cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vision 20/20: increased image resolution versus reduced radiation exposure.

This is a review of methods, currently and potentially, available for significantly reducing x-ray exposure in medical x-ray imaging. It is stimulated by the radiation exposure implications of the growing use of helical scanning, multislice, x-ray computed tomography for screening, such as for coronary artery atherosclerosis and cancer of the colon and lungs. Screening requires high-throughput imaging with high spatial and contrast resolution to meet the need for high sensitivity and specificity of detection and classification of specific imaged features. To achieve this goal beyond what is currently available with x-ray imaging methods requires increased x-ray exposure, which increases the risk of tissue damage and ultimately cancer development. These consequences limit the utility of current x-ray imaging in screening of at-risk subjects who have not yet developed the clinical symptoms of disease. Current methods for reducing x-ray exposure in x-ray imaging, mostly achieved by increasing sensitivity and specificity of the x-ray detection process, may still have potential for an up-to-tenfold decrease. This could be sufficient for doubling the spatial resolution of x-rayCT while maintaining the current x-ray exposure levels. However, a spatial resolution four times what is currently available might be needed to adequately meet the needs for screening. Consequently, for the proposed need to increase spatial resolution, an additional order of magnitude of reduction of x-ray exposure would be needed just to keep the radiation exposure at current levels. This is conceivably achievable if refraction, rather than the currently used attenuation, of x rays is used to generate the images. Existing methods that have potential for imaging the consequences of refracted x ray in a clinical setting are (1) by imaging the edge enhancement that occurs at the interfaces between adjacent tissues of different refractive indices, or (2) by imaging the changes in interference patterns resulting from moving grids which alter the refraction of x rays, that have passed through the body, in a predictable fashion, and (3) theoretically, by an image generated from the change in time-of-flight of x-rayphotons passing through the body. Imaging phase shift or change in time-of-flight, rather than attenuation, of x-rayphotons through tissues presents formidable technological problems for whole-body 3D imaging. However, if achievable in a routine clinical setting, these approaches have the potential for greatly expanding the use of x-ray imaging for screening. This overview examines the increased contrast resolution and reduced radiation exposure that might be achievable by the above-mentioned methods.
Specialized postsynaptic morphology enhances neurotransmitter dilution and high-frequency signaling at an auditory synapse

Sensory processing in the auditory system requires that synapses, neurons, and circuits encode information with particularly high temporal and spectral precision. In the amphibian papillia, sound frequencies up to 1 kHz are encoded along a tonotopic array of hair cells and transmitted to afferent fibers via fast, repetitive synaptic transmission, thereby promoting phase locking between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells. Here, we have combined serial section electron microscopy, paired electrophysiological recordings, and Monte Carlo diffusion simulations to examine novel mechanisms that facilitate fast synaptic transmission in the inner ear of frogs (Rana catesbeiana and Rana pipiens). Three-dimensional anatomical reconstructions reveal specialized spine-like contacts between individual afferent fibers and hair cells that are surrounded by large, open regions of extracellular space. Morphologically realistic diffusion simulations suggest that these local enlargements in extracellular space speed transmitter clearance and reduce spillover between neighboring synapses, thereby minimizing postsynaptic receptor desensitization and improving sensitivity during prolonged signal transmission. Additionally, evoked EPSCs in afferent fibers are unaffected by glutamate transporter blockade, suggesting that transmitter diffusion and dilution, and not uptake, play a primary role in speeding neurotransmission and ensuring fidelity at these synapses.
Widespread increases in low-frequency variability of precipitation over the past century

PRECIPITATION (rain and snow) provides, through its participation in the global hydrological and energy cycles, most of the heat flux within the atmosphere. For this reason, a knowledge of precipitation variability is important to understanding the behaviour and changes of the Earth's climate system. Precipitation measurements have been made at thousands of sites over the past hundred years or so, and recent efforts have resulted in the compilation of global data sets1–3 and regional networks4,17. The latter have been analysed to reveal high-frequency (up to inter-annual) regional trends in precipitation variability over the past century4. Here I exploit the global data sets to examine the low-frequency (decadal to multi-decadal) variability of precipitation over a similar time period. In agreement with other analyses5,I find that the global mean precipitation has not changed. The fluctuations about the mean, however, have increased significantly (on decadal to multi-decadal timescales). That is, over the past century—during which climate warming has occurred—the global precipitation field has undergone changes on those scales, in which extremes have become more probable. This result is consistent with predictions from model simulations of global climate-warming scenarios6–8.
Selective HDAC Inhibition for the Disruption of Latent HIV-1 Infection

Selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have emerged as a potential anti-latency therapy for persistent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We utilized a combination of small molecule inhibitors and short hairpin (sh)RNA-mediated gene knockdown strategies to delineate the key HDAC(s) to be targeted for selective induction of latent HIV-1 expression. Individual depletion of HDAC3 significantly induced expression from the HIV-1 promoter in the 2D10 latency cell line model. However, depletion of HDAC1 or −2 alone or in combination did not significantly induce HIV-1 expression. Co-depletion of HDAC2 and −3 resulted in a significant increase in expression from the HIV-1 promoter. Furthermore, concurrent knockdown of HDAC1, −2, and −3 resulted in a significant increase in expression from the HIV-1 promoter. Using small molecule HDAC inhibitors of differing selectivity to ablate the residual HDAC activity that remained after (sh)RNA depletion, the effect of depletion of HDAC3 was further enhanced. Enzymatic inhibition of HDAC3 with the selective small-molecule inhibitor BRD3308 activated HIV-1 transcription in the 2D10 cell line. Furthermore, ex vivo exposure to BRD3308 induced outgrowth of HIV-1 from resting CD4+ T cells isolated from antiretroviral-treated, aviremic HIV+ patients. Taken together these findings suggest that HDAC3 is an essential target to disrupt HIV-1 latency, and inhibition of HDAC2 may also contribute to the effort to purge and eradicate latent HIV-1 infection.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF SHELL-AND-TUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS. PART II: HEAT TRANSFER

A three-dimensional, allocated, fully implicit control volume based calculation procedure HEATX [1] has been developed over the past 3 years to simulate flow and heat transfer in sheU-and-tube heat exchangers. The three-dimensional model uses the distributed resistance concept of Patankar and Spalding [2], in conjunction with surface permeabilities and volumetric porosities to model the tubes in the heat exchanger. Part I of this article describes the details of the distributed resistance formulation, leakage modeling, geometry modeling, and the turbulence model. Details of the shell-side and tube-side heat transfer are given in this second part. The tube-side temperature field is computed by solving an enthalpy equation for the tube-side fluid. Coupling between the shell-side and the tube-side equations is described, and numerical results are compared with the Delaware project experimental data. We have made use of the symmetry of the heat exchanger to speed up our calculations. Good agreement was obtain...
Laparoscopic or open splenectomy for hematologic disease: which approach is superior?

Abstract Background: This study was undertaken to compare safety, outcome, and costs of laparoscopic (LS) and open splenectomy (OS) for a variety of hematologic diseases. Study Design: The records of 137 patients who underwent splenectomy (63 LS and 74 OS) at a large private teaching hospital between March 1991 and April 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnosis, age, gender, operative time, blood loss, splenic weight, time to resumption of oral diet, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and costs (direct and operative) were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. Results: Laparoscopic splenectomy patients had significantly shorter hospitalization and time to resumption of an oral diet (p Conclusions: LS results are influenced by splenic weight, disease, and age. Splenic weight appears to be the crucial determinant of operative time and length of hospitalization. LS is a superior treatment for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and patients with small spleens. (J Am Coll Surg 1997;185:49–54. © 1997 by the American College of Surgeons)
The orthosteric agonist 2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine activates mGluR5 and mGluR1 with similar efficacy and potency

Background The efficacy, potency, and selectivity of the compound 2-Chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG), a nominally selective agonist for metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), were examined with select mGluRs by examining their ability to induce modulation of the native voltage dependent ion channels in isolated sympathetic neurons from the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG). SCG neurons offer a null mGluR-background in which specific mGluR subtypes can be made to express via intranuclear cDNA injection.
The use of tracer doses of radioactive iodine, I131, in the study of normal and disordered thyroid function in man.

THIS report presents the results of a fact-finding survey concerning the uptake by the thyroid of tracer doses of radioactive iodine of mass 131, eight day half-life, during normal and disordered thyroid gland function in man. This type of study is made possible by the inability of the animal and human organisms to differentiate between the several isotopes of iodine. Thus the radioactive isotopes of iodine are concentrated in, and leave the thyroid gland, in the same manner as the stable form (1, 2). The natural disintegration of the radioactive material produces both gamma and beta rays (3). The beta rays are absorbed within 2 millimeters of tissue. The gamma rays pass through the skin and can be detected readily by a Geiger counter, thus providing a means of determining the presence of the isotope and its actual concentration, and serving as an indicator of the behavior of stable iodine within the body. The highly localized radiation delivered by the beta rays, and the lesser contribution of the gamma ...
Rulemakers and toolmakers: adaptive object-models as an agile division of labor

Agile practices liberate us from the straightjackets of top-down design. But, the ease with which requirements can change encou-rages users to overwhelm us with requests for features. The result: Featuritis, which promotes hasty construction of poorly designed software to support those features. The design of an expressive domain model might get lost in the rush to write working code. Adaptive Object-Models support changeable domain modules by casting business rules as interpreted data and representing objects, properties and relationships in external declarations. Now users can change the system domain models themselves as their busi-ness dictates without having to deal with programmers at all. It's the ultimate in agility!
Growth and Food Selection of Intensively Cultured Largemouth Bass Fry

Abstract Six genera of invertebrates were fed to largemouth bass fry (Micropterus salmoides) for 25 d after the fish hatched to document the growth rate of the fish and to determine the genera and sizes of invertebrates selected by the fish during their early development. The fry increased in mean total length from 6.5 mm on the first day of feeding to 29.8 mm on day 25 (mean daily length gain, 0.93 mm). The rotifer, Branchionus sp., was eaten day and night during the first 4 d. The copepod, Cyclops vernalis, was selected during days 1–14; selection was stronger during the day than at night. The cladocerans, Daphnia pulex and D. magna, were selected and were the most abundantly consumed organisms on days 15–25. As the fry grew, they selected progressively larger D. pulex and D. magna. The cladoceran, Moina brachiata, was eaten in proportion to its relative abundance throughout the study.
Modeling PCB Mass Transfer and Bioaccumulation in a Freshwater Oligochaete Before and After Amendment of Sediment with Activated Carbon

A mass transfer model is presented that couples sediment geochemistry with PCB bioaccumulation by the benthic invertebrate, Lumbriculus variegatus. This model accounts for PCB intraparticle mass transfer, desorption, and adsorption by different particle types, and uptake by the benthic invertebrates through two pathways, dermal absorption, and sediment ingestion. The biological parameters, dermal uptake coefficients, depuration rates, sediment ingestion rates, and uptake efficiencies, were measured independently. The model was evaluated by laboratory bioaccumulation experiments for three freshwater sediments that were characterized for PCB concentration, PCB desorption rate, and equilibrium partitioning behavior. The model was also tested for its ability to predict changes in PCB bioaccumulation in the three sediments after amendment with activated carbon to reduce PCB bioavailability. For most PCB congeners, the modeled results and measured values agree within a factor of 2 for all three sediments before and after treatment with activated carbon. This model broadly agrees with the experimental data and can be used to predict changes in bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic compounds by the benthic organisms in sediments with known geochemical characteristics and under different sorbent amendment scenarios.
Nano-Droplet Impingement Heat Transfer on a Solid Surface

The reduction of electronic components towards the nano-scale drives the development of novel cooling methods to keep up with the increasing thermal demands of the electronics industry. Since transistor dimensions are shrinking to the order of 1–10 nm, pinpointed cooling may be required for maximum efficiency. Many nano-scale cooling methods are difficult to observe in direct experimentation, so simulation techniques present an attractive alternative approach. In this respect, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of nano-droplet impingement on a solid surface is being investigated as a potential means for pinpointed cooling. Various observations of thermophysical phenomena associated with the impingement are discussed, including the temperature rise at the collision point, the acceleration of the droplet prior to impact, and and the ordering of molecules in the liquid due to the influence of the solid.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Diastolic function in neonates after the arterial switch operation : effects of positive pressure ventilation and inspiratory time

Objective: To determine the effects positive pressure ventilation have on left ventricular diastolic function in neonates after the arterial switch operation. Design: Prospective case series. Setting: Pediatric cardiac and multidisciplinary intensive care units in two university-affiliated children's hospitals. Patients and participants: The patient population consisted of 12 neonates weighing 2.5-4.2 kg with D-transposition of the great arteries (DTGA) who underwent arterial switch operation. Interventions: All patients were mechanically ventilated in a volume-targeted mode with a square wave flow pattern. The positive end-expiratory pressure was held constant. A long inspiratory time was set by extending it over three cardiac cycles. Measurements and results: Pulsed Doppler measurements of left ventricular diastolic function were performed during the following cardiac cycles: (1) the last diastolic period of expiration (E L ), (2) first, second and third diastolic periods of inspiration (I 1 , I 2 , I 3 ) and (3) the first diastolic period of expiration (E F ). Doppler measurements of peak E wave, peak A wave, E area/A area, E area fraction, A area fraction, 0.33 area fraction and the deceleration time were made. Doppler tracings were digitized and the data obtained from three sequential study periods were averaged. Data were statistically analyzed using the repeated measures analysis of variance procedure. During (I 1 ), there was a 21 % increase in the peak E wave (0.53 ± 0.06 vs 0.64 ± 0.08 m/s, p < 0.01) and 28 % increase in peak A wave (0.47 ± 0.07 vs 0.60 ± 0.08 m/s, p < 0.01) compared to (E L ). There was a 24 % increase in total area under the E and A waves when I 1 was compared to E L (0.059 ± 0.008 vs 0.073 ± 0.009, p < 0.01) and there was no change in mitral valve deceleration time. Compared to the initial diastolic period during inspiration (I 1 ), the third diastolic period during inspiration (I 3 ) had a 38 % decrease in peak E (0.64 ± 0.08 vs 0.40 ± 0.05 m/s, p < 0.01) and 33% decrease in peak A (0.60 ± 0.09 vs 0.40 ± 0.05 m/s, p < 0.01). In addition, there was a 16% reduction in total area under the E and A waves (0.073 ± 0.009 vs 0.061 ± 0.008, p < 0.01). There were no changes in the other diastolic indexes that reflect changes in ventricular compliance or relaxation. Conclusions: In neonates with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after the arterial switch operation, positive pressure ventilation augments left ventricular filling during the early phase of inspiration. Prolonging the inspiratory time over three cardiac cycles results in a reduction in left ventricular filling during the third diastolic period. There were no changes in the other diastolic indexes that reflect changes in ventricular compliance or relaxation.
Parotid gland plasmacytoma with crystalline deposits.

Abstract A case of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the parotid gland with a marked deposition of intracytoplasmic cyrstals is presented. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the crystals suggest formation from monoclonal immunoglobulin.
Metamorphic In0.7Al0.3As/In0.69Ga0.31As thermophotovoltaic devices grown on graded InAsyP1−y buffers by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract The application of an In0.7Al0.3As window layer material on the properties of lattice-mismatched (LMM) single-junction (SJ) In0.69Ga0.31As thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells grown by solid source molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) was studied as an alternative to conventional InAsP window layers. For these 0.60 eV bandgap SJ devices, high performance was achieved, displaying open-circuit voltage of 355 mV, power density of 0.532 W/cm2 and a fill factor of 66.5% measured at a current density value of 2.26 A/cm2. The measured internal quantum efficiencies were close to ∼100% at wavelengths between approximately 1.2–1.4 mm, suggestive that low carrier recombination rates in the vicinity of this alternative In0.70Al0.30As/In0.69Ga0.31As window/emitter interface has been achieved. The quantum efficiency data coupled with the device parameters show that InAlAs can be successfully substituted for conventional InAsP window layers in metamorphic TPV devices. By using an interface consisting solely of III-As alloys for the window/emitter material pairing as opposed to the conventional InAsP/InGaAs window/emitter design, this approach avoids the problematic III-P/III-As interface transition for MBE growth of TPV devices that has been shown to impact carrier collection efficiency [Hudait MK, Lin Y, Palmisiano MN, Ringel SA. 0.6-eV band gap In0.69Ga0.31As thermophotovoltaic devices grown on InAsyP1−y step-graded buffers by molecular beam epitaxy. IEEE Electron Dev Lett 2003;24(9):538–40].
Esophagogastrostomy anastomotic leaks complicating esophagectomy: A review

Purpose To summarize the most current information about the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of esophagogastrostomy leaks following esophagectomy. Method The English language literature was searched by manual methods and MEDLINE for original articles reporting results and complications of esophagectomy. Results Esophagogastrostomy anastomotic leaks cause considerable morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy. Their major etiologic factors are ischemia of the gastric fundus and errors in surgical technique. The clinical presentation of postoperative anastomotic leak ranges from an asymptomatic radiographic finding to a necrotizing thoracic infection. Severity of illness is largely dependent on four factors: gastric viability, the site (thorax or neck) and time of the leak, and its containment by surrounding tissues. Cervical anastomoses have a higher leak rate than thoracic anastomoses, but leaks from thoracic anastomoses are more morbid. Conclusion Leaks from thoracic anastomoses require aggressive surgical treatment. Cervical anastomotic leaks that are truly confined to the neck can usually be managed at the bedside with wound drainage and packing. However, the seriousness of cervical anastomotic leaks should not be underestimated. Some leaks from anastomoses constructed in the neck are, in reality, mediastinal leaks. Selected patients with radiologically detected asymptomatic leaks can be managed conservatively.
Effects of recombinant human inhibin and testosterone on gonadotropin secretion and subunit mRNA in superfused male rat pituitary cell cultures stimulated with pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Effects of recombinant human inhibin (rh inhibin) and testosterone on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and mRNA levels of gonadotropin subunits were investigated in superfused male rat pituitary cell cultures. During superfusion, the cells were stimulated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses (10 nM, 6 min/h) and exposed to rh inhibin (2 ng/ml) and/or testosterone (10 nM) for up to 20 h. The concentrations of FSH and LH were measured in effluent media by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and subunit mRNAs were determined by Northern blot hybridizations using rat FSH beta, LH beta and alpha genomic and cDNA probes. Rh inhibin suppressed the secretion of FSH (30-40% of control) and the secretion of LH to 50-60% of control, but inhibited only FSH beta mRNA (to non-detectable levels). Testosterone alone suppressed the release of LH to 50% of control, whereas FSH release was increased to 130-160% (P less than 0.05) of control. This increase was due to higher interpulse values without significant changes in the pulse amplitude. Also FSH beta mRNA level was increased (1.5-fold, P less than 0.05) but only after 17-20 h of treatment. On the other hand, testosterone had no effect on LH beta and alpha subunit mRNA levels. Testosterone in combination with rh inhibin showed an inhibitory effect on LH beta mRNA; however, the pattern of LH release was not significantly different from that observed with rh inhibin or testosterone alone. Combined effects of testosterone and rh inhibin on FSH secretion and FSH beta mRNA were similar to those observed with rh inhibin alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
FACTOR XIIIA-CATALYZED CROSS-LINKING OF RECOMBINANT ALPHA C FRAGMENTS OF HUMAN FIBRINOGEN

Direct measurements of the structure and function of the COOH-terminal portion of the Aα chain (residues 220−610) of human fibrinogen have been hampered by the difficulty of isolating intact fragments derived from this protease-sensitive region. Here, we overcame this problem by expressing two fragments, αC45K (Aα221−610) and a truncated version of it, αC30K (Aα368−610), in Escherichia coli. Both proteins were purified to homogeneous state, and their integrity was confirmed at protein level by sequencing. Upon treatment with factor XIIIa, the αC45K fragment but not the αC30K fragment formed polymers similar to those derived from fibrin clots. Sequence analysis of cross-linked αC45K polymers revealed involvement in the cross-linking reaction of at least three Gln residues (221, 237, 328) in the NH2-terminal region of the fragment and four Lys residues (539, 556, 580, 601) located in the COOH-terminal part of the molecule. In addition, a fraction of αC45K fragment was found in an intramolecular cross-linked...
The effect of various oxide dispersions on the phase composition and morphology of Al2O3 scales grown on β-NiAl

A series of oxide-dispersedβ-NiAl alloys were oxidized in order to explore the effect of various cation dopants on the ϕ-α phase transformation in the Al2O3 scale and the effect of phase composition on the scale microstructure. Larger ions such as Y, Zr, La, and Hf appeared to slow theϕ- toα-Al2O3 phase transformation, while a smaller ion, Ti, appeared to accelerate the transformation.
Analysis of the distribution of pitch angles in model galactic disks - Numerical methods and algorithms

An automated mathematical method capable of successfully isolating the many different features in prototype and observed spiral galaxies and of accurately measuring the pitch angles and lengths of these individual features is developed. The method is applied to analyze the evolution of specific features in a prototype galaxy exhibiting flocculent spiral structure. The mathematical-computational method was separated into two components. Initially, the galaxy was partitioned into dense regions constituting features using two different methods. The results obtained using these two partitioning algorithms were very similar, from which it is inferred that no numerical biasing was evident and that capturing of the features was consistent. Standard least-squares methods underestimated the true slope of the cloud distribution and were incapable of approximating an orientation of 45 deg. The problems were overcome by introducing a superior fit least-squares method, developed with the intention of calculating true orientation rather than a regression line.
Unit Administrators’ Perceived Importance of Faculty Outcomes, and Potential Effect on Productivity:

Faculty members invest resources concomitant with their perceptions of the core values, role, and mission of their institutions. Administrators’ perceptions of importance help to establish expectations for faculty performance. We examine what unit administrators consider important relative to a variety of faculty efforts. We compare administrators’ perceptions to faculty publication of scientific, refereed journal articles and raise provocative issues for thought and discussion. Ninety-three unit administrators provided information about their perceptions of importance of outcomes and descriptors about their textiles and clothing programs. Administrators differed in perceptions of importance of various indicators of faculty members’ productivity. These perceptions included four areas of agenda: research; professional; creative and university service; and service agendas. Unit administrators placed publication in scientific, refereed journals at the highest level of importance, yet the average quantity of ...
Structural Analysis of the Ectodomain of the Anti-Viral Protein BST-2

Human BST-2/tetherin is a host factor that inhibits release of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV from the cell surface. Viruses can evade this inhibition through antagonistic viral protein interactions with BST-2. Structurally, full-length BST-2 consists of an N-terminal cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane domain, an ectodomain, and a C-terminal membrane anchor. The N-terminal side of the ectodomain contains three cysteine residues; each can contribute to the formation of cysteine-linked dimers. We explored the ectodomain of BST-2 to further understand the flexibility of the protein as it relates to function. Recent cellular studies suggest BST-2 is flexible with regards to the dimerization and ability to function properly. However, X-ray crystallography suggests the ectodomain is rigid. Through limited proteolysis, molecular dynamics and small-angle x-ray scattering, we showed that the ectodomain of BST-2 is flexible. However, the flexibility of the membrane bound BST-2 and the interaction between the HIV-1 viral antagonist protein, Vpu, is still unknown. To investigate the flexibility and the interaction between BST-2 and Vpu, we are optimizing conditions for purifying and crystallizing the full-length BST-2, Vpu and the BST-2/Vpu complex. These studies will show how the innate immune system protein, BST2, interferes with viral budding.
Feasibility and acute toxicity of hypofractionated radiation in large-breasted patients.

Purpose To determine the feasibility of and acute toxicity associated with hypofractionated whole breast radiation (HypoRT) after breast-conserving surgery in patients excluded from or underrepresented in randomized trials comparing HypoRT with conventional fractionation schedules. Methods and Materials A review was conducted of all patients consecutively treated with HypoRT at the University of Chicago. All patients were treated to 42.56 Gy in 2.66 Gy daily fractions in either the prone or supine position. Planning was performed in most cases using wedges and large segments or a “field-in-field” technique. Breast volume was estimated using volumetric measurements of the planning target volume (PTV). Dosimetric parameters of heterogeneity (V105, V107, V110, and maximum dose) were recorded for each treatment plan. Acute toxicity was scored for each treated breast. Results Between 2006 and 2010, 78 patients were treated to 80 breasts using HypoRT. Most women were overweight or obese (78.7%), with a median body mass index of 29.2 kg/m 2 . Median breast volume was 1,351 mL. Of the 80 treated breasts, the maximum acute skin toxicity was mild erythema or hyperpigmentation in 70.0% (56/80), dry desquamation in 21.25% (17/80), and focal moist desquamation in 8.75% (7/80). Maximum acute toxicity occurred after the completion of radiation in 31.9% of patients. Separation >25 cm was not associated with increased toxicity. Breast volume was the only patient factor significantly associated with moist desquamation on multivariable analysis ( p = 0.01). Patients with breast volume >2,500 mL experienced focal moist desquamation in 27.2% of cases compared with 6.34% in patients with breast volume p = 0.03). Conclusions HypoRT is feasible and safe in patients with separation >25 cm and in patients with large breast volume when employing modern planning and positioning techniques. We recommend counseling regarding expected increases in skin toxicity in women with a PTV volume >2,500 mL.
Functional and Morphological Changes in Experimental Endolymphatic Hydrops

Electrocochleograms (ECochG) in response to tone bursts and electronystagmograms (ENG) during sinusoidal rotational stimulation were monitored in guinea pigs equipped with chronically implanted round-window and periocular electrodes before and for as long as 90 days after uni- or bilateral surgical obliteration of the endolymphatic duct. The presence of cochlear and saccular endolymphatic hydrops was verified during microdissection of the inner ear, and cochlear hair cell counts were performed in some of the animals. The results indicate that in surgically-induced endolymphatic hydrops, cochlear and vestibular changes occur similar to those observed clinically in Meniere's disease: fluctuant threshold shifts, threshold elevation at low frequencies, sensorineural loss at all frequencies with recruitment, increase in the ratio of summating potential to compound action potential (SP/CAP), asymmetry and recruitment in the ENG, and increased vestibular excitability, with occasional post-rotational and spontane...
Effects of Temperature and Soil Type on Ammonia Volatilization from Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization is the major pathway for mineral nitrogen (N) loss from N sources applied to soils. The information on NH3 volatilization from slow-release N fertilizers is limited. Ammonia volatilization, over a 78-d period, from four slow-release N fertilizers with different proportions of urea and urea polymer [Nitamin 30L (liquid) (L30), Nitamin RUAG 521G30 (liquid) (G30), Nitamin 42G (granular) (N42), and Nitroform (granular) (NF)] applied to a sandy loamy soil was evaluated. An increase in temperature from 20 to 30 °C increased cumulative NH3 volatilization loss in the sandy soil by 1.4-, 1.7-, and 1.8-fold for N42, L30, and G30, respectively. Increasing the proportion of urea in the slow-release fertilizer increased NH3 volatilization loss. At 30 °C, the cumulative NH3 volatilization over 78 d from a sandy soil accounted for 45.6%, 43.9%, 22.4%, and <1% of total N applied as N42, L30, G30, and NF, respectively. The corresponding losses in a loamy soil were 9.2%, 3.1%, and 1.7%. There w...
Layoffs and lemons over the business cycle

Abstract This paper develops a simple model in which unemployment arises from a combination of selection and bad luck. During recessions, the proportion of workers who are laid off due to low productivity declines during recessions, diminishing the adverse signaling effect of an unemployment spell. Wage regressions estimated using the Displaced Workers Supplement support this basic prediction of the model.
Predictability of clinical outcomes following regenerative therapy in intrabony defects.

Background: Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) support substantial gains in clinical attachment level (CAL), reductions in probing depth (PD), and gains in defect fill compared to open flap debridement (OFD) in intrabony defects. Although these regenerative therapies support improvements in mean clinical parameters, it is unclear whether the procedures improve the predictability of clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative variability in clinical outcome measures, independent of the magnitude of gains, in regenerative studies comparing DBM or GTR to OFD therapy for the management of intrabony defects. For comparative purposes, a similar analysis was performed evaluating the consistency of clinical outcomes with other (non-DBM) bone replacement graft (BRG) materials relative to OFD alone.Methods: Fifty-five randomized controlled clinical trials comparing regenerative therapy (seven DBM, 22 BRG, and 26 GTR) to OFD and meeting inclusion criteria...
BP-P2P: Belief propagation-based trust and reputation management for P2P networks

In this paper, for the first time, we introduce a Belief Propagation (BP)-based distributed trust and reputation management algorithm. The proposed algorithm can be utilized in many distributed systems from Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to social and mesh networks. In this work, we focus on P2P networks and explore the application of BP-based trust and reputation management in a decentralized environment in the presence of malicious peers. In a typical P2P trust and reputation management system, after each transaction, the client peer (who receives a service) provides its rating about the quality of the service provided by the server peer for that transaction. In such a system, we view the problem of trust and reputation management as to compute two sets of variables: 1. the reputation parameters of peers based on their quality of service, and 2. the trustworthiness parameters of peers based on the ratings they provide after each transaction. We distinguish between these two parameters as a peer might provide high quality service as a server while providing malicious ratings as a client. The proposed scheme, referred to as BP-P2P, relies on the BP algorithm in an appropriately chosen factor graph representation of the P2P network. The reputation and trustworthiness parameters are computed by a BP-based distributed message passing algorithm between the peers on the factor graph. We provide a detailed evaluation of BP-P2P via analysis and computer simulations. We show that BP-P2P is very robust in computing trustworthiness values and filtering out malicious ratings. Specifically, we prove that BP-P2P iteratively reduces the error in the reputation values of peers due to the malicious ratings with a high probability. Further, comparison of BP-P2P with some well-known and commonly used P2P reputation management techniques (e.g., EigenTrust and Bayesian Framework) indicates the superiority of the proposed scheme in terms of robustness against malicious behavior. We also show that the computational complexity of BP-P2P grows only linearly with the number of peers and the communication overhead of BP-P2P is lower than the well-known EigenTrust algorithm.
On the use of ultrasonic and shock-wave data to estimate compressions at extremely high pressures☆

Abstract It is proposed that both the shock-wave data and the acoustically determined parameters for equations of state be used together to construct an equation of state valid beyond the range of shock-wave measurements. In the past few years, these two techniques have been used to cross-check each other in the establishment of two-parameter equations of state. A three-parameter equation of state, such as proposed by Keane, is recommended. Two of these parameters are given by acoustic measurements at zero pressure, and the third is found by curve fitting the resulting Keane equation to shock-wave data at high pressures.
A preliminary assessment of the use of an amorphous silica residual as a supplementary cementing material

An amorphous silica (AS) by-product was investigated as a possible supplementary cementing material (SCM). Standard ASTM tests for the SCM as well as specific surface area measurement, electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (SRD), {sup 29}Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and cement paste and mortar cube strength studies were conducted. A 10:90 AS:OPC paste (w/cm of 0.4) and mortar cubes (w/cm = 0.50 to 0.60) were prepared. AS is a white amorphous material ({bar x}=29{+-}9(1{sigma}) nm) with a surface area of 95,000 m{sup 2}/kg, the latter resulting in a high water demand. All of the AS in 10:90 AS:OPC paste reacted by 7 days, consuming more than 50% of the calcium hydroxide. The compressive strength of OPC paste remained unchanged with the addition of AS but that of mortar increased.
DNA fragmentation in apoptosis

Cleavage of chromosomal DNA into oligonucleosomal size fragments is an integral part of apoptosis. Elegant biochemical work identified the DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) as a major apoptotic endonuclease for DNA fragmentation in vitro. Genetic studies in mice support the importance of DFF in DNA fragmentation and possibly in apoptosis in vivo. Recent work also suggests the existence of additional endonucleases for DNA degradation. Understanding the roles of individual endonucleases in apoptosis, and how they might coordinate to degrade DNA in different tissues during normal development and homeostasis, as well as in various diseased states, will be a major research focus in the near future.
H/D exchange of methane over transition metal/MFI catalysts

Abstract The H/D exchange of CH 4 with D 2 has been studied by on-line mass spectrometry over a series of transition metal/zeolite catalysts. Isotope exchange of CH 4 with D 2 is rapid over reduced Pd/MFI under conditions where no exchange can be detected over H/MFI, Cu/MFI or Fe/MFI. The exchange mechanism is stepwise, deuteromethanes are formed in ratios predicted by statistical thermodynamics. This reaction can be used as a catalytic probe to detect the presence of Pd n 0 clusters. It shows that in the selective reduction of NO over Pd/MFI some Pd 0 exists even in the presence of excess O 2 . On those Pd/MFI catalysts where Pd n 0 particles and acidic protons coexist, the exchange of surface hydrons against D 2 is strongly catalyzed by Pd 0 , temperature programmed reaction identifies two types of sites with different rate constants.
Strain-Responsive Regions in the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-A Gene Promoter

Proliferation of cultured neonatal vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells is enhanced by exposure to cyclic mechanical strain, in part through autocrine action of secreted platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). We examined transcription factors and DNA response elements that may participate in the induction of PDGF-A gene transcription by mechanical strain. PDGF-A mRNA increased gradually over 4 to 24 hours exposure to cyclic (1Hz) strain. This was due, at least in part, to increased transcription since a full length (890bp) PDGF-A promoter reporter construct was induced 3.5-fold in transfected VSM cells exposed to strain for 24 hours. A series of PDGF-A promoter truncation reporter constructs was used to identify potential regions of the promoter involved in regulation by strain. Strain-responsive regions were found between -262bp and -92bp and between -92bp and -41bp of the promoter. Since these regions are GC-rich and contain response elements for Egr-1 and Sp-1, we examined expression of these transcription factors in response to strain. mRNA for both factors increased over 0.5 to 4 hours of strain, while protein expression for both increased gradually over a 24 hours period. Gel shift assays with a probe specific for Egr-1 demonstrated at least 1 prominent new shifted band after 4 to 12 hours exposure to strain. An Sp-1 probe demonstrated constitutive shifted bands that did not change in response to strain. Thus, GC-rich regions in the proximal 92bp of the PDGF-A promoter contain mechanical strain-responsive elements that bind Egr-1 and possibly Sp-1.
Test and Evaluation of Shale Derived Jet Fuel by the United States Air Force

In June 1980, the United States Congress passed the Energy Security Act which provided for the formation of the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation and amended the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide for synthetic fuels for the Department of Defense (DOD). A subsequent law, P.L., 96-304, appropriated up to $20 billion for financial incentives to foster a national synthetic fuel industry. The initial synthetic fuel project funded under the Energy Security Act is the Unocal Parachute Creek Project in Colorado with an expected shale oil production of 10,000 bbls/day. The Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC) contracted with Gary Energy Refining Company, Fruita, Colorado to provide approximately 5000 bbls/day of shale JP-4 for the United States Air Force (USAF) using crude from the Parachute Creek project, with initial deliveries to begin in 1985.The USAF immediately accelerated preparations for the eventual operational use of shale derived fuels for turbine engine aircraft. An extensive test and evaluation program was initiated consisting of aviation turbine fuel processing, fuel characterization, aircraft component and subsystem testing, engine and flight testing.This paper describes the testing program that was accomplished, the significant results which were determined and the quality assurance program that is being implemented to assure that the shale fuel meets the requirements of JP-4, the standard USAF jet fuel.Copyright © 1985 by ASME
Information systems and organizational development: Meeting the demands of information resource management in the twenty-first century

The central thesis of this article is that organizations in the twenty-first century will pursue the full benefits of information system technology by moving beyond a narrow focus on the technological dimensions to consider attendant managerial and policy issues. The challenges to establishing and implementing a coherent philosophy to guide information resource management are novel and difficult, but not unyielding. The application of organizational development techniques holds great potential to surmount these obstacles and may provide organizations with significant advantages from developments in computing technology in the twenty-first century. Evidence suggests that leading edge organizations are turning toward an integrated approach to Information Resource Management. The benefits that advances in computer and information system technology offer to organizations in the twenty-first century seem indisputable, but whether organizations will actually achieve them, however, seems very much in question. T...
Paschen Lines and the Reddening of the Radio Galaxy 3C 109

This paper presents spectrophotometric observations from 0.8 to 2.5 μm of the broad emission line radio galaxy 3C 109. Three Paschen lines plus Hα are measured and combined with a published value for Hβ to estimate the reddening for the continuum source and the region producing the broad emission lines. A key factor in this determination is the foreground reddening due to the Galaxy. The recent COBE/IRAS maps of Schlegel, Finkbeiner, & Davis indicate a Galactic extinction of E(B-V) = 0.57, more than twice the value inferred from the H I measurements. If the former value is adopted, the in situ reddening is E(B-V) = 0.77. This value implies, per the analysis of Goodrich & Cohen, that 3C 109 is an object of extremes, displaying a dereddened UV-optical continuum that is extraordinarily blue (fν ~ ν1.5) and harboring dust grains that are more efficient polarizers than any found in the Milky Way. Both extremes hint at some additional factor or mechanism, and a few possibilities are discussed. Regardless, the significant amount of internal reddening indicated by infrared spectroscopy is consistent with results from previous optical polarimetry and spectropolarimetry, optical and X-ray spectroscopy, and infrared photometry, in demonstrating that 3C 109 is an obscured quasar—a luminous object whose nuclear radiations from the soft X-ray to the near-infrared are absorbed, scattered, polarized, and reradiated further into the infrared by a circumnuclear envelope of dust.
Child welfare privatization: quantitative indicators and policy issues.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the development of safety, permanency, and child well-being indicators by using administrative data sets as well as by using these indicators as tools for evaluating Florida’s Community-Based Care (CBC) initiative. Longitudinal data from 37 counties including 4 counties that implemented community-based care were examined in this study. The results of the study indicated that the overall performance of CBC counties is at least as good as the performance of their comparison run by the state counties. The findings that emerged from this study may provide important lessons for developing a performance measurement system in the child welfare field.
Structure-activity relationships of 4-(phenylethynyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as highly selective A3 adenosine receptor antagonists.

4-(Phenylethynyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives are selective antagonists at human A3 adenosine receptors, with Ki values in a radioligand binding assay vs [125I]AB-MECA (N6-(4-amino-3-iodobenzyl)-5‘-(N-methylcarbamoyl)adenosine) in the submicromolar range. In this study, structure−activity relationships at various positions of the dihydropyridine ring (the 3- and 5-acyl substituents, the 4-aryl substituent, and 1-methyl group) were probed synthetically. Using the combined protection of the 1-ethoxymethyl and the 5-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl] ester groups, a free carboxylic acid was formed at the 5-position allowing various substitutions. Selectivity of the new analogues for cloned human A3 adenosine receptors was determined vs radioligand binding at rat brain A1 and A2A receptors. Structure−activity analysis at adenosine receptors indicated that pyridyl, furyl, benzofuryl, and thienyl groups at the 4-position resulted in, at most, only moderate selectivity for A3 adenosine receptors. Ring substi...