cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial of Conventional vs Conventional Plus Fluciclovine (18F) PET/CT-Guided Post-Prostatectomy Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Volumetric and Patient-Reported Toxicity Analyses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) In recurrent post-prostatectomy prostate cancer pts, radiotherapy (XRT) planning with fluciclovine (18F) PET/CT (PET) has demonstrated improved disease-free survival without increase in provider-reported toxicity over conventional-only [CT or MRI-based] treatment planning. We hypothesized that incorporating PET would result in larger clinical target volumes (CTV's) without increasing patient-reported toxicities. MATERIALS/METHODS From 2012-2019, 165 post-prostatectomy pts with detectable PSA were randomized (Arm 1 [no PET]: 82; Arm 2 [PET]: 83). Prostate bed target volumes with (CTV1 [45.0-50.4 Gy/1.8 Gy]) or without (CTV2/CTV [64.8-70.2 Gy/1.8 Gy]) pelvic nodal treatment, as well as organ-at-risk dose endpoints, were compared pre- v post-PET (Arm 2 only) using the paired t-test and between Arms using the t-test. V40 Gy & V65 Gy rectum, bladder(-CTV) & penile bulb constraints were identical in all cases. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO's) utilized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) & Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) metrics. Linear mixed-models (LMMs) incorporating PRO changes over time were fitted comparing the Arms. Univariate & multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed including demographic, disease, and treatment factors. RESULTS Median FU of the whole cohort was 3.52 years. Though all pts had baseline PRO's, 1 pt in Arm 1 & 3 pts in Arm 2 withdrew, & 4 Arm 2 pts had extra-pelvic uptake on PET with XRT aborted, leaving 81 [Arm 1] & 76 pts [Arm 2] for toxicity analysis {1 Arm 2 pt unable to receive PET was not included in volumetric analysis but was included in toxicity analysis}. Mean CTV1 (427.63cc v 452.21cc [P = 0.462], Arm 1 v Arm 2) and CTV2/CTV (137.18cc v 134.20cc [P = 0.669]) were similar prior to PET incorporation. CTV1 (454.57cc v 461.33cc; P = 0.003) and CTV2/CTV (134.14cc v 135.61cc; P < 0.001) were significantly larger following PET incorporation. While V40 Gy (P = 0.402 & P = 0.522 for rectum & bladder, respectively) & V65 Gy (P = 0.157 & P = 0.182 for rectum & bladder, respectively) were not significantly different pre- v post-PET, penile bulb dose did significantly increase post-PET (P < 0.001 for both V40 Gy & V65 Gy). There was no significant difference in IPSS or EPIC-CP scores at baseline or beyond 18 mo between Arms. On MVA, Arm was not significant for any of the EPIC-CP subdomain scores [incontinence (P = 0.630), irritative (P = 0.076), sexual (P = 0.166), bowel (P = 0.402), vitality (P = 0.403)]. With LMMs there was no significant difference between Arms in IPSS (P = 0.276) or EPIC-CP (P = 0.209) scores over time. CONCLUSION Despite larger clinical target volumes after incorporation of fluciclovine (18F) PET into post-prostatectomy XRT treatment planning, we found no significant difference in patient-reported toxicities with long-term follow-up.
Light at night disrupts biological clocks, calendars, and immune function

Light at night is a pervasive problem in our society; over 80% of the world’s population experiences significant light pollution. Exacerbating this issue is the reality that artificially lit outdoor areas are growing by 2.2% per year and continuously lit areas brighten by 2.2% each year due to the rapid growths in population and urbanization. Furthermore, the increase in the prevalence of night shift work and smart device usage contributes to the inescapable nature of artificial light at night (ALAN). Although previously assumed to be innocuous, ALAN has deleterious effects on the circadian system and circadian-regulated physiology, particularly immune function. Due to the relevance of ALAN to the general population, it is important to understand its roles in disrupting immune function. This review presents a synopsis of the effects of ALAN on circadian clocks and immune function. We delineate the role of ALAN in altering clock gene expression and suppressing melatonin. We review the effects of light at night on inflammation and the innate and adaptive immune systems in various species to demonstrate the wide range of ALAN consequences. Finally, we propose future directions to provide further clarity and expansion of the field.
Learning Scene Dynamics from Point Cloud Sequences.

Understanding 3D scenes is a critical prerequisite for autonomous agents. Recently, LiDAR and other sensors have made large amounts of data available in the form of temporal sequences of point cloud frames. In this work, we propose a novel problem -- sequential scene flow estimation (SSFE) -- that aims to predict 3D scene flow for all pairs of point clouds in a given sequence. This is unlike the previously studied problem of scene flow estimation which focuses on two frames. We introduce the SPCM-Net architecture, which solves this problem by computing multi-scale spatiotemporal correlations between neighboring point clouds and then aggregating the correlation across time with an order-invariant recurrent unit. Our experimental evaluation confirms that recurrent processing of point cloud sequences results in significantly better SSFE compared to using only two frames. Additionally, we demonstrate that this approach can be effectively modified for sequential point cloud forecasting (SPF), a related problem that demands forecasting future point cloud frames. Our experimental results are evaluated using a new benchmark for both SSFE and SPF consisting of synthetic and real datasets. Previously, datasets for scene flow estimation have been limited to two frames. We provide non-trivial extensions to these datasets for multi-frame estimation and prediction. Due to the difficulty of obtaining ground truth motion for real-world datasets, we use self-supervised training and evaluation metrics. We believe that this benchmark will be pivotal to future research in this area. All code for benchmark and models will be made accessible.
Spatial Analysis of Actual Evapotranspiration Estimates from the iUTAH Climate Station Network

Water demand is increasing whereas the supply is diminishing in many parts of the world. Estimating the loss of water through evapotranspiration (ET) processes in arid montane regions of the Intermountain West is important for efficient planning and management of water resources. In this study reference ET (ETr) was estimated using three different equations (i.e. FAO56-PM, ASCE Standardized –PM, Hargreaves-Samani; HS), which were compared with ET measured using the eddy covariance (EC) technique at the T.W. Daniel Experimental Forest (TWDEF) for the years 2010 and 2011. The HS method overestimated ETr by almost two times, while the FAO56-PM equation provided the closest estimates of ETr. The estimated ET values were compared as a function of elevation and found to be decreasing with increased elevation. The point estimates of ETr using the FAO56-PM equation were interpolated using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method to provide temporal and spatial analysis of actual ET (ETa)) within iUTAH’s (innovative Urban Transitions and Aridregion Hydro-sustainability) monitored watersheds. The ETa values were estimated as the proportion of ETr contributed by the fraction of vegetation derived from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) computed at each pixel of Landsat images presented as a map for each watershed in May, June, July and August of 2014.
Another Report of Adverse Reactions to Immediate-Release Nifedipine

Numerous case reports in the literature describe adverse drug events associated with immediate-release nifedipine (IRN). In addition, several publications alerted health care professionals regarding the agent. However, it is still administered, and adverse reactions are still reported. Our patient suffered IRN-induced hypotension, myocardial ischemia, and mental status changes. We recommend that the use of IRN in treatment of hypertension should be either totally prohibited or severely restricted. The product should not be readily available for indiscriminate administration. Also, continuing education and training are required to alert all health care professionals to the serious dangers associated with this drug.
Reliability-aware floorplanning for 3D circuits

In this work, we propose a 3D module and de-cap (decoupling capacitance) placement algorithm that evenly distributes the thermal profile and reduces the power supply noise. We provide efficient algorithms for 3D thermal and power supply noise analysis to guide our 3D module placement process. In addition, we allocate white spaces around the modules that require decaps to suppress the power supply noise while minimizing the area overhead.
Verification of equivalent-results methods

Methods that query the state of a data structure often return identical or equivalent values as long as the data structure does not change. Program verification depends on this fact, but it has been difficult to specify and verify such equivalent-results methods and their callers. This paper presents an encoding from which one can determine equivalent-results methods to be deterministic modulo a user-defined equivalence relation. It also presents a technique for checking that a query method returns equivalent results and enforcing that the result depends only on a user-defined influence set. The technique is general, for example it supports user-defined equivalence relations based on Equals methods and it supports query methods that return newly allocated objects. The paper also discusses the implementation of the technique in the context of the Spec# static program verifier.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Texas Folklore Society, 1909–2009

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2009 Pages: 336 Publisher: University of North Texas Press ISBN: 9781574412772 (hard cover).
Relationship between Deoxyribonucleoside Triphosphate Pools and Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in an nrdA Mutant of Escherichia coli

A shift to 42°C in an nrdA mutant causes a decrease in deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis without a concomitant decrease in deoxynucleotide triphosphate pools.
Resistance against the membrane attack complex of complement induced in porcine endothelial cells with a galα(1-3) gal binding lectin: up-regulation of CD59 expression.

Endothelial cells (EC) play central roles in vascular physiology and pathophysiology. EC activation results in proinflammatory activities with production of cytokines and expression of adhesion molecules. However, we have shown before in a model of xenotransplantation that prolonged stimulation of porcine EC with human anti-porcine IgM natural Abs can activate the cells to become resistant against cytotoxicity by the membrane attack complex of complement (MAC). Now we report the major characteristics of induction and maintenance of resistance elicited in porcine EC with Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin that binds terminal gal alpha(1-3)gal. Lectin-treated cells underwent little or no cytotoxicity and PGI2 release when exposed to MAC. Induction of resistance required incubation of the EC with lectin for 4 h but was not fully manifested until 16 h later. Most of the initially bound lectin remained on the cell surface for >60 h. EC-bound lectin did not inhibit binding of IgM natural Abs or activation and binding of C components, including C9, but a C-induced permeability channel of reduced size was present. Induction of resistance required protein synthesis, developed slowly, and was associated with up-regulation of expression of mRNA for the MAC inhibitor CD59 and membrane-associated CD59 protein. Resistance lasted at least 3 days, and the cells regained normal morphology and were metabolically active. This induced resistance may have a physiologic counterpart that might be amenable to pharmacologic manipulation in vascular endothelium pathophysiology.
Effects of agriculture on the classification of Black soils in the Midwestern United States

Veenstra, J. J. and Burras, C. L. 2012. Effects of agriculture on the classification of Black soils in the Midwestern United States. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 403–411. Soil surveys are generally treated as static documents. Many soil survey users assume that pedon data generated 30 to 50 yr ago still represents today's soil, as short-term changes in soil properties are perceived to be limited to the soil surface and thus pedologically insignificant. In this study, we re-sampled and re-analyzed 82 pedons with historical descriptions and laboratory data in Iowa, United States, to evaluate changes in soil profile properties and taxonomic classification after approximately 50 yr of agricultural land use. Using historical and current data, we classified sampled pedons using Canadian Soil Taxonomy, US Soil Taxonomy and the Food and Agriculture Association World Reference Base (FAO-WRB). Our results show that soil characteristics have changed significantly enough to change the classification. In each taxonomic syste...
FINDING AND FOSTERING THE PHILOSOPHICAL IMPULSE IN YOUNG PEOPLE: A TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF GARETH B. MATTHEWS

: This article highlights Gareth Matthews's contributions to the field of philosophy for young children, noting especially the inventiveness of his style of engagement with children and his confidence in children's ability to analyze perplexing issues, from cosmology to death and dying. I relate here my experiences in introducing philosophical topics to adolescents, to show how Matthews's work can be successfully extended to older students, and I recommend taking philosophy outside the university as a way to foster critical thinking in young students and to improve the public status of the profession.
Registration Issues in the Fusion of Eddy Current and Ultrasound NDE Data Using Q-Transforms

Data fusion methods are finding increasing application in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) [2, 3, 4] for enhancing the reliability of inspection. These techniques typically combine information from two or more NDE modalities to improve the probability of detecting flaws and enhance specimen characterization results [1]. Eddy current methods rely on diffusion for propagating energy. Ultrasonic methods, in contrast, rely on wave propagation. Consequently, the two tests rely on different material/energy interaction processes and can potentially provide complementary perspectives of the flaw in a specimen. This paper proposes a novel phenomenological approach using Q-transforms for addressing the registration issue in the fusion of eddy current and ultrasonic data. Specifically, ultrasonic signals are Q-transformed to the diffusion domain. The transformation allows the superposition of the transformed field on the eddy current field as shown in Figure 1. It is anticipated that the resulting field will have a lower signal-to-noise ratio.
Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows v. Ringling: Bad Appointments and Empty-Core Cycling at the Circus

The Ringling case presents itself as an irrational spat over board seats among spoiled investors. It is not. The investors were not fighting over board seats; they were fighting instead over corporate offices. Neither were they irrational. Although Edith Ringling pushed her incompetent son and Aubrey Haley her inappropriate husband, they did so to their private advantage. Although the circus cycled from one management team to another, the investors always promoted the new teams for private gain. The root of the Ringling dispute lay not in irrationality but in the inability of the law to enforce duty-of-loyalty standards. The duty does not just mandate fairness. If enforced, it promotes corporate performance (and the aggregate welfare of all investors) by removing the incentive to appoint less able kin, and the tendency of management teams to cycle. The Ringling circus did not degenerate into the chaos in which it found itself because the investors were spoiled or irrational. It degenerated because the law could not enforce the duty of loyalty.
Differentials in the treatment of black female heroin addicts

Abstract The National Institute on Drug Abuse has placed special emphasis on meeting the unique requirements of female and minority addicts. Yet, few attempts have been made to delineate the needs of Black female heroin addicts. Differentiation among Black female addicts on the basis of treatment needs remains even more limited. This study of Black men and women entering an inner-city methadone maintenance program attempts to fill that gap. Multiple discriminant analysis indicates that these women may not be one homogeneous group. The typology developed for female respondents is quite similar to that developed for male respondents. Conclusions suggest that each type of Black female addict has different treatment needs. Further-more, the convergence in male and female typologies suggests that treatment might be based on needs stemming from lifestyle rather than gender.
EFFECTS OF MILK-BORNE COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR-1 (CSF-1) ON CIRCULATING GROWTH FACTOR LEVELS IN THE NEWBORN. † 1710

EFFECTS OF MILK-BORNE COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR-1 (CSF-1) ON CIRCULATING GROWTH FACTOR LEVELS IN THE NEWBORN. † 1710
Analysis of the Spectrum of Neutral Erbium (Er i)

First results of a continuing analysis of Er i are given: 30 low levels belonging to 4f115d6s2 and other odd configurations, as well as 138 high levels of even parity are assigned J-values. More than 300 absorption lines are classified. The connection of the odd levels to the 4f126s2 configuration is established, using transitions in the infrared. The energy matrices in intermediate coupling for the subconfiguration f11(4I)d have been calculated and are given. The theoretical formulas were adjusted by a least-squares fit to 19 observed levels designated as 4f11(I4712,612)5d6s2 resulting in new values for 6 electrostatic and 2 spin-orbit interaction parameters. The rms error was 186 cm−1. Calculated percentage compositions in various coupling schemes show the J1 − j type to be the best for these levels.
Rapid microbial growth in a pH auxostat

Feeding nutrient to meet demand dilutes slow-growing organisms from continuous culture and greatly favors rapid growth. Doubling times of roughly 10 minutes have been verified in a pH auxostat by viable cell counts and by direct counting with a Petroff-Hausser chamber. Effects of wall attachment were negligible because a fresh reactor was substituted frequently before wall growth could become established.
Relaxation of quasi-two-dimensional electrons in a quantizing magnetic field probed by time-resolved cyclotron resonance

We have measured the picosecond time-resolved cyclotron resonance of photogenerated transient carriers in undoped ${\mathrm{I}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{b}/\mathrm{A}\mathrm{l}}_{0.09}{\mathrm{In}}_{0.91}\mathrm{Sb}$ quantum wells by two-color pump-probe spectroscopy in a magnetic field. The strong conduction-band nonparabolicity of InSb causes the average cyclotron mass of the electrons, which we monitor directly in time, to decrease as the electrons relax towards the band edge. In addition, the nonparabolicity results in multiple resonances due to the strongly energy-dependent mass and g factor, allowing us to determine the time evolution of the Fermi-Dirac distribution function for the excited carriers in quantizing magnetic fields.
Investigation of the oxidation of glassy carbon by the method of electroreflectance—relevance to activation processes

Abstract The oxidation of the surface of glassy carbon (GC) in 0.5 M KOH was studied by the method of electroreflectance (ER). For a freshly-prepared mechanically polished GC surface, the ER spectra have relatively low intensity and exhibit inversion of sign at the electrode potential −0.4 V. The ER spectra of the GC electrode change substantially after the electrochemical oxidation at E=+0.6 V. Oxidation considerably increases the intensity of ER, and the band located at quantum energies from 1.8 to 2.4 eV (Band A) becomes much broader. The maximum of the band shifts towards higher energies. The ER spectra depend strongly on the electrode modulation frequency. It is concluded that anodic oxidation leads to the generation of surface states whose impact on the ER spectra of GC is especially important at potentials close to the pzc. Structurally, the surface states seem to be related to the generation of edge-type carbon atoms caused by oxidation. Broadening and the shift of Band A in the ER spectra of an oxidized surface are hypothesized to be a manifestation of optical transitions from the Fermi level to the surface states. The frequency dispersion shows that there are several surface states with distinct kinetic differences. These observations support the hypothesis that activation of the surface of carbon materials is accompanied by the generation of surface states.
Big Changes Are Coming in Hepatitis C

The story of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy is about to add one of its biggest chapters. From the serendipitous beginnings in the 1980s when investigators noted that interferon improves liver enzymes in non-A, non-B hepatitis, to the discovery and naming of the hepatitis virus, to the addition of ribavirin, to the pegylation of interferon, and now to the first direct-acting antivirals (DAA), the history of HCV is an intriguing one that continues to unfold. Along with the first DAAs, other important findings have helped explain long-observed differences between various ethnic groups, as well as new predictive information that can be gleaned from some of the observed adverse events.
Synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotide precursors in human and rat small intestinal mucosa.

Abstract Methods of thin-layer chromatography have been devised to study the interconversions of the pyrimidine biosynthetic precursors aspartic acid, carbamoylaspartic acid, dihydroorotic acid, and orotic acid in preparations of rat and human small intestinal mucosa. Whole mucosal homogenates, intact whole mucosal cells, cell homogenates, and intact crypt cells obtained from the rat and human jejunal whole mucosal homogenates were utilized. Homogenate preparations were most active in utilizing aspartate and carbamoylaspartate, whereas intact cells best formed orotic acid. Material obtained from the mucosal crypt areas, where cellular division occursm generally gave higher specific conversion rates than corresponding whole mucosal preparations. Human jejunal whole mucosal homogenates gave similar conversions to those of rat jejuno-ileal preparations. The methods have been scaled down to permit analysis of pyrimidine precursor metabolism in amounts of tissue obtainable by peroral biopsy.
The decay of b quarks into ψ's

Abstract We calculate branching ratios for the decays of a b quark into ψ or ηc plus anything, using information on the ψ wave-function. Even assuming color suppression of these decays, we find branching ratios around 2% or 1%, respectively.
Differentiating cancerous from normal breast tissue by redox imaging

Abnormal metabolism can be a hallmark of cancer occurring ea rly before detectable histol ogical changes and may serve as an early detection biomarker. The current gold standard to establish breast cancer (BC) diagnosis is histological examination of biopsy. Previously we have found that pre-cancer and cancer tissues in animal models displayed abnormal mitochondrial redox state. Our technique of quantitatively measuring the mitochondrial redox state has the potential to be implemented as an early detection tool for cancer and may provide prognostic value. We therefore in this present study, investigated the feasibility of quantifying the redox state of tumor samples from 16 BC patients. Tumor tissue aliquots were collected from both normal and cancerous tissue from the affected cancer-bearing breasts of 16 female patients (5 TNBC, 9 ER
The segregation and emplacement of granitic magmas

The segregation of granitic magma from residual crystals at low melt-fraction is strongly dependent on the viscosity of the melt. Theoretical considerations imply that for the typical range of granitic melt viscosities (10 4 Pas to 10 11 Pas) only very limited separation will be possible by a compaction mechanism over the typical duration of a crustal melting event ( c . 10 6 years). Small-scale segregations (millimetre to metre) of the type observed in migmatite terranes may be generated by compaction (possibly assisted by continuous deformation), or by flow of melt into extensional fractures, but low melt-fraction liquids are unlikely to be extracted to form large (kilometre-size) granitic plutons because of the limited separation efficiency. At higher melt-fractions (>30%) the rapid decrease in strength and effective viscosity during partial melting allows other segregation processes to operate. Calculations and experiments indicate that in granitic systems the effective viscosity of partially melted rocks, having a very narrow melt fraction range of 30–50% will fall rapidly to levels at which convective overturn of kilometre-thick zones can occur. Convective motion within anatectic regions is capable of generating large (kilometre-size) homogeneous, high crystal-fraction, crustally-derived magma bodies, which are orders of magnitude greater in size than low melt-fraction segregates. Before convective instability is reached, small (centimetre- to metre-sized) pods of granitic liquid may rise buoyantly through, and pond at the top of such partly molten zones; such a process is consistent with the observation that some granulites appear to be residue rocks, chemically depleted in a minimum melt component. The effective viscosity (and hence the susceptibility to convection) of a partially melted zone within the crust, is strongly dependent on the water content of the system at a given pressure and temperature, because this controls both the quantity of melt generated and also the viscosity of the melt. The intrinsic water content of most crustal lithologies is incapable of promoting the high percentages of partial melting, or the low liquid viscosities, required to form large kilometre-sized granitic plutons by convective homogenization, at typical crustal temperatures. This suggests that the anatexis involved in the generation of large crustally-derived magma bodies has in many cases been promoted by an influx of externally derived aqueous fluid. These magma segregation processes are illustrated with respect to the petrogenesis of three different types of granitoid pluton from a Hercynian low-pressure, metamorphic-anatectic terrane in the Pyrenees.
Colorectal cancer: What do studies of diet patterns tell us?

Among the challenges of studying the contribution of individual dietary factors to cancer risk is the interwoven nature of diet—dietary factors are often correlated and eating patterns are complex. A large, prospective epidemiological study of diet patterns used cluster analyses to demonstrate the benefit of a fruit and vegetable diet to colorectal cancer risk.
Surface Cyclogenesis from Convectively Driven Amplification of Midlevel Mesoscale Convective Vortices

Mesoscale convective vortices (MCVs) are midtropospheric warm-core cyclonic circulations that often develop in the stratiform region of mesoscale convective systems. Typically, divergent, anticyclonically circulating, mesoscale cold anomalies appear both above and below the MCV. The upper-level cold anomaly is usually found near the tropopause while the low-level anomaly is surface based and exhibits locally higher pressure. One aspect of MCVs that has received much attention recently is the role that they may play in tropical cyclogenesis. Of special interest is how an MCV amplifies when deep convection redevelops within the borders of its midlevel cyclonic circulation and how the amplified MCV transforms the divergent surface-based cold pool with anomalously high surface pressure into a convergent cyclonic circulation with anomalously low pressure. The Pennsylvania State University‐National Center for Atmospheric Research fifth-generation Mesoscale Model is used to simulate an MCV that was instrumental in initiating, within the borders of the midlevel vortex’s circulation, several successive cycles of convective development and decay over a 2-day period. After each cycle of convection, both the horizontal size of the cyclonic circulation and the magnitude of the potential vorticity associated with the vortex were observed to increase. The simulation reproduces the development and evolution of the MCV and associated convective cycles. Mesoscale features responsible for the initiation of convection within the circulation of the vortex and the impact of this convection on the structure and evolution of the vortex are investigated. A conceptual model is presented to explain how convective redevelopment within the MCV causes low-level heights to fall and cyclonic vorticity to grow downward to the surface. Applying this conceptual model to a tropical marine environment is also considered.
RDX degrading microbial communities and the prediction of microorganisms responsible for RDX bioremediation

Abstract The explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) has caused significant soil and groundwater contamination. To remediate these sites, there is a need to determine which microorganisms are responsible for in situ biodegradation of RDX to enable the appropriate planning of bioremediation efforts. Here, studies are examined that have reported on the microbial communities linked with RDX biodegradation. Dominant microorganisms across samples are discussed and summarized. This information is then compared to current knowledge on RDX degrading isolates to predict which organisms may be responsible for RDX degradation in soils and groundwater. From the phyla with known RDX degrading isolates, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria (particularly Gammaproteobacteria) were the most dominant organisms in many contaminated site derived samples. Organisms in the phyla Deltaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria were dominant in these studies less frequently. Notably, organisms within the class Betaproteobacteria were dominant in many samples and yet this class does not appear to contain any known RDX degraders. This analysis is valuable for the future development of molecular techniques to track the occurrence and abundance of RDX degraders at contaminated sites.
The impact of increasing layer thickness on magnetization, resistivity, magnetoresistance and Hall effect in Cu/Ni multilayers

Abstract The magnetization, magnetoresistance, and Hall resistivity of Cu/Ni multilayers monotonically increase with increasing layer thicknesses of these two metals. On the other hand,the resistivity, and the change in the Hall resistivity monotonically decrease with the corresponding change in layer thicknesses. The phenomena of an oscillatory magnetoresistance, which is observed in similar multilayered systems, was not observed in this study. In the past, researchers had observed oscillatory magnetoresistance by maintaining the magnetic layer thickness at a constant value while varying the non-magnetic layer thickness. In this study, both the Cu as well as the Ni layer thicknesses were varied in equal amounts to minimize any differences which may arise due to the size effect of the two elements. It seems that the size effect has a decisive impact on the magnetoresistance of Cu/Ni multilayers.
Validity and utility of the current definition of binge eating

Objective Binge eating, a cardinal symptom of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED), continues to pose challenges in terms of its definition and thus construct validity and clinical utility. This article reviews the available empirical data that support or refute the current DSM-IV-TR defined characteristics of a binge episode. Method A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline/PubMed electronic database on DSM-IV-TR defined binge characteristics and associated attributes. Results Data support the current DSM guidelines indicating that binge episodes typically occur in less than 2 h. Size of binge episodes has variability across BN and BED diagnostic groups. Loss of control (LOC) continues to be a core feature of binge eating. Negative affect is the most widely reported antecedent. Strikingly, little is known about binge episodes among individuals with anorexia nervosa-binge/purge subtype. Discussion Available empirical evidence supports the current DSM duration and LOC attributes of a binge episode in BN and BED. However, a more controversial issues is the extent to which size is important in the definition of a binge episode (e.g., subjective vs. objective episodes) across diagnostic categories and the extent to which binge size informs prognosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Further study of binge eating attributes in AN is needed. © 2009 American Psychiatric Association. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Simulating Stable Stochastic Systems, VI: Quantile Estimation

In this paper the author continues his study of the regenerative method for analyzing simulations of stable stochastic systems. The principal concern is to estimate the quantiles of the stationary distribution of a regenerative process. Markov chains in discrete or continuous time and multiple server queues in light traffic provide concrete examples of regenerative processes to which this technique applies. Approximate confidence intervals for these quantiles are derived from appropriate central limit theorems. The method has been applied to three stochastic simulations, and the numerical results are presented.
Increasing network lifetime by balancing node energy consumption in heterogeneous sensor networks

Sensor nodes are powered by battery and have severe energy constraints. The typical many-to-one traffic pattern causes uneven energy consumption among sensor nodes, that is, sensor nodes near the base station or a cluster head have much heavier traffic burden and run out of power much faster than other nodes. The uneven node energy dissipation dramatically reduces sensor network lifetime. In a previous work, we presented the chessboard clustering scheme to increase network lifetime by balancing node energy consumption. To achieve good performance and scalability, we propose to form a heterogeneous sensor network by deploying a few powerful high-end sensors in addition to a large number of low-end sensors. In this paper, we design an efficient routing protocol based on the chessboard clustering scheme, and we compute the minimum node density for satisfying a given lifetime constraint. Simulation experiments show that the chessboard clustering-based routing protocol balances node energy consumption very well and dramatically increases network lifetime, and it performs much better than two other clustering-based schemes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matricellular proteins in the trabecular meshwork

The trabecular meshwork is one of the primary tissues of interest in the normal regulation and dysregulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) that is a causative risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. Matricellular proteins generally function to allow cells to modulate their attachments with and alter the characteristics of their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). In non-ocular tissues, matricellular proteins generally increase fibrosis. Since ECM turnover is very important to the outflow facility, matricellular proteins may have a significant role in the regulation of IOP. The formalized study of matricellular proteins in trabecular meshwork is in its infancy. SPARC, thrombospondins-1 and -2, and tenascins-C and -X, and osteopontin have been localized to varying areas within the trabecular meshwork. Preliminary evidence indicates that SPARC and thrombospondin-1 play a role in the regulation of IOP and possibly the pathophysiology of glaucoma. These data show promise that matricellular proteins are involved in IOP dysregulation and are potential therapeutic targets. Further study is needed to clarify these roles.
FAMILY LAW EDUCATION REFORM PROJECT: A FACULTY PERSPECTIVE

The Family Law Education Reform Project Report calls for shifting the family law teaching paradigm from a focus on case-based analysis toward a problem-solving, interdisciplinary approach. This essay encourages law professors to take seriously this shifting teaching and learning paradigm. Aligning family law curriculum with the realities of practicing family law is a critical step in this process. This essay discusses the numerous intellectual challenges family law professors will face as they reflect on the proposed FLER Project curriculum.
Microbial models of mammalian metabolism: Involvement of cytochrome P450 in the N-demethylation of N-methylcarbazole by Cunningham ella echin ula ta

1. As previously reported (Yang and Davis 1992), N-methylcarbazole (NMC) is converted to N-hydroxymethylcarbazole (NHMC), and 3-hydroxy-N-hydroxymethylcarbazole (3-OH-NHMC), two relatively stable carbinolamine metabolites by the fungus Cunninghamella echinulata (ATCC 9244). Decomposition of these two carbinolamines yields the corresponding dealkylated metabolites, carbazole and 3-hydroxycarbazole. In the present study, the possible involvement of cytochrome P450 in the requisite N-alkyl hydroxylation reaction was examined. 2. Carbon monoxide, a classical P450 inhibitor, markedly inhibited the formation of NHMC, as did potassium cyanide. 1-Benzylimidazole, piperonyl butoxide and SKF-525A inhibited the formation of both NHMC and 3-OH-NHMC, while beta-naphthoflavone (5,6-benzoflavone) induced their formation. 3. The source of the oxygen atom in the metabolite NHMC was examined by GC/MS analysis of NHMC formed during incubation of NMC in H218O-enriched medium which resulted in no incorporation of labelled oxygen into the metabolite. 4. An intermolecular isotope effect was not observed for the formation of NHMC suggesting that C-H bond cleavage is not a rate limiting step in the formation of this metabolite under the conditions examined. 5. It was concluded that P450 enzymes may be involved in the N-demethylation of NMC catalyzed by this fungal model of mammalian metabolism, and provides further support for biochemical and mechanistic parallels between mammalian metabolism and microbial systems catalyzing phase-1 biotransformations.
Group and correspondence treatments for weight reduction used in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial

Two hundred overweight men participating in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial were recruited for participation in either a group or correspondence program for weight reduction. Choice of program was found to be related to weight history. Interest in group treatment was higher among those who had gained the most weight in the preceding 3 years. Men participating actively in the correspondence program had the best recent weight history. Active participation in either program led to significant weight losses compared to nonparticipation, and these losses were maintained for 1 year.
Continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry using the chemical reaction interface with either gas or liquid chromatographic introduction

A novel method of sample introduction into an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) is described. The technique uses the chemical reaction interface (CRI) to convert samples coming from a gas chromatograph (GC) or high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) into CO2 using a microwave-induced helium plasma. Optimization parameters for both GC/CRI/IRMS and HPLC/CRI/IRMS are described. In both modes of operation, it was possible to obtain 13CO2/12CO2 ratios with standard deviations less than 1%. Investigation of HPLC/CRI/IRMS performance at low and high concentrations (0.5-10 micrograms) resulted in no significant deviations of the isotope ratios. The ability to differentiate samples of different biological origins was illustrated using chlorophyll a from spinach and algae, where a large difference was observed but good precision was maintained (SD < 0.60%).
HETEROGENOUS AND COMPARTMENT-SPECIFIC ACTIVATION OF NONLYMPHOCYTIC, MONONUCLEAR CELLS IN INTRA-ABDOMINAL SEPSIS

Although sepsis is associated with increased production of cellular pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators by monocyte/macrophages, the compartmentalization and nature of such activation has not been clearly defined. The authors examined the activation of nonlymphocytic mononuclear cells in different compartments in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of septic peritonitis. Control and CLP rat mononuclear cells from the peritoneal cavity, bronchoalveolar, as well as the lung vascular compartment were isolated 24 and 48 hours post surgery and release of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin(IL)-12, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was measured from culture media. Peritoneal macrophages (PMs) from CLP rats increased release of all three mediators compared to controls. Cells from the lung vascular compartment after CLP increased release of NO, but MCP-1 release was unchanged. Levels of IL-12 were not detectable. Similarly, bronchoalveolar macrophages (BMs) of CLP rats had increased release of NO...
A compiler framework for general memory layout optimizations targeting structures

This paper presents a novel approach which integrates both structure layout optimization and array flattening in a unified compiler framework to improve memory locality and reduce required memory bandwidth. The proposed compiler framework includes alias group-wise safety analysis, memory layout profitability analysis and memory layout transformations. The alias group-wise safety analysis is proposed to process the candidates of structure layout optimization and array flattening in a unified framework. The alias group-wise approach could expose more opportunities for structure layout optimization and array flattening. The profitability analysis including array dimension reordering and structure layout profitability analysis tries to select a profitable data layout that enables more structure layout optimizations as well as array flattening to exploit more data locality. Experimental results show that the implemented framework delivers significant performance gain for memory intensive programs in CPU2006 and OMP2001 suites.
DESCRIPTION OF POSETS CRITICAL WITH RESPECT TO THE NONNEGATIVITY OF THE QUADRATIC TITS FORM

We present the complete description of finite posets whose Tits form is not nonnegative but all proper subsets of which have nonnegative Tits forms. A similar result for positive forms was obtained by the authors earlier.
Session IV-general session on biologic effects microwave energy in food procedures

Power input up to 1.6 kw is used in electronic ovens operating at 2,450 mc for cooking, heating, and defrosting foods. Some important considerations in microwave cooking are sizes of food masses, comparable processing time, residual cooking, normalcy in results, special surface effects, the relation between process time and food load size, and the effect on nutrients.
EVOLUTION IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY: A REPLY TO LESLIE WHITE

EVOLUTION IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY: A REPLY TO LESLIE WHITE By ROBERT H. LOWIE LESLIE White's last three articles in the A merican A nthropologist 1 require a reply since in my opinion they obscure vital issues. Grave matters, he clamors, are at stake. Obscurantists are plotting to defame Lewis H. Morgan and to undermine the theory of evolution. Professor White should relax. There are no underground machinations. Evolution as a scientific doctrine-not as a farrago of immature metaphysical notions-is secure. Morgan's place in the history of anthropology will turn out to be what he deserves, for, as Dr. Johnson said, no man is ever written down except by himself. These articles by White raise important questions. As a victim of his polemical shafts I should like to clarify the issues involved. I premise that I am peculiarly fitted to enter sympathetically into my critic's frame of mind, for at one time I was as devoted to Ernst Haeckel as White is to Morgan. Haeckel had solved the riddles of the universe for me. ESTIMATES OF MORGAN Considering the fate of many scientific men at the hands of their critics, it does not appear that Morgan has fared so badly. Americans bestowed on him the highest honors during his lifetime, eminent European scholars held him in esteem. Subsequently, as happens with most celebrities-Aristotle, Darwin, George Eliot, for exa~ple-the pendulum swung in the opposite di­ rection. The reaction overshot its mark at times, as when Americanists doubted even Morgan's Crow findings. Nevertheless, appreciation has been frequent and ample even in later periods. Haddon calls Morgan the greatest sociologist of the past century ; Rivers hails him as the discoverer of the classificatory system; Radcliffe-Brown'rates Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity a monu­ ment of scholarly, patient research ; Mitra pictures Morgan as an anthro­ pological colossus, a greater Tylor; Marcel Mauss and Paul Radin are avowed admirers. 2 What, precisely, does White expect? An academic muezzin at every center of learning who shall lead anthropologists in daily Rochester-ward obei­ sances and genuflections? MORGAN AND BOASIANS The term Boasian is misleading. Of the great physiologist Johannes MUller a one-time disciple said: There is no school in the sense of common dogmas, for he taught none, only a common method. This holds for Boas. White, 1943, 1944, 1945. 'Haddon, 1934, p. 127. Rivers, 1914, p. 4 f. Radcliffe-Brown, 1941, p. 1. Mitra, pp. 109­
Modeling miRNA data

As a sub-type of ncRNA genes, micro RNA (miRNA) produces RNA that is implicated in the regulation of gene translation and expression. Human diseases can result from alternation in such non-coding RNA. Building a consolidated miRNA database repository thus becomes a crucial element for miRNA-related research. We have set up a dual objective in our work: To explore alternative approaches for miRNA data modeling, and to consolidate miRNA data in an integrated repository for future retrieval and analysis of miRNA data. We have explored three approaches for miRNA data modeling. For the same source data, we have implemented a relational database (converted from an initial entity-relationship diagram), an XML database, and an integrated XML-relational database. We have also compared their performance on the criteria of query performance and design flexibility. Though using entity-relationship modeling of the data provides access to the strength and stability of relational databases, our work concludes that XML information modeling and native XML databases provide geneticists the adaptability and flexibility required to model a complex, constantly changing domain such as miRNA research.
Priming of Consensual and Nonconsensual Sexual Scripts: An Experimental Test of the Role of Scripts in Rape Attributions

Individuals do not often label incidents of forced intercourse as rape. We theorize that one reason this occurs is because incidents do not match individuals’ rape script; instead, these incidents may be more consistent with their normative sexual scripts, such as seduction. We conducted an experimental test of this theory by priming consensual and nonconsensual sexual scripts and examining the impact of the priming on reactions to an ambiguous sexual scenario among a sample of college women (n=210). The priming manipulation affected global ratings of the scenario as well as ratings of the motives of the characters in the scenario. We discuss implications of the results for future research on how individuals conceptualize incidents of forced sex, as well as their implications for rape prevention and outreach.