cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug-drug and drug-disease interactions in the ED: Analysis of a high-risk population

A study was undertaken to determine the potential for adverse drug interactions (ADIs) and drug-disease interactions (DDIs) in a high-risk population of emergency department (ED) patients and to characterize drug-drug and drug-disease interactions in terms of percentage of patients at risk from existing drug regimens, percentage of patients at risk from ED treatment, relation between number of drugs and potential for interactions, types of drugs and diseases posing greatest potential for interaction, and the differences in a general versus community hospital population with respect to these parameters. Records of 205 consecutive patients, 111 from a general hospital teaching facility ED (Facility 1) and 94 from a community hospital ED (Facility 2) were retrospectively reviewed. The records of all patients receiving three or more medications and all patients older than 50 years of age receiving two or more medications were analyzed by two computer programs for the presence of potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions. A total of 226 potential ADIs were found in 89 patients (47%), with 50% of ADIs being related to ED treatment. A total of 94 potential DDIs were found in 44 patients (21%), with 34% of DDIs being related to ED treatment. The risk of an ADI rose from 13% for patients taking 2 medications to 82% for patients taking 7 or more medications. Eleven medications and four disease categories were identified as having particular potential for interactions. No significant differences were found between the general and the community hospital populations in these respects. ED patients taking three or more medications and patients older than 50 years of age taking two or more medications are at substantial risk for adverse drug-drug and drug-disease interactions. The risk is increased in patients taking particular drugs or having particular disease states.
Opposite effects of overexpressed myosin Va or heavy meromyosin Va on vesicle distribution, cytoskeleton organization, and cell motility in nonmuscle cells

Myosin Va, an actin-based motor protein that transports intracellular cargos, can bundle actin in vitro. Whether myosin Va regulates cellular actin dynamics or cell migration remains unclear. To address this, we compared Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells that stably express GFP fused to either full length mouse myosin Va (GFP-M5) or heavy meromyosin Va (GFP-M5Delta). GFP-M5 and GFP-M5Delta co-immunoprecipitate with CHO myosin Va and serve as overexpression of wild-type and dominant negative mutants of myosin Va. Compared to non-expressing control cells, GFP-M5-overexpressing cells have peripheral endocytic vesicles, spread slowly after plating, as well as produce robust interior actin stress fibers, myosin II bundles, and focal adhesions. However, these cells display normal cell migration and lamellipodial dynamics. In contrast, GFP-M5Delta-expressing cells have perinuclear endocytic vesicles, produce thin interior actin and myosin bundles and contain no interior focal adhesions. In addition, these cells spread rapidly, migrate slowly and display reduced lamellipodial dynamics. Similarly, neurite outgrowth is compromised in neurons cultured from transgenic Drosophila that express M5Delta-dsRed and in neurons cultured from Drosophila that produce a tailless version of endogenous myosin V. Together, these data suggest that myosin Va overexpression induces actin bundles in vivo whereas the tailless version fails to bundle actin and disrupts cell motility.
Maximum likelihood synchronization of burst-mode CPM

In this paper, we derive a joint maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm for the estimation of frequency offset, carrier phase and symbol timing for continuous phase modulations (CPMs). We have considered a burst-mode scenario over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels in which an optimized training sequence is embedded within each burst in order to assist the synchronization task. The proposed data-aided (DA) approach takes advantage of the optimum training sequence structure which can be applied to the entire CPM family. The simulation results show that the estimator performs quite close to the theoretical Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) for all synchronization parameters in terms of their estimation error variances even at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).
SU‐FF‐J‐62: Image‐Guided Radiotherapy Feasibility Study Using Kilo‐Voltage Cone‐Beam CT Images for Patient Alignment Verification

Purpose: The objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility to acquire the kilo-voltage (KV) cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) images and to register the CBCT images with the conventional planning CT images for patient alignment verification. Method and Materials: A Varian high precision accelerator with on-board KV imaging (OBI) system and CBCT was used in conjunction with a QA head phantom for patient setup position verification. In addition, the in-house image registration and verification software was used for the analyses of patient alignment accuracy. First, we acquired the same reference image data sets of the QA head phantom from the CBCT and the LINAC/CT-on-rails unit. The conventional CT image set was used as the planning CT images. Applied the translation and/or the rotation to the QA head phantom to imitate the daily patient setup variation and then, acquired the daily CBCT images. Results: No differences were observed on the registration between the reference image sets obtained from the conventional planning CT and CBCT. Similar findings were also observed on the registration of the daily CBCT with the planning CT images when the translations were applied to the setup of the daily QA head phantom deviated from the planning QA head phantom setup. When the rotations were applied to the daily setup of the QA head phantom, the treatment target was registered well between the daily CBCT images and the planning CT images, but the difference of 1.3 mm was observed on the registration in the structure relatively far away from the target. Conclusion: Phantom studies indicated that the daily pretreatment CBCT images should be suitable to use for patient alignment verification with the planning CT images. Conflict of Interest: supported by Varian Medical Systems.
The Idea of Practice and Why It Matters in the Teaching of Preaching

Abstract. The concept of practice helps us better understand how preaching works, as well as how we can teach that practice more effectively. This essay develops a compact but wide-ranging view of practices, reflecting the current scholarly discussion. It also argues that preaching is a particular instance of this larger concept of practices. Understanding preaching as a practice gives new perspectives on what preaching is and allows us to consider how to employ broadly recognized standards of excellence to evaluate particular instances of students’ preaching. Further, this essay explores how the teaching of preaching is a practice in its own right. The value of this insight is that it allows us then to explore how the character of the teaching and the character of what is taught can be consonant with one another, and in ways that can guide. This essay is from “Teaching Preaching as a Christian Practice,” edited by Thomas G. Long and Nora Tisdale. Used by permission of Westminster John Knox Press.
A mechanosensory system that controls feeding in adult Mnemiopsis

We describe here the food groove complex and mechanism of prey capture used by adult Mnemiopsis spp. ctenophores to obtain prey swept into the auricular grooves by feeding currents. Tentilla that emerge from the tentacular groove of the food groove complex extend into the auricular grooves and capture prey upon their sticky surfaces. The prey-laden tentilla contract and drag the prey to the edge of the transport groove, which is also part of the food groove complex. The transport groove undergoes a focal eversion to capture and transport prey orally. Focal eversion exposes the inner ciliated surface of the transport groove as it extends toward the prey. Focal eversion can be evoked by mechanical stimuli from a probe, but only if it is positioned directly over the tentacular groove. We propose that g-cilia located within the tentacular groove are mechanoreceptors whose output triggers a sensory-motor pathway that in turn everts the transport groove. The mechanosensory-motor pathway is ectodermal and sensitive to Mg2+ anesthesia, which defocuses and amplifies eversion. Tentilla are not strictly necessary for eversion to occur, because preparations lacking tentilla can still display eversion; however, they may amplify the sensory signal by interacting with g-cilia as they contract.
Injury of arterial endothelial cells in diabetic, sucrose-fed and aged rats.

Abstract The toxicity of elevated levels of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL, d 1 2 exposure to diabetic rat serum. Bleb formation and contraction was seen first in isolated cells ( 1 2 h), followed by cells at the periphery of the monolayer (1 h) and finally in cells throughout the monolayer (4 h). By 10 h few cells remained attached to the dish. A similar sequence of events occurred in 1-day-old cultures after a 3-h lag period. Serum from sucrose-fed as well as aged rats was also found to be toxic to endothelial cells in vitro. Elevated levels of VLDL were responsible for the toxicities of these sera. Scanning electron microscopy of the aortas from diabetic and sucrose-fed rats revealed endothelial desquamation, platelet and leukocyte attachment, fibrin deposition and the presence of microthrombi. The common occurrence of both micro- and macrovascular disease in diabetic, sucrose-fed, and aged rats and the toxicity of their serum in vitro suggest that elevated levels of VLDL may initiate vascular disease in these models.
Differential modulation of inflammatory pain by a selective estrogen receptor beta agonist

To understand the contribution of the estrogen receptor beta, the potent and selective agonist ERb-131 was evaluated in animal models of inflammatory pain. In paradigms of acute and persistent inflammatory pain, ERb-131 did not alleviate the nociception induced by either carrageenan or formalin. However, in the chronic complete Freund's adjuvant model, ERb-131 resolved both inflammatory and hyperalgesic components. Thus, ERb-131 is sufficient to alleviate chronic but not acute inflammatory pain states.
Relative risk aversion among the elderly

Abstract This paper examines portfolio allocation behavior of the elderly, investigating whether their behavior conforms to Arrow's postulate of increasing relative risk aversion. Additionally, the effects on risk aversion of age, race, gender, education, health status, and the number of children are examined. The source of data is the AHEAD data set that is comprised of households with at least one member aged 70 or over. In the preferred specification, evidence supports a finding of modestly decreasing relative risk aversion and statistical significance for the personal characteristics examined. Implications are drawn for the likely security markets effects of an aging population.
Reproducible lateral force microscopy measurements for quantitative comparisons of the frictional and chemical properties of nanostructures.

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a widely used technique for characterizing the topography and frictional properties of nanostructures. Inherent misalignments between the AFM cantilever and the feedback hardware lead to crosstalk between topography data and lateral force microscopy (LFM) data. Because the degree of crosstalk depends on the positioning of the cantilever, LFM and topography data of the same structure can vary from one experiment to the next. For nanostructures with large LFM contrast, errors as large as 50% in topography and LFM can be observed. This paper describes an empirical strategy for correcting this alignment error. The technique is used to characterize the frictional properties of scanning probe-induced oxide nanostructures and the hydrogen-terminated Si(1 1 1) surfaces on which they are patterned. Reproducible differences in the frictional properties of the oxide nanostructures patterned on HF-treated and NH 4 F-treated Si(1 1 1) surfaces are observed and attributed to the mixed-hydride versus monohydride termination of each surface. The observed frictional contrast is consistent with known differences in surface reactivity and demonstrates how LFM measurements can provide insight into the frictional and chemical properties of nanostructures
Observability of the helical Cerenkov effect

The observability of the recently described helical Cerenkov effect, which exists in the microwave to visible spectrum, is discussed. From the kinematics point of view, we show that microwave radiation with the wavelength of 10-1 cm could occur in a medium with the index of refraction of 1.4, beam energy of 3 MeV, and the uniform magnetic field of 4 T. In the visible spectrum with the central wavelength of 5 X 10-5 cm, however, the observability of this effect is achieved with up to 3 MeV in beam energy, silica aerogel as a medium with the index of refraction of 1.075, and uniform magnetic fields from 5 to 10 T. Specifically, for the 10-Tesla magnetic field, it is estimated that, in the 250- to 750-nm visible region, an electron generates a photon through an interaction length of 10 cm. As such, this effect could possibly be used as a detector of radiation by energetic electrons that are trapped in a medium by strong magnetic fields.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Glutamine synthetase in the embryonic chick neural retina: The effect of cycloheximide on the conservation of labile templates for enzyme synthesis

Abstract Basal level synthesis of glutamine synthetase in the embryonic chick neural retina is mediated by labile, continuously supplied RNA templates. Complete blocking of protein synthesis with a high dose of cycloheximide does not prevent the transcription of these templates and allows their conservation and accumulation. When cycloheximide is withdrawn and, simultaneously, all further transcription is blocked, the accured templates are expressed. This results in synthesis and accumulation of glutamine synthetase at a faster than basal rate as determined by radio-immunochemical measurements. Puromycin, an inhibitor of translation with a different mechanism of action from cycloheximide, does not cause conservation of these templates. This, and studies at the polysomal level, indicate that template conservation by cycloheximide in this system depends on the specific mechanism by which cycloheximide inhibits translation.
Propagation of quasifracture in viscoelastic media under low‐cycle repeated stressing

The propagation of a craze as quasifracture under repeated cyclic stressing in polymeric systems has been under intensive investigation recently. Based upon a time‐dependent crazing theory, the governing differential equation describing the propagation of a single craze as quasifracture in an infinite viscoelastic plate has been solved for sinusoidal stresses. Numerical methods have been employed to obtain the normalized craze length as a function of time. The computed results indicate that the length of a quasifracture may decelerate and decrease indicating that its velocity can reverse. This behavior may be consistent with the observed and much discussed craze healing and the enclosure model in fatigue and fracture of solids.
Bovine pericardium: a source of pulmonary venous obstruction in the Mustard procedure.

Following Mustard's popularization of the intraatrial baffle procedure for transposition of the great arteries, debate has persisted regarding the ideal materials to use. Reports of xenograft (i.e., bovine pericardium) as a suitable prosthetic material made it an appealing choice. We report our recent experience with 2 patients in whom bovine pericardium was used for atrial augmentation, with subsequent pulmonary venous obstruction. For this reason, we have abandoned this material as an acceptable prosthetic in the Mustard procedure.
Chlorambucil in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

Chlorambucil has been used in combination with prednisone in the treatment of 23 children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Many patients had signs of steroid toxicity, and growth retardation was striking in nearly half of the children at the time chlorambucil was started. Treatment was maintained for 2 1/2 to 12 weeks until leukopenia was induced. In all children, complete remissions lasting up to 4 7/12 years have followed treatment with chlorambucil. Subsequent relapses requiring further prednisone therapy have been seen in only 13 per cent, with a follow-up of 7 months to 5 3/4 years (average 26.6 months). Complications have been minimal and there have been no deaths. These results appear to indicate that chlorambucil, when used as an adjunct to prednisone, provides effective therapy in nephrotic chidren who have responded initially to corticosteroids but who have frequent relapses or are dependent on steroid therapy to maintain remissions.
Developing an experience register for engineers

Using specific descriptive phrases about experiences, it is possible to classify a group of people into categories. The fewer the number of these experiences used in the classification, the less likely an individual's ?personality? will be preserved. The greater the number of items involved, the greater the information processing-problem. This is the situation of the manpower administrator who in order to maintain individualities is forced to cope with quantities of information. One solution for the administrator is to transform his personnel information into a form compatible with the use of high-speed data processing equipment and take advantage of equipment's ability to perform complex operations with speed and skill. This requires that the information be descriptive enough to be meaningful and that it be organized so that it can be coded. This paper develops a technique for handling one segment of personnel information ? experience. The technique is to describe a person through information related to his work experience. The study covers the development of such an experience matrix and shows that such information can be reasonably classified in this form. Two factor analyses were carried out. The direct factor analysis developed factors of combinations of work experience which have a reasonable degree of independence. The inverse factor analysis because of the complex method of interpretation was less satisfactory.
Concerning the use of empirical methods for determining the molecular weight of a small glycopeptide cleaved from bovine rhodopsin.

Abstract The molecular weight of a glycopeptide cleaved enzymatically from bovine rhodopsin was investigated by a variety of techniques, such as gel filtration, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of urea, and gel filtration in 6 m guanidinium chloride after reduction and carboxymethylation. Great variation in the estimation of the molecular weight between the several techniques was observed. When compared to an estimate of 9000 based on amino acid analysis and considerations of its carbohydrate content, values ranging between 4500 and 18,000 were obtained by the other methods. Thus, while the molecular weight of the glycopeptide remains unresolved, the resultant ambiguity in evaluating this property may exemplify the limitations inherent in applying empirical methods to the determination of the molecular weight of small glycopeptides.
Instability control in microwave-frequency microplasma

Atmospheric argon microplasmas driven by 1.0 GHz power were studied by microwave circuit analyses and spatially-resolved optical diagnostics. These studies illuminate the mechanisms responsible for microplasma stability. A split-ring resonator (SRR) microplasma source is demonstrated to reflect excess microwave power, preventing the ionization overheating instability while limiting electron density to approximately 1 × 1014 cm−3 and OH rotational temperature to 760 K at 0.76 W. Providing the SRR microplasma with an electrical path to ground, however, allows the microplasma to transition from the SRR mode to the so-called transmission line mode (T-line). This transition is due to matching of the microplasma and transmission line impedances. The higher power T-line mode supports a more intense microplasma with electron density of 1 × 1015 cm−3 and OH rotational temperature of 1480 K with 15 W absorbed power. While the SRR mode is optimized for ignition and sustaining a stable nonequilibrium plasma, and T-line mode is better suited for driving a hot, high density microplasma. The estimated microwave discharge voltages were 15 V and 35 V in SRR mode and T-line mode, respectively, and the voltages are rather independent of input power. Microplasma stability is due to a combination of impedance mismatching and direct control of power, both inherent to microwave circuitry.
Monteggia Fracture‐Dislocations

Monteggia fracture-dislocations remain a relatively uncommon injury. Prompt recognition of this injury is imperative. The character of the ulnar fracture is useful in determining optimal treatment. It is imperative to look for associated injuries of the radial head and coronoid, which alter the management and lead to altered outcomes.
Molecular-clinical correlations in a family with variable tissue mitochondrial DNA T8993G mutant load

Unlike many pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations, the T8993G mutation associated with Leigh syndrome (LS) and neurogenic muscle weakness, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) typically shows little variation in mutant load between different tissue types. We describe the molecular and clinical findings in a family with variable disease severity and tissue T8993G mutant loads. Real-time ARMS qPCR testing showed that two brothers with features of NARP and LS had high mutant loads (>90%) in all tissues tested, similar to previously reported cases. Their sister, who has mild speech delay but attends normal school, was found to have a relatively high mutant load (mean 93%) in tissues derived from endoderm (buccal mucosa) and mesoderm (blood and skin fibroblasts). However, in tissue derived from ectoderm (hair bulbs), she carried a considerably lower proportion of mutant mtDNA. Because both surface ectoderm, which gives rise to outer epithelia and hair, and neuroectoderm, which gives rise to the central nervous system, are derived from ectoderm, it is tempting to speculate that the mutant load detected in the oligosymptomatic sister's hair bulbs is a reflection of the brain mutant load. We conclude that significant variation in tissue mutant load may occur in at least some individuals that harbor the T8993G mutation. This adds additional complexity to genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in such instances. Given the shared embryonic origin of hair bulbs and brain, we recommend performing hair bulb mtDNA analysis in asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic individuals that have high blood mutant loads in order to understand better the genotype-phenotype correlations related to the T8993G mutation.
The amino acid composition of bovine prothrombin.

Abstract The full amino acid composition of bovine prothrombin has been measured by using ion-exchange chromatography. In addition, other methods were used for the estimation of tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and amide ammonia. Cysteine-cystine were estimated as cysteic acid. Eighteen amino acids and hexosamine are represented, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine being present in highest weight percentage. There is no resemblance between the known amino acid composition of serum albumin and that of prothrombin, though the two proteins are closely related with regard to their physicochemical characteristics in many respects.
Reinforcements arrive for the war against chronic cystitis and bladder cancer.

Chronic cystitis is a feature of many diseases, including recurrent bacterial UTIs, long-term bladder catheterisation, chemotherapyand BCG-induced cystitis, and urogenital schistosomiasis. These diseases are incredibly important, given that over a quarter of all girls and women have recurrent UTIs, and > 112 million people worldwide are infected with Schistosoma haematobium , the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis [ 1 ] . Chronic cystitis is a near-universal consequence of urogenital schistosomiasis, as highly immunogenic schistosome eggs are continuously laid directly into the bladder wall and can persist for years. All causes of chronic cystitis can result in pelvic pain, haematuria, bladder fi brosis, and bladder cancer. However, the molecular underpinnings of these pathological processes remain unclear, in large part due to a lack of tools to study chronic cystitis.
Wind-drift near the equator

Abstract The principal result of the model is to show that a linear theory constructed from Ekman spiral and geostrophic current does not suffer singularities at the equator and even exhibits some qualitative similarity to the Equatorial Undercurrent, but that in order to account for the observed amplitude of the phenomenon, non-linearities are not altogether negligible.
An explanation for the folding fibers in proboscis retractor muscles of Phascolopsis ( = Golfingia) Gouldi—II. Structural evidence from sem of teased, glycerinated muscles and light microscopy of koh-isolated fibers

1. 1. After length-tension analysis, muscles were fixed at known relative lengths (L/L0). 2. 2. SEM observations were made on teased glycerinated muscles. 3. 3. Isolated cells were obtained by KOH maceration. 4. 4. Large diameter fibers folded at L/L0 values < 1.3, were straight at L/L0 values ≥ 1.3 and were most active at L/L0 values ≥ 1.0. 5. 5. Small diameter fibers never folded and were most active at L/L0 values < 1.5. 6. 6. We conclude that small fibers are responsible for the tension peak at 1.0 L/L0, large fibers for the peak at 1.67 L/L0, in the bimodal length-tension relationship. 7. 7. We conclude that large fibers fold passively due to active shortening of small fibers.
Structural characterization of the O-chain polysaccharide of Aeromonas caviae ATCC 15468 lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract The O-chain polysaccharide produced by a mild acid degradation of Aeromonas caviae ATCC 15468 lipopolysaccharide was found to be composed of l -rhamnose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -galactose and phosphoglycerol. Subsequent methylation and CE–ESIMS analyses and 1D/2D NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopy showed that the O-chain polysaccharide is a high-molecular-mass acidic branched polymer of tetrasaccharide repeating units with a phosphoglycerol substituent having the following structure: Download : Download full-size image where Gro represents glycerol and P represents a phosphate group.
The effects of various rater training procedures on the perception of social skills and social anxiety

Procedures for the behavioral assessment of social skills typically rely on judges' perceptions of subjects' behavior in several simulated situations. This study examined two methodological variables which could influence the degree of situational specificity perceived by social skill judges. Forth-eight judges were presented videotapes of 15 actors who role played responses to eight simulated social situations. Half of the judges viewed the situations in a sequential fashion and the remaining half viewed the tapes grouped by situations. The second factor of this design included three different expectancy conditions included in an analogue training procedure. Differences in observed variability were examined for both social skill and social anxiety constructs. Order of stimulus presentation had no effect on variability. The expectancy manipulation significantly increased variability among social skill ratings but had no effect on reliability.
Toward an MMPI trauma profile

This paper presents findings of a common MMPI profile configuration for a small forensic sample (n=16) of persons traumatized by life-threatening civilian events or as a consequence of combat in the Vietnam War. All subjects were involved in lawsuits in which the issue of compensation, medical benefits, or criminal disposition and sentencing were important concerns. A review of the existing empirical studies using this full MMPI scale as well as the MMPI post-traumatic subscale are discussed. In comparing the civilian and veteran samples on the MMPI clinical, validity, and subscales a number of statistically significant differences were found by analyses of variance and mean comparison tests of the data. While the profile configuration of both groups were similar (elevations onF, 8 and 2 scales), the Vietnam Veteran sample had significantly higher elevations. It was concluded that identifying an MMPI trauma profile and its variations may aid in the diagnosis and assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ferromagnetism in the two-dimensional t-J model.

The occurrance of ferromagnetism for the t-J model on a square lattice is investigated using high-temperature series for the Helmholtz free energy F and the uniform magnetic susceptibility ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}_{0}$. For J=0 fourteenth-order series have been calculated for F and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}_{0}$ and we estimate F(T=0) to find the ground-state energy. A region of fully polarized ferromagnetism is found for J0. A ferrimagnetic region is observed for larger J/t where ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}_{0}$ is divergent, but F(T=0) is below that of spinless fermions. Our results do not support Nagaoka's theorem at a thermodynamic density of holes.
Eugenie: gestural and tangible interaction with active tokens for bio-design

We present a case study of a tangible user interface that implements novel interaction techniques for the construction of complex queries in large data sets. Our interface, Eugenie, utilizes gestural interaction with active physical tokens and a multi-touch interactive surface to aid in the collaborative design process of synthetic biological circuits. We developed new interaction techniques for navigating large hierarchical data sets and for exploring a combinatorial design space. The goal of this research is to study the effect of gestural and tangible interaction with active tokens on sense-making throughout the bio-design process.
SU‐GG‐T‐22: Dosimetric Analysis of Real Time and Post Implantation Dosimetry for Prostate

Purpose: To quantify the changes in prostate volume and its effect on dosimetry for real time inverse planned low dose rate brachytherapy.Method and Materials:Ultrasoundimages of 30 consecutive patients in the lithotomy position were obtained one week before the implant procedure. The prostate and the urethra were contoured and then an optimized treatment plan was developed in order to obtain the number of Palladium‐103 seeds needed to deliver the prescribed dose of 120Gy to the target. At the day of the implant a new optimized plan was created based on the patient's current prostate volume. Linked seeds were implanted according to the latter plan. A CT scan was performed after the seeds were implanted and the prostate and urethra were contoured. The post‐implant treatment plan was developed by locating the seeds on the CTimages and calculating the dose distribution. Results: By comparing the real time in the operating room and the post implant prostate volumes, it was found that there was an increase in volume ranging from 31% to 39%. According to the post implant plans the V100 ranged from 81% to 99%. A larger volume increase was observed for smaller size prostates. Furthermore, the smaller prostate volumes showed the lower values of V100. Conclusion: Prostate volume changes due to swelling after the implant appears to be associated with reduction of dose coverage as reflected in post implant dosimetry. Artifacts generated by the seeds, compromised the resolution of the CTimages and hence the accuracy of post implant prostate volumes. It appears that these factors effecttreatment planning which can ultimately determine the success in treating the cancer.
Case Report: Injectable pentazocine abuse leading to necrotizing soft tissue infection and florid osteomyelitis

A 20-year-old right-hand dominant female presented to the emergency department with a significant ulcerative lesion overlying the dorsum of her left hand with exposed bone. She had arrived in the USA the previous day from Nigeria and was brought to our institution for evaluation. Her only significant medical history included migraine headaches and malaria, the latter of which had been recently treated. Approximately 1 year prior, she had been diagnosed with migraine headaches by her physician and was prescribed intravenous pentazocine (Talwin) for symptomatic relief. She became dependent on the medication and began self-administration, primarily injecting into her distal upper extremities. According to her history, she began to develop superficial cutaneous ulcers on the dorsum of her hands bilaterally approximately 6 months prior to presentation. Her right hand wounds eventually healed and fibrosed, while the left hand continued to worsen. She stated that she was treated on several occasions with a combination of oral and intravenous antibiotics but never underwent formal irrigation and debridement. She was minimally compliant with treatment modalities, however, and continued self-administration of the drug. After progressing to the point where she had lost meaningful function of her hand, her family brought her to the USA for treatment.
An Optimal Sensitivity-Enhancing Feedback Control Approach via Eigenstructure Assignment for Structural Damage Identification

The concept of using sensitivity-enhancing feedback control to improve the performance of frequency-shift-based structural damage identification has been recently explored. In previous studies, however, the feedback controller is designed to alter only the closed-loop eigenvalues, and the effect of closed-loop eigenvectors on the sensitivity enhancement performance has not been considered. In this research, it is shown that the sensitivity of the natural frequency shift to the damage in a multi-degree-of-freedom structure can be significantly influenced by the placement of both the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors. A constrained optimization problem is formulated to find the optimal assignment of both the closed-loop eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and then an optimal sensitivity-enhancing control is designed to achieve the desired closed-loop eigenstructure. Another advantage of this scheme is that the dataset of frequency measurement for damage identification can be enlarged by utilizing a series of closed-loop controls, which can be realized by activating different combinations of actuators in the system. Therefore, by using this proposed idea of multiple sensitivity-enhancing feedback controls, we can simultaneously address the two major limitations of frequency-shift-based damage identification: the low sensitivity of frequency shift to damage effects and the deficiency of frequency measurement data. A series of case studies are performed. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity of natural frequency shift to stiffness reduction can be significantly enhanced by using the designed sensitivity-enhancing feedback control, where the optimal placement of closed-loop eigenvectors plays a very important role. It is further verified that such sensitivity enhancement can directly benefit the damage identification accuracy and robustness.
Managing the quality of software product line architectures through reusable model transformations

In model-driven engineering of applications, the quality of the software architecture is realized and preserved in the successive stages of its lifecycle through model transformations. However, limited support for reuse in contemporary model transformation techniques forces developers of product line architectures to reinvent transformation rules for every variant of the product line, which can adversely impact developer productivity and in turn degrade the quality of the resulting software architecture for the variant. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents the MTS (Model-transformation Templatization and Specialization generative transformation process, which promotes reuse in model transformations through parameterization and specialization of transformation rules. MTS defines two higher order transformations to capture the variability in transformation rules and to specialize them across product variants. The core idea behind MTS is realized within a graphical model transformation tool in a way that is minimally intrusive to the underlying tool's implementation. The paper uses two product line case studies to evaluate MTS in terms of reduction in efforts to define model transformation rules as new variants are added to the product line, and the overhead in executing the higher order transformations. These metrics provide an indirect measure of how potential degradation in the quality of software architectures of product lines caused due to lack of reuse can be alleviated by MTS.
Unequality: Who Gets What and Why It Matters

Who should get what, and what are the consequences? Economic inequality in the United States has been rising for decades, yet only recently have behavioral scientists explored two central questions surrounding the optimal level of inequality. First, what are the effects of increased inequality on citizens' decisions and behavior? Second, what do citizens believe the "ideal" level of inequality should be? Critical input comes from better understanding increased inequality's impact on the overall health of the economy—such as labor productivity—and assessing citizens' preferences for distributing assets—such as income and wealth. Inequality's impacts and citizens' preferences inform the likely effects (and likely voter acceptance) of policies that affect inequality, from taxation to spending on education and health care. Research reveals that Americans from all walks of life—rich and poor, liberal and conservative—endorse unequality: unequal outcomes (rich people have more than poor people) but far less inequality than the current state of affairs. For example, the actual pay ratio of CEOs to unskilled workers in the United States is 354:1, but Americans report an ideal ratio of 7:1—unequal, but more equal. Moreover, research shows that increasing inequality often has negative effects: decreasing motivation and labor productivity, impairing decision making, and increasing ethical lapses. In sum, behavioral research supports the benefits of policies aimed at achieving unequality.
A universal circuit for studying and generating chaos. II. Strange attractors

For pt. I see ibid., vol. 40, no. 10, p. 732-44 (1993). In a companion paper, we have shown how Chua's oscillator is topologically conjugate to a class of 3D systems. In this paper, we use this result to approximate other chaotic systems in the literature which are not necessarily piecewise linear. To further illustrate the complexity of Chua's oscillator, we also include a gallery of the many attractors found in Chua's oscillator. >
Flexible multiobjective control of power converter in active hybrid fuel cell/battery power sources

Hybrid power sources composed of fuel cells and secondary batteries can combine the high energy density of fuel cells with the high power density of batteries. A dc/dc power converter can be placed between the fuel cell and the battery to balance the power flow and greatly augment the peak output power. This work presents a novel, flexible strategy for multiobjective control of the power converter in the hybrid power source. The control strategy is able to regulate the output current of the fuel cell and the charging current or voltage of the battery while limiting the discharging current of the battery. It can be used in two different configurations without any change. The control strategy is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and tested by simulation and experiments. Simulation and experimental results show that the multiobjective control strategy is able to select the regulation mode correctly and the fuel cell current, battery current and battery voltage are regulated appropriately. Experiment results demonstrate the great flexibility and generality of the control strategy and validate that the peak power capacity of the active hybrid power source is increased significantly. Simulation and experiment results also show that power converter can be appropriately regulated to meet the multiple objectives required by hybrid power sources.
A Three-Gene Dinoflagellate Phylogeny Suggests Monophyly of Prorocentrales and a Basal Position for Amphidinium and Heterocapsa

Many outstanding questions about dinoflagellate evolution can potentially be resolved by establishing a robust phylogeny. To do this, we generated a data set of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cob) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) from a broad range of dinoflagellates. Maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian methods were used to infer phylogenies from these genes separately and as a concatenated alignment with and without small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences. These trees were largely congruent in topology with previously published phylogenies but revealed several unexpected results. Prorocentrum benthic and planktonic species previously placed in different clusters formed a monophyletic group in all trees, suggesting that the Prorocentrales is a monophyletic group. More strikingly, our analyses placed Amphidinium and Heterocapsa as early splits among dinoflagellates that diverged after the emergence of O. marina. This affiliation received strong bootstrap support, but these lineages exhibited relatively long branches. The approximately unbiased (AU-) test was used to assess this result using a three-gene (cob + cox1 + SSU rDNA) DNA data set and the inferred tree. This analysis showed that forcing Amphidinium or Heterocapsa to relatively more derived positions in the phylogeny resulted in significantly lower likelihood scores, consistent with the phylogenies. The position of these lineages needs to be further verified.
Classifier design given an uncertainty class of feature distributions via regularized maximum likelihood and the incorporation of biological pathway knowledge in steady-state phenotype classification

Contemporary high-throughput technologies provide measurements of very large numbers of variables but often with very small sample sizes. This paper proposes an optimization-based paradigm for utilizing prior knowledge to design better performing classifiers when sample sizes are limited. We derive approximate expressions for the first and second moments of the true error rate of the proposed classifier under the assumption of two widely used models for the uncertainty classes: @e-contamination and p-point classes. The applicability of the approximate expressions is discussed by defining the problem of finding optimal regularization parameters through minimizing the expected true error. Simulation results using the Zipf model show that the proposed paradigm yields improved classifiers that outperform traditional classifiers which use only training data. Our application of interest involves discrete gene regulatory networks possessing labeled steady-state distributions. Given prior operational knowledge of the process, our goal is to build a classifier that can accurately label future observations obtained in the steady state by utilizing both the available prior knowledge and the training data. We examine the proposed paradigm on networks containing [email protected] pathways, where it shows significant improvement in classifier performance over the classical data-only approach to classifier design. Companion website: http://gsp.tamu.edu/Publications/supplementary/shahrokh12a.
The method of self-determined probability weighted moments revisited

Haktanir originally introduced the method of self-determined probability weighted moments as an extension of the traditional method of probability weighted moments for parameter estimation. While this method possesses many advantages, his algorithms introduced certain mathematical manipulations for numerical convenience or based upon special knowledge of the behavior of a data sample. Also, some of these algorithms relied upon inputs from numerical tables that are not widely accessible. To improve the usefulness of this method, new algorithms have been developed that directly implement the relevant equations and do not rely upon external results. In this paper, we show that these features extend the applicability of self-determined probability weighted moments without loss of accuracy in the parameter estimates. Examples from flood peak analysis and extreme wind speed estimation are presented.
Noninvasive intraoperative monitoring of carbon dioxide in children: endtidal versus transcutaneous techniques.

Background: The current study prospectively compares the accuracy of the intraoperative use of transcutaneous (Tc) and endtidal (PE) CO2 monitoring during surgical procedures in 30 paediatric patients, ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years (6.15 ± 4.35 years) and in weight from 4.7 to 73 kg (24.9 ± 18.2 kg). Methods: Following calibration and an equilibration time for the TcCO2 monitor, arterial blood gas samples were obtained as clinically indicated. A total of 64 sample sets (PaCO2, PECO2 and TcCO2) were obtained from the 30 patients. Results: The PECO2 to PaCO2 difference was 0.6–0.9 kPa (4.4 ± 7.1 mmHg) while the TcCO2 to PaCO2 difference was 0.36–0.38 kPa (2.8 ± 2.9 mmHg) (P=NS). The difference between the PaCO2 and PECO2 was 0.4 kPa (3 mmHg) or less in 37 of 64 sample sets while the difference between the PaCO2 and TcCO2 was 0.4 kPa (3 mmHg) or less in 49 of 64 sample sets (P=0.038). Linear regression analysis of PECO2 vs. PaCO2 revealed a slope of 0.434, r=0.8761, r2=0.7676. Linear regression analysis of TcCO2 vs. PaCO2 revealed a slope of 0.914, r=0.9472, r2=0.8972. Conclusions: Although in most circumstances, both noninvasive monitors of PCO2 provided a clinically acceptable estimate of PaCO2, TCCO2 provided a slightly more accurate estimate of PaCO2 during intraoperative anaesthetic care in children.
Interactions in male baboons: the importance of both males’ testosterone

To date, research on testosterone and behavior has focused on individuals, even when studying social behaviors that necessarily involve multiple participants. Here, we explore male responses to other males of different dominance ranks and testosterone levels in a population of wild baboons. In chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) of the Okavango Delta, a male's testosterone is related to his rank trajectory and, therefore, the threat he poses to other males. To examine the effects of testosterone and rank on male-male interactions, we used playback experiments to measure how a target male responded to the simulated approach of another male, scoring responses by whether or not the subject moved away from the speaker in the first minute. High testosterone subjects did not move away from the speaker more often than low testosterone subjects, but high testosterone callers elicited a move more often than low testosterone callers. When the combined testosterone of the subject and caller was high, moves were most common. The rank relationship between subject and caller did not predict moves, but the effect of combined testosterone on moving was most pronounced in adjacently ranked males. Adjacently ranked, high testosterone males are the most likely to be competing for each others' rank, and our experiments on these dyads elicited the most moves. Both behavioral and experimental observations indicate that testosterone may be more important than the rank relationship in predicting the outcome of male-male interactions. Furthermore, combined information on the testosterone of both males was the best predictor of results, highlighting the utility of dyadic analyses when relating testosterone to behavior.