cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol (thermodynamic) activity determinations in bile salt-lecithin-cholesterol systems and cholesterol-rich liquid crystalline mesophase formation.

Previous in vitro studies have shown that tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC)-lecithin (L) micellar solutions solubilize cholesterol (Ch) poorly compared to its 7 alpha-epimer, taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC). However, in clinical studies ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) has been found to be as effective as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC) in Ch gallstone dissolution, and it has been suggested that, during UDC therapy, liquid crystalline mesophase formation may be involved in enhancing micellar Ch dissolution and dispersion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether measurements of the Ch thermodynamic activity (A(T) would provide new insights into the problem of Ch solubilization and mesophase formation in bile salt-lecithin-Ch systems. Using the silicone polymer uptake method developed in this laboratory, A(T) was measured as a function of Ch concentration in the TUDC-L-Ch and TCDC-L-Ch model bile systems. In the TCDC systems Henry's law was obeyed almost up to unit activity (i.e., A(T) was proportional to Ch concentration almost up to A(T) = 1.0). However, in many of the TUDC-containing systems negative deviations from Henry's law were observed well below unit activity and these systems became visibly turbid before saturation with respect to cholesterol monohydrate (ChM) was reached. The effects of varying the TCDC/TUDC ratio upon the A(T) behavior were also studied. With increasing TCDC/TUDC ratio, the onset of mesophase formation was shifted to higher A(T) values. A(T) measurements were also conducted in BS-L-Ch mixtures simulating biles of patients undergoing UDC therapy. The results obtained suggest that mesophase formation may not always occur in biles of patients undergoing UDC therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Catalyst Preparation via Hydrous Metal Oxide Ion-Exchangers

Preparation of catalysts via a synthesis route which involves the use of inorganic ion-exchangers based on alkoxide derived Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta hydrous oxides is described. These materials exhibit several unique properties, including Bronsted acidities that may be varied over many orders of magnitude by a facile ion-exchange process and the capacity to uniformally disperse any metal or mixtures of metals. The activities of Pd-exchanged hydrous titanium oxide catalysts, evaluated for the hydrogenation of pyrene, were found to dramatically increase with Bronsted acidity. The most active of the catalysts was an order of magnitude more active than gamma alumina supported Pd catalysts prepared by incipient wetness techniques. A mechanism is proposed to account for the high activity of the acidified catalysts.
Universal Quasi-Prime Algebraic Domains

This paper demonstrates the existence of a saturated quasi-prime algebraic domain. It also presents a cpo of quasi-prime generated information systems for solving domain equations.
Mitochondrial superoxide simutase. Site of synthesis and intramitochondrial localization.

Mitochondria were isolated from chicken liver and were then separated into fractions containing the outer membrane, the soluble components of the intermembrane space, the inner membrane, and the soluble enzymes of the matrix space. The manganosuperoxide dismutase was found primarily in the matrix space whereas the cuprozinc superoxide dismutase, previously isolated from the cytosol, was found in the intermembrane space. No activity was associated with the membranous fractions. A strain of petite mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which lacks mitochondrial DNA, was examined and found to contain both the mangano- and the cuprozinc types of superoxide dismutase. This result indicates that the manganoenzyme, although localized in the mitochondrial matrix, is actually made under the directions of the nuclear genome and that its biosynthesis therefore probably takes place in the cytosol.
Abdominal sacral colpopexy versus sacrospinous ligament fixation: a cost-effectiveness analysis

For the surgical correction of apical prolapse the abdominal approach is associated with better outcomes; however, it is more expensive than the transvaginal approach. This cost-effectiveness analysis compares abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC) with sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) to determine if the improved outcomes of ASC justify the increased expense. A decision-analytic model was created comparing ASC with SSLF using data-modeling software, TreeAge Pro (2013), which included the following outcomes: post-operative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with possible mid-urethral sling (MUS) placement, prolapse recurrence with possible re-operation, and post-operative dyspareunia. Cost-effectiveness was defined as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of less than $50,000 per quality-associated life year (QALY). Base-case, threshold, and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed. At the baseline, ASC is more expensive than SSLF ($13,988 vs $11,950), but is more effective (QALY 1.53 vs 1.45) and is cost-effective (ICER $24,574/QALY) at 2 years. ASC was not cost-effective if the following four thresholds were met: the rate of post-operative SUI was above 36 % after ASC or below 28 % after SSLF; the rate of MUS placement for post-operative SUI was above 60 % after ASC or below 13 % after SSLF; the rate of recurrent prolapse was above 15 % after ASC or below 4 % after SSLF; the rate of post-operative dyspareunia was above 59 % after ASC or below 19 % after SSLF. Abdominal sacral colpopexy can be cost-effective compared with sacrospinous ligament fixation; however, as the post-operative outcomes of SSLF improve, SSLF can be considered a cost-effective alternative.
Vanilloid receptor (VR1) expression in vagal afferent neurons innervating the gastrointestinal tract

The vanilloid receptor VR1 is a nonselective cation channel activated by capsaicin as well as increases in temperature and acidity, and can be viewed as molecular integrator of chemical and physical stimuli that elicit pain. The distribution of VR1 receptors in peripheral and central processes of rat primary vagal afferent neurons innervating the gastrointestinal tract was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Forty-two percent of neurons in the nodose ganglia retrogradely labeled from the stomach wall expressed low to moderate VR1 immunoreactivity (VR1-IR). VR1-IR was considerably lower in the nodose ganglia as compared to the jugular and dorsal root ganglia. In the vagus nerve, strongly VR1-IR fibers ran in separate fascicles that supplied mainly cervical and thoracic targets, leaving only weakly VR1-IR fibers in the subdiaphragmatic portion. Vagal afferent intraganglionic laminar endings (IGLEs) in the gastric and duodenal myenteric plexus did not express VR1-IR. Similarly, VR1-IR was contained in fibers running in perfect register with vagal afferents, but was not colocalized with horseradish peroxidase in the same varicosities of intramuscular arrays (IMAs) and vagal afferent fibers in the duodenal submucosa anterogradely labeled from the nodose ganglia. Only in the gastric mucosa did we find evidence for colocalization of VR1-IR in vagal afferent terminals. In contrast, many nerve fibers coursing through the myenteric and submucosal plexuses contained detectable VR1-IR, the majority of which colocalized calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity. In the dorsal medulla there was a dense plexus of VR1-IR varicose fibers in the commissural, dorsomedial and gelatinosus subnuclei of the medial NTS and the lateral aspects of the area postrema, which was substantially reduced, but not eliminated on the ipsilateral side after supranodose vagotomy. It is concluded that about half of the vagal afferents innervating the gastrointestinal tract express low levels of VR1-IR, but that presence in most of the peripheral terminal structures is below the immunohistochemical detection threshold.
Bone Cell Expression on Titanium Surfaces is Altered by Sterilization Treatments

Phenotypic responses of rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells (RCOB) were evaluated on commercially pure titanium (cpTi) surfaces when cultured at high density (5100 cells/mm2). These surfaces were prepared to three different clinically relevant surface preparations (1-micron, 600-grit, and 50-microns-grit sand-blast), followed by sterilization with either ultraviolet light, ethylene oxide, argon plasma-cleaning, or routine clinical autoclaving. Osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, but not collagen expression, were significantly affected by surface roughness when these surfaces were altered by argon plasma-cleaning. In general, plasma-cleaned cpTi surfaces demonstrated an inverse relationship between surface roughness and phenotypic markers for a bone-like response. On a per-cell basis, levels of the bone-specific protein, osteocalcin, and the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase were highest on the smooth 1-micron polished surface and lowest on the roughest surfaces for the plasma-cleaned cpTi. Detectable bone cell expression can be altered by clinically relevant surfaces prepared by standard dental implant preparation techniques.
Test Generation for Microprocessors

The goal of this paper is to develop test generation procedures for testing microprocessors in a user environment. Classical fault detection methods based on the gate and flip-flop level or on the state diagram level description of microprocessors are not suitable for test generation. The problem is further compounded by the availability of a large variety of microprocessors which differ widely in their organization, instruction repertoire, addressing modes, data storage, and manipulation facilities, etc. In this paper, a general graph-theoretic model is developed at the register transfer level. Any microprocessor can be easily modeled using information only about its instruction set and the functions performed. This information is readily available in the user's manual. A fault model is developed on a functional level quite independent of the implementation details. The effects of faults in the fault model are investigated at the level of the graph-theoretic model. Test generation procedures are proposed which take the microprocessor organization and the instruction set as parameters and generate tests to detect all the faults in the fault model. The complexity of the test sequences measured in terms of the number of instructions is given. Our effort in generating tests for a real microprocessor and evaluating their fault coverage is described.
Differential Contributions of Alcohol and Nicotine-Derived Nitrosamine Ketone (NNK) to White Matter Pathology in the Adolescent Rat Brain.

Aim Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated high rates of smoking among alcoholics, and neuroimaging studies have detected white matter atrophy and degeneration in both smokers and individuals with alcohol-related brain disease (ARBD). These findings suggest that tobacco smoke exposure may be a co-factor in ARBD. The present study examines the differential and additive effects of tobacco-specific nitrosamine (NNK) and ethanol exposures on the structural and functional integrity of white matter in an experimental model. Methods Adolescent Long Evans rats were fed liquid diets containing 0 or 26% ethanol for 8 weeks. In weeks 3–8, rats were treated with nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK) (2 mg/kg, 3×/week) or saline by i.p. injection. In weeks 7–8, the ethanol group was binge-administered ethanol (2 g/kg; 3×/week). Results Ethanol, NNK and ethanol + NNK caused striking degenerative abnormalities in white matter myelin and axons, with accompanying reductions in myelin-associated glycoprotein expression. Quantitative RT-PCR targeted array and heatmap analyses demonstrated that ethanol modestly increased, whereas ethanol + NNK sharply increased expression of immature and mature oligodendroglial genes, and that NNK increased immature but inhibited mature oligodendroglial genes. In addition, NNK modulated expression of neuroglial genes in favor of growth cone collapse and synaptic disconnection. Ethanol- and NNK-associated increases in FOXO1, FOXO4 and NKX2-2 transcription factor gene expression could reflect compensatory responses to brain insulin resistance in this model. Conclusion Alcohol and tobacco exposures promote ARBD by impairing myelin synthesis, maturation and integrity via distinct but overlapping mechanisms. Public health measures to reduce ARBD should target both alcohol and tobacco abuses. [10.1093/alcalc/agv101][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1093/alcalc/agv101
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Manganese(II) and ­Cobalt(II) Complexes with 2, 6‐Dimethoxybenzoic Acid and Additional N‐Donor Ligands

Abstract. Three coordination compounds[Mn 3 (dmb) 6 (H 2 O) 4 (4,4 -bpy) 3 (EtOH)] n ( 1 )and [ M (dmb) 2 (pyz) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ][ M II =Co( 2 ), Mn ( 3 )] (Hdmb = 2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 4,4 -bpy= 4,4 -bipyridine, pyz = pyrazine) were synthesized and characterizedby single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 consists ofinfinite 1D polymeric chains, in which the metal entities are bridgedby 4,4 -bpy ligands. There are four crystallographically independent Introduction Aromatic carboxylates have been extensively applied asbuilding blocks for the construction of a large variety of metal-organic networks with unprecedented structural topologies andfascinating properties. [1,2] The carboxylate group is able toconnect to metal atoms in various modes, from mono- to tetra-dentately to form of unique architectures and topologies. [3,4] The incorporation of additional bridging N-donor ligands insuch systems can modify the structures or properties of thefinal materials.In continuation of our studies on the development andpreparation of 1D, 2D, and 3D coordination polymers
Photoaffinity labeling of the benzodiazepine receptor in bovine cerebral cortex.

Abstract Clonazepam, nitrazepam and flunitrazepam were found to engage in an irreversible interaction with benzodiazepine binding sites in bovine cerebral cortex homogenates upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Photoaffinity labeling with [ 3 H]flunitrazepam could be substantially (approx. 85%) inhibited by a number of different benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, lorazepam, Ro5-3027, and non-radioactive flunitrazepam. Spiroperidol, atropine, naltrexone, propranolol and GABA had no effect on irreversible [ 3 H]flunitrazepam binding, indicating that this binding is to the benzodiazepine receptor as defined in previous studies.
The ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, pars lateralis of the rat. Synaptic organization and conditions for axonal sprouting

The synaptic organization of the pars lateralis portion of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus is similar to that of other thalamic nuclei. There are four types of synaptic knobs (RL, RS, F1, F2). RL knobs are large and irregularly shaped, contain round synaptic vesicles and make multiple asymmetrical junctions. They are found primarily in "synaptic islands" making contact with gemmules, spines, small dendrites, and other synaptic profiles containing pleiomorphic synaptic vesicles (F2). Smaller RS knobs contain round vesicles and make asymmetrical junctions with the same type of elements as RL knobs, with the exception of the F2 profiles, but are seldom found in synaptic islands. F1 knobs contain flattened synaptic vesicles and form symmetrical junctions with F2 knobs, gemmules, spines, and small-medium dendrites in synaptic islands, throughout the neuropil, and on the proximal dendrites and soma of the largest type of neuron. F2 knobs are irregularly shaped, contain pleiomorphic synaptic vesicles and make symmetrical junctions primarily with gemmules and spines in synaptic islands. They are postsynaptic to RL and F1 knobs. Occipital decortication indicates that cortical terminals are of the RS type. Bilateral enucleation indicates that retinal terminals are of both the FL and RS type. The large amount of geographic overlap of retinal and cortical terminals on gemmules, spines, and small dendrites found in the neuropil outside of synaptic islands logically would maximize axonal sprouting between these two sources.
Erythropoietin release in hypophysectomized, adrenalectomized man.

Erythropoietin (ESF) levels were assayed in 19 female and male patients with intact kidneys with pituitary tumors or following open hypophysectomy or combined hypophysectomy and adrenalectomy for disseminated tumor states. Saline-injected control mice had 0.38 ± 0.04% Fe59 uptake (ESF). Hypophysectomized, adrenalectomized, castrated females had 2.96 ± 1.24% Fe59 uptake (ESF) with an average peripheral hematocrit of 29.2 vol %. Hypophysectomized, castrated males had 1.59 ± 0.30% Fe59 uptake (ESF) with an average peripheral hematocrit of 30.1 vol %. Thus, absence of the adrenals or functioning anterior pituitary gland does not prevent increased ESF activity. The presence of a pituitary tumor is also not consistently associated with increased ESF activity or release. The role of these endocrine organs in the regulation of ESF release in these states is therefore not essential but more likely represents a normal synergistic mechanism. Elevation of peripheral ESF levels is associated with improvement of anemia after hypophysectomy and may be an additional objective criterion and prognostic indicator of beneficial patient response to hypophysectomy in certain tumor states.
Layering phase separation of densely grafted diblock copolymers

Phase separation of symmetric diblock copolymers end-grafted to a wall is studied using a Monte Carlo simulation. The nearest-neighbor repulsion between the two types of monomers is quenched from X = 0 to X = 1 for chains of length N = 100 at near-melt densities. We present evidence that the two monomer species vertically segregate to form a three-layer structure that is uniform in the grafting plane. This is qualitatively different from a binary mixture of grafted homopolymers, which laterally segregates to form a structure with concentration modulated in the grafting plane at a scale of the side-to-side fluctuation distance.
On-bead combinatorial techniques for the identification of selective aldose reductase inhibitors.

Abstract Aldose reductase (AKR1B1; ALR2; E.C. 1.1.1.21) is an NADPH-dependent carbonyl reductase which has long been associated with complications resulting from the elevated blood glucose often found in diabetics. The development of effective inhibitors has been plagued by lack of specificity which has led to side effects in clinical trials. To address this problem, a library of bead-immobilized compounds was screened against fluorescently labeled aldose reductase in the presence of fluorescently labeled aldehyde reductase, a non-target enzyme, to identify compounds which were aldose reductase specific. Picked beads were decoded via novel bifunctional bead mass spec-based techniques and kinetic analysis of the ten inhibitors which were identified using this protocol yielded IC 50 values in the micromolar range. Most importantly, all of these compounds showed a preference for aldose reductase with selectivities as high as ∼7500-fold. The most potent of these exhibited uncompetitive inhibition versus the carbonyl-containing substrate d / l -glyceraldehyde with a K i of 1.16 μM.
Completion of linear differential games

The concept of completion of differential games was introduced by Pontryagin in Ref. 1. Here, necessary and sufficient conditions for completion of linear differential games are presented.
An implementation of Linda for a NUMA machine

Abstract After briefly reviewing the implementation strategies for Linda on shared-memory, distributed-memory, and LAN architectures, we discuss a Linda implementation for the CRAY T3D and CRAY T3E. We identify some significant ways in which the architecture of these machines differs from those listed - in essence the CRAY T3D and CRAY T3E can be viewed as instances of an architecture somewhere between shared-memory and distributed-memory. As a result, a new implementation strategy was called for. We describe two approaches that we explored and lay out the more effective one in some detail. We conclude with performance data for point-to-point coordination operations that show that our Linda implementation generally outperforms MPI and PVM on the CRAY T3D and is comparable to MPI on the CRAY T3E. This work thus extends a series of results that have demonstrated `high-level' coordination languages, like Linda can be implemented on modern multiprocessors without significantly compromising performance relative to low-level coordination via message passing.
Picosecond Kinetic Study of the Photoinduced Homolysis and Heterolysis of Diphenylmethyl Bromide. 2. Role of Polarization Caging in Contact Ion Pair Recombination

Picosecond absorption spectroscopy is used to study the dynamics of the collapse of the diphenylmethyl bromide contact ion pair to form the carbon−bromine bond. The dynamics of the diphenylmethyl c...
Effect of vitamin E on lipid composition of submandibular and lacrimal glands in rats.

SummaryThe effects of different levels of vitamin E on SMSG and lacrimal gland lipids were studied in rats. Feeding of purified diets containing 0, 250, or 2500 IU vitamin E/kg of diet was initiated during gestation and continued throughout lactation and then to the pups until 1 month after weaning. SMSG and lacrimal glands were extracted for lipids and the effects of vitamin E on lipid and fatty acid composition were examined. Total lipid content was not affected by different levels of vitamin E. Total lipid phosphorus was, however, decreased with an increase in dietary vitamin E. Vitamin E content of the SMSG and lacrimal glands was increased by severalfold depending upon the level of dietary vitamin E. The fatty acid composition of total lipids, neutral lipids, and phospholipids showed that the levels of C20:3 ω9 were reduced and those of C20:3 ω6 were increased as the dietary levels of vitamin E were increased. This resulted in a decrease in the ratio of C20:3 ω9 to C20:3 ω6.
Skeletal morphology and locomotor capabilities of the archaic pinniped Enaliarctos mealsi

A virtually complete skeleton of the pinniped Enaliarctos mealsi is described from the Pyramid Hill Sandstone Member of the Jewett Sand (late Oligocene or early Miocene) in central California. Skel...
Social and cultural factors as a determinate of ICT expenditures: an empirical study

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have come to hold an important place in strategies for promoting economic growth and development in developing countries. It is known that ICT expenditures as a percent of GDP vary between countries. An elevated rate of ICT expenditures as a percent of GDP indicates that a country is closing the digital divide gap. The primary purpose of the paper is to identify social and cultural variables that explain variations in ICT expenditures measured as a percent of GDP. A multiple regression equation is estimated to examine the impact of selected social and cultural variables on ICT expenditures. The dependent variable is ICT expenditures as a percent of GDP. The independent variables include math and science education, freedom of press, percentage of English speaking, percentage of Protestant, and number of vacation days. This study suggests two factors that give countries an advantage in assimilating information and communication technologies. One is a high quality of math and science education. Another is a government that protects freedom of the press.
Scram reliability under seismic conditions at the Experimental Breeder Reactor II

Abstract A level 1 probabilistic risk assessment of the Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 has recently been completed. Seismic events are among the external initiating events included in the assessment. The analysis indicated that the reactor shutdown system had a high reliability of operation in response to internally initiated events. One of the major tasks within the seismic assessment concentrated on the ability to shut down the reactor under seismic conditions. A comprehensive analysis of the shutdown system, including the development of a finite element model of the reactor control rod drive system, has been used to estimate the system response when subjected to input seismic accelerations. The results indicate the control rod driven system has a high seismic capacity and that the overall reactor shutdown system is capable of maintaining its high reliability under seismic conditions. The estimated seismic fragility for the overall reactor shutdown system is dominated by the primary tank failure.
Fuzzy connectedness and object definition

Approaches to object information extraction from images should attempt to use the fact that images are fuzzy. In past image segmentation research, the notion of `hanging togetherness' of image elements specified by their fuzzy connectedness has been lacking. We present a theory of fuzzy objects for n-dimensional digital spaces based on a notion of fuzzy connectedness of image elements. Although our definitions lead to problems of enormous combinatorial complexity, the theoretical results allow us to reduce this dramatically. We demonstrate the utility of the theory and algorithms in image segmentation based on several practical examples.
Biological Agent Detection Using Optical Diffusometry Methods

Biological agent detection has captured the attention of many researchers over the last few years. The present research explores the possibility of directly measuring the diffusion coefficients of sub-micron particles as a means of pathogen detection. At a constant temperature, the diffusion coefficient is simply a function of the drag on the particle. If the particles are functionalized with antibodies against a specific analyte and introduced into a sample containing that analyte, binding of the analyte with the particles will increase the particles' hydrodynamic drag. This results in a decrease in diffusion, which is measured by a particle tracking algorithm. The reduction in diffusion is correlated with the amount of analyte present. Sensitivity to experimental conditions is also explored and it is shown that alternate methods like optical traps provide an even better technique for biological agent detection.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
BIOCONVERSION OF SYNTHESIS GAS INTO LIQUID OR GASEOUS FUELS

Abstract CSTR and packed-column models are presented for the biological production of liquid and gaseous fuels from coal synthesis gas.
Boron-doped molybdenum silicides for structural applications

Abstract The addition of as little as 1 wt.% (=3 at.%) boron improved the oxidation resistance of Mo5Si3 by as much as five orders of magnitude over a temperature range of 800–1500°C. The mechanism of oxidation protection is the formation of a borosilicate glass scale that flows to form a passivating layer over the base intermetallic. The compositional homogeneity range for T1 (Mo5Si3Bx) phase was determined to be much smaller than that reported previously by Nowotny. Compressive creep measurements show that materials based on the phase assemblage of T1-T2 (Mo5SiB2)–Mo3Si have high creep strengths similar to single phase Mo5Si3. Electrical resistivity of selected compositions was also measured and varied from ≈0.06 mΩ-cm at room temperature to 0.14 mΩ-cm at 1500°C. Temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) was estimated to be on the order of 1×10−4 C−1 for most compositions.
SU‐E‐T‐61: Capabilities and Considerations for the Clinical Use of Flattening Filter Free (FFF) Beams for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)

Purpose: Machines with FFF beams are becoming more prevalent. As technology evolves, guidelines for its use need to be developed. FFF beams have the potential for much greater dose rates and lower out-of-field dose. The use of VMAT with FFF adds additional complexity. This work attempts to define the capabilities and limitations of FFF when applied to VMAT fields and characterize the situations which this technology is best suited. Methods: The total monitor units of a VMAT delivery is modified to determine the minimum deliverable dose rate for FFF and non-FFF beams on an Elekta VersaHD linear accelerator. The minimum dose rate limits the minimum dose per segments, thus reducing the available modulation. Time is assessed by recording the beam-on time for FFF and non-FFF beams. For 10 plans with standard fraction sizes (180–212 cGy/Fx) maximum dose rate per control point and number of control points exceeding 400 MU/min are recorded. Results: VMAT minimum dose rate is related to the pulse rate. The minimum deliverable dose rate is ∼36 MU/min (0.12 MU/deg) for 6x-FFF (max 1400 MU/min) and ∼75 MU/min (0.27 MU/deg) for 10x-FFF (max 2400 MU/min) beams. Delivery time is independent of dose rate for dose rates below 1500 MU/min as it is limited by gantry speed. The maximum dose rate across in all plans according to Pinnacle is 1170 MU/min for FFF plans and 800 MU/min for non-FFF plans. The percentage of control points exceeding 400 MU/min is 13.3% for FFF and 9% for non-FFF beams. Conclusion: FFF does not improve delivery time of VMAT fields for conventional fraction sizes, since the dominant factor is gantry speed instead of dose rate. However, there may be potential for speed improvement for very large fraction sizes. Due to pulse rate dependency, FFF beams require a higher minimum dose rate.
Patient tolerance of rectal balloons in conformal radiation treatment of prostate cancer

Purpose: To evaluate patient tolerance of intrarectal balloons used during conformal prostate irradiation. Methods and Materials: A retrospective analysis was performed on 3,561 patients who underwent conformal radiation for prostate cancer. Therapy consisted of proton irradiation of the prostate and seminal vesicles and X-ray treatment of the pelvis when warranted. The number of treatments in which the balloon was tolerated was recorded. Results were stratified according to method of irradiation (protons alone vs. combined proton/X-ray) and method of planning (2D vs. 3D planning of X-ray fields in patients undergoing combination treatment). Results: Of all the patients evaluated, 3,474 (97.6%) tolerated the balloon throughout treatment; 87 (2.4%) declined the balloon for 1 or more treatments and tolerated the balloon for 85.5% of their treatments. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant tolerance advantage in those who received protons alone compared with combination treatment (99.5% vs. 95.7%; p p = 0.990). Conclusions: Intrarectal balloons are well tolerated over a course of conformal prostate irradiation.
Vibrational structure in kinetic energy spectra of O+ ions from electron impact dissociative ionization of O2: Predissociation of the B 2Σg− state of O2+

Abstract Structure has been observed in the ≈ 0.8 eV kinetic energy O + ion peak produced by electron impact dissociative ionization of O 2 . The spacing between the features observed is approximately 0.08 eV which is consistent with their originating through predissociation of the B 2 Σ g − state of O + .
Understanding focused ion beam guided anodic alumina nanopore development

Abstract Focused ion beam (FIB) patterning in combination with anodization has shown great promise in creating unique pore patterns. This work is aimed to understand the effect of the FIB patterned sites in guiding anodized pore development. Highly ordered porous anodic alumina has been created with the guidance of FIB created patterns on electropolished aluminum followed by oxalic acid anodization. Shallow concaves created by the FIB with only 1.5 nm depth can effectively guide the growth of ordered nanopore patterns. With the guidance of the FIB pattern, the anodization rate is much faster and the nanopore growth direction bends at the boundary of the FIB patterned and un-patterned regions. FIB patterning also enlarges the anodization window; ordered nanopore arrays with 150 nm interpore distances can be produced under an applied potential from 50 V to 80 V. The fundamental understanding of these unique processes is discussed.
Liquid phase sintered Cu–In composite solders for thermal interface material and interconnect applications

This study reports on the processing and characterization of composite solders produced by liquid phase sintering, which comprise a high-melting phase such as Cu embedded in a matrix of a low-melting phase such as In. These solders combine higher electrical/thermal conductivities with high mechanical compliance, and are suitable for a range of next-generation thermal interface material and interconnect applications. After considering a range of compositions, a solder with 60 volume percent In was found to possess the requisite combination of compliance and conductivity. A thin interfacial Au layer was utilized for the dual purposes of (a) enhancing the wetting between Cu and In, and (b) reducing interfacial reaction between Cu and In to form coarse intermetallic compounds (IMC) scallops, which adversely affect both mechanical and electrical/thermal properties. The Au layer increased the thermal conductivity of the solder by a factor of ~2 while reducing the yield strength to make the solder more compliant. The effects of particle size, shape, and volume fraction are discussed, and a simple model is utilized to explain the trends in the mechanical and the thermal properties.
Peer Reviewed: Developing Clean Coal Technology

Advances may extend the efficiency and economy of fossil fuels in the future—and leave the environment intact.
The forest vegetation of the driftless area, northeast Iowa

The upland forest vegetation of the Driftless Area, Northeast Iowa, is composed of five dominance types: Acer, Tilia, Quercus rubra?, Q. alba and Pinus. The interaction of moisture gradients and succession primarily determine the distribution of the dominance types. The Acer and Tilia types are found in the most mesic and oldest sites. The Q. rubra and Q. alba types occupy the mesic and drier sites, respectively, that are successionally young. Pinus stands occupy the driest sites except that crags and bluffs have Juniperus virginiana or Q. muehlenbergii on them. The basic vegetation pattern emerges from several different ordination methods, and this concordance enhances the observed correlation between the vegetation coenocline and a complex gradient of topographic moisture and succession.
Multimedia streaming over 802.11 links [Industry Perspectives]

While 802.11 and specifically 802.11n can easily cater to the demands of multimedia streaming applications and provide the same experience as one would have with a wired connection, there are several factors that need to be understood and optimized to provide consistent performance. As the number of devices streaming multimedia content over 802.11 links increase, the impact of these parameters on performance is significant. Timely research on these topics is required in order to cope with the demand for multimedia streaming over 802.11.
Atmospheric Structure and Momentum Balance during a Gap-Wind Event in Shelikof Strait, Alaska

Abstract Gap winds occur in topographically restricted channels when a component of the pressure gradient is parallel to the channel axis. Aircraft flight-level data are used to examine atmospheric structure and momentum balance during an early spring gap-wind event in Shelikof Strait, Alaska. Alongshore sea level pressure ridging was observed. Vertical cross sections show that across-strait gradients of boundary-layer temperature and depth accounted for the pressure distribution. Geostrophic adjustment of the mass field to the along-strait wind component contributed to development of the observed pressure pattern. Boundary-layer structure and force balance during this event was similar to that often observed along isolated barriers. However, the Rossby radius was lager than the strait width, and atmospheric structure in the strait exit region indicates transition of the flow to open coastline conditions. Two across-strait momentum budgets show that the Coriolis force and across-strait pressure gradient w...
SUBCELLUAR SITES FOR SYNTHESIS OF CHONDROMUCOPROTEIN OF CARTILAGE

Microsomes from embryonic cartilage have been subfractionated to yield smooth microsomes and rough microsomes. The in vitro enzymic activities involved in chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis have been assayed in these subfractions. The results demonstrate that all of the activities necessary for linkage to protein as well as for completion of the polysaccharide chain are present in both the rough and smooth fractions. Only in the case of the polymerization of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid could enzyme assays be done independent of endogenous acceptor. This enzyme(s) was equally distributed between the rough and smooth fractions. The activities for the addition of xylose and galactose to protein were highest in the rough fraction while that for sulfation was highest in the smooth fraction. These findings suggest that polysaccharide chain-initiation occurs in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and that chain completion occurs in the smooth reticulum. This pattern is consistent with modern theories of synthesis, transfer, and export of extracellular macromolecules.
Waist circumference, atherogenic lipoproteins, and vascular smooth muscle biomarkers in children

Objective: Large waist circumference (WC) is associated with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The present study determined differences in lipoprotein particle size and subclass concentration and markers of vascular smooth muscle function in children using WC percentile cutoffs. Research Design and Methods: Participants were 182 children (87 black, 92 female) aged 8–<18 yr. Each participant had a measurement of WC and a fasting blood draw for the measurement of lipoprotein particle concentration and size and circulating biomarkers of endothelial function. Participants were divided into age-, sex-, and ethnicity-specific WC percentiles of below 75th, 75th to 90th, and at least 90th percentiles, and differences in lipoproteins and vascular smooth muscle markers were compared among groups. Results: Children in the 90th percentile or higher for WC had significantly smaller low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein size than children with WC below this percentile. For lipoprotein concentra...
FUDGE: A Program for Performing Nuclear Data Testing and Sensitivity Studies

We have developed a program called FUDGE that allows one to modify data from LLNL’s nuclear database. After modifying data, FUDGE can then be instructed to process the data into the formats used by LLNL’s deterministic (ndf) and the Monte Carlo (MCAPM) transport codes. This capability allows users to perform nuclear data sensitivity studies without modification of the transport modeling codes. FUDGE is designed to be user friendly (object‐oriented) and fast (the modification and processing typically takes about a minute). It uses Python as a front‐end, making it flexible and scriptable. Comparing, plotting, and printing of the data are also supported. An overview of FUDGE will be presented as well as examples.
On the Efficiency of Electric Power Generation With Piezoelectric Ceramic

This paper analyzes the efficiency of piezoelectric ceramic for purposes of electric power generation. An analytical model is presented which suggests that the primary problem of using PZT for electric power generation is that most energy is stored in the ceramic and returned to the mechanical port. The efficiency as a function of force input frequency and resistive load are derived based upon a linearized model of a commercially available PZT stack. The analysis yields counterintuitive results in that maximum efficiency occurs in a low frequency region, several orders of magnitude below the structural resonance of the stack. The analytical results are followed by presentation of experimental data that substantiate the model. The model is then utilized to show that. due to hysteresis in the ceramic, the efficiency of energy transfer is dependent on the amplitude of force input, and that greatest efficiencies can be achieved with maximum input forces.
Resilience and adaptation to stress in later life: Empirical perspectives and conceptual implications

As it has become more widely recognized that increasing numbers of people are living to progressively older ages, it is important to understand the nature of individual traits that promote resilience and well-being in later life, to describe how these traits develop, to identify the factors that threaten and undermine their maintenance, and to elucidate the mechanisms that support and promote their growth. To have a knowledge base upon which to build intervention programs to improve and maintain well-being in later life, it is necessary to build understanding of what the multiple pathways are that lead to resilience, how these pathways may change, and what can be done to stop or forestall maladjustment and decline. Progress on these issues requires a greater understanding of process. In this article, we highlight theoretical areas of research on resilience and well-being that have received relatively little attention in previous work with older adults. We also identify unresolved methodological challenges associated with the measurement and analysis of within-person phenomena and elaborate on the implications of these challenges for process research in aging populations. Finally, we discuss future intervention directions to advance knowledge of resilience and positive health in later adulthood.
Associations of food-cobalamin malabsorption with ethnic origin, age, Helicobacter pylori infection, and serum markers of gastritis

Associations of food-cobalamin malabsorption with ethnic origin, age, Helicobacter pylori infection, and serum markers of gastritis
Microbial activity in soil

Abstract Soils are heterogeneous matrices with complex physical and chemical characteristics. A variety of constraints are placed upon the metabolic potential of soil microorganisms, including the finite growth space which is compounded by restricted opportunities to migrate, limited accessibility to substrate and electron acceptors, and extreme fluctuations in water availability and soil temperature. Soil microbial biotechnology is based upon attempts either to manipulate indigenous soil microbial populations or to augment soils with alien strains. To date, neither approach has had a high success rate and results are often inconsistent from location to location. The criteria that separate the successes from the failures are often unknown. New and old experimental techniques continue to provide insight into the factors that influence soil community composition, plant root-microbe interactions, and the difficulties associated with predicting the fate of chemicals introduced into soils.
Modular Leech Trees of Order at Most 8

In 1975, John Leech asked when can the edges of a tree on vertices be labeled with positive integers such that the sums along the paths are exactly the integers . He found five such trees, and no additional trees have been discovered since. In 2011 Leach and Walsh introduced the idea of labeling trees with elements of the group where and examined the cases for . In this paper we show that no modular Leech trees of order 7 exist, and we find all modular Leech trees of order 8.
Seeing the results of a mutation with a vertex weighted hierarchical graph

Background: We represent the protein structure of scTIM with a graph-theoretic model. We construct a hierarchical graph with three layers - a top level, a midlevel and a bottom level. The top level graph is a representation of the protein in which its vertices each represent a substructure of the protein. In turn, each substructure of the protein is represented by a graph whose vertices are amino acids. Finally, each amino acid is represented as a graph where the vertices are atoms. We use this representation to model the effects of a mutation on the protein. Methods: There are 19 vertices (substructures) in the top level graph and thus there are 19 distinct graphs at the midlevel. The vertices of each of the 19 graphs at the midlevel represent amino acids. Each amino acid is represented by a graph where the vertices are atoms in the residue structure. All edges are determined by proximity in the protein’s 3D structure. The vertices in the bottom level are labelled by the corresponding molecular mass of the atom that it represents. We use graph-theoretic measures that incorporate vertex weights to assign graph based attributes to the amino acid graphs. The attributes of the corresponding amino acids are used as vertex weights for the substructure graphs at the midlevel. Graph-theoretic measures based on vertex weighted graphs are subsequently calculated for each of the midlevel graphs. Finally, the vertices of the top level graph are weighted with attributes of the corresponding substructure graph in the midlevel. Results: We can visualize which mutations are more influential than others by using properties such as vertex size to correspond with an increase or decrease in a graph-theoretic measure. Global graph-theoretic measures such as the number of triangles or the number of spanning trees can change as the result. Hence this method provides a way to visualize these global changes resulting from a small, seemingly inconsequential local change. Conclusions: This modelling method provides a novel approach to the visualization of protein structures and the consequences of amino acid deletions, insertions or substitutions and provides a new way to gain insight on the consequences of diseases caused by genetic mutations.
SOME EFFECTS OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY EXTRACTS ON NITROGEN METABOLISM, WATER BALANCE, AND ENERGY METABOLISM

1. Solutions of the globulin fraction of alkaline extracts of the anterior lobe of beef pituitary glands, when administered intraperitoneally or subcutaneously to dogs for 1 or 2 days, greatly increase the nitrogen balance. Urine nitrogen falls markedly, and at the same time blood non-protein nitrogen decreases, while the nitrogen of the feces remains the same. 2. The nitrogen gained may either be retained or lost again, indicating that it may be converted into reserve protein rather than into permanent structures. Sudden gains in weight which follow the injections are always lost again. 3. The effect of the extracts on protein catabolism is greatest when this is high, as in adult dogs having a negligible positive nitrogen balance, or a negative balance, while consuming a high protein diet adequate in calories. 4. Both the fall in nitrogen excretion, and the subsequent rise, when the latter occurs, are due to changes in urea excretion. 5. Other results of the brief treatments are: great increases in water intake and urine volume, marked thirst, slight rise in temperature, and a remarkable increase in heat production effected by oxidation of fat. Mature female dogs were used, and in one of these lactation occurred after some of the injections.
Effect of Isoniazid on the In Vivo Mycolic Acid Synthesis, Cell Growth, and Viability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

When an actively growing culture of the H37Ra strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was exposed to isoniazid at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml, the cells began to lose their ability to synthesize mycolic acids immediately. After 60 min, the cells had completely lost this ability. The synthesis of the three mycolate components—α-mycolate, methoxymycolate, and β-mycolate—was inhibited. The viability of the isoniazid-treated cells was unaffected up to about 60 min of exposure, after which time there was a gradual decline in the viability to about 18% after 180 min. Correspondingly, growth of the drug-treated cells slowed down and stopped after 24 hr. The inhibition of the synthesis of mycolic acids was reversible if the drug was removed before the loss of viability set in. Incubation of the viable cells in the absence of the drug for 24 hr restored the mycolate synthesis. These results strongly suggest that the inhibition of the synthesis of the mycolic acids is closely associated with the primary mechanism of action of isoniazid on the tubercle bacilli. The sequence of events which leads to the loss of viability of cells exposed to isoniazid is described.