cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE-G-BRA-05: IROC Houston On-Site Audits and Parameters That Affect Performance

Purpose: To highlight the IROC Houston on-site dosimetry audit program, and to investigate the impact of clinical conditions on the frequency of errors/recommendations noted by IROC Houston. Methods: The results of IROC Houston on-site audits from 2000-present were abstracted and compared to clinical parameters, this included 409 institutions and 1020 linacs. In particular, we investigated the frequency of recommendations versus year, and the impact of repeat visits on the number of recommendations. We also investigated the impact on the number of recommendations of several clinical parameters: the number and age of the linacs, the linac/TPS combination, and the scope of the QA program. Results: The number of recommendations per institution (3.1 average) has shown decline between 2000 and present, although the number of recommendations per machine (0.89) has not changed. Previous IROC Houston site visits did not Result in fewer recommendations on a repeat visit, but IROC Houston tests have changed substantially during the last 15 years as radiotherapy technology has changed. There was no impact on the number of recommendations based on the number of machines at the institution or the age of a given machine. The fewest recommendations were observed for Varian-Eclipse combinations (0.71 recs/machine), while Elekta- Pinnacle combinations yielded the most (1.62 recs/machine). Finally, in the TG-142 era (post-2010), those institutions that had a QA recommendation (n=77) had significantly more other recommendations (1.83 per institution) than those that had no QA rec (n=12, 1.33 per institution). Conclusion: Establishing and maintaining a successful radiotherapy program is challenging and areas of improvement can routinely be identified. Clinical conditions such as linac-TPS combinations and the establishment of a good QA program impact the frequency of errors/deficiencies identified by IROC Houston during their on-site review process.
Combinations for cancer prevention.

Combination therapies involving inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor and cyclooxygenase signaling prevent colorectal adenomas in mice. This synergistic effect may be due to the convergance of these two signaling pathways (pages 1024–1028).
Design Magnesium Alloys: How Computational Thermodynamics Can Help

Thermodynamics has often been viewed applicable to states near equilibrium only although irreversible thermodynamics was already developed in 1950s. The CALPHAD technique of computational thermodynamics developed since early 1970s has helped to change this view. This technique couples the phase diagram and thermochemical properties to explicitly characterize all phases in a system, including stable, metastable, and unstable phases over a wide range of temperature, pressure and composition. The modeling of Gibbs energy of individual phases enables the calculation of driving forces between any intermediate non-equilibrium states for simulating dynamic microstructure evolutions.
Inherent fault tolerance in evolved sorting networks

This poster paper summarizes our research on fault tolerance arising as a by-product of the evolutionary computation process. Past research has shown evidence of robustness emerging directly from the evolutionary process, but none has examined the large number of diverse networks we used. Despite a thorough study, the linkage between evolution and increased robustness is unclear.
The effect of social policies on teenage pregnancy and childbearing.

The services and incentives provided by social policies significantly affect teenage pregnancy and childbearing outcomes. Policies that offer tangible family-planning services and that improve acce...
Targeting Ovarian Cancer and Chemoresistance Through Selective Inhibition of Sphingosine Kinase-2 with ABC294640

ABC294640, a selective inhibitor of sphingosine kinase-2, inhibits the formation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a signaling lipid implicated in promoting tumor survival. We investigated the anticancer activity of ABC294640 in two ovarian cancer cell lines, BG-1 and Caov- 3. ABC294640 dose-dependently inhibited clonogenic survival and cell viability of both ovarian cancer lines in vitro. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays and western blot detection in chemoresistant Caov-3 cells, treatment with ABC294640 alone also potentiated bcl-2-associated X-protein and caspase-9 transcription levels, although it did not significantly increase apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, ABC294640 administered to Caov-3 ovarian cancer cells in conjunction with paclitaxel induced apoptotic cell death through activation of caspase-9. Induction of apoptosis may mediate the anticancer effect of ABC294640 in ovarian cancer, although its precise antitumor mechanism is unclear. Ultimately, through its inhibition of S1P formation and subsequent effects on critical survival signaling cascades, ABC294640 may prove to be a useful adjunct to help re- sensitize tumors to standard therapy. In the United States, ovarian cancer represents approximately 3% of all cancers in women, with an estimated 22,240 new cases and 14,030 deaths in 2013 (1). The five-year ovarian cancer survival rate between 2002-2008 was 43%, with women under 65 years demonstrating a 56% survival rate, and women over 65 years a 27% survival rate. Initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer is usually made after the cancer has already metastasized, which drastically reduces five-year survival to just 28% (1). Treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy. Common chemotherapy treatments are the taxanes (paclitaxel or docetaxil) and platinum agents (cisplatin and carboplatin). Many women die due to treatment failure, therefore it is important to develop new agents that target different aspects of tumor progression and resistance for use along with standard regimens. Sphingolipid compounds involved in cell signaling are targets for manipulation. The rheostat. Sphingolipids are ubiquitous structural components of cell membranes. Recently, their metabolites have gained prominence as signaling molecules involved in regulation of cell functioning including cell death and differentiation, proliferation, and aspects of inflammation. Most of these important aspects are mediated by the sphingolipid
Reference Shelf: The Business of Food by H. W. Wilson (Pub.)

The Business of Food is a brief (200 pages) introduction to a variety of food issues in business. The compilation of articles includes such topics as the new farm movement to media issues/how-to co...
European Regional Structural Funds: How Large is the Influence of Politics on the Allocation Process?

The allocation of Structural Funds, the most important component of the European Union (EU) cohesion policy, is subject to intense bargaining between national governments and across layers of political governance. Using Structural Funds data for each cohesion objective over 1989–99, we examine which variables, economic and political, determine the actual funds allocation. We test our hypotheses with a Tobit model that accounts for the two-stage allocation process and our limited dependent variables. Our results indicate that economic criteria are not the only determinants of funds allocation. Indeed, we find that the political situation within a country and a region and the relations between various layers of governance influence the allocation process. This article is also the only study to measure the impact of additional funds provided by the region or the country itself, and to differentiate the analysis by cohesion objective.
Is Disney the Nicest Place on Earth? A Content Analysis of Prosocial Behavior in Animated Disney Films

The purpose of this study was to examine the multidimensionality of prosocial behavior in Disney animated films. Characteristics of the target and initiator and context of each prosocial act were also examined. Prosocial behavior was portrayed at a rate of approximately 1 act per minute, rarely occurred in combination with aggression, targets were most prosocial toward friends, and tended to help those similar to themselves. This study views Disney in a more positive light than past studies by highlighting high levels of prosocial behavior, as well as portrayal that may facilitate imitation. This study also used a broad definition of prosocial behavior that provides a more nuanced picture of the nature of prosocial behavior in children’s programming.
Rheology and composition of citrus fiber

Abstract While fibrous byproducts are abundant, using them in food products to improve food nutrition and quality without degrading taste or texture can be challenging. Citrus fiber has been shown to have high water holding capacity and apparent viscosity. However, to better incorporate citrus fiber into foods, their rheological properties, and composition, need to be better understood. Pectin was found to be 42% of the composition of the citrus fiber evaluated in this study. The rheological properties of citrus fiber solutions were clearly non Newtonian and the type of model that best fit the citrus fiber varied depending on its particle size. Particle size of citrus fiber also significantly changed the apparent viscosity of their solutions. As citrus fibers hydrate, the fibers swell, which was illustrated by microscopic imaging.
Comparative effectiveness of peripheral vascular intervention versus surgical bypass for critical limb ischemia in the Vascular Study Group of Greater New York

Objective In this study, the effectiveness of peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) was compared with surgical bypass grafting (BPG) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in the Vascular Study Group of Greater New York (VSGGNY). Methods Patients undergoing BPG or PVI for CLI at VSGGNY centers (2011-2013) were included. The Society for Vascular Surgery objective performance goals for CLI were used to directly compare the safety and effectiveness of PVI and BPG. Propensity score matching was used for risk-adjusted comparisons of PVI with BPG. Results A total of 414 patients (268 PVI, 146 BPG) were treated for tissue loss (69%) or rest pain (31%). Patients undergoing PVI were more likely to have tissue loss (74.6% vs 57.5%; P P = .02), heart failure (22% vs 13.7%; P = .04), and severe renal disease (13.1% vs 4.1%; P = .004). No significant differences were found between the groups across a panel of safety objective performance goals. In unadjusted analyses at 1 year, BPG was associated with higher rates of freedom from reintervention, amputation, or restenosis (90.4% vs 81.7%; P = .02) and freedom from reintervention or amputation (92.5% vs 85.8%, P = .045). After propensity score matching, PVI was associated with improved freedom from major adverse limb events and postoperative death at 1 year (95.6% vs 88.5%; P Conclusions By unadjusted comparison, early reintervention and restenosis are more prevalent with PVI. However, risk-adjusted comparison underscores the safety and effectiveness of PVI in the treatment of CLI.
Thermal management using a hypervapotron, part III: Summary of controlling parameters

A hypervapotron is an excellent candidate for thermal management (TM) in cases where single-side high heat flux removal (HHFR) is of prime importance. In order to effectively characterize additional optimal operating characteristics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and/or experimental approaches (EA, and/or design approaches (DA)), knowledge of the controlling TM hypervapotron parameters would be essential for timely HHFR enhancement configuration identification. To that end, three controlling parameters have been identified in this third part of a three-part study. Parts I and II of this study resulted in TM control parameters for other conjugate heat transfer and geometric aspects. Finally, these parameters could be useful in CFD (and EA and/or DA) studies for optimizing HHFR and thermal protection. These results can be considered as enabling TM technology for aerospace and nuclear systems.
``Thermalization gap'' excitation photoluminescence and optical absorption in amorphous silicon-hydrogen alloys

Abstract We report the photoluminescence spectra of amorphous silicon-hydrogen alloys excited by 1.68 eV to 2.07 eV photons. The spectrum excited by 1.68 eV photons is dramatically shifted to the red, which we interpret in terms of holes photoexcited above a “thermalization gap.” In an attempt to be quantitative, we construct a simple model for the photoluminescence process which gives results consistent with our data and a “thermalization gap” of approximately 1.60 eV. These results further our understanding of the electronic states and the photoluminescence process in this material. We extend this model to calculate the optical absorption of this material and find the calculation in good agreement with experimental data, giving us an estimate of the valence band density of states in the band gap.
Electrophysiological Responses to Affective Stimuli in Mexican-Americans: Relationship to Alcohol Dependence and Personality Traits

The relationship between the P450 component elicited by affective stimuli and: a personal history of alcohol dependence, antisocial personality disorder/conduct disorder (ASPD/CD) or affective anxiety disorders (ANYAXAF) was examined in Mexican Americans, a group with high rates of heavy drinking. Data from two hundred and twenty two young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 were used in the analyses. ERPs were collected using a task that required discrimination between faces with neutral, sad and happy facial expressions. DSM-IIIR diagnoses were obtained using a structured interview and personality traits were indexed using the Maudsley personality inventory. Men had significantly diminished P450 responses, when compared to women which were further reduced in men with ASPD/CD; whereas, a significant increase in P450 amplitudes was seen in those participants with ANYAXAF. P450 amplitudes were also significantly increased in men with high extraversion scores and in women with high neuroticism scores. No significant associations were seen between the P450 amplitude and the diagnosis of alcohol dependence. These data suggest that interpretations of P450 responses in Mexican Americans need to take into account the interactions between gender, the affective valence of the eliciting stimuli, as well as psychiatric status.
Acylated des-(Ala1-Gly2)-somatostatin analogs: prolonged inhibition of growth hormone secretion.

The following eight analogs of somatostatin were synthesized by solid phase: des-[Ala1-Gly2]-somatostatin (I); des-[Ala1-Gly2]-H2somatostatin (II); N-acetyl-Cys3-somatostatin (III); N-acetyl-Cys3-H2somatostatin (IV); N-pyvalyl-Cys3-H2somatostatin (V); N-acrylyl-Cys3-H2somatostatin (VI); N-benzoyl-Cys3-H2somatostatin (VII); N-hexanoyl-Cys3-H2somatostatin (VIII). Deletion of the N-terminal dipeptide Ala1-Gly2 is compatible with high biological activity. A single s.c. injection of these analogs as a microsuspension in saline inhibits for 24–72 hours (depending on the compound) the secretion of growth hormone normally stimulated in rats by pentobarbital.
Nickel Oxide Interstratified and Pillared α-Zirconium Phosphate

A novel nickel interstratified α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) of approximate composition Zr(PO4)2Ni4(OH)5(C2H3O2)·2H2O has been synthesized by forming the nickel polymers in situ between the layers of zirconium phosphate to yield materials with d spacings ranging from 18.4 to 19.5 A. X-ray powder structure refinement has shown that the resulting composite has unit cell dimensions a = 9.298(2), b = 5.389(1), and c = 37.61(5) A, β = 103.40(2)°, Z = 4 and consists of layers of the original zirconium phosphate with two layers of nickel atoms bonded directly to the phosphate layers and a third layer of nickel hydroxide situated between the bonded Ni layers. Calcination of these materials led to a decrease in the d spacing of up to 4.7 A to produce a nickel oxide three layers thick between the lamellae of the α-ZrP. These composites have surface areas ranging from 63 to 158 m2 g-1 depending upon the temperature of calcination. Pore size analysis showed the materials to be predominantly microporous with pores of ...
Changing treatment patterns.

ABSTRACT Background and Overview Patterns of clinical care are closely linked to the nature of diseases in the population. During the past decade, the nature of both dental caries and periodontitis has undergone a transformation that has implications for dental practice. Especially in younger cohorts, the overall need for extensive restorative and periodontal treatment is much reduced, compared with that of prior generations. Conclusions Over the next several decades, there will be a slowly declining per-capita need for restorative and surgical care. The overall mix of services will continue to shift toward diagnostic and preventive services. Practice Implications At least in terms of today's conventional dental care, each provider in the future should be able to manage the oral health care needs of larger numbers of patients than is possible today.
Diurnal Changes in Tissue Leaf Levels of Tryptophan, Tyrosine and Amine Metabolites in Sedum morganianum and Sedum pachyphyllum

Summary Diurnal changes in tissue leaf levels of tryptophan, tyrosine, norepinephrine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were investigated in Sedum morganianum (Burros tail) and Sedum pachyphyllum (Jellybean). We found that tissue 5-HIAA levels are decreased during the light period while 5-HT and norepinephrine levels are increased during the light period in both species. On the other hand, in Sedum morganianum both tissue tryptophan and tyrosine levels were decreased during the light period while in Sedum pachyphyllum both tissue tryptophan and tyrosine levels are increased during the light period. These results indicate that tryptophan, tyrosine and several related metabolites undergo diurnal fluctuations and that significant species differences may occur.
Separation of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint using sound analysis

This clinical-arthrographic investigation compares power spectral analysis of temporomandibular joint sounds with different arthrographic characteristics of intracapsular dysfunction. The quantitative comparison of specific parameters of the sound power-spectrum waveform may provide a sensitive and accurate noninvasive tool for diagnosis and treatment.
Microdetermination of glutamate in single cat spinal roots.

Abstract A simple, rapid, specific and sensitive assay for as little as 0.25 mumole L-glutamate in nerve tissue is described using the fluorometric measurement of DPNH produced by the reaction of glutamate with GDH.
Phototherapy: Current methods and future directions

Phototherapy is the most common therapeutic intervention used for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Although it has become a mainstay since its introduction in 1958, a better understanding of the photobiology of bilirubin, characteristics of the phototherapy devices, the efficacy and safety considerations of phototherapy applications, and improvements in spectroradiometers and phototherapy devices are necessary for more predictable and improved clinical practices and outcomes. A step forward in instituting consistent, uniform, and effective use of phototherapy is the recent American Academy of Pediatrics clinical guideline on the management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation, which outlines a clinical strategy for the diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia and contains direct recommendations for the application of phototherapy. This article reviews the parameters that determine the efficacy of phototherapy, briefly discusses current devices and methods used to deliver phototherapy, and speculates on future directions and studies that are still needed to complement our presently incomplete knowledge of the facets of this common mode of therapy.
Hormonal Regulation of the p53 Tumor Suppressor Protein in T47D Human Breast Carcinoma Cell Line

Under normal culturing conditions, the T47D human breast cancer cell line expresses progesterone receptor constitutively and is responsive to estrogen. Because the tumor suppressor protein p53 plays a central role in determining genetic stability and cell proliferation, we have examined the effects of 17β-estradiol, the synthetic progestin R5020, and the antiprogestin RU486 on the levels of this protein in T47D cells. Western blot analysis of cellular extracts, performed with a monoclonal antibody capable of quantitatively supershifting a specific p53-p53 response element complex in a gel mobility shift assay, detected a single immunoreactive band representing p53. When cells were grown for 4-5 days in culture medium containing charcoal-treated fetal calf serum, p53 levels declined to 10% of the level seen in the control (no charcoal treatment) group. Supplementation of culture medium containing charcoal-treated calf serum with 0.1-1 nM 17β-estradiol restored p53 to its normal levels. A 4-day treatment of cells with R5020 or RU486 lowered the p53 levels in cells grown in normal culturing conditions to 15 and 30% of control levels, respectively. R5020 and RU486 treatments also caused down-regulation and/or hyperphosphorylation of the progesterone receptor, which correlated with the down-regulation of p53. These observations indicate that in T47D cells, p53 is up-regulated by estradiol while R5020 down-regulates this protein. Since estradiol is known to promote cell proliferation, the induction of p53 observed in this study leads us to propose that estradiol stimulates p53 to regulate proliferation of T47D cells in culture.
Equilibria in scrambling reactions of some boron compounds

Abstract Exchange of substituents on boron was investigated for the systems: B(OCH3)3 vs. B(C6H5)3, B[N(CH3)2]3 vs. B(C6H5)3, and BCL3 vs. B(OC6H5)3. Data on the first two systems were obtained by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.); whereas 11B n.m.r. was used for the third system. The equilibrium distribution of the four molecular species obtained by exchanging phenyl with methoxyl groups was nearly random; but the exchange equilibrium of phenyl with dimethyl-amino groups was very nonrandom, with the compound B(C6H5)2[N(CH3)2] being present in amounts much greater than those predicted for ideally random sorting of substituents. Because of considerable overlapping of the 11B n.m.r. resonance peaks, the equilibria for scrambling of chloro and phenoxyl groups on boron could only be estimated approximately.
Chain dynamics in linear and hyperbranched phenol-polycarbonates

Analysis of the macroscopic thermal and mechanical behavior, and microscopic chain packing and dynamics, of two hyperbranched polycarbonates and their compositionally exact linear analogues leads to the conclusion that nearest-neighbor chains (or chain segments) pack and move similarly in linear and hyperbranched systems. However, the distance scale for cooperative motion is much smaller in the hyperbranched polycarbonates, and this leads to mechanical embrittlement.
Synthesis of polysilane polymer precursors and their pyrolysis to silicon carbides

Abstract Organosilane polymers of the type [R1 R2Si]n were prepared by dechlorination of R1 R2SiCl2 (R1 = CH3; R2 = H, C2H5, C3H7, C4H9, C6H11, C8H17 or C6H5) with sodium in toluene as solvent. The polymers were characterized by i.r., NMR and thermal analysis. The decomposition temperature, yield, solubility, appearance were found to depend strongly on molecular structure. The pyrolysis of polymethylsilane was found to give a 60% ceramic yield after thermal processing at 750°, suggesting its potential for use as a precursor to SiC ceramics.
Action of antisera against homologous and heterologous snake venom phospholipases A2.

Abstract Studies on the inhibitory effects of a series of anti-snake-venom sera on the phospholipase A2 activity of a number of snake venoms have been made using the suppression of phospholipase A2 activity by the antiserum as an indicator of interaction between antibodies against phospholipase A2 and snake venom phospholipase A2. Specific antiserum against the venom of a particular species inhibited the phospholipase A2 activity of the venoms of closely related species, but in most cases, failed to suppress phospholipase A2 activity of venoms from other families. The amount of antiserum required for 50% inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity varied with the species. The differences in the inhibitory properties of a particular antiserum on a heterologous phospholipase A2 activity indicate variations in the antigenic sites of the enzyme molecule.
Isolation and Characterization of a Chitinase and its cDNA Clone from Rice

A 35 kD chitinase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from extracts of rice bran of cv New Bonnet by ammonium sulfate fractionation, chitin affinity chromatography, cation exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose and gel filtration. The purified enzyme has an isoelectric point of 8.8. The enzyme inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani (the sheath blight pathogen), Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, Fusarium graminaerum and F. culmorum in vitro. A cDNA clone for chitinase was isolated from a developing rice seed cDNA library by probing with a barley chitinase cDNA probe. The nucleotide sequence of this 654 bp clone was determined, it contains an open reading frame of 519 nucleotides. The protein product encoded by this clone is homologous to chitinases from tobacco, bean and barley. Southern blot analysis of rice genomic DNA with this probe revealed that chitinases are encoded by a small multi-gene family in the rice genome.
Verbal Fluency of Hispanic, Black and White Children on TAT and TEMAS, a New Thematic Apperception Test

Ethnic minority children evidence lack of verbal fluency on projective personality tests, which in turn impugns test validity for minority examinees. This study compared Hispanic, black, and white ...
Medication adherence, ethnicity, and the influence of multiple psychosocial and financial barriers.

Medication adherence is critical for patients with bipolar disorder to avoid symptom exacerbation and diminished quality of life. Most analyses consider adherence barriers individually rather than conjointly, while neglecting potential ethnic differences. 435 patients in the Continuous Improvement for Veterans in Care––Mood Disorders study reported multiple financial and psychosocial factors influencing adherence. Logistic regression modeled adherence as a function of perceived barriers, including cost burden, access, binge drinking, poor therapeutic alliance, and medication beliefs. Nearly half the cohort experienced adherence difficulty, averaging 2.8 barriers, with minority veterans reporting lower adherence than white patients, particularly financial burden and treatment access. Total barriers were significantly associated with worse adherence (OR = 1.24 per barrier), notably poor medication beliefs, binge drinking, and difficulty accessing psychiatric specialists (ORs of 2.41, 1.95 and 1.73, respectively). Veterans with bipolar disorder experience numerous adherence barriers, with certain obstacles proving especially pernicious. Fortunately tailored clinical interventions can improve adherence, particularly by addressing modifiable risk factors.
Bringing a New Focus to Literary Translation

(1978). Bringing a New Focus to Literary Translation. Translation Review: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 3-4.
The Role of Putative Fibrinogen Aα-, Bβ-, and γA-chain Integrin Binding Sites in Endothelial Cell-mediated Clot Retraction

In this study, endothelial cell-mediated clot retraction was supported by fibrin generated from several purified fractions of plasma fibrinogen, purified proteolytic fragments of plasma fibrinogen, recombinant normal fibrinogen, and recombinant variant fibrinogen. These results were surprising because some of these fibrinogens lack domains that are known binding sites for the integrin receptors that support clot retraction. Specifically, fibrinogens lacking Aα-chain RGD residues at 572–574 or lacking the γ-chain residues AGDV 408–411 supported endothelial cell-mediated clot retraction as well as intact fibrinogen. Thus, clot retraction mediated by endothelial cells is not dependent on either of these sites. A variety of monoclonal antibodies against the integrin αvβ3 partially inhibited the endothelial cell-mediated retraction of clots formed from plasma fibrinogen. As expected, an antibody to the platelet integrin αIIbβ3 did not inhibit endothelial cell-mediated clot retraction. These results indicate that this retraction is mediated at least in part by αvβ3. These results support the conclusion that (a) neither of the two fibrinogen cell binding sites described above is required to support clot retraction or that (b) either site alone or in conjunction with other fibrin(ogen) region(s) can support clot retraction. Thus, endothelial cell-mediated clot retraction appears to be dependent on fibrinogen cell binding sites other than those required to support adhesion of resting platelets to immobilized fibrinogen and platelet aggregation.
Gangliosides in postmitotic retina of chick embryo: changes in vivo and in cell cultures.

Developmental changes in ganglioside composition of postmitotic neural retina of chick embryo were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. Gangliosides were identified by comparing their chromatographic mobilities with reference standards. The outstanding changes are decrease in the concentration of GD3L and increase in GD1a and GM1 concentrations. By depleting Muller glia cells from retina tissue of 13- and 16-day embryos (R13, R16) we determined that the bulk of the major gangliosides is associated with the neurons. Analysis of gangliosides in monolayer cultures of R13 and R16 cells highly enriched for Muller cell-derived gliocytes indicated that these cells express the same types of gangliosides as neurons, but in somewhat different concentrations and relative proportions; however, after time in culture these cells showed ganglioside types and changes in ganglioside profile that are not characteristic of normal retina. The latter observation is consistent with other evidence that the phenotype of Muller glia cells becomes altered in monolayer culture. In contrast to cultures of early embryonic retina, in organ cultures of later postmitotic retina, ganglioside composition did not continue to change as in normal development. This suggests that in postmitotic retina, normal developmental progression of ganglioside changes requires systemic and/or other conditions which are missing or altered when this tissue is isolated and cultured in vitro.
Terahertz source requirements for molecular spectroscopy

Molecular spectroscopy was the earliest application in the terahertz spectral region and remains one of the most important. With the development of modern technology, spectroscopy has expanded beyond the laboratory and is the basis for a number of important remote sensing systems, especially in atmospheric science and studies of the interstellar medium. Concurrently, these spectroscopic applications have been one of the prime motivators for the development of terahertz technology. This paper will review these issues in the context of the requirements placed on future technology developments by spectroscopic applications.
Rapid Spectral Cloud Screening Onboard Aircraft and Spacecraft

Next-generation orbital imaging spectrometers will generate unprecedented data volumes, demanding new methods to optimize storage and communication resources. Here, we demonstrate that onboard analysis can excise cloud-contaminated scenes, reducing data volumes while preserving science return. We calculate optimal cloud-screening parameters in advance, exploiting stable radiometric calibration and foreknowledge of illumination and viewing geometry. Channel thresholds expressed in raw instrument values can be then uploaded to the sensor where they execute in real time at gigabit-per-second (Gb/s) data rates. We present a decision theoretic method for setting these instrument parameters and characterize performance using a continuous three-year image archive from the “classic” Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-C). We then simulate the system onboard the International Space Station, where it provides factor-of-two improvements in data volume with negligible false positives. Finally, we describe a real-time demonstration onboard the AVIRIS Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) flight platform during a recent science campaign. In this blind test, cloud screening is performed without error while keeping pace with instrument data rates.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of ripple formation by sputtering: Effects of multiple defects and Ehrlich-Schwoebel barriers

Abstract Periodic structures known as sputter ripples have been produced on many surfaces but many aspects of their formation are not understood. We have developed Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations to model ripple formation based on the same sputtering and diffusion processes found in a widely-used continuum model. In the current work, we extend the simulations to include the effects of multiple defect production and barriers to interlayer diffusion to determine if these can account for experimental measurements which find more rapid ripple growth than predicted theoretically.
Polyhedral representation of discrete Morse functions

Abstract It is proved that every discrete Morse function in the sense of Forman on a finite regular CW complex can be represented by a polyhedral Morse function in the sense of Banchoff on an appropriate embedding in Euclidean space of the barycentric subdivision of the CW complex; such a representation preserves critical points. The proof is stated in terms of discrete Morse functions on posets.
Computations of the viscoelastic response of a 3-D compressible Earth to surface loading: an application to Glacial Isostatic Adjustment in Antarctica and Canada

S U M M A R Y We develop a 3-D finite-element model to study the viscoelastic response of a compressible Earth to surface loads. The effects of centre of mass motion, polar wander feedback, and selfconsistent ocean loading are implemented. To assess the model’s accuracy, we benchmark the numerical results against a semi-analytic solution for spherically symmetric structure.We force our model with the ICE-5G global ice loading history to study the effects of laterally varying viscosity structure on several glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) observables, including relative sea-level (RSL)measurements inCanada, and present-day time-variable gravity and uplift rates in Antarctica. Canadian RSL observations have been used to determine the Earth’s globally averaged viscosity profile. AntarcticGPS uplift rates have been used to constrainAntarcticGIA models. And GIA time-variable gravity and uplift signals are error sources for GRACE and altimeter estimates of present-day Antarctic ice mass loss, and must be modelled and removed from those estimates. ComputingGIA results for a 3-D viscosity profile derived from a realistic seismic tomography model, and comparing with results computed for 1-D averages of that 3-D profile, we conclude that: (1) a GIA viscosity model based on Canadian relative sea-level data is more likely to represent a Canadian average than a true global average; (2) the effects of 3-D viscosity structure on GRACE estimates of present-day Antarctic mass loss are probably smaller than the difference between GIA models based on different Antarctic deglaciation histories and (3) the effects of 3-D viscosity structure on Antarctic GPS observations of present-day uplift rate can be significant, and can complicate efforts to use GPS observations to constrain 1-D GIA models.
Reseeding Potential of Crimson Clover as a Cover Crop for No-Tillage Corn

Leguminous cover crops can provide biologically fixed N to a subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) crop as well as erosion control and moisture conserving mulch, but establishment is costly and often unsuccessful. A field experiment was conducted for 3 yr to determine the self-reseeding potential of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and its N contribution in a no-tillage corn production system. Four cover crop management treatments (fallow, annual-seeded, volunteer-reseeded, and volunteer strip-reseeded) were combined factorially with four fertilizer-N rates (0, 50, 100, or 150 kg ha −1 ) applied to the subsequent corn crop (...)
A new crystalline LiPON electrolyte: Synthesis, properties, and electronic structure

Abstract The new crystalline compound, Li2PO2N, was synthesized using high temperature solid state methods starting with a stoichiometric mixture of Li2O, P2O5, and P3N5. Its crystal structure was determined ab initio from powder X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmc21 (# 36) with lattice constants a = 9.0692(4) A, b = 5.3999(2) A, and c = 4.6856(2) A. The crystal structure of SD-Li2PO2N consists of parallel arrangements of anionic chains formed of corner sharing (PO2N2) tetrahedra. The chains are held together by Li+ cations. The structure of the synthesized material is similar to that predicted by Du and Holzwarth on the basis of first principles calculations (Phys. Rev. B 81, 184106 (2010)). The compound is chemically and structurally stable in air up to 600 °C and in vacuum up to 1050 °C. The Arrhenius activation energy of SD-Li2PO2N in pressed pellet form was determined from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements to be 0.6 eV, comparable to that of the glassy electrolyte LiPON developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The minimum activation energies for Li ion vacancy and interstitial migrations are computed to be 0.4 eV and 0.8 eV, respectively. First principles calculations estimate the band gap of SD-Li2PO2N to be larger than 6 eV.
The impact of economic and socioeconomic factors on the demand for information: A case study of Ohio commercial farmers

Several economic and socioeconomic factors are identified which influence farmers' demand for information. Many information sources are identified and categorized into general and specialized classes. Relevant economic and socioeconomic factors which impact these classes of information demands are: (1) farm size, (2) farm ownership, (3) off-farm employment, (4) education, (5) innovativeness, (6) farm plans, and (7) farm enterprise type. A logit model is specified and estimated for each class of information and the results show major differences in the determinants of demand for general and specialized information. Results also show that information sources are generally ranked higher by larger farmers than by smaller farmers.
Post lung transplant (LTx) changes in mean blood pressure (BP) and BP load: a longitudinal pilot study

transplant candidates and recipients. Methods: Data were collected from 104 female heart transplant candidates (n 54) and recipients (n 50) from a major heart transplant facility using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Control Attitude Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Analysis of variance was used to compare measures of QOL and psychological adjustment to illness between the two groups of women. Results: Female heart transplant candidates and recipients had similar demographic characteristics (age, 56.79 12.19 vs. 54.66 12.98 years; predominantly Caucasian, 70.4% vs. 70%; and married, 50% vs. 48%). Candidates were on the waiting list on average, 2.59 1.99 years prior to study participation, while recipients had received their transplant 5.18 4.41 years prior to data collection. The women in the two groups were significantly different on clinical and functional characteristics, physical and emotional QOL ratings, depression scores, and perceived control over illness with the transplant recipients reporting better scores in all domains (table).
Investigation of springback in high strength anisotropic steels

Abstract This paper investigates the variation of springback in high strength steels due to material anisotropy. Numerical and experimental investigations are conducted and results from both are analyzed and discussed. Material models based on Barlat’s yield criteria, Hill’s transverse anisotropic model and von Mises’ yield criteria are compared based on analysis using the geometry of a standard U-shape from NUMISHEET’93. The results not only show the discrepancy between springback predicted by the various material models, but also show the variability of springback with respect to the orientation of the anisotropic steel sheet.
Alterations in frontal white matter neurochemistry and microstructure in schizophrenia: implications for neuroinflammation

We investigated in vivo neurochemical markers reflective of neuronal health and glial activation to determine if these could yield clues regarding the reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter and accelerated decline of FA with age in schizophrenia. Participants with schizophrenia and healthy controls completed diffusion tensor imaging to assess FA and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess neurochemical metabolites in the same frontal region. Frontal FA was significantly lower in the schizophrenia and declined more rapidly with age compared with the healthy control group. In both groups, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a putative marker of neuronal integrity, and glutamate declined with age, and this decline was stronger in patients. Myo-inositol, a marker of glial cells, was negatively related to FA in both groups. The relationship between FA and age remained significant in schizophrenia even when controlling for all metabolites. The relationships of FA, NAA and myo-inositol to age appear to be independent of one another. The relationship between FA and myo-inositol was independently present in both patients and controls, even after controlling for age, indicating a potential general effect of neuroinflammation on white matter microstructure. Further studies are warranted to determine the underlying mechanism driving the accelerated FA decline with age in schizophrenia.
Barrier impurity states in modulation doped AlGaAs/GaAs multi-quantum wells

Abstract MQW samples doped with donors in the barrier have been studied by far infrared magneto-spectroscopy to point out the effect of modulation doping in confined structures. Additional absorption features appear in the spectra; the lowest energy feature is shown to be due to electrons in the QWs bound to their parent donor ions in the barrier. Investigation of edge doped samples reveal that other features are not related to edge donors.
Giving back and helping others: Pro bono legal work by young attorneys

This paper examines the attitudes and practice of pro bono legal services among a sample of young attorneys. The focus on young attorneys allows an assessment of the recent movement in legal education to require pro bono work during law school. Data come from a sample of young lawyers in Louisville, Kentucky and examine attitudinal and practice differences based on demographics and employment variables. Results show that the majority of young attorneys do perform pro bono legal work. Those most likely to do so are men, those with less professional experience and those who perceive support and available opportunities.
Cyclobenzaprine pharmacokinetics, including the effects of age, gender, and hepatic insufficiency.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cyclobenzaprine, a widely used muscle relaxant, were investigated in four clinical studies, and the effects of age, gender, and hepatic insufficiency were characterized. Cyclobenzaprine e plasma clearance was 689 ml/min, and the bioavailability of a 5 mg oral dose was 0.55. Following oral doses of 2.5 to 10 mg tid in healthy young subjects, cyclobenzaprine pharmacokinetics were linear, and plasma concentrations generally increased proportional to dose. There was about a fourfold accumulation of the drug in plasma on multiple dosing, corresponding to an effective half-life of 18 hours. Steady-state plasma concentrations of cyclobenzaprine in elderly subjects were twice as high as in young subjects following oral doses of 5 mg tid. Steady-state plasma concentration also appeared to be up to twofold higher in subjects with mild hepatic insufficiency compared to healthy controls. The magnitude of any difference in steady-state plasma concentration between males and females appears to be small relative to intersubject variability. A reduction in dose or dosing frequency should be considered in the elderly and in patients with liver disease.
GOODNESS-OF-FIT IN OPTIMIZING MODELS

Conventional econometric tests of optimizing models typically involve embedding the optimizing model in a parametric specification and then examining the parametric restrictions imposed by the optimization hypothesis, The optimization hypothesis is rejected if the estimated parameters are significantly different, in the statistical sense, from the values implied by optimization. I argue that a more fruitful approach to testing optimizing behavior is to measure the departure from optimization using the estimated objective function, and see whether this departure is significant in an economic sense. I discuss procedures for doing this that can be used in several sorts of optimizing models, and give a detailed illustration in the case of aggregate demand estimation.
Recovery from Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedures

The authors studied the postoperative experiences of 53 patients who had uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures. Patients rated their pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue before surgery, before discharge, and on postoperative days one, two, three, four, and seven. The majority of patients reported more difficult and painful and slower recoveries than they expected or that they believed were indicated in the education materials provided to prepare them for surgery. The experiences of the patients in this study clearly indicate a need to modify preoperative preparatory education materials.
Store-dependent deactivation: Cooling the chain-reaction of myocardial calcium signaling

Abstract In heart cells, Ca 2 + released from the internal storage unit, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through ryanodine receptor (RyR2) channels is the predominant determinant of cardiac contractility. Evidence obtained in recent years suggests that SR Ca 2 + release is tightly regulated not only by cytosolic Ca 2 + but also by intra-store Ca 2 + concentration. Specifically, Ca 2 + -induced Ca 2 + release (CICR) that relies on auto-catalytic action of Ca 2 + at the cytosolic side of RyR2s is precisely balanced and counteracted by RyR2 deactivation dependent on a reciprocal decrease of Ca 2 + at the luminal side of RyR2s. Dysregulation of this inherently unstable Ca 2 + signaling is considered to be an underlying cause of triggered arrhythmias, and is associated with genetic and acquired forms of sudden cardiac death. In this article, we present an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory role luminal Ca 2 + plays in Ca 2 + handling, with a particular emphasis on the role of Ca 2 + release refractoriness in aberrant Ca 2 + release. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Calcium Signaling in Heart”.
Gravitational radiation field of an isolated system at null infinity

The quadrupole and octupole contributions to the gravitational radiation flux at null infinity from an initially stationary isolated system are computed in terms of the asymptotic moments defined there. The present treatment incorporates the influence of the background field of the source while still neglecting the nonlinear self-interaction of the radiation. Compared with the flat space result, the new formula predicts a suppression of the contribution from the high-frequency modes for which the frequency ω satisfies GM 0 ω / c 3 ≫ 1, M 0 being the initial mass of the system.