cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting parenting through single family room care in the neonatal intensive care unit

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can trace their traditional large ward style to the 1940s when the focus of design was use of basic monitoring technology and increasing the ease for caregivers to continuously observe and respond to multiple premature infants. The growing awareness of infection control, safety, developmentally appropriate care, privacy, and importance of the developing relationship between infant and family has shifted the priorities in NICU design.
The geochemical cycle of 9Be: a reconnaissance

An initial survey has been made of the geochemistry of 9Be in natural waters with a view to utilizing the isotope with the cosmogenic species 10Be (t1/2 = 1.5 m.y.) in geochronological studies of sedimentary accumulation. The mobility of9Be in continental waters is a strong function of pH with acid streams (pH < 6) being strongly enriched as compared to alkaline carbonate rivers. Large-scale scavenging of beryllium occurs in the estuaries of rivers containing more than about 200 pM of the element. In alkaline systems of lower concentration the element appears to behave conservatively. The net flux of beryllium to the ocean is estimated as that equivalent to an average effective river concentration of about 150 pM. Beryllium is strongly enriched in ridge crest hydrothermal solutions over ambient seawater. The flux is approximately 70% of that from the continents. The deep water concentrations of 9Be vary by only 20% between the North Atlantic and North Pacific demonstrating that the “chemical saltation” produced by scavenging from the deep water column and release from the sediments predominates over simple advective concentration along flow lines. Isotopic homogenization of 10Be and 9Be is probably achieved in the ocean. The situation in continental waters appears much less promising.
PHEX gene and hypophosphatemia

PHEX gene and hypophosphatemia. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) are diseases that have in common abnormal proximal renal tubular function resulting in increased renal clearance of inorganic phosphorus and hypophosphatemia. The recent discovery of the PHEX gene has provided new insights to these disorders. In this regard, identification of the PHEX gene product as a membrane-bound endopeptidase suggests that the pathophysiologic cascade underlying XLH likely involves inactivation mutations of the gene causing a failure to clear an active hormone, phosphatonin, from the circulation. The presence of this hormone through unknown mechanisms decreases the sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter in the kidney, resulting in impaired phosphate transport. In contrast, TIO likely evolves secondary to tumor overproduction of the putative phosphatonin, which exerts physiologic function despite efforts to counteract the resultant hypophosphatemia with overproduction of PHEX transcripts that are insufficient to accommodate the enhanced substrate load. These potential pathophysiologic mechanisms for XLH and TIO provide valuable inroads to understanding phosphate homeostasis, as well as vitamin D metabolism, bone mineralization, and calcium metabolism.
THE GROWTH RATE OF OYSTERS HELD IN THE INTAKE AND DISCHARGE CANALS OF AN ELECTRIC GENERATING STATION AND IN NATURAL WATERS

Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were held during the spring of 1976 in the intake and discharge canals at the P. H. Robinson Generating Station, Bacliff, Texas and in Galveston Bay at San Leon, Texas. Oysters in the discharge canal increased in weight significantly faster than in the intake canal or Galveston Bay. There was no significant difference between the weight increases in the intake canal and in Galveston Bay. No clear pattern of increase in length could be detected at the three stations. Although oysters in the discharge canal exhibited some degree of greening, the condition of the oysters from all three stations was good. The level of infection of Labyrinthomyxa was relatively low in oysters from all three stations; however, the incidence of infection was significantly greater in the discharge canal. Fouling organisms increased in weight in the discharge canal at a rate about twice that in the intake canal and Galveston Bay. Fouling could be controlled by exposing the oysters to air once each week for a period of 4–8 hr. Mortality, which was low at all stations, occurred early in the experiment and was probably due to initial culling stress. However, oysters held in the discharge canal beyond the study period died when water temperatures reached 37.5–39°C. The results of this experiment indicate that the growth rate of oysters can be significantly increased in a power plant discharge canal, provided that some means, such as cooling towers, are applied to keep high summer temperatures below lethal values.
Newly described activating JAK3 mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a genetically heterogeneous disease that accounts for 10–15% of adult and 25% of childhood ALL cases. Despite advances in therapy of T-ALL, relapsed disease remains a leading cause of death. The genetic and biological determinants of treatment failure and clinical outcomes remain incompletely understood.
Fine structural aspects of the synaptic organization of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (pars interpolaris) of the cat.

Abstract Pars interpolaris of the spinal trigeminal nuclear complex has been studied electron microscopically in normal adult cats and after total ipsilateral retrogasserian rhizotomy. Small cell body profiles are numerous and have few axo-somatic synapses. Larger cell body profiles are few in number but have several axo-somatic synapses. Axo-dendritic synaptic contacts are numerous and axo-axonic serial synapses are seen at all levels. Presynaptic profiles containing predominantly round vesicles are usually characterized by an asymmetrical postynaptic specialization and those with many flattened vesicles usually have a symmetrical specialization. A small proportion of profiles with flattened vesicles are associated with an asymmetrical specialization. Axo-axonic synapses have flattened vesicle profiles presynaptic to round vesicle ones. Degeneration of axons and presynaptic processes are seen at 30 h survival and become rare after 7 days. Most degenerated processes are electron-dense and associated with an asymmetrical specialization. In serial synapses the round vesicle profile degenerates. After 3 days many degenerated endings are replaced by glial and other processes which are applied to the denervated postsynaptic specialization. After 7 days survival some unaltered flattened vesicle profiles appear to migrate into the denervated postsynaptic sites. Later survivals show such endings applied to both symmetrical and asymmetrical specializations on the same dendritic profile. Other origins for unaltered presynaptic processes are considered. A correlation between denervated postsynaptic sites and neuronal hyperactivity is discussed, as is the apparent synaptic reorganization or re-innervation of these denervated sites.
Intra versus interspecific interactions of ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) attacking aphids

The nature and relative strengths of intra versus interspecific interactions among foraging ladybeetle larvae were studied experimentally by measuring short-term growth rates of predators and reductions in population sizes of prey in laboratory microcosms. In these microcosms, ladybeetle larvae foraged singly or as conspecific or heterospecific pairs, for pea aphids on bean plants over a two-day period. Similarly sized third instar larvae ofHippodamia convergens andH. tredecimpunctata, H. convergens andH. sinuata, andH. convergens andCoccinella septempunctata, were tested in experiments designed to ensure that paired larvae experienced moderate competition. Interspecific competition in these experiments did not differ significantly from intraspecific competition, in that an individual's weight gain did not depend on whether its competitor was heterospecific or conspecific. Furthermore, aphid populations were reduced equally by heterospecific and conspecific pairs. These results suggest that there is little or no difference between intra and interspecific interactions among larvae of these ladybeetles when two similarly sized individuals co-occur on a host plant. Thus, the species diversityper se of assemblages of ladybeetle larvae may have little influence over the short term on the reduction of aphid populations by ladybeetle predation.
An integrated approach to biodistribution radiation absorbed dose estimates

An integrated approach to existing methods of extracting biodistribution data, pharmacokinetics and radiation absorbed dose estimates from serial scintigraphic images is described. This approach employs a single computer-generated user interface to reformat planar scans into a standard file type, align conjugate (anterior and posterior) images, draw regions of interest (ROIs) over selected organs and lesions and generate count data for anterior and posterior views and calculated geometric means. Using standard correction methods, the fraction injected activity is obtained for all ROIs and total body. This methodology has been applied to the analysis of indium-III-labelled breast-cancer-directed antibodies and technetium-90m-labelled CEA-specific antibody fragments in non-small-cell lung cancer. It is anticipated that this approach will be useful for evaluating the dosimetry of other radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies, as well as other radiopharmaceuticals.
Pioneer and Voyager observations of solar cycle variations in the outer heliosphere

Solar wind measurements from the Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and Voyager 2 spacecraft are now available through mid-1993. These measurements extend our knowledge of the outer heliosphere to heliographic latitudes that range between -10 deg and 17.5 deg, and provide insight into the variation with solar cycle of the structure of the distant solar wind. The average temperature, mass flux density, dynamic pressure, and kinetic and thermal energy flux densities varied strongly with solar cycle at the latitude of Pioneer 11 (10 deg to 17 deg N), but were almost constant in the vicinity of the solar equator. These parameters may have increased with latitude between the solar equator and 17 deg N. There was also a short-term variation in average solar wind parameters near the time of the 1986 solar minimum, when the inclination of the heliospheric current sheet dropped below the latitude of Pioneer 11.
A Computer-Spectrometer Interactive System for Infrared Spectroscopy

Noise in the common kinds of infrared spectra in use today is considered. Statistics are employed to suggest modified spectra that have more desirable noise properties. A computer-spectrometer system for infrared spectroscopy is described with the novel feature that the computer modifies the scanning characteristics of the spectrometer as the data are acquired, permitting complete flexibility in programming the spectrometer's task. This system is able to control the spectrometer in the ways required to produce the modified spectra. The nature and operation of the electronic interface between the computer and the spectrometer are described together with the basic characteristics of the computer software used to program it. Several examples of the modified spectra are shown. Significant improvement in spectrum quality and run time is seen.
Antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibodies augment cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents on squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Recent literature by Fan et al (1993) demonstrated that addition of cisplatin and monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR MAb) of the human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), A431, eradicated gross tumors in nude mice. To determine whether a combination of either cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with EGFR MAb could affect an SCC other than the A431 tumor model, an assay using 2 human tongue SCC cell lines, BroTo and SCC-25, was performed. Cells were pretreated with 1.25 microgram/mL cisplatin or 10 microgram/mL 5-FU. After a 4-hour incubation period, cisplatin-treated cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline solution. Various concentrations of EGFR MAb were then added, and after a 24-hour incubation period, an MTT cell growth assay was performed. SCC-25 cells exhibited a greater decrease in growth with the addition of 16 nmol/L EGFR MAb to cisplatin compared with the cytotoxicity of cisplatin alone (P 0.05). The combination of EGFR MAb and 5-FU produced a growth inhibition versus control (unexposed cells) in both cell lines (P < 0.05). These findings suggest the possible augmentation of the activity of chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin and/or 5-FU, with the addition of EGFR MAb on SCC cell lines other than A431.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for a Binomial Parameter Using Double Sampling with one Type of Misclassification

SYNOPTIC ABSTRACTA Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) approach is considered for the estimation of a binomial proportion parameter in doubly sampled data subject to false positive misclassification. We assume that an inexpensive, error-prone device is used on a large main study and an expensive, error-free device is utilized on a smaller substudy. This double sample allows identifiability of all unknown parameters, because by incorporating additional information (data) via double sampling, the dimension of sufficient statistics is greater than or equal to the numbers of parameters; hence, the model becomes identifiable. Additionally, we derive two confidence intervals (CIs): a naive Wald CI and a modified Wald CI, and we compare the performance of these two CIs in terms of coverage probability and average length, via a Monte Carlo simulation. We then apply the two newly derived estimator and confidence intervals to a real data problem.
Effect of tumor size on the prognosis of carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated with irradiation alone

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 1178 patients with histologically proven invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated with irradiation alone. The minimum follow-up time was 3 years. The 10-year actuarial pelvic failure rate in Stage IB was 6% for tumors less than 3 cm, 15% for tumors 3 to 5 cm, and 30% for tumors more than 5 cm (P = 0.0018). The 10-year actuarial pelvic failure rate in Stage IIA was 10% for tumors less than 3 cm, 28% for tumors 3 to 5 cm, and 20% for tumors more than 5 cm (P = 0.09). Stage IIB unilateral nonbulky tumors (less than 5 cm) had a 20% pelvic failure rate compared with 28% for bilateral lesions and 35% for unilateral bulky tumors (more than 5 cm) (P = 0.35). In Stage IIB, pelvic failures were greater when disease extended into the lateral parametrium (30%) compared with medial parametrial involvement only (17%) (P = 0.01). In Stage III unilateral nonbulky tumors, the pelvic failure rate was 28% compared with 45% to 50% for unilateral bulky lesions (P = 0.002). Bilateral parametrial disease in Stage IIB did not increase the pelvic failure rate (21% in both subgroups) (P = 0.83), whereas in Stage III, bilateral parametrial involvement was associated with a 48% pelvic failure rate versus 28% for unilateral extension (P less than or equal to 0.01). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates for IB tumors less than or equal to 3 cm was 90% versus 67% for tumors more than 3 cm (P = 0.01). In Stage IIA tumors less than or equal to 3 cm, 5-year DFS was 70% versus 45% for tumors more than 3 cm. Patients with Stage IIB nonbulky tumors (less than or equal to 5 cm in diameter) had better 10-year DFS (65% to 70%) compared with those with bilateral bulky tumors (45% to 55%) (P = 0.10). Stage III patients with unilateral nonbulky tumors had a 55% 10-year DFS compared with 35% to 40% for bulky tumors or bilateral parametrial involvement (P = 0.002). The authors concluded that clinical stage and size of tumor are critical factors in the prognosis, therapy selection, and evaluation of results in carcinoma of the uterine cervix.
EFFECTS OF FRACTIONATED RADIATION THERAPY ON HUMAN BRAIN TUMOR MULTICELLULAR SPHEROIDS

Abstract We investigated the cytotoxic effects of fractionated radiation therapy on multicellular spheroids of human malignant glioma cell lines U-87 MG, U-251 MG, and U-373 MG. Graded doses of x-rays were administered in 1, 3, 8, 15, and30 fractions over 15 days. The isoeffect dose for a 1 log cell kill ranged from 4-4.5 Gy for a single fraction to 7–8 Gy for an 8-fraction protocol; no additional dose-sparing was achieved with more fractions. Therefore, the effects of individual doses (1.56 Gy) of the 8-fraction protocol were studied in U-251 MG spheroids. A cell survival assay showed that the first dose of radiation killed 30–50% of the cells; subsequent doses usually killed fewer cells. The cell kill after all 8 doses was about 1.0 log. No consistent relationship between the intracellular glutathione level and fraction number was observed. The 24-hour labeling index of the spheroids did not decrease until after the second fraction. Thus, the higher cell kill of the first dose does not seem to be related to cell cycle synchrony. Multinuclear and mononuclear giant cells were limited almost entirely to the periphery of the spheroids and increased with the number of radiation fractions. We conclude that multicellular spheroids can be used to study the biological effects of fractionated radiation therapy on human brain tumor cells. Although this model cannot be used to evaluate the effect of radiation on normal tissue, it may be useful in developing more effective radiation therapy protocols for human brain tumors.
Growth form distribution and genetic relationships in tree clusters of Pinus flexilis, a bird-dispersed pine.

Seed dispersal by the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana Wilson) may markedly influence the growth form and genetic population structure of limber pine (Pinus flexilis James). The nutcracker buries clusters of seeds in subterranean caches; germination of clustered seeds often results in a growth form characterized by two or more genetically distinct trees with fused or contiguous trunks (tree clusters). The occurrence of a morphologically similar form, the multi-trunk tree (a single genet branched near the base), as well as the typical single-trunked tree, complicates the study of limber pine populations. We examined growth form distribution and genetic relationships in tree clusters in limber pine populations at four elevations (from 2585 m to 3460 m) in the Colorado Front Range. At three study areas, relative occurrence of limber pine growth forms, as well as that of associated pines, was examined by a point-centered quarter survey. From the four study areas, we collected foliage from each trunk from a total of 74 “clumps” (combined tree clusters and multi-trunk trees) in order to differentiate the two growth forms using starch gel protein electrophoresis. Tree “clumps” were significantly more common in limber pine than in ponderosa or lodgepole pine (P<0.010). Although single-trunk limber pine was the most common growth form, except at the highest elevation, both multi-trunk trees and tree clusters were present in each stand. Tree clusters were estimated to comprise about 20% of the tree sites in each limber pine stand; the estimated proportion of multi-trunk trees varied by site from 5% to 77%. Trees in clusters were related, on average, as half to full siblings (mean r=0.43), but were unrelated to trees in other clusters (mean r=0.01). Electrophoretic analysis suggests possible genetic differentiation in limber pine that may be the result of different selection pressures on the growth forms.
The Fish in Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease (FISH) Survey—Primary Care Physicians and ω3 Fatty Acid Prescribing Behaviors

Purpose: Consumption of fish oil has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to determine the frequency and associations of dietary fish prescribing by family physicians. Methods: A 22-item survey mailed to randomly selected Washington State family physicians. Results: Nearly all agreed that nutrition is important in CVD prevention (99%) and felt that they have an essential role in giving dietary advice (92%). The majority (57%) knew of fish oil’s effectiveness in secondary prevention of CVD. However, only 17% of respondents were identified as high fish prescribers. Knowledge of fish oil’s benefit in sudden death reduction was associated with higher fish prescribers in bivariate (P = .005) and multivariate analysis (OR = 2.77; 95th CI: 1.32 to 5.82). High fish prescribers were more likely to report having sufficient time to discuss dietary therapies in bivariate (P = .018) and multivariate analysis (OR = 1.43; 95th CI: 1.03 to 1.98). Conclusions: Despite knowledge of fish oil’s benefit and favorable attitudes toward nutritional therapy, family physicians infrequently recommend fish oils for their CVD patients. Strategies improving awareness of fish oil’s effects on sudden death and reducing time barriers associated with dietary counseling should be explored further to increase recommendation of this important advice.
Merci retrievers as access adjuncts for reperfusion catheters: the grappling hook technique.

Background Expeditious, stable access in acute ischemic stroke is foundational for mechanical revascularization. Proximal vascular tortuosity and unfavorable anatomy may impede the access necessary for revascularization, particularly when large-caliber catheters are used. We describe an approach using the Merci retriever to gain stable catheter access for aspiration. Objective To assess the technical feasibility of using the Merci retriever system as an access adjunct in acute ischemic stroke and tortuous ophthalmic segment anatomy. Methods The acute ischemic stroke database was queried, and 3 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke and tortuous proximal anatomy who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy and the Merci retriever as an access adjunct were identified. Patient charts and procedure reports were reviewed. Results In each of the patients, the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery proved difficult to navigate. An appropriately sized Merci retriever was deployed in the M1 segment. Gentle tension on the retriever was applied, altering the angle at which the aspiration catheter navigated the ophthalmic segment, affording rapid access past the ophthalmic artery origin and into the target vessel. The 18 L microcatheter and retriever were withdrawn, followed by aspiration and clot maceration with the Penumbra aspiration system. Conclusion Tortuous proximal anatomy may impede access to an occluded vessel. Use of tension on a deployed Merci retriever straightens the course of the wire, changing the angle that the aspiration catheter makes with the vessel. In the setting of unfavorable anatomy, this technique may be used to advance an aspiration catheter to the target lesion.
Performance evaluation of Intel Xeon E5-2600 family cluster using scientific and engineering benchmarks

In this paper, we present an performance evaluation of a 256-core cluster based on the Intel Xeon Processor E5-2680. This is the new version of Sandy Bridge processor for server and workstation market. It employs an integrated memory controller, dual Intel Quick Path Interconnect (QPI) port and integrated PCIe 3.0 controller. We assessed these architectural enhancements using the High Performance Computing Challenge (HPCC) benchmarks and NAS Parallel Benchmarks (NPB). For Interconnect analysis we have used the NetPIPE performance evaluator. We compare and contrast the results of a cluster based on the Intel Xeon E5-2680 with a cluster based on Intel Xeon 5680 Processor and another cluster based on Intel Xeon 5570 Processor.
Cardiolipins and biomembrane function

Evidence is discussed for roles of cardiolipins in oxidative phosphorylation mechanisms that regulate State 4 respiration by returning ejected protons across and over bacterial and mitochondrial membrane phospholipids, and that regulate State 3 respiration through the relative contributions of proteins that transport protons, electrons and/or metabolites. The barrier properties of phospholipid bilayers support and regulate the slow proton leak that is the basis for State 4 respiration. Proton permeability is in the range 10(-3)-10(-4) cm s-1 in mitochondria and in protein-free membranes formed from extracted mitochondrial phospholipids or from stable synthetic phosphatidylcholines or phosphatidylethanolamines. The roles of cardiolipins in proton conductance in model phospholipid membrane systems need to be assessed in view of new findings by Hubner et al. [313]: saturated cardiolipins form bilayers whilst natural highly unsaturated cardiolipins form nonlamellar phases. Mitochondrial cardiolipins apparently participate in bilayers formed by phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines. It is not yet clear if cardiolipins themselves conduct protons back across the membrane according to their degree of fatty acyl saturation, and/or modulate proton conductance by phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines. Mitochondrial cardiolipins, especially those with high 18:2 acyl contents, strongly bind many carrier and enzyme proteins that are involved in oxidative phosphorylation, some of which contribute to regulation of State 3 respiration. The role of cardiolipins in biomembrane protein function has been examined by measuring retained phospholipids and phospholipid binding in purified proteins, and by reconstituting delipidated proteins. The reconstitution criterion for the significance of cardiolipin-protein interactions has been catalytical activity; proton-pumping and multiprotein interactions have yet to be correlated. Some proteins, e.g., cytochrome c oxidase are catalytically active when dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine replaces retained cardiolipins. Cardiolipin-protein interactions orient membrane proteins, matrix proteins, and on the outerface receptors, enzymes, and some leader peptides for import; activate enzymes or keep them inactive unless the inner membrane is disrupted; and modulate formation of nonbilayer HII-phases. The capacity of the proton-exchanging uncoupling protein to accelerate thermogenic respiration in brown adipose tissue mitochondria of cold-adapted animals is not apparently affected by the increased cardiolipin unsaturation; this protein seems to take over the protonophoric role of cardiolipins in other mitochondria. Many in vivo influences that affect proton leakage and carrier rates selectively alter cardiolipins in amount per mitochondrial phospholipids, in fatty acyl composition and perhaps in sidedness; other mitochondrial membrane phospholipids respond less or not at all.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Purification of a 65-kiloDalton nuclear protein with structural homology to glutathione-S-transferase

Abstract A 65-kDa subunit, nuclear protein from mung bean was previously identified using anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against IgG recognizing the auxin, indole-3-acetic acid. This protein was proposed to be a putative auxin-binding protein and was designated 65-kDa ABP (Prasad and Jones, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88 (1991) 5479–5483). Despite substantial effort, direct evidence for auxin-binding has not been demonstrated. Therefore, 65-kDa ABP is redesignated as p65 and herein is described its purification and the N-terminal sequence of this protein. Antibodies directed against a synthetic N-terminal peptide of p65 immunoprecipitate a 65-kDa peptide that is recognized by the anti-idiotypic antibodies indicating that the amino terminal sequence is of the originally described 65-kDa ABP. High sequence identity between p65 and the N-terminal sequence of several glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) was found, although significant GST activity was not detected. We demonstrate that p65 is retained by both glutathione- and IAA-immobilized columns. These and previous observations indicate that p65 has structural homology, but not necessarily functional homology, to both GST and ABP.
How chromatin-binding modules interpret histone modifications: lessons from professional pocket pickers

Histones comprise the major protein component of chromatin, the scaffold in which the eukaryotic genome is packaged, and are subject to many types of post-translational modifications (PTMs), especially on their flexible tails. These modifications may constitute a 'histone code' and could be used to manage epigenetic information that helps extend the genetic message beyond DNA sequences. This proposed code, read in part by histone PTM-binding 'effector' modules and their associated complexes, is predicted to define unique functional states of chromatin and/or regulate various chromatin-templated processes. A wealth of structural and functional data show how chromatin effector modules target their cognate covalent histone modifications. Here we summarize key features in molecular recognition of histone PTMs by a diverse family of 'reader pockets', highlighting specific readout mechanisms for individual marks, common themes and insights into the downstream functional consequences of the interactions. Changes in these interactions may have far-reaching implications for human biology and disease, notably cancer.
Nitrogen removal in a single-chamber microbial fuel cell with nitrifying biofilm enriched at the air cathode

Nitrogen removal is needed in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for the treatment of most waste streams. Current designs couple biological denitrification with side-stream or combined nitrification sustained by upstream or direct aeration, which negates some of the energy-saving benefits of MFC technology. To achieve simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, without extra energy input for aeration, the air cathode of a single-chamber MFC was pre-enriched with a nitrifying biofilm. Diethylamine-functionalized polymer (DEA) was used as the Pt catalyst binder on the cathode to improve the differential nitrifying biofilm establishment. With pre-enriched nitrifying biofilm, MFCs with the DEA binder had an ammonia removal efficiency of up to 96.8% and a maximum power density of 900 ± 25 mW/m(2), compared to 90.7% and 945 ± 42 mW/m(2) with a Nafion binder. A control with Nafion that lacked nitrifier pre-enrichment removed less ammonia and had lower power production (54.5% initially, 750 mW/m(2)). The nitrifying biofilm MFCs had lower Coulombic efficiencies (up to 27%) than the control reactor (up to 36%). The maximum total nitrogen removal efficiency reached 93.9% for MFCs with the DEA binder. The DEA binder accelerated nitrifier biofilm enrichment on the cathode, and enhanced system stability. These results demonstrated that with proper cathode pre-enrichment it is possible to simultaneously remove organics and ammonia in a single-chamber MFC without supplemental aeration.
Effect of 5,5'-Diphenylhydantoin on the Metabolism of L-Thyroxine-131I in the Rat

Because 5,5'-diphenylhydantoin (DPH) decreases the concentration of serum protein-bound iodine (PBI) in man, we have studied the effect of this drug on the metabolism of L-thyroxine in the rat and in the isolated rat liver. DPH produced a decrease in concentration of PBI in the rat although it did not alter the uptake of T3-l31I from plasma by erythrocytes. DPH was administered to rats in daily doses of 25 mg for 3 and 13 days, the bile duct was then cannulated, and L-T4 was administered by intravenous injection. DPH produced an increased output of 131I in the bile of these rats, and the major 13lI compound in bile was T4 glucuronide. Less radioactive iodide from T4 was excreted in the urine by these rats. DPH altered the metabolism of L-T4 in the isolated perfused rat liver. When DPH (25 mg) was added directly to blood perfusing the rat liver, the rate of disappearance of T4 from the blood was delayed somewhat, but the rate of accumulation of radioactive iodide in the blood was unaltered. The uptake of T...
Dosimetric comparison of four target alignment methods for prostate cancer radiotherapy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the dosimetric consequences of 4 treatment delivery techniques for prostate cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods and Materials: During an 8-week course of radiotherapy, 10 patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans 3 times per week (243 total) before daily treatment with a CT–linear accelerator. Treatment delivery was simulated by realigning a fixed-margin treatment plan on each CT scan and calculating doses. The alignment methods were those based on the following: skin marks, bony registration, ultrasonography (US), and in-room CT. For the last two methods, prostate was the alignment target. The dosimetric effects of these alignment methods on the prostate, seminal vesicles, rectum, and bladder were compared. The average daily minimum dose to 0.1 cm3 was used as the metric for target coverage. Results: Skin and bone alignments provided acceptable prostate coverage for only 70% of patients, US alignment for 90%, and CT alignment for 100%. CT-based alignment of the prostate provided seminal vesicle (SV) coverage of ≥69 Gy for all patients; US and bone alignments provided SV coverage of ≥60 Gy. This SV coverage may be acceptable for early-stage cancer (equivalent SV dose = 55.8 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction), but unacceptable for late-stage cancer (SV dose = 75.6 Gy). At 75.6 Gy, the acceptable rate for SV coverage was 40% for skin and bone alignments, 70% for US, and 80% for CT. Conclusions: Direct target alignment methods (US and CT) provided better target coverage. CT-guided alignment provided the best and most consistent dosimetric coverage. A larger planning target volume margin is needed for SV coverage when the alignment target is the prostate.
Emotional arousal in cocaine exposed toddlers: prediction of behavior problems.

Abstract Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) may be associated with alterations in children's developing emotional arousal and regulation systems. Objective We examined emotional responses to a frustrating task and subsequent behavior problems in 225 2 1/2 year olds (129 Prenatally Cocaine and Other Drug Exposed [PCE], 30 Non Cocaine but other drug Exposed [NCE], 66 Non Drug Exposed [NDE]). Method Children's behaviors in a frustrating toy wait task at age 2 1/2 were coded for emotional arousal and regulation behaviors. Results Findings indicated a trend for PCE toddlers to show greater agitated emotional arousal than NCE and NDE toddlers. Further, PCE boys made more references to their caregivers in the task than NDE boys. Higher agitated arousal at age 2 1/2 years was related to greater decreases in externalizing behaviors through age 5 1/2 years. Conclusion Findings suggest a link between cocaine exposure and emotional arousal and regulation and highlight the need to understand complex relations between emotion and risk for later psychopathology in exposed youth.
Comorbidity and taxometrics.

In the functional mental disorders, where conjointly definitive pathophysiology and etiology are unknown or nonexistent, a disease entity is specified syndromically, by the statistical relations of signs, symptoms, traits, tests, and other data. The very concept of co-morbidity becomes problematic, and its application to individual patients is difficult. Coherent cut kinetics, the taxometric method composed of multiple procedures (e.g., MAMBAC, MAXCOV, MAXSLOPE, MAXEIC, L-Mode) developed by Meehl and colleagues is a partial objective solution. The importance of the INKS condition, a concept from philosophy of science, is explained. Four situations of putative comorbidity are defined with explanations of how taxometric results would distinguish them.
Freeze-fracture of intact sarcotubular membranes

Pectoralis muscle from normal and dystrophic chickens was examined following preparation by the technique of freeze-fracturing. The intramembranous particle density of both the cytoplasmic and extracellular (luminal) faces of the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), free SR, and T system of normal and dystrophic chickens was determined and subjected to statistical analysis. The density of intramembranous particles is not significantly different between the PF faces of the junctional SR and the free SR of normal pectoralis, or between the PF faces of the junctional SR and the free SR of dystrophic pectoralis. However, the particle densities of the PF fases of free and junctional SR of the dystrophic pectoralis are significantly lower than the particle density of the corresponding faces of normal SR. The particle densities on the EF faces of normal junctional SR and free SR are not significantly different nor are they different from the particle density of the EF face of dystrophic free SR. T system particle densities are such as to lead to a significantly lower overall particle density for the dystrophic. T system than for the normal.
Harmonious labelings of windmill graphs and related graphs

A strongly harmonious labeling is the nonmodular version of a harmonious labeling. The windmill graph K(t)n is the graph consisting of t copies of the complete graph Kn with a vertex in common. It is shown that, for t ≥ 1, K(t)n is strongly harmonious and so harmonious by drawing on partitions already available from the construction of cyclic neofields. Other irregular windmill graphs can be shown to be strongly harmonious in a similar way.
A comparison of linear and non-linear characterizations of impedance spirometry data

A comparison is made of the linear and non-linear least squares characterizations of the relationship between the transthoracic impedance change (ΔZ) and the respired air volume (ΔV) with regard to electrode location, somatotype, body position and type of breathing for seven normal, male, human subjects. The electrode locations which provided the largest ΔZ signal and those which produced the least error in the values of ΔV as determined from the measured values of ΔZ were also studied.
A kinetic model for the quantitative analysis of complement.

Abstract A simple model has been developed which accurately predicts the time course of complement mediated lysis of sensitized red cells. The model assumes that the one hit theory of immune hemolysis is applicable and that the rate of lysis is directly proportional to the concentration of a complement component present in rate limiting amounts. It also assumes that the rate of lysis is dependent on the fraction of cells lysed. The model can be related to the classical von Krogh equation for end point complement analyses and can be used to estimate the rate constant for the critical step in hemolysis, as well as the efficiency of the critical complement component in the rate limiting step. Parameters derived from the model can be quantitatively related to complement concentration and can be used as the basis for a quantitative assay of complement activity. The model can also be used to calculate, for a particular sample, the concentration at which complement activity becomes undectable, the complement activity of the pure, undiluted sample, and the time required for the sample to produce complete lysis of the available cells.
On the character of and distance between states in a binary switching net

Behavioral examination of binary switching net models has typically concerned itself with an examination of their cyclical character. This article considers two less frequently discussed behavioral variables-the density of “1”'s in net states and the (Hamming) distance between net states. These variables are studied under fully random nets and under nets controlled at levels of internal homogeneity, forcibility or threshold. A collection of theoretical and simulated results is presented.
Simple, high-performance type II ?-BaB 2 O 4 optical parametric oscillator.

A visible /near-IR optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on type II phase matching in β-BaB2O4 (BBO) is described. Pumped at 355 nm, this OPO covers 410-2500 nm completely with a single set of standard Nd:YAG cavity optics. The output efficiency is >25 %, the linewidth of the OPO is narrower than 1 -2 cm^-1 without the use of gratings or etalons, and the signal-beam divergence is <400 µrad. Three type I BBO doubling crystals are used to extend the tuning range from 208 to 415 nm. Doubling efficiencies as high as 40% are easily obtained. The reasons for the high doubling and overall system efficiency are discussed.
A high-power and high-flux X-ray wiggler station at the Cornell high energy synchrotron source

Abstract The F2 wiggler station at The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source has been in operation since August of 1990. This versatile stationis designed to accommodate a wide variety of state-of-the-art synchrotron experiments. The station can produce tunable doubly-focused monochromatic radiation as well as unfocused white beam. Macromolecular crystallography experiments using multiple wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD) and high resolution diffraction experiments have taken advantage of the high flux, high energy resolution, and the tunability of the station in the monochromatic mode; nano-eV spectroscopy experiments using nuclear resonant scattering have utilized the high flux available at a particular energy; and high heat load tests of X-ray optics have used the full power of the white beam. In this article we present several key elements of the station design and review the X-ray beam characteristics as they pertain to the scientific work done at F2 during the past few years.
A Four‐Factor Model of Perceived Control: Avoiding, Coping, Obtaining, and Savoring

ABSTRACT This study provides evidence that people evaluate their control over events and over feelings separately with respect to both positive and negative experiences Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that subjects made separate self-evaluations of control regarding their ability to (a) avoid negative outcomes, (b) cope with negative outcomes, (c) obtain positive outcomes, and (d) savor positive outcomes In addition, beliefs about avoiding and obtaining were more highly correlated (r = 50) than were beliefs about coping and savoring (r= 27) It is argued that coping and savoring involve different sets of cognitive and behavioral skills Multiple regression analyses generally indicated that beliefs about avoiding and coping related more strongly to measures of subjective distress, whereas beliefs about obtaining and strongly related more strongly to measures of subjective well-being These four control beliefs are discussed in relation to other conceptual models of control, and ways in which savoring may promote perceived control are described
Combined synergistic antiherpetic effect of acyclovir and chlorhexidine in vitro

The combined effect of acyclovir and chlorhexidine on the replication and DNA synthesis of herpes simplex virus was studied. Acyclovir and chlorhexidine showed synergism in the inhibition of the viral replication by enhancing in part the reduction of viral DNA synthesis. These data indicate that combined therapy with acyclovir and chlorhexidine might be beneficial for the control of intraoral herpetic infections.
Time-frequency spectrograms of optical pulses

We present a discussion of several different types of joint time-frequency distributions of optical pulses. Particular attention is paid to the Wigner distribution W(t,(omega) ), as it is the fundamental distribution from which all others can be derived. We elucidate the relationship between the Wigner distribution and other spectrograms of current interest, such as that obtained from frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG).© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A 350,000 year summer-monsoon multi-proxy stack from the Owen Ridge, Northern Arabian Sea

Five summer-monsoon proxies from the Northern Arabian Sea are combined using stacking and principal components analysis (PCA) to create two very similar multi-proxy records of summer-monsoon variability. The five individual proxies all respond to monsoon variability but are largely independent in terms of the processes that complicate their interpretation as summer-monsoon indicators (e.g. preservation, dissolution, diagenesis, sediment reworking). As such, stacking and PCA average out non-monsoon variance, yielding a more pure monsoon signal. These stacked and PCA records (hereafter summer-monsoon stack and summer-monsoon factor) allow evaluation of relative monsoon strength through time as well as the relative concentration of variance within orbital bands; these two parameters are less reliable when estimated from individual proxy records. In fact, the summer-monsoon factor (SMF) accounts for only 33% of the total variance in the five records, suggesting that relative amplitude variations in each individual proxy time series are influenced by non-monsoon processes. The summer-monsoon stack (SMS) and SMF are spectrally very similar, dominated by variance in the 41-k.y. (obliquity) and 23-k.y. (precession) bands; there is very little variance at the 100-k.y. (eccentricity) band associated with large-scale changes in global ice-volume. Indeed, equally strong monsoons occur in both glacial and interglacial intervals. Within the 23-k.y. precession cycle, monsoon maxima fall at −121° relative to precession minima (June 21 perihelion, maximum Northern Hemisphere (NH) summer insolation). This phase falls midway between δ18O minima (−78°) and December 21 perihelion (−180°) indicating that two mechanisms exert equal influence in determining the timing of strong summer monsoons within the precession band: (1) sensible heating of the Asian Plateau which is maximized at times of ice-volume minima (−78°), and (2) latent heat export from the southern subtropical Indian Ocean which is maximized at times of December 21 perihelion (−180°). The seasonal cycle at December 21 perihelion is characterized by warm Southern Hemisphere (SH) summers followed by cold SH winters, a combination that preconditions the ocean to export latent heat during the boreal summer-monsoon season. Summer-monsoon winds transport this latent heat into Asia where it is released during precipitation, enhancing the Asian monsoon low. Within the 41-k.y. obliquity cycle, monsoon maxima are in phase with obliquity maxima. This indicates that two mechanisms, quite similar to those in the precession band, influence the timing of strong summer-monsoons in the obliquity band: (1) sensible heating of the Asian Plateau but with no ice-volume delay, and (2) latent heat export from the southern subtropical Indian Ocean which is maximized at times of obliquity maxima. Again, the seasonal cycle at obliquity maximum is characterized by warm SH summers followed by cold SH winters, ideal for maximizing latent heat export during the boreal summer monsoon.
Can increasing carbon dioxide cause climate change

The realistic physical functioning of the greenhouse effect is reviewed, and the role of dynamic transport and water vapor is identified. Model errors and uncertainties are quantitatively compared with the forcing due to doubling CO2, and they are shown to be too large for reliable model evaluations of climate sensitivities. The possibility of directly measuring climate sensitivity is reviewed. A direct approach using satellite data to relate changes in globally averaged radiative flux changes at the top of the atmosphere to naturally occurring changes in global mean temperature is described. Indirect approaches to evaluating climate sensitivity involving the response to volcanic eruptions and Eocene climate change are also described. Finally, it is explained how, in principle, a climate that is insensitive to gross radiative forcing as produced by doubling CO2 might still be able to undergo major changes of the sort associated with ice ages and equable climates.