cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-FF-T-59: Experimental Verification of Dosimetric Parameters for a New I-125 Interstitial Brachytherapy Source

Purpose: This investigation experimentally determined the dosimetric parameters of a new brachytherapy source from GE Healthcare, henceforth referred to as model 9011. This new source is designed to be used with smaller gauge needles and may reduce trauma to the patient during the implant procedure. The results of the experiments performed in this work were compared to published values for the model 9011 and the model 6711. Methods and Materials: The AAPM TG‐43U1 document details the dosimetric parameters that must be determined for any new low‐energy interstitial brachytherapy source. Thermoluminescent microcube dosimeters were used to experimentally determine the radial dose function, dose rate constant and anisotropy functions. Two PMMA phantoms were machined in‐house with tolerances of 0.001″. The atomic composition of the acrylic was verified by Colombia Analytical Laboratories (Tucson, AZ). Two 9011 seeds were studied as well as the standard 6711 conventional model. Each parameter was also determined computationally using MCNP5 for both the 9011 and 6711. These and other published values were compared to the experimental results. Results: Initial measurements of the 9011 indicate good agreement in the dose rate constant and radial dose function as compared to the Monte Carlo calculated values and to the published values. Additionally, as expected, the 9011 dose rate constant and radial dose function values are similar to those of the 6711. Initial measurements of the 2D anisotropy function show good agreement with published values as well. Conclusions: The 9011 seed may provide an advantage to the patient without compromising the dosimetric qualities of the seed. Although the model 6711 and model 9011 are quite similar, their TG‐43 parameters are not identical and should be entered into a treatment planning system separately. Conflict of Interest:Funding for this project was funded in part by GE Healthcare.
Aortic valve replacement in childhood: Evaluation of left ventricular function by electrocardiography, echocardiography and graded exercise testing

Preoperative and postoperative left ventricular (LV) performance was evaluated noninvasively in 15 children who survived aortic valve replacement (AVR). The noninvasive evaluation included electrocardiography, M-mode echocardiography, and graded exercise testing. Clinically, there was dramatic improvement postoperatively: All but 2 patients were asymptomatic. No conduction defects or arrhythmias were detected preoperatively; however, in the late postoperative period there was a variety of intraventricular conduction abnormalities, myocardial infarctions, and ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmias. On M-mode echocardiography, children with aortic stenosis continued to have increased LV mass postoperatively. Shortening fraction and left-sided systolic time intervals returned to normal. The children with aortic regurgitation also had persistently abnormal LV mass on echocardiography postoperatively. Exercise data indicated no improvement in working capacity after AVR. Also, 9 children (63%) continued to have ST-segment depression with maximal exercise. These data indicate that AVR does not result in a return to normal of myocardial performance in children with severe aortic valve disease.
Infrared spectrum of ruthenium tetroxide isotopomers in an argon matrix

Abstract RuO4 isotopomer mixtures were synthesized with the natural abundances of Ru isotopes and mixtures of 16O and 18O. The bond-stretching region of the IR spectrum was examined using Fourier transform spectroscopy and in an argon matrix at 14 K. Wilson FG-matrix calculations permitted identification of all stretching frequencies except forbidden ν1 vibrations of Ru16O4 and Ru18O4 and confirmed undistorted tetrahedral geometry. Calculated and observed frequencies agreed with a mean deviation of 0.56 cm−1. Values compared well with gas values and with an average matrix shift of −3.2 ± 0.4 cm−1. Relative intensities were well matched using the simple classical concept of additive bond dipole moments. Intense UV irradiation of the mixture did not dissociate the RuO4 into smaller fragments, contrary to the behavior of the gas.
Continuous collections of hereditarily indecomposable continua

Abstract We present a survey of work on the title topic. Several questions are also posed.
Kμ2(πμ2) decay and ϱ meson universality

Abstract It is shown that, even in the badly broken eightfold way, the K μ2 decay rate is still given by Cabibbo's theory as long as the U(3) ⊗ U(3) commutation relations are exact and the ϱ meson is coupled universally to the isospin.
High temperature tolerant diamond-based microelectronic oxygen gas sensor

Abstract A new diamond-based microelectronic gas sensor (catalyst/adsorptive-oxide/insulator/semiconductor, CAIS device) has been developed for the detection of oxygen and CO gases. The gas sensing performance, detection mechanisms and activation energy analysis of the sensor for oxygen and CO gases have been analyzed. The gas sensitivity of the sensor is high, repeatable, and reproducible. The response time is in seconds to a small concentration of oxygen and CO gases. The gas detection mechanism of the new sensor is attributed to the change in the oxygen vacancies of the SnO x layer upon oxygen and CO exposure, causing several milliamperes of change in device current. The adsorption activation energy analysis of the sensor reveals small values, 2.8±0.1 kcal mol −1 and 1.1±0.1 kcal mol −1 for oxygen and CO gases, respectively, confirming the high sensitivity and fast response of this new sensor. The diamond-based CAIS gas sensor could be applied for the detection of oxidizing and reducing gases over a higher and wider temperature range than is currently possible.
The frequency and magnitude of cerebrospinal fluid pulsations influence intrathecal drug distribution: key factors for interpatient variability.

Background Intrathecal drug delivery is an efficient method to administer therapeutic molecules to the central nervous system. However, even with identical drug dosage and administration mode, the extent of drug distribution in vivo is highly variable and difficult to control. Different cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatility from patient to patient may lead to different drug distribution. Medical image-based computational fluid dynamics (miCFD) is used to construct a patient-specific model to quantify drug transport as a function of a spectrum of physiological CSF pulsations. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CINE MRI were performed to capture the patient's central nervous system anatomy and CSF pulsatile flow velocities. An miCFD model was reconstructed from these MRIs and the patient's CSF flow velocities were computed. The effect of CSF pulsatility (frequency and stroke volume) was investigated for a bolus injection of a model drug at the L2 vertebral level. Drug distribution profiles along the entire spine were computed for different heart rates: 43, 60, and 120 bpm, and varied CSF stroke volumes: 1, 2, and 3 mL. To assess toxicity risk for patients with different physiological variables, therapeutic and toxic concentration thresholds for a common anesthetic were derived from experimental studies. Toxicity risk analysis was performed for an injection of a spinal anesthetic for patients with different heart rates and CSF stroke volumes. Results Both heart rate and CSF stroke volume of the patient strongly influence drug distribution administered intrathecally. Doubling the heart rate (from 60 to 120 bpm) caused a 26.4% decrease in peak concentration in CSF after injection. Doubling the CSF stroke volume diminished the peak concentration after injection by 38.1%. Computations show that potentially toxic peak concentrations due to injection can be avoided by changing the infusion rate. Using slower infusion rates could avoid high peak concentrations in CSF while maintaining drug concentrations above the therapeutic threshold. Conclusions Our computations identify key variables for patient to patient variability in drug distribution in the spine observed clinically. The speed of drug transport is strongly affected by the frequency and magnitude of CSF pulsations. Toxicity risks associated with an injection can be reduced for a particular patient by adjusting the infusion variables with our rigorous miCFD model.
High-affinity binding of progesterone to the plasma membrane of Xenopus oocytes: characteristics of binding and hormonal and developmental control.

Progesterone induces maturation of the amphibian oocyte through its action on the plasma membrane. However, whether or not this action requires high-affinity binding to a specific receptor is unclear. In this study, the binding activity of progesterone was characterized in plasma membranes from whole ovaries or defolliculated oocytes of Xenopus laevis. Membrane-bound, radiolabeled progesterone was isolated by filtration of membrane suspensions and quantified by liquid scintillation. The association of progesterone to membrane preparations reached equilibrium within 15 min. Progesterone binding activity was directly proportional to the sample concentration, was significantly reduced by trypsin digestion, and was pH-dependent and temperaturesensitive. Also, binding activity was observed in membrane preparations from whole ovaries and defolliculated oocytes but not in those from somatic cells, indicating that progesterone binding is restricted to the oocyte membrane. Scatchard analysis indicated a single class of high-affinity (average KD, 10 - 9 M), low-capacity (average concentration, 10 - 12 mol/mg protein) binding sites for progesterone in all oocyte membrane preparations tested. Progesterone binding activity was also detected in preparations from albino frog ovaries, indicating that the binding activity is not an artifact of melanin contamination. Competition studies showed the following order of affinities: progesterone > pregnenolone > 17x,20,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one > Il-deoxycorticosterone > 17cx,20,B-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one > 11-deoxycortisol > estradiol > R5020 > testosterone > corticosterone > aldosterone > cortisol > androstenedione > ouabain. Experiments using radiolabeled R5020 as primary ligand showed low levels of specific binding and a different pattern of steroid competition, indicating that the membrane receptor for progesterone in the Xenopus oocyte is different than the classical intracellular progesterone receptor. The density of the receptor for progesterone increased with oocyte development and after stimulation of intact follicles with gonadotropin.
Stopwatch for Measuring Thumb-Movement Time:

The feasibility of using a stopwatch to measure thumb-movement time was examined. The measurements, which did not differ significantly between the nondominant and dominant hands, possessed high intrasession reliability. The measurements discriminated between 19 apparently healthy individuals and 19 older patients with a variety of diagnoses.
Probing the mechanism of action of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins by site-directed mutagenesis — a minireview

The current model of the mechanism of action of several Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry) is reviewed and tested by site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Amino acid (aa) residues were substituted in each of the three domains of Cry toxins and the effects on toxin stability, binding to receptors, irreversible insertion into the membrane, and ion channel activity were examined. Mutant proteins with aa altered on the putative membrane-proximal surface of domain I are affected in insertion into the membrane and toxicity, but not in binding to the receptor. Alterations in the putative receptor-binding loops of domain II show an effect on the initial (reversible) binding to the receptor when certain aa are altered, while affecting irreversible binding when other aa are altered. Mutant proteins with aa altered in a conserved track of aa of domain III have altered ion channel properties, as measured by the voltage clamping of insect midguts and the K+ permeability of brush border membrane vesicles. In summary, domain I is involved in insertion into the membrane and affects ion channel function, domain II is involved in receptor binding and insertion into the membrane, and domain III is involved ion channel function, receptor binding, and insertion into the membrane.
Repeated bouts of dehydration deplete nutrient reserves and reduce egg production in the mosquito Culex pipiens

SUMMARY In this study of the mosquito, Culex pipiens , we examined the impact of multiple bouts of dehydration and rehydration on survival, depletion of metabolic reserves and egg production in both non-diapausing and diapausing females. Mosquitoes provided with access to sugar during rehydration survived longer than those allowed to rehydrate without sugar, and their survival was similar to that of mosquitoes of the same age that were not dehydrated. Among mosquitoes not provided with sugar, each dehydration bout reduced the mosquito9s dry mass – an effect likely to be due to the utilization of carbohydrates and lipid reserves. The toll on glycogen and lipid reserves is likely to be especially costly for diapausing mosquitoes that are dependent on these stored reserves for winter survival. Egg production in both non-diapausing and post-diapausing C. pipiens was also reduced in response to multiple bouts of dehydration. Although egg quality was not compromised, the number of eggs produced was reduced. Both non-diapausing and diapausing females can compensate for the nutrient loss due to dehydration by sugar feeding but the opportunity to feed on sugar is likely to be rarely available in the overwintering habitat of diapausing females, thus the impact of dehydration may be especially pronounced in overwintering populations of C. pipiens .
A triangular finite element for thick and thin plates

Abstract A new element which has been proposed for the analysis of plates by the finite element method is described and applied to typlcal test problems. It is found that the element is well behaved and can be used as a suitable alternative element for plates of all thicknesses.
The renal cGMP-gated cation channel: Its molecular structure and physiological role

The renal cGMP-gated cation channel: Its molecular structure and physiological role. Cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels, which are permeable to monovalent and divalent cations, are expressed in a number of tissues. cDNAs encoding cGMP-gated cation channel subunits have been cloned in retinal rods, cones, olfactory neuroepithelium, pineal gland, aorta, testis, heart, and most recently kidney. Patch clamp studies have identified and characterized cGMP-gated cation channels in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). cGMP-gated cation channels in kidney share many biophysical and molecular properties with the retinal rod cGMP-gated channel. However, unlike the retinal rod channel, the cGMP-gated cation channel in kidney is inhibited by cGMP and stimulated by increased calcium levels. In the IMCD the cGMP-gated cation channel mediates electrogenic sodium absorption which is inhibited by ANP via cGMP. Recently, cGMP-gated cation channel poly(A + ) RNA has been identified in other nephron segments by RT-PCR and in situ PCR hybridization. Furthermore, cGMP-gated cation channel protein has also been identified in all nephron segments by Western blot analysis. These observations suggest that cGMP-gated cation channels, or closely related gene products, may play an important physiological role in all nephron segments. Hormones that increase intracellular cGMP may regulate sodium, and perhaps calcium, uptake in nephron segments proximal to the IMCD. Increases in cell sodium and calcium may regulate other transport and signaling pathways.
Multiaxial Cyclic Ratcheting in Coiled Tubing—Part I: Theoretical Modeling

Coiled tubing is a long, continuous string of steel tubing that is used in the oil well drilling and servicing industry. Bending strains imposed on coiled tubing as it is deployed and retrieved from a well are considerably into the plastic regime and can be as high as 3%. Progressive growth of tubing diameter occurs when tubing is cyclically bent-straightened under constant internal pressure, regardless of the fact that the hoop stress imposed by typical pressure levels is well below the material's yield strength. A new incremental plasticity model is proposed in this study that can predict multiaxial cyclic ratcheting in coiled tubing more accurately than the conventional plasticity models. A new hardening rule is presented based on published experimental observations. The model also implements a new plastic modulus function. The predictions based on the new theory correlate well with experimental results presented in Part 2 of this paper. Some previously unexpected trends in coiled tubing deformation behavior were observed and correctly predicted using the proposed model.
Complex dielectric permittivities of the Ag2O-Ag2CO3 system at microwave frequencies and temperatures between 22 °C and 189 °C

The silver oxide-silver carbonate system comprises a thermally regenerable chemisorbent for carbon dioxide, which has been employed to revitalize CO2-laden air within space suits. To evaluate the compatibility of these materials with thermal regeneration via dielectric heating, complex permittivities were studied over the microwave-frequency span between 4 and 26 GHz using a vector network analyzer based measurement system. Complex permittivities were determined over temperatures from 22 °C to 189 °C. The resulting values for the real and imaginary components of the complex permittivity, corresponding to polarization and energy-loss terms, respectively, were uniformly low for both the oxide and the carbonate under all test conditions. These results suggest that efficient dielectric heating of these materials is improbable.
Men's susceptibility to HIV in Swaziland

HIV prevention that uses gender as an analytical framework tends to focus on the ways in which gender inequalities differentially affect women's susceptibility to HIV infection. Men, in this context, are often conceptualized as aggressors, as opposed to women, who are seen as passive victims of HIV infection. In recent years, a growing number of researchers and public health officials have called attention to the pitfalls of this paradigm, pointing out that gender inequities harm both women and men. The first step towards transforming gender norms is to understand what norms currently exist. With this in mind, the aim of this paper is to consolidate and analyse literature that examines structural factors that contribute to the continued HIV infection of men in Swaziland, the country with the highest prevalence of HIV. Gaps in current literature related to this topic are also elucidated. Findings highlight the need for research to be conducted in Swaziland and elsewhere that investigates the effects of gen...
The use of the 'range of uncertainty'

Most laboratory tests are hampered by overlap of the population with a disease and the population without the disease. An efficient approach to clinical problem solving is to order tests in sequence and focus on the overlap zone of each test--the "range of uncertainty." Indeed, only cases that fall in that range need further workup. All others will have the suspected diagnosis made or excluded with reasonable confidence and need no further testing. To demonstrate the application of this concept, we correlated the iron saturation test and ferritin levels sequentially with the presence or absence of stainable iron in the bone marrow of 139 patients. This model should be suitable for other laboratory tests; it may decrease the use of the laboratory in clinical decision making and reduce the discomfort and cost of additional tests.
Sialidosis presenting as severe nonimmune fetal hydrops is associated with two novel mutations in lysosomal α-neuraminidase

Sialidosis is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by accumulation of sialylated oligosaccharides in tissues, blood and urine and is caused by mutations in the gene for lysosomal alpha-neuraminidase (NEU1). There is wide variability in the age of onset and severity of symptoms in sialidosis. We report here a case of sialidosis due to novel mutations in NEU1 presenting as severe nonimmune hydrops fetalis.
An automated recording atmometer: 2. evaporation measurement on a high elevation transect in Hawaii

Abstract A transect of five recording atmometers was maintained over a 3-year period to monitor evaporative demand between 950 and 3000 m on the leeward slope of Haleakala Volcano, Maui, Hawaii. This elevation range traverses a portion of the slope where the persistent trade-wind inversion produces distinct vertical climate zonation, grading from a moist marine environment to extreme aridity above the inversion. Mean annual evaporation rates of 3.51 mm day −1 at both 950 and 1650 m, 3.64 mm day −1 at 2130 m, 4.82 mm day −1 at 2500 m, and 6.03 mm day −1 at 3000 m suggest a minimum between 950 and 1650 m where a cloud layer typically develops each morning. Monthly mean evaporation rates along the transect range from 2.3 mm day −1 at 950 m in December to 8.1 mm day −1 at 3000 m in August. Pronounced annual cycles are evident at the three highest stations. Midday evaporation is greatest at the upper two stations and least at 1650 and 2130 m. Differences in evaporation variability suggest that humidity changes associated with movements of the inversion are a major source of variation in the evaporation rate at high elevations.
Liver X Receptor Agonists Augment Human Islet Function through Activation of Anaplerotic Pathways and Glycerolipid/Free Fatty Acid Cycling

Recent studies in rodent models suggest that liver X receptors (LXRs) may play an important role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and islet function. To date, however, no studies have comprehensively examined the role of LXRs in human islet biology. Human islets were isolated from non-diabetic donors and incubated in the presence or absence of two synthetic LXR agonists, TO-901317 and GW3965, under conditions of low and high glucose. LXR agonist treatment enhanced both basal and stimulated insulin secretion, which corresponded to an increase in the expression of genes involved in anaplerosis and reverse cholesterol transport. Furthermore, enzyme activity of pyruvate carboxylase, a key regulator of pyruvate cycling and anaplerotic flux, was also increased. Whereas LXR agonist treatment up-regulated known downstream targets involved in lipogenesis, we observed no increase in the accumulation of intra-islet triglyceride at the dose of agonist used in our study. Moreover, LXR activation increased expression of the genes encoding hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase, two enzymes involved in lipolysis and glycerolipid/free fatty acid cycling. Chronically, insulin gene expression was increased after treatment with TO-901317, and this was accompanied by increased Pdx-1 nuclear protein levels and enhanced Pdx-1 binding to the insulin promoter. In conclusion, our data suggest that LXR agonists have a direct effect on the islet to augment insulin secretion and expression, actions that should be considered either as therapeutic or unintended side effects, as these agents are developed for clinical use.
K+-ATPase from Rhizobium sp. UMKL 20

An ATPase whose activity was stimulated by K+ was identified in Rhizobium sp. UMKL 20. The synthesis of the ATPase was repressed by high levels of K+. The enzyme had a pH optimum of about 8.0. It was highly specific for cations and only K+ appeared to be able to stimulate the enzyme. In terms of divalent cation specificity, both Mn2+ and Mg2+ stimulated K+-ATPase activity. ATP was the only nucleotide capable of supporting substantial activity. Vanadate was an inhibitor of the enzyme.
Pulmonary Heart Disease With Emphasis on Electrocardiographic Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cor pulmonale presents considerable difficulty in its earlier stages. Clinical symptoms are not available until the right heart fails and the only reliable sign is right ventricular hypertrophy, which is not easy to demonstrate. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate electrocardiographic patterns of these patients as a more practical means of diagnosis. Sixty-seven patients with cor pulmonale are included in this study, which endeavors to point out degrees of correlation between various electrocardiographic patterns and clinical factors, such as stages of the disease, its severity, its etiology, and the anatomic changes of the right ventricle. It also evaluates the degrees of specificity of the various patterns encountered in these patients.
Impact of an Electronic Medical Record System on Emergency Department Discharge Instructions for Patients With Hypertension

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with significant patient morbidity and health care costs. Many patients evaluated in the emergency department (ED) do not regularly consult healt...
Commentary on: Factors Influencing Judicial Decisions on Medical Disputes in Plastic Surgery

The Brazilian experience described by Vila-Nova da Silva et al demonstrates the importance of informed consent and a good medical record, defined as including informed consent information, preoperative and postoperative photographs, and information allowing an outside expert to adequately review the chart.1 That may be where this study stops reflecting similarities to our system. The reality is there are similar areas of litigation in the US by procedure. Informed consent documentation can be quite good when signed by the patient and demonstrating an understanding of the potential inherent risks and complications each procedure includes. The key difference lies in expectations. Expectations have become generally quite unrealistic. I have reviewed litigation at the end of the first stage of a reconstruction where two additional procedures are intended, but the patient is dissatisfied at the beginning. I have reviewed litigation …
Immigration and the making of place in Paris

Since the late nineteenth century, France has been a destination for people outside its borders. In recent decades, most immigrants have come from outside of Europe, often from ex-colonies in Northern Africa, West Africa, and Indochina. The Parisian area has welcomed a disproportionate share of these immigrants and neighborhoods have been shaped and reshaped to reflect their presence. This paper examines three neighborhoods in Paris—Belleville, the Triangle de Choisy, and the Goutte d'Or—which are each composed of and shaped by separate ethnic populations. To a great extent, these neighborhoods are imprinted by commercial activity, often involving customers who come from well outside the neighborhood and networks that extend beyond the nation. They also show patterns of multiethnicity which allows for difference between groups to be maintained, even as the space shared between them is effectively negotiated.
Homeownership, wealth accumulation and income status

Abstract This paper examines the extent to which homeownership had an independent effect on the ability of low- and moderate-income (LMI) households to accumulate wealth during the mid-to-late 1990s. Using household data from the PSID, we generate a panel of households whose homeownership we observe over a 15 year period and whose wealth accumulation we observe at three points in time: 1994, 1999 and 2001. We investigate the extent to which homeownership has an independent impact on the wealth accumulation of LMI households, controlling for a host of other variables and unobserved heterogeneity. Accounting for the skewed nature of the wealth distribution, we find that each additional year of homeownership increases total net wealth by $13.7 K on average for the full sample. Interacting income status with years of homeownership indicates that the impact of homeownership varies by income status, with each additional year of homeownership being associated with $15 K more in wealth holdings for high-income households and roughly $6 to 10 K more in wealth holdings for LMI households.
Measurement Of Atomic Uranium Lifetimes For Isotope Separation

Following a brief discussion of uranium isotope separation using lasers, the delayed coincidence method of measuring atomic mean lives with pulsed electron beams utilized here is described along with the beam source used to supply the free uranium atoms for measurement. Experimental details involved in the lifetime measurement are next discussed followed by the effect of resonance radiation imprisonment on the measured lifetimes. Finally, lifetime measurements involving the 3584.9 A and 5915.4 A transitions in natural uranium are described, and the previously reported result of 7.3 ± 1.1 ns ior the mean life of the upper level of the 3584.9 A transition (27886.99 cm -1 ) is presented.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inter-island but not intra-island divergence among populations of sea oats, Uniola paniculata L. (Poaceae)

Understanding the underlying causes of phenotypic trait variation among populations is important for informing conservation decisions. This knowledge can be used to determine whether locality matters when sourcing populations for habitat restoration. Uniola paniculata is a federally protected coastal dune grass native to the southeastern Atlantic and the Gulf coasts of the USA that is often used to stabilize restored dune habitats. This study uses neutral genetic markers (allozymes) and a greenhouse common garden study to determine the relative contributions of neutral evolutionary processes and natural selection to patterns of phenotypic variation among natural populations of U. paniculata. Seeds were sourced from foredune and backdune populations spanning shoreline-to-landward environmental gradients on each of four Georgia barrier islands. Based on previous work, we expected to find evidence of divergent selection among populations located on the shoreline-to-landward environmental gradient. However, differences among islands, rather than intra-island habitat differences, drive divergent selection on aboveground and total biomass. The lack of evidence for divergent selection across the shoreline-to-landward gradient suggests that previously documented intra-island trait variation is likely due to phenotypic plasticity. Our findings have implications for conservation and restoration efforts involving U. paniculata, as there is evidence for divergent selection among populations located on neighboring islands.
Testing For Allergy

1. Mary V. Lasley, MD* 2. Gail G. Shapiro, MD† 1. 2. *Clinical Assistant Professor. 3. 4. †Clinical Professor, University of Washington Medical Center, Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center, Seattle, WA. After completing this article, the reader should be able to: 1. List the indications for immediate-type skin testing. 2. Delineate the populations in which pollen allergy and food allergies are more common. 3. List the most common medicines that can alter the results of allergy skin testing. 4. Explain the commonalities and differences between radioallergosorbent testing and skin testing. 5. Delineate situations in which in vitro testing is indicated. Many children in the United States are affected by atopic disease. It has been estimated that 4% to 6% of children have food allergies, 8% to 10% have asthma, and 15% to 25% have allergic rhinitis. Additionally, large numbers of children who suffer from allergic rhinitis have coexisting otitis media and sinusitis. Further, there is a widespread impression that the incidence of allergic diseases has increased in the past 15 to 20 years, most notably in industrialized countries. The purpose of allergy testing is to help identify potential allergen(s) that are contributing to the allergic disease process. By identifying the allergen, the patient and his or her family can avoid exposures, and the clinician can manage the disease appropriately. Allergy testing can be performed for a variety of foods, aeroallergens, latex, venom, and some medications. Skin testing methods were described initially more than a century ago. In 1873, Charles Blackley performed the first allergy skin tests on patients by scratching the surface of their skin, applying pollen to the scratch, and observing the interaction. In 1908, Mantoux described the intradermal test, which subsequently was used for allergy testing. In the early 1920s, Lewis and Grant described the prick test. The principles of allergy testing described in earlier years remain in practice today, albeit with modifications that include standardized devices and allergen extracts. Skin testing is a major method for identifying allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Allergen is …
View box luminance measurements and their effect on reader performance

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of view box luminance and viewing conditions on low-contrast detection by readers. Materials and Methods. Radiographs of a mammographic contrast-detail phantom were examined on 632 view box panels. The luminance of these panels was obtained by using a calibrated meter and ranged from 860 to 3,300 nit. Twelve radiologists reported the number of contrast-detail disks for each size (diameter, 0.3–7.0 mm) deemed to be visible on films with optical densities of 1.00–2.60. Radiologist performance in reading low-contrast phantom images was also studied as a function of room illuminance and image masking. Results. Median luminance was 1,700 nit, with 25- and 75-percentile values of 1,450 and 2,150 nit, respectively. Low-contrast visibility generally was independent of view box luminance, regardless of film density or disk diameter. Low-contrast visibility deteriorated when masking around the image was removed and at normal room illuminance. The greatest deterioration in performance occurred at the highest film densities and with the smallest size disks. Conclusion. Detection of low-contrast features on radiographs is relatively independent of view box luminance, but it is degraded by the presence of stray light and by increased room illuminance.
Captopril and lisinopril suppress production of interleukin-12 by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have immunomodulatory functions and can suppress a number of proinflammatory, monocyte/macrophage-derived cytokines. Interleukin-12 is a cytokine produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages, which plays an essential role in cell mediated immunity and stimulates the development of T helper type 1 immune responses. In this study, we investigated the ability of ACE inhibitors, captopril and lisinopril, to suppress IL-12 production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We show that both ACE inhibitors significantly inhibit production of IL-12 by PBMC stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Staphylococcus aureus Cowan (SAC). Although both ACE inhibitors also suppressed IFN-gamma production by human anti-CD3/anti-CD28-stimulated T-cells, the addition of exogenous IFN-gamma to the PBMC stimulation medium does not abrogate the ability of ACE inhibitors to suppress IL-12 production. Inhibition of IL-12 was not associated with inhibition of IL-1beta, but correlated with the suppression of ACE. Therefore, suppression of IL-12 may contribute to the immunomodulatory effect of ACE inhibitors and may be responsible for the beneficial effect of captopril and other ACE inhibitors in inflammatory or autoimmune conditions in which IL-12 is involved.
RHESSI/GOES Observations of the Nonflaring Sun from 2002 to 2006

In this work, we obtain the temperature (T) and emission measure (EM) for solar X-ray emission, using RHESSI and GOES data, at times for which there are no solar flares. Approximately 8700 time intervals during the RHESSI mission, from launch until 2006 August, are analyzed. We find that high-temperature emission, in the temperature range of 5-10 MK, is typically present during active times. When comparing temperature measurements, we find that RHESSI temperature measurements are consistently higher than GOES measurements, with smaller EM for RHESSI, but with values for the two instruments that are not necessarily well correlated.
Selective fluorescent ligands for pharmacological receptors

Receptor-selective fluorescent ligands have come into increasing use as scientific tools for the study of receptor physiology and pathophysiology at the cellular and even the subcellular level. Furthermore, they are being increasingly investigated as tools in drug discovery research. In both cases, techniques employing receptor-selective fluorescent ligands have proved to be complementary to, and in several cases even superior to, the traditional-radioligand based techniques. Increasing costs and public concerns associated with radioactive isotope use and dispersal are also making the use of fluoresecent ligands more attractive in research and diagnostic use. With the increasing rate of discovery of new receptors and receptor subtypes and newer more potent and/or selective receptor ligands and drugs, there will be an accompanying need for the design and development of new highly potent and selective fluorescent ligands to aid in the investigation of the physiological and pathophysiological functions of these new receptors and also in the development of drugs acting specifically at these receptors. This review presents a background of development of selected fluorescent ligands, primarily those for small molecule and small peptide based ligands. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nuclease S1 mapping of 16S ribosomal RNA in ribosomes

Escherichia coli 16S rRNA and 16S-like rRNAs from other species have several universally conserved sequences which are believed to be single-stranded in ribosomes. The quantitative disposition of these sequences within ribosomes is not known. Here we describe experiments designed to explore the availability of universal 16S rRNA sequences for hybridization with DNA probes in 30S particles and 70S ribosomes. Unlike previous investigations, quantitative data on the accessibility of DNA probes to the conserved portions of 16S rRNA within ribosomes was acquired. Uniquely, the experimental design also permitted investigation of cooperative interactions involving portions of conserved 16S rRNA. The basic strategy employed ribosomes, 30S subunits, and 16S rRNAs, which were quantitatively analyzed for hybridization efficiency with synthetic DNA in combination with nuclease S1. In deproteinated E. coli 16S rRNA and 30S subunits, the regions 520–530, 1396–1404, 1493–1504, and 1533–1542 are all single-stranded and unrestricted for hybridization to short synthetic DNAs. However, the quantitative disposition of the sequences in 70S ribosomes varies with each position. In 30S subunits there appear to be no cooperative interactions between the 16S rRNA universal sequences investigated.
Thermotectonic Implications of the Gravity And Magnetic Fields of the Great Basin

Barnes, C. G., Jachens, R. C., and Donato, M. M., 1982, Evidence for basal detachment of the western Paleozoic and Triassic belt, northern Klamath Mountains, California (abs.): GSA abstr. progr., V. 14, p. 147. Griscom, A., and Grafft, K. S., 1982, A model of the Ventura basin, California, from gravity data (abs.): GSA abstr. prog., v. 14, p, 168. Griscom, A., and Oliver, H. W., 1980, Isostatic gravity high along the west side of the Sierra Nevada and the Peninsular Ranges California (abs.): Eos (trans. AGU,), v. 61, p, 1126. Batholith,
Finite Element Simulation of Pelvic Fractures in Side Impact

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the most common cause of serious injury (Healthy People, 2010). Moffat et al. (1990) estimated that, in 1985 alone, 15,300 pelvic fractures occurred during MVCs in the United States. Since the early 1990’s, the incidence of pelvic fractures has significantly increased (Inaba et al., 2004), which is alarming since more patients die from pelvic fracture than from any other skeletal injury (Cryer, 1996).Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Design And Modeling Considerations For SSRL Beam Line Wunder

ABSTRACT SSRL Beam Line Wunder will be the first soft X -ray energy range synchrotron radiation beam line specifically designed to exploit the unique aspects of periodic insertion devices in the wiggler - undulator (wunder) regime. Aspects of the development of this beam line are described in this paper.We emphasize the joint Optical, Thermal, and Mechanical optimization studies that were required.I. Introduction SSRL Beam Line Wunder will be the first soft X -ray energy range synchrotron radiation beam line specifically designed to exploit the unique aspects of periodic insertion devices1 in the wiggler undulator (wunder) regime.2,3 This talk will describe the development of SSRL Beam Line Wunder and the plan now being implemented with acollaborative project between Stanford University and the Xerox Palo Alto ResearchCenter with funding provided by the National Science Foundation Industry.UniversityCo- operative Program, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, the Department of Energy and the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. Completion isscheduled for the fall of 1984.The the beam line consists of the components shown in Figure 1: source, transport,monochromator, experiment, computer. The radiation is derived from the periodicinsertion source in the SPEAR storage ring and then the transport brings the radiationto the monochromator which provides the spectral decomposition. A refocusingsystem delivers the photons to the experimental area. In this paper, we emphasize thejoint optical, thermal, and mechanical studies which are required because of the largepowers and power densities present.The utilization
Austenitic stainless steels in high temperature phosphoric acid

Abstract Austenite 316 L, 317 L, and 904 L stainless steels were investigated in 98% H 3 PO 4 at 170 °C and they experienced passivation regardless of the purged gas. When polarized at 0.1 V (hydrogen) and 0.7 V (air) (phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) environments), currents at the level of mA cm −2 were observed. Compared to carbon composite under identical conditions, 904 L showed lower currents while 316 L and 317 L showed much higher currents. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiles indicated that the surface film of the fresh steels consists of a Fe-oxide-rich outer layer and a Cr-oxide-rich inner layer. After being polarized in the PAFC environments, the Fe-oxide layer was selectively dissolved and Cr-oxide dominated the passive film. Phosphorus was incorporated into the film during the process, thus the chemical composition of the passive film differed from those formed in the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environments. The thicknesses of the stainless steels in the passive films in PAFC environments were estimated.
Robust speech recognition using time boundary detection

This paper explores the benefits of including time boundary information in Hidden Markov Model based speech recognition systems. Traditional systems normally feed the parameterized data into the HMM recognizer, which result in relatively complicated models and computationally expensive search steps. We propose a few methods of detecting time boundaries prior to parameterization, and present a novel way of including this additional information in the recognizer. The result is significant simplification in the model prototypes, higher accuracy and faster performance.
Bias formulas for sensitivity analysis for direct and indirect effects

Abstract:A key question in many studies is how to divide the total effect of an exposure into a component that acts directly on the outcome and a component that acts indirectly, ie, through some intermediate. For example, one might be interested in the extent to which the effect of diet on blood pre
A comparison of nuclear thermal rocket development cost and schedule for piloted missions to Mars

In Fiscal Year 1992, NASA led a team, including DOE, universities, and industry, that evaluated various schedule and cost scenarios for development of nuclear thermal rocket propulsion systems for piloted Mars exploration. This paper summarizes the results of two of these studies: (1) a so-called 'Fast Track' approach, that would result in technology readiness level 6 (TRL-6-system ground testing complete) by the year 2000, and (2) a slower program that results in TRL-6 by 2006. Both scenarios included a concurrent engineering approach. Costs and schedules for the two scenarios are compared. In addition to the six-year schedule delay, the TRL-6 in 2006 scenario is estimated to increase the cost of the program from $4.7 billion to $5.8 billion (in real-year dollars). On the positive side, the technical program should be better, since nuclear testing of fuel elements may be possible prior to concept down-select, resulting in a more informed decision.
Digital Registration Techniques For Sequential Fundus Images

Precise registration techniques are essential for quantitative evaluation of sequential fundus images to make early detection of fundus anomalies feasible. The familiar correlation techniques for achieving such image registration are computationally intensive and suffer from non-uniqueness of solution. We have developed an accurate, yet fast, algorithm for image registration by using a combination of power spectrum and power cepstrum analyses. In this new algorithm rotational shifts and translational shifts are corrected separately. The technique involves two main ideas. First, a rotational shift is corrected and changed into a translational shift by computing Fourier power spectrums. After the rotational shift has been corrected, i.e., images are parallel, the remaining translational shifts are handled. Because of the accuracy characteristics of the power cepstrum and the speed of the-FFT, this new algorithm can work very fast and accurately compared to conventional techniques. Also, the cepstrum technique has better tolerance of image noise than the traditional correlation measures. The accuracy obtained and computational time required for the cepstrum-based registration techniques will be illustrated by operating on sequential fundus images used in early detection of glaucoma.
Endocrine function of the postmenopausal ovary

The ovaries of postmenopausal women are smaller than those of premenopausal women and consist primarily of stromal cells. These cells have receptors for, and respond to, gonadotropins and secrete testosterone and lesser amounts of other androgens and estrogens. The ovaries of some postmenopausal women contain P-450 aromatase and secrete estradiol. There is little evidence that inhibins A or B are secreted by postmenopausal ovaries.
Presacral neuroenteric fistula presenting with meningitis and vaginal fistula: A case report

Neuroenteric fistulas are rare congenital malformations arising from a persistent connection between the embryonic neural and intestinal tissues; they are extremely rare in the lumbosacral area. Neuroenteric fistulas should be suspected whenever children present with anaerobic meningitis in the absence of brain abscesses or respiratory infections. This patient is the first patient who presented with a presacral cyst that separately connected to the nervous system and the vagina. It is thought that the rape of this 12-year-old patient resulted in soilage of the spinal fluid through dual fistulae, causing anaerobic meningitis without an abscess.
The simulation of mixing layers driven by compound buoyancy and shear

Fully developed compound shear and buoyancy driven mixing layers are predicted using a k-e turbulence model. Such mixing layers present an exchange of equilibrium in mixing flows. The k-e buoyancy constant C e3 = 0.91, defined in this study for buoyancy unstable mixing layers, is based on an approximate self-similar analysis and an accurate numerical solution. One-dimensional transient and two-dimensional steady calculations are presented for buoyancy driven mixing in a uniform flow field. Two-dimensional steady calculations are presented for compound shear and buoyancy driven mixing.