cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-183: Validation of COMPASS System for RapidArc Patient-Specific QA

Purpose: Patient specific QA, one of important QA in radiotherapy, was performed with different devices in hospitals. It was commonly conducted with 2D array devices. To quickly and accurately verify 3D dose delivered is a big issue in clinic. The aim of this study is to validate the COMPASS system for dose verification for rotational and conventional IMRT technique as part of our clinical RapidArc QA program. Methods: Several RapidArc and IMRT cases with different treatment sites were chosen in this study. Each case was measured with MatriXX mounted on the gantry to reconstruct the 3D dose distribution in MultiCube phantom. In order to verify the COMPASS system, 3D dose measured in phantom was compared to that calculated in TPS. The MatriXX was setup on the treatment couch to obtain the 2D dose distribution as well. The OmniPro I'mRT software was used to compare the measured 2D dose distribution with the results from COMPASS. Results: With 3D dose study, the average GAI (gamma agreement index) was 99.4+−1.0 (96.9∼100.0) for the comparison between COMPASS and TPS. The comparison results showed GAI was 96.5+−3.0 (87.8∼99.6) without detector's angular correction and 98.4+−1.3 (95.2∼99.9) with the correction for the comparison between COMPASS calculation and 2D dose measurements. Conclusions: The COMPASS was validated by 3D dose studies in phantom. And, MatriXX was mounted and fixed on accessory holder of gantry which rotated with gantry to take fields responses; there is no gantry angular correction of detectors. Although the detectors in the MatriXX are ionization chambers, it combined with OmniPro I'MRT software which implemented with function to correct angular dependence. We applied the angular dependence in our studies to improve the measurement accuracy. In conclusion, the COMPASS system is reliable and can be used in clinical QA program.
Isolierung und Eigenschaften der Tetrine A und B

Zwei neue, fungistatische Tetraen-Antibiotika wurden in reiner Form isoliert und Tetrine A und B genannt. Tetrin A, das kristallin erhalten wurde, hat mit groser Wahrscheinlichkeit die Summenformel C35H53NO13, Tetrin B die von C34H53NO14. Beide Antibiotika wurden zu Mycosamin hydrolysiert.
Thermal conductivity of magnesite refractories in the range 500–1800°C

An experimental setup was developed for studying the thermal conductivity of refractories up to 2300°C on the hot face of the specimen.
Direct inhibition of the uptake of proline by cycloheximide.

Abstract Cycloheximinde and puromycin completely inhibited the incorporation of L-proline into acid-insoluble protein by Achlya. Pfluorophenylalanine did not inhibit net incorporation but halted the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase activity. Of the three inhibitors of protein synthesis tested only cycloheximide immediately and completely interrupted the uptake of proline.
Radiation Heating from Beam Loss on ISABELLE Ejection Septa

It is anticipated that radiation heating due to beam loss may place severe constraints on the operation of high energy accelerators which utilize superconducting magnets. Losses on ejection septa, assuming an unbunched beam mode of operation, are unavoidable and have direct impact on the design of the extraction system. Calculations of energy deposition densities downstream of ISABELLE ejection septa have been made using a modified version of the hadron cascade Monte Carlo computer program CASIM. The results of these calculations are described, giving emphasis to understanding the physical processes which dominate the energy deposition as a function of lattice geometry, which may include the presence of collimators. It is found that fast forward protons are particularly troublesome, since they are focused by the lattice until a dispersive element is reached. At 400 GeV/c, these leading particles produce an energy density of ~ 5 × 10-5 GeV/(cm3p) in the coils of ISABELLE dipoles, which implies that septum losses be less than 0.1% of the circulating beam if quenches are to be avoided.
Damage and self-similarity in fracture

Abstract Consider applications of damage mechanics to material failure. The damage variable introduced in damage mechanics quantifies the deviation of a brittle solid from linear elasticity. An analogy between the metastable behavior of a stressed brittle solid and the metastable behavior of a superheated liquid is established. The nucleation of microcracks is analogous to the nucleation of bubbles in the superheated liquid. In this paper we have applied damage mechanics to four problems. The first is the instantaneous application of a constant stress to a brittle solid. The results are verified by applying them to studies of the rupture of chipboard and fiberglass panels. We then obtain a solution for the evolution of damage after the instantaneous application of a constant strain. It is shown that the subsequent stress relaxation can reproduce the modified Omori’s law for the temporal decay of aftershocks following an earthquake. Obtained also are the solutions for application of constant rates of stress and strain. A fundamental question is the cause of the time delay associated with damage and microcracks. It is argued that the microcracks themselves cause random fluctuations similar to the thermal fluctuations associated with phase changes.
Integration of surface seismic, microseismic, and production logs for shale gas characterization: Methodology and field application

AbstractTechnologies such as horizontal drilling and multistage hydraulic fracturing are central to ensuring the viability of shale oil and gas resource development by maximizing contact with the most productive reservoir volumes. However, characterization efforts based on the use of well logs and cores, although very informative, may be associated with substantial uncertainty in interwell volumes. Consequently, this work is centered around the development of a predictive tool based on surface seismic data analysis to rapidly demarcate the most prolific reservoir volumes, to identify zones more amenable to hydraulic fracturing, and to provide a methodology to locate productive infill wells for further development. Specifically, we demonstrate that surface seismic attributes such as λρ/μρ crossplots can successfully be employed to quantitatively grade reservoir rocks in unconventional plays. We also investigate the role of seismically inverted Poisson’s ratio as a fracability discriminator and Young’s modu...
On the differences between Skinner s Radical Behaviorism and Kantor’s Interbehaviorism

Shinner’s radical behaviorism and Kan tor’s interbehaviorisrn are contpared and contrasted. Botit consider Meir subject ntatter to be tite beitavior of organisrn in rda tion to their stirnulating environrnents. lio wever, while Kantorfocuses on tite reJa tion between responding and stimulating as a unit of analysis, Skinner focuses on classes of responses as units. As a result, stimulusfunctions are regarded by Skinner as opera tives, differentiated in terms of tite kinds of con troJ titey exert ove, responding; while for Kanto, stiniultts functions are sirnply tite actions of objects participating in interdependent relations wititresponse functions. In sitort, Skinner’s analysis is causal and explanatory; Kantor’s is functional and descriptive. Explanation is achieved lar Skinner by reduction to biology. An organism in said to be citanged, ph ysiologically, be operant conditioning- Ontogenesss tn turn, is explained be way of natural selection: operant conditioning changes organssmns becase tite capacity to be conditioned is biologicaUy inherited, as in tite capacity to be conditioned by sorne stimuli more titan others. Kantor, on tite otiter itand, assumes titat an organism’s ontogenic itistory is refiected in its current interbeitavior. Titis is a purely descriptive account, and as sucit, no appeal to itnaginary biology, as an explanation for psychological events, is requ~red. It is concluded that these dtfferences between Skinner s radical behaviorism and Kan tors interbeitaviorism cannot be reconciled without violently transforrning tite views of botit philosophers.
Dissecting Chemical Interactions Governing RNA Polymerase II Transcriptional Fidelity

Maintaining high transcriptional fidelity is essential to life. For all eukaryotic organisms, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is responsible for messenger RNA synthesis from the DNA template. Three key checkpoint steps are important in controlling Pol II transcriptional fidelity: nucleotide selection and incorporation, RNA transcript extension, and proofreading. Some types of DNA damage significantly reduce transcriptional fidelity. However, the chemical interactions governing each individual checkpoint step of Pol II transcriptional fidelity and the molecular basis of how subtle DNA base damage leads to significant losses of transcriptional fidelity are not fully understood. Here we use a series of “hydrogen bond deficient” nucleoside analogs to dissect chemical interactions governing Pol II transcriptional fidelity. We find that whereas hydrogen bonds between a Watson-Crick base pair of template DNA and incoming NTP are critical for efficient incorporation, they are not required for efficient transcript extension from this matched 3’-RNA end. In sharp contrast, the fidelity of extension is strongly dependent on the discrimination of an incorrect pattern of hydrogen bonds. We show that U:T wobble base interactions are critical to prevent extension of this mismatch by Pol II. Additionally, both hydrogen bonding and base stacking play important roles in controlling Pol II proofreading activity. Strong base stacking at the 3’-RNA terminus can compensate for loss of hydrogen bonds. Finally, we show that Pol II can distinguish very subtle size differences in template bases. The current work provides the first systematic evaluation of electrostatic and steric effects in controlling Pol II transcriptional fidelity.
Metal Ion — Hydrophobic, Thiophilic and II‐Electron Governed Interactions and their Application to Salt‐Promoted Protein Adsorption Chromatography

The concept of salt-promoted adsorption is discussed and illustrated by fractionation of serum proteins on adsorbents developed recently in the author's laboratory.
An estimate of the variability in biotransformation kinetics of xenobiotics in natural waters by aufwuchs communities

Abstract An experiment was conducted to investigate the variability in biotransformation kinetics of xenobiotics in natural waters by aufwuchs communities. Two chemicals were used, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid butoxyethyl ester (2,4-DBE) and para -cresol. Teflon strips were colonized at two sites each in two ponds and two rivers. The colonized strips and the natural waters were transported to the laboratory where the biotransformation rate studies were done in duplicate under controlled conditions. Analysis of variance at the 0.10 level of significance revealed a significant difference in biotransformation rate coefficients between ponds and between sites within one pond for both xenobiotics, and between rivers for para -cresol only. No significant difference was found between sites within rivers for either xenobiotic, nor was any significant difference found between rivers for 2,4-DBE. In this study, differences in biotransformation rates were less variable and more detectable in quiescent waters than in faster flowing waters.
WIDE VARIATION EXISTS IN RATES OF ADMISSION TO INTENSIVE CARE UNITS FOR HEART FAILURE PATIENTS ACROSS US HOSPITALS

Concern about rising cost has focused attention on altering hospital practices to reduce expenses. We examined variation in use of the ICU, a high cost setting, for heart failure (HF) admissions. We identified 188,216 HF discharges from 341 hospitals in the 2009-10 Premier Perspective database. We
Information engines: Converting information into energy

Energy sources are at the core driving force in most sciences. Photo synthesis drives the growth of plants, nuclear energy sources drive the evolution of stars, and chemical energy drives chemical reactions. Better energy sources may stimulate economic growth and may help to reduce the pollution of the environment. Therefore, finding new sources of energy and efficient energy conversion is an important research topic since a long time. In recent years energy efficient forcing of nonlinear systems was studied systematically . It was found that nonlinear dynamical systems react most sensitive to perturbations which complement the natural dynamics of the system . In this case there is a perfect impedance match 2 and the energy transfer is most effective. In quantum systems as well, the energy transfer is most effective if the forcing function matches the spontaneous radiation of the system . The most important application in Condensed Matter Physics are quantum dot transistors with extremely low power consumption . A topic with has received much less attention is the extraction of power from dynamical systems. Power generators such as wind mills, steam engines, and car engines extract mechanical energy from fluids. They can extract a large fraction of the energy stored in coherent patterns, whereas only a much smaller fraction can be extracted from less coherent motion such as a turbulent flow.
Substrate-mediated dispersion interaction between adsorbed atoms and molecules

Abstract The approximation of G. Vidali and M.W. Cole, Surface Sci. 110 (1981) 10, for the polarization potential coefficients is extended to the coefficients in the McLachlan theory of the substratemediated dispersion interaction between physisorbed atoms and molecules. Values for the parameters entering in the approximation are given for several adsorbates and substrates. The values for the strength coefficients obtained with the approximate formulae are in good agreement with values obtained by detailed numerical integrations.
1967 International Conference on Computational Linguistics axiomatic characterization of synonymy and antonymy

Traditionally, synonymy has been regarded as a binary relation between two words. Graphs of these binary relations were drawn for several sets of words based on Webster's Dictionary of S~non~ms and matrices for these graphs were exhibited as an equivalent representation. These empirical results showed that the concepts of synonymy and entonymy required the use of ternary relations between two words in a specified sense rather than simply a binary relation between two words. The synonymy relation was then defined implicitly, rather than explicitly, by three axiams stating the properties of being reflexive, symmetriC, and t/~ansitive. The entonym¥ relation was also defined by three axioms stating the properties of being irreflexive, symmetric, and antit/~ansit~ve (the last term was coined for that study). It was noted that thes~ six axioms could be expressed in the calculus of relations and that this relation algebra could be used to produce shorter proofs of t~eorems. However, no proofs were given. In addition, several gec~aet~ical and topological models of synonymy and antonymy '..J~ were posed and examined. ,~ It was nOted that certain of these models were of more theoretical than practical interest. Each model was seen to be simple in that it" could be expressed from mathematically elementary concepts, end each stressed certain aspects of the linguistic object being modeled at the expense of others. However, there seemed to be little theoreti~al preference among them. Their adequacy as models could be measured by their generality and predictive power. In terms of these criteria the algebraic model, whether expressed in terms of relations, graphs, or matrices, seamed to have the most usefulness. In part, this was due to the fact that one geametrical model, although highly suggestive, did not include a precise specification of the origin, axes, or coordinates for words in an n-dimensional space. Similarly, one topological model required a closure operation for each of the intensions or senses and had no linguistically interesting interpretation.
Auditory and tactile gap discrimination by observers with normal and impaired hearing.

Temporal processing ability for the senses of hearing and touch was examined through the measurement of gap-duration discrimination thresholds (GDDTs) employing the same low-frequency sinusoidal stimuli in both modalities. GDDTs were measured in three groups of observers (normal-hearing, hearing-impaired, and normal-hearing with simulated hearing loss) covering an age range of 21–69 yr. GDDTs for a baseline gap of 6 ms were measured for four different combinations of 100-ms leading and trailing markers (250–250, 250–400, 400–250, and 400–400 Hz). Auditory measurements were obtained for monaural presentation over headphones and tactile measurements were obtained using sinusoidal vibrations presented to the left middle finger. The auditory GDDTs of the hearing-impaired listeners, which were larger than those of the normal-hearing observers, were well-reproduced in the listeners with simulated loss. The magnitude of the GDDT was generally independent of modality and showed effects of age in both modalities. The use of different-frequency compared to same-frequency markers led to a greater deterioration in auditory GDDTs compared to tactile GDDTs and may reflect differences in bandwidth properties between the two sensory systems.
Closed-form expressions of quantum electron transfer rate based on the stationary-phase approximation.

Closed-form rate expressions are derived on the basis of the stationary-phase approximation for the Fermi golden rule expression of the quantum electron-transfer (ET) rate. First, on the basis of a...
Experimental test of the variability of G using Viking lander ranging data

Results are presented from the analysis of solar-system astrometric data, notably the range data to the Viking landers on Mars. A least-squares fit of the parameters of the solar system model to these data limits a simple time variation in the effective Newtonian gravitational constant to (2 + or - 4) x 10 to the -12th/yr and a rate of drift of atomic clocks relative to the implicit clock of relativistic dynamics to (1 + or - 8) x 10 to the -12th/yr. The error limits quoted are the result of uncertainties in the masses of the asteroids.
Toward a general systems theory of social behavior: A psychocybernetic perspective

A general psychocybernetic theory of human behavior is introduced in this paper. The theory, referred to as ‘congruity theory’, is designed to explain both cognitive and affective behavior at both the individual and group levels. Cognitive phenomena are postulated to be determined by different patterns of perceptual congruity analyzed from four different analytical perspectives. Examples of cognitive phenomena examined include information processing, communication, adaptive learning and cognitive development. The four analytical perspectives are: (1) intrapersonal, (2) interpersonal, (3) situational/ecological and (4) developmental. In contrast, affective phenomena are postulated to be determined by different patterns of evaluative congruity analyzed from the four different analytical perspectives. Examples of affective phenomena examined include evaluation, exchange, strategic decision making and affective development. Both perceptual and evaluative congruity processes are described in terms of a cybernetic comparator function involving the valence property of the perceived stimulus and a referent belief. Perceptual congruity is argued to be directed by the need for cognitive consistency, whereas evaluative congruity is directed by the need for emotional enhancement.
Anomalous temperature dependence of the Andreev peak for Ag/Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4−δ point contacts

Abstract Measurements of the height and width of the Andreev peak at zero bias voltage for Ag/NCCO point contacts are compared to predictions of a modified BTK model that includes inelastic scattering. An excellent agreement with peak height as a function of temperature stands in contrast to the model's inability to describe the behavior of the observed peak width.
Tracheal rupture in complicated delivery: A case report and review of the literature

A case of distal tracheal rupture is described, literature review reveals two previously reported cases of neonatal distal tracheal rupture, as well as 14 cases of anterior subglottic rupture. All patients had shoulder dystocia, and 59% had associated brachial plexus injury. Delayed diagnosis (>3 days) was common in the distal tracheal group (66%), compared to 0% in the anterior subglottic group. The 2 distal tracheal rupture patients were initially managed conservatively, but ultimately required open repair. Distal tracheal rupture is exceedingly rare and more difficult to diagnose and manage than the more common anterior subglottic rupture.
Dimensional regularization and supersymmetry at the two-loop level

The self-energy and vertex corrections of the massless Wess-Zumino model are evaluated at the two-loop level by means of ordinary dimensional regularization. Unexpectedly the results satisfy the Ward identities of global supersymmetry.
NLO QCD Predictions for associated t-tbar-h production in Hadronic Collisions

We present the next-to-leading-order (NLO) QCD corrections to the inclusive total cross section for the production of a Higgs boson in association with a top anti-top quark pair within the Standard Model at the Tevatron and the LHC.
Iteration Principle for Daughter Regge Trajectories

An iteration principle is given which is satisfied by boson and fermion daughter trajectories. The principle is used to obtain slope formulas for daughter trajectories.
1059 CEFACLOR AND AMOXICILLIN ACTIVITY AGAINST ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA (AOM) BACTERIA

56 infants and children (4 months-8 years) with AOM were randomly assigned to be treated for 14 days each with either cefaclor 40 mg/kg/d BID (n=21), cefaclor 40 mg/kg/d TID (n=15), or amoxicillin 40 mg/kg/d TID (n=20). Each patient had a diagnostic unilateral tympanocentesis before initiation of therapy. Thirty patients (53.6%) had positive middle ear fluid (MEF) cultures. Twenty-two of the thirty organisms recovered were considered pathogenic. The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) of cefaclor and amoxicillin against 18 organisms were as follows: 15 patients with positive MEFs responded to cefaclor treatment (cefaclor MICs: 0.06-2.0 μg/ml). Amoxicillin was successful in the treatment of the other 7 patients with positive MEFs (amoxicillin MICs: 0.12-0.5 μg/ml). Our data indicate that amoxicillin has a better in vitro activity than cefaclor against AOM bacteria. However, the clinical outcome indicate that both antibiotics are effective.
Risk assessment: We need more than an ecological veneer

(1995). Risk assessment: We need more than an ecological veneer. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 436-442.
Risk and protective factors distinguishing profiles of adolescent peer and dating violence perpetration

Abstract Purpose Violence profiles were created on the basis of whether adolescents used violence against both peers and dates, against dates but not peers, against peers but not dates, or against neither peers nor dates. We determined (1) whether risk and protective factors from five domains (individual attributes and behaviors, the peer, family, school, and neighborhood contexts), based primarily on social learning and social control theories, were associated with violence profiles, (2) whether factors distinguishing profiles varied by gender, and (3) which of the domains was most important in distinguishing profiles. Methods Data are from adolescents in grades 8 through 10 from schools in three nonmetropolitan Counties (n = 2,907). Results Adolescents who used violence against both peers and dates used more of each type of violence compared with those who used only one type of violence. They also had more maladaptive risk and protective scores than adolescents perpetrating only peer violence or neither type of violence, although they had few differences from those perpetrating only dating violence. Most social learning theory risk factors and social control theory protective factors distinguished the profiles as did psychological attributes and substance use. Factors distinguishing profile membership were generally the same for boys and girls, although some associations were stronger for boys than for girls. The model fit statistics suggest that the individual attributes and behaviors and the peer context models fit the data the best. Conclusions Suggestions for developing theoretically based interventions for preventing both peer and dating violence are presented.
Lipid Membrane Curvature Elasticity and Protein Function

It is suggested that curvature elastic stress of the monolayers of biomembrane lipid bilayers can change the activity of certain imbedded membrane proteins and that this may be a rationale for the lipid compositions seen in cell membranes. Lipid monolayer curvature stress arises when lipids which are prone to exhibit nonlamellar mesomorphic phases are a large fraction of the lipids of bilayers. The stress builds as one approaches the boundry of a lamellar-nonlamellar phase transition form the lamellar side. A discussion is given of the competition governing the release of curvature stress during the formation of interfacially curved mesomorphs. The net stress energy in bilayers near to a transition is in the range of a few to perhaps ten times thermal (kT) energy per lipid molecule. Mechanisms of coupling this stress to protein conformational changes are given.
How trust functions in the context of identity work

The study develops a new perspective on trust in organizations by exploring trust in the context of identity work. An analysis of stories in which employees describe how they experienced when the employer violated their trust suggests that individuals draw on trust discourse to validate who they are. Using a psychoanalytically informed framework, the study examines the complexities of trust in the context of struggles with the conscious self and unconscious desire. Trust emerges as a placeholder for what is really wanted but impossible to attain. Based on this perspective, the study offers new insights on why individuals trust, why trust may be resilient, why trust may be engineered and how trust mirrors identity as an elusive and fleeting accomplishment.
Continuous and less invasive central hemodynamic monitoring by blood pressure waveform analysis

Blood pressure waveform analysis may permit continuous (i.e., automated) and less invasive (i.e., safer and simpler) central hemodynamic monitoring in the intensive care unit and other clinical settings without requiring any instrumentation beyond what is already in use or available. This practical approach has been a topic of intense investigation for decades and may garner even more interest henceforth due to the evolving demographics as well as recent trends in clinical hemodynamic monitoring. Here, we review techniques that have appeared in the literature for mathematically estimating clinically significant central hemodynamic variables, such as cardiac output, from different blood pressure waveforms. We begin by providing the rationale for pursuing such techniques. We then summarize earlier techniques and thereafter overview recent techniques by our collaborators and us in greater depth while pinpointing both their strengths and weaknesses. We conclude with suggestions for future research directions in the field and a description of some potential clinical applications of the techniques.
Transient Analysis of Four-Phase MOS Switching Circuits

Four-phase MOS switching circuits lend themselves readily to utilization on large-scale integrated arrays and possess many attractive and practical features. A model for transient analysis is presented. The evaluation and analysis of a generalized four-phase MOS gate which can implement a complex logic function are discussed.
The Trouble with Technical Writing is Freshman English

Replacing freshman English with technical writing seems logical because the freshman course stresses essays by uninformed students directed to well informed teachers, who encourage the inductive pa...
Manufacturable triple level metal technology for submicron CMOS

The triple-level-metal (TLM) module of a submicron CMOS technology with (titanium) salicided devices is discussed. The key technology features of the module include the use of conformal BPSG for enhanced planarization, a TiN barrier layer under M1, plasma-dry-tapered contacts and vias, and TiN antireflection coatings for metal patterning. Large-area test structures for each TLM component were used to develop and evaluate the processes. Electrical measurements and physical analysis are presented for these components. >
The relationship between male BMI and waist circumference on semen quality: data from the LIFE study

study question: What is the relationship between body size, physical activity and semen parameters among male partners of couples attempting to become pregnant? summaryanswer: Overweight and obesity are associated with a higher prevalence of low ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count. what is known already: Higher BMI is associated with impaired semen parameters, while increasing waist circumference (WC) is also associated with impaired semen parameters in infertile men. study design, size, duration: Data from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study were utilized. The LIFE study is a population-based prospective cohort of 501 couples attempting to conceive in two geographic areas (Texas and Michigan, USA) recruited in 2005–2009. Couples were recruited from four counties in Michigan and 12 counties in Texas to ensure a range of environmental exposures and lifestyle characteristics. In person interviews were conducted to ascertain demographic, health and reproductive histories followed by anthropometric assessment. participants/materials,setting,methods: We categorized BMI (kg/m 2 )a s,25.0 (underweight and normal), 25.0 –29.9 (overweight) 30.0 –34.9 (obese, class I) and ≥35 (obese, class II) for analysis. Data were available for analysis in 468 men (93% participation), with a mean+ SD age of 31.8+ 4.8 years, BMI of 29.8+ 5.6 kg/m 2 and WC of 100.8+ 14.2 cm. The majority of the cohort (82%) was overweight or obese with 58% reporting physical activity ,1 time/week. The median sperm concentration for the men in the cohort was 60.2 M/ml with 8.6% having oligospermia (,15 M/ml). main results and the role of chance: When examining semen parameters, ejaculate volume showed a linear decline with increasing BMI and WC (P , 0.01). Similarly, the total sperm count showed a negative linear association with WC (P , 0.01). No significant relationship was seen between body size (i.e. BMI or WC) and semen concentration, motility, vitality, morphology or DNA fragmentation index. The percentage of men with abnormal volume, concentration and total sperm increased with increasing body size (P , 0.05). No relationship between physical activity and semen parameters was identified. limitations, reasons for caution: Our cohort was largely overweight and sedentary, which may result in limited external validity, i.e. generalizability. The lack of physical activity did preclude examination of exercise more frequently than once per week, thus our abilit yt o examine more active individuals is limited. wider implications of the findings: Body size (as measured by BMI or WC) is negatively associated with semen parameters with little influence of physical activity. Our findings are the first show ing ar elationship between WC and semen parameters in as ample of men without known infertility. Given the worldwide obesity epidemic, further study of the role of weight loss to improve semen parameters is warranted.
Uncertainty of canal seepage losses estimated using flowing water balance with acoustic Doppler devices

Summary Seepage losses from unlined irrigation canals amount to a large fraction of the total volume of water diverted for agricultural use, posing problems to both water conservation and water quality. Quantifying these losses and identifying areas where they are most prominent are crucial for determining the severity of seepage-related complications and for assessing the potential benefits of seepage reduction technologies and materials. A relatively easy and inexpensive way to estimate losses over an extensive segment of a canal is the flowing water balance, or inflow–outflow, method. Such estimates, however, have long been considered fraught with ambiguity due both to measurement error and to spatial and temporal variability. This paper presents a water balance analysis that evaluates uncertainty in 60 tests on two typical earthen irrigation canals. Monte Carlo simulation is used to account for a number of different sources of uncertainty. Issues of errors in acoustic Doppler flow measurement, in water level readings, and in evaporation estimates are considered. Storage change and canal wetted perimeter area, affected by variability in the canal prism, as well as lagged vs. simultaneous measurements of discharge at the inflow and outflow ends also are addressed. Mean estimated seepage loss rates for the tested canal reaches ranged from about −0.005 (gain) to 0.110 m3 s−1 per hectare of canal wetted perimeter (or −0.043 to 0.95 m d−1) with estimated probability distributions revealing substantial uncertainty. Across the tests, the average coefficient of variation was about 240% and the average 90th inter-percentile range was 0.143 m3 s−1 per hectare (1.24 m d−1). Sensitivity analysis indicates that while the predominant influence on seepage uncertainty is error in measured discharge at the upstream and downstream ends of the canal test reach, the magnitude and uncertainty of storage change due to unsteady flow also is a significant influence. Recommendations are presented for conducting field water balance tests to recognize and reduce uncertainty in canal seepage estimates.
Passive single-mode fiber depolarizer.

We analyze and demonstrate a passive single-mode fiber depolarizer by using cascaded 2 × 2 couplers, recirculating delay lines, and a commercial laser diode. Design criteria and principles are discussed. We reduced the degree of polarization (DOP) to less than 20 dB by using ten cascaded couplers. The DOP can be reduced even further with more couplers. Experiments illustrate that this depolarizer is insensitive to the input polarization state and can eliminate polarization noise in a polarization-sensitive fiber-optic system.
Environmentally persistent free radicals compromise left ventricular function during ischemia/reperfusion injury

Increases in airborne particulate matter (PM) are linked to increased mortality from myocardial ischemia. PM contains environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) that form as halogenated hydro...
Chimerism in children with juvenile dermatomyositis.

Summary Juvenile dermatomyositis is a disease with similarities to chronic graft-versus-host disease. To identify whether chimerism is present in juvenile dermatomyositis, we investigated the families of 15 children with the disorder. Chimerism was identified by PCR in 13 of the 15 affected children, compared with five of 35 siblings (p
Zolpidem-associated parasomnia with serious self-injury: a shot in the dark.

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BzRAs) are a commonly prescribed class of medication used in the treatment of insomnia. These medications have been previously associated with various complex sleep behaviors. We report the case of a man admitted with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head potentially resulting from complex sleep behavior associated with the use of a BzRA.
Interaction of the Adenovirus IVa2 Protein with Viral Packaging Sequences

We have demonstrated previously that the adenovirus L1 52/55-kDa protein binds to the viral IVa2 protein in infected cells. The significance of this interaction was unclear, however, based on the known functions of these two proteins: the 52/55-kDa protein is required for viral DNA packaging, while the IVa2 protein is a transactivator of the major late promoter (MLP). In this report, we have attempted to elucidate a role for each of the two proteins in the other's known function. There is no apparent effect of the 52/55-kDa protein on the interaction of the IVa2 protein with the MLP. Surprisingly, however, we found that the IVa2 protein can interact with the adenoviral packaging signal and that this interaction involves DNA sequences that have previously been demonstrated to be required for packaging.
Response to Teriparatide in Patients with Baseline 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Insufficiency or Sufficiency

Context: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations greater than 30 ng/ml have been recommended for lowering fracture risk. Objective: Our objective was to determine whether 25OHD sufficiency is a prerequisite for effective response to teriparatide (TPTD). Design and Patients: Data were from 1620 osteoporotic postmenopausal women in the Fracture Prevention Trial. The response to TPTD was assessed in women subgrouped by having 25OHD insufficiency (>10 but ≤30 ng/ml) or 25OHD sufficiency (>30 but ≤183 ng/ml) at the baseline (randomization) visit. An abnormal intact PTH was exclusionary. Interventions: At baseline, after at least 1 month of supplementation with calcium (1000 mg) and vitamin D (400–1200 IU) daily, women were randomized to placebo or 20 or 40 μg TPTD by daily sc injection for a median of 19 months. Observation was for a median of 21 months. Main Outcome Measures: Main outcome measures included vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, change in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and fe...
Vascular permeability modulation at the cell, microvessel, or whole organ level: towards closing gaps in our knowledge

Multiple processes modulate net blood-to-tissue exchange in a microvascular unit in normal and pathophysiological conditions. These include mechanisms that control the number and type of microvessels perfused, the balance of adhesion and contractile forces that determine the conductance of the spaces between endothelial cells to water and solutes, the pressure and chemical potential gradients determining the driving forces through these conductive pathways, and the organization of barriers to macromolecules in the endothelial glycocalyx. Powerful methods are available to investigate these mechanisms at the levels of cultured endothelial monolayers, isolated microvessels, and the microvascular units within intact organs. Here we focus on current problems that limit the integration of our knowledge of mechanisms investigated in detail at the cellular level into a more complete understanding of modulation of blood-to-tissue exchange in whole organs when the endothelial barrier is exposed to acute and more long-term inflammatory conditions. First, we review updated methods, applicable in mouse models of vascular permeability regulation, to investigate both acute and long-term changes in permeability. Methods to distinguish tracer accumulation due to change in perfusion from real increases in extravascular accumulation are emphasized. The second part of the review compares normal and increased permeability in individually perfused venular microvessels and endothelial cell monolayers. The heterogeneity of endothelial cell phenotypes in the baseline state and after exposure to injury and inflammatory conditions is emphasized. Lastly, we review new approaches to investigation of the glycocalyx barrier properties in cultured endothelial monolayers and in whole-body investigations.
Developing a Theory-Driven Model of Community College Student Engagement.

This chapter describes development and testing of a new conceptual model of community college student engagement that can be used to guide and strengthen institutional leverage over student outcomes.
Nonstructural Chromosome Differentiation among Wheat Cultivars, with Special Reference to Differentiation of Chromosomes in Related Species

Wheat cultivar Chinese Spring (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) was crossed with cultivars Hope, Cheyenne and Timstein. In all three hybrids, the frequencies of pollen mother cells (PMCs) with univalents at metaphase I (MI) were higher than those in the parental cultivars. No multivalents were observed in the hybrids, indicating that the cultivars do not differ by translocations. Thirty-one Chinese Spring telosomic lines were then crossed with substitution lines in which single chromosomes of the three cultivars were substituted for their Chinese Spring homologues. The telosomic lines were also crossed with Chinese Spring. Data were collected on the frequencies (% of PMCs) of pairing of the telesomes with their homologues at MI and the regularity of pairing of the remaining 20 pairs of Chinese Spring chromosomes in the monotelodisomics obtained from these crosses. The reduced MI pairing in the intercultivar hybrids was caused primarily by chromosome differentiation, rather than by specific genes. Because the differentiation involved a large part of the chromosome complement in each hybrid, it was concluded that it could not be caused by structural changes such as inversions or translocations. In each case, the differentiation appeared to be unevenly distributed among the three wheat genomes. It is proposed that the same kind of differentiation, although of greater magnitude, differentiates homoeologous chromosomes and is responsible, together with structural differentiation, for poor chromosome pairing in interspecific hybrids.
A Method To Extend Geosat's Altimetric Synthetic Geoid From The Gulf Stream To The Sargasso Sea

Using Geosat’s altimetric data a synthetic geoid was constructed and validated in the Gulf Stream meander and ring region. A method to extend this procedure from the Gulf Stream meander region south into the Sargasso Sea is proposed. The synthetic geoid was calculated by subtracting an independent estimate of the oceanographic mean from the altimetric mean sea surface. The resultant synthetic geoid was used to compute absolute dynamic topography from Geosat. The dynamic topography computed from the altimeter and in situ measurements was compared. The agreement was excellent with an rms difference less than 10 cm. Since the Sargasso Sea does not exhibit the large dynamic ranges that were evident in the Gulf Stream meander region, a zero mean in this area is proposed as the independent oceanographic mean. The resulting synthetic geoid can then be used to compute the dynamic heights in the Sargasso Sea as well as in the Gulf Stream meander region. GEOSAT, ALTIMETER, ]LIESOSCALE, GULF STREAM
Cellular and genetic analysis of oocytes and embryos in a human case of spontaneous oocyte activation

Unusual and consistent defects in infertility patients merit attention as these may indicate an underlying genetic abnormality, in turn necessitating tailored management strategies. We describe a case of repeated early pregnancy loss from in vivo conceptions, followed by cancelled embryo transfers after one IVF and one ICSI/PGD cycle. Following the unexpected presence of cleaved embryos at the ferti- lization check in the first IVF attempt, oocytes and embryos were subsequently analyzed in an ICSI/PGD case. Part of the oocyte cohort was fixed at retrieval for a cellular evaluation of microtubules, microfilaments and chromatin. The remaining oocytes were injected with sperm, and resultant embryos were biopsied for genetic analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray for 23 chromosome pairs, as well as with PCR for sex chromosomes. The presence of interphase microtubule networks and pronuclear structures indicated that oocytes were spontaneously activated by the time of retrieval. FISH revealed aneuploidy in all seven blastomeres analyzed, with all but two lacking Y chromosomes. Microarray SNP analysis showed an exclusively maternal origin of all blas- tomeres analyzed, which was further confirmed by PCR. From our multi-faceted analyses, we conclude that spontaneous activation, or parthenogenesis, was probably the pathology underlying our patient's recurrent inability to maintain a normal pregnancy. Such analyses may prove beneficial not only in diagnosing case-specific aberrations for other patients with similar or related failures, but also for furthering our general understanding of oocyte activation.
Regenerative Medicine Build-Out

Regenerative technologies strive to boost innate repair processes and restitute normative impact. Deployment of regenerative principles into practice is poised to usher in a new era in health care, driving radical innovation in patient management to address the needs of an aging population challenged by escalating chronic diseases. There is urgency to design, execute, and validate viable paradigms for translating and implementing the science of regenerative medicine into tangible health benefits that provide value to stakeholders. A regenerative medicine model of care would entail scalable production and standardized application of clinical grade biotherapies supported by comprehensive supply chain capabilities that integrate sourcing and manufacturing with care delivery. Mayo Clinic has rolled out a blueprint for discovery, translation, and application of regenerative medicine therapies for accelerated adoption into the standard of care. To establish regenerative medical and surgical service lines, the Mayo Clinic model incorporates patient access, enabling platforms and delivery. Access is coordinated through a designated portal, the Regenerative Medicine Consult Service, serving to facilitate patient/provider education, procurement of biomaterials, referral to specialty services, and/or regenerative interventions, often in clinical trials. Platforms include the Regenerative Medicine Biotrust and Good Manufacturing Practice facilities for manufacture of clinical grade products for cell-based, acellular, and/or biomaterial applications. Care delivery leverages dedicated interventional suites for provision of regenerative services. Performance is tracked using a scorecard system to inform decision making. The Mayo Clinic roadmap exemplifies an integrated organization in the discovery, development, and delivery of regenerative medicine within a growing community of practice at the core of modern health care. Significance Regenerative medicine is at the vanguard of health care poised to offer solutions for many of today’s incurable diseases. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to develop, deploy, and demonstrate a viable framework for rollout of a regenerative medicine model of care. Translation of regenerative medicine principles into practice is feasible, yet clinical validity and utility must be established to ensure approval and adoption. Standardized and scaled-up regenerative products and services across medical and surgical specialties must in turn achieve a value-added proposition, advancing intended outcome beyond current management strategies.
Half-life and decay scheme of La-138

The half-life and decay scheme of /sup 138/La have been reinvestigated using a large-volume Ge(Li) detector. The partial half-lives for electron-capture decay and ..beta../sup -/ decay have been determined to be (1.58 +- 0.02) x 10/sup 11/ yr and (3.19 +- 0.22) x 10/sup 11/ yr, respectively. The resulting total /sup 138/La half-life is (1.06 +- 0.03) x 10/sup 11/ yr. The results of the present work are compared with those of previous investigations.