cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a laser-guided collimation system to perform direct kilovoltage x-ray spectra measurements on a linear accelerator onboard imager.

PURPOSE The increased use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) has led to increased use of kV on board imaging (OBI) devices. At present, directly measured OBI beam quality data have only been reported in terms of half-value layers (HVL). However, the HVL metric alone does not give the full OBI energy spectra as needed for accurate beam modeling. Although direct kV spectrometer devices exist they typically suffer from detector pile-up when used with OBI sources. We therefore present, for the first time, a novel laser-guided collimation system that allows direct measurement of the full energy spectrum for clinical OBI systems. METHODS Several clinically relevant spectra (80, 100, and 125 kVp), with and without the half bow-tie filter, were measured using a thermoelectric cooled cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector paired with a multichannel analyzer. To prevent detector saturation, the photon flux at the detector was reduced by use of an in-house designed laser-guided collimation system. After applying energy bin corrections, direct spectroscopic measurements were compared to Monte Carlo (MC) simulated spectra in order to verify accuracy of collected data. Both percent depth dose (PDD) curves and digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) were compared using the measured vs MC spectra. RESULTS Measured and MC spectra agree with RMSD between 1.96% and 3.29%. PDD curves generated from the measured and MC spectra were found to match except for in the small buildup region, with an overall match for the six beams ranging between 0.3% and 2.7% RMSD. DRRs matched well with a maximum difference in contrast of 1.1% and RMSD of 0.46% contrast for various materials in DRRs. CONCLUSIONS The use of a laser-guided collimation system provided a method for quickly obtaining highly accurate kV spectrum data from OBI sources. For kV dose or DRR calculation, it was found that both spectra produced similar results.
A Small Molecule Radioligand for the Intracellular Face of RAGE

1018 Objectives: The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is an inflammatory membrane bound receptor implicated in diseases of inflammation such as diabetic neuropathy. Increased levels of RAGE have also been identified in post-mortem brain sections of patients with neurodegenerative disorders. With the goal understanding the role of RAGE in inflammation and neurodegenerative disease, we have previously reported synthesis and evaluation of [18F]RAGER, the first small molecule PET tracer for RAGE.1 [18F]RAGER binds to the extracellular domains of the receptor, which leads it to bind to soluble forms of the receptor in addition to the full length, membrane bound, active forms. With the goal of separating affinity for these isoforms, we have developed [18F]InRAGER, a novel radioligand which binds to the intracellular face of RAGE that is only present in the full length, active form. Methods: InRAGER standard was synthesized in a one-step microwave assisted reaction starting with 2-bromo-2’-4-‘difluoro-acetophenone and N-(3-hydroxyphenyl)thiourea in ethanol (98% yield). [18F]InRAGER was synthesized from the fluorine-standard using halogen exchange with [18F]KF in an automated synthesis module (500 uCi; 1% non-decay-corrected radiochemical yield; 99% radiochemical purity). [18F]InRAGER was injected into a Sprague Dawley rat (140 uCi) and the brain was imaged for 90 min. Results: [18F]inRAGER was synthesized by halogen exchange in 1% radiochemical yield. Preliminary rodent PET imaging revealed that the radioligand was blood-brain barrier permeable, leading to high brain uptake (SUVmax = 1.87 at 270 s post injection) followed by good washout of the radiotracer (see whole brain time-radioactivity curve in Figure). Conclusions: The intracellular binding radioligand, [18F]InRAGER, was synthesized in 1% radiochemical yield through halogen exchange. The radioligand was evaluated in a healthy rodent and found to be blood-brain barrier penetrating. Further evaluation of this radioligand including optimization of the radiosynthesis, specific binding evaluation on post-mortem human brain tissue, and preclinical PET imaging in rodents models and nonhuman primates is ongoing. Acknowledgments: We thank Janna Arteaga, Jenelle Stauff, Tim Desmond and Phil Sherman for assistance with imaging studies. References 1. Cary et al.,ACS Chemical Neuroscience (2016) 7:391.
Nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations in super-diffusive and sub-diffusive regimes

Anomalous-diffusion phenomena are very common in nature and may be suitably described by means of nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations, characterized by specific types of nonlinear diffusion contributions. The most explored situations in the literature consist in nonlinear diffusion contributions written as a power of the probability; these are directly associated with nonextensive statistical mechanics. In this work, we investigate two special limits of such a diffusion contribution, namely, the exponential and logarithmic ones, corresponding, respectively, to superdiffusive and subdiffusive regimes. An H-theorem is proven, relating these Fokker-Planck equations to entropic forms; moreover, the stationary states of these equations are shown to coincide with the equilibrium states, obtained by extremization of the associated entropic forms. Equilibrium distributions are computed in particular cases, being mostly characterized by long tails in the exponential case, whereas compact-support distributions always appear in the logarithmic one. The present results enlarge the applicability of nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations to a wider range of anomalous-diffusion phenomena, particularly those in special limits of super- and subdiffusion regimes.
Ultrathin TiB2 protective films

TiB2 thin films demonstrate considerable potential for use as protective overcoats in the magnetic recording industry due to their excellent mechanical and tribological properties and good chemical and thermal stability. In the many studies performed on TiB2 films, the relative effectiveness of ultrathin TiB2 films has not been systematically investigated for very thin TiB2 films. In the present investigation, film stress and microstructure in as-sputtered and annealed ultrathin TiB2 films were investigated as a function of thickness. Ultrathin TiB2 films, as thin as 5 nm, were observed to adequately protect an underlying magnetic layer from oxidation up to 400 °C.
Evaluation and Medical Management of Vertebral Osteoporosis: Preventing the Next Fracture

Vertebral fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture and pose considerable morbidity and mortality along with a profound socioeconomic burden. Recognition of this often silent medical diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment of osteoporosis and fracture prevention. This chapter seeks to inform the reader on the evaluation and medical management of vertebral osteoporosis with review of the epidemiology, risk factors, socioeconomic impact, and diagnostic approach to this condition. Furthermore, we discuss key elements in risk factor modification and treatment considerations for vertebral osteoporosis.
Enhancing the Fake News Detection by Applying Effective Feature Selection Based on Semantic Sources

Capturing reliable information from social networks is a challenge due to fake news risks. Existing works face shortages in exploiting short text processing, and in utilizing semantic-based resources to select optimal features. This paper proposed a CNIRI-FS (Contextual Negation Handling and Inherent Relation Identification for Enhanced Feature Selection) model to detect fake information; utilizing Wikipedia to add semantic features and an external enrichment from trusted web pages. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to filter out unreliable features. The optimal feature set along with the negation handled features is validated using machine learning classifiers. The CNIRI-FS model results showed higher precision and accuracy than a model without optimal feature selection.
Analyses of buoyancy-driven convection

Abstract This article investigates the multilayer structure of turbulent flow and heat transport in buoyancy-driven convection, and in particular, introduces a relatively new scaling patch approach. A differentially heated vertical channel (DHVC) is used as an example of buoyancy-driven convection, and its multilayer structure is first qualitatively investigated by dimensional analysis. In the near-wall region of turbulent DHVC, flow and heat transport is strongly influenced by the molecular diffusion, and the kinematic viscosity and thermal diffusivity are important control parameters in the dimensional analysis. Flow and heat transport in the inner layer is controlled by two nondimensional numbers: the Prandtl number of the fluid and an inner Richardson number. Away from the wall, flow and heat transport are dominated by eddy motions, largely independent of molecular diffusion. The controlling nondimensional parameter in the outer layer of turbulent DHVC is an outer Richardson number. The multilayer structure in turbulent DHVC is then elucidated quantitatively by the scaling patch analysis. Based on the characteristics of force balance, the mean momentum equation is divided into three layers: an inner layer, a meso layer, and an outer layer. The inner and outer Richardson numbers, derived from the dimensional analysis, appear naturally in the properly scaled mean momentum equation. Another nondimensional number that appears naturally from the scaling patch analysis is the friction Reynolds number. The characteristic length scale in the inner layer is directly influenced by the friction Reynolds number, distinctively different from that in forced convection. The characteristic length scale in the meso layer is an Obukhov-style length scale. The mean heat equation can also be divided into multiple layers. In fact, an inherent hierarchy of layer structure (scaling patches) is revealed through a simple transformation of the turbulent temperature flux. A new prediction of the Nusselt number is developed based on the insight gained from the dimensional analysis and scaling patch analysis. The new prediction is directly connected to the multilayer structure of heat transport in turbulent DHVC and is fundamentally different from the traditional power-law correlations.
Comparing Local, State, and Global Lichen Distribution Patterns at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA), Florida

Fifty-five lichen species have been identified from the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA), located in southeast Florida. The ONA habitat is comprised of sand pine scrub, oak scrub, and coastal hammock. While our emphasis was on documenting macrolichens, several microlichens were identified. Relative abundance ratings were assigned to each lichen species based on its frequency in the ONA and in Florida. The rating of “rare” for the ONA does not necessarily imply that the species is rare in Florida, but it would be considered rare at the ONA, in most cases because of the area's small size. The sole exception is for the federally endangered Cladonia perforata, which is rare throughout its range. For each species, we used the Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria to determine the number of known sites from Florida compared to their regional and global geographic distribution. Global distribution patterns are generalized, but no attempt at a global abundance ranking was made. Biogeographic patterns are presented for each species, as well as ecological and climate change considerations regarding management actions on this relatively small nature preserve.
Addressing climate change with a comprehensive US cap-and-trade system

There is growing impetus for a domestic US climate policy that can provide meaningful reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. I describe and analyse an up-stream, economy-wide CO2 cap-and-trade system which implements a gradual trajectory of emissions reductions (with inclusion over time of non-CO2 greenhouse gases), and includes mechanisms to reduce cost uncertainty. Initially, half of the allowances are allocated through auction and half through free distribution, with the share being auctioned gradually increasing to 100 per cent over 25 years. The system provides for linkage with emission-reduction credit projects in other countries, harmonization over time with effective cap-and-trade systems in other countries and regions, and appropriate linkage with actions taken in other countries, in order to establish a level playing field among domestically produced and imported products.
SCLERODERMA AND MALIGNANCY

Background/ObjectivesDescribe clinical characteristics of malignancy-associated scleroderma in a regional population. MethodsScleroderma patients with current or past malignancy were prospectively identified from a cohort of 125 scleroderma subjects of a largely Hispanic population. Demographic information included scleroderma subtype, serologies, cancer diagnosis, age at diagnosis, co-morbid conditions, therapies, and survival outcomes. Results16.0% (20/125) of scleroderma patients were identified as having a malignancy. The mean age of malignancy onset and scleroderma onset were 55.6{+/-}10.3 and 52.7{+/-}12.9 years respectively (95% CI of difference: -4.6 <2.9< 10.4, p=0.44). Antinuclear antibody was positive in 70%, anticentromere antibody in 35.0%, and anti-topoisomerase antibodies in 25%. Tumor proportions were adenocarcinomas 55.0% (11/20) (1 gastric, 2 pancreatic, 1 lung, 2 thyroid, 5 breast), 15% (3/20) squamous cell carcinoma (1 skin, 1 uterine cervical, and 1 rectal), and 20% (4/20) benign tumors (2 meningiomas, 1 renal adenoma, 1 plasma cell). Age of onset of scleroderma greater than 42 years respectively accounted for 85% of all cancer cases. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 2.0 (CI at 95%: 1.2<2<3.1), indicating 100% increase in cancer risk. Treatment of the malignancy did not resolve the scleroderma in any of the cases. Five-year survival after cancer diagnosis was 70.0%, although 2 of the survivors had tumor recurrence. ConclusionsMalignancy, especially adenocarcinoma, occurs frequently in scleroderma in minority populations with up to 16% of patients affected. High-risk patients are those with scleroderma-onset greater than 42 years in whom routine screening for common cancers should be undertaken.
Constructing Another World: Solidarity and the Right to Water

Globally, one in eight people lacks access to potable water; more people die from unsafe drinking water than from all forms of violence, including war. A substantial body of research documents that the privatization of water – led by global financial institutions working in collusion with governments and corporations – does not lead to more people gaining access to safe water. In fact, the opposite is true: privatization leads to both higher cost and lower quality water. For the past century, the dominant focus of transnational organizing has been “from the West to the rest,” and the frequent attention to movements in the global North has led to the neglect of transnational linkages between movements. Drawing on fieldwork conducted on three right to water movements that span three continents (North America, South America, and Africa), this paper examines effortsto reclaim the water commons,and how struggles have been driven by grassroots movements demanding that democracy, transparency, and the human right to water are prioritized over corporate profit. As feminist scholars have pointed out, the “standpoint” offered by marginalized actors offers important insights into the operation of systems of power and the strategies of survival and resistance that less powerful actors adopt in order to survive and thrive. This paper explores how transnational movements around water and other basic rights engage with and learn from each other.
Regression and Machine Learning Methods to Predict Discrete Outcomes in Accounting Research

Predictive modeling focuses on iteratively trying various combinations and transformations of a set of variables to generate a decision rule that predicts outcomes for new observations. Although accounting researchers have demonstrated a keen interest in predictive modeling, we identify a lack of accessible and applied guidance on this topic for accounting settings. This issue has become more salient with the increasing availability of machine learning models that use unfamiliar terminology, that can be estimated using several "competing" algorithms, and that produce different outputs than other models used for causal inference. To overcome this gap, we provide an overview of how to predict discrete outcomes with logistic regression and two machine learning models used in recent studies: support vector machines and gradient boosting. We also include guidance and a comprehensive example - predicting investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission - that illustrates the elements of the prediction process, highlighting the importance of "out-of-sample" accuracy and unique aspects in the presentation of a prediction model's results.
Innovation and legacy in energy knowledge infrastructures

Abstract We focus on how the concept of knowledge infrastructure can help interrogate both the novelties and continuities in energy transitions. In particular, we turn attention to research, innovation, and knowledge production capacities in renewable energy transitions. We outline the subfield of knowledge infrastructures and introduce concepts relevant to energy research. We especially illustrate the ways that knowledge infrastructures may support or adapt to change, and also the ways that they display ‘legacy’ properties that inhibit, slow or outright prevent transitions. To ground our investigation, we briefly examine research in Scotland’s marine energy sector as the nation pursues a transition from an energy sector heavily reliant on oil and gas, to one based on renewable energy innovation and implementation. Via this case, we illustrate that a great deal of the ‘old’ knowledge infrastructures for energy research, rather than being wholly swept away, instead persist across energy transitions. The concept of knowledge infrastructures provides a powerful addition to energy social science because they are fundamental to our ability to research and develop renewable energy technologies, and so play an important role in defining possible energy futures.
Prolonged Exposure With Veterans in a Residential Substance Use Treatment Program

Abstract Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among individuals with comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) and PTSD. However, concerns that PE will lead to negative outcomes such as dropout and relapse remain a barrier to high-risk individuals, such as those warranting residential SUD care, receiving PE. The goal of this study was to gather information on feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of offering PE in residential SUD treatment. Study therapists conducted PE (3 times/week, up to 15 sessions) with 9 patients admitted to a residential SUD treatment program at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Participants completed the PTSD Symptom Checklist (PCL-S) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at admission, at discharge from the 4- to 6-week program, and 3-months postdischarge follow-up. Patients who were offered PE tolerated and engaged in PE as indicated by completion of the protocol, high satisfaction scores, and clinically significant decreases in PTSD and depression symptom severity. Symptom reduction at follow-up was significantly greater among patients who received PE than those who did not ( n = 21). This preliminary data provides initial support for further investigation of the efficacy of PE in residential SUD care.
6 Caught in the Act: Deducing Meiotic Function from Protein Immunolocalization

Meiotic division comprises a complex series of events, many of which are unique in the life cycle of the organism. The process utilizes both proteins that participate in normal mitotic cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair and proteins expressed only during meiosis. Until recently, few meiotic protein participants had been identified and characterized, but several recent developments have changed this situation. Proteins can be selected for study based on their cDNA sequence and similarity to known proteins with “suspicious” repair/recombination or cell cycle activity and antibodies against these proteins applied to meiotic nuclei to test for activity. With the development of gene sequence data bases from many organisms, similarity to a known protein need not be based on the same or even a closely related species. Potential interactions between two or more proteins can be identified and involvement in a common process inferred based on antibody colocalization. The gene sequence can be disrupted and the effect on meiotic progression directly examined. Previously identified structures, the synuptonemal complex (SC) and both early and late recombination nodules (RNs). provide structural and temporal landmarks that assist in inferring meiotic activity of the protein being studied. Mammalian meiosis is especially attractive for these kinds of studies since spermatocyte and oocyte nuclei are large with distinct nuclear organdies and since meiosis is highly protracted, occurring over a period of several days. In this chapter, an approach to the study of mammalian meiosis based on use of specific antibodies is outlined and methods of coupling this approach to other techniques, such as targeted gene disruption or chromosome aberrations, are described. Some of the proteins already identified as participants in meiotic prophase are reviewed and their presumed functions discussed. Copyright © 1998 by Academic Press.
Preparing Adults to Work with Youth: An Environmental Scan of Professional Development

This feature article shares the results of a national environmental scan conducted to identify professional development programs offered for school age providers across the nation through the Cooperative Extension System. A purposeful sample comprised of representatives from state extension offices throughout the country included 135 respondents from 48 states. Results showed 139 professional development programs for school age providers were offered through the Cooperative Extension System. The majority of programs offered professional development in the areas of health, nutrition, safety, youth development, and quality afterschool environments. This article summarizes the findings of the environmental scan, including number of contact hours, program scope, and program partners, as well as discussion and recommendations for future work in this area.
Implementing GASB 45: Recommended Best Practices in Local Government

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 45—Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers for Postemployment Benefits Other Than Pensions in 2004, requiring local governments to actuarially determine their annual required contribution to fund other postemployment benefits (OPEB) and to account for the unfunded amount as a liability on annual financial statements. This article discusses best practices on the implementation and management of this accounting standard, including actuarial practices, funding decisions, and benefit changes. It also presents how Phase I cities and counties in North Carolina implemented Statement No. 45 for further explanation. The hope is that these best practices will serve as a guidepost for making OPEB policy decisions, especially among smaller local governments, on the criteria of financial accountability and sustainability.
Stress measurements in sol-gel films

Thin solid films of a wide variety of materials have received increased attention during the past decade. These films have been instrumental in the growth of numerous technologies. Until recently, “thin films” have primarily described layers of metallic or dielectric materials deposited onto substrates by evaporation, electron beam or ion beam techniques. Advances in sol-gel technology have extended film research to include “glassy” materials of either crystalline, or amorphous nature. Sol-gel films can be tailor-made to accommodate a diverse range of applications due primarily to flexibility in chemical make up which determines the respective film's structure. One important characteristic of such films is their inherent residual stress. This inherent stress, and the stress the film introduces to the substrate as it is deposited, can result in a complex stress profile. While “thin” in the case of sol-gel films generally means <1 μm in thickness, large (10–100s of nm of retardance) inherent stress per unit thickness can severely limit a film's performance and subsequent application. We describe our efforts to quantify the residual stress in silica-based sol-gel films as a function of several processing parameters.
Increased Sensitivity of Flow Detection in the Left Coronary Artery by Transesophageal Echocardiography After Intravenous Administration of Transpulmonary Stable Echocontrast Agent

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) combined with color and pulsed Doppler allows a noninvasive assessment of flow in the proximal anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The aim of this study was to assess whether the, peripheral administration of a transpulmonary stable echocontrast agent with prolonged in vivo stability may improve the feasibility and accuracy of coronary flow detection by TEE Doppler. In 12 out of 14 consecutive patients undergoing routine diagnostic TEE examination, color-coded images of left main coronary artery (LM) and the origin of the LAD and circumflex artery (CXA), as well as spectral Doppler signals from the LAD, were evaluated before and after intravenous injection of SHU 508 A. After administration of echocontrast material, the coronary Doppler signal (both color-coded and spectral) was enhanced for approximately 100 seconds. The length and diameter of color-coded flow increased significantly in the LM, LAD, and CXA. (The length of color-coded flow before and after injection of contrast material were the following: in LM 0.94 ± 0.44 versus 1.39 ± 0.52 cm, p p p p p p p p p
Comparison of k-space sampling schemes for multidimensional MR spectroscopic imaging

For clinical 31P MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) studies, where signal averaging is necessary, some improvement of sensitivity and spatial response function may be achieved by acquiring data over a spherical k-space volume and varying the number of averages acquired in proportion to the desired spatial filter. Eight different k-space sampling schemes are compared through simulations that provide graphs of the spatial response functions (SRF), and tabulations of voxel volumes, relative signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and relative data collection efficiencies (SNR per unit volume over the same time). All schemes were based on practical experiments, each of which could be implemented in the same length of time. The results show that in comparison with cubic k-space sampling with the same number of signal averages at each point, spherical and acquisition-weighted k-space sampling can be used to achieve reduced Gibbs ringing along the principal axes directions, and thus reduced contamination from adjacent tissue in these directions, without degradation of voxel volume or SNR.
Synoptic and Topographic Variability of Northern California Precipitation Characteristics in Landfalling Winter Storms Observed during CALJET

Abstract Observations from northern California during the California Landfalling Jets (CALJET) experiment are used to examine the mean characteristics of precipitation and their variances as functions of synoptic and topographic regimes. Ten cases involving the landfall of extratropical cyclones are analyzed with radar and rain gauge data collected at two sites: one in the coastal mountains north of San Francisco (CZD) and the other in the Central Valley just west of Sacramento (KDAX). Aside from the melting-layer bright band, the most striking feature in the 10-case composite vertical profile of radar reflectivity at CZD was a distinct change in slope about 2.5 km above the bright band. This “shoulder” is thought to represent a change in the growth rate of hydrometeors. Although the bright band was quite distinct, about one-third of the profiles in the composite did not exhibit this feature. These nonbrightband (NBB) profiles had a low-level slope where reflectivity increased with decreasing altitude, a ...
Biopsychosocial characteristics and treatment outcomes of pregnant cocaine-dependent women in residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Abstract The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare the characteristics and treatment outcomes of pregnant cocaine-dependent women and their infants enrolled in residential (N=32) and outpatient (N=32) treatment settings. Biopsychosocial characteristics and issues that influenced the women's multiple treatment outcomes are highlighted. Comparisons of retention and infant birth outcomes found no significant differences between treatment programs. whereas abstinence and patterns of attrition showed meaningful differences favoring residential treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the reported treatment outcomes are markers of improved life functioning that hold promise for the women in treatment, their families and the community.
Deconvoluting reversal modes in exchange-biased nanodots

Ensemble-averaged exchange bias in arrays of Fe/FeF${}_{2}$ nanodots has been deconvoluted into local, microscopic bias separately experienced by nanodots going through different reversal modes. The relative fraction of dots in each mode can be modified by exchange bias. Single-domain dots exhibit a simple loop shift, while vortex state dots have asymmetric shifts in the vortex nucleation and annihilation fields, manifesting local incomplete domain walls in these nanodots as magnetic vortices with tilted cores.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Protect Lung From Radiation-induced Injury in CBA/J Mice

(37 C, 5% CO2) for 7 days before being assayed for survival using a standard clonogenic assay. Results: Data indicated that both miso and 10mM genistein treatments resulted in a reduction in PC3 cell colony number of w20%, suggesting a marked growth inhibitory action for these compounds. Treatment with 30mM genistein enhanced PC3 cell growth inhibition even more substantially, resulting in an 85% reduction in cell colony number compared to untreated controls. Additionally, data from these studies suggested that both miso and genistein continued to exert their growth inhibitory effect on the PC3 cells over a range of radiation exposures up to 300cGy. However, a differential response was seen between the misotreated and 10mM genistein-treated radiation cell survival curves and the 30mM genistein-treated radiation cell survival curve. Specifically, both the miso and 10mM genistein treatments interacted with radiation treatments in an additive manner, resulting in enhanced tumor cell kill, but producing radiation cell survival curves whose shape was almost identical to the untreated irradiated control. In contrast, the reduction in colony number in PC3 cells treated with 30mM genistein plus radiation resulted in a highly supra-additive reduction in colony number, especially at doses greater than 50cGy, thereby, producing a markedly steeper radiation cell survival curve than observed for the untreated irradiated control. Conclusions: Data suggest that administration of either miso or genistein may potentiate radiation-induced prostate tumor cell kill. This is particularly true when combining higher doses of genistein (30mM) with radiation, where synergistic cell kill appears to occur. These results may have consequence as a way to improve the outcome of radiation therapy regimens for prostate cancer patients. Author Disclosure: J. Sattler: None. C.R. Kempf: None. R.M. Johnke: None.
Synthesis of Resorcinol Derived Spironitronates

Syntheses of several unique spironitronates are reported. The key transformation involves the first known example of an ipso oxidative cyclization of nitro functionality. Oxidation proceeds from both o- and p-phenols. Reductions of these compounds provide novel spiroisoxazoline derivatives.
Facilities for Fundamental Neutron Physics Research at the NIST Cold Neutron Research Facility

The features of two fundamental neutron physics research stations at the NIST cold neutron research facility are described in some detail. A list of proposed initial experimental programs for these two stations is also given.
Pupil dilations following pairs of identical and related to-be-remembered words.

Two experiments are reported in which the spacing between pairs of identical (Experiment 1) or pairs of related (Experiment 2) to-be-remembered words were varied while pupil diameter and frequency judgments were measured. In Experiment 1, frequency judgments increased with increases in spacing length. In Experiment 2, frequency judgments decreased with increases in spacing length. In both experiments, however, pupil dilations increased with increases in spacing length. These results are interpreted as supporting theories that argue that massed repetitions require less processing than spaced repetitions. It is argued that this deficiency in processing reduces retention of massed repetitions of identical words. For massed presentation of related words, organizational strategies can be used with little effort to increase retention.
Investigating Initialization Times, Repetitions, and MOE Variability in Simulation of Under Saturated and Saturated Traffic Signals

This study involved investigating the sensitivity of measures of effectiveness (MOEs) to different simulation initialization times (7, 10, and 13 minutes); observing the trend of variation of MOEs with increased simulation runs; and identifying the major contributors of variation in MOEs. The results showed that (i) the MOEs of a simulated saturated intersection are indeed sensitive to initialization times; (ii) the variation within MOEs reached a steady state with increased number of simulation runs, and the required number of simulation runs to attain such a state changed with respect to the level of congestion; (iii) lane changing and gap acceptance parameters play a major role as a source of variation of MOEs (delay/vehicle).
CD44+ cells have cancer stem cell–like properties in nasopharyngeal carcinoma†

Background: A subpopulation of cells within a tumor appears to have the exclusive ability to initiate tumors, self-renew, and differentiate. These “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) are CD44+ in several epithelial malignancies. We examined the potential of CD44 to identify the CSC population in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: C666, an Epstein-Barr virus–positive (EBV+) human NPC cell line, was stained for CD44 and sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). CD44+ and CD44− subpopulations were evaluated for (1) proliferative potential, (2) ability to differentiate, (3) expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and EBV genes, and (4) the ability to initiate tumors in vivo. Immunocompromised mice were injected with CD44+ and CD44− populations to assess the tumor-initiating capacity. Immunohistochemistry for CD44 was performed on an 87-patient tissue microarray (TMA), and clinical correlations were examined. Results: Heterogeneous expression of CD44 was seen among C666 cells. CD44+ cells differentiated into CD44− cells, indicating a hierarchical relationship. Further, CD44+ cells exhibited a more robust tumor-initiating capacity in the xenograft model. However, no differences were seen in proliferation rates in vitro, EBV gene expression, or expression of EMT markers between CD44+ and CD44− subsets. Patient tumors were heterogeneous for CD44 staining, and a trend toward an association between CD44 expression and clinical outcome was observed. Conclusion: NPC contains a CD44+ subpopulation with features consistent with CSCs. There was a trend toward an association between CD44 expression within NPC tumors and decreased time to local failure/relapse in patients. © 2012 ARS–AAOA, LLC.
Susceptibility of the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) to hypoxia

The susceptibility of the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne (F.) to hypoxia was examined at three different oxygen concentrations (0.5–0.8, 1.0–1.3, and 2.0–2.3 %) and four different temperature/humidity (RH) conditions: 30 °C/75 % RH, 25 °C/75 % RH, 20 °C/43 % RH, and 15 °C/43 % RH. The influence of humidity on mortality was also examined at three humidity levels (21, 43, and 75 % RH) at 1.0–1.3 % oxygen (O2) and 25 °C. Our results revealed that adult beetles were the most tolerant at 2.0–2.3 % O2 and that the larvae were the most tolerant at O2 levels 30 °C.
Hot-cathode mercury rectifier tubes for high power broadcast transmitters

This paper describes the new and large hot-cathode mercury-vapor rectifier tube that is used in the plate power rectifier of the Crosley (WLW) 500-kilowatt broadcast transmitter. Design features resulting in improved operation of mercury-vapor tubes are discussed together with the operating characteristics. An analysis of the advantages of the unit half-wave type of rectifier tube is made.
Performance Characteristics of a Quantitative Hepatitis C Virus RNA Assay Using COBAS AmpliPrep Total Nucleic Acid Isolation and COBAS TaqMan Hepatitis C Virus Analyte-Specific Reagent

Performance characteristics of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA quantification assay comprised automated specimen extraction [COBAS AmpliPrep (CAP) using total nucleic acid isolation reagents (TNAI)], and real-time polymerase chain reaction [COBAS TaqMan 48 HCV with analyte-specific reagents (CTM48)] were determined. CAP TNAI/CTM48 performed linearly from approximately 2.0 to at least 6.7 log10 IU/ml for HCV genotypes (Gts) 1, 2, and 3. The limit of detection for the World Health Organization International Standard was 23 IU/ml. Variabilities ranged from 1.3 to 2.1%. Excellent quantitative agreement was observed in clinical samples using CTM48 and two different methods for HCV RNA extraction (CAP TNAI and BioRobot M48; regression line slope, 0.98; y-intercept, 0.11; R2, 0.98; mean difference, 0.003). Good agreement was also observed between CAP TNAI/CTM48 and COBAS Amplicor Monitor (regression line slope, 0.94; y-intercept, 0.08; R2, 0.96), although HCV RNA concentrations were on average greater by COBAS Amplicor Monitor (mean difference −0.27 log10 IU/ml). Better overall agreement was observed for Gt 1 than non-Gt 1 specimens when comparing extraction and quantification methods; however, no consistent genotype-dependent quantification bias was observed. These data suggest that CAP TNAI/CTM48 offers an alternative method for the quantification of HCV in plasma samples.
Compaction and separation algorithms for non-convex polygons and their applications☆

Abstract Given a two-dimensional, non-overlapping layout of convex and non-convex polygons, compaction can be thought of as simulating the motion of the polygons resulting from applied ‘forces’. By moving many polygons simultaneously, compaction can improve the material utilization of even tightly packed layouts. Compaction is hard: finding the tightest layout that a valid motion can reach is PSPACE-hard, and even compacting to a local optimum can require an exponential number of moves. Our first compaction algorithm uses a new velocity-based optimization model based on existing physical simulation approaches. The performance of this algorithm illustrates that these approaches cannot quickly compact tightly packed layouts. We then present a new position-based optimization model. This model represents the forces as a linear objective function, and it permits direct calculation, via linear programming, of new non-overlapping polygon positions at a local minimum of the objective. The new model yields a translational compaction algorithm that runs two orders of magnitude faster than physical simulation methods. We also consider the problem of separating overlapping polygons using the least amount of motion, prove optimal separation to be NP-complete, and show that our position-based model also yields an efficient algorithm for finding a locally optimal separation. The compaction algorithm has improved cloth utilization of human-generated layouts of trousers and other garments. Given a database of human-generated markers and with an efficient technique for matching, the separation algorithm can automatically generate layouts that approach human performance.
The Use of True and Imitation Vanilla Extracts in Ice Cream

Summary 1.Tasting extracts will not enable the average ice cream manufacturer to determine the difference between a true and an artificial extract. 2.Tasting samples of ice cream will not enable the average ice cream manufacturer to tell whether or not a true or an artificial extract has been used in ice cream. 3.The experiments tend to show that true flavors persist better than the artificial. 4.The data obtained by chemical analysis can tell little with regard to the flavoring ability of the two general types of extracts. 5.If the Wichmann method is used to determine the lead number, an index may be obtained as to the genuineness of the vanilla extract. It should be remembered, however, that high lead numbers result from reinforcing extracts with excess vanillin, especially in the case of diluted extracts. The excess vanillin may be removed easily, however, thus nullifying its effect.
A PDE-BASED METHODOLOGY FOR MODELING, PARAMETER ESTIMATION AND FEEDBACK CONTROL IN STRUCTURAL AND STRUCTURAL ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS

A problem of continued interest concerns the control of vibrations in a flexible structure and the related problem of reducing structure-borne noise in structural acoustic systems. In both cases, piezoceramic patches bonded to the structures have been successfully used as control actuators. Through the application of a controlling voltage, the patches can be used to reduce structural vibrations which in turn leads to methods for reducing structure-borne noise. A PDE-based methodology for modeling, estimating physical parameters, and implementing a feedback control scheme for problems of this type is discussed. While the illustrating example is a circular plate, the methodology is sufficiently general so as to be applicable in a variety of structural and structural acoustic systems.
Production of aligned deuterons in high-energy elastic proton-deuteron scattering

Abstract It is shown that, because of spin-dependence resulting from the D-wave components of the deuteron, it should be possible to produce and analyze strongly aligned beams of high-energy deuterons by elastic scattering on protons.
The tumor promoter 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate enhances the proliferative response of balb/c-3t3 cells to hormonal growth factors.

Stimulation of Balb/c-3T3 cell growth by TPA requires factors found in serum. We examined the interaction between TPA and serum growth factors in the stimulation of cell growth. The number of cells synthesizing DNA (incorporating 3H-thymidine) within 24 to 30 hours after the addition of TPA and the growth factors to density-inhibited Balb/c-3T3 cultures in serum-free medium was determined by autoradiography. With no additions or with TPA (30--300 ng/ml) alone, only 3--7% of cells synthesized DNA. However, TPA synergistically promoted DNA synthesis in combination with each of the defined serum growth fractions, platelet derived growth factor and platelet poor plasma. TPA also synergistically promoted DNA synthesis in combination with purified growth factors including fibroblast growth factor, insulin (10(-6)--10(-5)M), and epidermal growth factor. In all conditions, TPA enhancement of DNA synthesis also resulted in an increase in cell number. Because TPA synergistically enhanced the activity of each growth factor tested, it did not act identically to any of the growth factors.
Further Results for the Linear Fuzzy Controller

A fuzzy controller is considered which attempts to control a process which has multiple outputs and inputs, towards some set points. The fuzzification/ defuzzification procedures, the fuzzy logic and the fuzzy control rules are considered and are chosen so that the defuzzified output is always a linear function of the inputs to the fuzzy controller.
A Multivariate Study of Handwriting, Intelligence, and Personality Correlates

Summary Scores were obtained for 103 Subjects on the Sixteen Personality Factor test, Form C; the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule; the Otis Quick Scoring Test, Form G; Raven's Progressive Matrices, Sets A-E; and on 47 handwriting variables. First, personality and intelligence variables, then handwriting variables were factored and rotated, after which factor scores were obtained. Through a regression of handwriting from personality and intelligence factor scores, it was found that 6 of 16 handwriting factors could be predicted by 5 of 10 personality and intelligence factors. These results and their relation to graphology are discussed.
Survival of Staphylococcus Aureus on Pharmaceutical Oral solid Dosage Forms

The relationship of temperature, relative humidity, size of inoculum, and duration of storage on survival of Staphylococcus aureus inoculated onto surfaces of 17 commercial tablets and one gelatin capsule was determined. The data were analyzed using a two-way factorial analysis of variance. Decreased survival was associated with an increase in each of the variables, within limits of the experiment; within those limits, size of inoculum and storage time were the least significant factors and storage environment appeared to be the most significant.
Espresso-HF: a heuristic hazard-free minimizer for two-level logic

We present a new heuristic algorithm for hazard-free minimization of two-level logic. On nearly all examples, the algorithm finds an exactly minimum-cost cover. It also solves several problems which have not been previously solved using existing exact minimizers. We believe this is the first heuristic method based on Espresso to solve the general hazard-free two-level minimization problem, for multiple-input change transitions.
Crystal structure of the human Fatty Acid synthase enoyl-acyl carrier protein-reductase domain complexed with triclosan reveals allosteric protein-protein interface inhibition.

Human fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a large, multidomain protein that synthesizes long chain fatty acids. Because these fatty acids are primarily provided by diet, FAS is normally expressed at low levels; however, it is highly up-regulated in many cancers. Human enoyl-acyl carrier protein-reductase (hER) is one of the FAS catalytic domains, and its inhibition by drugs like triclosan (TCL) can increase cytotoxicity and decrease drug resistance in cancer cells. We have determined the structure of hER in the presence and absence of TCL. TCL was not bound in the active site, as predicted, but rather at the protein-protein interface (PPI). TCL binding induces a dimer orientation change that causes downstream structural rearrangement in critical active site residues. Kinetics studies indicate that TCL is capable of inhibiting the isolated hER domain with an IC50 of ∼ 55 μM. Given the hER-TCL structure and the inhibition observed in the hER domain, it seems likely that TCL is observed in the physiologically relevant binding site and that it acts as an allosteric PPI inhibitor. TCL may be a viable scaffold for the development of anti-cancer PPI FAS inhibitors.