cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percentage of Cancer Volume in Biopsy Cores Is Prognostic for Prostate Cancer Death and Overall Survival in Patients Treated With Dose-Escalated External Beam Radiotherapy

Purpose To investigate the prognostic utility of the percentage of cancer volume (PCV) in needle biopsy specimens for prostate cancer patients treated with dose-escalated external beam radiotherapy. Methods and Materials The outcomes were analyzed for 599 men treated for localized prostate cancer with external beam radiotherapy to a minimal planning target volume dose of 75 Gy (range, 75–79.2). We assessed the effect of PCV and the pretreatment and treatment-related factors on the freedom from biochemical failure, freedom from metastasis, cause-specific survival, and overall survival. Results The median number of biopsy cores was 7 (interquartile range, 6–12), median PCV was 10% (interquartile range, 2.5–25%), and median follow-up was 62 months. The PCV correlated with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group and individual risk features, including T stage, prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, and percentage of positive biopsy cores. On log–rank analysis, the PCV stratified by quartile was prognostic for all endpoints, including overall survival. In addition, the PCV was a stronger prognostic factor than the percentage of positive biopsy cores when the two metrics were analyzed together. On multivariate analysis, the PCV predicted a worse outcome for all endpoints, including freedom from biochemical failure, (hazard ratio, 1.9; p = .0035), freedom from metastasis (hazard ratio, 1.7, p = .09), cause-specific survival (hazard ratio, 3.9, p = .014), and overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.8, p = .02). Conclusions For patients treated with dose-escalated external beam radiotherapy, the volume of cancer in the biopsy specimen adds prognostic value for clinically relevant endpoints, particularly in intermediate- and high-risk patients. Although the PCV determination is more arduous than the percentage of positive biopsy cores, it provides superior risk stratification.
Temporary transmyocardial pacing using epicardial pacing wires and pacing pulmonary artery catheters

This study investigated the feasibility of transmyocardially pacing the heart using one temporary epicardial pacing lead and one endocardial lead of a pacing pulmonary artery catheter. Twenty patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegic arrest were studied 10 to 45 minutes and 18 to 30 hours after discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass. The Swan-Ganz Flow-Directed Pacing TD Catheter (Baxter Healthcare Corporation) was inserted in one group of 10 patients, and the Swan-Ganz Thermodilution A-V Paceport Catheter (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Irvine, CA) was used in another group of 10 patients. Using the Pacing TD Catheter, transmyocardial atrial (TMA) pacing was successful in 14 of 16 attempts (87.5%), and transmyocardial ventricular (TMV) pacing was successful in 15 of 16 attempts (93.8%). With the AV Paceport Catheter, TMA pacing was successful in 16 of 18 attempts (88.9%), and TMV pacing was successful in 17 of 19 attempts (89.5%). Transmyocardial atrial-ventricular sequential pacing was achieved in all cases when both TMA and TMV pacing were independently successful. There were no significant differences between catheters in the success rates of either TMA or TMV. It is concluded that transmyocardial pacing is feasible using one temporary epicardial pacing lead and one endocardial lead of a pacing pulmonary artery catheter.
Adults' evaluations of children caring for a baby: The effects of gender and behavior

In this study adult subjects evaluated the behavior of a 5- or 8-year-old child interacting with his or her baby “sibling.” The adults saw a 5-minute videotape in which the child interacted in a minimal or active fashion with the baby. The eight tapes consisted of all possible combinations of older child and infant sex and behavior style. The adults evaluated the active interaction with the infant very differently than the minimal interaction, but found each behavioral style equally typical of girls and boys in this age range. The active children were seen as more positive, more expressive, more intstrumental, more active, and more tender. The gender of the subject and older child played small roles in some of the evaluations.
Pioneers of Microlithization: The “Proto-Aurignacian” of Southern Europe

In Eurasia, assemblages containing large numbers of microlithic artifacts date predominantly to the terminal Pleistocene or postglacial periods. Much earlier “proto-Aurignacian” assemblages, found in several sites in southern Europe (Krems, Riparo Mochi, Grotta di Fumane, Arbreda Cave), date to between 33,000 and 39,000 B.P. Proto-Aurignacian assemblages are typified by substantial numbers of microlithic artifacts, predominantly retouched bladelets. This pattern contrasts sharply with those of both the preceding Mousterian and later classic Aurignacian and Gravettian. Early florescence and subsequent decline of microlithic assemblages (also known to occur in southwest Asia and southern Africa) casts a different light on the processes of microlithization, forcing us to disassociate the general phenomenon from the historically unique, global spread of microlithic technologies near the end of the Pleistocene.
The strength of niobium-oxygen solid solutions

Abstract Single crystals of high purity niobium and niobium-oxygen alloys were deformed in tension at temperatures between 4.2°K and 550°K. At room temperature and above, the yield stress increased monotonically with oxygen content over the entire range of compositions investigated (to ~4300 at. ppm). At lower temperatures alloy softening was observed, i.e. the yield stress and its temperature dependence decreased with initial additions of oxygen to approximately 500 at. ppm. With larger solute contents, the yield stress increased monotonically, similar to results at higher temperatures. Correspondingly, the activation enthalpies and volumes at a constant effective stress first decreased then increased as a function of oxygen concentration. These results coupled with others in the literature demonstrate that dislocation-interstitial solute interaction is the dominant deformation mechanism of b.c.c. metals at low temperatures. Furthermore, both interstitial and substitutional alloy softening are the result of solute association (scavenging) processes in solid solution.
The use of silver in self-lubricating coatings for extreme temperatures

The advantages and disadvantages of elemental silver as a tribological material are discussed. It is demonstrated that the relatively high melting point of 961 deg C, softness, marked plasticity, and thermochemical stability of silver combine to make this metal useful in thin film solid lubricant coatings over a wide temperature range. Disadvantages of silver during sliding, except when used as a thin film, are shown to be gross ploughing due to plastic deformation under load with associated high friction and excessive transfer to counterface surfaces. This transfer generates an irregular surface topography with consequent undesirable changes in bearing clearance distribution. Research to overcome these disadvantages of element silver is described. A comparison is made of the tribological behavior of pure silver with that of silver formulated with other metals and high-temperature solid lubricants. The composite materials are prepared by co-depositing the powdered components with an airbrush followed by furnace heat treatment or by plasma-spraying. Composite coatings were formulated which are shown to be self-lubricating over repeated, temperature cycles from low temperature to about 900 deg C.
From Peculiar Psychiatric Disorders through Culture-bound Syndromes to Culture-related Specific Syndromes

This article reviews the historical evolution and progress of nosological concepts from exotic psychiatric disorders and culture-bound syndromes to culture-related specific syndromes. Approaches to classification and subgrouping these disorders are disccused and an argument offered for finding a place for culturally unique syndromes in the existing classification system. The characteristics of various syndromes are elaborated and suggestions are made for future research. Finally, emphasis is given to the need to be concerned with the impact of culture on every psychiatric disorder, not only culture-specific syndromes, to promote culturally competent care for every patient.
Visual analytics of movement, by Gennady Andrienko, Natalia Andrienko, Peter Bak, Daniel Keim and Stefan Wrobel, Berlin Heidelberg, Springer-Verlag, 2013, xviii + 387 pp., US$129 (hardcover), ISBN 978-3-642-37582-8

People have observed and investigated dynamic behaviours of movement through the ages. In today’s world, movement data have been more collectively generated particularly due to the development and ...
The production of very uniform magnetic fields

A magnetic field uniform to 1 part in 107 or better, over a volume of a few mm3, is needed for high resolution work in nuclear magnetic resonance. We discuss practical problems involved in producing such fields, with particular reference to permanent magnets, and suggest a new approach to some of them. A method is outlined for calculating the field variation within the gap between cylindrical poles. The results indicate that if the pole surfaces can be made magnetic equipotentials, the inhomogeneity will be slight, even for a diameter gap ratio as small as 4:1, and easily removable by simple compensating coils. To make sure the pole surfaces of a permanent magnet are equipotentials, the pole caps may be laminated transverse to the field direction. A «magnetic filter» of this sort is much more effective than a solid pole cap of the same thickness. Given suitably fine-grained material for the final pole surfaces, there appears to be no reason why a rather small permanent magnet cannot provide a field uniform enough for high resolution spectroscopy. Preliminary measurements on such a magnet will be presented.
Mercury bioaccumulation in cartilaginous fishes from Southern New England coastal waters: contamination from a trophic ecology and human health perspective.

This study examined total mercury (Hg) concentrations in cartilaginous fishes from Southern New England coastal waters, including smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis), spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), little skate (Leucoraja erinacea), and winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata). Total Hg in dogfish and skates were positively related to their respective body size and age, indicating Hg bioaccumulation in muscle tissue. There were also significant inter-species differences in Hg levels (mean ± 1 SD, mg Hg/kg dry weight, ppm): smooth dogfish (3.3 ± 2.1 ppm; n = 54) > spiny dogfish (1.1 ± 0.7 ppm; n = 124) > little skate (0.4 ± 0.3 ppm; n = 173) ∼ winter skate (0.3 ± 0.2 ppm; n = 148). The increased Hg content of smooth dogfish was attributed to its upper trophic level status, determined by stable nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis (mean δ15N = 13.2 ± 0.7‰), and the consumption of high Hg prey, most notably cancer crabs (0.10 ppm). Spiny dogfish had depleted δ15N signatures (11.6 ± 0.8‰), yet demonstrated a moderate level of contamination by foraging on pelagic prey with a range of Hg concentrations, e.g., in order of dietary importance, butterfish (Hg = 0.06 ppm), longfin squid (0.17 ppm), and scup (0.11 ppm). Skates were low trophic level consumers (δ15N = 11.9–12.0‰) and fed mainly on amphipods, small decapods, and polychaetes with low Hg concentrations (0.05–0.09 ppm). Intra-specific Hg concentrations were directly related to δ15N and carbon (δ13C) isotope signatures, suggesting that Hg biomagnifies across successive trophic levels and foraging in the benthic trophic pathway increases Hg exposure. From a human health perspective, 87% of smooth dogfish, 32% of spiny dogfish, and <2% of skates had Hg concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency threshold level (0.3 ppm wet weight). These results indicate that frequent consumption of smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish may adversely affect human health, whereas skates present minimal risk.
Using accounting equation analysis to teach the statement of cash flows in the first financial accounting course

Abstract Understanding the statement of cash flows requires that students have some knowledge of accrual-basis accounting. This means that coverage of the statement of cash flows is deferred until late in the introductory financial accounting course and related textbooks, a time when student motivation and retention may be waning. The timing of statement of cash flow coverage is unfortunate for two reasons. First, the statement of cash flows is an important topic that all business students need to understand. Second, most students understand cash flows at the start of their financial accounting class, so there is no reason to defer coverage of this topic. This paper describes a user-oriented, pedagogical approach to integrating the statement of cash flows throughout the first financial accounting course. The essence of this approach is the use of an expanded accounting equation with temporary cash accounts corresponding to the major categories on the statement of cash flows. Directly capturing cash flow information simplifies the preparation of the statement of cash flows.
The controversial denouement of vertebrate DNA methylation research.

The study of the biological role of DNA methylation in vertebrates has involved considerable controversy. Research in this area has proceeded well despite the complexity of the subject and the difficulties in establishing biological roles, some of which are summarized in this review. Now there is justifiably much more interest in DNA methylation than previously, and many more laboratories are engaged in this research. The results of numerous studies indicate that some tissue specific differences in vertebrate DNA methylation help maintain patterns of gene expression or are involved in fine-tuning or establishing expression patterns. Therefore, vertebrate DNA methylation cannot just be assigned a role in silencing transposable elements and foreign DNA sequences, as has been suggested. DNA methylation is clearly implicated in modulating X chromosome inactivation and in establishing genetic imprinting. Also, hypermethylation of CpG-rich promoters of tumor suppressor genes in cancer has a critical role in downregulating expression of these genes and thus participating in carcinogenesis. The complex nature of DNA methylation patterns extends to carcinogenesis because global DNA hypomethylation is found in the same cancers displaying hypermethylation elsewhere in the genome. A wide variety of cancers display both DNA hypomethylation and hypermethylation, and either of these types of changes can be significantly associated with tumor progression. These findings and the independence of cancer-linked DNA hypomethylation from cancer linked hypermethylation strongly implicate DNA hypomethylation, as well as hypermethylation, in promoting carcinogenesis. Furthermore, various DNA demethylation methodologies have been shown to increase the formation of certain types of cancers in animals, and paradoxically, DNA hypermethylation can cause carcinogenesis in other model systems. Therefore, there is a need for caution in the current use of demethylating agents as anti-cancer drugs. Nonetheless, DNA demethylation therapy clearly may be very useful in cases where better alternatives do not exist.
Rapid Changes in the Longitudinal Magnetic Field Related to the 2001 April 2 X20 Flare

Big Bear Solar Observatory observed the X20 flare that occurred at approximately 21:50 UT on 2001 April 2 with its standard complement of instruments. In this paper, we discuss the evolution of high-resolution and high-cadence longitudinal magnetograph observations in the region of the flare. The data reveal that there was a significant increase in the magnetic field on the limbward side of the neutral line of the active region at the location of the flare, while the magnetic field on the side of the neutral line closer to the disk center remained constant. We discuss possible rearrangements in the active region's magnetic field that could lead to the observed changes.
Inhibition of DNA polymerase β activity in isolated bovine liver nuclei by captan and related compounds

Abstract The effects on DNA synthesis of the fungicide captan and several structurally related compounds were investigated in isolated bovine liver nuclei. Captan, folpet, captafol, and trichloromethanesulfenyl chloride inhibited DNA synthesis to the same degree with ID 50 values of approximately 50 μ M in a 40-min assay. The inhibition is concentration dependent and the degree of inhibition increases with time. Studies with structural analogs of captan indicated that inhibition of DNA synthesis by captan is mediated through the trichloromethylthio moiety of the captan molecule. In addition, the data indicate thiophosgene is probably not the toxic species involved in the inhibition of DNA synthesis. The isolated nuclei used in this study were shown to exhibit only a single DNA polymerase activity which was determined to be of the β or low-molecular-weight type. In addition to its inhibition in intact nuclei, captan inhibited the activity of the β polymerase in nuclear extracts as well as in partially purified enzyme preparations. These results indicate that captan inhibits DNA synthesis in our preparation of isolated nuclei by acting directly on the DNA polymerase-catalyzed reaction rather than by causing a nonspecific or indirect effect in the nuclear system such as alterations in the nuclear membrane or aggregation of the nuclei. The site of captan's inhibitory action is the DNA polymerase molecule. The interaction of captan with the polymerase results in irreversible inhibition of the enzyme. Interaction of captan with the template, if it occurs, does not appear to be involved in mediating the inhibition.
Predators, host abundance, and host spatial distribution affect the movement of wingless non-colonizing vector Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and PVY prevalence in an oat/potato system

In the study of insect-vectored plant viruses, colonizing vector species remain the focus. However, non-colonizing vector species, those that do not settle and reproduce on the viral plant host, are often the most abundant in the field and may be the largest contributors to disease spread. While non-colonists may have a substantial effect on disease prevalence, the factors influencing their movement and transmission on non-host plants have been little studied. Here we evaluated how a common biological control agent (Hippodamia convergens), host and non-host plant abundance, and plant spatial distribution impact the movement and density of a wingless non-colonizing vector [Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)] and transmission of potato virus Y (PVY) in potatoes in experimental arenas. The results of this work illustrate the importance of plant species function (host or non-host) and distribution to vector behavior and disease spread. Predation, host plant abundance, and plant spatial distribution interactively affected viral prevalence within infected arenas. Increasing the number of vector non-host plants increased the distance and frequency of aphid movement, and the effect was influenced by plant spatial distribution, the arrangement of plant species in the experimental arena. Increasing the number of vector host plants increased the density of aphids. Although the interaction of the plant and predator treatments affected the proportion of potato plants infected in arenas where infection occurred, and host abundance and spatial distribution impacted vector movement and viral prevalence, aphid movement did not appear to mediate the effect of plant and predator treatments on PVY prevalence. This work demonstrates that both wingless non-colonizing vector behavior and transmission are aggregated responses to multiple environmental drivers.
An historical examination of open source releases and their vulnerabilities

This paper examines historical releases of Sendmail, Postfix, Apache httpd and OpenSSL by using static source code analysis and the entry-rate in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures dictionary (CVE) for a release, which we take as a measure of the rate of discovery of exploitable bugs. We show that the change in number and density of issues reported by the source code analyzer is indicative of the change in rate of discovery of exploitable bugs for new releases --- formally we demonstrate a statistically significant correlation of moderate strength. The strength of the correlation is an artifact of other factors such as the degree of scrutiny: the number of security analysts investigating the software. This also demonstrates that static source code analysis can be used to make some assessment of risk even when constraints do not permit human review of the issues identified by the analysis.We find only a weak correlation between absolute values measured by the source code analyzer and rate of discovery of exploitable bugs, so in general it is unsafe to use absolute values of number of issues or issue densities to compare different applications or software. Our results demonstrate that software quality, as measured by the number of issues, issue density or number of exploitable bugs, does not always improve with each new release. However, generally the rate of discovery of exploitable bugs begins to drop three to five years after the initial release.
Synthetic utility of dizinc reagents derived from 1,4-diiodo- and 1,4-dibromooctafluorobutane

Abstract A modified procedure to prepare [(MeCN)2Zn((CF2)4)2Zn(MeCN)2] has been developed that allows for more reproducible yields of novel organofluorines during cross-coupling protocols. Additionally, the related reagent [(diglyme)BrZn-(CF2)4-ZnBr(digylme)] has been prepared and was shown to be similarly active for [C4F8] transfer to both organic and inorganic substrates. The di(zinc halide) reagent is operationally simple to prepare using inexpensive and easy to handle zinc metal.
The APL Resistance Welder

In order to improve the reliability of welds used in satellite construction, a new welding machine has been developed. This welding machine consists of a set of storage batteries to supply current, a bank of transistor switches to regulate the magnitude and duration of the current, and a commercial welding head. The new welder produces the following pulse characteristics: 1) a pulse whose current and duration can be independently controlled to a high degree of accuracy, 2) a pulse whose current remains very close to its predetermined value regardless of changes in resistance in the weld being made, 3) a pulse which is constant for identical settings from day-to-day and from machine-to-machine.
Evaluation and Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Revisited

Current knowledge and treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries continue to lag behind that of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This is the result of the relative infrequency of posterior cruciate ligament injuries and the lack of consensus with respect to its natural history, surgical indications, technique, and postoperative rehabilitation. Recent anatomical and biomechanical studies have improved our understanding of the posterior cruciate ligament in an attempt to reproduce its anatomy and function during reconstruction. The following is a comprehensive review on the evaluation and treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries with special focus on the current surgical techniques.
The Spectrum of Relapsing Fever in the Rocky Mountains

• Between 1940 and 1976, two cases of tick-borne relapsing fever were reported in Colorado, but since 1977, 23 confirmed cases have occurred. All patients had fever, with a mean of 2.8 febrile episodes (range, one to six). Complications included thrombocytopenia, endophthalmitis, meningitis, abortion, in utero infection, and erythema multiforme. All treated patients were eventually cured with antibiotics, although two pregnant patients failed to be cured by their initial courses of antibiotics. Seven of 21 treated patients had Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions, three of whom required intensive care. Five of nine patients who received tetracycline at an initial dose of 5 mg/kg or more had reactions v none of four patients treated with lower doses. Possible causes of the recent increased incidence include increased physician awareness and reporting, improved diagnostic techniques, and an actual increase due to a larger population at risk. Because summertime visits to the Rocky Mountains are becoming increasingly popular, physicians elsewhere should know how to recognize and treat this condition. ( Arch Intern Med 1985;145:871-875)
Phase averaging of image ensembles by using cepstral gradients

The direct Fourier phase averaging of an ensemble of randomly blurred images has long been thought to be too difficult a problem to undertake realistically owing to the necessity of proper phase unwrapping. It is shown that it is nevertheless possible to average the Fourier phase information in an image ensemble without calculating phases by using the technique of cepstral gradients.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF CONFINED POLYMER CONCRETE

Abstract In order to broaden the application of polymer concrete, the mechanical behavior of a polyester-based polymer concrete is investigated. The focus of the study is the compressive stress-strain relationship under lateral confinement. A total of 18 cylindrical specimens of 9-inch length and 3-inch diameter were tested under monotonic axial compression. The lateral confinement was provided in a passive way by aluminum rings uniformly spaced in a central confined zone of the test specimen. The degree of confinement was varied from specimen to specimen by changing the thickness of the rings. Test results indicate that the lateral confinement enhances the compressive strength in proportion to the confining stress and improves the post-peak behavior. An empirical formula is suggested to predict the compressive strength of the polymer concrete under lateral confinement. A simple equation for the compressive stress and strain relationship is also developed.
Exploration, analysis, and manipulation of source code using srcML

This technology briefing is intended for those interested in constructing custom software analysis and manipulation tools to support research or commercial applications. srcML (srcML.org) is an infrastructure consisting of an XML representation for C/C++/C#/Java source code along with efficient parsing technology to convert source code to-and-from the srcML format. The briefing describes srcML, the toolkit, and the application of XPath and XSLT to query and modify source code. Additionally, a hands-on tutorial of how to use srcML and XML tools to construct custom analysis and manipulation tools will be conducted.
COMPLEMENTing the diagnosis of aHUS.

In this issue of Blood , Noris et al describe a functional complement assay that can be used to diagnose atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS).[1][1] This assay might also be useful in identifying aHUS patients in remission and in detecting asymptomatic carriers of complement gene mutations.
Posttraumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Temporal Artery

This is a case presentation of a pediatric patient with severe head trauma resulting from a motor vehicle accident. The patient had been hospitalized for approximately two weeks prior to a request to review a pulsatile mass that had developed after trauma with sonography. Sonographic imaging showed an enlarged vessel with mixed echos throughout. The diagnosis by sonography with duplex confirmed the pulsatile lesion to be a pseudoaneurysm of the temporal artery with mural thrombus.
Primary total hip arthroplasty using noncemented porous-coated femoral components in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Abstract Ninety consecutive total hip arthroplasties in 73 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head yielded 81 hips in 64 patients (37 men and 27 women) available for evaluation after a 4–8-year follow-up period. The average age at surgery was 39.9 years (range, 20–66 years). Osteonecrosis etiology was idiopathic in 13 hips, alcohol-induced in 15, femoral neck fracture in 12, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 2. The remaining 39 cases were related to steroids, which were administered for a variety of reasons. Two types of noncemented, porous-coated, straight-stem femoral components and three types of acetabular components were utilized. Good or excellent clinical results were recorded in 80.2% of the patients. Average Harris hip scores improved from 52.9 to 87.9 points. Nine patients required revision of at least one component and were significantly younger than those with unrevised components. A revision rate of 24.1% was recorded in patients under 35 years of age at the time of primary surgery. Good or excellent clinical results were seen in 92.3% of the idiopathic cases, 86.7% of the alcohol-induced cases, 77.8% of the renal transplant cases, and 62.5% of the systemic lupus erythematosus cases. The overall mortality rate at the follow-up evaluation was 14%; it was 50% in renal transplant patients. Analysis of the clinical results based on the implants showed no significant differences in Harris hip scores or pain and function scores. While total hip arthroplasty using noncemented porous-coated femoral stems appears to give better results than cemented procedures in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the results appear to be inferior to those reported in patients with other diagnoses.
Epitope mapping of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against two α-bungarotoxin-binding α subunits from neuronal nicotinic receptors

Recently, cDNAs for alpha subunits of two different neuronal alpha-bungarotoxin-binding proteins (alpha BgtBP) were isolated from chick brain, designated alpha BgtBP alpha 1 and alpha BgtBP alpha 2. These are now also referred to as subunits alpha 7 and alpha 8, respectively. Expression studies in Xenopus oocytes have indicated that alpha 7 subunits are able to form cation channels that are sensitive to nicotinic ligands, and therefore represent bona fide nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been produced against: (i) affinity-purified chick brain alpha BgtBP; and (ii) fusion proteins containing the unique cytoplasmic sequences alpha 7(327-412) and alpha 8(293-435). Here, synthetic overlapping peptides corresponding to their deduced amino acid sequences are used to map the epitopes recognized by the different antibodies. The polyclonal response to affinity-purified alpha BgtBPs and the fusion proteins indicates that sequence segments 290-420 of both subunits contain several major and minor epitopes. mAbs selected for their ability to bind both native and denatured alpha BgtBPs isolated from chick brain also recognize subunit-specific sequential epitopes within the sequence segment 290-420. The epitopes recognized by the mAbs correspond to the minor epitopes defined using antisera. The mAbs characterized in these studies will provide useful probes for further studies of alpha BgtBP structure and histological localization.
Cicatricial marginal alopecia: is it all traction?

Summary Background In a specialized hair loss clinic, a group of patients was identified with focal or complete hair loss at the scalp periphery, with a normal scalp surface. Biopsy revealed complete loss of individual hair follicles, indicative of scarring alopecia. Not all patients had a history supportive of a diagnosis of traction alopecia. Objectives To identify and characterize further patients with scarring alopecia of the scalp margin using a retrospective review. Methods All biopsies of scarring alopecia carried out by a single clinician between 1 January 1999 and 29 September 2006 were reviewed. Patients in whom the hair loss was located at the periphery of the scalp were selected for retrospective chart review. Results A total of 15 patients met the study criteria, which included histological scarring alopecia and hair loss of the scalp margin. Six of the patients gave a history of relaxing or straightening their hair. Six denied hair care practices sufficient to cause traction alopecia. In three patients, the hair care history was unknown. Occipital hair loss was a common clinical finding, mimicking alopecia areata. The presence of scarring was often subtle histologically. Conclusions A group of patients with moderate to severe cicatricial alopecia of the scalp margin is described. The presence of scarring is difficult to diagnose both clinically and histologically. The lack of a history of severe traction or harsh styling practices in half the patients casts doubt on whether or not traction is the only pathogenic factor.
Antioxidant stoichiometry and the oxidative fate of vitamin E in peroxyl radical scavenging reactions

Oxidation ofR,R,R-α-tocopherol (vitamin E; TH) by peroxyl radicals generated from the azo initiator azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) in acetonitrile, hexane, or in phospholipid liposomes yields 8a-(alkyldioxy)tocopherone adducts, 8a-(hydroxy)tocopherone, and their hydrolysis product α-tocopherolquinone TH oxidation also yields 4a,5-epoxy- and 7,8-epoxy-8a-(hydroperoxy)tocopherones and their respective hydrolysis products 2,3-epoxy-α-tocopherolquinone and 5,6-epoxy-α-tocopherolquinone. Previous work indicates that the distribution of TH oxidation products varies with reaction environment. We investigated the dependence of antioxidant stoichiometry on TH oxidation product distribution for reactions in hexane, acetonitrile, and in phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Yields of 8a-substituted tocopherones were highest in hexane and lowest in phosphatidylcholine liposomes. In contrast, yields of epoxide products were highest in the liposome system and lowest in hexane. Yields of α-tocopherolquinone were similar in all three systems. Antioxidant stoichiometry, measured by the inhibited autoxidation method, was approximately 2.0 peroxyl radicals trapped per TH consumed in acetonitrile and in liposomes. In hexane, a slightly larger stoichiometric factor of approximately 2.5 was measured. This may, in part, reflect the generation of more reactive alkoxyl radicals in hexane. The reaction environment thus markedly affects the balance between competing TH oxidation pathways but produces comparatively little effect on antioxidant stoichiometry. These results imply that competing reaction pathways contribute similarly to the antioxidant chemistry of TH.
Polariton resonant absorption in a bigrating: Exact theory compared to recent experiments and to perturbation theory

Abstract A nonperturbative theory of light scattering from a bigrating, with resonant excitation of surface polaritons, has been implemented to fit the results of a recent experiment. The experiment measured light absorption in Ag, with results that showed some discrepancies with first-order perturbation theory — particularly at 2-polariton peaks. The exact theory has accounted for some but not all of the discrepancies, indicating that their cause is not entirely due to perturbation theory's underestimating higher-order processes. A comparison of the Fourier coefficients of the surface profile function as determined by the two theories indicates that perturbation theory may develop problems in dealing with the cross-terms in the expansion of 2-dimensional profiles, even for small corrugation strengths.
No One Dresses Accidentally: A Research Synthesis on Intentional Occupational Performance

The fields of philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience have differing but comparable perspectives on intention. Taken together, these perspectives help explain intentional occupational performance. This rich body of research and theory also offers insight into the critical role of intention in the therapeutic use of occupation. This synthesis examines these perspectives of intention as they relate to the concept of occupational performance and discusses the implications of intention for the therapeutic use of occupation, which ultimately include the need for occupational therapists to renew their professional focus on occupation as their single level of intervention.
Product life cycle theory: a quantitative application for casino courses in higher education

Abstract This article unites product life cycle theory and curriculum development in higher education to create a quantitative assessment of a new subject area: casino education. The historical use of product life cycle theory introduces the subject so that Hiraoka's (Education 93(4) (1973) 367) theoretical application for curricula in universities can be discussed. Using a revised version of Clifford's (Manage. Rev. 54(6) (1965b) 34) quantitative steps for a life cycle analysis, the rise of gaming and casino education is evaluated to explore the issue: in what stage of the product life cycle is casino gaming? This adaptation can be a new tool to assess curricula and forecast trends in subject areas.
Lower bounds for synchronous circuits and planar circuits

Abstract It is shown that there exist explicitly defined one-output Boolean functions fn and gn with circuit complexity O(n) such that the synchronous circuit complexity of fn is Ω(n log n) and the planar circuit complexity of gn is Ω(n 2 ) .
System Mapping: A Genre Field Analysis of the National Science Foundation's Grant Proposal and Funding Process

In this article we compare two different perspectives on the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposal and funding process: that depicted by the genre-dominant NSF Web site and that articulated by several successful NSF-funded researchers. Using genre theory and play theory to map the respective processes, we found that a systems-based refocusing of audience analysis—namely, genre field analysis—allows researchers a more accurate understanding of their roles as agents within the system.
The Amide Rotational Barriers in Picolinamide and Nicotinamide: NMR and ab Initio Studies

Pyridine carboxamides are a class of medicinal agents with activity that includes the reduction of iron-induced renal damage, the regulation of nicotinamidase activity, and radio- and chemosensitization. Such pharmacological activities, and the prevalence of the carboxamide moiety and the importance of amide rotations in biology, motivate detailed investigation of energetics in these systems. In this study, we report the use of dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance to measure the amide rotational barriers in the pyridine carboxamides picolinamide and nicotinamide. The activation enthalpies and entropies of ΔH⧧ = 12.9 ± 0.3 kcal/mol and ΔS⧧ = −7.7 ± 0.9 cal/mol K for nicotinamide and ΔH⧧ = 18.3 ± 0.4 kcal/mol and ΔS⧧ = +1.3 ± 1.0 cal/mol K for picolinamide report a substantial energetic difference for these regioisomers. Ab initio calculations of the rotational barriers are in good agreement with the experimentally determined values and help partition the 5.4 kcal/mol enthalpy difference into its major contri...
Effect of Length of Milking Interval and Fat Content on Milk Conductivity and Its Use for Detecting Mastitis

Abstract Foremilk and strippings were obtained from 20 cows at the morning and evening milkings where the milking intervals were 14h and 10h. Infection status was determined by bacteriological analysis. Conductivity of foremilk and strippings was determined. Cows then were switched to 12h milking interval, and conductance of foremilk and strippings from both milkings was determined. Conductance of foremilk samples increased after longer milking interval. Accuracy in detecting infections by primary pathogens via conductivity of foremilk was also greater following the long interval. Conductivity of foremilk from morning and evening milkings were, however, similar when the milking interval was even. Conductivity of strippings was affected less by milking interval. Conductance determination on quarter samples from 28 cows on both a whole and fat-free basis indicated an inhibitory effect of milk fat on conductivity. Conductivity of skimmed strippings samples was greater than that of skimmed foremilk samples, indicating higher electrolyte in strippings, and may explain why conductivity of strippings is not significantly lower than of foremilk in spite of the higher fat content in the former.
Sicarii and the Rise of Terrorism

Abstract The Jewish Sicarii, active during the Roman imperial period, are considered by many to be the world's first political terrorists. The Sicarii rejected not only Roman dominance over Judea, but all mortally imposed authority. They effectively used assassination and kidnapping to incite a Jewish uprising against Rome. Once war was inevitable, the Sicarii vied against other extremist factions for sole leadership of the rebellion. When they proved unsuccessful, they fled Jerusalem and sought refuge at Masada, where eventually they died at their own hands.
2-(Anilinomethyl)imidazolines as α1 Adrenergic Receptor Agonists: the Discovery of α1a Subtype Selective 2‘-Alkylsulfonyl-Substituted Analogues

A series of 2‘-alkylthio-2-(anilinomethyl)imidazolines were prepared to examine the effect of the alkyl group size, sulfur oxidation state, and phenyl ring substitution on ligand binding and agonism of α-adrenergic receptor subtypes α1a, α1b, α1d, α2a, and α2c. Binding at all receptor subtypes decreased for compounds in the sulfone oxidation state as compared to their sulfide analogues. While sulfides were generally potent, nonselective agonists, sulfones exhibited α1a subtype selectivity in a cell-based functional assay. Sulfone (32) was 250−7000-fold selective for α1a vs all other subtypes.
Prevention of biofilm colonization by Gram-negative bacteria on minocycline-rifampin-impregnated catheters sequentially coated with chlorhexidine

Resistant Gram-negative bacteria are increasing central-line-associated bloodstream infection threats. To better combat this, chlorhexidine (CHX) was added to minocycline-rifampin (M/R) catheters. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of CHX-M/R catheters against multidrug resistant, Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was tested. M/R and CHX-silver sulfadiazine (CHX/SS) catheters were used as comparators. The novel CHX-M/R catheters were significantly more effective (P < 0.0001) than CHX/SS or M/R catheters in preventing biofilm colonization and showed better antimicrobial durability.
Identification of LOS and NLOS for wireless Transmission

Distinguishing the transmission status of the communication as line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS (NLOS) is of great importance for the wireless communication systems. It is known that for LOS and NLOS, some statistical characteristics of the transmission differ from each other. If the distinction between LOS and NLOS can be made as quick and accurate as possible, ranging based applications and adaptive radio systems like cognitive radios can make use of this information to increase their performances significantly. In this study, a numerical and computationally low complex method for coherent receivers is proposed to discriminate the LOS/NLOS status of the transmission depending on the autocorrelation properties of individual paths. The proposed method is tested for both noise-free and noisy conditions with sum-of-sinusoids (SoS) and inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) based simulation models. It is observed that the proposed method gives good results even for relatively low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values.
Stimulatory effect of calcium chelators on Na+-Ca2+ exchange in cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles

Abstract The calcium chelators EGTA, EDTA and cyclohexanediamine tetraacetic acid (CDTA) enhance initial rates of Nai+-dependent Ca2+ uptake by cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles. The affinity of the exchanger for calcium is increased in the presence of the chelators to an extent dependent on chelator concentration and on the range of free calcium concentrations over which the phenomenon is measured. For free Ca2+ in the range of 4 μM or less, the apparent Km is lowered to approximately 1 μM. The Ca-chelator complex appears to be the species which causes stimulation. The effect is not due to sequestration of contaminating heavy metal ions in the sarcolemmal membrane preparations or the solutions used in experiments. Caution is suggested in the use of EGTA or EDTA as calcium buffers when measuring calcium dependence of phenomena involving calcium binding and transport, because the added chelator may alter the properties of the system.
A class of optimum digital phase locked loops

This paper presents a class of optimum digital filters for digital phase locked loops, for the important case in which the maximum update rate of the loop filter and numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) is limited. This case is typical when the loop filter is implemented in a microprocessor. In these situations, pure delay is encountered in the loop transfer function and thus the stability and gain margin of the loop are of crucial interest. The optimum filters designed for such situations are evaluated in terms of their gain margin for stability, dynamic error, and steady-state error performance. For situations involving considerably high phase dynamics an adaptive and programmable implementation is also proposed to obtain an overall optimum strategy.
Financing Agriculture Under Changing Environmental Regulation: Discussion

sources are properly valued at a level less than what would otherwise be fair market value by as much as the present value of the cost to meet the imposed clean-up requirements. Inasmuch as the presence of hazardous waste disposal problems may not be actually known or readily discernible, an element of additional uncertainty is injected into the valuation process. Indeed, the required assumption of liability for cleanup is h vi g an easily predicted effect of encouraging those who are contemplating acquiring fee simple ownership (or ownership of even lesser estates) in resources or who are considering lending funds with resources as collateral to take additional steps in an effort to assess, systematically, the probability of hazardous waste disposal in or on the resource. This will likely continue to be the most common response of lenders, for there is little reason to believe the lender's
Design, synthesis, and biological activity of 1,3-disubstituted ureas as potent inhibitors of the soluble epoxide hydrolase of increased water solubility.

The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is involved in the metabolism of endogenous chemical mediators that play an important role in blood pressure regulation and inflammation. 1,3-Disubstituted ureas are potent inhibitors of sEH that are active both in vitro and in vivo. However, their poor solubility in either water or lipid reduces their in vivo efficacy and makes them difficult to formulate. To improve these physical properties, the effect of incorporating polar functional groups into one of the alkyl chains was evaluated on their inhibitor potencies, water solubility, octanol/water partition coefficients (log P), and melting points. No loss of inhibition potency was observed when a polar functional group was incorporated at least five atoms (∼7.5 A) from the central urea carbonyl. In addition, the presence of a polar group at least 11 atoms away from the urea carbonyl group for the mouse and human sEHs, respectively, did not alter the inhibitor potency. The resulting compounds have better water solubili...