cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes as risk factors for spina bifida and orofacial clefts.

Repairing DNA damage is critical during embryogenesis because development involves sensitive periods of cell proliferation, and abnormal cell growth or death can result in malformations. Knockout mouse experiments have demonstrated that disruption of DNA repair genes results in embryolethality and structural defects. Studies using mid-organogenesis rat embryos showed that DNA repair genes were variably expressed. It is hypothesized that polymorphisms that alter the functionality of DNA repair enzymes may modify the risk of malformations. We conducted a case-control analysis to investigate the relationship between DNA repair gene polymorphisms and the risk of spina bifida and oral clefts. Newborn screening blood spot DNA was obtained for 250 cases (125 spina bifida, 125 oral clefts) identified by the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, and 350 non-malformation controls identified from birth records. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms of five DNA repair genes representing three distinct repair pathways were interrogated including: XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), APE1 (Asp148Glu), XRCC3 (Thr241Met), hOGG1(Ser326Cys), XPD (Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln). Elevated or decreased odds ratios (OR, adjusted for race/ethnicity) for spina bifida were found for genotypes containing at least one copy of the variant allele for XPD [751Gln, OR = 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–2.50] and APE 148 (OR = 0.58; CI = 0.37–0.90). A decreased risk of oral clefts was found for XRCC3 (OR = 0.62; CI = 0.39–0.99) and hOGG1 (326 Cys/Cys, OR = 0.22; CI = 0.06–0.78). This study suggested that polymorphisms of DNA repair genes, representing different major repair pathways, may affect risk of two major birth defects. Future, larger studies, examining additional repair genes, birth defects, and interaction with exposures are recommended. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Application of Quantitative Spectral Analyses to Binary Mixtures of the Common Carotenoids

The application of quantitative spectral analyses to biological compounds was first reported by Kuhn and Smakula (1) in 1931. By trial and error, they varied the amounts of each component in solution until the resultant absorption curve was identical with that obtained for the unknown mixture. At best, this method is limited in its application. The accurate spectro-photoelectric method described by Zscheile, Hogness, and Young (2) has been used to obtain the quantitative data presented in this paper. From Lambert's law, we obtain this relationship2 (Zscheile, 3) :
Validating THERP: Assessing the scope of a full-scale validation of the Technique for Human Error Rate Prediction

Abstract Science-based Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) seeks to experimentally validate HRA methods in simulator studies. Emphasis is on validating the internal components of the HRA method, rather than the validity and consistency of the final results of the method. In this paper, we assess the requirements for a simulator study validation of the Technique for Human Error Rate Prediction (THERP), a foundational HRA method. The aspects requiring validation include the tables of Human Error Probabilities (HEPs), the treatment of stress, and the treatment of dependence between tasks. We estimate the sample size, n , required to obtain statistically significant error rates for validating HEP values, and the number of observations, m , that constitute one observed error rate for each HEP value. We develop two methods for estimating the mean error rate using few observations. The first method uses the median error rate, and the second method is a Bayesian estimator of the error rate based on the observed errors and the number of observations. Both methods are tested using computer-generated data. We also conduct a pilot experiment in The Ohio State University’s Nuclear Power Plant Simulator Facility. Student operators perform a maintenance task in a BWR simulator. Errors are recorded, and error rates are compared to the THERP-predicted error rates. While the observed error rates are generally consistent with the THERP HEPs, further study is needed to provide confidence in these results as the pilot study sample size is small. Sample size calculations indicate that a full-scope THERP validation study would be a substantial but potentially feasible undertaking; 40 h of observation would provide sufficient data for a preliminary study, and observing 101 operators for 20 h each would provide data for a full validation experiment.
WE-E-204B-02: Release Kinetics of Radio-Sensitizers from Nanoporous Coatings on Gold Fiducials: Biological In-Situ Dose-Painting for IGRT

Purpose: Image‐guidedradiation treatments routinely utilize radio‐opaque implantable devices, such as fiducials or brachytherapy spacers, for improved spatial accuracy. We study the hypothesis that the therapeutic efficiency of IGRT can be enhanced through simultaneous in‐situ delivery of radiosensitizers, contained within nanoparticles and nanoporouspolymer matrices coatinggold fiducial markers or spacers implanted in the tumor (BIS‐IGRT, Biological In‐Situ Image‐Guided Radiation Therapy). Methods and Materials: Biocompatible polymers loaded with model molecules were coated as a thin film on gold fiducials. The nanoporous morphology of the polymercoatings allowed controlled release of molecules and nanoparticles. Two experimental approaches were studied: (i) a free drug release system, (Doxorubicin, a hydrophilic drug in Poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA) coating) and (ii) Poly(D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with Coumarin‐6, a fluorescent model for a hydrophobic drug, in a chitosan matrix applied as gold fiducial coating. Measurements of temporal release kinetics in buffer and spatial release profiles in agarose were carried out using fluorescence spectroscopy. Results: For gold fiducials coated with Doxorubicin in PMMA matrix an initial release of Dox within the first few hours was followed by a sustained release over the course of next 3 months. Release of Dox from within PMMA matrix is dependent on the concentration of Dox, ratio of PMMA/Dox, thickness of PMMA/Dox coating on gold surface. The release profile of coumarin‐6 loaded nanoparticles from chitosan film on gold fiducials showed that (63±10)% of NPs were released in twenty days, and after that, the release became slower and additional 37% of release was observed after additional twenty‐days. Spatial release profiles in an agarose phantom were also measured and compared with release kinetics models. Conclusions: The results show that dosage and rate of release of these radiosenstizers can be precisely tailored to achieve the desired release profile for BIS‐IGRT.
Effect of chain interpenetration on polymer–polymer interaction in solution

Two series of monodisperse polystyrenes have been prepared with a molecular weight range of 3,000 to 300,000. One series was lightly substituted with dimethylbenzylamine groups, the other with 2,6 dinitro-4-benzoyloxyphenol groups. Members of each series were dissolved together in benzene solution in the range of 0.1–30%, and the equilibrium constant for the formation of the ammonium phenolate ion pair measured. Also measured was the corresponding equilibrium constant between comparable small molecular weight analogs, and between these analogs and the substituted polymers. The degree of association found between the models and between the models and the polymers was independent of molecular weight, but deviations were found in the polymer–polymer interaction. Normal equilibrium constants were found at high polymer concentrations indicating that chain interpenetration occurred freely. At low concentrations of polymer, if several links per chain were possible it was found an excess of linkages were formed. If only one link per chain was possible, low degrees of association were found for high molecular weight polymers, but the effect was not as large as a consideration of excluded volumes on a spherical model would predict.
Transonic flutter and gust-response tests and analyses of a wind-tunnel model of a torsion-free-wing fighter airplane

An exploratory study of a 1/5.5 size, complete airplane version of a torsion free wing (TFW) fighter aircraft was conducted. The TFW consisted of a wing/boom/canard assembly on each fuselage side that was interconnected by a common pivot shaft so that the TFW could rotate freely in pitch. The effect of the TFW was evaluated by comparing data obtained with the TFW free and the TFW locked to the fuselage. With the model mounted on cables to simulate an airplane free flying condition, flutter boundaries were measured at Mach number (M) from 0.85 to 1.0 and gust responses at M = 0.65 and 0.90. The critical flutter mode for the TFW free configuration was found experimentally to occur at M = 0.95 and had the rigid TFW pitch mode as its apparent aerodynamic driver.
A high speed impact actuator using multilayer piezoelectric ceramics

Abstract An impact actuator using multilayer piezoelectric ceramics is proposed and evaluated. The actuator includes a multilayer piezoelectric element, an impact hammer and a solid waveguide interposed between the piezoelectric element and the hammer. The principle of design is the use of a stress wave which is generated by the prestressed piezoelectric element when an electric pulse is applied. The waveguide transmits the stress wave to the impact hammer, and launches the hammer at a high initial velocity. A multilayer piezoelectric element 2 by 3 mm in cross section and 18 mm in length can launch a 0.15 g hammer to achieve a velocity of 263 cm/s, which is equivalent to a kinetic energy of 0.52 mJ. After the hammer flies forward to strike an object, it returns to the waveguide and hits the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element then acts as a sensor to detect the impact of the hammer in contact with the waveguide. In response to that detection, a consecutive pulse can be triggered to enable the actuator to operate. This principle is applied to the design of an actuator for high speed dot matrix printing. The results presented here demonstrate the capability of high speed operation and high energy transfer efficiency with large hammer travel.
Design and Enantioselective Synthesis of a Peptidomimetic of the Turn in the Helix−Turn−Helix DNA-Binding Protein Motif

A peptidomimetic of the turn in the helix−turn−helix (HTH) motif of DNA-binding proteins was designed and synthesized. Conformational constraint was achieved by an unusual linking of two amino acids with a side chain carbon−carbon bond. A phenyl ring provides the potential for new hydrophobic contacts with the hydrophobic core of the HTH motif. In the mimic, the peptide backbone and the central residue were retained in native form within a 12-membered cyclic tripeptide. The target compound 1b was synthesized by two sequential Horner−Wittig couplings followed by enantioselective hydrogenation with Rh(MeDuPHOS) in eight steps and 35% overall yield. The stereochemical outcome of the key hydrogenation was determined by aromatic ring oxidation with RuO2/NaIO4 to give 2 equiv of Boc-Asp-OMe.
OBJECT MODELING TO RE-ENGINEER LEGACY SYSTEMS

This paper summarizes our experiences in using computer-supported methods to develop a software architecture to support the re-engineering of the Janus Combat Simulation System. We have analyzed the Janus FORTRAN source code, interviewed Janus domain experts, developed an object-oriented architecture for the Janus Combat Simulation subsystem, and validated the architecture with an executable prototype. In this paper, we propose methods to facilitate the evolution of the software component of these systems by recovering the behavior of the systems using systematic methods, and illustrate their use in the context of the Janus System.
Optimization of a semianalytical ocean color model for global-scale applications

Semianalytical (SA) ocean color models have advantages over conventional band ratio algorithms in that multiple ocean properties can be retrieved simultaneously from a single water-leaving radiance spectrum. However, the complexity of SA models has stalled their development, and operational implementation as optimal SA parameter values are hard to determine because of limitations in development data sets and the lack of robust tuning procedures. We present a procedure for optimizing SA ocean color models for global applications. The SA model to be optimized retrieves simultaneous estimates for chlorophyll (Chl) concentration, the absorption coefficient for dissolved and detrital materials [a(cdm)(443)], and the particulate backscatter coefficient [b(bp)(443)] from measurements of the normalized water-leaving radiance spectrum. Parameters for the model are tuned by simulated annealing as the global optimization protocol. We first evaluate the robustness of the tuning method using synthetic data sets, and we then apply the tuning procedure to an in situ data set. With the tuned SA parameters, the accuracy of retrievals found with the globally optimized model (the Garver-Siegel-Maritorena model version 1; hereafter GSM01) is excellent and results are comparable with the current Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view sensor (SeaWiFS) algorithm for Chl. The advantage of the GSM01 model is that simultaneous retrievals of a(cdm)(443) and b(bp)(443) are made that greatly extend the nature of global applications that can be explored. Current limitations and further developments of the model are discussed.
A damage model for the continuum rheology of the upper continental crust

Abstract In orogenic zones it is often considered appropriate to use a continuum rheology to model the deformation of the upper continental crust. In this paper we derive an applicable rheology utilizing fiber-bundle and continuum-damage models. We show that the results are identical and yield a power relation between stress σ and strain rate e of the form σ=eρ−1. We constrain the applicable values of ρ utilizing Omori's law for the decay of aftershocks and conclude that ρ−1 is in the range of 5–15. With this strong nonlinear viscous rheology the behavior of the deforming upper crust approaches that of a perfect-plastic material.
Porosome in astrocytes

Secretion is a universal cellular process occurring in bakers yeast, to the complex multicellular organisms, to humans beings. Neurotransmission, digestion, immune response or the release of hormones occur as a result of cell secretion. Secretory defects result in numerous diseases and hence a molecular understanding of the process is critical. Cell secretion involves the transport of vesicular products from within cells to the outside. Porosomes are permanent cup-shaped supramolecular structures at the cell plasma membrane, where secretory vesicles transiently dock and transiently fuse to release intravesicular contents to the outside. In the past decade, porosomes have been determined to be the universal secretory machinery in cells, present in the exocrine pancreas, endocrine and neuroendocrine cells, and in neurons. In this study, we report for the first time the presence of porosomes in rat brain astrocytes. Using atomic force microscopy on live astrocytes, cup-shaped porosomes measuring 10–15 nm are observed at the cell plasma membrane. Further studies using electron microscopy confirm the presence of porosomes in astrocytes. Analogous to neuronal porosomes, there is a central plug in the astrocyte porosome complex. Immunoisolation and reconstitution of the astrocyte porosome in lipid membrane, demonstrates a structure similar to what is observed in live cells. These studies demonstrate that in astrocytes, the secretory apparatus at the cell plasma membrane is similar to what is found in neurons.
Single-cell analysis reveals transcriptional heterogeneity of neural progenitors in human cortex

The human cerebral cortex depends for its normal development and size on a precisely controlled balance between self-renewal and differentiation of diverse neural progenitor cells. Specialized progenitors that are common in humans but virtually absent in rodents, called outer radial glia (ORG), have been suggested to be crucial to the evolutionary expansion of the human cortex. We combined progenitor subtype-specific sorting with transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing to identify genes enriched in human ORG, which included targets of the transcription factor neurogenin and previously uncharacterized, evolutionarily dynamic long noncoding RNAs. Activating the neurogenin pathway in ferret progenitors promoted delamination and outward migration. Finally, single-cell transcriptional profiling in human, ferret and mouse revealed more cells coexpressing proneural neurogenin targets in human than in other species, suggesting greater neuronal lineage commitment and differentiation of self-renewing progenitors. Thus, we find that the abundance of human ORG is paralleled by increased transcriptional heterogeneity of cortical progenitors.
Differential levels of tissue hypoxia in the developing chicken heart.

Tissue hypoxia plays a critical role in normal development, including cardiogenesis. Previously, we showed that oxygen concentration, as assessed by the hypoxia indicator EF5, is lowest in the outflow tract (OFT) myocardium of the developing chicken heart and may be regulating events in OFT morphogenesis. In this study, we identified additional areas of the embryonic chicken heart that were intensely positive for EF5 within the myocardium in discrete regions of the atrial wall and the interventricular septum (IVS). The region of the IVS that is EF5-positive includes a portion of the developing central conduction system identified by HNK-1 co-immunostaining. The EF5 positive tissues were also specifically positive for nuclear-localized hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), the oxygen-sensitive component of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) heterodimer. The pattern of the most intensely EF5-stained myocardial regions of the atria and IVS resemble the pattern of the major coronary vessels that form in later stages within or immediately adjacent to these particular regions. These vessels include the sinoatrial nodal artery that is a branch of the right coronary artery within the atrial wall and the anterior/posterior interventricular vessels of the IVS. These findings indicate that a portion of the developing central conduction system and the patterning of coronary vessels may be subject to a level of regulation that is dependent on differential oxygen concentration within cardiac tissues and subsequent HIF-1 regulation of gene expression. Developmental Dynamics 235:115–123, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A line-focus collimator with a field of view of uniform thickness.

A new line-focus x-ray collimator features a field of view (FOV) with uniform thickness in the near field between the collimator and focal line. General design equations were developed and then constrained to define such a uniform FOV. A prototype collimator was experimentally evaluated using a Compton backscatter imaging technique. The full-width-tenth-max (FWTM) thickness, measured at 420 locations in the near field, showed good uniformity (1.51 ± 0.06 cm) and closely approximated the nominal design thickness (1.8 cm).
Doing Well by Doing Good: Understanding Hamas's Social Services as Political Advertising

Like many nonstate military actors, Hamas has long provided social services to its constituents, but the mechanism by which charity leads to increased public support is poorly understood. This article argues that providing charity benefits nonstate actors not because it isolates recipients or acts as a bribe but because it allows organizations like Hamas to overcome the legacies of their own military activities and extremist ideologies. Service provision allows them to demonstrate that they are not merely soldiers or ideologues, but capable bureaucrats and managers as well.
'Inverse agonists', cooperativity and drug action at benzodiazepine receptors

Abstract When two or more complex sites are coupled together on the same pattern complex, cooperative interactions between drugs and endogenous neurotransmitters may occur. The mechanism of action of drugs which bind with benzodiazepine receptors, including some compounds which have been referred to as ‘inverse agonists', can be explained by such a model. Drugs which act allosterically to modulate neurotransmission have some advantages over drugs which interact directly with the primary recognition site of neurotransmitter receptors. According to Frederick J. Ehlert these advantages can be explained using a model based on the assumption that the benzodiazepine receptor can exist in two conformational states.
Problem of data quality and the limitations of the infrastructure approach

The 'Infrastructure Approach' is a PACS implementation methodology wherein the archive, network and information systems interfaces are acquired first, and workstations are installed later. The approach allows building a history of archived image data, so that most prior examinations are available in digital form when workstations are deployed. A limitation of the Infrastructure Approach is that the deferred use of digital image data defeats many data quality management functions that are provided automatically by human mechanisms when data is immediately used for the completion of clinical tasks. If the digital data is used solely for archiving while reports are interpreted from film, the radiologist serves only as a check against lost films, and another person must be designated as responsible for the quality of the digital data. Data from the Radiology Information System and the PACS were analyzed to assess the nature and frequency of system and data quality errors. The error level was found to be acceptable if supported by auditing and error resolution procedures requiring additional staff time, and in any case was better than the loss rate of a hardcopy film archive. It is concluded that the problem of data quality compromises but does not negate the value of the Infrastructure Approach. The Infrastructure Approach should best be employed only to a limited extent, and that any phased PACS implementation should have a substantial complement of workstations dedicated to softcopy interpretation for at least some applications, and with full deployment following not long thereafter.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Outcomes of a patient‐to‐patient outbreak of genotype 3a hepatitis C

Between March 2000 and July 2001, at least 99 persons acquired a hepatitis C virus genotype 3a (HCV-3a) infection in an oncology clinic. This nosocomial HCV outbreak provided an opportunity to examine the subsequent clinical course in a well-defined cohort. This was a retrospective/prospective observational study of the short-term significant health outcomes of a large, single-source, patient-to-patient HCV-3a outbreak. Outbreak patients or their legal representatives consenting to study were enrolled between September 2002 and December 2007. We measured history and physical examinations, medical records, HCV serology, HCV RNA and genotype, liver enzymes, histology, response to antiviral therapy, and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Sixty-four of the 99 known HCV-3a outbreak patients participated. During a 6-year period, six patients developed life-threatening complications from liver disease, three died, one received a liver transplant, and two were stable after esophageal variceal banding or diuretic therapy of ascites. Thirty-three patients underwent antiviral therapy, with 28 achieving a sustained viral remission. One patient acquired HCV-3a infection sexually from an outbreak patient and was successfully treated. Eleven study patients died of malignancy, including two that had achieved a sustained viral remission after antiviral therapy. Conclusion: Our patient cohort had a nosocomial source and an oncologic or hematologic comorbidity. Compared with previous HCV outcome studies, a patient-to-patient HCV outbreak in an oncology clinic exhibited significant morbidity and mortality. Attention is needed to the public health risk of nosocomial HCV transmission, emphasizing infection control, early diagnosis, and therapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Field Stations and Marine Labs Urged to Adapt to Changing Economies and Technologies

More than 900 scientific field stations, marine laboratories, and nature reserves around the world provide valuable and often unique opportunities for research, education, and public outreach. They also are repositories of long-term data. However, if these scientific outposts—which often are in remote locations—are going to continue to survive and thrive in challenging economic times, “they will need to become more flexible, able to adapt to changing research technologies, to changing economies, and to the changing environment in which we are all embedded,” according to a 23 July report issued by a committee of the U.S. National Research Council.
Independent effects of HIV infection and cocaine dependence on neurocognitive impairment in a community sample living in the southern United States

Background Prior studies have established that methamphetamine and HIV can have additive deleterious effects on neurocognitive functioning, but there has been relatively little research on other stimulants like cocaine. This study investigated the effects of cocaine and HIV on neurocognitive impairment in a large, well-characterized sample.
Optical fluorescence and Raman biopsy of squamous cell carcinoma from the head and neck

Fluorescence, excitation, diffuse reflectance and FT-IR Raman spectral scans of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have been studied. Eleven specimens of squamous cell carcinoma in larynx, lymph node, throat, grand, soft palate and epiglotts and nine corresponding normal specimens was tested. The excitation spectral differences between squamous cell carcinoma and normal were investigated in the protein spectral range 260 nm to 300 nm. The ratios intensity at various excitation wavelengths were used as criterion to separate carcinoma and normal tissues. The t- test of these parameter have been made. The P values of all these three parameters are less than 0.005. The statistical results of sensitivity and specificity of using three parameters compared to pathological results are about 90 percent. The Raman spectroscopy was measured. Characteristics vibrational modes were used to separate out carcinoma and correlated with excitation spectroscopy data.
A theorem on interest rate differentials, risk and anticipated inflation

This paper develops a theorem to the effect that the difference in nominal interest rates between two securities of the same maturity but different risk is an increasing linear function of the anticipated rate of inflation. Even when society's inflationary. A preliminary attempt is made to estimate the real risk premiums that finance paper, bankers's, acceptances, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and Eurodollar deposits command over treasury bills. It is found, for example, that the real risk premium commanded by bankers’ acceptances over treasury bills is five basis points. This means that in a non-inflationary environment, bankers' acceptances would yeild five basis points more than treasury bills. This estimate and the other estimates obtained are not implausiable, but they are probably minimum estimates because of bias in the estimate of inflationary expectations.
Enzymatic properties of the 15-lipoxygenase of human cultured keratinocytes

Abstract The arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase or linoleic acid co-6 lipoxygenase of human neonatal foreskin cultured keratinocytes converts arachidonic acid to 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid and linoleic acid to 13-hydroxy-linoleic acid. A mean of 93% of the 15-lipoxygenase activity in sonicates of cultured keratinocytes was recovered in the 400,000 × g supernatant, attesting to the cytosolic localization of this enzyme. Optimal 15-lipoxygenase activity in the 400,000 × g supernatant was expressed at pH 6.7-7.3 and in the presence of calcium at a concentration of 2 mM or higher. Keratinocyte 15-lipoxygenase metabolized arachidonic acid (Km = 10.6 μM) and linoleic acid (Km = 9.5μM) with similar efficiency. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid both inhibited the conversion of arachidonic acid to 15-HETE with respective 50% inhibitory concentrations of 2.0 μM and 0.9 μM, while ATP, GTP, and cyclic AMP had no effect on activity at pH 6.8–7.2. The enzymatic properties of human keratinocyte 15-lipoxygenase thus resemble those of PMN leukocyte 15-lipoxygenase and the mediators generated may contribute to the regulation of cutaneous sensation and inflammation.
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of page kidney: Selected aspects

The Page kidney is a well-recognized cause of correctable hypertension. The case described herein illustrates certain select diagnostic features including the method of radiographic visualization of the capsule and subcapsular fluid-which appears to be related to both the volume of contrast material injected and the proper timing sequence of the radiographic examination. The chosen therapeutic approach was aimed at curing the hypertension while preserving maximal renal function. Aspiration therapy was used as an initial conservative procedure. Removal of the entire pseudocapsule followed in preference to nephrectomy.
Single Versus Customized Treatment Planning for Image-guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: Dosimetric Comparison and Predicting Factor for Organs at Risk Overdose With Single Plan Approach

Purpose To compare the dose distribution between customized planning (CP) and adopting a single plan (SP) in multifractionated high-dose-rate brachytherapy and to establish predictors for the necessity of CP in a given patient. Methods and Materials A total of 50 computed tomography-based plans for 10 patients were evaluated. Each patient had received 6 Gy for five fractions. The clinical target volume and organs at risk ( i.e., rectum, bladder, sigmoid, and small bowel) were delineated on each computed tomography scan. For the SP approach, the same dwell position and time was used for all fractions. For the CP approach, the dwell position and time were reoptimized for each fraction. Applicator position variation was determined by measuring the distance between the posterior bladder wall and the tandem at the level of the vaginal fornices. Results The organs at risk D 2cc (dose to 2 cc volume) was increased with the SP approach. The dose variation was statistically similar between the tandem and ring and tandem and ovoid groups. The bladder D 2cc dose was 81.95–105.42 Gy 2 for CP and 82.11–122.49 Gy 2 for SP. In 5 of the 10 patients, the bladder would have been significantly overdosed with the SP approach. The variation of the posterior bladder wall distance from that in the first fraction was correlated with the increase in the bladder D 2cc (SP/CP), with a correlation coefficient of −0.59. Conclusion Our results support the use of CP instead of the SP approach to help avoid a significant overdose to the bladder. This is especially true for a decrease in the posterior wall distance of ≥0.5 cm compared with that in the first fraction.
Effect of Time of Day on Perceived Exertion at Work Rates above and below the Ventilatory Threshold

Abstract The effect of time of day on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at various intensities of cycling exercise, both below and above the ventilatory threshold, was studied in 32 subjects, 18 to 35 years of age. The ventilatory threshold occurred at the same (p > .05) mean (± SD) work rate in the morning (110.6 ± 27.0 watts) and in the afternoon (111.9 ± 23.9 watts) and was perceived as equally strenuous (p > .05) in the morning (RPE = 13.8 ± 2.4) and in the afternoon (RPE = 13.6 ± 2.8). At intensities below the ventilatory threshold, RPE was the same (p > .05) in the morning and in the afternoon; above the ventilatory threshold, RPE was lower (p < .05) in the morning. We conclude that, during incremental submaximal cycling exercise above the ventilatory threshold, a particular work rate is perceived as less strenuous in the morning than in the afternoon. About 20% of this difference in RPE is explained by lower ventilatory demands in the morning.
Comparative life cycle assessment: Reinforcing wind turbine blades with carbon nanofibers

Wind energy conversion (WEC) is dependent on wind power density, which increases with elevation and swept area of the rotor. Many components are readily scalable and size-independent; whereas, turbine blades have presented a new frontier in aerodynamic design. As the limits of glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP) have been reached in this field, there is now a materials development problem in achieving outlooks for larger, more resilient WEC systems. A hybrid material is under development, which uses vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNF or CNF) to reinforce the interface of a glass fiber/epoxy matrix. This research aims to determine life cycle effects of substituting GFRP in large turbine blades with the hybrid material. A review of literature, databases, and industry reports on life cycle data for wind turbines helped to establish a baseline descriptive life cycle assessment (LCA). Trends of new installations were assessed to determine appropriate boundaries for comparison. Results indicate that cradle-to-gate processing energy of the new material is 1.4–7.7 times greater than for the original GFRP material on a MJ/kg basis under implicit assumptions of weight savings. Effects on energetic return on investment (EROI) vary from insignificant to substantial according to upstream process choices for CNF manufacture and solvent handling. All conclusions inherently assume that CNF-incorporation would lead to realizable technologies for substantially increasing either size or life span of turbine blades concomitant with weight savings. It is not yet substantiated whether replacement of long carbon fibers is advantageous both mechanically and energetically.
C48N12 and C48B12 as a donor–acceptor pair for molecular electronics

Abstract B3LYP/6-31G * calculations show that the most stable structures of C 48 B 12 and C 48 N 12 can still be considered as acceptor and donor, respectively. The rectifier property, however, whose typical characteristic is the energy difference between acceptor, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the donor, highest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level is calculated to be 0.82 eV, several order of magnitude larger than the 0.14 eV value calculated recently for less stable isomers at the same level of theory. This requires the application of a much larger voltage bias for the C 48 B 12 and C 48 N 12 pair to be considered as valid components in molecular electronics.
A Study of Firearms Mode Indicators

This study evaluates a current range of mode indicators (also called "safety mechanisms" or "selector switches") on various firearms. The purpose is to fill a gap in the current knowledge base. There are currently no studies of location or label design for the firearm mode indicator. This study evaluates experienced and novice users. With location, the more the mode indicator is in the user's line of sight, the more quickly it is found. The experienced group located the mode indicators in all locations more quickly than the novice group. In labeling, when the labels are less ambiguous, they are interpreted more correctly and with more confidence. Color needs to be studied further in order to determine which, if any, colors should be used to compliment other labels. Low participant numbers and high variances in the findings dictate that this must be treated as a pilot study; however, there is a trend in the data that indicates further study is warranted. Language: en
Complexes of acridine and 9-chloroacridine with I2: formation of unusual I6 chains through charge-transfer interactions involving amphoteric I2.

Acridine and 9-chloroacridine form charge-transfer complexes with iodine in which the nitrogen-bound I2 molecule is amphoteric; one end serves as a Lewis acid to the heterocyclic donor, while the other end acts as a Lewis base to a second I2 molecule that bridges two acridine.I2 units. In the acridine derivative [(acridine.I2)2.I2, 1], the dimer has a "zigzag" conformation, while in the 9-chloroacridine derivative [(9-Cl-acridine.I2)2.I2, 2], the dimer is "C-shaped". The thermal decomposition of the two complexes is very different. Compound 1 loses one molecule of I2 to form an acridine.I2 intermediate, which has not been isolated. Further decomposition gives acridine as the form II polymorph, exclusively. Decomposition of 2 involves the loss of two molecules of I2 to form a relatively stable intermediate [(9-Cl-acridine)2.I2, 3]. Compound 3 consists of two 9-Cl-acridine molecules bridged through N...I charge-transfer interactions by a single I2 molecule. This compound represents the first known example, in which both ends of an I2 molecule form interactions in a complex that is not stabilized by the extended interactions of an infinite chain structure. The ability of the terminal iodine of an N-bound I2 to act either as an electron donor (complexes 1 and 2) or as an electron acceptor (complex 3) can be understood through a quantum mechanical analysis of the systems. Both electrostatic interactions and the overlap of frontier molecular orbitals contribute to the observed behavior.
Motivating Persons with Dual Disorders: A Stage Approach:

Assessment of and intervention with persons with coexisting psychiatric and substance-use disorders can be complex, particularly because outcome research offers little guidance. Because clients may vary in the degree to which they recognize both disorders as problems, practitioners need strategies to help clients identify and accept their need for help. The author describes the integration and application of two conceptual models from addictions research, stages of change and motivational interviewing, to help engage and motivate clients to make the changes necessary for recovery from both disorders. The presentation of each model is followed by a discussion of their integration and use with this special population.
Progress in hot-film anemometry for hypersonic flow

A robust microsensor hot-film probe has been developed to obtain continuous turbulence measurements in moderately severe hypersonic environments. This probe represents a significant advancement of an existing concept. Optimization for hypersonic flow is achieved through sensor placement, the use of high-temperature materials, and state-of-the-art microphotolithographic fabrication techniques. Tests in Mach 6 air and Mach 11 helium flows have been very promising. The probe has exhibited excellent characteristics, including a frequency response that is a factor of 5 higher than that of previous hot-film sensors. The qualitative spectra of the anemometer fluctuations has been smooth and repeatable. Despite these improvements, heat conduction into the substrate still complicates the probe response. A review of the physics of this problem is presented along with a plan for the characterization of the response via several dynamic calibration techniques.
Formation of spectral lines in a planetary atmosphere—II. Spectroscopic evidence for the structure of the visible Venus clouds

We demonstrate in this article that there is spectroscopic evidence for the structure of the visible Venus cloud layers. From physically realistic models of the lower Venus atmosphere, we have shown that only observations of the phase variations of the CO2 bands in the Venus spectrum can provide the information for a unique identification of the structure of the cloud layers. It is proved that Venus cannot have a single dense cloud layer, but must have two scattering layers; a thin aerosol layer situated in the lower stratosphere, overlying a dense cloud deck. The aerosol plays an important role in the scattering of radiation, so that its identification provides an explanation of the reflecting layer-scattering model controversy for the interpretation of spectra formed in a cloudy planetary atmosphere.
Plasma exchange for severe hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis in an orthotopic heart transplant recipient

Abstract We here report a 33-year old male with diabetes, hypertension and history of orthotopic heart transplantation treated by plasma exchange for severe HTG (hypertriglyceridemia) induced pancreatitis. At the time of presentation, his serum TG (triglyceride) level was 10,278 mg/dL. He underwent one of the three planned sessions of plasma exchange, resulting in a decrease in TG level from 4728 mg/dL to 1708 mg/dL. The hospital course was complicated with shock, hemorrhagic transformation of the pancreatitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This prevented any further plasma exchange sessions. He was subsequently discharged home in a stable state and TG level of 80 mg/dL. Plasma exchange can be safely used to manage HTG induced pancreatitis in heart transplant recipients.
Effect of Iron Deficiency Anemia On Lead Distribution After Intravenous Dosing in Rats

Objective: To determine the effect of iron deficiency anemia on blood and tissue lead distribution.Methods: 24 weanling rats were divided into 2 groups. One group received an iron replete diet (200...
An Anisotropic Hyperelastic Model Applied to Nondegenerate and Degenerate Annulus Fibrosus

The intervertebral disc is comprised of complex components that provide the disc with nonlinear, viscoelastic and anisotropic mechanical properties. The annulus fibrosus (AF) is a highly organized structure composed of concentric layers of collagen fibers embedded in a proteoglycan matrix. The AF has a high tensile stiffness and supports the large loads encountered by the disc. Mathematical models are needed to interpret and elucidate the meaning of experimental measurements made in mechanical tests. Based upon the classic work of Spencer [1], the AF has been modeled as a fiber-induced anisotropic hyperelastic material [e.g.,2–6], using the principle invariants of the Green deformation tensor and structural tensors representing the collagen fiber populations. Contributions of other AF components to mechanical behaviors are less understood than the fibers or matrix and may include connections between collagens and proteoglycans that can be incorporated into models through fiber-matrix interactions [2–4]. The previous models, however, have not been applied to experimental data from both nondegenerate and degenerate tissue. Constitutive modeling applied to nondegenerate and degenerate AF may elucidate microstructural changes with degeneration, will be useful for finite element models [5], and provide targets for disc treatments, such as tissue engineered constructs [7].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Maturation of social reward in adult male Syrian hamsters does not depend on organizational effects of pubertal testosterone

The rewarding value of female sexual stimuli develops across puberty, as sexually-naive adult, but not prepubertal, male hamsters show a conditioned place preference (CPP) for both vaginal secretions and a receptive female. Similarly, only adults show an endogenous testosterone surge when they encounter vaginal secretions. Testosterone by itself can condition a place preference in male rodents. Therefore, Experiment 1 assessed whether the endogenous testosterone surge elicited by vaginal secretions is necessary to show a CPP. Both gonad-intact and gonadectomized, testosterone-treated adult males showed a CPP for vaginal secretions, indicating that the rewarding value of this social cue is independent of an endogenous testosterone surge. However, organizational effects of pubertal testosterone could be necessary for adolescent development of social reward, as pubertal testosterone organizes adult-typical expression of sexual behavior. To investigate this possibility, in Experiment 2, sexually-naive prepubertal and adult male hamsters were gonadectomized and received testosterone-filled capsules four weeks later. Testing began after two weeks of testosterone replacement. Adult males showed a CPP for both vaginal secretions and a receptive female, whether or not they experienced pubertal testosterone. Thus, the acquisition of positive valence of sexual stimuli is not organized by pubertal testosterone. Taken together, the ability of female sexual stimuli to serve as an unconditioned reward to adult male hamsters is independent of the chemosensory-induced endogenous testosterone surge and also organizational effects of pubertal testosterone. Instead, sexual reward may be dependent either on activational effects of testosterone or gonadal hormone-independent mechanisms.
Building Wrangler: A transformational data intensive resource for the open science community

With the growth of data in science and engineering fields and the I/O intense technologies used to carry out research with these massive datasets, it has become clear new solutions to support data research is required. In support of this, the Texas Advanced Computing Center presents Wrangler, the first open science research platform built from the ground up in support of data. Wrangler features a replicated 10 PB Lustre based parallel file system, compute capacity of 120 Intel Haswell nodes and 15 TB of RAM. In addition to the base system, Wrangler features a unique NAND flash-based storage system from DSSD, providing users with 0.5 PB of storage 1 TB/s bandwidth and 250 million IOP/s across the cluster. Supporting Hadoop, but not just Hadoop, Wrangler will provide current and future researchers with an environment supporting the most I/O intensive workflows in fields from astronomy to paleontology. With data at the forefront of Wrangler's mission, support for ETL workflows, data curation, and data publication will enable users as they both discover new results and publish their own research. Support for both SQL and noSQL databases and GIS based extensions will also be provided, allowing users to leverage these tools for both data cataloging and cross-study integration. Wrangler will allow users to focus more on what is most important to them, the data and knowledge gained from its analysis, and less on the details of curation and I/O optimization.
A cultural study of Chinese American women’s self-identification and education

This qualitative research aims to investigate the process of how Chinese American women develop their identities while growing up in the United States as daughters of Chinese immigrants. Specifically, the author explores the following questions: How do Chinese American women come to identify themselves as Chinese American, and act this identity in their everyday lives? How does the process of self-identification interact with their interpretations of how they are perceived and recognized? How do they incorporate educational messages from their family and schooling into their own understandings of the social world they live in? How have their understandings of their identity changed along the path with their encountering different social contexts and institutions? Through collecting personal accounts by interviews, the researcher intends to unravel the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and ethnicity, and illustrate how that would affect these Chinese American women’s educational experience and life outcomes accordingly.