cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE-C-BRA-03: Influence of Body Compression on Localization Accuracy of Thoracic Tumors Using Fractionated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Purpose: To investigate the use of body compression device combined with Elekta Stereotactic Body Frame (ESBF) in fractionated lung stereotactic body radiation therapy(SBRT) to reduce tumor motion and improve daily setup uncertainties. Method and Materials: Thirty‐one patients with diagnosis of stage IA and IB of non‐small cell lungcarcinomatreated with 3‐5 fractions of SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. For sixteen selected patients, ESBF with body compression was used in both CT simulation and daily treatment setup. Cone‐beam CTimages were acquired daily before radiation treatment and co‐registered with planning CTimages. The translational co‐registration shifts were applied to the couch before each fraction of treatment, whereas the rotational displacements were ignored due to current unavailability of couch rotations. A total of 129 recorded daily target isocenter shifts were analyzed to assess the interfractional tumor motions and daily treatment setup uncertainties, among which 63 isocenter shifts were from patients with body compression in ESBF, and 69 isocenter shifts from patients without body compression. Results: We found that the mean setup errors and standard deviations for patients with body compression in ESBF were 0.4 ± 7.4 mm, −1.0 ± 7.1 mm, and −0.8 ± 11.2 mm for the superior/inferior (S/I), lateral (L/R), and anterior/posterior (AP) shifts, respectively. In comparison, for patients treated without body compression, the mean setup errors and standard deviations were −3.4 ± 11.7 mm, −0.6 ± 7.4 mm, and −2.3 ± 13.6 mm for shifts in the S/I, L/R, and A/P directions, respectively. Conclusion: Body compression in ESBF reduces tumor motion significantly in the patient longitudinal direction, and slightly improves the setup accuracy in the anterior‐posterior direction. No improvement was observed for the lateral setup accuracy with the use of body compression in ESBF.
The flow over a body in a choked wind tunnel and in a sonic free-jet

The pressure distribution over a double wedge airfoil under free flight conditions with Mach number one is compared with the pressure distribution over the same airfoil in a choked closed wind tunnel and in a sonic free-jet. The computation is carried out as a development with respect to a parameter which indicates the deviation from free flight conditions with Mach number one. The results are of interest for the question of wind tunnel wall influences. It is found that the deviatiors of the pressure distribution for a sonic free-jet from the distribution in an infinite air flow are somewhat larger than the deviations in a closed wind tunnel under choked flow conditions. For a specific exam of a wedge of a length of 13% of the tunnel height and a thickness ratio of 10%, the deviation of the pressure distribution does not go much beyond the usual experimental scatter. The results are quite encouraging for the application of closed throat wind tunnels in transonic testing although the axial symmetric case may not show entirely the same desirable behavior.
Quantitative Microwave Imaging of Realistic Numerical Breast Phantoms Using an Enclosed Array of Multiband, Miniaturized Patch Antennas

We present a 3-D microwave breast imaging study in which we reconstruct the dielectric profiles of MRI-derived numerical breast phantoms from simulated array measurements using an enclosed array of multiband, miniaturized patch antennas. The array is designed to overcome challenges relating to the ill-posed nature of the inverse scattering system. We use a multifrequency formulation of the distorted Born iterative method to image four normal-tissue breast phantoms, each corresponding to a different density class. The reconstructed fibroglandular distributions are very faithful to the true distributions in location and basic shape. These results establish the feasibility of using an enclosed array of miniaturized, multiband patch antennas for quantitative microwave breast imaging.
Spontaneous discharge and increased heat sensitivity of rat C-fiber nociceptors are present in vitro after plantar incision

Postoperative pain is characterized by spontaneous pain at the surgical site and increased pain due to movements. To study postoperative pain mechanisms, we investigated discharge properties of mechano-heat sensitive C-fiber afferents innervating the rat glabrous hindpaw skin 1 day after plantar incision. Behaviors indicating spontaneous pain, heat and mechanical hyperalgesia were present 1 day after incision. Recording of afferents using in vitro glabrous skin-nerve preparation showed that more C-fibers from the incision had spontaneous discharge than control rats. The spontaneously discharging fibers from incised rats had lower heat response threshold compared with fibers without spontaneous activity. In all fibers less than 2 mm from the incision, an increased percentage responded to lower temperatures (35-41 degrees C), the mean heat response threshold was 3.1 degrees C less, the stimulus-response function for heat evoked response was shifted to the left and the total number of impulses in response to a 33-48 degrees C heat stimulus was increased. Heat responses of C-fibers more than 2 mm from the incision, however, were not different from control. The mean mechanical response thresholds, measured by a servo force-controlled stimulator, were not different between groups. The total spikes evoked at supra-threshold mechanical stimulation were not increased in afferents from the incision. In conclusion, 1 day after incision, when behaviors indicating spontaneous pain, heat and mechanical hyperalgesia are present, C-fibers close to incision showed spontaneous discharge and sensitization to heat but not to mechanical stimuli, in vitro.
The Picket Line Online: Creative Labor, Digital Activism, and the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America Strike

During the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, feature and television writers turned to the digital sphere as a tactical strategy for representation, visibility, and promotion. While the growing interest in digital distribution was the impetus for this strike, it was also the medium that enabled writers to successfully communicate with each other, with the media industry, and with the general public. This article examines three major strategies deployed by WGA leadership during the strike that revitalized the Guild and facilitated their ability to work as a unified front during their labor struggle with the multinational corporations that control creative production in Hollywood.
Phospholipid bilayers enhance the stability of leukotriene A4 and epoxytetraenes: stabilization of eicosanoids by liposomes.

Abstract The hydrolysis of leukotriene A 4 and two epoxytetraenes was examined in the presence and absence of liposomes. When added to liposomes in suspension, the stability of LTA 4 was increased in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. At 10 min, the half-life of LTA 4 was increased 67.1 ± 6.8% in the presence of liposomes which was comparable to that observed with albumin (10 mg/ml): 68.3 ± 6.9%. Phosphatidylcholine, in a non-bilayer configuration, was also effective in enhancing the half-life of LTA 4 , albeit to a lesser extent than liposomes. At equal molar concentrations, the enhanced stability of eicosanoid epoxides with liposomes gave a rank order with leukotriene A 4 > 5(6)epoxytetraene > 14(15)epoxytetraene. Results indicate that phospholipid bilayers can protect leukotriene A 4 and 5(6)epoxytetraene from non-enzymatic hydrolysis. Moreover, they suggest that the biological half-life of intermediates involved in the formation of both leukotrienes and lipoxins can be increased by their association with membranes.
Numerical and experimental studies of particle deposition in a tube with a conical contraction—Laminar flow regime

Abstract Particle deposition in a tube with a conical contraction was studied numerically and experimentally. In the numerical study, an axisymmetric laminar flow field in a tube was obtained by solving the Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates with the control volume method and the SIMPLER algorithm of Patankar (1982, Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. Hemisphere, New York). Particle deposition efficiencies on the conical surfaces were calculated by tracing the particle trajectories in the flow field. The mechanisms considered for particle deposition included inertial impaction and interception. Through a parametric study, a general equation, giving a relative deposition efficiency as a function of the modified Stokes number, was obtained to characterize particle deposition in a conical contraction with an angle of smaller than 60°. For contraction angle larger than 75°, the results coincided with those of Ye and Pui (1990, J. Aerosol Sci. 21, 29). The numerical results were validated by experimental results. In the experimental study, the vibrating orifice aerosol generator was used to produce monodisperse oleic acid test aerosols tagged with uranine tracer. Deposition efficiencies were determined by recovering the deposited particles and measuring the uranine concentration using a fluorometer. The experimental deposition efficiencies give good agreement with the numerical results.
Motor Activities: A Context for Language/Communication Intervention

Language/communication skills are often taught to language-delayed preschoolers as isolated skills in instructional environments that are unlike ihe natural environments in which they will ultimately be displayed. In order to reduce this disparity and Improve generalization, the use of gross and fine motor activities as a context for systematic language/communication intervention is explored. This article defines and examines three types of language skills: receptive, functional expressive, and descriptive expressive; it describes how each can be successfully Integrated Into typical preschool gross and fine motor activities. Modeling, which Is important in any language intervention program, is discussed with regard to its application In this new context. A specific strategy for generating vocabulary appropriate to specific motor skills and tasks is presented along with an example of how it can provide the basis for the development of a language curriculum specific to motor activities. Strategies for plann...
Detection and measurement of hydroperoxides by near infrared spectrophotometry

Near-infrared spectra have been measured on a group of hydroperoxides of fatty acid esters and related substances. Only those substances having an −OOH group were found to absorb at 1.46 and 2.07 μ. Dialkyl peroxides and ozonized unsaturated substances had no such maxima in their near infrared spectra although they had high iodometric peroxide values. In a study of the thermal decomposition of methyl oleate hydroperoxide and a study of the autoxidation of methyl linoleate, the intensity of absorption at 1.46 and 2.07 μ paralleled the iodometric peroxide value.
Mechanisms for regulation of arterial tone by Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in hypertension

1. The membrane potential and reactivity of arterial smooth muscle cells is regulated by a variety of K+ channels, which are highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle membranes. 2. Of these K+ channel types, the high-conductance, Ca2+-dependent K+ channel appears to be up-regulated in arterial smooth muscle membranes from hypertensive animals. 3. Patch-clamp studies show that whole-cell membranes and membrane patches of arterial smooth muscle obtained from rats with genetic or renal hypertension show an increased macroscopic and single-channel Ca2+-activated K+ current. Pharmacological block of this K+ current profoundly constricts aortic, renal, mesenteric and femoral arteries obtained from the same hypertensive animals, suggesting that Ca2+-dependent K+ current is a critical determinant of resting membrane potential in arterial muscle exposed to elevated blood pressure. 4. Thus, K+ efflux through Ca2+-dependent K+ channels appears to constitute an important homeostatic mechanism for buffering increases in arterial reactivity in hypertension.
TauRUs: a "Taulbee survey" for the rest of us

The TauRUs survey (Taulbee For the Rest of Us) is an attempt to capture data regarding the state of computer science education at non-Ph.D. granting institutions. Annually, the Taulbee survey reports on the state of computer science programs at Ph.D. granting institutions. What this survey attempts to answer is how well does Taulbee data represent non-Ph.D. programs? If Taulbee is not representative, what are the differences between the three cohorts of programs: Ph.D. granting programs (which include Masters and undergraduate programs), Masters granting programs (which also include undergraduate programs), and undergraduate only programs.
IFITM Proteins Block the Creation of Hemifusion

Interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins have previously been shown to potently reduce infection caused by several highly pathogenic viruses, but the mechanisms of inhibition were not identified. There are three known functional IFITM members that are widely expressed in human tissues and cell lines. The extent of inhibition of infectivity varies among the functional IFITM-members. We have found that the presence of IFITM proteins blocks viral-protein-induced fusion in a pattern that is dependent on the cell type expressing the fusion protein. IFITM1 blocks fusion and IFITM2 does not, independent of cell line. The IFITM3 block does depend on the cell line expressing the fusion protein. The pattern of blockage was the same for viral fusion proteins of the three structural classes of fusion proteins, indicating that the block occurs through a physical mechanism, rather than being dependent on specific structural or chemical properties. We performed cell-cell fusion experiments for low-pH-requiring proteins to determine the intermediate point at which inhibition occurs. We acidified at low temperature to create a state of hemifusion and found that subsequent raising of temperature or addition of chlorpromazine (CPZ) did not cause fusion for IFITM1 target cells. We conclude that the interferon-inducible protein blocks fusion at a step prior to hemifusion. Experiments were performed in which oleic acid (OA) was added prior to or subsequent to creating the hemifusion intermediate to determine whether the negative spontaneous curvature conferred by OA could relieve the block caused by IFITM. OA promoted fusion only if present prior to creating the hemifusion intermediate, showing that this amphiphile facilitated the occurrence of hemifusion. We conclude that the physical state of the lipid bilayer is altered by IFITM proteins, and this change underlies the inhibition of fusion and infectivity.
Event-related brain potentials elicited during phonological processing differentiate subgroups of reading disabled adolescents.

Visual and auditory rhyme judgment tasks were administered to adolescent dyslexics and normal readers while event-related brain potentials were recorded. Reading disabled subjects were split into two groups based on a median split of scores on a visual non-word decoding test. The better decoders were called Phonetics and the poorer decoders were referred to as Dysphonetics. Single syllable, real word stimuli were used, and both rhyming and non-rhyming targets had a 50% chance for matching orthography. In the visual paradigm the normal readers exhibited a left frontal CNV before targets, a large reduction in frontal N400 for matching orthography (orthographic priming), and a large reduction in parietal N400 for rhyming targets (phonological priming). Dysphonetics had an intact CNV and orthographic priming, but the group's phonological priming was very reduced. Phonetics showed both orthographic and phonological priming but had a marked reduction in their CNV. In the auditory task, controls showed a left parietal N400 priming effect for rhyming targets. Dysphonetics showed a similar bilateral effect. The Phonetics did not show a normal priming effect, but produced evidence for priming at a longer latency. Additionally, the Phonetic group responded more slowly than either of the other two groups, who responded with similar latencies. These results support the separation of the reading disabled into a group that has difficulty translating orthography into phonology, and a group that is slower functioning and has reduced capacity in preparing for a response.
Basement-membrane components associated with the extracellular matrix of the lymph node.

Lymph nodes contain an extensive array of extracellular matrix fibers frequently referred to as “reticular fibers” because of their reticular pattern and positive reaction with silver stains. These fibers are known to contain primarily type-III collagen. In the present study, frozen and plastic-embedded sections of mouse and human lymph nodes were subjected to immunostaining with a panel of monospecific antibodies directed against type-IV collagen, type-III collagen, laminin, entactin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that, in addition to being uniformly stained with antibodies to type-III collagen, these fibers also stained positively with antibodies to type-IV collagen and to other basement-membrane-specific components. Furthermore, the basement-membrane-specific antibodies stained the outer surface of individual fibers. These same type-III collagen-rich fibers were distinct from blood vascular basement membranes since they did not react with antibodies to factor VIII-related antigen, an endothelial-cell-specific marker. The role of these basement-membrane-specific components associated with the reticular fibers of lymphoid tissue is unknown. However, it is possible that the ligands promote attachment of reticular fibroblasts as well as macrophages and lymphocytes to the extracellular matrix fibers.
Spectral components analysis Rationale, and results for three crops

Abstract The spectral components analysis identities, LAI/VI × APAR/LAI = APAR/VI and LAI/VI × YIELD/LAI = YIELD/VI, where VI denotes any one of several spectral vegetation indices available, LAI is the leaf area index, APAR is the absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and YIELD is the saleable plant part (grain, fibre or root), express the information conveyed by canopies about their development, response to stresses and yield capability. The rationale includes the concepts that vegetation indices adequately measure the amount of photosynthetic-ally active tissue in plant canopies and that high yields cannot be achieved unless growing conditions permit canopies to develop that effectively intercept the available light during reproduction. For wheat, cotton and maize the coefficients of determination (r 2) usually exceeded 0.90 for exponential, power or linear expressions relating the numerator (dependent variable, y) to the denominator (x) variable of each term in the first equation. Results show ...
In vivo fibrinolytic Effect of Various Proteolytic Enzymes: Quantitative Tests Employing Iodine131-Labeled Clots*

Purified fibrinogen was labeled with I 131 . Clots were produced in various blood vessels of dogs with the aid of this material. Radioactivity was continuously registered over the clot. Thus, the clot dissolving activity of potential fibrinolytic agents could be evaluated quantitatively. Four roteolytic enzymes of animal and plant origin were found to be ineffective as fibrinolytic agents.
Expression of specific hepatocyte and cholangiocyte transcription factors in human liver disease and embryonic development

Transcription factors are major determinants of cell-specific gene expression in all cell types. Studies in rodent liver have shown that alterations in transcription factor expression determine lineage specification during fetal liver development and signify transdifferentiation of cells of the biliary compartment into 'oval' cells and eventually hepatocytes in adult liver. We examined the cellular localization of hepatocyte- or BEC-associated transcription factors in human fetal and adult liver and in diseases in which transdifferentiation between hepatocytes and biliary cells may play a role. In the normal adult human liver, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4 alpha and HNF6 appeared exclusively in hepatocytes; HNF1beta, HNF3alpha, and HNF3beta were observed only in BEC. During fetal development both BEC and hepatocytes expressed HNF3alpha, HNF3beta, and HNF6. HNF1alpha was expressed only in fetal hepatocytes. We further examined expression of transcription factors in massive hepatic necrosis and in specific types of chronic liver disease. Hepatocyte-associated transcription factors HNF4 alpha and HNF6 also appeared in BEC in massive hepatic necrosis and chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Similarly, HNF3beta that is expressed only in BEC in normal adult liver was also observed in hepatocytes in primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic biliary obstruction. These data mimic previous findings in rodents in which hepatocyte-associated transcription factors appear in biliary cells prior to emergence of oval cells, which function as progenitor cells for hepatocytes when the regenerative capacity of the latter is compromised.
How to Take Advantage of Mentorship.

Significant resources have been dedicated to training faculty physicians to become better mentors. As I reflect on my three years of fellowship and my time with the ACG Case Reports Journal, I find that mentorship requires significant effort from both the mentor and the mentee. Here are the lessons I have learned on how to take advantage of great mentors:
Cerebral Cortex: Extrastriate Cortex in Primates (Vol. 12)

Abstract edited by Kathleen S. Rockland, Jon H. Kaas and Alan Peters, 1997. $159.50 (xxi+844 pages) ISBN 0 306 45530 7
RELATION BETWEEN SMOKING AND AGE OF NATURAL MENOPAUSE: Report from the Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Boston University Medical Center

The relation of cigarette smoking to natural menopause has been evaluated in two independent sets of data. In both, at each age from 44 to 53 years, more current smokers were post-menopausal compared to "never" smokers. In the first set of data the age-standardised proportions of women who were postmenopausal were 35, 36, 43, and 49%, respectively, for never smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers of 1/2 and greater than or equal to 1 pack per day. The corresponding proportions for the second set were 53, 59, 60 and 65%.
The History of the Neurosurgical Engine

The opening of the skull of a living human being dates back to early civilization. The procedure may have been performed as early as the Neolithic period. Surgeons have continued to search for a better, easier, quicker, and safer method to open the skull. Today, most neurosurgeons are well acquainted with the surgical drill; however, few are familiar with the development of this instrument from its beginnings in dentistry to its use in modern neurosurgery. As cerebral localization advanced in the late 19th century, so, too, did the demands for better techniques for entering the cranial cavity and exposing more extensive areas of the brain. Mechanical devices began to appear in operating theaters throughout the world. Despite the enthusiasm of its inventors, the surgical engine was used by but a few pioneer cranial surgeons. The use of a surgical engine in the operating room has become commonplace. Its presence continues to demand respect. There is no doubt that this instrument has helped advance neurosurgery. Its development and refinement are rich in history and closely parallel the development of modern neurosurgery.
Adsorption in vitro of poliomyelitis virus on human erythrocytes.

Summary and ConclusionsWhen poliomyelitis virus was combined with human O erythrocytes at 4°C, active virus was present in the cellular sediment as well as in the supernatant fluid. Upon titration, the supernatant was found to contain less free virus than could be demonstrated in the supernatant from combinations of virus and rabbit erythrocytes, or in a buffer control. Human erythrocytes which, after contact with virus, had been washed repeatedly carried active virus whereas the corresponding supernatant was non-infectious. The described facts suggest that poliomyelitis virus may be adsorbed in vitro onto human erythrocytes.
Mitral annular and left ventricular outflow tract enlargement with autologous tissue: extended application of the Ross-Konno procedure.

cal treatment of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Isr J Med Sci. 1975;11:89-96. 7. Mathew R, Thilenius OG, Replogle RL, Arcilla RA. Cardiac function in total anomalous pulmonary venous return before and after surgery. Circulation. 1977;55:361-70. 8. Gaynor JW, Collins MH, Rychick J, Gaugan JP, Spray TL. Long term outcome of infants with single ventricle and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1999; 117:506-13.
Impact of out-of-focus blur on iris recognition

Iris recognition has expanded from controlled settings to uncontrolled settings (on the move, from a distance) where blur is more likely to be present in the images. More research is needed to quantify the impact of blur on iris recognition. In this paper we study the effect of out-of-focus blur on iris recognition performance from images captured with out-of-focus blur produced at acquisition. A key aspect to this study is that we are able to create a range of blur based on changing focus of the camera during acquisition. We quantify the produced out-of-focus blur based on the Laplacian of Gaussian operator and compare it to the gold standard of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a calibrated black/white chart. The sharpness measure uses an unsegmented iris images from a video sequence with changing focus and offers a good approximation of the standard MTF. We examined the effect of the 9 blur levels on iris recognition performance. Our results have shown that for moderately blurry images (sharpness at least 50%) the drop in performance does not exceed 5% from the baseline (100% sharpness).
Application of Satellite Microwave Images in Estimating Snow Water Equivalent1

: Flood forecast and water resource management requires reliable estimates of snow pack properties [snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE)]. This study focuses on application of satellite microwave images to estimate the spatial distribution of snow depth and SWE over the Great Lakes area. To estimate SWE, we have proposed the algorithm which uses microwave brightness temperatures (Tb) measured by the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) radiometer along with information on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The algorithm was developed and tested over 19 test sites characterized by different seasonal average snow depth and land cover type. Three spectral signatures derived from SSM/I data, namely T19V-T37V (GTV), T19H-T37H (GTH), and T22V-T85V (SSI), were examined for correlation with the snow depth and SWE. To avoid melting snow conditions, we have used observations taken only during the period from December 1-February 28. It was found that GTH, and GTV exhibit similar correlation with the snow depth/SWE and are most should be used over deep snowpack. In the same time, SSI is more sensitive to snow depth variations over a shallow snow pack. To account for the effect of dense forests on the scattering signal of snow we established the slope of the regression line between GTV and the snow depth as a function of NDVI. The accuracy of the new technique was evaluated through its comparison with ground-based measurements and with results of SWE analysis prepared by the National Operational Hydrological Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC) of the National Weather Service. The proposed algorithm was found to be superior to previously developed global microwave SWE retrieval techniques.
PDA Training of Faculty Physicians

The PDA is an important technology in clinical medicine. Although PDAs are widely utilized by medical students and residents, older teaching faculty have not readily adopted them. The medical library can position itself as a leader in training patrons to use these devices. The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Quillen College of Medicine Library (QCOML) staff trained older, experienced teaching faculty to use PDAs loaded with ePocrates and InfoRetriever databases. The training was rated highly and several faculty members became PDA users. The library is now considered the place to go on campus for PDA help.
5' end of HMG CoA reductase gene contains sequences responsible for cholesterol-mediated inhibition of transcription.

Summary Cholesterol homeostasis is maintained by feedback inhibition of transcription of the gene encoding HMG CoA reductase. To study this mechanism, we joined the 5′ end of the hamster reductase gene to the coding region for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). The chimeric gene produced high levels of CAT activity in mouse L cells; sterols suppressed expression by 70% to 90%. Sequences responsible for both promotion and inhibition of transcription were distributed over 500 by extending 300 by upstream of the reductase transcription initiation sites. Any sizable deletion within this region decreased CAT expression in vivo and CAT mRNA transcription in vitro. This region contains five hexanucleotide repeats (CCGCCC or GGGCGG) that occur in promoters of viral and cellular housekeeping genes. Every reductase-CAT plasmid that showed transcriptional activity also showed inhibition by sterols, indicating that the sites for promotion and inhibition of transcription are closely associated.
Vanadate-activated calcium influx in A431 cells is dependent on the plasma membrane potential.

Vanadate can activate the uptake of Ca in A431 epidermal carcinoma cells by two-to fivefold with no detectable lag period. Preincubation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to down-regulate the EGF receptor prevents subsequent stimulation by EGF but not that by vanadate. Ca uptake is sodium-independent and is not activated by depolarization in high KCl. On the contrary, vanadate-stimulated uptake is completely inhibited by decreasing the plasma membrane potential from about −65 to −30 mV. These results demonstrate that the EGF receptor is not itself functioning as a Ca channel, that vanadate is not acting at the level of EGF receptor, and that the Ca transport system exhibits an unusual potential sensitivity in that it is inhibited by depolarization of the plasma membrane.
Genetic Linkage and Horizontal Gene Transfer, the Roots of the Antibiotic Multi-Resistance Problem

Bacteria carrying resistance genes for many antibiotics are moving beyond the clinic into the community, infecting otherwise healthy people with untreatable and frequently fatal infections. This state of affairs makes it increasingly important that we understand the sources of this problem in terms of bacterial biology and ecology and also that we find some new targets for drugs that will help control this growing epidemic. This brief and eclectic review takes the perspective that we have too long thought about the problem in terms of treatment with or resistance to a single antibiotic at a time, assuming that dissemination of the resistance gene was affected by simple vertical inheritance. In reality antibiotic resistance genes are readily transferred horizontally, even to and from distantly related bacteria. The common agents of bacterial gene transfer are described and also one of the processes whereby nonantibiotic chemicals, specifically toxic metals, in the environment can select for and enrich bacteria with antibiotic multiresistance. Lastly, some speculation is offered on broadening our perspective on this problem to include drugs directed at compromising the ability of the mobile elements themselves to replicate, transfer, and recombine, that is, the three "infrastructure" processes central to the movement of genes among bacteria.
The μ-capture mechanism in light complex nuclei

The μ-capture process resulting in the emission of a single neutron is treated as a double two-body process in the giant-dipole-resonance model: μ−+(A, Z)=(A, Z−1)+ν, (A, Z−1)=(A−1,Z−1)+n. The kinematics of the process is studied taking into account the recoil of the (A, Z−1) nucleus. It is found that there exist situations where there is an instantaneous zero-degree angular separation between the neutron and the (A−1,Z−1) nucleus at the time of decay of the (A, Z−1) nucleus. It is conjectured that this might destroy some delicate information about the μ-capture mechanism like asymmetry and polarization, which otherwise might have been carried by the neutrons. In addition to the widths of the fine structure of the neutron asymmetry spectrum and the neutron asymmetry, the Doppler broadening of the (A−1,Z−1) levels, in particular the 6.322 MeV level of15N, is discussed. The predictions of the direct model are systematically compared with those of the giant dipole resonance and with the experimental results.
Cost–benefit analysis of state- and hospital-funded postpartum intrauterine contraception at a university hospital for recent immigrants to the United States

Abstract Objective To examine the hospital and state costs of offering the option of a postpartum intrauterine device (IUD) to an underinsured population of recent immigrants to the United States with Emergency Medicaid (EM) insurance coverage only. Study Design This study is a retrospective cohort study comparing the costs of offering a reversible long-acting method of contraception (IUD) postpartum to women with EM and the current policy of covering the obstetrical delivery only. A cost–benefit analysis from the perspective of both the hospital and the state was conducted. A database of EM obstetrical patients from 2002 to 2006 was created from hospital billing records to calculate mean pregnancy costs and revenue, as well as the probability of repeat pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. Probability of IUD uptake and continuation was obtained from hospital records and the literature. Results A postpartum IUD program is not cost beneficial from the hospital's perspective, losing 70 cents per dollar spent on the program. However, the state government would save $2.94 for every dollar spent on a state-financed IUD program. Conclusion Considering only the direct costs associated with a repeat pregnancy, a program offering the option of postpartum IUD placement to underinsured women would significantly reduce state expenditures on subsequent pregnancies.
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of ribosomal proteins from propionibacterium acnes and granulosum

Ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) from a type I strain (ATCC 11827) and a type II strain (ATCC 11828) of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and from a Propionibacterium granulosum (P. granulosum) strain (ATCC 11829-2) were analyzed using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (two-dimensional PAGE), for the purpose of genetical analysis of the P. acnes type I and type II strains and the P. granulosum strain. Among the fifty r-proteins in all, almost all of the proteins were electrophoretically different between both of the two types of P. acnes strains and the P. granulosum strain, whereas only five proteins were different between the type I and type II strains of P. acnes. Such differences of r-protein composition between the type I and type II strains of P. acnes indicate that the type I strain is genetically different from, but very closely related to, the type II strain. However, the P. granulosum strain is not so closely related to both the two types of P. acnes strains. This study thus suggests that the two-dimensional PAGE of r-proteins is an excellent tool for the taxonomy of P. acnes and the related bacteria.
Automated Cell Detection and Morphometry on Growth Plate Images of Mouse Bone.

Microscopy imaging of mouse growth plates is extensively used in biology to understand the effect of specific molecules on various stages of normal bone development and on bone disease. Until now, such image analysis has been conducted by manual detection. In fact, when existing automated detection techniques were applied, morphological variations across the growth plate and heterogeneity of image background color, including the faint presence of cells (chondrocytes) located deeper in tissue away from the image’s plane of focus, and lack of cell-specific features, interfered with identification of cells. We propose the first method of automated detection and morphometry applicable to images of cells in the growth plate of long bone. Through ad hoc sequential application of the Retinex method, anisotropic diffusion and thresholding, our new cell detection algorithm (CDA) addresses these challenges on bright-field microscopy images of mouse growth plates. Five parameters, chosen by the user in respect of image characteristics, regulate our CDA. Our results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed numerical method relative to manual methods. Our CDA confirms previously established results regarding chondrocytes’ number, area, orientation, height and shape of normal growth plates. Our CDA also confirms differences previously found between the genetic mutated mouse Smad1/5CKO and its control mouse on fluorescence images. The CDA aims to aid biomedical research by increasing efficiency and consistency of data collection regarding arrangement and characteristics of chondrocytes. Our results suggest that automated extraction of data from microscopy imaging of growth plates can assist in unlocking information on normal and pathological development, key to the underlying biological mechanisms of bone growth.
Surface Spin Waves in the Heisenberg Antiferromagnet with Changes in Exchange and Anisotropy Constants at the Surface

The dependence of the surface spin-wave eigenmodes on the ratio of the surface exchange to the bulk exchange ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$, and on the surface anisotropy energy for {100} surfaces of a bcc antiferromagnet is calculated. For $0l~{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}l~1$, we find two acoustic-type surface spin-wave branches associated with left-hand $+E$ and right-hand $\ensuremath{-}E$ circular polarization, both of which are lower in energy than the corresponding bulk modes. The $+E$ mode exists for all values of the two-dimensional propagation vector parallel to the surface, k, which belong to the first Brillouin zone. The $\ensuremath{-}E$ acoustic surface-state branch is incomplete, being truncated at small k, and has maximum excitation amplitude on the second layer of spins---in contrast to the above mentioned $+E$ branch, which has its maximum on the surface. The truncation of a surface branch occurs whenever decay into the bulk continuum states is possible. In the range $1l{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}l2$, we also find two surface-wave branches: a complete $+E$ acoustic branch which approaches the bulk curve as ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2$, and also a $\ensuremath{-}E$ optical-type branch which is cut off at small k. Finally, for ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}g2$, there are three surface spin-wave branches: $+E$ acoustic branch which is truncated at large k, and complete $+E$ and $\ensuremath{-}E$ optical branches. The eigenvectors for these modes are also derived.
Giant magneto-thermal conductivity in magnetic multilayers

In this paper, we present an experimental study on magneto-thermal effect in magnetic multilayers. A novel measurement technique has been developed and employed to obtain accurate measurements of magneto-thermal conductance and correlations with magnetoresistance in Co/Cu magnetic multilayers. The measurement technique involves a suspending patterned magnetic film strip using lithography technique to create an ideal one-dimension heat flow. 3ω method has been employed along with additional developed techniques to obtain accurate magneto-thermal conductivity measurements. It is found that the magneto-thermal conductance correlates well with the magneto-electric conductance under the application of magnetic field, however, with significant greater percentage change.
Enoxaparin in acute coronary syndromes

Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) derivative that exerts its anticoagulant activity through antithrombin III, an endogenous inhibitor of factor Xa and thrombin IIa. Unlike its unfractionated heparin (UFH) counterparts, enoxaparin has a greater bioavailability, lower incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and more stable and predictable anticoagulation, allowing fixed dosing without the need for monitoring. These advantages make it an attractive anticoagulant to be used in acute coronary syndrome management. Indeed, several clinical trials and meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of enoxaparin in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in this population. Although initial clinical trials with enoxaparin during the early conservative approach suggested superior efficacy without differences in safety compared with UFH, emerging data in the current era of early revascularization approach indicate that superior effects of enoxaparin over heparin in reducing clinical events should be balanced against an increase in major hemorrhagic complications. Enoxaparin is a rational alternative to UFH in patients presenting with either unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or ST-elevation myocardial infarction, with a clinically modest increase in bleeding complications.
Social adjustment over 10 years following diagnosis with bulimia nervosa.

Objective: The authors sought to describe social adjustment among women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa more than a decade earlier. Method: A cohort of women who were diagnosed with bulimia nervosa between 1981 and 1987 were located and invited to participate in follow-up assessments. Results: Although the current sample demonstrated considerable improvement in disordered eating behaviors and social adjustment, measures of social adjustment suggested continued impairment in interpersonal relationships and only a modest association with eating disorder outcome. Discussion: Continued difficulties in social adjustment may reflect an underlying vulnerability from which disordered eating developed. Treatments for bulimia nervosa may benefit from including interpersonal skills training.
Survival of faecal streptococci in raw and pasteurised egg products.

1. The ability of Streptococcus faecalis and Streptococcus faecium strains to survive in egg albumen and liquid whole egg before and after laboratory pasteurisation was studied. 2. Pasteurisation of egg albumen caused a decrease in viable cells of less than 10‐fold, while pasteurisation of whole egg caused decreases of more than 100‐fold in only two of the eight strains studied. After growth in whole egg, some strains were more resistant to pasteurisation in whole egg. 3. Strep, faecalis multiplied in raw and pasteurised whole egg but not in egg albumen. 4. Strep, faecium multiplied in raw and pasteurised whole egg only after an initial decline in viability which was not shown by cells adapted to whole egg. Together with storage temperature this affected the number of viable cells after a storage period of 5 d. 5. In raw and pasteurised egg albumen Strep, faecium strains lost viability; this was maximal at 37 °C and more cells survived as the storage temperature decreased.
A flapping-wing micro air vehicle with interchangeable parts for system integration studies

This paper describes the development of a unique flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV) whose major components, i.e. the motor, transmission mechanisms, and wings, are rapidly interchangeable. When coupled with a test stand that includes a 6-axis force sensor, encoder, power-recording capabilities, and high speed video, the result is a highly versatile experimental platform on which system integration studies can be conducted. This paper provides a detailed description of the design and fabrication of this FWMAV whose interchangeability of parts is mostly accomplished through a novel system of tabs, slots, and retaining rods. Results of a study on energy saving elements in the transmission mechanism as well as an exploration of this effect for different wing sizes are also presented. Finally, the implications of interchangeable parts on the creation of customizable flyers are discussed.
Regulation of polyamine synthesis in physarum polycephalum during growth and differentiation

Abstract The levels and synthesis of polyamines were investigated in Physarum polycephalum to obtain information about their regulation during growth and differentiation in a lower eukaryote. Putrescine pools rapidly increased 4–5 fold during the change from dormant spherules to growing plasmodia. The activity of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17), which converts ornithine to putrescine, reflected this rapid change in the level of putrescine. Spermidine levels were closely correlated with protein concentrations during differentiation due to variations in the activity of S- adenosyl- l -methionine decarboxylase which is involved in the conversion of putrescine to spermidine This enzyme was not stimulated by putrescine, unlike the similar enzyme in other eukaryotes, thereby permitting independent regulation of putrescine and spermidine levels. The high levels of both putrescine and spermidine suggest separate functions for these polyamines in Physarum. The half-lives of ornithine decarboxylase and S- adenosyl- l -methionine decarboxylase were 14 and 21.5 min, respectively. These short half-lives keep the polyamine metabolism under a very tight control as illustrated by the rapid fluctuations in enzyme activity during differentiation and the synchronous mitotic cycle. The step patterns of these unstable enzymes during the mitotic cycle suggest that these enzyme levels are limited by gene dosage.
Elementary Abelian 3-Subgroups of the Monster☆

Abstract We classify the maximal elementary abelian 3-subgroups of the Monster simple group. There are 17 conjugacy classes of such subgroups. Fifteen of the classes have groups of order 3 7 , and the other classes have groups of order 3 6 and 3 8 . The classification uses the construction of 3-local subgroups of the Monster from [ 3 ].
Vibrational fluctuations of hydrogen bonds in a DNA double helix with alternating TA type inserts

The Green's function technique is applied to a study of breathing modes in a DNA double helix which contains a region of different base pairs from the rest of the double helix. The calculation is performed on an alternating poly(dC-dG).poly(dC-dG) helix in the B conformation with four consecutive base pairs replaced by a model of a biological promoter region with four alternating T-A,A-T base pairs, henceforth referred to as (TATA)2. The average stretch of interbase hydrogen bonds is found to be amplified around the insert. This is likely related to the (TATA)2 insert having a lower stability against hydrogen bond melting than the two semi-infinite poly(dC-dG).poly(dC-dG) helices. The insert region may be considered to be a site of enhanced tendency to melt in such a helix. The results show that an alternating AT insert of four base pairs has a larger average hydrogen bond stretch inside and outside the insert region than the average hydrogen bond stretch inside and outside an insert of four consecutive A-T base pairs, henceforth referred to as (AAAA).(TTTT). Calculations are performed which show that the enhancement of the average hydrogen bond stretch around an alternating TA type insert is greatly dependent upon the local modes and not the inband modes. The amount of local mode enhanced average stretch is explored as a function of insert size.
Assessing the performance limits of parallelized near-threshold computing

Supply voltage scaling has stagnated in recent technology nodes, leading to so-called "dark silicon." In this paper, we investigate the limit of voltage scaling together with task parallelization to maintain task completion latency. When accounting for parallelization overheads, minimum task energy is obtained at "near threshold" supply-voltages across 6 commercial technology nodes and provides 4X improvement in overall CMP performance.