cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zonal Density Gradient Electrophoresis of Serum Albumin and Bacteriophages M13, φ X174, and MS2. Electrophoretic Mobility Measurement

Abstract A method based on zonal density gradient electrophoresis is presented which permits rapid separation of proteins and bacteriophages and the estimation of their electrophoretic mobility. The electrophoretic mobility of serum albumin for different buffer solutions and pH values has been measured and found to be in good agreement with previous values from the literature. The electrophoretic mobility of albumin has also been measured in the presence of two neutral water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (Polyox), and a charged polymer (hydrolyzed ethylene maleic anhydride (EMA)). The electrophoretic mobility of three bacteriophages (M13, MS2, φ X174) has been estimated in a phosphate/glycine buffer at pH = 7.4 as well as in the presence of bovine serum albumin and bovine γ-globulin. The electrophoretic separation of M13 and φ X174 bacteriophages was accomplished.
The Reconciliation Of Scatter Data Obtained With Solar Simulator And Lasers

The BRDF of any material may be obtained using either broadband or discrete wavelength sources, eg. solar spectral distribution simulators or lasers. Presently, there exists some discrepancy in the interpreta-tion and comparison of measurements made with these two sources. A reconciliatory methodology is presented in lieu of the current disarray of attempts to correlate scatter information obtained with lasers with that obtained using solar simulators. A technique is offered which is capable of rendering the few BRDF data obtained at discrete laser lines as a viable source for comparison to solar simulators. The solar spectral distribution (at air mass zero) was approximated analytically and used as a weighting function for the spectral BRDF of several generic types of scattering surfaces including white and black diffusers and specular samples; this defines the analytic solar BRDF. By conducting a solar spectral distribution weighting on the BRDF data obtained at various laser wavelengths, the resulting (calculated) solar weighted BRDF
Spinless fermions and charged stripes at the strong-coupling limit

Spinless fermions on a lattice with nearest-neighbor repulsion serve as a toy-version Hubbard model and have a symmetry-broken even/odd superlattice at half filling. At infinite repulsion, doped holes form charged stripes that are antiphase walls ( as noted by Mila [Phys. Rev. B $49,$ 14 047 (1994)]). Exact-diagonalization data for systems up to 36 sites around 1/4 filling, and also for one or two holes added to a stripe of length up to 12, indicate stability of the stripe-array state against phase separation. In the boson version of the model, the same behavior can be stabilized by addition of a term with four creation/annihilation operators.
Insulin-regulated gene expression.

Insulin regulates the expression of more than 150 genes, indicating that this is a major action of this hormone. At least eight distinct consensus insulin response sequence (IRSs) have been defined through which insulin can regulate gene transcription. These include the serum response element, the activator protein 1 (‘AP-1’) motif, the Ets motif, the E-box motif and the thyroid transcription factor 2 (‘TTF-2’) motif. All of these IRSs mediate stimulatory effects of insulin on gene transcription. In contrast, an element with the consensus sequence T(G/A)TTT(T/G)-(G/T), which we refer to as the phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)-like motif, mediates the inhibitory effect of insulin on transcription of the genes encoding PEPCK, insulinlike-growth-factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), tyrosine aminotransferase and the glucose-6-phos-phatase (G6Pase) catalytic subunit. The forkhead transcription factor FKHR has recently been shown to bind this PEPCK-like IRS motif and a model has been proposed in which insulin inhibits gene transcription by stimulating the phosphorylation and nuclear export of FKHR. Our results suggest that this model is consistent with the action of insulin on transcription of the gene encoding IGFBP-1 but not that of the G6Pase catalytic subunit. Thus, even though the IRSs in both promoters seem identical, they are functionally distinct. In addition, in the G6Pase catalytic subunit promoter, hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (‘HNF-1’), acts as an accessory factor to enhance the effect of insulin mediated through the IRS.
Phenylhydrazine: selective inhibition of human brain type B monoamine oxidase.

Abstract Phenylhydrazine (PhNNH 2 ) was found to irreversibly inhibit both human brain type A and type B monoamine oxidase (MAO) in vitro . PhNNH 2 was a more effective inhibitor of the B form of the oxidase in that 50 per cent inhibition of phenylethylamine (PEA) deamination occurred at approximately 4 μM, whereas the equivalent inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) deamination required almost 200 μM of the inhibitor. Similarly, inhibition of PEA deamination occurred at a faster rate than that of 5-HT metabolism. Evidence is presented that suggests that PhNNH 2 inhibits both forms of MAO by two distinct mechanisms, a temperature-sensitive and a temperature-insensitive process. The temperature-insensitive component proceeded extremely rapidly, compared to the temperature-dependent component. For example, at 4° inhibition of PEA deamination by PhNNH 2 attained its maximum within a 30-sec preincubation period. Both inhibition processes were diminished when PhNNH 2 was preincubated in a nitrogen atmosphere compared to that in air. Fifty per cent inhibition of PEA and 5-HT deamination by the PhNNH 2 temperature-insensitive component occurred at 20 μM and 1 mM respectively. The presence of two distinct inhibition processes is consistent with prior studies that have demonstrated that more than 1 mole of PhNNH 2 is bound per mole of MAO.
Research notes and communications a note on global strategies

This article augments, as well as takes issue with, the recent review by Ghoshal on international competition. The central question is what changes strategically when a firm moves from domestic to overseas competition. In analyzing this question, it is shown that there exists a neglected line of relevant research by two schools of thought: the Cambridge (Massachusetts) axis and internalization theory. The recent focus of research is described as understanding the multinational corporation as a network competing on its flexibility and the transfer of acquired capabilities across borders.
Malignant liver tumors in children

Age at presentation is often the key to the differential diagnosis of a liver mass in children. Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver tumor in infants and toddlers, whereas hepatocellular carcinoma is seen in older children and adolescents. Although symptoms are possible, these tumors most often present as an asymptomatic epigastric or right upper quadrant mass. Definitive diagnosis is made with percutaneous, laparoscopic or open biopsy, and biopsy is recommended in all patients unless radiographic imaging clearly demonstrates a benign hemangioma. The most common benign tumors are infantile hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia and mesenchymal hamartoma. Hepatoblastoma is often chemosensitive and, if resectable, may have a good prognosis. Conversely, hepatocellular carcinoma is often chemoresistant and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage making resection difficult. The pretreatment extent of disease is a stratification system developed by the Society of Pediatric Oncology Liver Tumor ...
Playing Nurse and Playing Cop: Do They Change Children's Perceptions of Sex-Role Stereotypes?

Abstract This study tested a new technique for modifying children's occupational sex role stereotypes. Two 3rd grade classes (N = 26; 13 boys/13 girls) in a suburban public elementary school served as subjects. Men and women police officers, nursery school teachers, letter carriers and nurses visited the classrooms, described their work, and taught one activity associated with it to the children. It was hypothesized that children performing activities with models whose roles contradict traditional stereotypes (i.e., male nurse/female police officer) would demonstrate a decrease in their level of stereotype. Williams and Best's Sex Stereotype Measure II (SSMII) was used to assess children's level of stereotype before and after interaction with the models. Significant main effects were found within the experimental group. Implications of these findings both for further research and educational practices are considered.
Cost-based query optimization for complex pattern mining on multiple databases

For complex data mining queries, query optimization issues arise, similar to those for the traditional database queries. However, few works have applied the cost-based query optimization, which is the key technique in optimizing traditional database queries, on complex mining queries. In this work, we develop a cost-based query optimization framework to an important collection of data mining queries, i.e. frequent pattern mining across multiple databases. Specifically, we make the following contributions: 1) We present a rich class of queries on mining frequent itemsets across multiple datasets supported by a SQL-based mechanism. 2) We present an approach to enumerate all possible query plans for the mining queries, and develop a dynamic programming approach and a branch-and-bound approach based on the enumeration algorithm to find optimal query plans with the least mining cost. 3) We introduce models to estimate the cost of individual mining operators. 4) We evaluate our query optimization techniques on both real and synthetic datasets and show significant performance improvements.
Photolysis, OH reactivity and ozone reactivity of a proxy for isoprene-derived hydroperoxyenals (HPALDs).

The C5-hydroperoxyenals (C5-HPALDs) are a newly-recognized class of multi-functional hydrocarbons produced during the hydroxyl radical (OH)-initiated oxidation of isoprene. Recent theoretical calculations suggest that fast photolysis of these compounds may be an important OH source in high-isoprene, low-NO regions. We report experimental constraints for key parameters of photolysis, OH reaction and ozone reaction of these compounds as derived from a closely-related, custom-synthesized C6-HPALD. The photolysis quantum yield is 1.0 ± 0.4 over the range 300–400 nm, assuming an absorption cross section equal to the average of those measured for several analogous enals. The yield of OH from photolysis was determined as 1.0 ± 0.8. The OH reaction rate constant is (5.1 ± 1.8) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 296 K. The ozone reaction rate constant is (1.2 ± 0.2) × 10−18 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 296 K. These results are consistent with previous first-principles estimates, though the nature and fate of secondary oxidation products remains uncertain. Incorporation of C5-HPALD chemistry with the above parameters in a 0-D box model, along with experimentally-constrained rates for C5-HPALD production from isomerization of first-generation isoprene hydroxyperoxy radicals, is found to enhance modeled OH concentrations by 5–16% relative to the traditional isoprene oxidation mechanism for the chemical regimes of recent observational studies in rural and remote regions. This enhancement in OH will increase if C5-HPALD photo-oxidation products also photolyze to yield additional OH or if the C5-HPALD production rate is faster than has been observed.
A mechanical proof of the Church-Rosser theorem

The Church-Rosser theorem is a celebrated metamathematical result on the lambda calculus. We describe a formalization and proof of the Church-Rosser theorem that was carried out with the Boyer-Moore theorem prover. The proof presented in this paper is based on that of Tait and Martin-Lof. The mechanical proof illustrates the effective use of the Boyer-Moore theorem prover in proof checking difficult metamathematical proofs.
CRISPNESS AND CRUNCHINESS ‐ A DIFFERENCE IN PITCH?

Initially two groups of foods were selected, one containing foods that were more crunchy than crisp and the other containing foods that were more crisp than crunchy. Subjects then compared each of the crisper foods with each of the crunchier foods and selected the product producing the higher-pitched sound. More crisp than crunchy foods nearly always produced higher-pitched sounds than the more crunchy than crisp foods. When the pitch of the eating sounds was altered (lowered) by changing the eating technique from a bite to a chew, judgments of crispness were depressed.
Transfer RNA recognition by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.

The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are an ancient group of enzymes that catalyze the covalent attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA. The question of specificity, that is, how each synthetase selects the correct individual or isoacceptor set of tRNAs for each amino acid, has been referred to as the second genetic code. A wealth of structural, biochemical, and genetic data on this subject has accumulated over the past 40 years. Although there are now crystal structures of sixteen of the twenty synthetases from various species, there are only a few high resolution structures of synthetases complexed with cognate tRNAs. Here we review briefly the structural information available for synthetases, and focus on the structural features of tRNA that may be used for recognition. Finally, we explore in detail the insights into specific recognition gained from classical and atomic group mutagenesis experiments performed with tRNAs, tRNA fragments, and small RNAs mimicking portions of tRNAs. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 52: 1–28, 1999
Solution Chemistry of Europium(III) Aqua Ion at Micromolar Concentrations as Probed by Direct Excitation Luminescence Spectroscopy

Direct excitation europium(III) luminescence spectroscopy is used to study the speciation of aqueous europium(III) ions at micromolar concentrations and near neutral pH. The pH and concentration dependence of the europium(III) 7F0→5D0 excitation peak is consistent with the formation of both mononuclear and dinuclear europium(III) hydroxide complexes at pH 6.5. Luminescence intensity and lifetime quenching studies in the presence of NdIII at pH 5.0 and 6.5 support the formation of a dinuclear complex at pH 6.5. Steady state excitation and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy are consistent with the formation of innersphere nitrate and fluoride complexes, but outersphere perchlorate and chloride complexes at pH 6.5 and 5.0.
Bonding in the Superionic Phase of Water

The predicted superionic phase of water is investigated via ab initio molecular dynamics at densities of 2.0--3.0 g/cc (34-115 GPa) along the 2000 K isotherm. We find that extremely rapid (superionic) diffusion of protons occurs in a fluid phase at pressures between 34 and 58 GPa. A transition to a stable body-centered cubic O lattice with superionic proton conductivity is observed between 70 and 75 GPa, a much higher pressure than suggested in prior work. We find that all molecular species at pressures greater than 75 GPa are too short lived to be classified as bound states. Up to 95 GPa, we find a solid superionic phase characterized by covalent O-H bonding. Above 95 GPa, a transient network phase is found characterized by symmetric O-H hydrogen bonding with nearly 50% covalent character. In addition, we describe a metastable superionic phase with quenched O disorder.
Optimal feedback control of infinite-dimensional parabolic evolution systems: approximation techniques

A general approximation framework is discussed for computation of optimal feedback controls in linear quadratic regular problems for nonautonomous parabolic distributed parameter systems. This is done in the context of a theoretical framework using general evolution systems in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces. Conditions are discussed for preservation under approximation of stabilizability and detectability hypotheses on the infinite dimensional system. The special case of periodic systems is also treated.
Is there a Caroline plate

Abstract We examine available marine geophysical and seismological data from the Caroline Sea region and conclude that a separate Caroline plate currently exists. The Caroline plate is moving relative to the Pacific plate on its northern and eastern boundaries, the Philippine plate on its western margin, and the Indian and smaller plates along its southern side in New Guinea and the Bismarck Sea area. The southern Yap Trench, the Palau Trench, and an accreting plate boundary within the Ayu Trough manifested as an axial rift valley comprise the Caroline-Philippine plate boundary. On the basis of sediment thickness and subsidence of basement away from the rift, we estimate that the Ayu Trough started to open during the Miocene. The northern section of Pacific-Caroline plate boundary coincides with the Sorol Trough which exhibits both strike-slip and extensional characteristics. The southeastern section of this boundary occurs along the Mussau Trench where Caroline plate underthrusts the Pacific plate. The section of plate boundary between the Sorol Trough and Mussau Trench is characterized by highly unusual deformational tectonics. Convergence between the Pacific and Caroline plates is apparently accommodated here by overthrusting of small slivers of sea floor towards the northeast. The intensity of deformation appears to increase southward towards the Mussau Trench. Our calculated instantaneous angular rotation vector for the Pacific-Caroline plates predicts that convergence rates increase uniformly south along the overthrust and underthrust sections of plate boundary. The transition in tectonic style from overthrusting to underthrusting occurs between 3° and 4°N.
Incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in patients with hemophilia undergoing joint replacement surgery: a retrospective study.

Abstract Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a recognized complication after joint replacement surgery, and prophylaxis is routinely used in patients without bleeding disorders. However, for patients with hemophilia, pharmacologic prophylaxis is highly variable and controversial because of the inherent bleeding risk. Aim To review our institutional experience with outcomes of total knee or hip arthroplasty with regard to symptomatic VTE and use of VTE prophylaxis in patients with hemophilia and without inhibitors. Methods We reviewed records of 42 consecutive patients with hemophilia A or B who underwent 71 hip or knee replacements over a 39-year period. We also reviewed the literature to estimate the incidence of VTE after arthroplasty in the hemophilia population. Results All patients used compression stockings for up to 6 weeks after surgery; additionally, 6 cases (10.5%; 57 with available data) used sequential intermittent compression devices and 2 (2.8%) postoperatively received low-molecular-weight heparin. One patient (1.4%) who received low-molecular-weight heparin had a symptomatic, lower-extremity, deep venous thrombosis 10 days after hip replacement for traumatic fracture. None of the other 70 surgical cases had symptomatic VTE within 3 months after the procedure. Analysis of pooled data from published series of hemophilia patients undergoing arthroplasty showed an estimated incidence of symptomatic VTE of 0.5%. Conclusion Our study suggests that in patients with hemophilia, joint replacement surgery can be performed safely without routine pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis and without increasing risk of thromboembolic events. Pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis may be considered in select patients with known additional risk factors for VTE.
Drivers of Organizational Participation in XML-based Industry Standardization Efforts

XML-based vertical standards are an emerging compatibility standard for describing business processes and data formats in specific industries that have emerged in the past decade. Vertical standards, typically implemented using eXtensible Markup Language XML, are incomplete products in constant evolution, continually adding functionality to reflect changing business needs. Vertical standards are public goods because they are freely obtained from sponsoring organizations without investing resources in their development, which gives rise to linked collective action dilemmas at the development and diffusion stages. Firms must be persuaded to invest in development without being able to profit from the output, and a commitment to ensure the diffusion of the standard must be secured from enough potential adopters to guarantee success. In this paper, the authors explore organizational drivers for participation in vertical standards development activities for supply-and demand-side organizations i.e., vendors and end-user firms in light of the restrictions imposed by these dilemmas.
Complications of Viral Influenza

Viral influenza is a seasonal infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the United States more than 35,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations due to influenza occur annually, and the number is increasing. Children aged less than 1 year and adults aged more than 65 years, pregnant woman, and people of any age with comorbid illnesses are at highest risk. Annual vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, but some older patients may derive less benefit from immunization than otherwise fit individuals. If started promptly, antiviral medications may reduce complications of acute influenza, but increasing resistance to amantadine and perhaps neuraminidase inhibitors underscores the need for novel prevention and treatment strategies. Pulmonary complications of influenza are most common and include primary influenza and secondary bacterial infection. Either may cause pneumonia, and each has a unique clinical presentation and pathologic basis. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, is an important cause of secondary bacterial pneumonia with high mortality. During influenza season, treatment of pneumonia should include empiric coverage for this pathogen. Neuromuscular and cardiac complications are unusual but may manifest in persons of any age.
Embrittlement of several stainless steels by liquid copper and liquid braze alloys

Abstract AISI type 304, type 430 and 21-6-9 stainless steels were tensile tested in contact with liquid copper and several liquid braze metals. Less extensive tests were performed on type 316, JBK-75 (an austenitic precipitation-hardened stainless steel similar to A-286) and HP 9-4-20 in the presence of liquid copper, braze alloys, aluminum and gold. The austenitic stainless steels (and HP 9-4-20) were severely embrittled copper and braze alloys with a high copper content and were nearly unaffected by a silver-base braze. Braze alloys with lower copper embrittlement. The highly embrittled samples failed integranularly. The severity of embrittlement by several liquid brazes was uncorrelated with their relative depths of penetration into the unstressed steel. No embrittlement of ferritic type 430 by any of the liquid metals was observed. Under welding conditions, 21-6-9 was found to be much more susceptible than type 304 to heat-affected-zone cracking when the surface was copper contaminated.
Effects of Cooperative Learning on Perceived Status of Male and Female Pupils

Abstract The effects of cooperative and individualistic learning experiences on the status of male and female American pupils were compared. Expectation states theory predicts that male pupils would have higher status than female pupils and, therefore, be more active and more influential. Social interdependence theory predicts that interaction within cooperative learning groups would result in a process of acceptance characterized by equal status of male and female pupils. Seventy-five sixth-grade boys (n = 43) and girls (n = 32) were randomly assigned to three cooperative conditions and one individualistic condition stratifying for sex, ability level, and original classroom. They participated in the study for 55 min per day for 14 instructional days. Cooperative learning resulted in greater retention and higher level learning than did individualistic learning. Although there were initial achievement differences between boys and girls, and although boys gained in status over girls in the individualistic c...
Exploring effects of different treadmill interventions on walking onset and gait patterns in infants with Down syndrome

Two cohorts of participants were included to investigate the effects of different treadmill interventions on walking onset and gait patterns in infants with Down syndrome (DS). The first cohort included 30 infants with DS (17 males, 13 females; mean age 10mo [SD 1.9mo]) who were randomly assigned to either a lower-intensity-generalized (LG) training group, or a higher-intensity-individualized (HI) training group. A control (C) group from another study, who did not receive treadmill training, served as the control (eight males, seven females; mean age 10.4mo [SD 2.2mo]). Mean age at walking onset was 19.2, 21.4, and 23.9 months for the HI, LG, and C groups respectively. At walking onset the HI group was significantly younger than the C group (p=0.011). At the gait follow-up that was conducted between 1 and 3 months after walking onset, three groups significantly different in overall gait patterns (p=0.037) were examined by six basic gait parameters including average velocity, stride length, step width, stride time, stance time, and dynamic base. Post-hoc analyses demonstrated that stride length was the gait parameter largely contributing to this overall group difference (p=0.033), and the HI group produced a significantly longer stride length than the C group (p=0.030). In conclusion, the HI treadmill intervention significantly promoted earlier walking onset and elicited more advanced gait patterns (particularly in stride length) in infants with DS.
Evolution of absorbance spectra of ozonated wastewater and its relationship with the degradation of trace-level organic species.

This study examined the evolution of absorbance spectra of wastewater ozonated using varying initial ozone concentrations or treatment times; concomitant changes of concentrations of trace-level pharmaceuticals were also quantified. The absorbance of ozonated wastewater decreased due to the degradation of chromophores in effluent organic matter (EfOM). The relative decrease of absorbance (ΔA/A0) ranged from 80% for λ > 320 nm. The removal of atenolol, carbamazepine, DEET, diclofenac, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, iopromide, naproxen, propranolol, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and p-chlorobenzoic acid was strongly correlated with ΔA/A0 values. The observed features were hypothesized to correspond to the engagement of kinetically distinct groups of EfOM chromophores. Modeling of the evolution of EfOM absorbance and concurrent degradation of trace-level organic species based on this hypothesis confirmed its applicability and utility for practical applications and theoretical exploration.
A Multivariate Approach to the Measurement and Analysis of Social Identity

The application of factor and duster analysis procedures to the group and role identifications of a sample of 141 women results in a set of readily interpretable social identities. The obtained social identities are then related via dummy variable regression analysis to attitudes, with the results being interpreted in terms of reference-group theory. The paper closes with some cautions and suggestions for research.
Statistical energy partitioning in surface reactions: the Pt-catalyzed oxidations of C and CO

Abstract The fractions of energy partitioned between a desorbed product molecule and a solid catalyst are calculated for two surface-catalyzed reactions according to a simple statistical model. It is shown that the experimentally measured energy disposal in the oxidation of CO on Pt is, to a first approximation, statistical.
Processing Powder X-ray Diffraction Patterns with a Fourier Transform Digital Band Pass Filter

Abstract A Fourier Transform Digital Band Pass (FT-DBP) Filter was used to reduce output noise in powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns. The noise was reduced by 39% for a real PXRD diffractogram and 42% for a synthetic PXRD diffractogram while maintaining the integrity of diffraction intensities and diffraction angle positions. In addition, it was shown that an amorphous signal could be removed from a diffractogram using the linear properties of the Fourier Transform.
Proton therapy dose distribution comparison between Monte Carlo and a treatment planning system for pediatric patients with ependymoma.

Purpose : Compare dose distributions for pediatric patients with ependymoma calculated using a Monte Carlo (MC) system and a clinical treatment planning system (TPS). Methods : Plans from ten pediatric patients with ependymoma treated using double scatter proton therapy were exported from the TPS and calculated in our MC system. A field by field comparison of the distal edge (80% and 20%), distal fall off (80% to 20%), field width (50% to 50%), and penumbra (80% to 20%) were examined. In addition, the target dose for the full plan was compared. Results : For the 32 fields from the 10 patients, the average differences of distal edge at 80% and 20% on central axis between MC and TPS are −1.9 ± 1.7 mm (p < 0.001) and −0.6 ± 2.3 mm (p = 0.13), respectively. Excluding the fields that ranged out in bone or an air cavity, the 80% difference was −0.9 ± 1.7 mm (p = 0.09). The negative value indicates that MC was on average shallower than TPS. The average difference of the 63 field widths of the 10 patients is −0.7 ± 1.0 mm (p < 0.001), negative indicating on average the MC had a smaller field width. On average, the difference in the penumbra was 2.3 ± 2.1 mm (p < 0.001). The average of the mean clinical target volume dose differences is −1.8% (p = 0.001), negative indicating a lower dose for MC. Conclusions : Overall, the MC system and TPS gave similar results for field width, the 20% distal edge, and the target coverage. For the 80% distal edge and lateral penumbra, there was slight disagreement; however, the difference was less than 2 mm and occurred primarily in highly heterogeneous areas. These differences highlight that the TPS dose calculation cannot be automatically regarded as correct.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas in children: a 15-year experience and the identification of a unique immunohistochemical marker

Abstract Purpose To review our 15-year experience in the management of children with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPPN) of the pancreas at a single pediatric institution, to delineate a unique immunohistochemical marker for SPPN, and to analyze cumulative data on this rare entity in the literature. Methods We did a retrospective analysis of the demographic data, clinical presentation, immunohistochemical characteristics, surgical approach, and long-term outcomes of all patients diagnosed with SPPN between 1997 and 2012. Results There were 6 patients in the series, 5 females and 1 male. Median age at presentation and at surgery was 15years (11–18years). Abdominal pain was the presenting symptom in 5 cases and jaundice in 1 case. Two patients had a pancreatic head tumor and underwent a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Two patients had the tumor in the pancreatic tail and underwent a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Two patients had the tumor in the pancreatic body and underwent a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy in one case and with preservation of the spleen in the other. All tumors were completely resected with pathologic margins free of disease. The median maximum diameter was 6.8cm (3 to 15cm). On immunohistochemistry the tumors exhibited different combinations of non-specific markers like chromogranin, vimentin and neuron-specific enolase, but all tumors showed the highly SPPN-specific paranuclear dot-like immunoreactivity pattern for CD99 in the solid as well as in the pseudopapillary areas. No patient had metastasis at presentation. Median follow-up was 6.5years (6months to 15years). There were no recurrences, no long-term metastasis, and all patients are disease-free. Conclusion Our series supports the concept that complete resection is necessary to achieve the best possible long-term results. Additionally, we demonstrate that SPPN exhibits a very unique immunostaining pattern for CD99 that is present in all cases.
An empirical regularity of the weak interactions

Data on the weak two-body decay modes of elementary particles are examined, and a regularity in the decay is noted. The possibility of this regularity being fundamental is investigated. (L.T.W.)
Role of the duodenum in vitamin D3 absorption in man

Two different radioisotopic forms of vitamin D3, dissolved in a micellar solution, were infused separately and simultaneously into the duodenum and jejunum of healthy adult male volunteers. Net apparent absorption of each isotope was calculated by measuring the portion excreted in a 7-day stool collection. Mean apparent absorption of the vitamin D3 isotope, infused into the duodenum, was 77%, as compared with 65% for the vitamin D3 isotope infused into the jejunum, 60 cm distal. This small difference is thought to be due simply to the extra length of small intestine available for absorption of the vitamin D3 infused into the duodenum. These results suggest that the duodenum does not have unique efficiency for vitamin D absorption, as compared to the remainder of the small intestine.
Minimal modification approach to red-shifted absorption and fluorescence in 1,8-naphthalimides

Abstract As a minimum modification approach toward longer wavelength chromophores, a series of (4-diethylamino-1,8-naphthaloyl)-aminopyridines were prepared with the pyridine nitrogen located at the ortho, meta, and para positions. Comparison between these isomeric neutral dyes and their corresponding pyridinium-1,3-propanesulfonate salts reveals a red-shift in both absorption (up to an emission of 1682 cm−1 in ethyl acetate) and emission. These observed shifts along with increased fluorescence quantum yield are attributed to polarization induced by the quaternary nitrogen of the pyridinium cation.
RAPID METHODS AND AUTOMATION IN FOOD MICROBIOLOGY: BEYOND DELPHI FORECAST1

Routine microbiological analysis of foods has traditionally involved estimation of the total numbers of organisms by direct microscopy, viable counts or dye reduction, etc. The conventional methods have been fully or partially automated and alternative methods for estimation of microbial populations based on measurement of amplitude of selected parameter(s) have been introduced over the past two decades. The Delphi Technique is a method for technological forecasting helpful in planning future business activities, particularly in the areas of rapid technological development. In 1980–1981, a Delphi survey was conducted to develop a consensus view of future development in rapid and automated methods in food microbiology. The survey predicted that traditional methods for enumeration organisms in foods, i.e., colony count methods will be superseded by automated and mechanized methods for colony count by the end of the century. However, prediction of acceptance of alternative methodologies for detection and characterization of food-borne pathogens, including the gene probes and the PCR based methods have been introduced. This presentation is designed to review these new technologies as a summary of this symposium.
Nanomechanical motion measured with an imprecision below that at the standard quantum limit

Nanomechanical oscillators are at the heart of ultrasensitive detectors of force, mass and motion. As these detectors progress to even better sensitivity, they will encounter measurement limits imposed by the laws of quantum mechanics. If the imprecision of a measurement of the displacement of an oscillator is pushed below a scale set by the standard quantum limit, the measurement must perturb the motion of the oscillator by an amount larger than that scale. Here we show a displacement measurement with an imprecision below the standard quantum limit scale. We achieve this imprecision by measuring the motion of a nanomechanical oscillator with a nearly shot-noise limited microwave interferometer. As the interferometer is naturally operated at cryogenic temperatures, the thermal motion of the oscillator is minimized, yielding an excellent force detector with a sensitivity of 0.51 aN Hz(-1/2). This measurement is a critical step towards observing quantum behaviour in a mechanical object.
AN IMPROVED (LYSINE ENRICHED) SYNTHETIC MEDIUM FOR THE GROWTH OF BLASTOCLADIELLA EMERSONII ON AGAR MEDIA

Numerous combinations of amino acids supported growth ofBlastocladiella emersonii populations on defined media solidified with agar. Lysine was a particularly influential ingredient in these media.
Right hemisphere processing superiority during sustained visual attention

Normal subjects showed a right hemisphere processing superiority in reaction times to visual stimuli under conditions of sustained visual attention. This asymmetry was predicted based on findings in studies of blood flow, clinical populations, and physiology on lateralization of the noradrenergic system. The asymmetry was eliminated when an auditory event was delivered simultaneously with the visual target suggesting a common pathway between voluntary sustained alerting and more automatic alerting effects of external stimuli. The act of sustaining alertness also interacted with covert orienting of attention as would be expected if alerting influenced the efficiency of covert shifts of attention.
In-Process Linewidth Measurement Of Polysilicon Gates Using A Scanning Electron Microscope

SEM measurement of uncoated samples is not as easy as the salesmen would like us to believe! Despite the relatively "simple" sample, optimizing for reproducible submicron linewidth measurements of polysilicon gates was not trivial. Beam energy was shown to control both the signal-to-noise and the slope of the measurement signal, while beam exposure time was found to cause systematic linewidth changes. Optimized measurements utilized a 2.3 kV beam energy, controlled beam exposure times, and a 60% threshold level. No damage was measured on MOS devices exposed at 2.3 kV, at least when such measurements were followed by the anneals typical for MOS process flows.
Synthesis of sesquiterpene antitumor lactones. 7. Studies directed toward the total synthesis of pentalenolactone. Intramolecular ene reaction.

Abstract Functionalized cyclopentene 11 is cyclized via thermal ene reaction to 12 . All steps in the synthesis of 12 are highly stereoselective.
Applying a hybrid artificial immune systems to the job shop scheduling problem

In today’s economy, manufacturing sectors are challenged by high costs, low revenues. As part of the managerial activities, scheduling plays an important role in optimizing cost, revenue, profit, time, and efficiency by optimization of available resources. The objective of this research is to evaluate the existing artificial immune system (AIS) principles, models, and applications, and to develop an algorithm applicable to job shop scheduling problems. The developed algorithm was based on the theories of the positive selection algorithm and the clonal selection principle. To test the algorithm, ten job shop scheduling problems were evaluated using the new AIS model. To validate the results, the same job scheduling problems were evaluated using a genetic algorithm (GA) model. The results of the two evaluations were compared against each other using the dimensions of optimality and robustness. The testing revealed that the AIS model was slightly less competitive than the GA model in the optimality test but beat the GA in robustness. Another key finding was that the robustness of the model increased as the best solutions produced by the model were closer to the known optimal.
Molecular evolution: aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases on the loose.

Abstract Modified versions – paralogs – of the catalytic domain of at least three different aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases have been found to serve catalytic or regulatory roles in other reactions. These findings suggest that the first modern tRNA-synthetases could have been derived from amino-acid biosynthetic enzymes.
Microscopic insights into the NMR relaxation-based protein conformational entropy meter.

Conformational entropy is a potentially important thermodynamic parameter contributing to protein function. Quantitative measures of conformational entropy are necessary for an understanding of its role but have been difficult to obtain. An empirical method that utilizes changes in conformational dynamics as a proxy for changes in conformational entropy has recently been introduced. Here we probe the microscopic origins of the link between conformational dynamics and conformational entropy using molecular dynamics simulations. Simulation of seven proteins gave an excellent correlation with measures of side-chain motion derived from NMR relaxation. The simulations show that the motion of methyl-bearing side chains are sufficiently coupled to that of other side chains to serve as excellent reporters of the overall side-chain conformational entropy. These results tend to validate the use of experimentally accessible measures of methyl motion—the NMR-derived generalized order parameters—as a proxy from which ...
A rechargeable Na–CO2/O2 battery enabled by stable nanoparticle hybrid electrolytes

We report on rechargeable batteries that use metallic sodium as the anode, a mixture of CO2 and O2 as the active material in the cathode, and an organic–inorganic hybrid liquid as electrolyte. The batteries are attractive among energy storage technologies because they provide a mechanism for simultaneously capturing CO2 emissions while generating electrical energy. Through in and ex situ chemical analysis of the cathode we show that NaHCO3 is the principal discharge product, and that its relative instability permits cell recharging. By means of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) based on 12C and 13C we further show that addition of as little as 10% of 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide ionic liquid tethered to SiO2 nanoparticles extends the high-voltage stability of the electrolyte by at least 1 V, allowing recharge of the Na–CO2/O2 cells.
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with finger swelling in a patient with tuberculous osteomyelitis: a case report.

Background: Extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis have become increasingly important in the era of HIV/AIDS. Case presentation: We describe a case of tuberculosis (TB) dactylitis in a patient with AIDS who originated from the Ivory Coast. The diagnosis was established by direct visualization of acid-fast bacilli on joint fluid and bone biopsy of the proximal phalanx. Imaging of the chest revealed multiple bilateral nodules. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made by isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum and bone cultures. Conclusion: Tuberculosis should be considered in patients with unusual soft tissue or skeletal lesions, especially when an immunosuppressive condition is present. Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture of tissue obtained via surgical biopsy offer the most direct approach to diagnosis.
Crystallization kinetics of amorphous NiTi shape memory alloy thin films

Abstract The temperature dependence of the crystallite nucleation and growth rates is measured for amorphous NiTi thin films. Using transmission electron microscopy, crystallites are shown to nucleate homogeneously in the film and to grow in a channeling mode. A mechanism that suppresses heterogeneous nucleation is proposed. By manipulating nucleation and growth rates, grains as large as 60 μm can be obtained in submicron films.
Fever after redo Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair

Abstract Background Fevers often arise after redo fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair. We reviewed our experience to evaluate the yield of a fever work-up in this population. Methods We performed a retrospective review of children undergoing redo Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair between December 2001 and September 2012. Temperatures and fever evaluations of those children receiving a mesh repair were compared with those without mesh. A fever defined as temperature ≥38.4°C. Results Fifty one children received 46 laparoscopic, 4 open, and 1 laparoscopic converted to open procedures. Biosynthetic mesh was used in 25 children whereas 26 underwent repair without mesh. A fever occurred in 56% of those repaired with mesh compared with 23.1% without mesh ( P = 0.02). A fever evaluation was conducted in 32% of those with mesh compared with 11.5% without mesh ( P = 0.52). A urinary tract infection was identified in one child after mesh use and an infection was identified in two children without mesh, one pneumonia and one wound infection ( P = 1). In those repaired with mesh, there was no significant difference in maximum temperature. Conclusions Fever is common after redo Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair and occurs more frequently, and with higher temperatures in those with mesh. Fever work-up in these patients is unlikely to yield an infectious source and is attributed to the extensive dissection during the redo procedure.
Young Adults’ Provision of Support to Middle-Aged Parents

Objectives Middle-aged adults often provide support to aging parents, but researchers know little about support that young adults provide middle-aged parents. This study examined support that young adults provide parents and explanations for that support from both offspring's and parents' perspectives. Method Young adults (n = 515, mean age = 22.34) and their parents (n = 364, mean age = 50.09) from the Family Exchanges Study reported support that offspring provide parents. Participants also reported parental personal problems, parental disability status, relationship quality, and support that parents provide offspring. Results Offspring provided parents with emotional support and listening more often than other forms of support. Offspring reported providing more frequent support than parents reported receiving. We examined factors associated with support using multilevel models. Both offspring and parents reported more frequent support provided to parents when they had higher quality relationships and when parents gave more frequent support to offspring. Offspring (but not parents) reported providing more frequent support to parents when parents were disabled. Discussion Findings are consistent with solidarity theory, which suggests that high-quality relationships may explain support. The concept of self-enhancement and generativity in middle-aged parents may explain the intergenerational differences in the association between parental disability and support.
The Effects of State Policy Decisions on the Employment and Earnings of Medicaid Buy-In Participants in 2006

This article examines the Medicaid Buy-In program, so named because workers with disabilities “buy into” Medicaid coverage with monthly premiums. In 2006, 97,491 individuals were enrolled in 32 state Buy-In programs. States have taken different pathways toward the program’s dual objectives: expanding Medicaid coverage to vulnerable populations and promoting employment of working-age adults with disabilities. Analyses indicate that (a) some states appear to have accomplished both objectives, whereas other states have emphasized one over the other, and that (b) certain program features (e.g., higher earned income limits) contribute to both larger percentages of Buy-In participants who are employed and higher earnings of employed participants. The authors’ findings have implications for Buy-In design and the study of federalism in health care.