cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Quantitation of Furanocoumarins and Flavonoids in Grapefruit Juice using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Introduction:Grapefruit juice can increase or decrease the systemic exposure of myriad oral medications, leading to untoward effects or reduced efficacy. Furanocoumarins in grapefruit juice have been established as inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A)-mediated metabolism and P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux, while flavonoids have been implicated as inhibitors of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)-mediated absorptive uptake in the intestine. The potential for drug interactions with a food product necessitates an understanding of the expected concentrations of a suite of structurally diverse and potentially bioactive compounds. Objective:Develop methods for the rapid quantitation of two furanocoumarins (bergamottin and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin) and four flavonoids (naringin, naringenin, narirutin and hesperidin) in five grapefruit juice products using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Methods: Grapefruit juice products were extracted with ethyl acetate; the concentrated extract was analysed by UPLC using acetonitrile:water gradients and a C18-column. Analytes were detected using a photodiode array detector, set at 250?nm (furanocoumarins) and 310?nm (flavonoids). Intraday and interday precision and accuracy and limits of detection and quantitation were determined. Results:Rapid ( 0.999. Considerable between-juice variation in the concentrations of these compounds was observed, and the quantities measured were in agreement with the concentrations published in HPLC studies. Conclusion:These analytical methods provide an expedient means to quantitate key furanocoumarins and flavonoids in grapefruit juice and other foods used in dietary substance–drug interaction studies.
Omasal sampling technique for assessing fermentative digestion in the forestomach of dairy cows.

A procedure allowing digesta sampling from the omasum via a ruminal cannula without repeated entry into the omasum was developed. The sampling system consisted of a device inserted into the omasum via the ruminal cannula, a tube connecting the device to the ruminal cannula, and a single compressor/vacuum pump. Eight cows given ad libitum access to a total mixed diet were used in a crossover design to evaluate the effects of the sampling system on digestive activity, animal performance, and animal behavior. Results indicated that the omasal sampling system has minimal effect on normal digestive and productive functions of high-producing dairy cows. Dry matter intake was reduced (24.0 vs 21.8 kg/d; P < .02) and seemed related more to the sampling procedures than to the device in the omasum. Observations of animal behavior indicated that cows with the sampling device were similar to control cows, although rumination and total chewing times were reduced slightly. The composition of digesta samples was biased toward an over-abundance of the liquid phase, but using a double-marker system to calculate digesta flow resulted in fairly small coefficients of variation for measurements of ruminal digestion variables. This technique may prove useful for partitioning digestion between the fermentative portion of the forestomach and the lower gastrointestinal tract. The omasal sampling procedure requires less surgical intervention than the traditional methods using abomasal or duodenal cannulas as sampling sites to study forestomach digestion and avoids potentially confounding endogenous secretions of the abomasum.
Relationship Between CSF Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease and Rates of Regional Cortical Thinning in ADNI Data

Previously it was reported that Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have reduced amyloid (Aβ 1-42) and elevated total tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau 181p) in the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), suggesting that these same measures could be used to detect early AD pathology in healthy elderly (CN) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that there would be an association among rates of regional brain atrophy, the CSF biomarkers Aβ 1-42, t-tau, and p-tau 181p and ApoE e4 status, and that the pattern of this association would be diagnosis specific. Our findings primarily showed that lower CSF Aβ 1-42 and higher tau concentrations were associated with increased rates of regional brain tissue loss and the patterns varied across the clinical groups. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CSF biomarker concentrations are associated with the characteristic patterns of structural brain changes in CN and MCI that resemble to a large extent the pathology seen in AD. Therefore, the finding of faster progression of brain atrophy in the presence of lower Aβ 1-42 levels and higher p-tau levels supports the hypothesis that CSF Aβ 1-42 and tau are measures of early AD pathology. Moreover, the relationship among CSF biomarkers, ApoE e4 status, and brain atrophy rates are regionally varying, supporting the view that the genetic predisposition of the brain to amyloid and tau mediated pathology is regional and disease stage specific.
Discrete time signals which can be recovered from samples

If a discrete time signal x(n) is bandlimited appropriately we can decimate it without aliasing. However, there exists a broad class of non bandlimited signals which can be recovered perfectly from their decimated versions. We consider both uniform and nonuniform decimation of this kind and explore some applications, especially in noise shaping and in /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ modulator type of architectures.
A metamaterial-inspired electrically small antenna for operation at 2 to 20 MHz

A metamaterial-inspired, efficient, electrically small antenna (ESA) is designed for the 2 to 20 MHz range, intended for use in a mobile Ionospheric Heating (MIH) system. The ESA consists of two main parts: a small semiloop antenna (SLA), and an outer capacitively loaded loop (CLL). To increase the capacitance of the CLL and reduce the size of the ESA, a high permittivity dielectric is utilized. All designs were simulated in Ansoft HFSS with particular attention on radiation efficiency and bandwidth. The design aims for these ESAs are a high overall efficiency at dimensions much smaller than a wavelength.
The Story of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

In the mid-1970s, Congress journeyed into uncharted territory. After more than two years of investigation, deliberation, and consideration, what emerged in 1977 was the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a pioneering statute and the first law in the world governing domestic business conduct with foreign government officials in foreign markets. This Article weaves together information and events scattered in the FCPA’s voluminous legislative record to tell the FCPA’s story through original voices of actual participants who shaped the law. As the FCPA approaches thirty-five years old, and as enforcement enters a new era, the FCPA’s story remains important and relevant to government agencies charged with enforcing the law, those subject to the law, and policy makers contemplating reform.
Response to endovascular reperfusion is not time-dependent in patients with salvageable tissue

Objective: To evaluate whether time to treatment modifies the effect of endovascular reperfusion in stroke patients with evidence of salvageable tissue on MRI. Methods: Patients from the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution 2 (DEFUSE 2) cohort study with a perfusion-diffusion target mismatch were included. Reperfusion was defined as a decrease in the perfusion lesion volume of at least 50% between baseline and early follow-up. Good functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at day 90. Lesion growth was defined as the difference between the baseline and the early follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volumes. Results: Among 78 patients with the target mismatch profile (mean age 66 ± 16 years, 54% women), reperfusion was associated with increased odds of good functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence interval 1.2–12, p = 0.03) and attenuation of lesion growth ( p = 0.02). Time to treatment did not modify these effects ( p value for the time × reperfusion interaction is 0.6 for good functional outcome and 0.3 for lesion growth). Similarly, in the subgroup of patients with reperfusion (n = 46), time to treatment was not associated with good functional outcome ( p = 0.2). Conclusion: The association between endovascular reperfusion and improved functional and radiologic outcomes is not time-dependent in patients with a perfusion-diffusion mismatch. Proof that patients with mismatch benefit from endovascular therapy in the late time window should come from a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Chief Justice Burger: A Better Tax Lawyer Than His Critics

Media reports of Warren Burger's homemade three-sentence will crowed about the former Chief Justice's lack of legal acumen in drafting the will. A local attorney alleged that Burger's $1.6 million estate would incur a $450,000 federal and state estate tax liability that could have been entirely avoided by elementary estate planning, noting that "the shoemaker's children are the last ones to get shoes."It was a great story - if only it were true. This article examines the estate tax consequences of the Burger will and concludes that it is the critics, not the Chief Justice, who do not understand basic estate planning.
f-Electrons in solids: Electronic structure and properties of actinides and rare-earths

Abstract This paper presents, by way of an introduction to the subject matter of the Conference, a short version of the review given there of fundamental aspects of f-electron bonding in actinides and rare-earths. Emphasis is placed on elucidating (1) similarities and differences between the behavior of f-electrons in the two series, and (2) those concepts which provide insights and understandings of the observed phenomena.
Endogenous Rhythms of Body Temperature in Hibernating Bats

ENDOGENOUS rhythms of activity with periods close to 24 hr. have been described previously in the two most common bats of the north-eastern United States : Myotis lucifugus and Eptesicus fuscus 1,2,3. Rawson has shown that this periodic activity persists for at least several weeks under conditions of constant darkness and temperature. Folk4 has suggested that the endogenous “clock” may control the timing of the periodic arousals of bats during their winter hibernation.
Factors Affecting Autotrophic-Heterotrophic Relationships of a Woodland Stream

ABSTRACT The effects of incident light, temperature, and detrital and epilithon standing crops on aspects of community metabolism were investigated at five first to third order riffle sites of Augusta Creek, Michigan Detrital standing crops ranged from 142 to 592 g.m−2 ash free dry weight (AFDW), while annual averages for the five sites ranged from 242.4 to 388.2 g.m−2 AFDW. Epilithon values were higher with annual averages of 1764 to 3508 g.m−2 AFDW, while individual estimates ranged from 1480 to 5030 g.m−2. Epilithon composed 80 to 93% of the total organic matter (TOM) of the riffle sediments. Rates of community productivity were most highly correlated with incident light (r=0.52–0.57), followed by temperature (r=0.33–0.64) and epilithon development (r=0.3–0.42). Community respiration was most highly correlated with temperature (r=0.64), while multiple regression indicated light (n=1957) was more influential for predicting rates of net community productivity (NCP), gross community productivity (GCP), an...
The ATPase cross-bridge cycle of the Kar3 motor domain. Implications for single head motility.

Kar3 is a minus-end directed microtubule motor involved in meiosis and mitosis in Saccharomyces cerevisae. Unlike Drosophila Ncd, the other well characterized minus-end directed motor that is a homodimer, Kar3 is a heterodimer with a single motor domain and either the associated polypeptides Cik1 or Vik1. Our mechanistic studies with Ncd showed that both motor domains were required for ATP-dependent motor domain detachment from the microtubule. We have initiated a series of experiments to compare the mechanistic requirements for Kar3 motility in direct comparison to Ncd. The results presented here show that the single motor domain of Kar3 (Met383-Lys729) exhibits characteristics similar to monomeric Ncd. The microtubule-activated steady-state ATPase cycle of Kar3 (k cat = 0.5 s−1) is limited by ADP release (0.4 s−1). Like monomeric Ncd, Kar3 does not readily detach from the microtubule with the addition of MgATP. These results show that the single motor domain of Kar3 is not sufficient for ATP-dependent microtubule dissociation, suggesting that structural elements outside of the catalytic core are required for the cyclic interactions with the microtubule for force generation.
Does Physical Abuse in Early Childhood Predict Substance Use in Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Prospective longitudinal data from 585 families were used to examine parents' reports of child physical abuse in the first 5 years of life as a predictor of substance use at ages 12, 16, and 24. Path analyses revealed that physical abuse in the first 5 years of life predicted subsequent substance use for females but not males. We found a direct effect of early physical abuse on girls'substance use at age 12 and indirect effects on substance use at age 16 and age 24 through substance use at age 12. For boys, age 12 substance use predicted age 16 substance use, and age 16 substance use predicted age 24 substance use, but physical abuse in the first 5 years of life was unrelated to subsequent substance use. These findings suggest that for females, a mechanism of influence of early physical abuse on substance use into early adulthood appears to be through precocious initiation of substance use in early adolescence.
THE INSIDE TRACK: WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT SEEKING ALTERNATIVE FUNDING

I read a number of magazines devoted to fund raising, grantsmanship, nonprofit management, and philanthropy. And lately, I've been impressed by the number of both philosophical and practical hints the experts have shared about the basic approach to these activities. Combined with what has been hammered home to me over the years by colleagues from a variety of government agencies, corporations, and foundations, I have compiled a list of what I consider are the best of them.
An accelerated FFT algorithm for thermoelastic and non-linear composites

A fast numerical algorithm to compute the local and overall responses of non-linear composite materials is developed. This alternative formulation allows us to improve the convergence of the existing method of Moulinec and Suquet (e.g. Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Eng. 1998; 157(1–2):69–94). In the present method, a non-linear elastic (or conducting) material is replaced by infinitely many locally linear thermoelastic materials with moduli that depend on the values of the local fields. This makes it possible to use the advantages of an algorithm developed by Eyre and Milton (Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 1999; 6(1):41–47), which has faster convergence. The method is applied to compute the local fields as well as the effective response of non-linear conducting and elastic periodic composites. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy among older adults in a community setting

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become the preferred method to provide enteral tube feeding to older adults who have difficulty eating, but the impact of PEG on patient outcomes is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to describe changes in nutrition, functional status, and health-related quality of life among older adults receiving PEG. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: A small community of approximately 60,000 residents served by two hospital systems. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty patients aged 60 and older receiving PEG from one of the four gastroenterologists practicing in the targeted community. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed at baseline and every 2 months for 1 year to obtain clinical characteristics, process of care data, physical and cognitive function, subjective health status, nutritional status, complications, and mortality. RESULTS: Over a 14-month period, 150 patients received PEG tubes in the targeted community; the mean age was 78.9. The most frequent indications for the PEG were stroke (40.7%), neurodegenerative disorders (34.7%), and cancer (13.3%). All measures of functional status, cognitive status, severity of illness, comorbidity, and quality of life demonstrated profound and life-threatening impairment; 30-day mortality was 22% and 1-year mortality was 50%. Among patients surviving 60 days or more, at least 70% had no significant improvement in functional, nutritional, or subjective health status. Serious complications were rare, but most patients experienced symptomatic problems that they attributed to the enteral tube feeding. CONCLUSIONS: PEG tube feeding in severely and chronically ill older adults can be accomplished safely. However, there are important patient burdens associated with the PEG and there was limited evidence that the procedure improves functional, nutritional, or subjective health status in this cohort of older adults. The issues raised in this descriptive study provide impetus for a randomized trial of PEG tube feeding compared with alternative methods of patient care for older adults with difficulty eating.
Ploidy dependence of induced mutation frequency in transformed Syrian hamster cells

Abstract The ploidy dependence of the induced frequency of a phenotype can be used to determine the dominant or recessive nature of a somatic mutation to a given trait. To demonstrate this we induced mutations in diploid and spontaneously occurring tetraploid clones of Syrian hamster embryo cells by treatment with EMS (1.2 mg/ml, 4 h). Mutagenized cells were assayed for the recessive mutation to 6-thioguanine resistance (5 μg/ml) and the dominant mutation to ouabain resistance (1.2 mM). The frequency of induction of the dominant mutation was equal in the diploid and tetraploid clones (2.3 × 10 −4 ). The frequency of induction of the recessive mutation was greatly reduced in the tetraploid clone relative to the diploid clone (1.8 × 10 −4 vs. 1.2 × 10 −3 ). 6TG r mutant subclones from the tetraploid clone remain nearly tetraploid, or even increase in ploidy, but show a reduction in the number of X chromosomes from two to one, or in some cases none (based on chromosome morphology). The principle of ploidy dependence is now being used to study the induction of phenotypes related to neoplastic transformation.
Low-level measurement of alpha-particle emitting nuclei in ceramics and lead

Nearly all natural materials contain trace quantities of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) and their daughter nuclides, many of which emit α-particles in their decay. Lead, at the end of the U-decay chain, typically contains some radioactive210Pb which is chemically inseparable from the other Pb isotopes. α-particle emission from these decays can affect sensitive electronic components, such as memory chips or processors. Measurement of α-particle emitters can be accomplished by direct detection of the α-particles (which typically provides no positive identification of the emitting isotope because of energy loss in the sample) or by low-background γ-ray spectroscopy (which does provide positive identification via characteristic γ-rays.) The latter is by far the best method for screening kg-sized samples of materials like ceramics, aluminum, iron or copper. The difference between α counting and γ-ray spectroscopy is less for measuring210Pb in Pb since the 46.5 keV characteristic γ-rays directly following the210Pb decay are strongly absorbed and both methods are limited to thin layers. This paper discusses these two cases and concludes that a large n-type germanium γ-ray spectrometer is probably the best overall system for both measurements.
What do mechanotransduction, Hippo, Wnt, and TGFβ have in common? YAP and TAZ as key orchestrating molecules in ocular health and disease.

Cells in vivo are exposed to a complex signaling environment. Biochemical signaling modalities, such as secreted proteins, specific extracellular matrix domains and ion fluxes certainly compose an important set of regulatory signals to cells. However, these signals are not exerted in isolation, but rather in concert with biophysical cues of the surrounding tissue, such as stiffness and topography. In this review, we attempt to highlight the biophysical attributes of ocular tissues and their influence on cellular behavior. Additionally, we introduce the proteins YAP and TAZ as targets of biophysical and biochemical signaling and important agonists and antagonists of numerous signaling pathways, including TGFβ and Wnt. We frame the discussion around this extensive signaling crosstalk, which allows YAP and TAZ to act as orchestrating molecules, capable of integrating biophysical and biochemical cues into a broad cellular response. Finally, while we draw on research from various fields to provide a full picture of YAP and TAZ, we attempt to highlight the intersections with vision science and the exciting work that has already been performed.
Research on Supersonic Inlet Bleed

Phase I data results of the Fundamental Inlet Bleed Experiments project at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) are presented which include flow coefficient results for two single-hole boundary-layer bleed configurations. The bleed configurations tested are round holes at inclination angles of 90deg and 20deg both having length-to-diameter ratios of 2.0. Results were obtained at freestream Mach numbers of 1.33, 1.62, 1.98, 2.46, and 2.92 and unit Reynolds numbers of 0.984, 1.89, and 2.46 10(exp 7)/m. Approach boundary-layer data are presented for each flow condition and the flow coefficient results are compared to existing multi-hole data obtained under similar conditions. For the 90deg hole, the single and multi-hole distributions agree fairly well with the exception that under supercritical operation, the multi-hole data chokes at higher flow coefficient levels. This behavior is also observed for the 20deg hole but to a lesser extent. The 20deg hole also shows a markedly different characteristic at subcritical operation. Also presented are preliminary results of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of both configurations at the Mach 1.33 and a unit Reynolds number of 2.46 10(exp 7)/m. Comparison of the results shows the agreement to be very good.
Catch, Hold, and Release: Manipulating Single DNA Molecules in Solution

The ability to manipulate matter on submicron length scales has revolutionized biophysical research and fueled important scientific and technological advances in past decades. For example, larger dielectric particles can be trapped free in solution by steep electromagnetic field gradients produced by a strongly focused laser beam (optical tweezers).Pushing the limits to the nanometer level, however, has proven challenging. The only known method for trapping fluorescent nanoparticles such as single molecules uses a time-varying DC field in a feedback loop to counteract Brownian motion. This trap, however, can only operate when the particle can be located through fluorescence detection, which is problematic in the case of single molecules where intermittent fluorescence emission is often observed, and requires a complex hardware and software setup.In this contribution, we will discuss a novel and elegant approach for the trapping and manipulation of single molecules and other particles over extended periods of time: the electrostatic corral. The proposed trapping scheme has distinct characteristics which set it apart from other trapping techniques, such as a trapping efficiency that scales favorably with particle size (down to the single molecule level), a stable potential well that does not require any imaging for particle trapping, and multi-particle trapping capabilities. The feasibility of the corral trap approach will be demonstrated with experiments on micro- and nanoscale particles, with particular emphasis on the trapping of single-stranded DNA molecules.
Specific alterations in phosphorylation of cytosol proteins from differentiating neuroblastoma cells grown in culture.

Specific alterations in phosphorylation of cytosol proteins from differentiating neuroblastoma cells grown in culture
On Some Representations of the Bootstrap

The bootstrap statistic \(\hat \theta _n^* - \hat \theta _n \) is represented as the sum of two terms, one of which has the same distribution as \(\hat \theta _n - \theta \) and the other is a relatively negligible remainder. The representation is then applied to the problems of estimating a distribution and a quantile. The study includes the tail part of the distribution and quantiles for which the convergence rates could be faster than the usual “n-1/2” rate.
Abinitio calculations of potential energy curves and transition moments of 1Σ+g and 1Σ+u states of N2

The valence, Rydberg, and ion pair characteristics of 1Σ+u states of N2 are studied in ab initio calculations involving selectively optimized basis sets of Slater‐type functions and configuration mixing. Potential energy curves, as well as transition dipole moments and second moments of charge as a function of internuclear separation, are reported for 1Σ+g and 1Σ+u states. Transition dipole moments are in good agreement with experiment as are spectroscopic constants for the observed states. Analysis of the second moment and transition moment functions for the lowest 1Σ+u state shows clearly a transformation from atom pair to valence to ion pair to nearly pure Rydberg character as a function of internuclear separation between the separated atoms and the united atom limits.
Plural Policy-Making Bodies: Decision Strategies

Plural decision-making bodies often face constraints that make impractical the pure rational decision model. These bodies can develop their own practical decision strategies that adapt the pure rational model to fit their specific decision situations. Choosing an appropriate strategy requires considering the stages in the policy process at which strategy options exist, the nature of the policy issue, the nature of the policy-making body, and the environment within which it operates. Two such strategies are suggested.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of the 13C Chemical Shift Tensors of Acetone Complexed with Brønsted and Lewis Acids

We calculated the chemical shift tensors for acetone and 12 complexes of acetone with Bronsted and Lewis acids. Each complex was optimized at the MP2/6-311+G* or B3LYP/DZVP2 level of theory. Chemical shift tensors were calculated with the gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) approach at the RHF and MP2 levels of theory. We discovered a strong correlation between the MP2 and RHF 13C isotropic shifts of the carbonyl carbon in the complexes studied. Linear regression indicates that the MP2 isotropic shifts can be predicted by δMP2 = [1.12 (±0.04)]δRHF − 42.1 (±10.5) ppm (R2 = 0.9974). We were thus able to study two systems that are currently intractable at the GIAO-MP2 level. One is the complex of acetone with a large model of a zeolite, (H3SiO)3SiOHAl(OSiH3)3. The RHF shift of the carbonyl carbon of acetone on the zeolite model (238.4 ppm) is in poor agreement with the experimental (223 ppm) value. However, the MP2 result predicted by the linear correlation (224.0 ppm) is in much closer agreement. We were ...
Recent advances in preoperative imaging of renal tumors.

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this article is to discuss the expanded role of imaging and imaging-guided biopsy in the management of renal tumors.Recent findingsCertain features on cross-sectional imaging aid in preoperative differentiation of renal parenchymal tumors. Volumetric measurement on imagin
Energy resolved spin dependent trap assisted tunneling investigation of SILC related defects

We demonstrate energy resolved spin dependent trap assisted tunneling in 1.2nm effective oxide thickness silicon oxynitride film subject to room temperature electric field stressing. Our observations introduce a simple method to link point defect structure and energy levels in a very direct way. We obtain defect energy level resolution of SILC related defects by exploiting the enormous difference between the capacitance of the very thin dielectric and the capacitance of the depletion of the silicon. The simplicity of the technique and the robust character of the response make it, at least potentially, of widespread utility in the understanding of defects important in microelectronics
Mutations of BRAF and KRAS precede the development of ovarian serous borderline tumors

Molecular genetic changes that are associated with the initiating stage of tumor development are important in tumorigenesis. Ovarian serous borderline tumors (SBTs), putative precursors of low-grade serous carcinomas, are among the few human neoplasms with a high frequency of activating mutations in BRAF and KRAS genes. However, it remains unclear as to how these mutations contribute to tumor progression. To address this issue, we compared the mutational status of BRAF and KRAS in both SBTs and the adjacent epithelium from cystadenomas, the presumed precursor of SBTs. We found that three of eight SBTs contained mutant BRAF, and four SBTs contained mutant KRAS. All specimens with mutant BRAF harbored wild-type KRAS and vice versa. Thus, seven (88%) of eight SBTs contained either BRAF or KRAS mutations. The same mutations detected in SBTs were also identified in the cystadenoma epithelium adjacent to the SBTs in six (86%) of seven informative cases. As compared to SBTs, the cystadenoma epithelium, like ovarian surface epithelium, lacks cytological atypia. Our findings provide cogent evidence that mutations of BRAF and KRAS occur in the epithelium of cystadenomas adjacent to SBTs and strongly suggest that they are very early events in tumorigenesis, preceding the development of SBT.
DYNAMIC MRI ANALYSIS OF TUMOR AND ORGAN MOTION DURING REST AND DEGLUTITION AND MARGIN ASSESSMENT FOR RADIOTHERAPY OF HEAD-AND-NECK CANCER

Purpose To quantify swallowing frequency and tumor and normal structure displacements during deglutition using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine planning target volume (PTV) margins to account for resting and deglutition-induced displacements in patients with head-and-neck cancer (HNC). Methods and Materials Twenty-two patients with HNC were imaged in the treatment position using dynamic MRI. Sagittal images were acquired. Two-dimensional displacement was analyzed using contours of normal structures and GTV drawn for one swallowing event. Deglutition-induced displacements were quantified based on position change during deglutition relative to preswallow structure location for anterior (A), posterior (P), superior (S), and inferior (I) directions. Additional long-time MRI series were obtained from a subset of 11 patients while they were resting in order to determine swallowing frequency and duration. PTV margins to account for setup error, frequency and duration of deglutition, and resting and deglutition-induced GTV motion were calculated. Results Mean maximum resting displacements ranged from 1.5 to 3.1 mm for combined GTV subsites. Mean maximum swallowing GTV displacement for combined subsites ranged from 4.0 to 11.6 mm. Swallowing was nonperiodic, with a frequency ranging from 0 to 19 swallows over 12.8 min and mean swallow duration of 3.5 s. Based on the average swallowing characteristics in this cohort, the average PTV margins to account for setup error and tumor motion are estimated to be 4.7 mm anteriorly, 4.2 mm posteriorly, 4.7 mm inferiorly, and 6.0 mm superiorly. Conclusions The measurable mean maximum resting displacement for the GTV indicates that tumor motion occurs even when the patient is not swallowing. Nonuniform margins should be used as a standard PTV margin that accounts for setup error and tumor motion in radiotherapy of HNC unless adaptive radiotherapy with respect to intrafraction tumor motion is performed. The PTV margin can be individualized to a single patient’s swallowing characteristics or calculated as an average based on the swallowing data from the cohort.
Über Ligandenumverteilungsreaktionen an ternären Siliciumtetrahalogeniden in Gegenwart von Pyridin

In Gegenwart von geringen Mengen Pyridin bzw. Pyridiniumsalzen verlauft die Ligandenumverteilung an gemischten Siliciumtetrahalogeniden in CHCl3 schon bei 334 K nach wenigen Stunden vollstandig. Die Gleichgewichtszusammensetzung weicht dabei nur gering von der bei einer statistischen Verteilung der Liganden zu berechnenden ab. Bei 298 K sind gemischte Siliciumtetrahalogenide in Gegenwart von Pyridin bzw. Pyridiniumsalzen in CHCl3 uber mehrere Tage stabil, so das bei der Umsetzung von binaren Siliciumtetrahalogeniden (SiBr4, SiI4) mit (pyH)Cl alle gemischten Siliciumtetrahalogenide nebeneinander identifiziert werden konnen. Eine destillative Trennung der Gemische ist wegen der leichten Dismutierung in Gegenwart von Pyridin jedoch nicht moglich. Der Einflus des Pyridins erfolgt vermutlich uber die Bildung von Additionsverbindungen. On Ligand-Rearrangement-Reactions at Mixed Silicon Tetrahalides in the Presence of Pyridine The exchange of substituents on mixed silicon tetrahalides completely takes place after few hours in CHCl3 at 334 K in presence of small quantities of pyridine or pyridinium salts. The exchange equilibria does not deviate much from the values expected from ideal random sorting. Mixed silicon tetrahalides are stable for some days at 298 K in CHCl3 in presence of pyridine or pyridinium salts respectively, so that by the reaction of binary silicon tetrahalides (SiBr4, SiI4) with (pyH)Cl all mixed silicon tetrahalides may be identified side by side. A separation by destillation of the mixtures is impossible because of easy dismutation reactions in presence of pyridine. The influence of pyridine takes place presumable above the formation of addition compounds.
How complete is physiological compensation in extrastriate cortex after visual cortex damage in kittens

Previous studies indicate that neurons in the cat's posteromedial lateral suprasylvian (PMLS) visual area of cortex show physiological compensation after neonatal but not adult damage to areas 17, 18, and 19 of the visual cortex (collectively, VC). Thus, VC damage in adults produces a loss of direction selectivity and a decrease in response to the ipsilateral eye among PMLS cells, but these changes are not seen in adult cats that received VC damage as kittens. This represents compensation for early VC damage in the sense that PMLS neurons develop properties they would have had if there had been no brain damage. However, this is only a partial compensation for the effects of VC damage. A full compensation would involve development of properties of the VC cells that were removed in the damage. The present study investigated whether this type of compensation occurs for detailed spatial- and temporal-frequency processing. Single-cell recordings were made in PMLS cortex of adult cats that had received a VC lesion on the day of birth or at 8 weeks of age. Responses to sine-wave gratings that varied in spatial frequency, contrast, and temporal frequency were assessed quantitatively. We found that the spatial- and temporal-frequency processing of PMLS cells in adult cats that had neonatal VC damage were not significantly different from PMLS cells in normal cats. Therefore, there was no evidence that PMLS cells can compensate for VC damage by developing properties that are better than normal and like those of the striate cortex cells that were damaged. We also assessed the effects of long-term VC damage in adult cats to determine whether the normal properties seen in cats with neonatal VC damage represent a compensation for abnormalities in PMLS cortex present after adult damage. In a previous study, we found that acute VC damage in adult cats has small but reliable effects on maximal response amplitude, maximal contrast sensitivity, and spatial resolution (Guido et al. 1990b). In the present study, we found that long-term VC damage in adult cats does not increase these abnormalities as a result of secondary degenerative changes. In fact, the minor abnormalities that were present after an acute VC lesion were virtually absent following a long-term adult lesion, perhaps because they were due to transient traumatic effects. Therefore, there was little evidence for abnormalities in spatial- or temporal-frequency processing following long-term adult VC damage for which PMLS cells might show compensation following long-term neonatal damage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Polyamine toxicity in Neurospora crassa: Protective role of the vacuole

We used mutant strains of Neurospora crassa to define the discretionary capacity of this species for excess putrescine. The spe-3 mutant, which accumulates putrescine internally, and the puu-1 mutant, which accumulates toxic levels of putrescine from the medium, both sequestered large excesses of putrescine in vacuoles. Concomitantly in puu-1, inorganic polyphosphate increased modestly and some of the monovalent cation of the vacuole was discharged. These two factors contribute to the increased capacity for polyamines in this fungus. Putrescine, however, can exceed the capacity of vacuoles such that they no longer protect the cytosol from toxic levels of the amine. The puu-1 mutant illustrates the importance of the sequestration of intracellular polyamines, as well as the control of polyamine uptake through the cell membrane.
Martian north polar hazes and surface ice: Results from the Viking Survey/Completion Mission

The character of both the retreating polar cap edge and the accompanying atmospheric ice haze has been determined during the 1979-1980 Viking Survey/Completion mission observations of the Martian north polar regions. The ability of these Viking IR observations to distinguish haze from surface condensate yields a more accurate seasonal regression for the polar cap than can be determined from visual images. The transition from ice-free ground to a predominantly ice-covered surface at the cap edge spans 5-10 deg of latitude.
Memory, Knowledge and Epistemic Competence

Sosa (2007) claims that a necessary condition on knowledge is manifesting an epistemic competence. To manifest an epistemic competence, a belief must satisfy two conditions: (1) it must derive from the exercise of a reliable belief-forming disposition in appropriate conditions for its exercise and (2) that exercise of the disposition in those conditions would not issue a false belief in a close possible world. Drawing on recent psychological research, I show that memories that are issued by episodic memory retrieval fail to satisfy either of these conditions. This presents Sosa, and other proponents of similar conditions (e.g. some safety theorists and process reliabilists), with a dilemma: (1) deny that episodic memories count as knowledge or (2) give up the conditions as necessary conditions on knowledge. I explore the implications of this dilemma for our understanding of knowledge, memory and the relationship between them.
“Astonishing Successes” and “Bitter Disappointment”: The Specific Heat of Hydrogen in Quantum Theory

The specific heat of hydrogen gas at low temperatures was first measured in 1912 by Arnold Eucken in Walther Nernst’s laboratory in Berlin, and provided one of the earliest experimental supports for the new quantum theory. Even earlier, Nernst had developed a quantum theory of rotating diatomic gas molecules that figured in the discussions at the first Solvay conference in late 1911. Between 1913 and 1925, Albert Einstein, Paul Ehrenfest, Max Planck, Fritz Reiche, and Erwin Schrodinger, among many others, attempted theoretical descriptions of the rotational specific heat of hydrogen, with only limited success. Quantum theory also was central to the study of molecular spectra, where initially it was more successful. Moreover, the two problems interacted in sometimes surprising ways. Not until 1927, following Werner Heisenberg’s discovery of the behavior of indistinguishable particles in modern quantum mechanics, did American theorist David Dennison find a successful theory of the specific heat of hydrogen.
Perceptual contributions to monosyllabic word intelligibility: segmental, lexical, and noise replacement factors.

This study investigated the relative contributions of consonants and vowels to the perceptual intelligibility of monosyllabic consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words. A noise replacement paradigm presented CVCs with only consonants or only vowels preserved. Results demonstrated no difference between overall word accuracy in these conditions; however, different error patterns were observed. A significant effect of lexical difficulty was demonstrated for both types of replacement, whereas the noise level used during replacement did not influence results. The contribution of consonant and vowel transitional information present at the consonant-vowel boundary was also explored. The proportion of speech presented, regardless of the segmental condition, overwhelmingly predicted performance. Comparisons were made with previous segment replacement results using sentences [Fogerty, and Kewley-Port (2009). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126, 847–857]. Results demonstrated that consonants contribute to intelligibility equally in both isolated CVC words and sentences. However, vowel contributions were mediated by context, with greater contributions to intelligibility in sentence contexts. Therefore, it appears that vowels in sentences carry unique speech cues that greatly facilitate intelligibility which are not informative and/or present during isolated word contexts. Consonants appear to provide speech cues that are equally available and informative during sentence and isolated word presentations.
On the fitting of low mean windspeed data to the Weibull distribution

Information on the frequency of occurrence of mean windspeeds between certain limits is required for a range of applications. These cover all possible windspeed values, from extreme high winds, for wind loading applications, through moderate winds for wind energy or building ventilation applications down to low windspeeds for use in risk assessments, where, although all windspeeds are relevant, these low values dominate the risk from accidental releases. The fitting of wind data to statistical distributions has previously been focused primarily on the moderate windspeed range, partly because of the applications considered, but also because of the paucity of high windspeed data, and the poor quality of most of the available low windspeed data. This paper uses good quality data, obtained from sonic or lightweight cup anemometers, to demonstrate the applicability of the Weibull distribution over the complete windspeed range.
A 6.3∶1 bandwidth scanning Tightly Coupled Dipole Array with co-designed compact balun

We present a design for a Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) with wide angle scanning and a wideband compact balun. Although TCDAs are low profile, capable of wide bandwidth, good scan performance, and low cross polarization, they require a balanced feeding structure whose realization introduces significant practical challenges. Among them is developing a balun that is both compact and wideband. In this paper, we demonstrate a design for a low cost balun that fits within the existing array volume and increases the overall bandwidth of the array. This is accomplished by exploiting the balun's reactance as part of the matching network for the aperture. The final array delivers 6.3 ∶ 1 bandwidth, ±45° scanning in all planes, and &#60; −10dB cross-polarization. These capabilities are believed to be unique for a low profile array with a self-contained feed.
Promoter selection in human mitochondria involves binding of a transcription factor to orientation-independent upstream regulatory elements

Selective transcription of human mitochondrial DNA requires a transcription factor (mtTF) in addition to an essentially nonselective RNA polymerase. Partially purified mtTF is able to sequester promoter-containing DNA in preinitiation complexes in the absence of mitochondrial RNA polymerase, suggesting a DNA-binding mechanism for factor activity. Functional domains, required for positive transcriptional regulation by mtTF, are identified within both major promoters of human mtDNA through transcription of mutant promoter templates in a reconstituted in vitro system. These domains are essentially coextensive with DNA sequences protected from nuclease digestion by mtTF-binding. Comparison of the sequences of the two mtTF-responsive elements reveals significant homology only when one sequence is inverted; the binding sites are in opposite orientations with respect to the predominant direction of transcription. Thus mtTF may function bidirectionally, requiring additional protein-DNA interactions to dictate transcriptional polarity. The mtTF-responsive elements are arrayed as direct repeats, separated by approximately 80 bp within the displacement-loop region of human mitochondrial DNA; this arrangement may reflect duplication of an ancestral bidirectional promoter, giving rise to separate, unidirectional promoters for each strand.
G protein regulation of ion channels and abscisic acid signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) promotes plant water conservation by decreasing the apertures of stomatal pores in the epidermis through which water loss occurs. We found thatArabidopsis thaliana plants harboring transferred DNA insertional mutations in the sole prototypical heterotrimeric GTP-binding (G) protein α subunit gene, GPA1, lack both ABA inhibition of guard cell inward K+ channels and pH-independent ABA activation of anion channels. Stomatal opening ingpa1 plants is insensitive to inhibition by ABA, and the rate of water loss from gpa1 mutants is greater than that from wild-type plants. Manipulation of G protein status in guard cells may provide a mechanism for controlling plant water balance.
Results and risk factors for recurrence following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma

Abstract Background Endoscopic endonasal (EE) transsphenoidal surgery is an important surgical approach to the treatment of sellar pathology, particularly for pituitary adenomas. Risk factors for the radiographic recurrence of pituitary adenomas resected using a purely endoscopic approach have not been established. This study investigates outcomes and identifies risk factors for recurrence following EE transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 64 patients with pituitary adenomas undergoing EE surgery by a single, right-handed surgeon preferentially operating through the right nares. Post-operative MRI studies were utilized to monitor for residual disease or disease recurrence. Results Residual tumor was found in 31.2% of patients. Over a median follow-up period of 23.1 months (range 4–62.5), 4 (20%) of these patients showed recurrence. Two patients with inconclusive post-operative imaging had subsequent imaging consistent with recurrence, making the total recurrence in our series 9.4%. While no statistically significant effects of gender, age or history of previous treatment were seen, amenorrhea on presentation and maximum tumor diameter >10 mm were significant risk factors for radiographic recurrence (p = 0.044 and 0.005, respectively). No predominant side of residual tissue was identified in these tumors operated through the right nares. Conclusions Only 20% of patients with residual tumor developed recurrent disease over a median follow up of 23.1 months. This recurrence rate may be an important consideration in cases where gross total resection is not feasible. Preferentially operating from the right does not seem to influence the location of residual tumor.