cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myeloid zinc finger-1 regulates expression of cancer-associated fibroblast and cancer stemness profiles in breast cancer.

Abstract Background Osteopontin acts thru myeloid zinc finger-1 and transforming growth factor-β to drive the adoption of a cancer-associated fibroblast phenotype by local mesenchymal stem cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts increase cancer cell stemness. Methods Mesenchymal stem cells were exposed to osteopontin or were cocultured with MB231 human breast cancer cells (high osteopontin producer) in the presence or absence of aptamer (inactivates extracellular osteopontin). Myeloid zinc finger-1 phosphorylation sites were identified, and phosphomutants of T134 (SCAN domain) and S453 (zinc finger DNA binding domain) were constructed. Transforming growth factor-β F and cancer-associated fibroblast markers (smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and tenascin-c) were measured in mesenchymal stem cells. In MB231, stemness markers Sox2, Nanog, and Oct4 were measured. Results Mesenchymal stem cells plus osteopontin increased transforming growth factor-β and cancer-associated fibroblast markers (P Conclusion Myeloid zinc finger-1 phosphorylation in mesenchymal stem cells drives the osteopontin-mediated cancer-associated fibroblast phenotype, which then increases the cancer cell stemness profile.
Well-posedness and global attractors for a non-isothermal viscous relaxationof nonlocal Cahn-Hilliard equations

We investigate a non-isothermal viscous relaxation of some nonlocal Cahn-Hilliard equations. This perturbation problem generates a family of solution operators exhibiting dissipation and conservation. The solution operators admit a family of compact global attractors that are bounded in a more regular phase-space
Closure Operations and Nuclei

This chapter generalizes many of the requisite facts on semistar, star, and semiprime operations on commutative rings employed in Chapters 1– 4 to nuclei on ordered magmas satisfying various algebro-order-theoretic hypotheses. This serves to situate the theories of semistar, star, and semiprime operations on commutative rings in the broader contexts of closure operations, order theory, and the theories of ordered monoids, quantales, and multiplicative lattices.
Resolving associative patterns in life history parameters among marine fish stocks in the Northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract Knowledge of life history characteristics in marine fishes, including natural mortality, somatic growth, maturity schedule, productivity and others, is essential for successful management and long-term sustainability of marine resources. Patterns exist among these traits within and among taxa to maximize individual fitness and offspring survival, and trade-offs are typical. In this study, we examined life history data from 42 fishery stocks in the Northeast Pacific Ocean using principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering techniques. We identified discrete clustering patterns of stocks corresponding to ecological, taxonomic, and management criteria. Our results revealed additional resolution for complex structure among stocks based on combinations of life history traits, well beyond what was described before, for the diverse group of Sebastes rockfish, which have not been examined in this context previously. One example is clear differentiation between Sebastes demersal species, and those caught with midwater gear, particularly with addition of stock-specific fecundity data; another is bocaccio rockfish, whose life history patterns our results shed new light on. Our results also provide an empirical basis for grouping stocks in meta-analytic studies, which are often used to inform unknown or difficult to estimate parameters in stock assessment. Our results supported important core aspects of previous studies, and rectified others, among a wide range of stocks including highly migratory, coastal pelagic and groundfish stocks. They also reinforce fishery management strategies grounded in life history, among stocks in the Northeast Pacific Ocean and around the world.
Genomes: Miniaturization Taken to Extremes.

Summary The genome of a second species of orthonectid, a small group of parasitic annelids that live in other invertebrates, is the smallest animal genome ever reported and the second smallest in number of genes. This drastic genome reduction has been achieved through massive gene loss and extreme compaction.
Varicella Vaccine Meningitis as a Complication of Herpes Zoster in Twice-Immunized Immunocompetent Adolescents:

Varicella-zoster virus vaccination is recommended for virtually all young children in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated virus that retains some of its neurotropic properties. Herpes zoster caused by vaccine virus still occurs in immunized children, although the rate is much lower than in children who had wild-type varicella. It was commonly thought that 2 varicella vaccinations would protect children against the most serious complication of meningitis following herpes zoster; however, 2 meningitis cases have already been published. We now report a third case of varicella vaccine meningitis and define risk factors shared by all 3 immunized adolescents. The diagnosis in cerebrospinal fluid in this third case was verified by amplifying and sequencing portions of the viral genome, to document fixed alleles found only in the vaccine strain. Viral antibody was also detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by confocal microscopy. When compared with the other 2 cases, remarkably all 3 were 14 years old when meningitis occurred. All 3 were treated with intravenous acyclovir, with complete recovery. The adolescent in our case report also had recurrent asthma, which was treated with both prednisone tablets and beclomethasone inhaler before onset of meningitis. When the 3 cases were considered together, they suggested that immunity to varicella-zoster virus may be waning sufficiently in some twice-immunized adolescents to make them vulnerable to varicella vaccine virus reactivation and subsequent meningitis. This complication rarely happens in children after wild-type varicella.
Prognostic Models in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Treatment selection and prognostication in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) need to be tailored to the individual patient. Various risk stratification tools that take both patient (e.g., age, comorbidities) and disease characteristics (e.g., blast percentage, degree of cytopenias) into account have been developed and are the basis of clinical trial enrollment, patient counseling, and treatment recommendations. Among these clinical-pathologic scoring systems, the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and its revised version IPSS-R remain the most commonly used tools to date. However, none of these scores is all-encompassing and several scores designed for selected patient subpopulations and clinical scenarios have been developed. Furthermore, the greater availability of genetic testing and the growing body of evidence on the prognostic relevance of somatic mutations in MDS is not captured by any standard clinical-pathologic scoring system. The ongoing efforts to develop combined clinical-pathologic-genetic risk stratification tools are reviewed herein as well.
Kinetics of Postpartum Mesenteric Artery Structure and Function Relative to Pregnancy and Lactation in Mice

Epidemiological evidence suggests that normal pregnancy in women is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk in later life. Clinical studies have provided evidence that alterations in vascular function and structure are detectable long after delivery. To understand these findings, we examined mesenteric artery reactivity at both early (3 days and 2–4 weeks) and late (12 weeks) postpartum (PP) time points in relation to late pregnancy (LP) and lactation. Vessels from virgin controls, LP, PP, and nursing and non-nursing mothers were tested for responses to phenylephrine (PE), high potassium solutions (high K+), and acetylcholine (ACh). Passive arterial distensibility, vessel dimensions, and collagen and elastin content were evaluated for the studied groups. We observed that (1) there was a significant inhibition of vascular reactivity to PE in LP, 3 days and 2 weeks PP vessels that returned to pre-pregnancy levels at 4 and 12 weeks PP; (2) inhibition of NO production in PP vessels restored PE-induced constriction to pre-pregnancy levels; (3) vasodilator responses to ACh were similar at all PP periods; (4) LP and early PP was associated with a persistent increase in arterial distensibility that correlates with a PP-induced reduction in wall collagen, and regressed to pre-conception levels at 12 weeks PP; (5) vessels from non-nursing PP mice demonstrated an increased PE reactivity, diminished responses to ACh, and reduced distensibility compared to breastfeeding mice. These studies provide a timeframe for mesenteric artery adaptations that occur during pregnancy and extend to the PP period, but which may be modified by PP events.
Improving the Odds in Advanced Breast Cancer With Combination Immunotherapy: Stepwise Addition of Vaccine, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor, Chemotherapy, and HDAC Inhibitor in Advanced Stage Breast Cancer

Breast tumors commonly harbor low mutational burden, low PD-L1 expression, defective antigen processing/presentation, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In a malignancy mostly refractory to checkpoint blockade, there is an unmet clinical need for novel combination approaches that increase tumor immune infiltration and tumor control. Preclinical data have guided the development of this clinical trial combining 1) BN-Brachyury (a poxvirus vaccine platform encoding the tumor associated antigen brachyury), 2) bintrafusp alfa (a bifunctional protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (TGFβ "trap") fused to a human IgG1 anti-PD-L1), 3), entinostat (a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor), and 4) T-DM1 (ado-trastuzumab emtansine, a standard of care antibody-drug conjugate targeting HER2). We hypothesize that this tetratherapy will induce a robust immune response against HER2+ breast cancer with improved response rates through 1) expanding tumor antigen-specific effector T cells, natural killer cells, and immunostimulatory dendritic cells, 2) improving antigen presentation, and 3) decreasing inhibitory cytokines, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In an orthotopic HER2+ murine breast cancer model, tetratherapy induced high levels of antigen-specific T cell responses, tumor CD8+ T cell/Treg ratio, and augmented the presence of IFNγ- or TNFα-producing CD8+ T cells and IFNγ/TNFα bifunctional CD8+ T cells with increased cytokine production. Similar effects were observed in tumor CD4+ effector T cells. Based on this data, a phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the stepwise addition of BN-Brachyury, bintrafusp alfa, T-DM1 and entinostat in advanced breast cancer was designed. Arm 1 (TNBC) receives BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa. Arm 2 (HER2+) receives T-DM1 + BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa. After safety is established in Arm 2, Arm 3 (HER2+) will receive T-DM1 + BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa + entinostat. Reimaging will occur every 2 cycles (1 cycle = 21 days). Arms 2 and 3 undergo research biopsies at baseline and after 2 cycles to evaluate changes within the TME. Peripheral immune responses will be evaluated. Co-primary objectives are response rate and safety. All arms employ a safety assessment in the initial six patients and a 2-stage Simon design for clinical efficacy (Arm 1 if ≥ three responses of eight then expand to 13 patients; Arms 2 and 3 if ≥ four responses of 14 then expand to 19 patients per arm). Secondary objectives include progression-free survival and changes in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Exploratory analyses include changes in peripheral immune cells and cytokines. To our knowledge, the combination of a vaccine, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, entinostat, and T-DM1 has not been previously evaluated in the preclinical or clinical setting. This trial (NCT04296942) is open at the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD).
Linking AM-PAC Cognition to PROMIS Cognitive Function.

Abstract Objective To link the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Applied Cognition to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Cognitive Function, allowing for a common metric across scales. Design Cross-sectional survey study. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Participants Consecutive sample of 500 participants (N=500) aged ≥18 years presenting for outpatient therapy (physical, occupation, speech). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures AM-PAC Medicare and Generic Cognition short forms and PROMIS Cognitive Function items representing the PROMIS Cognitive Function item bank. Results The calibration of 25 AM -PAC cognition items with 11 fixed PROMIS cognitive function item parameters using item-response theory indicated that items were measuring the same underlying construct (cognition). Both scales measured a wide range of functioning. The AM-PAC Generic Cognitive assessment showed more reliability with lower levels of cognition, whereas the PROMIS Cognitive Function full-item bank was more reliable across a larger distribution of scores. Data were appropriate for a fixed-anchor item response theory–based crosswalk and AM-PAC Cognition raw scores were mapped onto the PROMIS metric. Conclusions The crosswalk developed in this study allows for converting scores from the AM-PAC Applied Cognition to the PROMIS Cognitive Function scale.
Awareness, Knowledge and Risky Behaviors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young People in Greece

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect mainly young individuals and cause health, social, and economic problems worldwide. The present study used a web questionnaire to assess the awareness, knowledge, sexual behaviors, and common practices regarding STDs in young Greek adults. The 1833 individuals, aged 18–30 years, who responded to the study seem to be particularly knowledgeable regarding STDs such as AIDS (97.7%), warts (97%), Chlamydia (92.2%), genital herpes (89.9%), syphilis (81.9%), and gonorrhea (72.1%), whereas lower percentages were noted for trichomoniasis (39.3%), Molluscum contagiosum (12.9%), mycoplasmosis (11.6%), and amoebiasis (7.4%). Regarding oral STD transmission, participants replied correctly for genital herpes (45%), warts (35.8%), and AIDS (HIV; 33.8%), whereas 30.2% were unfamiliar with oral sexual transmission. Of the participants, 52% were not aware that STDs might cause infertility. Only 40.4% of the respondents reported always using condoms during sexual intercourse, and 48.6% had never been tested for STDs. The majority of the young population (55%) presented a moderate knowledge STD score (41–60%) and was associated with demographic parameters such as age, gender, sexual preference, number of sexual partners, and residence (p < 0.05). These findings provide important information regarding the prevention of STDs and highlight the significance of developing more effective sex education programs for young people in Greece.
Additional Applications of Digital Image Processing to Forensic Document Examinations

Two experimental applications of digital image processing to the examination of questioned documents are evaluated. First is a comparison of digital image processing, electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) processing, side lighting, and photography in the decipherment of indented writing. Best results are achieved by first utilizing the ESDA, then digitally enhancing the ESDA lift using a high-pass sharpening filter. The second application is the use of image processing equipment to make fracture match comparisons to associate carbon film typewriter ribbons with questioned typescript. Split-screen images and image overlays are found to be very effective techniques for this kind of examination. Wenderoth [1] and Baier et al. [2] have reported on image processing as it relates to questioned document examination.
Design for Remanufacturing Processes

This chapter discusses qualitative design for remanufacturing guidelines. It provides an overview of the industry, including typical facility-level processes, so one can better understand the rationale for the given design guidelines. A distinction will be made between overarching guidelines and specific component hardware-oriented design guidelines. The primary benefits of remanufacturing arise from a reuse of resources. In contrast to recycling, remanufacturing tries to retain the geometric shape of parts. The chapter descends to the facility level to illustrate a typical remanufacturing process. The discussion is primarily focused on mechanical products (e.g., automotive and manufacturing equipment) as the main example due to their widespread remanufacture. The chapter highlights a number of overarching issues that may enhance or hinder reuse and remanufacture. It gives some specific component and machine-design type guidelines that primarily facilitate the facility level remanufacturing processes. Keywords: facility level remanufacturing process; hardware-oriented design guidelines; mechanical products; overarching design principles
Federal Banks and Federal Jurisdiction in the Progressive Era: A Case Study of Smith v. K.C. Title & Trust Co.

This is a case study of the Supreme Court’s classic decision in Smith v. K.C. Title & Trust Co. A stockholder challenged the constitutionality of the Farm Loan Act of 1916, which authorized federal banks to issue tax-exempt bonds to raise funds for loans to farmers. The case is best known for its holding that a federal court could entertain the suit because it arose “under the Constitution” and for Justice Holmes’ argument, in dissent, that federal jurisdiction was not established because state law created the “cause of action.” This study is the first to go beyond the jurisdictional issue in Smith. This old case provides a snapshot of a time in American history when both political parties cooperated in the creation of public institutions to foster credit in a vital sector of the economy. Private companies asked the courts to protect their businesses in the name of the Constitution. The courts fashioned a framework for entertaining the challenge. And the Supreme Court easily validated the economic policy forged by Congress. Smith was a classic test case. The real interests backing the shareholder’s action were private mortgage lenders anxious that federal banks would drive them out of business. Some of the greatest lawyers of the day participated, including Charles Evans Hughes (later to be named Chief Justice). This article describes the 1916 Act and the conditions that gave rise to it, explores the development of the test case, and critiques the modern Court’s understanding of the jurisdictional question.
Whey Utilization in Animal Feeding: A Summary and Evaluation,

Abstract Whey is a highly nutritious by product of the cheese industry which can be utilized well when fed to animals in a variety of forms such as liquid whey, condensed whey, dried whey, or as dried whey products. Ruminants can consume up to 30% of their dry-matter intake as liquid whey without impaired performance while swine may experience diarrhea when more than 20% of their dry matter is liquid whey. Fermented, ammoniated condensed whey is an acceptable liquid protein supplement for ruminants. Small amounts of dried whey or partially delactosed whey in nonruminant rations often increase weight gains, feed efficiency, protein digestibility, and fat digestibility, as well as mineral absorption and retention. Including 10% or more dried whey or partially delactosed whey in high concentrate rations of lactating cows usually prevents most of the milk fat depression experienced with such rations without reducing concentrate consumption. Rumen butyrate usually is increased when rations contain whey or whey products. Adding whey to grass and legume silages improved the silage quality and digestibility, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were reduced in silage when whey was added to urea-treated corn silage. Growth rates have been favorable when calves were fed milk replacers containing up to 89% dried whey. Human foods should command first priority for whey protein concentrates because of the high quality protein although some use in animal feeds may be anticipated. Limited research indicates that deproteinized whey is an acceptable animal feed providing an acceptable source of lactose and minerals.
George Washington's America: A Biography through His Maps. By Barnet Schecter

Countless well-meaning historians and biographers have documented George Washington's activities as leader of the Continental Army and first president of the United States. Many of these biographie...
Correlation of microbiologic culture and fine-needle aspiration cytology: A 14-year experience at a single institution.

BACKGROUND Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is an important tool for the diagnosis of infectious disease. FNA material should be appropriately submitted for cultures when indicated by preliminary findings. Correlation of cytologic diagnoses with culture results are important quality assurance tools. The current study reviewed 14 years of FNA-culture correlation. METHODS FNA cytology-culture correlation records from the years 1996 through 2007 and 2010 through 2011 were retrieved from electronic databases compiled for histology and culture correlation. Correlation was limited to those cases for which material was submitted for culture from the FNA sample. Culture results were retrieved from the laboratory or hospital information system. RESULTS Correlative data included 770 cases. Cytology, culture, or both were positive for microbes in 416 of 770 samples (54%), excluding cultured bacterial skin contaminants. Among the 204 bacteria cases, 93 (46%) were identified by cytology and culture, 92 (45%) were identified by culture only, and 19 (9%) were identified by cytology only. Among the 16 cases of Actinomycetales, 8 (50%) were identified by cytology and culture, 5 (31%) were identified by culture only, and 3 (19%) were identified by cytology only. Of the 129 cases of mycobacteria, 63 (49%) were identified by cytology and culture, 44 (34%) were identified by culture only, and 22 (17%) were identified by cytology only. Among the 67 cases of fungi, 34 (51%) were identified by cytology only, with 15 of these 34 cases being fungal hyphae; 25 cases (37%) were identified by cytology and culture, with a 100% concordance between the cytology diagnosis and culture result; and 8 cases (12%) were identified by culture only. CONCLUSIONS FNA cytology-culture correlation is a valuable tool with which to assess the efficacy and limitations of the direct diagnosis of infectious agents, and to identify types of infections that may be negative on culture but positive on cytology diagnosis. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
pH Standard for Blood and Other Physiologic Media

A new National Bureau of Standards pH standard, intended to facilitate measurements of the pH of blood and other physiologic media in the range 7-8, is announced. The new buffer solution is composed of KH2PO4 (0.008695 molal) and Na2HPO4 (0.03043 molal). The standard pH values (pH8) of this solution from 0 to 50° are listed.
An Exposition of the Beatitudes

First. Four are attributed to the "Q" source, Lk's version being considered rather generally the more original,i and these appear in the above (Mtthean) order as Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 9; Second. Four are attributed to "special-Matthew" ('M'), viz. Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8 above; Third. Mtt's No. 3 is attributed to neither source and is thought to have been inserted, either by 'Matthew' himself when he combined his sources or by a later interpolater (Wellhausen); Fourth. Mtt's No. 8 ('M') is reckoned a doublet of Lk's No. 4 and as inserted by Mtt along with the latter in the order observed above.
Population dynamics of three coccinellids in flue-cured tobacco and functional response of Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) feeding on tobacco aphids (Homoptera : Aphididae)

The seasonal abundance of 3 species of coccinellids was observed on flue-cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L., during 1997 and 1998 in Tift County, GA. The most abundant coccinellid during both seasons was the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, which was present from mid-May, when tobacco aphids, Myzus nicotianae Blackman, colonized the crop, until late July when sampling ended. The sevenspotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., and the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), were also observed. C. septempunctata was most abundant early in the season and maintained low population levels during June and July. Conversely, H. axyridis was absent in tobacco until late May and remained abundant until sampling was discontinued. Populations of H. convergens, H. axyridis, and C. septempunctata were linearly related to tobacco aphid populations during 1998. In functional response experiments, 4th-instar larvae and adult H. convergens exhibited a type II functional response to aphid density. Fourth-instar larvae had a higher search rate and a longer handling time than adult H. convergens. Two other coccinellid species were observed at low population densities on flue-cured tobacco, Coleomegilla maculata (Mulsant) and Cycloneda munda (Say). Collectively, coccinellids may be important biological control agents of tobacco aphids on Georgia flue-cured tobacco.
Pulmonary microembolism: A cause of lung injury

Abstract Microthrombi found in the pulmonary capillaries in patients dying with post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency suggests that pulmonary microembolism (PME) may be etiologically important, but a temporal relationship has not been demonstrated. We used a modified Lim-Blaisdell model of PME to cause a severe ischemic soft tissue injury in dogs. The appearance of microaggregates (MA) in the venous circulation was measured using a laser optical scanning technique. The effect of MA on pulmonary physiologic and histologic parameters was measured and compared to control animals. In the ischemic soft tissue injury group, following restoration of local circulation, the platelet count dropped by 72% (P
No frequency shift in the “D” notes of Carolina chickadee calls in response to traffic noise

Loud, low-frequency traffic noise can mask song- bird vocalizations, and populations of some urban songbird species have shifted the frequency of their vocalizations up- ward in response. However, the spectral structure of certain vocalization elements may make them resistant to masking, suggesting that species that use these notes could be more successful in areas with high levels of traffic noise. To test this idea, we recorded Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), whose calls feature "D" notes with an overtone spectral struc- ture, along a traffic noise gradient in Durham and Orange Counties, North Carolina, USA. Frequency parameters of "D" notes did not change with noise level suggesting the possibility that these notes can be communicated effectively in noise, but further investigation is needed to test this hy- pothesis directly. In addition, we performed a playback exper- iment demonstrating how the use of spectrograms to measure note frequencies is unreliable, especially when recordings are made in noisy areas. We used an alternative method based on the predictable frequency structure of "D" notes. Our experi- ment is one of few that address the effects of urban noise on calls produced by both sexes as opposed to song produced onlybymalesduringthebreedingseason.Understandinghow vocalizationswithdifferentspectralstructuresmaybeaffected differentiallybytrafficnoisewillincreaseourabilitytopredict how the expansion of noisy areas may impact songbird com- munity composition in the future.
TU-C-BRB-06: Incorporating Electron Contribution into Kernel-Based Portal Dose Prediction for EPID-Based Imagers with Insufficient Buildup

Purpose: To develop and validate a kernel‐based portal dose image (PDI) prediction algorithm that includes upstream electron contributions for 18 MV photon beams for a Varian aS1000 used without additional buildup material. Methods: Mono‐energetic electron energy deposition kernels calculated using EGSnrc are incorporated into a PDI prediction algorithm. Measurements and Monte Carlo simulations are performed for open fields, several 10×10 cm*cm multi‐leaf collimator(MLC) gap sweeping fields and a patient field with the imager at source to imager distances of 105 cm. Measurements are made with the imager detached from the supporting arm to avoid unnecessary backscatter and without the 1.6 mm thick protective cover. The Monte Carlo configuration mimics the measurement. The fraction of EPID signal due to electrons is computed. Results: Predicted open‐field and MLC‐field PDIs agree with measurements within 1.5% except in high‐gradient beam edges. Electron contributions to the EPID signal range from 1.5% to 14% for 4×4 to 25×25 cm*cm open‐field PDIs and from 5.5% to 7.7% for sweeping MLC‐gap widths from 5 to 50 mm. With a 2%/2mm criteria and 10% threshold, at least 97% points of the patient test field have gamma<1. Excluding the electron contribution yields 81% of points with gamma<1. Calculated percent pixel intensity difference histograms suggest that the prediction with electron modeling results in a tighter and more regular distribution than the one without electron. Conclusions: The inherent buildup is insufficient to remove contamination electrons in 18 MV beams. The fraction of electron signal in PDI varies with field size and MLC modulation efficiency. Incorporating secondary electrons in PDI algorithms improves agreement of PDI comparison metrics. Conflict of interest: Supported by Varian Medical Systems
A locally conservative, discontinuous least-squares finite element method for the Stokes equations

SUMMARY Conventional least-squares finite element methods (LSFEMs) for incompressible flows do not lead to exact conservation of mass in the resulting approximation. For some problems, mass loss levels are large and result in unphysical solutions. In this paper we formulate a new, locally conservative LSFEM for the Stokes equations wherein a discrete velocity field is computed that is point-wise divergence free on each element. The central idea is to allow discontinuous velocity approximations and then to define the velocity field on each element using a local stream function. The effect of the new LSFEM approach on improved local and global mass conservation is compared with a conventional LSFEM for the Stokes equations employing standardC 0 Lagrangian elements. Copyright c 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generalized Green's theorem

Abstract The generalized Green's theorem introduced in [1] for smooth domains is here extended to Lipschitz domains (hence, including the case of polyhedrons, which is particularly important in numerical analysis). For first-order linear differential systems whose coefficient matrices are Lipschitz- continuous, the regularity requirement for test functions in Green's theorem is fairly weak since both test functions are assumed to be roughly in the same regularity space.
Elemental dispersion associated with alteration and mineralization at the hall (nevada moly) quartz monzonite-type porphyry molybdenum deposit, with a section on comparison of dispersion patterns with those from climax-type deposits

Abstract Each of two molybdenum-bearing, quartz monzonitic stocks were emplaced at 66–70 m.y.B.P. and underwent continuous inward crystallization which was interrupted three times by the successively deeper release of hydrothermal fluids. The stocks are concentrically zoned texturally and each contains three stacked molybdenum orebodies and overlapping zones of alteration and mineralization. Mapping and petrographic/fluid inclusion studies indicate that in each alteration/ mineralization pulse, early quartz-molybdenite ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite veinlets with K-feldspar alteration envelopes (T = 470–750°C; wt.% NaCl eq. = 8–19%) were followed by quartz-muscovite ± pyrite ± flourite (greisen) veinlets with envelopes of coarse-grained (1–23 mm) muscovite. Later fluids in some pulses formed quartz-magnetite veinlets or chlorite-enveloped (quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite ± magnetite) veins, but all pulses were ultimately closed by quartz-galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite ± tetrahedrite ± pyrite veins having no alteration envelopes (T = 370–450°C; wt.% NaCl eq. = 30–41%). Regional structure and paleomagnetic data indicate that during Tertiary time, the stocks were tilted eastward about 70°. Alteration/mineralization zoning is consistent with such a tilt and trace-elemental dispersion patterns are interpreted in this context. Molybdenum orebodies are related to quartz-molybdenite veinlets, with successively deeper orebodies related to veinlets produced by successively deeper phases of each stock. Copper highs (200–1000 ppm) generally occur with molybdenum highs (400–2000 ppm) as a result of the nearly ubiquitous occurrence of chalcopyrite in the quartz-molybdenite veinlets. Fluorine highs (1000–21000 ppm) are related to greisen veinlets and occur 30–100+ m outward of molybdenum highs. Tin anomalies are generally weak (5–25 ppm) and either coincide with fluorine highs (in one stock) or are sporadically distributed (in the other stock). Tungsten anomalies are also weak (5–18 ppm) and although locally present with tin and fluorine highs, are more typically sporadic in distribution. Anomalies of lead (300–5000 ppm), zinc (200–4000 ppm), manganese (150–3200 ppm), and silver (3–30 ppm) are related to base-metal veins and occur 40–150 m outward of molybdenum highs. Arsenic is sporadically distributed in general, but correlates well with lead-zinc-manganese-silver highs where copper highs are also present. Dispersion patterns for lithium, bismuth, thallium, antimony, niobium, and gold are also briefly discussed.
Investigations of azapeptides as mimetics of Leu-enkephalin

Solution syntheses of azapeptide pentamers 2, 3, and 4 were accomplished. The binding affinity of these azapeptides and azatide 1 were examined in the context of monoclonal antibody 3-E7 known to strongly bind the [Leu5]enkephalin sequence.
Compatibilization of polymer blends by complexation. 1. Spectroscopic characterization of ion-amide interactions in ionomer/polyamide blends

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and solid-state 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (15N-NMR) spectroscopies were used to characterize the structure and relative strength of the interactions between metal sulfonate and amide groups in blends of lightly sulfonated polystyrene ionomers and an N-methylated polyamide, poly(N,N‘-dimethylethylene sebacamide), and low molecular weight model complexes. The metal sulfonate groups, which aggregate in the neat ionomer, were dispersed by the polyamide in the blend as a consequence of a complexation that involved the sulfonate cation and both the carbonyl oxygen and the amide nitrogen of the polyamide. The FTIR and 15N-NMR spectra were consistent with a 2pz electron redistribution model for the complex, in which electrons migrate from the nitrogen to the metal ion through the carbonyl group. The sulfonate anion did not appear to particpate in the complex, but it remained in the vicinity of the metal cation. The strength of the ion−...
A Dual-Institution Randomized Controlled Trial of Remnant Closure after Distal Pancreatectomy: Does the Addition of a Falciform Patch and Fibrin Glue Improve Outcomes?

Objective The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of two pancreatic remnant closure techniques following distal pancreatectomy: (1) stapled or sutured closure versus (2) stapled or sutured closure plus falciform patch and fibrin glue reinforcement in the setting of a prospective randomized trial, with the primary endpoint being pancreatic fistula.
Fenton activity and cytotoxicity studies of iron-loaded carbon particles.

The chemical and biological properties of iron-loaded manufactured carbon nanoparticles (Flammruss 101) were contrasted with those of an iron-loaded synthetic carbon particle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the iron on the carbon particles. Production of hydroxyl free radicals via the Fenton reaction was monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The iron-loaded synthetic carbon particles produced a positive Fenton response, whereas the iron-loaded manufactured carbon particles did not The source of the Fenton activity of the synthetic carbon particles is proposed to be a soluble iron compound that was formed during the synthesis of the particle. A likely candidate for the soluble iron species is Fe 2 F 5 , which was synthesized and its properties were examined. Higher toxicity of Fe 2 F 5 toward murine macrophages compared with other simple iron salts was attributed to soluble iron that was stabilized by the fluoride ligand. The cytotoxicity of manufactured carbon particles toward murine macrophages decreased or remained unaltered upon impregnation with iron compounds.
Pain and Stress in Learning Organizations A Question of Career

This article adopts the middle perspective, the fluorescent light model to examine the painful and stressful experiences, which employees face in the course of their working lives in learning organizations. The article provides insights on why such abuses are accepted and tolerated by the organizational members without any form of external confrontation and resistance against the management of the learning organizations.
Facile method to attach transition metal ions to the surface of anatase TiO2 nanorods

We report a robust, low-cost method to attach transition metal ions directly to the surface of anatase TiO2 rod-shaped nanocrystals with preservation of the host nanocrystal morphology and phase. The procedure has been optimized to achieve quantitative control of metal ion loading on the surface of the nanorods. The metal ion can be attached to the nanocrystal surface up to full monolayer coverage, after which the surface becomes saturated and there is no further addition.
Amino acid biosynthetic enzymes as targets of herbicide action

Abstract Several structurally-unrelated herbicides act by blocking amino acid biosynthesis. Since amino acid metabolism is similar in plants and well-studied, manipulatable microbial systems, the opportunity exists for a particularly productive interaction between microbial and plant molecular biology. Such a symbiosis may lead to new methods for the identification and design of crop protection chemicals.
Ethics in an operations management course.

Graduates of the management major at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg find employment in a variety of organizations. As future managers with employees from different professions, students expressed an interest in discussing ethics cases in the operations management class. The semester starts with students familiarizing themselves with various professional and corporate codes of ethics. Throughout the semester a number of short ethics’ cases in operations’ areas such as inventory management, scheduling, facility location, and product design are introduced to illustrate ethical issues that a manager and his/her employees might face. Students prepare individual responses before the in-class discussions. The semester ends with a long group ethics case discussion and formal case presentations. In the end-of-semester survey, students responded very favorably to an ethics component in the operations management class.
Evaluation of Process That Might Lead to Separation of Actinides in Waste Storage Tanks Under Alkaline Conditions

This study addresses the physical-chemical processes that might naturally or inadvertently occur and that would lead to a separation of the poisoning nonfissionable actinides (232Th, 238U) from the fissionable ones (239Pu, 235U) by selective dissolution and redeposition over a prolonged storage of the waste. Of the various chemistries that were evaluated, carbonate complexation reaction is the most plausible means of achieving the separation of these actinides. Carbonate ions (formed by the dissolution and hydrolysis of atmospheric CO2) can selectively dissolve the actinide oxides through the formation of soluble carbonate complexes, which could result in the separation of poisoning actinides from the fissionable ones. The concentrations of these soluble carbonate species are dependent on the pH, temperature, and other ions; therefore, changes in any of these parameters over time—especially cyclic changes (daily or seasonal)—could cause a selective dissolution and redeposition of the more soluble species ...
Caged compounds for multichromic optical interrogation of neural systems.

Caged compounds are widely used by neurophysiologists to study many aspects of cellular signaling in glia and neurons. Biologically inert before irradiation, they can be loaded into cells via patch pipette or topically applied in situ to a defined concentration; photolysis releases the caged compound in a very rapid and spatially defined way. As caged compounds are exogenous optical probes, they include not only natural products such neurotransmitters, calcium and IP3 but non-natural products such as fluorophores, drugs and antibodies. In this Technical Spotlight we provide a short introduction to the uncaging technique by discussing the nitroaromatic caging chromophores most widely used in such experiments [e.g. α-carboxy-ortho-nitrobenyl (CNB), dimethoxynitrobenzyl (DMNB), 4-methoxy-7-nitroindolinyl (MNI) and 4-carboxymethoxy-7-nitroindolinyl (CDNI)]. We show that recently developed caging chromophores [rutheniumbipyridial (RuBi) and 7-diethylaminocoumarin (DEAC)450] that are photolyzed with blue light (~ 430–480 nm range) can be combined with traditional nitroaromatic caged compounds to enable two-color optical probing of neuronal function. For example, one-photon uncaging of either RuBi-GABA or DEAC450-GABA with a 473-nm laser is facile, and can block nonlinear currents (dendritic spikes or action potentials) evoked by two-photon uncaging of CDNI-Glu at 720 nm. We also show that two-photon uncaging of DEAC450-Glu and CDNI-GABA at 900 and 720 nm, respectively, can be used to fire and block action potentials. Our experiments illustrate that recently developed chromophores have taken uncaging out of the ‘monochrome era’, in which it has existed since 1978, so as to enable multichromic interrogation of neuronal function with single-synapse precision.
FPGA schemes for minimizing the power-throughput trade-off in executing the Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm

Today most research involving the execution of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm falls into three areas: ultra-high-speed encryption, very low power consumption, and algorithmic integrity. This study's focus is on how to lower the power consumption of an FPGA-based encryption scheme with minimum effect on performance. Three novel FPGA schemes are introduced and evaluated. These schemes are compared in terms of architectural and performance differences, as well as the power consumption rates. The results show that the proposed schemes are able to reduce the logic and signal power by 60% and 27%, respectively on a Virtex 2 Pro FPGA while maintaining a high level of throughput.
SHORT-PERIOD SURFACE-WAVE ATTENUATION AND INTENSITIES IN THE GEORGIA-SOUTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT PROVINCE

The decay with distance of the maximum partiele velo- city "A" in mm/sec for quarry explosions and earthquakes follows the equation: Log ( A ) _ -1.5 - 2.0 Log ( D ) + M L where D is in kilometers and ML is the Richter magnitude as defined at 100 km. This equation is valid only in the range of 10 to 150 km for events with travel paths contained en- tirely within the Piedmont Province of Georgia and South Carolina. If needed, intensities from a magnitude 2.0 < M L < 5.5 event can be obtained by conversion of the partiele velocities to intensity by use of the relations given by Nuttli (1973).
Women's worlds at the American Geographical Society

For much of the twentieth century, women in the United States found it difficult to obtain university positions in geography. Opportunities existed in other types of institutions, however, includin...
Arthropod and nematode control with aldicarb on Florida citrus.

Single applications of aldicarb 15 granular (G) at 37 and 75 kg/ha applied to the soil in March or April were compared with a foliar spray program and untreated control trees at four citrus grove locations for 2 yr (1983–84). Arthropod and citrus nematode population levels, tree growth, and fruit yield were monitored. Arthropods that were monitored included Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) mostly on fruit, and Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor), Panonychus citri (McGregor), Dialeurodes citrifolii (Morgan), Lepidosaphes gloveri (Packard), Cornuaspis beckii (Newman), Aonidiella citrina (Coquillett), Coccus viridis (Green), Parlatoria pergandii Cornstock, Saissetia oleae (Olivier), and Ceroplastes floridensis Cornstock on leaves. Plant-parasitic nematodes recovered from soil and root samples were Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb) and Pratylenchus brachyurus (Godfrey) Filipjev & Schuurmans Stekhoven. Aldicarb 15G at both rates provided comparable activity ranging from 13 to 20 wk control of P. oleivora and substantially reduced fruit injury due to russeting. Aldicarb at both rates reduced nematode populations and increased fruit yield at harvest in three of four grove sites.
Mechanistic and Mutational Studies of Escherichia coli Molybdopterin Synthase Clarify the Final Step of Molybdopterin Biosynthesis

Biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor, a chelate of molybdenum or tungsten with a novel pterin, occurs in virtually all organisms including humans. In the cofactor, the metal is complexed to the unique cis-dithiolene moiety located on the pyran ring of molybdopterin. Escherichia coli molybdopterin synthase, the protein responsible for adding the dithiolene to a desulfo precursor termed precursor Z, is a dimer of dimers containing the MoaD and MoaE proteins. The sulfur used for dithiolene formation is carried in the form of a thiocarboxylate at the MoaD C terminus. Using an intein expression system for preparation of thiocarboxylated MoaD, the mechanism of the molybdopterin synthase reaction was examined. A stoichiometry of 2 molecules of thiocarboxylated MoaD per conversion of a single precursor Z molecule to molybdopterin was observed. Examination of several synthase variants bearing mutations in the MoaE subunit identified Lys-119 as a residue essential for activity and Arg-39 and Lys-126 as other residues critical for the reaction. An intermediate of the synthase reaction was identified and characterized. This intermediate remains tightly associated with the protein and is the predominant product formed by synthase containing the K126A variant of MoaE. Mass spectral data obtained from protein-bound intermediate are consistent with a monosulfurated structure that contains a terminal phosphate group similar to that present in molybdopterin.
Microscale molding replication of Cu- and Ni-based structures

Microdevices and microsystems made of metals can possess unique functionalities. Metal-based high-aspect-ratio microscale structures (HARMS) are basic building blocks of such microdevices and microsystems. Cost-effective fabrication of metal-based HARMS is paramount to the economic viability of such devices and systems. Microscale molding replication promises low-cost, high-throughput production of metal-based HARMS. In this paper, results on molding replication of Cu- and Ni-based HARMS are reported. Molding response of Cu was measured as a function of temperature. Attempts were made to rationalize measured molding responses with companion high-temperature tensile testing. Fabrication of Ni-based HARMS by compression molding is demonstrated successfully for the first time.
Transnasal pituitary tumor surgery.

Adequate exposure to the sphenoid sinus and pituitary can be obtained through the transnasal incision route. Complete tumor removal has been accomplished even with large tumors that extended not only intracranially, but also into the sphenoid sinus. This approach has been used in 25 patients