cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aquaretic Effect of Lixivaptan, an Oral, Non-Peptide, Selective V2 Receptor Vasopressin Antagonist, in New York Heart Association Functional Class II and III Chronic Heart Failure Patients

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the renal effects of a V2 receptor arginine vasopressin (AVP) antagonist in heart failure. Background Arginine vasopressin has been implicated in the renal water retention and dilutional hyponatremia associated with chronic heart failure. Methods We examined the effects of the oral, non-peptide, selective V2 receptor antagonist lixivaptan in 42 diuretic-requiring patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending single-dose study. After overnight fluid deprivation, patients received single-blind placebo on day −1 (baseline) and double-blind study medication (placebo [n = 12] or lixivaptan 10, 30, 75, 150, 250, or 400 mg [n = 5 per dose group]) on day 1, followed by 4 h of continued fluid restriction and additional 20 h with ad libitum fluid intake. Results At all but the 10-mg dose, lixivaptan produced a significant and dose-related increase in urine volume over 4 h, compared with placebo. During 24 h, increases in urine volume ranged from 1.8 l with placebo to 3.9 l after the 400-mg lixivaptan dose (p Conclusions These observations confirm a role for AVP in the renal water retention associated with heart failure and suggest that the V2 receptor antagonist lixivaptan may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of heart failure.
“Diversity” on Main Street? Branding Race and Place in the New “Majority-Minority” Suburbs

The emergence in the United States of an increasing number of spaces across the socioeconomic spectrum with majority nonwhite populations merits close attention because of these spaces' potential in reconfiguring historical and contemporary claims to place. In an era in which the neoliberalization of urban development has spurred local governments toward more active involvement in defining relationships between race, ethnicity, consumption, and space, “majority-minority” suburbs are particularly important sites of study. In the late 2000s, two branding campaigns in majority-Asian American and Latina/o municipalities in Los Angeles's San Gabriel Valley—a densely populated region popularly known as a “suburban Chinatown”—put forth specific discourses of race, ethnicity, and culture in attempts to actualize specific visions and claims to place, identity, and history. In doing so, these campaigns illuminated and reinforced larger racial, geographic, and ideological divides. “Diversity” on Main Street embraced...
On a Theory of Swings

The dynamics of a pendulum with controllable length, or swings, is considered. Possible variations of length are of bounded magnitude and arbitrary otherwise. A particular law of feedback-controlle...
An Exploratory Investigation of Three Self-Other Orientation Measures

Summary A new non-verbal, multidimensional approach to self-concept measurement (SOO tasks) was compared to one representative of the traditional verbal measurement approach. Both self-concept measures and an anxiety measure were administered to 25 boys and 23 girls. Correlations between the measures were generally disappointing but typically more positive for the girls. The question of methods variance overshadowing any trait variance common to the self-concept measures was viewed as needing further study, since a non-verbal approach to self-concept measurement could avoid the problems of response set. Some tentative hypotheses regarding the SOO tasks and sex differences in self-concept were discussed.
DIRECT-SEQUENCE SPREAD-SPECTRUM WITH TRANSFORM DOMAIN INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION

The performance of a direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DS-SS) receiver employing new techniques for multiple non-stationary interference suppression is presented. These techniques are based on transform domain order statistics and they selectively suppress spectral components that are sufficiently large and narrow. Other important advantages are also discussed. The bit error rate performance is determined by Monte-Carlo simulations and it is compared to the performance of fixed notch filtering and of the well-known LMS algorithm. The effect of using data windowing is examined, and results with single-tone, narrow-band, stationary, non-stationary and multiple interference are presented. A comparison of the amount of computation required by the proposed transform domain approach to that of the time-domain LMS algorithm is also presented.
Where should the threads go? Leveraging hierarchical data locality to solve the thread affinity dilemma

We are proposing a novel framework that amelio-rates locality-aware parallel programming models, by defining a hierarchical data locality model extension. We also propose two hierarchical thread partitioning algorithms. These algorithms synthesize hierarchical thread placement layouts that targets minimizing the program's overall communication costs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using the NAS Parallel Benchmarks implemented in Unified Parallel C (UPC) using a modified Berkeley UPC Compiler and runtime system. We achieved performance gains of up to 88% in performance by applying the placement layouts our algorithms suggest.
Observed Parenting Practices of First-Generation Latino Families

This study used an established behavioral observation methodology to examine the parenting practices of first-generation Latino parents of children 4 to 9 years of age. The study had three central aims, to examine: (1) the feasibility of using a behavioral observation methodology with Spanish-speaking immigrant families, (2) the utility of the Parent Peer Process Code (PPPC; Forgatch, Knutson, & Mayne, 1992) for coding parentnchild interactions, and (3) the relationship between observed parenting practices, as coded with the PPPC, and child outcomes. Families consisted of 48 fathers, 49 mothers, and 50 children. Families participated in cooperative, problem-solving, and skillsbuilding tasks. The authors coded in five broad categories: problem solving, skills building, positive involvement, effective discipline, and monitoring. Findings show that the behavioral observation methodology is feasible to use with Spanish-speaking immigrant families, that the PPPC is useful in understanding parentnchild interactions, and that the coded parentnchild interactions predict differential child outcomes. This information can help inform the development or adaptation of culturally sensitive parenting interventions to this underserved population. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social–Emotional Learning in Grades 3 to 6 and the Early Onset of Sexual Behavior

The study aimed to explore whether evidence-based elementary social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula [Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS)] focused on social problem-solving skills combined with sexual risk prevention lessons would have an impact on preventing the early onset of sexual intercourse. A 4-year longitudinal, randomized, controlled design was employed in which 24 elementary schools were assigned to receive the already in place SEL curriculum (control) or the enhanced PATHS curriculum (intervention) combined with sexual risk prevention lessons during grades 3–6. Social problem-solving skills were assessed in grade 6 through the use of a social problem-solving dilemma and sexual behavior was assessed in grades 6 and 7. Sexual activity rates were 9.1% and 21.1% in the sixth and seventh grades, respectively. While the direct effects of the intervention on sexual behavior were not significant, the intervention did indirectly have an effect through social problem-solving skills. Those receiving the intervention curriculum were more likely to focus on issues specific to a dilemma designed to assess problem-solving skills and adolescents using this social cognitive skill, in turn, were less likely to have engaged in sexual intercourse by the seventh grade. The results provide evidence of the positive impact of SEL on students’ social problem-solving skills and delay in initiating sexual intercourse.
Tobacco mosaic virus defective RNAs expressing C-terminal methyltransferase domain sequences are severely impaired in long-distance movement in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Abstract Tobamovirus replicase proteins, which function in replication and gene expression, are also implicated in viral cell-to-cell and long-distance movement. The role(s) of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 126-/183-kDa replicase protein in the complex movement process are not understood due to lack of systems that can separate the multiple steps involved. We previously developed a bipartite TMV-defective RNA (dRNA) system to dissect the role of the N-terminal methyltransferase (MT) domain in accumulation and cell-to-cell movement of dRNAs [Knapp, E., Danyluk, G.M., Achor, D., Lewandowski, D.J., 2005. A bipartite Tobacco mosaic virus–defective RNA (dRNA) system to study the role of the N-terminal methyltransferase domain in cell-to-cell movement of dRNAs. Virology 341, 47–58]. In the current study we analyzed long-distance movement of dRNAs in the presence of helper virus in Nicotiana benthamiana . dRNAs expressing ∼ 50% of the MT domain (ΔHinc151) moved long-distances in more than half of the plants. dRNAs expressing ∼ 90% of the MT domain sequences (ΔCla151) predominantly failed to accumulate in upper leaves. The helper virus moved systemically when inoculated alone or with a dRNA. In inoculated leaves, more ΔHinc151-induced infection foci spread adjacent to class V veins compared to those of ΔCla151. Consequently, ΔHinc151 infected more class V veins than ΔCla151. ΔCla151 was only detected in bundle sheath cells, whereas ΔHinc151 could accumulate in bundle sheath and phloem parenchyma cells of class V veins. However, the latter accumulation pattern did not always result in systemic accumulation of ΔHinc151, suggesting that factors in addition to those affecting cell-to-cell movement played a role in long-distance movement.
Self-Reported Constipation in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Preliminary Report

Abstract Context Constipation is often inadequately assessed and underdiagnosed in patients with advanced cancer. Many studies use patient-reported constipation (PRC) as an outcome. Objectives The aim was to compare the accuracy of PRC as compared with the modified Rome III (ROME) criteria and to determine the agreement between PRC, physician assessment of constipation, and objective assessment of constipation by modified ROME criteria among outpatients with advanced cancer. Methods Patients with advanced cancer attending a supportive care clinic were screened. Constipation was assessed using the modified ROME criteria, patient report (yes or no and rated 0–10; 10=worst possible symptom), and physician assessments (yes or no and rated 0–10). Results One hundred patients were enrolled, and 50 of 100 patients (50%) met the modified ROME criteria for constipation. Disagreement between ROME criteria and the patient report (yes/no) was found in 33 patients (33%) and between ROME criteria and the physician assessment (yes/no) in 39 patients (39%). The best combination of sensitivity (0.84) and specificity (0.62) was found with scores ≥3/10 for PRC. Conclusion We found a high frequency of constipation. The limited agreement with modified ROME criteria suggests that a patient's self-report as yes or no is not useful for clinical practice. Patient self-rating on a 0 to 10 scale (score of three or greater) seems to be the best tool for constipation screening among this population. More research is needed to identify the best way to assess constipation in patients with advanced cancer.
High dimensional exploration: A comparison of PCA, distance concentration, and classification performance in two fMRI datasets

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) studies frequently create high dimensional datasets, with far more features (voxels) than examples. It is known that such datasets frequently have properties that make analysis challenging, such as concentration of distances. Here, we calculated the probability of distance concentration and proportion of variance explained by PCA in two fMRI datasets, comparing these measures with each other, as well as with the number of voxels and classification accuracy. There are clear differences between the datasets, with one showing levels of distance concentration comparable to those reported in microarray data [1, 2]. While it remains to be determined how typical these results are, they suggest that problematic levels of distance concentration in fMRI datasets may not be a rare occurrence.
Phytotoxicity of mycolaminarans—β-1,3-glucans from Phytophthora spp☆

Abstract Mycolaminarans (water-soluble β-1,3-glucans) from Phytophthora cinnamomi, P. palmivora and P. megasperma var. sojae produced wilting symptoms on Persea indica, soybean, cacao and tomato at 0·01 to 0·5 mg/ml. The same symptoms were also observed with mycolaminaran phosphate, algal laminaran, pustulan (β-1,6-glucan) and carboxymethyl cellulose but different plant responses were produced by pectin and Carbowax and by the α-glucans, dextran and soluble starch. Plant responses to the mycolaminarans appeared to be caused by cellular toxicity rather than by vessel plugging because 14C-mycolaminaran became systematically distributed through P. indica plants and was entirely metabolized to various higher and lower size polymrs within 24 h. Low amounts of the neutral mycolaminaran (0·1 mg/ml maximum) were detected in filtrates of young log-phase cultures of P. megasperma var. sojae grown on synthetic medium.
Linkage of the Fr2 locus controlling soybean root fluorescence and four loci detected by RFLP markers

plasmid vectors. The probes pBLT6, pBLT42, and pBLT73 are in vector pIBI30 (International Biotechnologies Inc.) while pBLT68 is in vector pUC18 (Yanisch-Perron et al. 1985). Plasmid DNA was digested with a restriction endonuclease to release the insert. DNA fragments were purified on agarose gels. The DNA fragments used as probes were radiolabeled using the random oligonucleotide labeling procedure of Feinberg and Vogelstein (1983). Random hexamers [pd(N)6 ] were purchased from Pharmaeia (Piscataway, N.J.). Appro- ximately 50 ng of DNA was used per 25 gl of reaction with 50 gCi of [e-32p]-deoxycytidine 5'-triphosphate (3000 Ci/mmol) (NEN/DuPont, Wilmington, DeL). Reactions were incubated at room temperature for 2-3 h. Plant analysis A comprehensive genetic map of soybean would be very valuable to soybean breeders and geneticists in devising breeding strategies for soybean improvement. A rudimentary classical genetic map has been developed with great effort over many years. This map needs to be integrated with the molecular map now emerging from current research in order to use the molecular map as a bridge to obtain a comprehensive map of the organismically important genes. In the present study, we tested the as yet unmapped
The 5′-untranslated region of the IGF-I receptor gene modulates reporter gene expression by both pre- and post-transcriptional mechanisms

Abstract The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor gene has a large, complex 5′-untranslated region (UTR). In order to examine the role that this region plays in regulating IGF-I receptor expression, we isolated fragments of the human IGF-I receptor 5′-UTR and interposed them between the SV40 early promoter and the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter gene. Fragments of the IGF-I receptor gene 5′-UTR were found to enhance reporter gene expression by increasing gene transcription. In addition, the increased transcription and mRNA levels were in excess of the increase in enzyme activity, providing indirect evidence that these fragments inhibit translation, consistent with predictions. Key words: Insulin-like growth factor; Receptor; Insulin-like growth factor receptor; 5′-Untranslated region; Gene expression
The Baltic psaltery and musical instruments of Gods and Devils

(1983). The Baltic psaltery and musical instruments of Gods and Devils. Journal of Baltic Studies: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 5-23.
Unit Cohesion and PTSD Symptom Severity in Air Force Medical Personnel

Research suggests that military unit cohesion may protect against the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, equivocal findings have led researchers to hypothesize a potential curvilinear interaction between unit cohesion and warzone stress. This hypothesis states that the protective effects of cohesion increase as warzone stress exposure intensifies from low to moderate levels, but at high levels of warzone stress exposure, cohesion loses its protective effects and is potentially detrimental. To test this theory, we conducted a test for curvilinear moderation using a sample of 705 Air Force medical personnel deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Results did not support the curvilinear interaction hypothesis, although evidence of cohesion's protective effects was found, suggesting that unit cohesion protects against PTSD regardless of level of stress exposure.
Management of pediatric subglottic cysts using the Bugbee fulgurating electrode.

Importance Subglottic cysts are an important cause of pediatric airway obstruction. We describe the typical presentation and management of subglottic cysts, with historical recurrence rates between 12.5% and 71.0%, and treatment using the Bugbee fulgurating diathermy electrode as a technique to successfully manage subglottic cysts with a low recurrence rate. Observations A retrospective review was performed on 16 consecutive patients treated for subglottic cysts at a single tertiary-care facility. The mean gestational age was 26.9 weeks, with a male to female ratio of 4.3:1. All patients had at least 1 prior intubation, with a mean of 1.8 prior intubations per patient. Biphasic stridor was the most common presenting symptom, occurring at a mean of 7.3 months after the last extubation. At the time of diagnosis, patients were found to have a mean of 1.6 cysts, and the left lateral subglottic wall was the most common location of unilateral cysts. Nine patients (56%) had an associated laryngeal pathologic condition. Symptomatic cyst recurrence occurred in only 6% of patients, and no major complications were reported. Conclusions and Relevance This review presents a treatment method for subglottic cysts that is safe and effective and has a symptomatic recurrence rate lower than previously reported.
Biostratigraphic Significance of Fossil Molluscan Larvae: ABSTRACT

Most marine mollusks have some form of pelagic larval stage which produces a distinctive protoconch. Scanning electron microscope studies reveal that larval shells are routinely preserved in sediments as old as the Upper Cretaceous, and that protoconchs are characteristic enough to identify to species on the basis of the unmetamorphosed larval shell. This has paleoecologic and biostratigraphic potential in cores where only a few identifiable adult mollusks are normally found. In addition, larval shells are carried by water currents to areas not inhabited by the adults, extending the species geographic range and partly eliminating facies dependence. Fossil mulluscan larvae are, therefore, a potentially valuable new micropaleontologic group. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1558------------
CPIDS : a plant parameter selection program for erosion prediction modeling

Abstract Newly developed erosion prediction models require detailed input parameters including those describing cropping systems. Each model exhibits a different level of complexity for crop growth modeling, and many plant parameters for these models are difficult to obtain. Furthermore, numerous parameters require interpretation from other measurable plant characteristics. We developed a database containing measurable plant characteristics to supply users of these new erosion prediction technologies with the necessary parameters. The new database supports the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) erosion prediction models. The Crop Parameter Intelligent Database System (CPIDS) was developed to assist crop database builders and users of RUSLE and WEPP in interpretation of plant characteristics and selection of plant parameters. CPIDS is a Microsoft® Windows™-based program, currently running on a personal computer (PC) under Windows 3.1™, Windows 95™ and Windows NT 4.0™.
Radiation-induced formation of alkyltin bromides. Part II

Abstract The radiation-induced reaction between tin and organic bromides was shown to give high yields of organotin products and can be made to go to completion. No thermally induced reaction occurs at the temperatures used in the radiation experiments and dialkyltin dibromides are the principal products. The main characteristics of the radiation-induced reaction are an inverse-square-root relationship between G value and radiation intensity, and a positive activation energy. G values above 10 3 are achieved, indicating a chain reaction in which chain lengths of 10 2 to 10 3 are readily attained. Such reactions were obtained with a number of alkyl bromides.
Post-traumatic pulmonary contusion in children

We reviewed 35 consecutive cases of post-traumatic pulmonary contusion in children that occurred during a 12-year period. Of these, 19 children (54%) were more than 5 years old, 30 (86%) were involved in motor vehicle accidents, and 29 (83%) had multiple trauma. External thoracic wall contusion, fracture of the bony thorax, tachypnea, hemoptysis, and abnormal breath sounds were frequently absent on presentation. Associated intrathoracic lesions of pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax occurred in 20 children (57%) and were particularly prevalent in those with fracture of the bony thorax (93%); the radiographic appearance of these lesions was delayed up to 48 hours in 40% of cases. In 34 children (97%), radiographic evidence of pulmonary contusion was present on admission and did not progress radiographically during hospitalization. No child experienced respiratory deterioration subsequent to presentation or required mechanical ventilation for respiratory insufficiency. Pulmonary contusion in children is usually a consequence of significant-impact injury associated with multiple trauma and has a good prognosis. Despite a paucity of abnormal physical findings, children who sustain high-impact trauma should receive radiographic evaluation of the chest to assess for possible intrathoracic injury. When pulmonary contusion is accompanied by fracture of the bony thorax, serial radiographic evaluation of the chest should be performed during the initial 48 hours of hospitalization.
Predictive Boundary Management Control of a Hybrid Powertrain

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is capable of improving fuel economy with reduced emissions over traditional vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine alone. However the HEV durability is significantly limited by the battery useful life; and the battery life could be significantly reduced if it was operated over its allowed charging or discharging limits, which could occur especially at extremely low battery temperatures, leading to permanent battery damage and reduced battery life. In order to extend the battery life, this paper proposed a battery boundary management control strategy based upon the predicted desired torque to proactively make the engine power available to reduce future battery over-discharging. The proposed control strategy was validated in simulations and its performance was compared with the baseline control strategy under US06, and other four typical city and highway driving cycles. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy is very effective when the battery temperature is under zero Celsius degree, and the over-discharged power is reduced more than 65% under aggressive US06 and ARB02 driving cycles, 45% under highway and city FTP and city NYCC driving cycles, and 30% under highway IM240 driving cycle, respectively.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The Long-Run Advantages of Centralization for Collective Action: A Comment on Bendor and Mookherjee

Institutional design can affect the logic of ongoing collective action in groups with heterogeneous members. This article corrects a mathematical error in a seminal article by Bendor and Mookherjee (1987) and shows how the amended result strengthens the case for centralized monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. In solving their original model, Bendor and Mookherjee neglected that groups under centralized control will become increasingly talented over time, as headquarters detects and replaces untalented members. Expected improvements in the talent of the group should heighten the incentive for its members to work and curtail the incidence of costly free riding, as well as reduce the average per-worker cost of production. These gains in efficiency will not materialize in decentralized regimes, where the fraction of talented members will remain constant over time. Depending on the effectiveness of monitoring in the centralized group and the level of patience and talent in society as a whole, centralized regimes can produce greater group welfare than decentralized ones, even when decentralized institutions operate flawlessly.
Hybrid polymer matrix Terfenol-D composite / PMN-PT transducer in mechanical series configuration

Combining smart materials with other materials to form composites has received attention due to the possibility of obtaining improved performance and functionality. One such composite combines Terfenol-D particulates with a soft epoxy, with the particles magnetically aligned in one direction forming an anisotropic structure. In this paper we consider the fabrication of the particle composites and the implementation of the composites in a hybrid Ferroelectric/ferromagnetic transducer presented previously. The composite was first tested quasistatically for obtaining material property information and identifying suitable bias conditions. The transducer was then tested for dynamic response, both of the individual parts and with the full system powered, for purposes of validating the concept of hybrid actuation and the model. The transducer is modeled through basic mechanical vibration principles, electroacoustics theory, and constitutive relations for electrostrictive and magnetostrictive materials operated in linear regimes. The paper highlights the advantageous properties of the Terfenol-D composite when utilized in this hybrid transducer in regard to the increased resistivity, decreased eddy current losses, and reduced density. The paper also proposes a model based approach for understanding the factors that control the reduced, and hence disadvantageous in some cases, stiffness and electromechanical coupling coefficient of the Terfenol-D composite.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Retention of styrene following controlled exposure to constant and fluctuating air concentrations

An experiment was designed to determine whether the respiratory retention of sytrene vapor, as estimated from measurements of end-exhaled air, was the same during periods of both constant and fluctuating exposure. Six human subjects were exposed to styrene inside an experimental chamber. A computer-controlled system was used to generate time-varying air concentrations of styrene over 4–5 h in both multistep sequences of constant exposure (four subjects exposed to 15–99 ppm. of styrene in 100-min steps) and fluctuating patterns representative of occupational exposures (two subjects exposed to mean concentrations of styrene of 50 ppm). In the latter case, lognormally distributed exposures, which fit one of two first-order autoregressive models, were generated at intervals of 2.5 min. It was found that the concentration of styrene in end-exhaled air was reduced by about half if the subject inhaled one to three breaths of clean air prior to sampling. This suggests that significant amounts of styrene were desorbed from the lining of the lungs during the initial exhalation. The retention of styrene vapor during constant exposures was 0.935 and was independent of the level. During each of the two sets of fluctuating exposure the retention of sytrene was also constant and was independent of both the variance and the autocorrelation coefficient. However, the retention of styrene during fluctuating exposure (estimates ranged from 0.957 to 0.973) was significantly higher than that observed during the constant exposures. It is speculated that the difference in retention between the constant and the fluctuating exposure regimens is related to non-steady-state behavior of styrene in the richly perfused tissues, as suggested by Opdam and Smolders (1986) regarding tetrachloroethylene exposure.
Solvent control of orbital mixing and electronic coupling in ligand-bridged mixed-valence complexes: evidence for an intervalence hole-transfer pathway

Solvent-induced electronic effects exist for intervalence charge-transfer reactions involving complexes of the type (2,2{prime}-bipyridine){sub 2}ClRu{sup II}(pyrazine)Ru{sup III}(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}L{sup 4+}, where L = NH{sub 3} or various pyrazyl, pyridyl, or polypyridyl ligands. Specifically the following are found: (1) mixing between appropriate donor and acceptor metal orbitals can be influenced substantially by the nature of the solvent. (2) The metal-metal interaction energy, H{sub 13}, is also affected. (3) From the solvent effects, intervalence transfer appears to follow (in part) a hole-transfer pathway.
Future Issues in Highly Conformal Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Improving the conformity of the radiation dose to targets in the head and neck promises reduced toxicity and, in some cases, potentially improved local-regional tumor control. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is a method that allows highly conformal delivery of radiotherapy. In recent years, its use has spread rapidly in both academic and community radiation oncology facilities. The use of IMRT has raised multiple issues related to target definition, optimal treatment delivery methods, and the need to account for anatomic changes occurring during therapy. Some of these issues are reviewed in this article.
The Effect of Hot and Cold Rolling on the Properties of Poly(oxymethylene)

Poly(oxymethylene) was rolled uniaxially and biaxially to varying thickness reductions at ambient and 77 and 127°C. The tensile properties of the rolled and unrolled materials were measured both in the longitudinal and transverse directions under room temperature conditions. It is found that, as a result of rolling, the tensile strength and percent elongation of the material are considerably increased in the rolling direction, with little or no appreciable effect in the transverse direction. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the preferred orientation of material during rolling takes place largely in the rolling direction and partially in the transverse direction. The rolling temperature does not seem to have any significant effect upon the preferred orientation and mechanical properties, but it affects slightly the limiting thickness reduction due to rolling. The changes in the density and mechanical properties resulting from rolling seem to be related to the morphological changes occurring in the material during the rolling process.
Mismatch stresses in pressure vessels

The first four modes of the meridional vibrations in a conical shell of constant wall thickness have been determined for various cases of displacement boundary conditions. The solution as presented is approximate in that the effects of lateral inertia are not included. Abramson, Plass, and Ripperger compare the exact solutions for axial wave propagation in rods of circular cross section with an approximate solution that does not include the effect of radial inertia. They conclude that the approximate solution is reasonably accurate for pulses of very long duration, that is, where duration of the pulse is long compared with the time required for a wave front traveling at velocity a to move a distance equal to the diameter of the bar. If we apply an analogous line of reasoning to the cone problem, it would appear that the solution as presented is reasonably accurate if the ratio meridian length (pulse length) to wall thickness (bar diameter) is large. This condition should not be found overly restrictive in most engineering problems of practical interest.
Selectivity of pirenzepine in the central nervous system. I. Direct autoradiographic comparison of the regional distribution of pirenzepine and carbamylcholine binding sites.

Abstract The binding capabities of the novel antagonist pirenzepine and the agonist carbamylcholine were examined autoradiographically to compare their abilities to reduce the binding of 1-[3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]-l-QNB). This technique, which is applicable to any muscarinic ligand, permits a direct comparison between the binding of carbamylcholine and pirenzepine in the same assay. Analysis of the binding curves generated by standard scintillation counting of whole brain slices indicated that the ligands bound heterogeneously to muscarinic receptors in the brain. Following appositon of slides to tritium-sensitive film, the binding profile for each ligand was examined visually and by microdensitometry. Regional analyses indicated that the agonist carbamylcholine displayed highest potency for thalamic nuclei, lower potency for cortical regions, and the lowest affinity for layers of the hippocampus. The M1-selective ligand pirenzepine displayed the highest potency for the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, with lower inhibition levels in the cortex, and the lowest levels of inhibition found in the thalamus. The distribution of high affinity agonist sites was found to be distinct from the distribution of high-affinity antagonist binding sites. In a separate assay, the regional inhibition of pirenzepine and scopolamine was compared for the hippocampus and the forebrain. While scopolamine did not distinguish between muscarinic receptor sites in the hippocampus and cortex, pirenzepine inhibited [3H]l-QNB labeling in the hippocampus significantly greater than in the cerebral cortex, providing additional evidence for the hypothesis that pirenzepine is a selective antagonist.
Regeneration of symmetrical forelimbs in the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum

Abstract Surgically constructed symmetrical double-anterior and double-posterior upper forelimbs of the axolotl were amputated immediately after surgery. Double-anterior limbs either failed to regenerate or formed single digits or spikes. Double-posterior limbs formed symmetrical double-posterior regenerates in 60% of the cases, thus extending the previous finding that the amount of distal transformation in surgically constructed double-half limbs is inversely proportional to the time between grafting and amputation ( Tank and Holder, 1978 ). When these symmetrical regenerates were amputated through the forearm region, all but one formed a symmetrical secondary regenerate. The majority of the secondary regenerates had a larger number of digits than did their corresponding primary regenerates. Reamputation of the secondary regenerates resulted in symmetrical tertiary regenerates, and the majority of these also had a larger number of digits than did their corresponding primary regenerates. The results are compared to those of Slack and Savage (1978a, b) on embryonically derived double-posterior limbs and they are discussed in terms of a formal model for distal transformation (Bryant and Baca, 1978).
The effect of the isoelectric point on the adsorption of molybdates on fluoride-modified aluminas

Abstract The isoelectric point (IEP) of γ-alumina was modified by the addition of various amounts of fluoride. The modified aluminas were used as supports for molybdenum catalysts prepared by equilibrium adsorption at pH = 6.5. Also, the adsorption of molybdate on supports containing various amounts of fluoride was studied as a function of pH. The amount of molybdenum adsorbed on the fluoride-modified aluminas was found to decrease as the IEP of the carrier decreased. An electrostatic model is used to interpret the results.
Conjugacy classes in linear groups

Abstract Let G belong to one of the three families of complex classical linear groups or to one of the seven families of corresponding real forms. Let L denote its Lie algebra. We give a simple and effective method for finding all conjugacy classes of G and all orbits of G in L . We also describe the splitting of classes and orbits when G is replaced by a normal subgroup. We discuss the situation for other fields.
A Multinuclear Copper(I) Cluster Forms the Dimerization Interface in Copper-Loaded Human Copper Chaperone for Superoxide Dismutase

Copper binding and X-ray aborption spectroscopy studies are reported on untagged human CCS (hCCS; CCS = copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase) isolated using an intein self-cleaving vector and on single and double Cys to Ala mutants of the hCCS MTCQSC and CSC motifs of domains 1 (D1) and 3 (D3), respectively. The results on the wild-type protein confirmed earlier findings on the CCS-MBP (maltose binding protein) constructs, namely, that Cu(I) coordinates to the CXC motif, forming a cluster at the interface of two D3 polypeptides. In contrast to the single Cys to Ser mutations of the CCS-MBP protein (Stasser, J. P., Eisses, J. F., Barry, A. N., Kaplan, J. H., and Blackburn, N. J. (2005) Biochemistry 44, 3143-3152), single Cys to Ala mutations in D3 were sufficient to eliminate cluster formation and significantly reduce CCS activity. Analysis of the intensity of the Cu-Cu cluster interaction in C244A, C246A, and C244/246A variants suggested that the nuclearity of the cluster was greater than 2 and was most consistent with a Cu4S6 adamantane-type species. The relationship among cluster formation, oligomerization, and metal loading was evaluated. The results support a model in which Cu(I) binding converts the apo dimer with a D2-D2 interface tomore » a new dimer connected by cluster formation at two D3 CSC motifs. The predominance of dimer over tetramer in the cluster-containing species strongly suggests that the D2 dimer interface remains open and available for sequestering an SOD1 monomer. This work implicates the copper cluster in the reactive form and adds detail to the cluster nuclearity and how copper loading affects the oligomerization states and reactivity of CCS for its partner SOD1.« less
Debye relaxation in high magnetic fields

Dielectric relaxation is universal in characterizing polar liquids and solids, insulators, and semiconductors, and the theoretical models are well developed. However, in high magnetic fields, previously unknown aspects of dielectric relaxation can be revealed and exploited. Here, we report low-temperature dielectric relaxation measurements in lightly doped silicon in high dc magnetic fields $B$ both parallel and perpendicular to the applied ac electric field $E$. For $B\ensuremath{\parallel}E$, we observe a temperature and magnetic-field-dependent dielectric dispersion $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ characteristic of conventional Debye relaxation where the free-carrier concentration is dependent on thermal dopant ionization, magnetic freeze-out, and/or magnetic localization effects. However, for $B\ensuremath{\perp}E$, anomalous dispersion emerges in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ with increasing magnetic field. It is shown that the Debye formalism can be simply extended by adding the Lorentz force to describe the general response of a dielectric in crossed magnetic and electric fields. Moreover, we predict and observe a new transverse dielectric response ${E}_{H}\ensuremath{\perp}B\ensuremath{\perp}E$ not previously described in magnetodielectric measurements. The new formalism allows the determination of the mobility and the ability to discriminate between magnetic localization/freeze-out and Lorentz force effects in the magnetodielectric response.
High-speed phase modulation using the DLP: application in imaging through complex media

We demonstrate the capabilities of a high-speed phase modulation system based on a digital micromirror device. We use the system to focus light through dynamic scattering materials. We demonstrate up to three orders of magnitude speed improvement respect to previous systems based on liquid-crystal spatial light modulators. Furthermore, the system can be adapted to maintain a focus through a perturbed multimode fiber and help convert it into a micro-endoscope.
Normothermic ex vivo renal perfusion

Abstract Results of a preliminary investigation to (1) ascertain the feasibility of prolonged normothermic perfusion of the kidney, (2) develop a satisfactory perfusion solution, and (3) promote altered immunogenicity of donor renal tissue are reported. Initially, increased perfusion pressures, decreased flow rates, and severe weight gains were encountered. Addition of protein and manipulation of oxygen concentration in the perfusate greatly improved these parameters, but did not appear to improve viability of transplanted organs.
DCDHF fluorophores designed for single-molecule cellular imaging

We are developing a new class of single-molecule fluorophore that brighten upon rigidization, which can be used to reduce the background fluorescence for applications in cellular imaging.
Reversible alterations in hypothalamic uptake of biogenic amines after septal lesions.

Abstract We investigated the time course of several behavioral and anatomical correlates of the septal rage syndrome in rats. After lesion of the septal nuclei, rats were tested on several measures of sensory responsiveness at 1, 5, 10, or 15 days of recovery. The animals were then killed and the high-affinity uptake of tritiated norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) were assessed in crude synaptosome preparations of hippocamal and hypothalamic tissue. Behaviorally, rats with septal lesions exhibited a persistant increase in reactivity to heat and open-field stimuli while the initial increase in responsiveness to tactile and footshock stimuli progressively decreased during the 15-day recovery interval. Synaptosomes prepared from hippocampus of septal-lesion rats exhibited a progressive decrease in the uptake of tritiated NE, DA, and 5-HT which appeared maximal by day 15. In contrast, an initial decrease observed in the hypothalamic uptake of all three biogenic amine compounds returned to control values by day 15. We conclude that the septal rage syndrome exhibits a significant degree of spontaneous remission with time and can be dissociated from sensory hyperreactivity in general. Several consequences of septal lesions on the functional activity of biogenic amine neurons are discussed in light of their ability to explain the reversible alterations in hypothalamic uptake.
Premature morbidity from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective To determine rates of morbidity due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods I used the California Hospital Discharge Database, which contains information on all discharges from acute care hospitals in California, to identify women with SLE who had been hospitalized for treatment of either acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) from 1991 to 1994. I compared the proportions of hospitalizations for each cause among women with SLE with those in a group of women without SLE, for 3 age strata (18–44 years, 45–64 years, and ≥65 years). Results Compared with young women without SLE, young women with SLE were 2.27 times more likely to be hospitalized because of AMI (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08–3.46), 3.80 times more likely to be hospitalized because of CHF (95% CI 2.41–5.19), and 2.05 times more likely to be hospitalized because of CVA (95% CI 1.17–2.93). Among middle-aged women with SLE, the frequencies of hospitalization for AMI and CVA did not differ from those of the comparison group, but the risk of hospitalization for CHF was higher (odds ratio [OR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.05–1.73). Among elderly women with SLE, the risk of hospitalization for AMI was significantly lower (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.89), the risk of hospitalization for CHF was higher (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.49), and the risk of hospitalization for CVA was not significantly different from those in the comparison group. Conclusion Young women with SLE are at substantially increased risk of AMI, CHF, and CVA. The relative odds of these conditions decrease with age among women with SLE.
Examining the link between price regulation and pharmaceutical R&D investment.

This paper examines the link between price regulation and pharmaceutical research and development (RD therefore, these issues are also discussed.
Quantum input-output formalism for few-photon nonlinear transport in nanophotonic circuits

We introduce a quantum input-output formalism, which greatly simplifies the theoretical treatment of nonlinear quantum transport of few-photon Fock state in nanophotonic circuits.
Direct phase determination in protein electron crystallography: The pseudo-atom approximation

The crystal structure of halorhodopsin is determined directly in its centrosymmetric projection using 6.0-A-resolution electron diffraction intensities, without including any previous phase information from the Fourier transform of electron micrographs. The potential distribution in the projection is assumed a priori to be an assembly of globular densities. By an appropriate dimensional re-scaling, these “globs” are then assumed to be pseudo-atoms for normalization of the observed structure factors. After this treatment, the structure is determined directly by conventional direct methods, followed by Fourier refinement, leading to a mean phase deviation of only 20° (from the values originally found from the image transform) for the 45 most intense reflections.
Polysulfone membranes. IV. Performance evaluation of Radel A/PVP membranes☆

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic measurements were used to show that Radel A100 is a copolymer containing polyethersulfone and polyetherethersulfone repeat units. Membranes were cast from solutions of Radel A and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymers dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). The variation in membrane pore size is related to the casting solution composition and viscosity. The performance of Radel A/PVP membranes is compared to those of commercially available polysulfone membranes.
New technology and the value-based management of transformational leadership

New technology is calling on people to provide adaptive responses in situations where there are many exceptions or where a high degree of variability exists or where people provide linkages between programmable segments. Further, groups of people who are geographically dispersed and unacquainted with each other will work together to solve business problems or define a process and will then disband when the job is done. Thus, the general model of responsible autonomous job behavior becomes the key facet of individual-organization-technological relationships. It is suggested that this model is best activated by the empowerment of people through the value-based management of transformational leadership.
A spiral cortical fiber system in fertilized sea urchin eggs

Abstract Fiber systems of fertilized eggs of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus become aggregated and thus visible in phase-contrast light microscopy, when cells are fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.45 M Na-acetate buffer at pH 6.0 and embedded in epoxy. Studies of whole mounts and of 1-μm stained sections of the first-division cycle revealed a spiral array of subcortical fibers that apparently grow inward from the cell surface shortly after sperm entry and disappear prior to streak stage. They are independent of the microtubule system associated with the sperm aster, amphiaster, and mitotic apparatus. Their chemical identity is not known, but they may very likely be actin.