cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting Hardware Trojans Using Delay Analysis

The migration of the semiconductor industry to a distributed and out-sourced business model, in which design, integration, manufacturing, packaging, test, and assembly are activities carried out by multiple companies all over the world, has created challenges related to intellectual property (IP) piracy, reverse-engineering attacks on netlists and chip layouts, integrated circuit (IC) cloning, and detecting counterfeit chips and hardware Trojans (HT). In particular, threats created by the insertion of hardware Trojans (HT) have emerged as a serious concern among commercial vendors, government agencies, and their contractors. A wide variety of HT detection methods have been proposed, including those based on logic and parametric (delay, power, thermal, etc.) testing strategies, as well as those that destructively validate images of the chip layout against the trusted design data. This chapter surveys path delay-based parametric approaches for detecting HT. The primary benefits of this approach over other methods are the nondestructive nature of the testing and the high sensitivity that such methods provide to detecting small analog anomalies introduced by HT.
Baseline total kidney volume and the rate of kidney growth are associated with chronic kidney disease progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by progressive enlargement of kidney cysts leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Identification of an early biomarker that can predict progression of CKD is urgently needed. In an earlier Consortium for Radiologic Imaging Studies of Polycystic Kidney Disease (CRISP) study (a prospective, multicenter, observational analysis of 241 patients with ADPKD initiated in 2000), baseline height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) was shown to be associated with development of CKD stage 3 after eight years of follow-up. Here we conducted an extended study and found that in a multivariable logistic regression model, baseline htTKV was shown to be a strong, independent predictor for the development of CKD after a median follow-up of 13 years. The odds ratio of reaching each CKD stage per 100 mL/m increment in htTKV was 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.19-1.60) for stage 3, 1.42 (1.23-1.64) for stage 4, and 1.35 (1.18-1.55) for stage 5 or ESRD. Baseline htTKV was also associated with relative decreases in the glomerular filtration rate of 30%, and 57% or more. Moreover, the rate of change in htTKV was negatively correlated with the slope of the glomerular filtration rate. While ADPKD genotype was also associated with CKD outcomes, it was not an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for htTKV. Thus, baseline total kidney volume and the rate of kidney growth are strongly associated with the development of advanced stages of CKD. These findings support the use of total kidney volume as a prognostic and potentially monitoring biomarker in ADPKD.
AUDIBLE DIFFERENCES: ESL AND SOCIAL IDENTITY IN SCHOOLS

AUDIBLE DIFFERENCES: ESL AND SOCIAL IDENTITY IN SCHOOLS. Jennifer Miller. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters, 2003. Pp. xv + 200. 29.95 paper.Jennifer Miller's book is a case study that focuses on students' spoken English, how students are “heard” or become “audible” in the mainstream context, and the relationship between this audibility and identity formation. The twist, and one of the major contributions of this work, is Miller's careful theoretical positioning. She is working in the space where theories of identity formation and SLA overlap to paint a more complex and interesting picture of language acquisition than any of the theoretical frameworks could accomplish alone.
Influence of channel configuration on bandwidth of cadmium zinc telluride detector with a cross-strip pattern

Abstract The detector readout bandwidth is of paramount importance to achieve a high count rate and thus a high sensitivity. For detectors with the number of readout channels larger than that of the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), multiple ASICs are required. In systems with such a readout scheme, it is important to consider the load balance to achieve the highest count rate. In this work, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to investigate the bandwidths of different load balancing configurations between two ASICs in a cross-strip cadmium zinc telluride detector. It is found that for anode strips, allocating each ASIC to half of the detector area provides a higher bandwidth when compared to allocating ASIC channels to alternate anode channels. Cathodes that are closer to the field of view will trigger more often and require a more complex load balancing scheme. Charge sharing and scattering play a role in the different bandwidths, and the bandwidth of the half-half configuration is 2.82% higher than that of the alternate configuration.
Mature enteroendocrine cells contribute to basal and pathological stem cell dynamics in the small intestine.

The current manuscript demonstrating that a subset of mature enteroendocrine cells (EECs), predominantly enterochromaffin cells, dedifferentiates to fully functional intestinal stem cells (ISCs) is...
Lamellar Grating Interferometry at 50µ to Beyond 600µ from the Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory

A lamellar grating interferometer of unique construction has been designed and successfully used on the Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory. The grating is spherical with the center of curvature in the prime focal plane of the telescope. This feature eliminates the need for collimating optics and thus improves the throughput of the system. Used in conjunction with a gallium doped germanium bolometer, cooled to liquid helium temperatures, the system is sensitive from 50µ to beyond 600µ with a present maximum resolving power λ/Δλ of 500 at 100µ and the system NEP was 2 x 10-12 watts/Hz1/2. In flight the telescope operated open port ensuring minimum amount of attenuation. Observations were made with 20µ precipitable water above the aircraft. Interferograms were obtained of Jupiter at a resolution of 5cm-1 and of Mars, Saturn and the Kleinmann-Low region in Orion at somewhat lower resolution. Results of these preliminary observations from our first flights will be presented. This project was supported by NASA grant NGR 33-019-127.
Decision Diagrams and Dynamic Programming

Binary and multivalued decision diagrams are closely related to dynamic programming (DP) but differ in some important ways. This paper makes the relationship more precise by interpreting the DP state transition graph as a weighted decision diagram and incorporating the state-dependent costs of DP into the theory of decision diagrams. It generalizes a well-known uniqueness theorem by showing that, for a given optimization problem and variable ordering, there is a unique reduced weighted decision diagram with “canonical” edge costs. This can lead to simplification of DP models by transforming the costs to canonical costs and reducing the diagram, as illustrated by a standard inventory management problem. The paper then extends the relationship between decision diagrams and DP by introducing the concept of nonserial decision diagrams as a counterpart of nonserial dynamic programming.
Fire severity and changing composition of forest understory plant communities

QUESTIONS: Gradients of fire severity in dry conifer forests can be associated with variation in understory floristic composition. Recent work in dry conifer forests in California, USA, has suggested that more severely burned stands contain more thermophilic taxa (those associated with warmer and drier conditions), and that forest disturbance may therefore accelerate floristic shifts already underway due to climate change. However, it remains unknown how rapidly thermophilic taxa shifts occur following disturbance, how long such shifts are likely to persist, and how different thermophilic post‐disturbance communities are from pre‐disturbance communities. LOCATION: Colorado Front Range, USA. METHODS: We investigated these questions using a unique 15‐year vegetation plot dataset that captures pre‐ and post‐fire understory community composition across a gradient of fire severity in dry conifer forests, classifying taxa using the biogeographic affinity concept. RESULTS: Thermophilization (defined here as a decrease in the ratio of cool‐mesic taxa to warm‐xeric taxa, based on biogeographic affinity of paleobotanical lineages) was observed as early as one year post‐fire for all fire severity classes, but was stronger at sites that burned at higher severity. The ratio of cool‐mesic to warm‐xeric taxa recovered to pre‐fire levels within 10 years in stands that burned at low severity, but not in stands that burned at moderate or high severity. The process of thermophilization after high‐severity fire appears to be driven primarily by the gain of warm‐xeric taxa that were absent before the fire, but losses of cool‐mesic taxa, which did not return during the duration of the study, also played a role. CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in canopy cover appear to be a main contributor to understory thermophilization. Fine‐scale heterogeneity in post‐fire forest structure is likely an important driver of floristic diversity, creating the microclimatic variation necessary to maintain floristic refugia for species mal‐adapted to increasingly warm and dry conditions.
Second-Position Syncopation in European and American Vocal Music

I define a second-position syncopation as one involving a long note or accent on the second quarter of a half-note or quarter-note unit. I present a corpus analysis of second-position syncopation in 19th-century European and American vocal music. I argue that the analysis of syncopation requires consideration of other musical features besides note-onset patterns, including pitch contour, duration, and text-setting. The corpus analysis reveals that second-position syncopation was common in English, Scottish, Euro-American, and African-American vocal music, but rare in French, German, and Italian vocal music. This suggests that the prevalence of such syncopations in ragtime and later popular music was at least partly due to British influence.
Breast cancer in a patient with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) with dramatic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

This is a case of 49-year-old white woman who presented with a rapidly growing right sided breast mass. A subsequent punch biopsy confirmed grade 3 invasive mammary carcinoma of no special type which was negative for oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and Her-2 neu overexpression. She was a carrier of folliculin gene mutation that is characteristic of Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHDS), a condition known to cause skin lesions, renal cancers and pneumothoraces. Family history revealed patient’s mother, grandmother and maternal aunt developed renal cell carcinomas during their lifetime and were positive for the same germ line mutation. Tumour tissue was positive for TP53 mutation and negative for BRCA1, BRCA2 and other genes commonly associated with breast cancer. We report a patient with BHDS presenting with breast cancer that showed dramatic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to bilateral mastectomy, local chest wall radiation and 6 months of adjuvant capecitabine.
Strategies to Assist Distance Doctoral Students in Completing Their Dissertations.

Completing doctoral dissertations is difficult work and may be harder for distance students physically separated from institutional and collegial supports. Inability to complete independent research contributes to doctoral student attrition. Factors impacting completion include institutional factors, student characteristics, and supervisory arrangements (Manathunga, 2005). This paper shares proactive strategies used by a Midwestern university in the United States to support distance doctoral students. Strategies and technology tools are described that (a) cultivate a shared culture of responsibility and commitment, (b) increase effective communication between researchers, and (c) grow departmental and institutional services and technologies for faculty and students. This paper suggests the use of a specific framework to help students develop a shared culture of responsibility. This framework encourages students to discuss their social network, as well as teaches students how to manage their split life by using a tool which evaluates a student’s readiness for the dissertation process and maps out where dissertation skills and knowledge are developed throughout the program. Strategies for effective communication include availability, effective feedback, trust, and humor. Services and technologies provided to build capacity include the use of online and library resources, campus-wide use of research software, writing and research services, and department supports and processes to promote student research. These mechanisms for accountability, mentoring, training, and trust increase the likelihood of success.
Hegel: His Life and His Path in Philosophy

This chapter sketches Hegel’s intellectual biography, examining the most formative periods of his life and those decisive events, which had significant impact on the development of his philosophical thought. The aim is to explore links between Hegel’s life, philosophical ideas, and a specific intellectual context that together can illuminate the thinker in his world and his scholarly interactions with his surroundings.
The Job Coaching Academy for Transition Educators: A Preliminary Evaluation:

There is a growing urgency to equip transition-age students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. Prior research demonstrates the positive effects...
Perioperative outcomes and disparities in utilization of sentinel lymph node biopsy in minimally invasive staging of endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objective To assess the emergence of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for disparities in utilization, and impacts on perioperative outcomes. Methods Retrospective cohort study of the National Cancer Database, selecting for patients with T1NxM0 endometrial cancer undergoing minimally invasive surgical staging from 2012 to 2016. Disparities in SLNB utilization were described. Propensity matching was performed. Association of SLNB with perioperative outcomes was assessed with logistic regression. Results Among 67,365 patients, 6356 (9.4%) underwent SLNB, increasing from 2.8% to 16.3% from 2012 to 2016. Disparities were identified within race (7.0% Black, 9.4% non-Black), ethnicity (8.3% Hispanic, 9.5% non-Hispanic), insurance (6.0% uninsured, 9.5% insured), county density (3.7% rural, 9.8% metro), and income (7.0% bottom-quartile, 11.8% top-quartile). Risk of conversion to open surgery was lower with SLNB alone (1.03%) or SLNB followed by LND (1.40%), versus upfront LND (2.80%). SLNB was associated with reduced risk of conversion to open surgery in Intention-To-Treat (SLNB+/-LND vs. upfront LND; ORITT = 0.53; 95%CI 0.39–0.72) and Per-Protocol (PP; SLNB alone vs. upfront LND or SLNB+LND; ORPP = 0.49; 95%CI 0.32–0.75) comparisons. SLNB was also associated with lower risk of length of stay >1 day (overall rate 6.3%; ORITT = 0.51; 95%CI 0.40–0.64; ORPP = 0.39; 95%CI 0.28–0.55), and unplanned readmission (overall rate 2.3%; ORPP = 0.52; 95%CI 0.33–0.81). There were no deaths within 90 days among 1370 SLNB alone cases, versus 2/1294 (0.15%) for SLNB+LND, and 123/28,828 (0.41%) for upfront LND. Conclusion We identified significant disparities in the utilization of SLNB, as well as evidence that this less-invasive technique is associated with lower rates of certain perioperative complications. Equitable access to this emerging technique could lessen disparate outcomes.
Topological Thermal Emission in Non-Hermitian Selective Thermal Emitters

We present a nanophotonic device capable of displaying non-trivial topology in thermal emission. By coupling the horizontal and vertical modes of two resonators with large loss asymmetry, exceptional lines are observed in parameter space.
A Hyper-IgM Syndrome Mutation in Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase Disrupts G-Quadruplex Binding and Genome-wide Chromatin Localization

Summary Precise targeting of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to immunoglobulin (Ig) loci promotes antibody class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), whereas AID targeting of non-Ig loci can generate oncogenic DNA lesions. Here, we examined the contribution of G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acid structures to AID targeting in vivo. Mice bearing a mutation in Aicda (AIDG133V) that disrupts AID-G4 binding modeled the pathology of hyper-IgM syndrome patients with an orthologous mutation, lacked CSR and SHM, and had broad defects in genome-wide AIDG133V chromatin localization. Genome-wide analyses also revealed that wild-type AID localized to MHCII genes, and AID expression correlated with decreased MHCII expression in germinal center B cells and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Our findings indicate a crucial role for G4 binding in AID targeting and suggest that AID activity may extend beyond Ig loci to regulate the expression of genes relevant to the physiology and pathology of activated B cells.
Association of relative dose intensity with BMI and pathologic complete response in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

Previous work found that lower BMI is associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Relative dose intensity (RDI) of chemotherapy is an important marker of treatment tolerability. We hypothesized that patients with low BMI would have higher RDI than patients with high BMI, explaining the mechanism for the association between BMI and pCR. We conducted a retrospective study of women treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage I-III breast cancer at Yale New Haven Hospital-Smilow Cancer Hospital. We reviewed medical records to determine tumor characteristics, chemotherapy doses, and reasons for dose reductions or delays. The treatment RDI was calculated using published methods. Chi-squared analyses were conducted to determine the associations between RDI and BMI and between RDI and pCR. Our cohort (n = 237) had an average age of 53 years (SD 13) and mean BMI of 29.5 kg/m2 (SD 7.0). Fifty-eight patients (24%) received <85% RDI, and 61% of patients experienced at least one dose reduction or delay. BMI was not associated with RDI (p = 0.71), and RDI was not associated with pCR (p = 0.31); however, fewer dose delays was associated with pCR (p = 0.02). The most common reasons for dose reduction or delays were neuropathy, myelosuppression, and personal reasons. Nearly one quarter of our cohort had RDI <85%. Although RDI overall was not associated with pCR, having fewer dose delays was associated with pCR. Our results highlight a need for improved patient adherence to and tolerability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to minimize treatment delays.
Risk factors associated with physician trainee concern over missed educational opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a transformation of clinical care practices to protect both patients and providers. These changes led to a decrease in patient volume, impacting physician trainee education due to lost clinical and didactic opportunities. We measured the prevalence of trainee concern over missed educational opportunities and investigated the risk factors leading to such concerns. All residents and fellows at a large academic medical center were invited to participate in a web-based survey in May of 2020. Participants responded to questions regarding demographic characteristics, specialty, primary assigned responsibility during the previous 2 weeks (clinical, education, or research), perceived concern over missed educational opportunities, and burnout. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between missed educational opportunities and the measured variables. 22% (301 of 1375) of the trainees completed the survey. 47% of the participants were concerned about missed educational opportunities. Trainees assigned to education at home had 2.85 [95%CI 1.33–6.45] greater odds of being concerned over missed educational opportunities as compared with trainees performing clinical work. Trainees performing research were not similarly affected [aOR = 0.96, 95%CI (0.47–1.93)]. Trainees in pathology or radiology had 2.51 [95%CI 1.16–5.68] greater odds of concern for missed educational opportunities as compared with medicine. Trainees with greater concern over missed opportunities were more likely to be experiencing burnout (p = 0.038). Trainees in radiology or pathology and those assigned to education at home were more likely to be concerned about their missed educational opportunities. Residency programs should consider providing trainees with research or at home clinical opportunities as an alternative to self-study should future need for reduced clinical hours arise.
Tumor primary site as a prognostic factor for Merkel cell carcinoma disease-specific death

Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) primary site has not been fully investigated as a potential prognostic factor. Objective To determine the incidence by tumor primary site of death due to MCC. Methods We undertook a retrospective analysis of the Survival, Epidemiology, and End Results database. MCC patients treated between 1973 and 2016 were grouped by tumor primary site and a competing risks analysis was performed to test the impact of primary site on disease-specific death. Cumulative incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma-specific mortality (CMMI) at 5 years was estimated for each primary site. Results Of 9407 MCC patients identified, 6305 (67.0%) had localized disease, 2397 (25.5%) had regional metastasis, and 705 (7.5%) had distant metastasis. Tumor primary site was predictive of CMMI and varied by stage at diagnosis. Tumors involving the scalp/neck carried the highest CMMI among localized MCC (26.0%). Tumors involving the lip had the highest CMMI among MCC with regional metastasis (56.7%) and distant metastasis (82.1%). Limitations Tumor size data were missing for a large proportion of patients, precluding stratification by stage according to current American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines. Conclusions Probability of MCC disease-specific death varies by primary site. The primary site of the tumor may be useful as a prognostic indicator for MCC.
Sorting efficiency

Computers and the tasks they perform are becoming increasingly important in medicine. It behooves medical personnel to become familiar with some computer functions so that they may be in a better position to demand and evaluate a given implementation. One very basic computer task is sorting information. Some general principles of computing efficiency are discussed, as well as the standard “O” notation. A simple sort,bubblesort, is discussed and analyzed. A second elementary sort,insertionsort, is considered in relation to its more sophisticated descendant,shellsort. The most efficient in memory sort,quicksort (and its various descendants), is likewise examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of each variant are discussed in some detail, as well as methods that may enhance speed and resource utilization. Finally,mergesort, which is used in sorting large files resident in mass-storage devices, is discussed, along with its particular advantages.
Ultrasonographic study of fetal mandibular markers during the first trimester in a Chinese population

AIM To establish reference ranges for fetal mandibular markers in low-risk singleton pregnancies between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in a Chinese population. METHODS The inferior facial angle (IFA), transverse, and anteroposterior diameters of the mandible, and mandibular length were measured at 11-13 + 6 weeks of gestation. The utility of these sonographic markers for detecting micrognathia was explored in seven fetuses. RESULTS In healthy fetuses at 11-13 + 6 weeks, there were linear correlations between gestational age and the transverse (Y = -15.615 + 1.987X, r = 0.718, p < 0.001) and anteroposterior (Y = -8.557 + 1.101X, r = 0.581, p < 0.001) diameters of the mandible; mean ratio of the anteroposterior: transverse diameters of the mandible decreased with gestational age (Y = 0.603-0.003X, r = 0.018, p = 0.755); there was a positive correlation between crown rump length and mandibular length (mandible length = 0.861 + 0.137*crown rump length; r = 0.723, p < 0.001); and there was a positive correlation between crown rump length and IFA (r = 0.234, p < 0.05). Reference ranges were: mean ratio of anteroposterior diameter: transverse diameter of the mandible 0.56; mean mandibular length 9.05 mm; and median IFA 66.5°. The values for these mandibular markers in seven cases of fetal micrognathia were outside the normal range. CONCLUSIONS Evaluations of fetal mandibular markers during first trimester ultrasound screening may contribute to the early detection and diagnosis of micrognathia. We recommend obtaining a subjective impression of the mandible on the mid-sagittal view routinely used to measured nuchal translucency, followed by targeted objective measurements on the mid-sagittal and axial views in suspected cases.
Stem cells and systems models: clashing views of explanation

This paper examines a case of failed interdisciplinary collaboration, between experimental stem cell research and theoretical systems biology. Recently, two groups of theoretical biologists have proposed dynamical systems models as a basis for understanding stem cells and their distinctive capacities. Experimental stem cell biologists, whose work focuses on manipulation of concrete cells, tissues and organisms, have largely ignored these proposals. I argue that ‘failure to communicate’ in this case is rooted in divergent views of explanation: the theoretically-inclined modelers are committed to a version of the covering-law view, while experimental stem cell biologists aim at mechanistic explanations. I propose a way to reconcile these two explanatory approaches to cell development, and discuss the significance of this result for interdisciplinary collaboration in systems biology and beyond.
Reanimation der Schwangeren

Bei der Reanimation der Schwangeren mussen die physiologischen-anatomischen Veranderungen der Schwangerschaft berucksichtigt werden. Das Herzzeitvolumen steigt um 50%. Ebenfalls erhoht sind Pulsfrequenz, Atemminutenvolumen und Sauerstoffverbrauch. Die funktionelle Residualkapazitat der Lunge und der kolloidosmotische Druck sinken (78). Durch diese Veranderungen reagiert die Schwangere empfindlicher auf kardiovaskulare und respiratorische Insulte. Ferner kann der Uterus durch Kompression der Vena cava in Ruckenlage der Patientin den venosen Ruckstrom wesentlich beeintrachtigen (79). Auslosende Ereignisse fur einen Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand wahrend der Schwangerschaft sind die Pulmonalembolie, Trauma, Peripartale Blutungen mit Hypovolamie, Fruchtwasserembolie, Herzvitien und Komplikationen einer tokolytischen Therapie wie Arrhythmie, Herzinsuffizienz oder Myokardischiamie (80). Beim Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand der Schwangeren sollten alle Wiederbelebungsmasnahmen des Erwachsenen durchgefuhrt werden. Um eine aortokavale Kompression des graviden Uterus zu vermeiden, sollte zusatzlich die Reanimation in Halbseitenlage versucht werden. Eine praktische Empfehlung fur die reanimation der Schwangeren im Rahmen eines Notarzt-Einsatzes ist die Einbeziehung einer Hilfsperson, welche sich seitlich unter die Patientin legt und somit die Halbseitenlage ermoglicht. Vasopressoren sollten bei vitaler Indikation vorbehaltlos verabreicht werden. Bei erfolglosen initialen Reanimationsmasnahmen ist eine sogenannte „peri-mortale Kaiserschnittentbindung“ angezeigt. Durch diesen
SU-E-T-291: Dosimetric Accuracy of Multitarget Single Isocenter Radiosurgery

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of single-isocenter multiple-target VMAT radiosurgery (SIMT-VMAT-SRS) by analysis of pre-treatment verification measurements. Methods: Our QA procedure used a phantom having a coronal plane for EDR2 film and a 0.125 cm3 ionization chamber. Film measurements were obtained for the largest and smallest targets for each plan. An ionization chamber measurement (ICM) was obtained for sufficiently large targets. Films were converted to dose using a patient-specific calibration curve and compared to treatment planning system calculations. Alignment error was estimated using image registration. The gamma index was calculated for 3%/3 and 3%/1 mm criteria. The median dose in the target region and, for plans having an ICM, the average dose in the central 5 mm was calculated. Results: The average equivalent target diameter of the 48 targets was 15 mm (3–43 mm). Twenty of the 24 plans had an ICM for the plan corresponding to the largest target (diameter 11–43 mm) with a mean ratio of chamber reading to expected dose (ED) and the mean ratio of film to ED (averaged over the central 5 mm) was 1.001 (0.025 SD) and 1.000 (0.029 SD), respectively. For all plans, the mean film to ED (from the median dose in the target region) was 0.997 (0.027 SD). The mean registration vector was (0.15,0.29) mm, with an average magnitude of 0.96 mm. Before (after) registration, the average fraction of pixels having gamma < 1 was 99.3% (99.6%) and 89.1% (97.6%) for 3%/3mm and 3%/1mm, respectively. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate dosimetric accuracy of SIMT-VMAT-SRS for targets as small as 3 mm. Film dosimetry provides accurate assessment of the absolute dose delivered to targets too small for an ionization chamber measurement; however, the relatively large registration vector indicates that image-guidance should replace laser-based setup for patient-specific evaluation of geometric accuracy.
Experimental Mechanics at the Nanometric Level

Recent advances in the science and technology have originated the need of developing new tools to make observations at the molecular level. Nano-sciences and technology provide a great challenge to experimental mechanicians and at the same time extend the horizons of the discipline to new grounds and novel problems. Of the different disciplines that are required to meet the challenges presented by nano-sciences and technology, optics is a tool that seems particularly adapted for this task. However, classical optics puts a limit to the possibility of making measurements beyond half of the wavelength of light: that is, a couple of hundreds of nanometers at best. However, this quantity is not good enough to perform studies in the nanometric range.
Macrophage depletion ameliorates nephritis induced by pathogenic antibodies (BA12P.111)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies and inflammatory damage in target organs. Kidney involvement affects up to 60% of lupus patients, and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies using methods to reduce macrophage number have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the role of macrophages in lupus nephritis (LN). Moreover, “off target” effects occur in mice congenitally deficient in macrophages. In this study, we investigated the role of macrophages in mice receiving anti-glomerular antibodies, or nephrotoxic serum (NTS), an experimental model which closely mimics the immune complex mediated disease seen in LN. GW2580, an oral kinase inhibitor monospecific for the CSF-1 receptor, was used as a novel and highly selective method for macrophage depletion. We found that GW2580-treated NTS challenged mice did not develop the significant increases in levels of proteinuria, serum creatinine or serum urea, seen in control treated mice. Further, GW2580-treated mice were protected from the robust kidney expression of inflammatory cytokines associated with LN seen in control treated mice, including RANTES, IP-10, VCAM1, MCP-1 and IL-6. IBA-1 staining confirmed profound depletion of macrophages in glomeruli of GW2580-treated mice. Our results support an important role of macrophages in LN, and suggest targeting this cell type as a promising approach to the treatment of LN.
Hormone Receptors, Cyclic Nucleotides, and Control of Cell Function

It is now widely recognized that many polypeptide or amine hormones and neurotransmitters act through the intermediation of cyclic 3’,5’-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). These agonists bind to specific receptors at the outer surface or plasma membrane of the cell and, through a mechanism still under study, activate the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which catalyzes the formation of cAMP from ATP. The cAMP generated as a consequence becomes the “second messenger” that interacts with cyclic nucleotide receptors regulating intracellular enzymes that ultimately account for the physiological response. The concentration of cyclic nucleotides in cells can be regulated not only through biosynthesis, but also by enzymatic destruction (cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases) or elaboration into the extracellular space.
Genetics of vestibulopathies.

This review focuses on recent advances in the genetics of familial vestibular disorders including benign recurrent vertigo, bilateral vestibulopathy, and familial Meniere’s disease. To date, no genetic causes have been identified in these vestibular conditions. This limited progress has been attributed to the subtle phenotypes, requirement for sophisticated vestibular testing, likely complex nature of these conditions, lack of animal models and reliance on patient history with a paucity of objective diagnostic criteria. Studying vestibular disorders in carefully characterized multiplex families will provide us genetic clues to expand our knowledge of vestibular development, degeneration, structure and function to help us improve the diagnosis and develop effective treatment of vestibulopathies.
Spatial and Seasonal Variations in Aridification across Southwest North America

AbstractSouthwestern North America (SWNA) is projected to become drier in the twenty-first century as both precipitation (P) and evaporation (E) rates change with increasing greenhouse gas concentration. The authors diagnose the relative contributions of changes in P and E to the local surface moisture balance (P − E) in cold and warm halves of the year across SWNA. Trends in P − E vary spatially between the arid southern subregion (mostly northern Mexico) and the more temperate northern subregion (southwest United States), although both subregions exhibit a negative trend in P − E (trending toward more arid conditions) in CMIP5 projections for the twenty-first century. The P − E trend is biggest in the cold season, when much of the base flow to rivers in the southwest United States is generated. The downward trend in cold season P − E across SWNA is caused primarily by increasing E in the north and decreasing P in the south. Decreasing P is the primary contributor to modest warm season drying trends in b...
Phylogenetic implications of the superfast myosin in extraocular muscles

Extraocular muscle exhibits higher-velocity and lower-tension contractions than other vertebrate striated muscles. These distinctive physiological properties are associated with the expression of a novel extraocular myosin heavy chain (MYH). Encoded by the MYH13 gene, the extraocular myosin heavy chain is a member of the fast/developmental MYH gene cluster on human chromosome 17 and the syntenic MYH cluster on mouse chromosome 11. Comparison of cDNA sequences reveals that MYH13 also encodes the atypical MYH identified in laryngeal muscles, which have similar fast contractile properties. Comparing the MYH13 sequence with the other members of the fast/developmental cluster, the slow/cardiac MYH genes and two orphan skeletal MYH genes in the human genome provides insights into the origins of specialization in striated muscle myosins. Specifically, these studies indicate (i) that the extraocular myosin is not derived from the adult fast skeletal muscle myosins, but was the first member of the fast/developmental MYH gene cluster to diverge and specialize, (ii) that the motor and rod domains of the MYH13 have evolved under different selective pressures and (iii) that the MYH13 gene has been largely insulated from genomic events that have shaped other members of the fast/developmental cluster. In addition, phylogenetic footprinting suggests that regulation of the extraocular MYH gene is not governed primarily by myogenic factors, but by a hierarchical network of regulatory factors that relate its expression to the development of extraocular muscles.
Single-Beam Stimulated Raman Scattering for sub-Microgram Standoff Detection of Explosives

A 12fs laser pulse is used to both excite vibrational modes and amplify Raman scattering. Selectivity is accomplished by temporal shaping. Imaging of microcrystals on different substrates from several meters becomes possible.
Roles of a helicopter emergency medical service in mass casualty incidents

The Connecticut helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) has responded to 12 mass casualty incidents (MCI) in two years. Eight were drills and four were actual events. An MCI response plan was instituted prior to the onset of the HEMS program. All MCIs were reviewed to determine actual victims, knowledge of MCI prior to lift-off, and roles of the HEMS. The actual roles were compared with the pre-established roles. The four actual MCIs (building explosion, hotel fire, bus rollover and plane crash) were reviewed. Sixty-seven victims were involved. Prenotification occurred in one MCI. The roles of the HEMS in each MCI were: triage (n = 4), medical treatment (n = 4), transport (n = 3), augmented response (n = 1), and air surveillance (n = 0). The roles of HEMS response to MCI should be well-defined prior to an event. Air medical benefits include response within a large geographic area, highest level of prehospital medical care, identification of trauma receiving hospitals, and facilitation of transport.
Factors affecting tether use and correct use in child restraint installations

INTRODUCTION: Field studies show that top tethers go unused in half of forward-facing child restraint installations. METHOD: In this study, parent volunteers were asked to use the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) to install child restraints in several vehicles to identify tether anchor characteristics that are associated with tether use. Thirty-seven volunteers were assigned to four groups. Each group tested two forward-facing child restraints in four of 16 vehicle models. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of tether use and correct use. RESULTS: Subjects used the tether in 89% of the 294 forward-facing child restraint installations and attached the tether correctly in 57% of the installations. Tethers were more likely to be used when the anchor was located on the rear deck as typically found in sedans compared with the seatback, floor, or roof. Tethers were less likely to be attached correctly when there was potentially confusing hardware present. No vehicle tether hardware characteristics or vehicle manual directions were associated specifically with correct tether routing and head restraint position. CONCLUSION: This study provides laboratory evidence that specific vehicle features are associated with tether use and correct use. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Modifications to vehicles that make tether anchors easier to find and identify likely will result in increases in tether use and correct use. Language: en
Synchronization of Chlamydomonas division in chemostat cultures by periodic temperature reductions: Effect on cellular atp

Abstract Division of Chlamydomonas reinhardi can be synchronized by periodic temperature reductions in dense chemostate cultures. When culture dilution rate is matched by an average zoospore yield of 2 daughter cells per temperature cycle 12 h 6°C/24 h 26°C cycles are effective. Synchronization does not require bright illumination during the cold phase of the temperature cycle. Synchronization is more effective if the culture is diluted with medium only during the warm phase. Changes in cellular ATP during the cold phase are not required for synchronization. ATP levels change little during the cold phase when dilution is continuous over the entire temperature cycle. If dilution is confined to the warm phase, cellular ATP decreases dramatically early in the cold phase and rebounds rapidly at the start of the warm phase.
Downregulation of mu-opioid binding sites following chronic administration of neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and morphine

The effect of continuous ICV infusion of NPFF (10 micrograms/microliter) and morphine (40 micrograms/microliter) on mu-opioid binding sites was examined in rats using the in vitro radiolabeled techniques of whole-brain homogenate receptor binding and quantitative autoradiography. Mu receptors were labeled with [3H][D-Ala2-MePhe4,Glyol5] enkephalin in the homogenate binding experiments and with [125I][D-Ala2-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin in autoradiographic studies. In homogenate binding studies, chronic administration of NPFF or morphine significantly downregulated mu receptors by 20% and 44%, respectively. Quantitative autoradiographic experiments demonstrated downregulation of mu opioid receptors in specific brain nuclei for both NPFF- and morphine-treated animals. Within the striatum and several nuclei of the thalamus, the mu receptors of the NPFF- and morphine-treated animals were decreased by 20-30% and 38-73%, respectively. These results suggest that NPFF may modulate opioid-mediated responses in part by altering the density of mu-opioid receptors.
Renin activity in rat choroid plexi: effects of water-deprivation and hypovolemia

Choroid plexus contains components of a renin-angiotensin system that could regulate hydration. Hypovolemia or 48 h water deprivation did not change choroidal renin-like activity; but under identical assay conditions, brain perfusion with cold isotonic sucrose containing EDTA and PMSF increased enzyme activity 3-4-fold.
Displacements of the barium-filled esophagus by cardiovascular lesions.

1. Roentgenologic film and fluoroscopic diagnosis of many diseases of the heart and the aorta can be greatly aided by a careful examination of the barium-filled esophagus. 2. These cardiovascular lesions include congenital anomalies of the heart and aorta, rheumatic valvular disease (especially mitral stenosis), luetic aortitis, atherosclerosis of the aorta, and dissecting aneurysm.
Laser speckle statistics in ultrasound-modulated optical tomography

Ultrasound-Modulated Optical Tomography is a novel biophotonic imaging technique that provides optical contrast with ultrasonic spatial resolution. High temporal coherence laser light and focused ultrasound are transmitted into tissue. Light passing through the acoustic focal volume experiences modulation due to acoustically induced changes in optical index of refraction and optical scatterer displacement. A component of the modulated light may be detected using various detection schemes. One such scheme detects changes in the contrast of optical speckles using a CCD camera. We use statistical optics to derive expressions for the speckle statistics as a function of acoustic parameters. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that low acoustic frequencies induce much larger modulation compared with high frequency ultrasound. Theoretically computed values for the speckle contrast are compared with experimental values.
Leaving against Medical Advice

Dr. Viviany Taqueti describes the case of a 29-year-old heroin addict with chronic aortic insufficiency who presented to the emergency department with acute onset of fever, chills, anorexia, and malaise. The patient seemed indifferent to the medical team's recommendations for care and one night, suddenly, predictably, he decided to leave.
Exploring Automated Concept Generator Output Through Principal Component Analysis

During conceptual design it is desirable to produce many potential solutions. Recently, computational tools have emerged to help designers more fully explore possible solutions. These automated concept generators use knowledge from existing products and the desired functionality of the new design to suggest solutions. While research has shown these tools can increase the variety of solutions developed, they often provide unmanageably large sets of poorly differentiated results. This work proceeds from the hypothesis that automated concept generator output includes many permutations of a relatively few principal solution variants. A method to discover these underlying solution types from the initial concept generator output is proposed. The proposed method employs principal component analysis for variable reduction followed by cluster analysis for classification. The method is applied to the automatically generated solutions of three sample design problems. Preliminary evidence of the utility and efficiency of the proposed method is presented based upon those sample problems. Finally, a method for extending the proposed technique to much larger solution sets is discussed.© 2010 ASME
The comparative evaluation of three-dimensional magnetic resonance for carotid artery disease.

Abstract Conventional angiography is the current standard for the evaluation of carotid artery disease. The excellent resolution of this invasive study is offset by the potential for contrast-related, embolic, and puncture site complications. Three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography may offer a noninvasive diagnostic alternative. We examined this possibility by performing both conventional angiography and three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography in 13 patients. Cervical duplex scans were also obtained in these patients. Contiguous transverse cervical magnetic resonance images were acquired in a 1.5 tesla magnet, by use of a posterior neck coil and a gradient echo pulse sequence. These "raw" data were transferred to a real-time workstation where three-dimensional cervical arterial images were reformatted, magnified, and examined from multiple angles. Total study time from patient positioning to image generation was approximately 30 minutes. In all patients, on three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography the common, external, and internal carotid arteries and distal vertebral arteries were easily discernable and correctly identified as patent, stenotic, or occluded. Three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography was not accurate in detecting carotid ulcers. The degree of internal carotid artery stenosis measured from the three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography studies correlated well with the internal carotid artery stenosis measured with conventional angiography ( r = 0.866, r 2 = 75.1%, p = ≤ 0.0001). This recent technologic advance represents significant progress toward achieving the goal of completely noninvasive vascular assessment in this patient population. (J VASC SURG 1991;14:803-11.)