3 H-naloxone assay (11.5 ± 1.3%) under conditions used to potentiate antagonist binding (addition of NaCl and incubation at 4°C). GTP showed optimal facilitation at a concentration of about 2 μM in both the 3 H-DADLE and 3 H-naloxone “antagonist” conditions. At higher doses of GTP, 3 H-naloxone binding remained high, but 3 H-DADLE binding decreased to near or below control values. MIF-1 did not affect these GTP responses, indicating further the lack of effect of this peptide on opiate binding.
TH-C-M100J-03: Lung Localization and Initial Shifts Based On Implanted Markers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the daily setup error of small peripheral lungtumors based on implanted markers and stereoscopic x‐rays. Method and Materials:Twenty‐three patients with small peripheral lungtumors were implanted with radiographic markers for localized radiation therapy. Exhale CT scans were used for planning. At treatment, the patients were aligned to skin marks followed by exhale synchronized stereoscopic x‐rays (Exactrac™, BrainLAB). Setup error is evaluated as the shift from initial skin alignment to the implanted x‐ray alignment. The mean, σ mean, and RMS of σ for this data are reported. Results: A total of 790 daily treatment sessions on 23 patients were recorded. In all patients, an evaluation CT of the implanted marker was performed prior to treatment to verify marker location. The mean and σ for the 23 patients from initial setup to x‐ray localization were 0.2 ± 3.8 mm laterally, 1.6 ± 5.3 mm longitudinally, and −0.7 ± 7.8 mm vertically. The RMS error was Lat 5.5 mm, Long 7.7, and Vert 6.4 mm. Conclusion: A large patient study using implanted markers for lungtumor alignment indicated large initial setup shifts from skin marks. Daily random errors on the order of 8mm were reported. The range of these shifts is as large as 3.0 cm in some instances indicating that a small target would potentially be missed without better setup or with localization. The large systematic error is most likely due to the difference in tumor position from exhale breath hold (CT) relative to free breathing exhale (X‐Ray)..Conflict of Interest: This work is supported in part from a research grant from BrainLAB, Inc.
Retrocorneal Pigment Proliferation after Cataract Extraction

Retrocorneal pigment proliferation after cateract extraction is not rare. Downgrowths proliferate from fragments of iris pigment or peripheral iris in the corneal wound edges and occur slowly. Vision is affected if the central cornea is involved. Preventive measures include minimizing iris trauma and irrigating pigment fragments from the cornea and incision during surgery. In the study presented, patches of dislodged iris pigment epithelium were observed in 22 eyes. Lace-like downgrowths occurred in 18 eyes of 14 patients.
Galectin-3 is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in community-dwelling older adults without known cardiovascular disease: The Rancho Bernardo Study

Background Galectin-3 is a marker of myocardial fibrosis that has been implicated in the pathophysiologic pathway of fibrosis; its association with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a community-based cohort free of baseline CVD has not been reported. Our aim was to determine the association between galectin-3 levels and all-cause and CVD mortality in community-dwelling older adults without known CVD. Methods We measured plasma galectin-3 levels in 1,393 Rancho Bernardo Study participants without CVD with a mean age of 70 years. Participants were followed up for a mean of 11 years for coronary heart disease, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality. Results During follow-up, 436 participants died (169 from CVD). In models adjusted for traditional CVD risk factors and renal function, galectin-3 was a significant predictor of CVD mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per SD log increase 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.53) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.12, 1.01-1.24), but not coronary heart disease (HR 1.09, 0.92-1.30). After further adjusting for N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, galectin-3 remained an independent predictor (HR 1.24, 1.05-1.47) of CVD mortality. Galectin-3 improved the c statistic (0.847-0.851, P = .003) for prediction of CVD death. Net reclassification improvement (>0) with the addition of galectin-3 was 35% ( P P = .03). Participants with both galectin-3 and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide above the median had increased risk of CVD death vs those with higher levels of only 1 of these markers (HR 1.74, 1.24-2.43). Conclusion Higher levels of galectin-3 are independently associated with all-cause and CVD mortality among community-dwelling older adults with no known CVD at baseline.
SURVIVAL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON JERKY CONTAMINATED POSTPROCESSING

This study evaluated the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on jerky inoculated postprocessing and treated with sodium lactate or hot water dip. After drying at 60C for 3, 6, 9 or 12 h, jerky slices were removed from the smokehouse and dipped in a cocktail of L. monocytogenes. Samples were vacuum packaged (control), vacuum packaged and dipped in 72C water for 20 s or dipped in 2% sodium lactate. Samples were stored for 0, 3, 6, 9 or 12 weeks. Packages dipped in 72C water for 20 s resulted in a slight significant reduction (0.42 log) of L. monocytogenes on jerky initially compared to either the control or sodium lactate dip. After 3 weeks of storage, water dip (3.1 log reduction) was similar to control (3.2 log reduction), but had significantly fewer L. monocytogenes surviving than sodium lactate-dipped (2.7 log reduction) slices. After 6 weeks of storage, control and water-dipped jerky slices had below detectable limits of L. monocytogenes.
Utilizing audit and feedback to improve hospitalists' performance in tobacco dependence counseling.

Introduction: Hospitalized smokers benefit from smoking cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). However, inpatient providers who care for hospitalized patients carry out these preventive measures inconsistently. Methods: We designed a peer-led audit and feedback intervention to improve (a) the frequency of smoking cessation counseling and (b) the appropriateness of the prescribing of NRT by hospitalist practitioners in our hospital. Documentation of tobacco cessation counseling in progress notes and discharge summaries and the ordering and dosing of NRT were assessed for 30 hospitalists before and after an intervention. This intervention included specific feedback on their counseling and prescribing practices as well as education and was delivered as part of a one-on-one academic detailing session. Results: Five hundred and forty five and 1,119 patient-days were considered for this analysis in the pre- and postperiods, respectively. Documentation of tobacco dependence counseling in progress notes increased from 36% to 44% (p = .002) and from 7.5% to 46.8% in discharge summaries (p < .0001) following the intervention. The appropriateness of NRT dosing increased from 26% (before) to 64% (after) the intervention (p < .0001). Discussion: A peer-led audit and feedback intervention for hospitalists significantly increases the frequency of smoking cessation counseling and the adequacy of NRT prescribing for hospitalized smokers.
SILencing misbehaving proteins.

Mutations in SIL1, which encodes a nucleotide exchange factor for the chaperone BiP, cause a progressive multisystem disorder that probably results from abnormal protein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Tensile properties and morphology of S2Cl2 treated PVC-g-butly rubber

We have grafted butyl rubber from PVC under a variety of conditions. The physical-mechanical properties of these graft copolymers have been examined both before and after extraction with hexane of the ungrafted butyl rubber. We have found a significant increase in the tensile strength of these materials upon S2Cl2 treatment (curing) in THF solution. This increase was observed even with unextracted copolymers. Electron micrograph studies suggest that curing causes an aggregation of the butyl rubber segments into crosslinked domains.
NMR investigation of the behavior of an organothiophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos, sorbed on montmorillonite clays.

Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) was used to explore the decomposition of chlorpyrifos (an organothiophosphate pesticide) sorbed at high concentration (typically 2−10 wt %) on partially hydrated montmorillonite clays in four different cation-exchanged forms (Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Al3+). Solid-state 31P NMR (using magic-angle spinning and cross polarization or direct polarization) and liquid-solution 31P NMR of DMSO and acetone extracts indicate that chlorpyrifos is initially physisorbed, appearing by solid-state 31P NMR to exhibit significant motion on the molecular level, which results in almost liquidlike solid-state spectra. Over periods ranging from hours to years, the signals due to unreacted chlorpyrifos diminish and are replaced by new 31P NMR peaks resulting from hydrolysis, isomerization, mineralization, and oxidation reactions. The 31P NMR signal characteristics indicate that these decomposition products are much more tightly bound to the clay than is chlorpyrifos. Partially hy...
Understory structure by season following uneven-aged reproduction cutting: A comparison of selected measures 2 and 6 years after treatment

Abstract Rudis, V.A., Thill, R.E., Gramann, J.H., Picone, J., Kalidindi, N. and Tappe, P.A. 1999. Understory structure by season following uneven-aged reproduction cutting: a comparison of selected measures 2 and 6 years after treatment. For. Ecol. Manage. 1998. Deciding among cutting practices requires knowledge of forest structure, understory vegetation change, rates of recovery, and resource impacts. We used two field devices (a screenometer and a density board) and digital images of 35 mm photographs to compare measures and document the change in understory vegetation structure in forests following reproduction cutting disturbances. The study area, mostly 70-year old second-growth shortleaf pine–oak ( Pinus echinata–Quercus spp.), had an average basal area of 26 m 2 /ha. Treatments retained 13.8 m 2 /ha in pine and three levels of hardwood basal area. The 21 m 2 /ha treatment retained 33% hardwood basal area in a scattered condition. One 17 m 2 /ha treatment retained 20% hardwoods in a clustered or grouped pattern, and another treatment retained 20% hardwoods scattered throughout. A fourth treatment retained no hardwood basal area. When compared with untreated (control) plots, vegetative screening increased on treated plots relative to untreated plots by degree of initial cutting disturbance. Both the screenometer and the density board readings distinguished between control and treated plots, but significant differences occurred by season, year, and height above ground. Digital information from scanned images yielded promising results by detecting significant differences in the amount of blue color intensity and the proportion of line objects. Color intensities were significantly different by season and year after treatment, that is, lowest in summer and highest in spring, and greater 2 years after treatment rather than 6 years after treatment. Results indicated that detection of disturbed conditions and recovery following disturbance varied with the scale and type of measurement. Each device estimated different structural dimensions. We concluded that assessment and modeling of understory structure, change, and recovery depended strongly on the cell size of the device used.
Nucleotide inhibition of adenyl cyclase activity in fat cell membranes

Abstract A reproducible assay for adenyl cyclase activity in an isolated fat cell membrane preparation is described. Enzyme activity was stimulated by epinephrine and sodium fluoride, but not affected by insulin. GTP, GDP, GMP, CTP and UTP inhibited the adenyl cyclase activity of the fat cell membrane, but guanosine and cyclic GMP had no effect. In contrast to the inhibitory effect on the fat cell membrane enzyme, GTP did not affect either adrenal or kidney adenyl cyclase activity.
Aging with multiple sclerosis: cognitive, emotional and neuropathological considerations

Although individuals aging with multiple sclerosis (MS) can experience a compounding of their symptoms, in some circumstances they become more adept at coping with aging-related changes. Fortunately, individuals aging with MS often adjust well to aging, particularly if they have sufficient social support. They also do not appear to show accelerated rates of cognitive decline, and rates of some neuropathological changes have been shown to normalize compared with those seen in normal aging. Results are mixed as to whether older MS patients have higher rates of depression.
Neocortical dynamics of macroscopic-scale EEG measurements

The author discusses a conceptual framework emphasizing spatial scales. He considers the following topics: experimental EEG and mental states; the neocortex; local/global theory of large-scale neocortical dynamics; experimental connections to theory.
Dietary CLA decreased weight loss and extended survival following the onset of kidney failure in NZB/W F1 mice

In an earlier study, we showed that feeding CLA immediately after weaning prolonged survival of NZB/W F1 mice after onset of proteinuria. In the present study, the feeding of CLA was delayed until mice had developed proteinuria. Thirty NZB/W F1 mice were fed a regular rodent chow after weaning. Urine samples were collected to detect proteinuria. Once a mouse was proteinuria positive, it was then randomly assigned to a 0.5% CLA supplement semipurified diet or a control diet (supplement 0.5% corn oil). The next proteinuria positive mouse was then assigned to the opposite diet to which the first mouse was assigned. Mice fed the control diet lost 25% more body weight (13.0 g) than mice fed the CLA diet (9.7 g). Moreover, CLA-fed mice survived an average 1.7-fold longer (148 d) than mice fed the control diet (89 d) after the onset of proteinuria. This follow-up study confirmed that dietary CLA had a beneficial effect in the autoimmune NZB/W F1 mouse. In summary, the cachectic symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus was decreased by dietary CLA and survival days were increased over control group.
Keratocyte Density and Recovery of Subbasal Nerves After Penetrating Keratoplasty and in Late Endothelial Failure

Objective To determine central keratocyte and subbasal nerve densities in clear and failed grafts after penetrating keratoplasty. Methods Clear grafts and grafts with late endothelial failure (LEF) were examined using confocal microscopy 1 to 31 years after penetrating keratoplasty. Keratocyte density, number of keratocytes in a full-thickness column of stroma, and subbasal nerve density were determined from images. Comparisons were made with normal corneas. Results The mean ± SD keratocyte density in clear grafts (22 101 ± 3799 cells/mm 3 ) was lower than that in normal corneas (26 610 ± 3683 cells/mm 3 ; P 3 ; P = .47). The mean ± SD number of keratocytes in clear grafts (10 325 ± 1708 cells) was lower than that in normal corneas (11 466 ± 1503 cells; P P = .39). Median subbasal nerve density in clear grafts (150 μm/mm 2 ) was lower than that in normal corneas (7025 μm/mm 2 ; P r = 0.36; P Conclusions Keratocyte density and number are decreased in penetrating grafts compared with normal corneas. Subbasal nerve density does not recover to normal through 3 decades.
Transient induction of photolyase activity in arrested frog cells in response to a short-wave ultraviolet segment of simulated "sunlight".

Abstract Induction of photolyase activity was studied in cultured frog cells using clonogenic assays. Exposure of arrested cells to a pre-irradiation (90% survial) of 254nm ultraviolet light resulted in a transient enhancement of photolyase activity. Cells expressed a decreased level of photolyase activity in response to an equitoxic fluence of simulated “sunlight” wavelengths 280–310nm. However, no significant increase of enzyme activity was detected in cells following treatment with “sunlight” wavelengths 310–330nm. In addition, this process depends on newly biosynthesized protein(s).
A level set approach to a unified model for etching, deposition, and lithography II: three-dimensional simulations

Abstract We apply a level set formulation to the problem of surface advancement in three-dimensional topograhy simulation of deposition, etching, and lithography processes in integrated circuit fabrication. The level set formulation is based on solving a Hamilton-Jacobi-type equation for a propagating level set function, using techniques borrowed from hyperbolic conservation laws. Topological changes, corner and cusp development, and accurate determination of geometric properties such as curvature and normal direction are naturally obtained in this setting. The equations of motion of a unified model, including the effects of isotropic and unidirectional deposition and etching, visibility, surface diffusion, reflection, and material dependent etch/deposition rates are presented and adapted to a level set formulation. In Part I of this paper, the basic equations and algorithms for two-dimensional simulations were developed. In this paper, the extension to three dimensions is presented. We show a large collection of simulations, including three-dimensional etching and deposition into cavities under the effects of visibility, directional and source flux functions, evolution of lithographic profiles, discontinuous etch rates through multiple materials, and non-convex sputter yield flux functions. In Part III of this paper, effects of reflection and re-emission and surface diffusion will be presented.