cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ab initio calculations for structure and temperature effects on the polarizabilities of Na n ( n 2 0 ) clusters

We present a rigorous, ab initio theoretical calculation of the dependence of Na cluster polarizability on cluster size, up to 20 atoms, obtained by combining ab initio pseudopotentials with a gradient-corrected density functional. Using molecular dynamics, we find that for clusters as small as nine atoms, a multitude of degenerate isomers exists even at $T=0.$ By calculating the polarizability of these isomers, we reproduce the generally decreasing nature of the measured polarizability curve, as well as its dips at ``magic'' numbers corresponding to closed electronic shells. Moreover, we find that the effect of a finite temperature on the cluster structure suffices to account for most of the quantitative discrepancy between theory and experiment.
Magnetic impurity pairs in dilute Cu(Fe) alloys at very low temperatures

The temperature-dependent static magnetization of several dilute Cu(Fe) alloys with Fe concentrations between 102 and 478 ppm has been measured in fields between 1 and 200 Oe and at temperatures between 9 mK and 0.4 K. At higher temperatures and in small fields, the magnetization displays the following concentration, field, and temperature dependences:M ∝ c 2 HT −2/3. At lower temperatures, magnetic ordering is observed. These results are interpreted in terms of the behavior of pairs of impurities acting as individual entities. They are quite likely correlated with the anomalous low field, low-temperature observations made in previous measurements of the resistivity and specific heat of the Cu(Fe) system.
Characterization of four pupal wing cuticular protein genes of the silkmoth Antheraea polyphemus

Abstract Three different clones have been isolated from a genomic library of the silkmoth Antheraea polyphemus by employing a subtractive hybridization technique. The clones with inserts of 13–16 kb of DNA each, code for mRNAs expressed in the wing epidermis during JH induced second pupal cuticle deposition. While two of the clones code for a single mRNA each, the third one codes for two mRNAs. All the four mRNAs code for distinct polypeptides that can be precipitated with antibodies raised against pupal cuticular proteins. These genes are activated at the same period of pupal development and their transcripts follow similar patterns of accumulation. Although these genes are expressed in a tissue and time specific manner attesting to their pupal wing epidermal specificity, three of them are expressed in the adult wing epidermis also, but not at the larval stage. While DNAs from other silkmoths and insects hybridize to these genes, only one of the A. polyphemus genes hybridizes to RNA from second pupal wings of two other silkmoths tested.
Why technical-market research?

It is no secret that success in today's marketplace hinges on satisfying customers. Total customer satisfaction has become the battle cry from board rooms to the factory floor in large and small companies around the world.
Efficient paging in large-scale urban mesh networks

The task of forming a route can be broken into two parts, finding any route to the desired host and refining that route so it is suitable for the conenction. We refer to this first task as paging and it consists of simply delivering a single packet to the destination. Traditional MANET routing protocols perform this task via flooding. However, when the number of nodes ranges into the thousands, flooding becomes highly inefficient. In the case of cellular networks, paging is performed with one or more base stations broadcasting a page message. However, in large-scale urban networks, nodes are not necessarily in direct contact with the infrastructure, hence such techniques are not applicable. In this paper, the topology and architecture of a large-scale urban mesh network is examined and a scheme is developed for paging. This scheme is designed for and takes advantage of the topology, mobility, and architecture found in urban mesh networks. The resulting scheme is highly efficient in that it generates little overhead and is scalable.
Value maximization and the information content of corporate investment with respect to earnings

Abstract In this paper we study the dynamic nature of the relationship between earnings and investment. If managers act as wealth maximizers, we would expect that new investments should lead to increased earnings. However, past research has found that investment is not causally prior to earnings. Using recent developments in time-series econometrics, we show that the dynamic nature of the relationship between earnings and investment exhibits bi-directional causality. Our results are consistent with managers investing in positive NPV projects, but managers appear to face financing constraints because investment decisions are driven by the availability of internally generated earnings.
SU‐GG‐P‐01: Design and Implementation of Medical Physics Criteria For Performance Excellence Based On The Baldridge National Quality Program

Purpose: To apply the techniques recommended by the Baldridge National Quality Program (BNQP) in the evaluation and sustainable improvement of medical physicsmanagement and operations. Method and Materials: The BNQP, administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has developed a comprehensive set of Criteria designed to enhance the performance of U.S. organizations in a broad range of industries, including healthcare. We have customized these Criteria to have relevance for a medical physics practice in an academic radiation oncology department. The Medical Physics Criteria for Performance Excellence consist of seven categories: Leadership, Strategic Planning; Focus on Patients, Other Customers and Markets; Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management; Workforce Focus; Process Management; and Results. Results: A team‐based, self‐assessment approach is used for evaluation. The quantitative analysis focuses on both process and results, generating a profile of strengths and opportunities for improvement relative to outcome oriented requirements. This methodology provides for a structured examination of internal operations and trends as well as a way to benchmark with other medical physics groups. Conclusion: The Medical Physics Criteria can facilitate the enhancement of organizational performance in an increasingly complex and competitive healthcare environment by helping medical physicists align resources with approaches; improve communication, productivity and effectiveness; and achieve strategic goals.
Acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity of chlordecone

Oral LD50 values were 132 mg/kg for male rats, 126 mg/kg for female rats, 71 mg/kg for male rabbits, and approximately 250 mg/kg for dogs. The percutaneous LD50 for male rabbits was 410 mg/kg. Deaths were preceded by the development of severe tremors. Gross autopsy findings were essentially negative. Rats were fed chlordecone in concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 80 ppm for up to 2 years. All rats on 50 and 80 ppm died during the first 6 months. Depressed growth occurred at concentrations at low as 10 ppm for females and 25 ppm for males. Food consumption tended to increase as the dietary concentration of chlordecone became greater. This effect was associated with a measured increase in the metabolic rate. Concentrations of 5 ppm and higher accelerated and intensified the rate of development of proteinuria. Increased liver-to-body weight ratios were consistently observed. Elevated ratios for other organs measured (kidney, heart, spleen, and testes) were found at certain periods, but at higher chlordecone concentrations than required for liver. Principal histopathologic findings in rats were degenerative changes in liver cells (fatty changes, hyperplasia), kidney lesions (primarily glomerulosclerosis), and testicular atrophy. Hematocrit and hemoglobin values were reduced in rats receiving concentrations of 25 ppm and above. There was no evidence of a clotting defect, although some rats receiving 50 and 80 ppm showed a bleeding tendency. Beagle dogs fed chlordecone at concentrations of 1,5, and 25 ppm for periods up to 127 weeks exhibited few gross or histopathologic signs of toxicity.
Influence Mode and Competence Compliance with Leader Suggestions

In laboratory groups, leader competence, group member competence, and mode of leader influence were manipulated. Compliance with a keader's task suggestions was a function of the group member's own perceived competence and mode of leader influence. When group members were of moderate competence, leader's ideas to facilitate performance presented in the form of a demand were more successful in gaining compliance than those ideas presented with no direct influence attempt.
Lagrangians for chiral bosons and the heterotic string

We study the symmetries of the Siegel lagrangian for chiral bosons and of its supersymmetric extensions, which we obtain in chiral superspace. Only the N = 2 Siegel lagrangian can be coupled consistently to (super)gravity at the quantum level. We present the superfield formulation for the heterotic string lagrangian in the bosonic formulation, in which the internal chiral bosons are described at the lagrangian level by N = 2 supersymmetric Siegel models.
A role for arabinogalactan-proteins in root epidermal cell expansion

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are abundant plant proteoglycans that react with (β-d-Glc)3 but not (β-d-Man)3 Yariv reagent. We report here that treatment with (β-d-Glc)3 Yariv reagent caused inhibition of root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings. Moreover, the treated roots exhibited numerous bulging epidermal cells. Treatment with (β-d-Man)3 Yariv reagent did not have any such effects. These results indicate a role for AGPs in root growth and control of epidermal cell expansion. Because treatment with (β-d-Glc)3 Yariv reagent phenocopies the reb1 (root epidermal cell bulging) mutant of Arabidopsis, AGPs were extracted from the reb1-1 mutant and compared with those of the wild type. The reb1-1 roots contained an approximately 30% lower level of AGPs than the wild type. More importantly, while the profile of AGPs from wild-type roots showed two major peaks upon crossed electrophoresis, the profile of AGPs from reb1-1 roots exhibited only one of the major peaks. Therefore, the reb1 phenotype appears to be a result of defective or missing root AGPs. Taken together, this pharmacological and genetic evidence strongly indicates a function of AGPs in the control of root epidermal cell expansion.
Synthesis and characterization of a family of solvated sodium aryloxide compounds

Abstract A family of crystallographically characterized solvated sodium alkoxides ([(solv)xNa(OR)]n) was synthesized from the reaction of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide with a series of sterically varied aryl alcohols (H–OAr): 2-alkyl phenol [alkyl = methyl (oMP), iso-propyl (oPP), and tert-butyl (oBP)] or 2,6-di-alkyl phenol [alkyl = methyl (DMP), iso-propyl (DIP), and tert-butyl (DBP)]. Single crystal X-ray experiments revealed the structure of the products to be highly dependent on the ligand set employed and the solvent used (THF or py). The [(solv)xNa(OAr)]n products were identified as: [(THF)Na(μ3-oMP)]6 (1), [(THF)4Na6(μ3-oPP)4(μ4-oPP)2] (2), [(THF)Na(μ3-oBP)]4 (3)·THF, [(THF)Na(μ3-DMP)]4 (4), [(THF)2Na(μ-DIP)]2 (5), [(THF)2Na(μ-DBP)]2 (6), {[Na(μ-DPhP-ηx)]2}n (7), [(py)5Na6(μ3-oMP)4(μ4-oMP)2]2[(py)4Na6(μ3-oMP)4(μ4-oMP)2] (8), [(py)6Na4(μ3-oPP)4] (9)·py, [(py)Na(μ3-DMP)]4 (11), [(py)2Na(μ-DIP)]2 (12), [(py)4Na(DBP)] (13). Crystals could not be isolated for the Na/oBP/py (10) system but the powder was assigned the ‘[(py)Na(oBP)]4’ structure based on the available analytical data. In addition, under similar conditions, the neo-pentoxide (ONep) derivatives were isolated and characterized as [(solv)4Na6(μ3-ONep)4(μ4-ONep)2] (solv = THF, 14; py 15). A number of complex structures (monomers, squares, cubes, fused-cubes, hexagons) were observed for this family of [(solv)xNa(OAr)]n compounds. The solution behaviors of these compounds were studied using heteronuclear 23Na NMR. A comparison of these [(solv)xA(OR)]n A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs structural motifs is also presented.
Relationship Between Climatic Factors and Distribution of Pratylenchus spp. in the Dryland Wheat-Production Areas of Eastern Washington

Field surveys were conducted by collecting soil samples to estimate nematode densities in soil from winter wheat, spring wheat, spring barley, and spring legumes (lentil, chickpea, and pea) fields during 2010 and 2011. Pratylenchus spp. were observed in 60% of sampled fields. However, nematodes were detected in nearly all of the survey fields in high numbers where crops were grown every year. To identify climatic variables associated with density of Pratylenchus spp. in soil, correlation and regression analyses were performed using climate data of survey sites from 1979 to 2010. Fifty-seven climate variables were significantly correlated with densities of Pratylenchus spp. All precipitation variables were significantly positively correlated with nematode abundance. Summer maximum air temperature was negatively correlated and winter minimum air temperature was positively correlated with nematode densities. In addition, both years' nematode densities were significantly correlated with cropping intensity. Five multivariate regression models for 2010 and seven models for 2011 nematode abundance levels were developed. The majority of the climate variables selected in the models were related to precipitation. Knowledge of root-lesion nematode distribution in the dryland region of eastern Washington and associated climate variables may be helpful to determine risk and apply management practices to minimize crop damage.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Quality Control Strain Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212

ABSTRACT Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, a vancomycin-sensitive strain, has been extensively used as a representative control strain for clinical and laboratory experiments. Here we report the draft genome and annotation of this strain, containing 3,027,060 bp, with a G+C content of 37.2% in 126 contigs (≥500 bp).
Characterization of a xenograft model of human ovarian carcinoma which produces intraperitoneal carcinomatosis and metastases in mice

A new xenograft model for human epithelial ovarian carcinoma, with extensive intraperitoneal (i.p.) carcinomatosis as the predominant disease manifestation, is described. Cells from the established NIH:OVCAR-5 cell line were injected i.p. into 6- to 8-week-old Swiss nude mice. Comparative analyses between cells cultured in vitro and tumor cells derived ex vivo were performed to assess histologic features, immunohistochemical cell markers, hormonal receptor expression, adhesion to extracellular matrix molecules and chromosomal constitution. Macroscopically, the extent of tumor development appeared to be site-dependent and tumor cell survival was dose-dependent. Advanced disease was characterized by extensive solid tumor burden and ascites with parenchymal invasion, lymphatic metastases and vascular dissemination. Individual tumor nodules exhibited developing neovasculature characterized by the absence of mature basement membrane. Despite some histologic loss of cellular differentiation in advanced disease, antigenic expression was preserved, distinguishing these cells as epithelial in origin. Karyotyping of tumor cells demonstrated multiple numeric and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Serum and ascites CA 125 levels were consistently elevated only in tumor-bearing mice. This new murine model closely resembles the aggressive disease process of human epithelial ovarian carcinoma, in which the efficacy of i.p. and systemic therapeutic modalities can be investigated.
h-MapReduce: A Framework for Workload Balancing in MapReduce

The big data analytics community has accepted MapReduce as a programming model for processing massive data on distributed systems such as a Hadoop cluster. MapReduce has been evolving to improve its performance. We identified skewed workload among workers in the MapReduce ecosystem. The problem of skewed workload is of serious concern for massive data processing. We tackled the workload balancing issue by introducing a hierarchical MapReduce, or h-MapReduce for short. h-MapReduce identifies a heavy task by a properly defined cost function. The heavy task is divided into child tasks that are distributed among available workers as a new job in MapReduce framework. The invocation of new jobs from a task poses several challenges that are addressed by h-MapReduce. Our experiments on h-MapReduce proved the performance gain over standard MapReduce for data-intensive algorithms. More specifically, the increase of the performance gain is exponential in terms of the size of the networks. In addition to the exponential performance gains, our investigations also found a negative effect of deploying h-MapReduce due to an inappropriate definition of heavy tasks, which provides us a guideline for an effective application of h-MapReduce.
Usably secure, low-cost authentication for mobile banking

This paper explores user authentication schemes for banking systems implemented over mobile phone networks in the developing world. We analyze an authentication scheme currently deployed by an Indian mobile banking service provider which uses a combination of PINs and printed codebooks for authenticating users. As a first step, we report security weaknesses in that scheme and show that it is susceptible to easy and efficient PIN recovery attacks. We then propose a new scheme which offers better secrecy of PINs, while still maintaining the simplicity and scalability advantages of the original scheme. Finally, we investigate the usability of the two schemes with a sample of 34 current and potential customers of the banking system. Our findings suggest that the new scheme is more efficient, less susceptible to human error and better preferred by the target consumers.
RUFD: A general-purpose, non-iterative and matrix-free CEM algorithm for solving electromagnetic scattering and radiation problems in the frequency domain

In this paper, we introduce a new general-purpose Computational Electromagnetics (CEM) algorithm, called RUFD (Recursive Algorithm Frequency Domain), for solving electromagnetic radiation and scattering problems in the frequency domain. The method shares many attributes with the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD), though it generates the solution of Maxwell's equations in the frequency rather than in the time domain. The method is therefore well suited for dealing with dispersive media, as well as for deriving solutions for problems that involve high-Q structures. It is also considerably more efficient for constructing low frequency solutions, in comparison to the FDTD algorithm, which requires long run times when an accurate solution is desired at low frequencies.
The influence of vocabulary age and spatial dimension on rapid picture naming in children with reading disorders.

Abstract The present study measured naming reaction times of normal and reading disordered (RD) children to a series of centrally presented picture stimuli of varying vocabulary age and spatial dimension. Results of the ANOVA on reaction times indicated significant interactions of Group×Dimension and Group×Vocabulary. Post hoc tests on the former interaction suggested that the feature of dimension differentially affected naming reaction times for the two groups. The control group produced faster naming reaction times to the three-dimensional pictures, while the reading disordered group was faster in naming two-dimensional stimuli. In the later interaction, the normal readers produced faster reaction times to the lower-level vocabulary. Although the same pattern of response was obtained for the reading disordered children, they were found to evidence a generalized slowing in their responses with a greater temporal difference occurring between the two levels of vocabulary. These findings suggest that children with reading disorders exhibit deficits in rapid lexical access of later acquired and more complex vocabulary. Learning outcomes (1) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify critical stimulus features of pictorial stimuli that effect rapid retrieval abilities. (2) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to explain the individual subsystems and interactions of processes (Cascade Model) that characterize picture naming. (3) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to differentiate between patterns of lexical access as a function of critical stimulus features, for children with reading disorders and normal reading abilities.
Chronic donepezil treatment is associated with slowed cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: To compare rates of cognitive decline between probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients treated with long-duration cholinesterase inhibitors (ChE-Is) and those who remai
Corporate strategy, executive selection, and firm performance

This article investigates three related questions: (1) Is corporate diversification strategy associated with the level of firm-specific experience (tenure) of selected CEOs? (2) Are tenure levels of selected CEOs related to subsequent organizational performance? and (3) Does diversification strategy influence the impact that CEO firm-specific experience has on subsequent organizational performance? Results indicate that while diversification levels do not relate to extent of tenure, the selection of CEOs with lower levels of firm-specific experience results in significantly improved performance among nondiversified firms. No such relationship is observed in more diversified firms.1 © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Properties of Dolph-Chebyshev Weighting Functions

Dolph-Chebyshev amplitude weighting is used with FFT signal processors and array antennas when a low sidelobe response is required. This particular weighting minimizes the width of the mainlobe response while forcing all of the sidelobes to a specified sidelobe level. As the specified sidelobe level is reduced, the mainlobe width increases, as does the loss in signal-to-noise ratio. This correspondence describes how the Dolph-Chebyshev weights may be easily calculated, and gives design data showing how signal-to-noise loss and mainlobe width vary with the specified sidelobe level.
Area postrema lesions disrupt food intake induced by cerebroventricular infusions of 5-thioglucose in the rat

The present experiment assesses the contribution of the area postrema (AP) to glucoprivic feeding in the rat. Lateral ventricular infusions of 5-thioglucose increased pelleted food intake in sham animals but not in animals with AP lesions. Drinking in response to infusion of angiotensin II into the lateral ventricle was not reduced by AP lesions. The data suggest that the AP is part of the brainstem circuitry underlying glucoprivic feeding.
Electronic heterodyne readout of fringes in moiré deflectometry.

An electronic heterodyne technique is described for the readout of fringes in moire deflectometry. The technique is based on phase measurements of signals generated by a photodetector observing the light transmitted through a traveling moire fringe pattern. The phase of the signal is proportional to the fringe deviation and thus to the deflection angle of the light ray. The phase is measured on line by a standard phase meter with an accuracy of 1 deg or 1:360 of a fringe. The technique, which is precise and sensitive, is demonstrated by detecting and measuring a fringe shift of 0.15 mm corresponding to 0.029 of a fringe.
Accumulation and localization of radiocalcium in the rat thyroid gland.

To determine the rate of accumulation of radiocalcium (45Ca) in the thyroid gland, the concentration of radiocalcium was measured in the blood serum and thyroid gland at various time intervals up to 7 days after a single ip injection of 45Ca in rats. The ratio of the 45Ca concentration in thyroid gland to serum (T:S) increased with the time interval after injection. Thyroid activity was varied by hypophysectomy or by feeding a low iodine diet with or without added thiouracil. The more active the gland, the faster it equilibrated with the serum 45Ca and the less was the T:S in the steady state. The equilibration was much slower than for radioiodide, taking several days in normal control rats and hours in vory active glands. Autoradiographs showed that the 45Ca concentration was higher in association with the follicular epithelium than with the follicular lumen at 1 h or less after injection. However, at 24 h, the concentration of 45Ca was higher in the lumen than elsewhere in the gland. To determine rate c...
Lipothymoma simulating cardiomegaly: case report.

Abstract 1. 1. A case of lipothymoma, presenting as cardiomegaly. in a 28-year-old white man is presented. 2. 2. It is of interest that the patient was declared ineligible for military service because of “cardiac enlargement” 10 years prior to surgery. 3. 3. The importance of including lipothymoma in the differential diagnosis of cardiomegaly is again stressed.
The limits of state laws to protect genetic information.

During the 2000 presidential campaign, Al Gore characterized the DNA code as a secret code like that of the Nazis. In his words, “with the completion of the Human Genome, we are on the verge of cracking another enemy's secret code. When we intercept and decipher the coded messages that cancer sends from cell to cell, we will turn the tide, and win the war against cancer.”1 Gore was expanding the metaphor of the war on cancer, and commandeering the DNA code in the service of that metaphor. At about the same time, then president Bill Clinton called the DNA . . .
Dietary berries and ellagic acid diminish estrogen-mediated mammary tumorigenesis in ACI rats.

Estrogen acts as a complete mammary carcinogen in ACI rats. Prevention studies in this model allowed us to identify agents that are effective against estrogen-induced mammary carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated efficacy of dietary berries and ellagic acid to reduce estrogen-mediated mammary tumorigenesis. Female ACI rats (8-9 wk) were fed either AIN-93M diet (n = 25) or diet supplemented with either powdered blueberry (n = 19) and black raspberry (n = 19) at 2.5% wt/wt each or ellagic acid (n = 22) at 400 ppm. Animals received implants of 17beta-estradiol 2 wk later, were palpated periodically for mammary tumors, and were euthanized after 24 wk. No differences were found in tumor incidence at 24 wk; however, tumor volume and multiplicity were reduced significantly after intervention. Compared with the control group (average tumor volume = 685 +/- 240 mm3 and tumor multiplicity = 8.0 +/- 1.3), ellagic acid reduced the tumor volume by 75% (P 69% (P < 0.005) and tumor multiplicity by 37% (P = 0.07). Blueberry showed a reduction (40%) only in tumor volume. This is the first report showing the significant efficacy of both ellagic acid and berries in the prevention of solely estrogen-induced mammary tumors.
Photon Production in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130 GeV

We report raw photon, neutral pion and eta measurements at RHIC. Photons in the energy range from 100MeV − 4GeV were detected by reconstructing e + e − pair production, γ+Z→e ++e −+Z, with the STAR Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Along with the photon detection technique we discuss the purity of the photon candidates and measurements of hadronic decays via their electromagnetic decay channels. The π0→γ and η→γγ decay channels are addressed.
Low blank preconcentration technique for the determination of lead, copper, and cadmium in small-volume seawater samples by isotope dilution ICPMS

A simple low-blank method is described for the analysis of Pb, Cu, and Cd in seawater using Mg(OH)2 coprecipitation and isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Here, 20−40 μL of 9 M aqueous NH3 is mixed into a 1.3 mL seawater sample spiked with enriched isotopes of Pb, Cu, and Cd. After centrifugation, the supernatant is discarded and the Mg(OH)2 precipitate dissolved in 100 μL of 5% HNO3 for ICPMS analysis. This method is simple, accurate, and precise, with detection limits of Pb = 1.3 pM, Cu = 39 pM, and Cd = 5.0 pM and blanks of Pb = 0.62 pM, Cu = 27 pM, and Cd = 6.0 pM. The method is demonstrated by oceanographically consistent profiles of these trace metals at an ocean station in the eastern North Atlantic.
Hemodynamic changes as a diagnostic tool in acute heart failure--a pilot study.

Abstract Objectives To examine whether posturally induced changes in cardiac output differentiate patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department (ED) with acute heart failure (AHF) from other causes. Methods This was an observational study of patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea. Exclusion criteria included ischemic chest pain, electrocardiographic changes diagnostic of acute myocardial infarction, pericardial effusion or chest wall deformities causing dyspnea, or heart transplant. Hemodynamic variables of cardiac index (CI), total peripheral resistance index, and thoracic fluid content (TFC) were determined in upright seated and supine positions 3 minutes apart using bioreactance technology (Cheetah Medical Inc, Portland, Ore). Acute heart failure was defined as either B-type natriuretic peptide 100 to 500 pg/mL and discharge diagnosis of AHF or a B-type natriuretic peptide greater than 500 pg/mL. Results Of 92 patients, 25 had AHF, 23 had asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 44 had dyspnea related to other conditions; 41 (44.1%) were male, 56 (60.2%) were African American, and the mean age was 58 ± 15.0 years. Mean baseline TFC was higher in AHF vs asthma/COPD (59.3 ± 26.0 vs 39.7 ± 14.8 1/kW, P = .003) and trended higher compared to other patients with dyspnea (49.2 ± 22.0, P = .10). Postural changes in mean CI were lower in AHF (−0.20 ± 0.84 L min −1 m −2 ) vs asthma/COPD (1.20 ± 1.23 L min −1 m −2 ; P = .002) and other dyspnea patients (0.82 ± 0.91 L min −1 m −2 ; P = .007). Conclusion Patients with AHF have greater TFC but lower CI responses to postural changes compared to patients with asthma and COPD. Knowledge of these changes may help rapidly differentiate AHF from asthma and COPD in the ED.
Variability of Superconducting Transition Temperatures of Ag-Clad Bi(2223) Tapes

The zero-field intersample variability of the superconducting transition temperature was measured for two commercially supplied Ag-clad Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox, (Bi(2223)) 37 filament tapes, one 103 m and the second 193 m long. The resistivity of six 30 cm long pieces of each tape was measured with increasing and decreasing temperature. Hysteresis and time-dependent effects were observed. For the 103 m tape, upon cooling, the resistivity deviates from the conventional behavior at (114.3.3.2) K and complete superconductivity is achieved at (105.1.3.9) K. With increasing temperature deviation from superconductivity starts at (112.5.4.6) K and superconductivity is completely gone at (121.8.3.1) K. The corresponding temperatures for the 193 m tape are (113.4.4.9), (108.6.3.6), (108.9.7.4) and (118.1.7.4) K. For one sample of the 193 m tape, the corresponding temperatures are (107.9.3.1), (102.5.5.9), (100.8.4.3) and (112.0.3.3) K. The anomalously broad foot structure in the zero field resistive transition previously s...
Collection evaluation: A practical guide to the literature

This is an evaluative summary of the literature on assessment of academic library collections for working collection development librarians. It reviews the general literature on collection evaluation and the principal methodological approaches, including application of standards, use of checklists, verification studies, citation analysis, and use studies. Strengths and weaknesses of each approach are identified. The critical role of the experience and expertise of the evaluator and his/her objectives is stressed.
Differential expression of the Drosophila mitofusin genes fuzzy onions (fzo) and dmfn

Mitofusins comprise a family of evolutionarily conserved, nuclear encoded mitochondrial guanosine triphoshatases that control mitochondrial fusion and morphology. The fuzzy onions (fzo) and Drosophila mitofusin (dmfn) genes, which encode the only Mitofusin homologs in Drosophila are differentially expressed during development. Dmfn-mRNA was widely expressed during embryogenesis accumulating in the mesoderm and endoderm during gut development, during oogenesis with transcripts maternally deposited into the early embryo and in the male germ line, where dmfn-mRNA was expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and early spermatids. In contrast, expression of the fzo was tightly restricted to the male germ line, with mRNA accumulation in spermatocytes and early spermatids. In addition, expression of dmfn and fzo in the same cell type, primary spermatocytes, was under control of different regulatory mechanisms.
TH-E-17A-09: High Quality and Artifact-Free 4D Cone Beam CT and Its Application in Adaptive Treatment Planning

Purpose: To develop a high quality 4D cone beam CT (4DCBCT) method that is immune to patient/couch truncations and to investigate its application in adaptive replanning of lung XRT. Methods: In this study, IRB-approved human subject CBCT data was acquired using a Varian on-board imager with 1 minute rotation time. The acquired projection data was retrospectively sorted into 20 respiratory phase bins, from which 4DCBCT images with high SNR and high temporal resolution were generated using Prior Image Constrained Compressed Sensing (PICCS). Couch and patient truncations generate strong data inconsistency in the projection data and artifacts in the 4DCBCT image. They were addressed using an adaptive PICCS method. The artifact-free PICCS-4DCBCT images were used to generate adaptive treatment plans for the same patient at the 10th (day 21) and 30th (day 47) fractions. Dosimetric impacts with and without PICCS- 4DCBCT were evaluated by isodose distributions, DVHs, and other dosimetric factors. Results: The adaptive PICCS-4DCBCT method improves image quality by removing residue truncation artifacts; measured universal image quality increased 37%. The isodose lines and DVHs with PICCS-4DCBCT-based adaptive replanning were significantly more conformal to PTV than without replanning due to changes in patient anatomy caused by progress of the treatment. Themore » mean dose to PTV at the 10th fraction was 63.1Gy with replanning and 64.2Gy without replanning, where the prescribed dose was 60Gy, in 2Gy × 30 fractions. The mean dose to PTV at the 30th fraction was 61.6Gy with replanning and 64.9Gy without replanning. Lung V20 was 37.1%, 41.9% and 43.3% for original plan, 10th fraction plan and 30th fraction plan; with re-planning, Lung V20 was 37.1%, 32%, 27.8%. Conclusion: 4DCBCT imaging using adaptive PICCS is able to generate high quality, artifact-free images that potentially can be used to create replanning for improving radiotherapy of the lung. K Niu, K Li, J Smilowitz: Nothing to Disclose. G Chen: General Electric Company Research funded, Siemens AG Research funded, Varian Medical Systems Research funded, Hologic Research funded.« less
Studies of the Antiadrenergic Effects of Nitroglycerin on the Dog Heart

Using anesthetized dogs, the possible antiadrenergic effects of nitroglycerin upon the myocardium were studied. Observations were made upon changes in heart rate, myocardial oxygen consumption, systolic vigor, and the electrocardiograms. Data are presented showing the effects of nitroglycerin and adrenergic agents when given separately and in combination. Results indicate that in dogs, nitroglycerin produces no antiadrenergic effects on the myocardium. The suggestion is made that the T wave changes seen after adrenergic stimulation in dogs may not be due to anoxia.
Assessing confidence in parallel simulation results

To accelerate the simulation of microgrid behavior, a parallel power system solver is being developed. The solver (CEMSolver) aims to accelerate the simulation of large-scale shipboard power system models created in MATLAB/Simulink with the SimPowerSystems blockset. While speedups of 50x have been reported, there remains insufficient confidence in the simulation results. This paper presents a point-by-point comparison of the results produced by MATLAB/Simulink 2012a and in parallel by CEMSolver. A large shipboard power system model is used for the comparison. It is concluded that, while the results show differences related to integration methods, all reported measurements of instantaneous voltage and current waveforms are within reasonable agreement.
Time Trends in Clinical Risk Stratification for Prostate Cancer: Implications for Outcomes (Data From CaPSURE)

ABSTRACTPurpose: Many instruments designed to predict prostate cancer risk use a combination of clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason score and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). We designed a study to characterize time trends in these parameters and their impact on patient risk stratification.Materials and Methods: Data were abstracted from CaPSURE (Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor), a disease registry of 8,685 men with prostate cancer. The 6,260 men diagnosed since 1989 who had complete clinical information reported were categorized into low, intermediate or high risk groups based on established parameters for T stage, Gleason score and PSA.Results: Between 1989 to 1990 and 2001 to 2002 the proportion of patients presenting with high, intermediate and low risk disease changed from 40.9%, 28.0% and 31.2% to 14.8%, 37.5% and 47.7%, respectively (p <0.0001). The incidence of T1 tumors increased from 16.7% to 48.5% and that of T3–4 tumors decreased from 11.8% to 3.5%, respectivel...
Is there an atmospheric neutrino anomaly

In this presentation I concentrate on the continuing evidence for an atmospheric neutrino anomaly. A critical analysis of the results is presented.
Reaction mechanism requirements in shock-induced combustion simulations

A quasi-steady-state, shock-induced combustion problem due to the Mach 6.46 flight of a blunt projectile in a stoichiometric hydrogen and air mixture is examined as a case study. Three regions are identified where different elements of the chemical kinetics play key roles. The nose region is where the mixture is subjected to a near normal shock, the front separation region is where the shock and reaction front diverge, and the separated front region in the far field is where there is a oblique shock and a density front. These regions are at widely disparate temperatures and pressures. The near field is found to depend strongly on rate of heat release, while the front separation point depends only on equilibrium, and the far-field results depend strongly on a very accurate determination of the second explosion limit. Results also suggest that factors which impact induction time, such as high-pressure effects in the reaction mechanisms, can play an important role.
THE CULTIVATION OF CAMU CAMU (MYRCIARIA DUBIA): A TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

ABSTRACT New initiatives in agroforestry are giving increasing importance to the domestication of indigenous trees whose products traditionally have been gathered from the forest, in order to achieve substantial increases in the quantity and quality of produce through cultivation. These efforts seek to enhance rural livelihoods by generating cash income through the sale of agroforestry tree products. Myrciaria dubia (camu camu) is a small tree of riparian habitats, native to Amazonia. Its fruits have increasing commercial potential in local, regional and international markets due to their high Vitamin C content. The government of Peru has been promoting the cultivation of the tree in support of a new export industry and to increase rural incomes. This paper examines: (i) the initial processes of domestication for M. dubia, (ii) new forms of land use and farmer experimentation with this species in floodplain agroforestry systems, (iii) the environmental implications of this new practice, and (iv) the influ...
Exploiting selective genotyping to study genetic diversity of resistance to Fusarium head blight in barley

Numerous barley cultivars from around the world have been identified as potential sources of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance genes. All of these cultivars exhibit partial resistance, and several mapping studies have shown that resistance to FHB is controlled by multiple genes. Successful development of barley cultivars with high levels of FHB resistance will require combining genes from multiple sources. We characterized five potential new sources of FHB resistance (‘AC Oxbow’, ‘Atahualpa’, ‘HOR211’, ‘PFC88209’, and ‘Zhedar#1’) to determine if they contain new FHB resistance genes. Cluster analysis, using a set of 80 SSR markers distributed throughout the genome, showed that most of the new sources of resistance were not similar to three cultivars that have been used in previous FHB mapping studies (‘Chevron’, ‘Frederickson’, and ‘Gobernadora’), with ‘Atahualpa’ and ‘HOR211’ being the most dissimilar. By selective genotyping, we determined whether markers linked to six known FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs), discovered in other genotypes, explained variation for resistance in advanced breeding populations created from the new sources of resistance. Markers linked to four of the six known QTLs were associated with FHB severity in at least one of the populations. However, none of the six QTL regions were associated with variation for FHB severity in populations derived from crosses that utilized sources of resistance HOR211 or PFC88209. Selective genotyping is an efficient method for breeders to utilize current QTL information about disease resistance to search for new resistance genes.
Determination of Biological Oxidative Stress Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC‐ECD)

For three decades, high performance liquid chromatography has proven itself to be a powerful, flexible, and inexpensive tool for basic and clinical research. Recent advances in our understanding of disease have prompted a demand for more sensitive and selective methods of routine bioanalysis, particularly with respect to the determination of oxidative metabolites and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Multidimensional detectors utilizing coulometric arrays offer a solution to these research needs. The challenge to the bioanalyst is now to creatively apply HPLC-ECD technology to promising research and clinical enterprises.
Kinetic analysis of α-cyclodextrin interactions using polydiacetylene liposomes

α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD) has specific interactions with a number of important molecules including neurotoxins, pesticides, and hydrophobic drugs. Here, we describe the kinetics of a competitive inhibition of the interaction of α-CD with chromogenic polydiacetylene (PDA) liposomes. The competitive inhibition of α-CD with chromogenic PDA liposomes has already been used for sensing and detection purposes. Here we show that this mechanism can be successfully applied to characterize the reaction kinetics of α-CD with optically inactive compounds such as paraoxon neurotoxins via simple colorimetric changes. This method would enable easy characterisation of the interactions of α-CD when used as a drug delivery system or for drug solubilisation.
The effect of a televised periodontal campaign on public periodontal awareness.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of the Minnesota Dental Association's 1979 to 1980 periodontal awareness television campaign in terms of (1) reaching the target population, (2) improving public knowledge regarding the major reason for tooth loss in adults and (3) increasing intended future preventive dental visits. Based on the Health Belief Model, a 30-second television message was developed presenting periodontal disease as an often overlooked but compelling reason to seek preventive dental care. The message was aimed at adults 18 years of age and older who did not visit the dentist regularly. It was broadcast 1280 times over two separate 6-week periods on 17 statewide television stations. A postcampaign personal interview of a representative cross section of 1,000 Minnesota adults indicated that the campaign reached 79% of the population surveyed, or 786 individuals. Eighty-two percent (534) of the 654 individuals who made regular dental visits and 73% (252) of the 346 indi...
Economics of diet and health: Research challenges

Abstract This paper explores some past, present, and future research challenges within the economics of diet and health policy. The discussion promotes the deep-rooted theme that integrating basic economic principles into the core of the biomedical disciplines can improve society's understanding of our choices over diet and food, and consequently health and well-being. From studying the past, we better understand the economic factors which counter the idea that biology is destiny; in the present, we see why accounting for endogenous health risks and private skill matters even if it is hidden information; and for the future, we can imagine identifying the economic and biomedical under which the presumption of rational choice works and fails to guide policy.
Multivalency in the Inhibition of Oxidative Protein Folding by Arsenic(III) Species

The renewed use of arsenicals as chemotherapeutics has rekindled interest in the biochemistry of As(III) species. In this work, simple bis- and tris-arsenical derivatives were synthesized with the aim of exploiting the chelate effect in the inhibition of thiol-disulfide oxidoreductases (here, Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase, QSOX, and protein disulfide isomerase, PDI) that utilize two or more CxxC motifs in the catalysis of oxidative protein folding. Coupling 4-aminophenylarsenoxide (APAO) to acid chloride or anhydride derivatives yielded two bis-arsenical prototypes, BA-1 and BA-2, and a tris-arsenical, TA-1. Unlike the monoarsenical, APAO, these new reagents proved to be strong inhibitors of oxidative protein folding in the presence of a realistic intracellular concentration of competing monothiol (here, 5 mM reduced glutathione, GSH). However, this inhibition does not reflect direct inactivation of QSOX or PDI, but avid binding of MVAs to the reduced unfolded protein substrates themselves. Titrations of re...
Antidepressant stimulation of CDP-diacylglycerol synthesis does not require monoamine reuptake inhibition

Background Recent studies demonstrate that diverse antidepressant agents increase the cellular production of the nucleolipid CDP-diacylglycerol and its synthetic derivative, phosphatidylinositol, in depression-relevant brain regions. Pharmacological blockade of downstream phosphatidylinositide signaling disrupted the behavioral antidepressant effects in rats. However, the nucleolipid responses were resistant to inhibition by serotonin receptor antagonists, even though antidepressant-facilitated inositol phosphate accumulation was blocked. Could the neurochemical effects be additional to the known effects of the drugs on monoamine transmitter transporters? To examine this question, we tested selected agents in serotonin-depleted brain tissues, in PC12 cells devoid of serotonin transporters, and on the enzymatic activity of brain CDP-diacylglycerol synthase - the enzyme that catalyzes the physiological synthesis of CDP-diacylglycerol.
An unusual presentation of end-tidal carbon dioxide after esophageal intubation.

IMPLICATIONS This article discusses the inherent danger of general anesthesia and the need for a variety of tools to safely manage the airway.
Subcutaneous storage of autogenous veins.

Abstract Fifteen autogenous veins stored in the subcutaneous tissue of the canine abdominal wall from two to eight weeks were used for femoral arterial replacement grafts. The patency rate of 73% and the morphological changes in the grafts are similar to those of fresh autogenous vein grafts. Subcutaneous storage of autogenous veins appears to be a feasible means of preserving these vessels for later arterial reconstruction, should it become necessary.
El Verbo se hizo Signo y nos habitó: The Buenos Aires affair de Manuel Puig y los cuadros de Mark Tansey

De la decada de los ochenta a principios de los noventa, la teoria y la critica literarias han sido una de las principales fuentes de inspiracion del pintor norteamericano Mark Tansey.1 Segun el cr...