cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benzene chromium tricarbonyl revisited: Theoretical study of the structure and dynamics of (η6-C6H6)Cr(CO)3

The electronic effects of the chromium tricarbonyl fragment on the structure of the benzene ring of (η6-C6H6)Cr(CO)3 is investigated theoretically using ab initio molecular orbital calculations with electron correlation included by using both Moller–Plesset second-order calculations and density functional theory. The results of the calculations showed that the solid-state structure of alternating long and short carbon–carbon distances in the benzene ring is a result of the orientation of the Cr(CO)3 fragment with respect to the benzene ring in which the carbonyl groups lie over the midpoint of alternate carbon–carbon bonds of the benzene ring, called the staggered conformation. A different distortion of the benzene ring is observed even in the eclipsed conformation in which the carbonyls lie over alternate carbon atoms of the benzene ring. The results of these calculations indicate that the distortion of the benzene ring in (η6-C6H6)Cr(CO)3 is a result of the electronic influence of the Cr(CO)3 fragment on the benzene ring. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 77: 152–160, 2000
Association constants of anionic-protactinium (V) complexes☆

Abstract This study was undertaken to investigate the interaction of aqueous protactinium with various monobasic acids at an ionic strength and acidity of 1·00. This present work adds to the existing information on the anionic complexing of protactinium which was collected at an ionic strength of 3 and an acidity of 1–3 N. The solvent extraction method involves the measurement of the distribution of protactinium (Pa-233) between various aqueous solutions and a benzene phase containing the bidentate chelating agent, thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA).
Piezo1 and Piezo2 Are Essential Components of Distinct Mechanically Activated Cation Channels

Mechanical stimuli drive many physiological processes, including touch and pain sensation, hearing, and blood pressure regulation. Mechanically activated (MA) cation channel activities have been recorded in many cells, but the responsible molecules have not been identified. We characterized a rapidly adapting MA current in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line. Expression profiling and RNA interference knockdown of candidate genes identified Piezo1 (Fam38A) to be required for MA currents in these cells. Piezo1 and related Piezo2 (Fam38B) are vertebrate multipass transmembrane proteins with homologs in invertebrates, plants, and protozoa. Overexpression of mouse Piezo1 or Piezo2 induced two kinetically distinct MA currents. Piezos are expressed in several tissues, and knockdown of Piezo2 in dorsal root ganglia neurons specifically reduced rapidly adapting MA currents. We propose that Piezos are components of MA cation channels.
14-3-3σ Expression and prognostic value in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma: A high throughput tissue microarray analysis

AIMS: 14-3-3sigma is a potential tumor suppressor gene that when it is silenced by CpG methylation can contribute to cancer development. Previously, we showed that hypermethylation of 14-3-3sigma in human ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer cell lines, and that 14-3-3sigma hypermethylation correlated with loss of its expression by immunohistochemistry. In the present study, our aim is to determine the value of 14-3-3sigma in predicting disease outcome in series of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A tumor microarray (TMA) of 192 patients with a very detailed characteristic and follow-up was performed. The slides were immunostained with 14-3-3sigma antibody and its expression was correlated with age, tumor types, grade, stage, volume of residual tumor, response to therapy, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: A marginal association with the volume of residual tumor after surgery (chi2 p = 0.044, Fischer's exact 0.051) was seen. There was no association between loss of 14-3-3sigma expression and any of age, stage, grade, tumor subtypes, and clinical response to therapy. Survival analysis according to Kaplan-Meier method showed that loss of 14-3-3sigma expression was not associated with OS or DFS (p = 0.702, p = 0.118, respectively). CONCLUSION: Even though 14-3-3sigma is involved in ovarian tumorigenesis, it does not have a prognostic value as a biomarker to predict patients' outcome.
A split model for OS/2 SCSI device drivers

The concept of splitting one logical device driver into two or more physical units is presented. The specific case of an Operating System/2® (OS/2®) SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) device driver is used as an example. The primary reason for splitting the device driver is to reduce the development effort required to produce new SCSI device drivers. Common code is isolated in a separate driver in order to prevent its reinvention as each new SCSI device becomes available. Additional benefits are that the overall device driver size is reduced, and the performance of the SCSI subsystem is enhanced. The complete separation of the upper- and lower-level drivers provides the ability to replace one of the device drivers without affecting any of the other components of the system. This is particularly important because it enables backward compatibility for older device drivers, while allowing for the support of emerging technology.
Kenneth Burke's Punitive Priests and the Redeeming Prophets: The NCAA, the College Sports Media, and the University of Miami Scandal

Burke argues priesthoods that work to maintain the social order govern orientations. This can lead to cultural lag or the gap that results when a priesthood fails to maintain an orientation in light of communal changes. To account for cultural lag, a community can develop prophets who work to revise the orientation. To illustrate, I examined the University of Miami booster who provided improper benefits to student-athletes. As a result of the coverage of the scandal, the media worked with the college sports community to blame and chastise the NCAA in order to provide them with a plan for revision and restoration. This case illustrates how prophets can function to take up the cultural lag in a community by challenging the priesthood with its own sins and providing a means of restoration that adapts the orientation to current circumstances.
Metabolite of (—)-trans-Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol: Identification and Synthesis

The major metabolite of (—)-trans-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol observed in vivo and formed by hepatic microsomes in vitro is 11-hydroxy-trans-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. The metabolite was identified spectroscopically and was synthesized from trans-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. In tests with rats, the metabolite produced behavioral effects similar to those imparted by Δ8- and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Soil temperature and moisture effects on the persistence of synthetic androgen 17α-trenbolone, 17β-trenbolone and trendione

Trenbolone acetate (TBA) is a synthetic androgenic steroid hormone administered as a subcutaneous implant for growth promotion in beef cattle. The primary metabolite excreted in manure from implanted cattle is 17alpha-trenbolone with lesser amounts of 17beta-trenbolone and trendione also present. At 22 degrees C and favorable moisture conditions in a controlled laboratory environment, trenbolone degrades to trendione in a few hours; however, these conditions are often not what exist in the field. Therefore, aerobic degradation rates of 17alpha-trenbolone, 17beta-trenbolone and trendione were determined in a sandy soil and silty clay loam under a range of temperature and water availability combinations that may be expected in the field. A first-order exponential decay model was used to estimate rates and generally resulted in good model fits to the data. Degradation rates decreased with decreasing water availability (i.e., more negative soil matric potential) and decreasing temperature. However, when water availability was substantially reduced (-1.0MPa), hotter temperatures (35 degrees C) significantly reduced trenbolone degradation rates. Once temperature was low enough to limit microbial activity, no further changes were observed with decreasing matric potential. Trendione also exhibited similar moisture and temperature dependent degradation, but persisted longer than the parent trenbolone. The latter was discussed in light of extracellular versus intracellular enzymatic degradation and sorption. Half lives at colder temperatures (5 degrees C) even under favorable moisture conditions were 2-3d for the trenbolone isomers and approached 10d for trendione.
Molten silver as a direct carbon fuel cell anode

Abstract Molten Ag and Ag–Sb alloy have been examined as anodes in direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) at 1273 K. For Ag, an open-circuit voltage (OCV) typical of that expected for carbon oxidation, 1.12 V, was observed when charcoal was mixed with the molten Ag. However, the anode impedance was high, ∼100 Ω cm 2 . The nature of the electrode losses was investigated by measuring the voltage–current characteristics of a cell with Ag but no carbon at the electrode, while ramping the voltage under fuel cell and electrolysis conditions. The results indicate that the cell potential is governed by the oxygen concentration in the Ag at the electrolyte interface. Using this and a model of carbon oxidation within the molten Ag, it is determined that the impedance of the electrode is limited by diffusion of oxygen in the Ag phase, due to the low solubility of oxygen in molten Ag. With Ag–Sb alloy with added charcoal, the OCV at 973 K was 0.75 V, the potential associated with equilibrium between Sb and Sb 2 O 3 , due to the low solubility of oxygen in the Sb phase. The implications of these results for using molten Ag electrodes for direct carbon fuel cells are discussed.
Invasion-related antigens of Campylobacter jejuni.

A HEp-2 cell culture model was used to investigate the antigens required for epithelial cell penetration by Campylobacter jejuni. Penetration of HEp-2 epithelial cells by C. jejuni was significantly inhibited (P less than .05) with C. jejuni lysate and a monoclonal antibody (MAb 1B4) in competitive inhibition assays. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that MAb 1B4 bound to the flagella and cell surface of low-passage (invasive) C. jejuni M 96, whereas only the flagella of high-passage (noninvasive) C. jejuni M 96 were labeled. Western blot analysis revealed that MAb 1B4 identified an epitope on antigens of 64-44 kDa in lysates prepared from invasive and noninvasive isolates. In addition, antigens of 42-38 kDa were recognized in lysates prepared from only invasive C. jejuni strains. Proteinase K and sodium meta-periodate chemical treatment of C. jejuni M 96 lysate changed the mobility of antigens recognized by MAb 1B4. The increase in mobility demonstrated a decrease in size of molecules and suggested that antigens required for HEp-2 cell invasion by Campylobacter species may be glycoprotein in nature.
CSF, a Species-Specific Extracellular Signaling Peptide for Communication among Strains of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus mojavensis

ComX and CSF are Bacillus subtilis extracellular signaling peptides. Many different strains of B. subtilis do not communicate due to strain-specific variation of ComX. We demonstrate that CSF is a species-specific signaling molecule that partially compensates for the lack of ComX-mediated communication between different strains of B. subtilis.
Spatially coupled sparse codes on graphs: theory and practice

Since the discovery of turbo codes 20 years ago and the subsequent rediscovery of low-density parity check codes a few years later, the field of channel coding has experienced a number of major advances. Until that time, code designers were usually happy with performance that came within a few decibels of the Shannon Limit, primarily due to implementation complexity constraints, whereas the new coding techniques now allow performance within a small fraction of a decibel of capacity with modest encoding and decoding complexity. Due to these significant improvements, coding standards in applications as varied as wireless mobile transmission, satellite TV, and deep space communication are being updated to incorporate the new techniques. In this article, we review a particularly exciting new class of low-density parity check codes called spatially coupled codes, which promise excellent performance over a broad range of channel conditions and decoded error rate requirements.
Effective Arterial Elastance Is Insensitive to Pulsatile Arterial Load

Effective arterial elastance (E(A)) was proposed as a lumped parameter that incorporates pulsatile and resistive afterload and is increasingly being used in clinical studies. Theoretical modeling studies suggest that E(A) is minimally affected by pulsatile load, but little human data are available. We assessed the relationship between E(A) and arterial load determined noninvasively from central pressure-flow analyses among middle-aged adults in the general population (n=2367) and a diverse clinical population of older adults (n=193). In a separate study, we investigated the sensitivity of E(A) to changes in pulsatile load induced by isometric exercise (n=73). The combination of systemic vascular resistance and heart rate predicted 95.6% and 97.8% of the variability in E(A) among middle-aged and older adults, respectively. E(A) demonstrated a quasi-perfect linear relationship with the ratio of systemic vascular resistance/heart period (middle-aged adults, R=0.972; older adults, R=0.99; P<0.0001). Aortic characteristic impedance, total arterial compliance, reflection magnitude, and timing accounted together for <1% of the variability in E(A) in either middle-aged or older adults. Despite pronounced changes in pulsatile load induced by isometric exercise, changes in E(A) were not independently associated with changes pulsatile load but were rather a nearly perfect linear function of the ratio of systemic vascular resistance/heart period (R=0.99; P<0.0001). Our findings demonstrate that E(A) is simply a function of systemic vascular resistance and heart rate and is negligibly influenced by (and insensitive to) changes in pulsatile afterload in humans. Its current interpretation as a lumped parameter of pulsatile and resistive afterload should thus be reassessed.
Switchgrass biomass production in the Midwest USA: harvest and nitrogen management.

Information on optimal harvest periods and N fertilization rates for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) grown as a biomass or bioenergy crop in the Midwest USA is limited. Our objectives were to determine optimum harvest periods and N rates for biomass production in the region. Established stands of Cave-in-Rock' switchgrass at Ames, IA, and Mead, NE, were fertilized 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, or 300 kg N ha -1 . Harvest treatments were two- or one-cut treatments per year, with initial harvest starting in late June or early July (Harvest 1) and continuing at approximately 7-d intervals until the latter part of August (Harvest 7). A final eighth harvest was completed after a killing frost. Regrowth was harvested on previously harvested plots at that time. Soil samples were taken before fertilizer was applied in the spring of 1994 and again in the spring of 1996. Averaged over years, optimum biomass yields were obtained when switchgrass was harvested at the maturity stages R3 to R5 (panicle fully emerged from boot to postanthesis) and fertilized with 120 kg N ha -1 . Biomass yields with these treatments averaged 10.5 to 11.2 Mg ha -1 at Mead and 11.6 to 12.6 Mg ha -1 at Ames. At this fertility level, the amount of N removed was approximately the same as the amount applied. At rates above this level, soil NO 3 -N concentrations increased.
Total synthesis of the host defense stimulant maesanin

Abstract An efficient total synthesis of the host defense stimulant maesanin has been achieved by a route featuring a photochemical aromatic annulation as a key step.
A new description of interatomic and intermolecular interactions

Abstract A preliminary account is given of a perturbation for calculating interatomic and intermolecular interaction energies in which the wave function is expanded in terms of product functions. The results obtained are compared with those found using other expansions.
An analysis of role stress among hospital nurses

Abstract Using a sample of 566 nurses from four urban hospitals, this study focused on role stress,conceptualized in terms of role conflict, uncertainty about acceptance of one's behavior by supervisors and peers, and role ambiguity. Results indicated that individual attributes, including education, locus of control, and professional commitment, predicted role stress, as did work content variables and leadership sensitivity. Interaction effects on individual performance were discovered between role-stress variables and education, feedback from others, and leadership sensitivity. This study did not contribute to understanding nursing turnover.
Ship-produced cloud lines of 13 July 1991

Abstract On 13 July 1991, a well-defined cloud line produced by an unidentified steaming ship was detected in satellite imagery and was simultaneously photographed from the R/V EGABRAG III . The EGABRAG produced a much less well-defined cloud line. Measurements made from the EGABRAG revealed that the cloud lines formed in a shallow boundary layer which was nearly saturated, unstable, drizzling and nearly free of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The EGABRAG passed through the plume of the ship as indicated by elevated CCN concentrations coincident with the cloud line. Thereafter, both ships passed under a shallow stratus layer where background CCN concentrations increased significantly. Only the cloud line produced by the ship extended into the stratus layer, the EGABRAG did not affect the layer. The CCN and updraft from the ship were involved in the formation of the cloud line. In contrast, the CCN and updraft from the EGABRAG were insufficient to produce a well-defined cloud line. Production of the cloud lines appeared dependent on a combination of environmental conditions and ship-produced CCN and updrafts.
VisWorks text and network visual analytics: VAST 2010 Mini Challenge 1 award: “Effective interactive visualization of document contents”

VisWorks is a software package for text and network visual analytics. This paper introduces its visualization, analytic process and lesson learned in solving Mini-Challenge 1 of VAST 2010 contest.
A two-step acid mercury removal process for pulverized coal

Abstract A correlation predicting the effectiveness of a two-step acid wash coal cleaning protocol using sequential leaching of mercury from the coal was developed and the effectiveness of the two-step wash procedure was then determined for two bituminous coals. Increasing the hydrochloric acid concentration and temperature in the USGS four stage sequential leaching protocol increased the amount of mercury leached during the HCl step. Using these revised conditions, sequential leaching was then shown to correspond to the mercury removals achieved in the two-step wash method. Mercury removal rates of 50–70% were realized for the bituminous coals by pre-treating the coal prior to a wash with hot concentrated HCl.
Social Productivity versus Private Acquisition

The genealogy of certain current doctrines traced back (1) to the distinction between productive and unproductive labor, 97. — The origins of this distinction in Mercantilism and Physiocracy, 99. — Mill's interpretation, 101. — The bearing of the materialistic and mercantilistic notion of production upon the notion of productive instruments and upon the distinction between land and capital, 102. — This distinction as reinforced by the argument from origins, 103. — This distinction subjected to the tests of competitive production for the market, 104. — Its support derived from English juristic thought and institutions, 104. — (2) The Unseen Hand, Natural Law, and Laissez-faire as separate sources of the current optimism, of the current misconceptions of productivity, and of current confusions between social and competitive analysis, 106. — These summarized, 109. — The genealogy of the Productivity Theory of Distribution, productivity being presented as social service, 110. — The concept of capital restated in harmony with the competitive, individualistic, pecuniary organization of business, 111. — Capital characterized not by technological tests or by materiality, 111. — Nor by the materiality of its product, 112. — Nor by social service, 113. — But by pecuniary return, — as, likewise, with the productivity of labor, 114. — Other dangers of error and other actual errors through the confusion of the social and the competitive points of view, 115. — The necessary reformulations of doctrine, 116. — General summary of the argument, 117. — The Productivity Theory of Distribution, as commonly held, old in all essentials, 118.
Endoscopic detection of murine colonic dysplasia using a novel fluorescence-labeled peptide

Current endoscopic screening does not detect all pre-malignant (dysplastic) colorectal mucosa, thus requiring the development of more sensitive, targeted techniques to improve detection. The presented work utilizes phage display to identify a novel peptide binder to colorectal dysplasia in a CPC;Apc mouse model. A wide-field, small animal endoscope capable of fluorescence excitation (450-475 nm) identified polyps via white light and also collected fluorescence images (510 nm barrier filter) of peptide binding. The peptide bound ~2-fold greater to the colonic adenomas when compared to the control peptide. We have imaged fluorescence-labeled peptide binding in vivo that is specific towards distal colonic adenomas.
New Modes of Quasi-Periodic Combustion Near a Degenerate Hopf Bifurcation Point

Steady, planar propagation of a condensed phase reaction front is unstable to disturbances corresponding to pulsating and spinning waves for sufficiently large values of a parameter related to the activation energy. This paper considers the nonlinear evolution equations for the amplitudes of the pulsating and spinning waves in a neighborhood of a double eigenvalue of the problem linearized about the steady, planar solution. In particular, near a degenerate Hopf bifurcation point, closed branches of solutions which represent new quasi-periodic modes of combustion are described.
Abstract B12: Racial disparities in breast cancer treatment delay and type in three North Carolina counties

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore racial disparities in delays in treatment and type of treatment received among breast cancer patients in three North Carolina counties represented in the Carolina Community Network to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CCN). The CCN is a regional community‐based cancer network that aims to reduce prostate, breast and colorectal cancer disparities among adult African Americans in North Carolina. Methods: North Carolina Central Cancer Registry data on black and white women diagnosed with breast cancer in Orange, Edgecombe, and Nash counties between 2000 and 2005 (n=1205) were used to obtained information on treatment and tumor status. Using standard guidelines for breast cancer care, delay in first course of treatment, type of treatment received, and tumor receptor status were assessed. Results: Although within the recommended guidelines, treatment delay was longer for black breast cancer patients in comparison to white patients, regardless of stage at diagnosis. Treatment delay was highest for black patients in Edgecombe, a county with the highest proportion of blacks overall. Majority of stage I and II breast cancer patients received surgery and tended to elect for breast conservation surgery over mastectomy. Estrogen and Progesterone receptor negative breast cancers were more common in blacks than whites across the three counties, especially in Edgecombe County. Conclusions: Our findings suggest treatment standards are not equivalently met among black and white women. Findings warrant further research into the identified treatment delays and tumor type differences to improve survival for black women, especially those in Edgecombe County. These preliminary results suggest that patients in Edgecombe County may have a higher prevalence of the hormone receptor negative phenotype of breast cancer. This more aggressive type of breast cancer may be attributing to the higher mortality rates in comparison to the other two counties. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B12.
Semiempirical antisymmetrized geminal power calculation for molecular spectra

Calculation of antisymmetrized geminal power wave functions using semiempirical integrals are presented for a series of six-membered heterocyclic compounds. Electronic spectra and oscillator strengths were calculated from these wave functions using excitation propagator techniques as well as more traditional Hartree–Fock configuration interaction methods. The results using various parametrization schemes are compared to each other as well as to experiment.
Quaking Aspen Regeneration following Prescribed Fire in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA

Prescribed fire is commonly used for restoration, but the effects of reintroducing fire following a century of fire exclusion are unknown in many ecosystems. We assessed the effects of three prescribed fires, native ungulate browsing, and conifer competition on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) regeneration in four small groves (0.5 ha to 3.0 ha) in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA, over an 11 yr period. The effects of fire on aspen regeneration density and height were variable within and among sites. Post-fire aspen regeneration density generally decreased with greater conifer basal area (rs = −0.73), but there was a wide range of aspen regeneration densities (4000 to 36 667 stems ha−1) at transects with no live conifers post-fire. The height of aspen regeneration increased as a function of increasing years-since-fire (1 yr to 11 yr), but heavy browsing by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Rafinesque) may alter future growth trajectories. Median percent of aspen regeneration browsed was high in burned (91 %) and unburned (81 %) transects. Only 7 % (282 stems ha−1 to 333 stems ha−1) of post-fire aspen regeneration in 11-year old burns exceeded the height necessary to escape mule deer browsing (150 cm). Browsing may also be altering aspen growth form, such that multi-stemmed aspen regeneration was positively associated with proportion of aspen regeneration browsed. These four case studies indicate that the effects of prescribed fires on quaking aspen in the southern Cascade Range of northern California were highly variable and, when coupled with biotic factors (such as deer browsing and competing vegetation) and varying fire severity, fire may either benefit or hasten the decline of small aspen groves.
Thermal stability of trimethyl indium on Si(100)(2 × 1) as studied with HREELS, UPS and XPS: A comparison with the results from Si(111)(7 × 7) and Si(110) studies

Abstract The stability of trimethyl indium on the surface of a Si(100)(2 × 1) single crystal has been investigated with UPS, XPS and HREELS. The Si dangling bond on Si(100)(2 × 1) was found to play an important role in the adsorption of TMIn, probably through the interaction with In 5pz orbitals and thus causing a distortion and/or the dissociation of the In-C bonds. However, the In-C bond breaking occurred to a much smaller extent on the (100) surface than on Si(110) and Si(111)(7 × 7). In the case of the (111) surface, TMIn attacks the adatoms before the rest-atoms. When 1 L dosed samples were annealed at 520 K, the In-C stretching vibration mode at 62 meV could still be observed in HREELS for TMIn on Si(100)(2 × 1), but not on the other two surfaces. Above 520 K, the In-C bond cracking was complete. Meanwhile CH bond breaking also began to occur on the surface, which continued as the sample was further annealed at higher temperatures. At 950 K, only C species left on the surface following the decomposition of TMIn and the desorption of the In and H species.
Does hand dominance affect the use of motor abundance when reaching to uncertain targets

This study investigated hemispheric differences in utilizing motor abundance to achieve flexible patterns of joint coordination when reaching to uncertain target locations. Right-handed participants reached with each arm to the same central target when its final location was certain or when there was a 66% probability that its location could change after movement initiation. Use of greater motor abundance was observed when participants reached to the central target under target location uncertainty regardless of the arm used to reach. Joint variance associated with variability of movement direction was larger when reaching with the left, non-dominant arm. This arm also exhibited higher hand path variability compared to the dominant arm. These arm differences were not found when the final (central) target location was known in advance. The results provide preliminary evidence for a greater ability of the dominant (right) arm/left hemisphere to decouple directions in joint space. That is, to increase the use of motor abundance without simultaneously inducing unwanted hand path variability requires that joint variations be restricted to a limited subspace of joint space. Hemispheric differences in motor planning did not appear to account for arm differences related to the use of motor abundance.
Distributed in-network path planning for sensor network navigation in dynamic hazardous environments

Wireless sensor networks can be employed to provide distributed real-time navigation instructions to users attempting to travel in hazardous environments. In this work, we propose a distributed path planning algorithm for sensor network navigation in dynamic hazardous environments. Using geographic or virtual coordinates of sensors and based on a partial reversal method for directed acyclic graphs (DAG), our algorithm constructs a distributed in-network directed navigation graph, where each source sensor is guaranteed to have at least one desired directed path to one destination sensor. When the hazardous environment changes due to its dynamic nature, path replanning does not need to reconfigure most of the directed links in the graph unaffected by the changes. Correctness of our algorithm is proved and extensive simulation results demonstrate that the constructed navigation graph provides near-optimal navigation paths for users, successfully adapts to dynamic hazardous environments, and requires very low communication overhead for maintenance, when compared to other navigation graphs constructed by existing algorithms that use frequent or periodic flooding. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SU-E-J-131: Investigation of Inter-Fraction Organ Motions for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose: To investigate the inter‐fractional pancreatic and right kidney motions for patients with pancreatic tumors using daily KV‐CBCTs, acquired prior to each treatment. Materials:Five patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who had the stent placements and received IMRT with daily KV‐CBCT, were selected for this study. Five weekly CBCTs were input to the Pinnacle treatment planning system and aligned with the planning CT (pCT) with the three different registration methods to investigate inter‐fractional organ motions. For each patient, a triple imaging registration was performed, (a) bone‐based registration; (2) right‐kidney based registration; (3) marker‐based registration; Subtracting shifts of the latter two registrations from the bone registration, we obtained the interfraction motions for the pancreas and the right kidney. The CTV contours on the CBCTs were transferred from the pCT by using a point‐based registration. The right kidney contours on the CBCTs were manually defined. Subsequently, IMRT plans were applied to these CBCTs with the iso‐center shifted according to the different registration methods. Dose calculations on the CBCT were set to a density of 1 g/cc. The CTV receiving 95% of the prescription dose (V95%) and the mean dose to the right kidney were evaluated. Results: A total of 25 CBCT images were analyzed. The average kidney‐motion was 3.58±0.43 mm, 2.08±0.36 mm, and 5.94±0.87 mm in the lateral, vertical and longitudinal directions, respectively. The CTV motion was 5.09±0.31 mm, 2.75±0.17 mm, and 7.80±0.92 mm, respectively. V95% of the CTV was 95.65±5.46 %, and 94±11.47 % for the bone‐based registration and marker‐based registrations, respectively. The mean dose of the right kidney was 6.16±1.87 Gy and 7.48±2.96 Gy, respectively. Conclusions:The CTV V95% is comparable between bone‐registration and marker‐based registration and the mean dose to the right kidney is well below the tolerance. Update results from more patients and more daily CBCTs will be reported.
Characterization of a covalent polysulfane bridge in copper-zinc superoxide dismutase .

In the course of studies on human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) we observed a modified form of the protein whose mass was increased by 158 mass units. The covalent modification was characterized, and we established that it is a novel heptasulfane bridge connecting the two Cys111 residues in the SOD1 homodimer. The heptasulfane bridge was visualized directly in the crystal structure of a recombinant human mutant SOD1, H46R/H48Q, produced in yeast. The modification is reversible, with the bridge being cleaved by thiols, cyanide, and by unfolding of the protein to expose the polysulfane. The polysulfane bridge can be introduced in vitro by incubation of purified SOD1 with elemental sulfur, even under anaerobic conditions and in the presence of a metal chelator. Because polysulfanes and polysulfides can catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen and sulfur species, the modification may endow SOD1 with a toxic gain of function.
Genetic polymorphism and fertility parameters in the Aymara of Chile and Bolivia

SUMMARY 69 To determine whether increased fitness in natural populations is associated with heterozygosity, several studies have attempted to correlate heterozygosity at one or a few genetic loci with fitness-related quantitative traits. The results have been equivocal at best. Furthermore, data on fertility-related parameters and the extent of genetic polymorphism at a large number of loci in man are quite scanty. This report examines the association of four fertility-related parameters (number of pregnancies, number of livebirths, number of children surviving at least one year and number of children alive at the time of the survey) with heterozygosity at 17 polymorphic immunological and biochemical systems in the Aymara of Chile and Bolivia. Women 45 years of age and aboye, on whom complete fertility histories and phenotype data are available, were included in the study (n = 190). None of the fertility parameters seem to be correlated with heterozygosity, as measured by the proportion of polymorphic loci. For some individual loci, however, an association between heterozygous state and fertility parameters exists. Even in these cases, heterozygosity did not always confer higher fertility. To see whether these negative results are due, to heterogeneity in the data, the total sample was divided according to altitude of residente and ethnicity. The conclusions remained the same, indicating that the lack of association of these fertility parameters with genetic polymorphism is not due to population heterogeneity alones Reproductive fitness differentials, therefore, were not detectable in the Aymara by heterozygosity determined by the polymorpnic genetic systems scored by serological and electrophoretic techniques.
Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease as Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To measure and contrast 2 biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma homocysteine, in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and control individuals without AMD. Design Case–control study. Participants Seventy-nine affected individuals and 77 unaffected individuals from the AMD Genetic Study Group returned to obtain CRP and homocysteine levels. Methods Both affected and unaffected individuals underwent testing for CRP and homocysteine. A detailed cardiovascular history was taken. Main Outcome Measures Mean CRP and homocysteine levels in affected and unaffected individuals. Results Mean CRP levels for affected and unaffected individuals were 3.42 and 2.30 mg/l, respectively ( P = 0.03). Mean homocysteine levels for affected and unaffected individuals were 11.72 and 8.88 μmol/l, respectively ( P Conclusions Elevated CRP and homocysteine levels are associated with AMD and implicate the role of chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase D Is Expressed by Macrophages in Human Atherosclerosis and Colocalizes With Oxidation Epitopes

Background—Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) may play an important role in inflammation, because it can hydrolyze the GPI anchors of several inflammatory membrane proteins (eg, CD106, CD55, and CD59) and its hydrolytic products upregulate macrophage cytokine expression (eg, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α). Because of its potential regulatory role in inflammatory reactions, we hypothesized that GPI-PLD might be expressed in atherosclerosis. Methods and Results—Immunohistochemistry using human GPI-PLD–specific rabbit polyclonal antiserum was performed on a total of 83 nonatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic human coronary arteries from 23 patients. Macrophages, smooth muscle cells, apoA-I, and oxidation epitopes also were identified immunohistochemically. Cell-associated GPI-PLD was detected in 95% of atherosclerotic segments, primarily on a subset of macrophages. Extracellular GPI-PLD was present in only 30% of atherosclerotic segments and localized to regions with e...
Animal Models of Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases have great impact on the quality of life of both people and domestic animals. They are increasing in prevalence in both animals and humans, possibly due to the changed lifestyle conditions and the decreased exposure to beneficial microorganisms. Dogs, in particular, suffer from environmental skin allergies and develop a clinical presentation which is very similar to the one of children with eczema. Thus, dogs are a very useful species to improve our understanding on the mechanisms involved in people’s allergies and a natural model to study eczema. Animal models are frequently used to elucidate mechanisms of disease and to control for confounding factors which are present in studies with patients with spontaneously occurring disease and to test new therapies that can be beneficial in both species. It has been found that drugs useful in one species can also have benefits in other species highlighting the importance of a comprehensive understanding of diseases across species and the value of comparative studies. The purpose of the current article is to review allergic diseases across species and to focus on how these diseases compare to the counterpart in people.
Malacoplakia presenting as a large bladder mass

A woman with a medical history significant for recurrent urinary tract infections and systemic histoplasmosis presented with persistent urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, a weak urinary stream, and gross hematuria. Renal and bladder ultrasound scanning revealed normal kidneys and a mass within the bladder (Fig. 1). A urine culture grew more than 100,000 Escherichia coli. After the patient’s urinary tract infection was treated, she underwent cystoscopy, which revealed a lobulated, fungating tumor present circumferentially at the bladder neck and at the left lateral bladder wall. It was resected endoscopically, with subsequent resolution of all of her voiding complaints. Histologic examination of the specimen revealed malacoplakia (Fig. 2). She was subsequently treated with an extended course of oral antibiotics. Malacoplakia is characterized histologically by the presence of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies contained within von Hansemann macrophages. This likely represents phagolysosomes that contain partially digested bacterial debris. Malacoplakia occurs typically in immunocompromised patients who experience recurrent E. coli urinary tract infections. It predominates in females and occurs in both the upper and lower urinary tracts. Treatment ranges from antibiotic therapy to endoscopic resection and, in some cases, surgical removal of the organ. Malacoplakia is often mistaken for malignancy on imaging studies and on gross inspection and should be considered as a diagnosis in the type of patient described here.1,2
An improved method of analysis for glycine using Streptococcus faecalis.

Abstract Streptococcus faecalis A.T.C.C. 6057 can be used satisfactorily to determine glycine in a final medium solution concentration of from 0 to 6 μg./ml./tube. This analytical procedure is more sensitive and is as accurate as previous methods of glycine determinations. Advantages of the method include (a) the small amount of protein required for assay, and (b) the accuracy of the assay. The glycine content of seven purified proteins was reported.
Anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity of an anti-CD4 immunoconjugate containing pokeweed antiviral protein.

The ability of an alpha CD4-pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) immunoconjugate to inhibit replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was evaluated in vitro with 22 clinical HIV-1 strains obtained from four seropositive asymptomatic individuals, three patients with AIDS-related complex, and four patients with AIDS. Fifteen isolates were from zidovudine-untreated individuals, whereas seven isolates were obtained after 24 to 104 weeks of therapy with zidovudine, alone or alternating with zalcitabine. Mean zidovudine 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) were 126 nM (range, 1 to 607 nM) for isolates from zidovudine-untreated individuals and 2,498 nM (range, 14 to 6,497 nM) for strains from patients treated with antiretroviral agents. Mean alpha CD4-PAP IC50s were 48 x 10(-3) nM (range, 0.02 x 10(-3) to 212 x 10(-3) nM) for isolates from zidovudine-untreated individuals, and 16 x 10(-3) nM (range, 2 x 10(-3) to 28 x 10(-3) nM) for isolates from treated patients. Overall, higher concentrations of alpha CD4-PAP were necessary to inhibit HIV-1 strains from untreated individuals at more advanced stages of disease. Seventeen isolates were susceptible to zidovudine (mean IC50, 117 nM), and five were resistant to zidovudine (mean IC50, 3,724 nM). Mean alpha CD4-PAP IC50s were 43 x 10(-3) nM for zidovudine-susceptible isolates and 19 x 10(-3) nM for isolates resistant to zidovudine. All HIV-1 strains had IC50s greater than 0.5 nM for unconjugated PAP, the alpha CD19-PAP immunoconjugate, and monoclonal antibody alpha CD4. At concentrations as high as 5,000 nM, alphaCD4-PAP did not inhibit colony formation by normal bone marrow progenitor cells(BFU-E, CFU-GM , and CFU-GEMM) or myeloid cell lines (KG-1 and HL-60) and did not decrease cell viabilities of T-cell (Jurkat) or B-cell (FL-112 and Raji) precursor lines. Overall, alphaCD4-PAP demonstrated more potent anti-HIV-1 activity than zidovudine and inhibited replication of zidovudine-susceptible and zidovudine-resistant viruses at concentrations that were not toxic to lymphohematopoietic cell populations.
Study of Stresses in Thin Silicon Wafers with Near-infraredphase Stepping Photoelasticity

This paper reports on a study of stress in thin silicon plates sectioned from wafers by a near-infrared transmission technique. Phase stepping was incorporated to determine the magnitude and orientation of stress from fractional birefringence fringe images. The anisotropic relative optic-stress coefficient of (100) silicon was determined and the limitation of the stress orientation measurement is discussed.
Collarless Polished Tapered Impaction Grafting of the Femur During Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Pitfalls of the Surgical Technique and Follow-Up in 31 Cases

Abstract Impacting morcellized allograft bone into the femur during revision total hip arthroplasty is a simple concept with the goal of rebuilding femoral bone stock and providing secure fixation to the femoral stem. Using the collarless polished tapered (CPT, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) stem impaction grafting system, we became concerned about the discrepancy between the straightforward concept and precise execution of the technique. In this study, we examined 31 consecutive procedures to determining intraoperative difficulties and report on the clinical outcome of 30 cases at an average follow-up of 31 months. Modified Harris Hip Scores averaged 41 points preoperatively and improved to 86 points at follow-up. Nineteen cases were performed on intact femora, whereas 12 cases had disrupted femoral integrity, either extended trochanteric osteotomy or periprosthetic fracture. Successful outcome was seen in all cases with an intact femur, and restoration of femoral integrity was key to successful outcome in cases with compromised femoral integrity. Among cases with disrupted femoral integrity, 3 distal fractures occurred as a result of the rigid CPT cement plug, and 2 complete femoral fractures occurred as a result of bone impaction, for a technique-related fracture rate of 16%. Difficulty packing bone distally occurred in 94% of cases and was associated with varus and valgus stem alignment and medial and lateral stem displacement. Complete cement mantles were seen in 77% of cases. No stem subsidence was seen in 15 of 30 cases (50%). Stem subsidence of 10 mm was seen in 1 patient (4%). Of the patients, 87% thought the procedure improved their function, and 97% would recommend it to a friend with a failed femoral component. Although we hope that the instruments for this procedure can improve, we endorse the concept of impaction grafting with the CPT stem as a successful way of dealing with revision femoral surgery.
Inhibition of dna transcription by γ-irradiation

Abstract Exposure of sliced sugar beet root to γ-rays has been shown to inhibit the synthesis of ribosomal and possibly messenger RNA as demonstrated by decreased incorporation of 3 H-uridine. In determining major sites of radiation damage to the transcriptional process, chromatin-bound RNA polymerase was found to be more sensitive to in vitro irradiation than in vivo irradiation. RNA polymerase activity solubilized from irradiated tissue was inhibited by 60% when compared to solubilized enzyme from control tissue. Control soluble RNA polymerase was inhibited by 24% when irradiated DNA was employed as template. However, the enzyme from irradiated chromatin was inhibited by 60% utilizing control DNA. Irradiation of the soluble enzyme in vitro also resulted in a severe inhibition of activity. The data indicate the the inhibition of RNA synthesis observed following exposure of tissue to γ-rays may be primarily a result of inhibited RNA polymerase activity.
In-process thin film thickness measurement and control

An in-situ ellipsometer was used to provide real-time thickness measurements and control of process end point during plasma etching of silicon dioxide. In-situ ellipsometer thickness values were obtained at intervals of 0.15 seconds. The measured thickness was used to determine end point to obtain a desired film thickness. The oxide films etched using in-process ellipsometer control had a thickness accuracy and reproducibility of 3 A. In comparison, timed etching of silicon dioxide films in the same reactor, a thickness reproducibility of only 69 A was obtained.