cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of a Distributed GPU Implementation of Proton Computed Tomographic (pCT) Reconstruction

Proton computed tomography (pCT) is an imaging modality being developed to support targeted dose delivery in proton therapy. It aims to accurately map the distribution of relative stopping power in the imaged body. Because protons traverse material in non-linear paths, pCT requires individual proton processing and image reconstruction becomes a time-consuming process. We discuss the transformation of image reconstruction techniques from single CPU/GPU implementations to create a hybrid multi-CPU/GPU approach. We demonstrate a reduction of computation time from almost 7 hours down to 53 seconds.
Radiation-induced fragmentation of diamide extraction agents in ionic liquid diluents.

N,N,N′,N′-Tetraalkyldiglycolamides are extracting agents that are used for liquid–liquid extraction of trivalent metal ions in wet processing of spent nuclear fuel. This application places such agents in contact with the decaying radionuclides, causing radiolysis of the agent in the organic diluent. Recent research seeks to replace common molecular diluents (such as n-dodecane) with hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs), which have superior solvation properties. In alkane diluents, rapid radiolytic deterioration of diglycolamide agents can be inhibited by addition of an aromatic cosolvent that scavenges highly reactive alkane radical cations before these oxidize the extracting agent. Do aromatic ILs exhibit a similar radioprotective effect? To answer this question, we used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the fragmentation pathways in radiolysis of neat diglycolamides, their model compounds, and their solutions in the ILs. Our study indicates that aromatic ILs do not protec...
Stem Cells, Cloning, and Political Liberalism

This paper examines the political and policy making challenges posed by human embryonic stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer, known colloquially as cloning, by applying two facets of John Rawls' construct of political liberalism—the burdens of judgment and overlapping consensus—to consider how such seemingly intractable controversies are resolved in a constitutional democracy. The analysis underscores the importance of both civic and scientific education to promoting the capacity of citizens to achieve what Rawls calls an overlapping consensus of reasonable comprehensive doctrines.
Absolute differential and integral cross sections for charge transfer of keV O + with N 2

We report measurements of the absolute differential cross sections for charge transfer scattering of 0.5-, 0.85-, 1.5-, 2.8-, and 5-keV ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ by ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ at scattering angles between 0.04\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 3.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the laboratory frame. Cross sections for both ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}{(}^{4}S)$ ground-state and ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}{(}^{2}{D,}^{2}P)$ metastable projectiles are presented. The ground-state cross section is much smaller than that for the metastable state and the influence of the electronic state of the projectile on the angular distribution of the scattered neutrals is also very significant. The estimated total cross sections are compared with previous measurements.
Value-focused thinking: Identifying decision opportunities and creating alternatives

Conventional approaches to decisionmaking focus on alternatives. However, alternatives are relevant only because they are means to achieve values. Therefore, thinking about decision situations should begin with values. Value-focused thinking describes and illustrates concepts and procedures for creating better alternatives for your decision problems, identifying decision opportunities more appealing than the decision problems that confront you, and articulating and using your fundamental values to guide and integrate your decisionmaking activities. The ideas are relevant to your personal decisions and to the decision situations of organizations. The concepts and procedures are illustrated by an application at British Columbia Hydro and short descriptions of several other applications.
Statistical tests involving several independent gamma distributions

Statistical tests are developed regarding linear combinations of the parameters of several independent gamma populations. The tests are based on a generalized minimum chi-square procedure. On utilizing these, one can test hypotheses regarding the means or the scale parameters when the shape parameters are unknown. In these tests there is no need to assume the equality of the shape parameters of the underlying populations. Tests for comparing coefficients of variation of several gamma populations have also been developed. For the two population case, a power comparison of these tests with some existing tests is also presented. Two examples are provided to explain the procedure.
The two-thirds power model for predicting diffusion coefficients in liquids

Most of the models found in the literature for predicting diffusion coefficients in liquids take the viscosity of the solution as inversely proportional to the diffusivity. A model (previously derived for sucrose-water system)which considers the viscosity raised to the two-third power, is evaluated here using published data for the Benzene—Cylohexane, Ethanol-Water and Acetone-Chloroform systems. These results, and results for the sucrose-water system are compared with the experimental values, and with those obtained using the Hartley—Crank equation. Better agreement with the experimental values at low and in the middle of the concentration range was found when diffusivities were calculated using the model proposed than when using the Hartley-Crank equation.
Connexin37 forms high conductance gap junction channels with subconductance state activity and selective dye and ionic permeabilities

Gap junctions are thought to mediate the direct intercellular coupling of adjacent cells by the open-closed gating of an aqueous pore permeable to ions and molecules of up to 1 kDa or 10–14 A in diameter. We symmetrically altered the ionic composition or asymmetrically added 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-CF, M(r) = 376), a fluorescent tracer, to pairs of connexin37-transfected mouse neuro2A cells to examine the ionic and dye permeability of human connexin37 channels. We demonstrate that the 300-pS channel formed by connexin37 has an effective relative anion/cation permeability ratio of 0.43, directly converts to at least one intermediate (63 pS) subconductance state, and that 6-CF dye transfer is accompanied by a 24% decrease in unitary channel conductance. These observations favor a new interpretation of the gap junction pore consistent with direct ion-channel interactions or electrostatic charge effects common to more conventional multistate ion channels. These results have distinct implications about the different forms of intercellular signaling (cationic, ionic, and/or biochemical) that can occur depending on the expression and conformation of the connexin channel proteins.
Determinants of distortions in CO2 catheter sampling systems: A mathematical model☆

A mathematical model was developed to predict the distortions in the measured expiratory CO2 concentration time profile caused by catheter sampling systems. Parameters considered included the expiratory flow and concentration profiles, the sample flow rate, the sample tube dimensions and the sample cell volume. Unless care is taken in choosing the parameters of a catheter sampling system, particularly in the presence of low expiratory flow rates and short expiratory times, the CO2 concentration profile may be severely distorted. In worst case situations end tidal CO2 plateaux may not be recognized or alternately artifactual plateaux may be produced. Sample flow rate and sample cell volume are the most important parameters while distortion within the sample tube itself is relatively less important.
Relativistic numerical model for close neutron-star binaries.

We describe a numerical method for calculating the (3+1)-dimensional general relativistic hydrodynamics of a coalescing neutron-star binary system. The relativistic field equations are solved at each time slice with a spatial three-metric chosen to be conformally flat. Against this solution to the general relativistic field equations, the hydrodynamic variables and gravitational radiation are allowed to respond. The gravitational radiation signal is derived via a multipole expansion of the metric perturbation to the hexadecapole ({ital l}=4) order including both mass and current moments and a correction for the slow-motion approximation. Using this expansion, the effect of gravitational radiation on the system evolution can also be recovered by introducing an acceleration term in the matter evolution. In the present work we illustrate the method by applying this model to evaluate various orbits of two neutron stars with a gravitational mass of 1.45{ital M}{sub {circle_dot}} near the time of the final merger. We discuss the evidence that, for a realistic neutron-star equation of state, general relativistic effects may cause the stars to individually collapse into black holes prior to merging. Also, the strong fields cause the last stable orbit to occur at a larger separation distance and lower frequency than previously estimated. {copyright}more » {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}« less
Health Reform In Massachusetts Cut The Uninsurance Rate Among Children In Half

Massachusetts’ 2006 health reform cut the uninsurance rate for children approximately in half in the first two years following implementation. The state now has the lowest rate of uninsurance among children in the nation. More children became enrolled in MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, and in employer-sponsored insurance. Most of the coverage increases occurred among lower-income children, many of whom were eligible for but not enrolled in MassHealth prior to reform. We derive a major lesson for national health reform: that outreach, enrollment simplifications, and coverage expansions to parents and children can lead to substantial reductions in the number of uninsured children, particularly among children in the lowest-income families.
Imaging of terahertz fields and responses

ABSTRACT In recent years it has become possible to generate terahertz-frequency (THz) elds that are strong enough toinduce nonlinear responses in ordinary molecules and materials. Part of the development of THz technology andnonlinear spectroscopy has relied on optical imaging of THz eld pro les and their time and position-dependentevolution. A THz \polaritonics" platform enables extensive control over THz elds that are generated; integrationof functional elements such as bandgap structures and metamaterial devices; optical imaging of the THz nearand far elds with subcycle temporal and subwavelength spatial resolution; and exploitation of the results fornonlinear spectroscopy. .Keywords: Terahertz, polaritonics, ultrafast imaging, waveguides, photonic crystals, homogenization, gradientrefractive index (GRIN) 1. INTRODUCTION On-chip control of terahertz (THz) elds in a slab of ferroelectric crystal, termed THz polaritonics 1 , has witnessedsigni cant developments in the last 15 years. Using ultrafast pulses, THz elds can be generated in either lithiumniobate (LN) or lithium tantalate (LT) through impulsive stimulated Raman scattering
Baseline Performance Measurement for Human Performance Evaluation

The problem of determining baselines for human performance measurement is neither peculiar to people concerned with military system performance nor to those associated with educational systems. It has traditionally been easier to compare performance of, for example, the experimental group to the control group or system “a” to system “b”, than it has been to determine some base of performance characteristic of a group of people and then to measure the effect of change from there.In education, the question of not only philosophical but very practical consequence is how do we know when someone is working at his level? Do attempts to standardize presentation methodology and time consider performer variations adequately? In engineering, the human factors specialist is also concerned with workload and overload in terms of system performance decrement. If the pilot of a high performance tactical fighter must perform a precise tracking task, and at the same time navigate and monitor his aircraft systems while sub...
T-maze alternation, response patterning, and septo-hippocampal circuitry in rats

The effects of small electrolytic lesions in the posterodorsal septal area (aimed at the precommissural fornix) on acquisition and retention of either a spatio-temporal task (contingently reinforced T-maze alternation) or a temporal task (response patterning in a straight runway) were investigated in Long-Evans rats. Acquisition of T-maze alternation was impaired following posterodorsal septal lesions, but with extensive training there was evidence of learning. Postoperative retention of T-maze alternation was also impaired by posterodorsal septal lesions but, again, with continued practice the experimental animals relearned the task and came to perform as well as controls. Postoperative acquisition of response patterning in a runway was significantly but not greatly impaired by posterodorsal septal lesions. The experimental animals did pattern, but not as well as controls, even after substantial practice. Retention of response patterning was severely impaired following lesions in the posterodorsal septum but, as in the T-maze task, experimental animals improved significantly in performance with postoperative practice. The results were interpreted in the light of two recent formulations of the functions of the septo-hippocampal system: cognitive mapping and working memory. However, the data are not conclusive and suggest that inhibition theories of septo-hippocampal function are possibly relevant.
A Co-Twin Control Study of the Effects of the Vietnam War on the Self-reported Physical Health of Veterans

This study examines the impact of military service on 13 categories of self-reported physical health problems by using a sample of 2,260 American male-male monozygotic twin pairs who served on active duty during the Vietnam War. Data were collected in 1987 by using mail and/or telephone interviews. Twins who served in Southeast Asia reported an increased prevalence of currently having hearing problems (odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.3-2.7) and persistent skin conditions (OR = 2.1, 95% Cl 1.4-3.2). Odds ratios for these health problems increased with increasing combat exposure and could not be explained by confounding due to posttraumatic stress disorder or demographic or military service factors. Significantly increased odds ratios were also demonstrated for ever having hearing problems (OR = 1.8, 95% Cl 1.3-2.5), ever having persistent skin conditions (OR = 2.1, 95% Cl 1.5-3.0), and having been hospitalized for stomach conditions (OR = 2.6, 95% Cl 1.4-4.9). Marginally increased odds ratios were demonstrated for ever having stomach conditions (OR = 1.4, 95% Cl 1.0-1.9) and urinary conditions (OR = 1.5, 95% Cl 1.0-2.1). Service in Southeast Asia was not associated with any of the remaining categories of physical health problems. Thus, although the past health of veterans who served in Southeast Asia may have been somewhat worse than that of their siblings who did not serve in southeast Asia, no major differences in current health are detected.
Assessing Sex Offender Recidivism Using Multiple Measures: A Longitudinal Analysis

While the recidivistic activity of sex offenders has received considerable attention from researchers, most studies have been limited by using a single measurement of recidivism. Using arrest/convi...
In Vitro Assembly of Sindbis Virus Core-Like Particles from Cross-Linked Dimers of Truncated and Mutant Capsid Proteins

A nucleic acid-bound capsid protein dimer was previously identified using a Sindbis virus in vitro nucleocapsid assembly system and cross-linking reagents. Cross-link mapping, in combination with a model of the nucleocapsid core, suggested that this dimer contained one monomer from each of two adjacent capsomeres. This intercapsomere dimer is believed to be the initial intermediate in the nucleocapsid core assembly mechanism. This paper presents the purification of cross-linked dimers of a truncated capsid protein and the partial purification of cross-linked dimers of a full-length assembly-defective mutant. The assembly of core-like particles from these cross-linked capsid protein dimers is demonstrated. Core-like particles generated from cross-linked full-length mutant CP(19-264)L52D were examined by electron microscopy and appeared to have a morphology similar to that of wild-type in vitro-assembled core-like particles, although a slight size difference was often visible. Truncated cross-linked CP(81-264) dimers generated core-like particles as well. These core-like particles could subsequently be disassembled when reversible cross-linking reagents were used to form the dimers. The ability of the covalent intercapsomere cross-link to rescue capsid proteins with assembly defects or truncations in the amino-terminal region of the capsid protein supports the previous model of assembly and suggests a possible role for the amino-terminal region of the protein.
How Four Once Common Diseases Were Eliminated From The American South

Four major diseases stigmatized the American South in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: yellow fever, malaria, hookworm, and pellagra. Each disease contributed to the inhibition of economic g...
Childhood exposure to ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is linked to epigenetic modifications and impaired systemic immunity in T cells

Background Evidence suggests that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increases atopy; it is unclear how PAH exposure is linked to increased severity of atopic diseases.
Confronting the Contradictions: A Case Study of Early Childhood Teacher Development in Neoliberal Times

As neoliberal polices that emphasize governing the modern state through market-based principles expand across the globe, they are altering the training of early childhood teacher candidates. This creates a range of challenges for those teacher educators who are critical of this reform process. This article presents an instrumental case study that examined the impact of neoliberal education reforms on the development of a sample of early education teacher candidates. Analyzing this case of teacher development offers teacher educators the opportunity to consider the practical and critical steps they might take to better prepare their candidates for these reforms. Doing so will help teacher candidates develop early learning experiences for their children that teach them to become engaged democratic citizens rather than compliant consumers within the neoliberal state.
Laboratory Tests for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Canine and Feline Enteropathies

Chronic enteropathies are commonly encountered in both cats and dogs. Although definitive diagnosis often requires collection of gastrointestinal biopsies for histopathologic evaluation, less invasive laboratory tests can be highly informative and should be performed prior to biopsy collection. Tests for determination of infectious causes comprise those for helminthic, protozoal, bacterial, or fungal organisms. Intestinal function and disease may be assessed by measuring serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, and C-reactive protein, and fecal concentrations of α(1)-proteinase inhibitor. Ongoing research has led to development of tests for serum perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies, and fecal inflammatory markers, including S100-proteins and N-methylhistamine.
Through a Glass and Darkly: Attitudes Toward International Trade and the Curious Effects of Issue Framing

Are most voters opposed to globalization? A growing body of empiri- cal research, using data from available surveys of public opinion, suggests that anti- globalization sentiments are strong, especially among blue-collar workers+ This article reports the findings from a survey experiment aimed at measuring the impact of issue framing on individuals'stated attitudes toward international trade+ Respondents given an antitrade introduction to the survey question, linking trade to the possibility of job losses, were 17 percent less likely to favor increasing trade with other countries than were those asked the same question without any introduction at all+ Curiously, respondents who were given a protrade introduction to the question, suggesting that trade can lead to lower prices for consumers, were not more likely to express sup- port for trade than those who received no introduction+ In addition, the responses of less educated individuals were more sensitive to framing effects than those of highly educated individuals+ Without measuring and taking these types of framing effects into account, opinion surveys offer unreliable guides to gauging the extent ~and dis- tribution! of opposition to trade among voters+ Results from a second experiment reveal that knowledge of the endorsement of trade openness by economists mitigates framing effects and raises overall support for trade liberalization by a substantial degree+
"On" freezing in Parkinson's disease: resistance to visual cue walking devices.

OBJECTIVE To measure “on” freezing during unassisted walking (UW) and test if two devices, a modified inverted stick (MIS) and a visual laser beam stick (LBS) improved walking speed and number of “on” freezing episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). BACKGROUND Multiple visual cues can overcome “off” freezing episodes and can be useful in improving gait function in parkinsonian patients. These devices have not been specifically tested in “on” freezing, which is unresponsive to pharmacologic manipulations. METHODS Patients with PD, motor fluctuations and freezing while “on,” attempted walking on a 60-ft track with each of three walking conditions in a randomized order: UW, MIS, and LBS. Total time to complete a trial, number of freezes, and the ratio of walking time to the number of freezes were compared using Friedman's test. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients with PD, mean age 67.81 years (standard deviation [SD] 7.54), mean disease duration 13.04 years (SD 7.49), and mean motor Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score “on” 32.59 (SD 10.93), participated in the study. There was a statistically significant correlation of time needed to complete a trial and number of freezes for all three conditions (Spearman correlations: UW 0.973, LBS 0.0.930, and MIS 0.842). The median number of freezes, median time to walk in each condition, and median walking time per freeze were not significantly different in pairwise comparisons of the three conditions (Friedman's test). Of the 28 subjects, six showed improvement with the MIS and six with the LBS in at least one outcome measure. CONCLUSION Assisting devices, specifically based on visual cues, are not consistently beneficial in overcoming “on” freezing in most patients with PD. Because this is an otherwise untreatable clinical problem and because occasional subjects do respond, cautious trials of such devices under the supervision of a health professional should be conducted to identify those patients who might benefit from their long-term use.
Colonic ischemia complicating open vs endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective Colonic ischemia (CI) is a known complication of both open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Despite a relatively low incidence of 1% to 6%, the associated morbidity and mortality are high. We sought to analyze factors that affect the development of CI on the basis of type of repair as well as associated outcomes from a large nationwide database. Methods All admissions undergoing AAA repair were selected from the 2003 and 2004 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to compare outcome measures and identify independent predictors of development of colonic ischemic complications. Results We identified 89,967 admissions for AAA repair (mean age, 69.9 years). Open elective repair was performed in 49% of cases, elective EVAR in 41%, and ruptured aneurysm repair in 9%. The overall incidence of CI was 2.2% (1941 cases); however, the incidence for specific procedures was significantly higher after repair of ruptured aneurysm (8.9%) and open elective repair (1.9%) than after EVAR (0.5%; both P P Conclusions CI is significantly more common after open AAA repair and is associated with increased morbidity and a two- to fourfold increase in mortality.
Reversibility, Dopant Desorption, and Tunneling in the Temperature-Dependent Conductivity of Type-Separated, Conductive Carbon Nanotube Networks

We present a comprehensive study of the effects of doping and temperature on the conductivity of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks. We investigated nearly type-pure networks as well as ...
How we conduct ongoing programmatic evaluation of our medical education curriculum

Evaluation of undergraduate medical education programs is necessary to meet accreditation standards; however, implementation and maintenance of an adequate evaluation process is challenging. A curriculum evaluation committee (CEC) was established at the Penn State University College of Medicine in 2000 to complement the already established activities of the Office of the Vice Dean for Medical Education and the Committee on Undergraduate Medical Education. Herein, we describe the methodology used by the CEC at our academic medical center and outcomes attributable to the curriculum evaluation process that was enacted. Strengths of our process include ongoing, regular assessments that guarantee a course is reviewed at least every two years and a feedback loop whereby course directors are held accountable for implementing changes when necessary. Our evaluative process has proven effective, sustainable, and has identified additional areas for curricular improvements.
Organic polymer thin-film transistor photosensors

We present our study of the effects of monochromatic illumination on the electrical performance of organic polymer thin-film transistors (OP-TFTs) and the use of these devices as photosensors. In the case of monochromatic illumination that is strongly absorbed by the polymer, the drain current of a device biased in the OFF-state is significantly increased and the threshold voltage is reduced. Light that is not strongly absorbed by the polymer has little effect on the electrical performance of the OP-TFTs. We explain these effects in terms of the photogeneration of excitons in the polymer channel region of the device. The density of excitons generated in the polymer depends on the energy of the incident photons, as well as on the irradiance level of the incident illumination. The photogenerated excitons subsequently dissociate into electrons and holes. The electrons can be trapped by positively charged states, thereby reducing the threshold voltage, while the photogenerated holes contribute to the excess photocurrent measured at the drain. To demonstrate the possible use of OP-TFTs as photosensors, we also present the responsivity, photosensitivity (signal-to-noise ratio), external quantum efficiency, noise-equivalent power, and specific detectivity of these devices. The dependence of these parameters on the incident photon energy and irradiance level is described.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection.

We investigated the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of susceptible (SJL) and resistant (C57BL/6 [B6]) strains of mice. TMEV is an excellent model of virus-induced demyelinating disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous studies of others have suggested that NO may play a role in the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease. The presence and level of iNOS were determined in the brains and spinal cords of SJL and B6 TMEV-infected mice by the following methods: (i) PCR amplification of iNOS transcripts, followed by Southern blotting with an iNOS-specific probe, and (ii) immunohistochemical staining with an anti-iNOS-specific affinity-purified rabbit antibody. iNOS-specific transcripts were determined in the brains and spinal cord of both SJL and B6 TMEV-infected mice on days 0 (control), days 3, 6, and 10 (encephalitic stage of disease), and days 39 to 42, 66, and 180 (demyelinating phase) postinfection (p.i.). iNOS-specific transcripts were found in the brains and spinal cords of both SJL and B6 TMEV-infected mice at 6, 10, and 39 (SJL) days p.i., but they were absent in mock-infected mice and in TMEV-infected SJL and B6 mice at 0, 3, 66, and 180 days p.i. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of iNOS protein in both TMEV-infected SJL and B6 mice at days 6 and 10 p.i., but not at days 0, 3, 66, and 180 days p.i. Weak iNOS staining was also observed in TMEV-infected SJL mice at 42 days p.i. iNOS-positive staining was found in reactive astrocytes surrounding areas of necrotizing inflammation, particularly in the midbrain. Weak iNOS staining was also observed in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage in areas of parenchymal inflammation and necrosis (mesencephalon) and in leptomeningeal and white matter perivascular infiltrates of the spinal cord. Rod-shaped microglia-like cells and foamy macrophages (myelin-laden) were iNOS negative. These results suggest that NO does not play a direct role in the late phase of demyelinating disease in TMEV-infected mice.
PRISM‐INDUCED HOROPTER DISTORTIONS

— The effects that lateral prisms have on the horopter were evaluated in 11 subjects, including 6 subjects classified as binocularly abnormal. For normal subjects with good stereopsis the equidistance (stereoscopic distance matching) horopter shape was altered with the application of lateral prism. For other subjects this was not the case. Equidirection (nonius) horopters were unchanged by the application of lateral prism in all of the subjects tested. In addition to localized irregularities in the horopter locus, shifts in fixation disparity produced regional distortions of the horopter.
Short-pulse carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the neck

Abstract Background: Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser resurfacing of the face has become an increasingly popular procedure. However, laser resurfacing of the neck has been largely avoided because of fears of scarring or pigmentation changes. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and incidence of complications after short-pulse CO 2 laser resurfacing of the neck. Methods: A total of 308 patients received concomitant face and neck CO 2 laser resurfacing. A 90 -μs pulse duration CO 2 laser without a scanner was used in all cases for 2 passes on the neck (10.6-μm wavelength, 500-mJ pulse energy, 90-μs duration, 3-mm spot size) and a continuous CO 2 laser with a computer-generated scanner (396-μs dwell time, 18 W) was used for 3 passes over the face except for the perioral area, which received 4 passes. The incidence of scarring or permanent pigmentation changes was determined. Forty patients who had been treated at least 6 months but no longer than 18 months earlier were randomly surveyed by phone to assess the degree of improvement. Results: Of the 308 patients treated, there were no cases of scarring or permanent pigmentation changes. Surveyed patients reported a 39% improvement in rhytides and tightening on the neck. Conclusion: Resurfacing of the neck can be performed safely in conjunction with resurfacing of the face. Patients may be offered improvement in the neck with little chance of scarring or permanent pigmentary changes when resurfacing on the neck is performed by means of a short-pulse duration laser for a limited number of passes instead of the more aggressive laser parameters previously used such as continuous long-pulse duration treatments. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:72-6.)
Truthmakers, Moral Responsibility, and an Alleged Counterexample to Rule A

Charles Hermes argues that the Direct Argument for the incompatibility of determinism and moral responsibility fails because one of the inference rules on which it relies, Rule A, is invalid. Rule A states that if a proposition p is broadly logically necessary, then p is true and no one is, or ever has been, even partly morally responsible for the fact that p. Hermes purports to offer a counterexample to Rule A which focuses on agents’ moral responsibility for disjunctions. Hermes’s objection is motivated by the idea that the logic of moral responsibility ought to be based on the logic of truthmakers rather than the logic of propositions. I show that the logic of moral responsibility does not track the logic of truthmakers and defend the validity of Rule A against Hermes’s objection.
Semidwarf Cottons and Bollworm Attack

Investigations of Heliothis zea (Boddie) attack on cottons differing in growth and fruiting characteristics were conducted in Texas in 1971–72. Numbers of fruits damaged on the indeterminate variety ‘Deltapine 16’, were similar to that recorded on experimental semidwarf determinate strains. Bollworms, as they fed, moved much less on the diminutive cottons in comparison to Deltapine 16. Thresh-hold studies showed that 9000 worms/acre for 3 infestation periods reduced yields 134–144 lb lint/acre. However, the 3 infestation subplots still produced ca. 1000 lb lint/acre. Delayed maturity as a result of the released infestations was recorded in the Deltapine 16 subplots; maturity was unaffected in the experimental semidwarf strain.
An Evaluation and Comparison of Some Tests for the Validity of the Assumption that the Underlying Distribution of Life Is Exponential

Abstract The exponential distribution is frequently assumed to represent life testing data and the validity of this assumption is verified by using one of the many tests available for this situation. This paper compares the relative power of 16 of the tests available for validating the assumption of exponentiality. Operating characteristic curves are empirically determined for each test. Comparisons are then made to determine the best test.
Electronic influences on metallophilic interactions in [Pt(tpy)X][Au(C6F5)2] double salts.

Four double salt compounds of the type [Pt(tpy)X][Au(C6F5)2], where tpy =2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine and X = Cl, 3, Br, 4, I, 5, and CCPh, 6, and their platinum starting materials, [Pt(tpy)Br]Br·2H2O, 1, and [Pt(tpy)(CCPh)]PF6·DMF·H2O, 2, have been synthesized and characterized. Complex 2 is a solvated form of the known and structurally characterized [Pt(tpy)(CCPh)]PF6 species. All compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and solution electronic spectra. Structural characterization shows that compounds 3 and 4 are similar in the solid state and form cation−anion stacking patterns while compounds 5 and 6 form chains of cations supported by metallophilic interactions with anion partners on either side of the chains. Solution studies (UV−vis and fluorescence) strongly suggest that there are no Pt···Au interactions in solution state. Electronic structure calculations with density functional theory (DFT) elucidate the subtle changes in the electronic scaffolding of the ...
On stabilization of scattering resonances in recombination reaction that forms ozone

Calculations of energy transfer in the recombination reaction that forms ozone are carried out within the framework of the mixed quantum/classical theory and using the dimensionally reduced 2D-model of ozone molecule, with bending motion neglected. Recombination rate coefficients are obtained at room temperature for symmetric and asymmetric isotopomers of singly and doubly substituted isotopologues. The processes of resonance formation, spontaneous decay, collisional dissociation, and stabilization by bath gas (Ar) are all characterized and taken into account within the steady-state approximation for kinetics. The focus is on stabilization step, where the mysterious isotopic η-effect was thought to originate from. Our results indicate no difference in cross sections for stabilization of scatteringresonances in symmetric and asymmetric isotopomers. As practical results, the general and simple analytic models for stabilization and dissociation cross sections are presented, which can be applied to resonances in any ozone molecule, symmetric or asymmetric, singly or doubly substituted. Present calculations show some isotope effect that looks similar to the experimentally observed η-effect, and the origin of this phenomenon is in the rates of formation/decay of scatteringresonances, determined by their widths, that are somewhat larger in asymmetric isotopomers than in their symmetric analogues. However, the approximate two-dimensional model used here is insufficient for consistent and reliable description of all features of the isotopic effect in ozone. Calculations using an accurate 3D model are still needed.
Transcriptional regulation of interleukin-3 expression in megakaryocytes

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a potent stimulator of megakaryocyte proliferation, and autocrine production of IL-3 by megakaryocytic leukemia cell lines and bone marrow-derived megakaryocytes has recently been demonstrated. To characterize the transcriptional regulation of IL-3 in megakaryocytes, we transiently transfected IL-3 promoter CAT constructs that contain variable amounts of 5' flanking sequences into the human CMK and CMK-6 megakaryocytic cell lines and identified two positive acting transcriptional regulatory regions, one located between bp -315 and -284, which contains consensus AP-1 and ets binding sites, and a second located between bp -173 and -61. DNase I footprinting assays using CMK or CMK-6 nuclear extracts demonstrate DNA-protein interactions in the identical region protected by T cell or natural killer cell nuclear extracts (between bp -165 to -128), and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrate the binding of proteins to three distinct portions of this region. To characterize the transcription factors in megakaryocytic cells that could bind to these two regulatory regions, we performed Northern blot analyses, which showed the presence of ets-1, elf-1 (which is thought to be restricted to T cells), NF-IL3A and AML1 mRNAs, as well as c-fos, jun B, and jun D, but not c-jun mRNA. These studies show that the transcriptional regulation of IL-3 expression in megakaryocytic leukemia cell lines is similar, but not identical to normal human T cells.
SOLUTION ANALYSIS OF THE BOTTOM PRESSURE IN DUAL POROUS COMPOSITE RESERVOIR

This paper studies the solution of dimensionless bottom pressure in Laplac-space about variable rate under two inner boundary conditions. On the base of the structure and relation of the solutions analysis, the relation of bottom pressure is found out in common composite reservoir, dual porous reservoir and homogeneous reservoir, and corresponding application of the solution is simply introduced. The research makes well test theory perfect ,and makes well test software have more application value.
Sensitivity of muscle proton spin-spin relaxation time as an index of muscle activation

The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum number of contractions that are needed to detect an increase in the muscle proton spin-spin relaxation time (T2) at a given exercise intensity. Five healthy human subjects performed five sets of an exercise that included concentric and eccentric contractions of the elbow-flexor muscles with loads that were 25 or 80% of maximum. With the 80% load, the five sets involved 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 repetitions of the exercise; with the 25% load the five sets were 2, 5, 10, 20, or 40 repetitions. The upper arm of each subject was imaged before and immediately after each set of the exercise. Spin-echo images (repetition time/echo time = 2,000 ms/30, 60, 90, and 120 ms) were collected using an extremity coil, and T2 values were calculated. The signal intensity was measured from the elbow-flexor and -extensor muscles and from the bone marrow of the humerus. With the 80% load, T2 increased in the short head of the biceps brachii after two repetitions of the elbow exercise and after five repetitions in the brachialis and the long head of the biceps brachii. With the 25% load, T2 became longer after five repetitions of the exercise for the short head of the biceps brachii and after 10 repetitions for the brachialis and the long head of the biceps brachii. T2 varied linearly with the number of contraction repetitions for each of the elbow-flexor muscles at either load (r2 > or = 0.97, P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dancing with the devil: explaining the European Union’s engagement with Ukraine under Viktor Yanukovych

AbstractViktor Yanukovych’s ouster from power in 2014 was widely celebrated in Europe as a step forward for democracy in Ukraine. What is now somewhat forgotten, however, is that the European Union (EU) was closely engaged with the Yanukovych regime, offering it a favorable Association Agreement even as the country regressed with respect to democracy. This article examines the EU’s policy toward Ukraine during Yanukovych’s presidency (2010–2014), highlighting the disconnection between the EU’s rhetorical commitment to democracy and events in Ukraine. It explores the attempt by the EU to impose conditionality, arguing that EU frustration with Ukraine eventually led it to water down its demands in the hopes of claiming success in furthering EU–Ukraine ties.
Scaling Data Analytics with Moore's Law

Analyzing the volume, variety and velocity of big data requires the use of modern heterogeneous computing platforms composed of multicores with SIMD execution units, GPUs, clusters, FPGAs and in the future new reconfigurable architectures. However, programming in this environment is extremely challenging due to the need to use multiple low-level programming models and then combine them together in ad-hoc ways. Furthermore, many data analytics algorithms do not take full advantage of modern hardware capabilities. To optimize big data applications both for modern hardware and for modern programmers needs algorithms specialized for modern hardware and a high-level programming model that executes efficiently on heterogeneous parallel hardware. In this talk, I will describe the Delite DSL framework, which uses nested parallel patterns encapsulated in domain specific languages (DSLs). I will describe how a nested parallel pattern based programming model can be used to develop new data analytics algorithms that are optimized for architectures as diverse as multicore/NUMA, clusters, GPUs, FPGAs and a new reconfigurable architecture called Plasticine.
Managing Stress: Human Resource Management Interventions for Stress and Eustress

Despite its importance, workplace stress is not well understood in terms of its impact on employees. Workers experience stressful circumstances all the time--including working conditions, work expectations, and interpersonal interactions. People experience stress both psychologically and physically--as a stimullus, a reaction, and as a cognitive/affective/physiological state. We review three distinct concepts that influence stress at work: stressors, stress response, and stress-related outcomes. Stress-related outcomes are described as either eustress--a healthy, positive outcome of stress, and distress--outcomes associated with negative stress. A case study presents two organizations and how managers differentially experienced stress, providing a resource to better understand the key role of HRM in workplace stress.
Auditory adaptation improves tactile frequency perception.

Auditory signals can influence the tactile perception of temporal frequency. Multiple neural mechanisms could account for the perceptual interactions between contemporaneous auditory and tactile si...
Illustrating the Way: The Life and Times of Bhikṣuṇī Shig Hiu Wan

Bhikṣuṇī Shig Hiu Wan was a Buddhist master in more than one sense of the word. She was not only a highly accomplished practitioner, teacher, artist, and poet, but she was also a feminist pioneer in higher education. When she arrived in Taiwan in 1966 and began teaching at the Chinese Cultural University, she was the first Buddhist nun to teach at the university level in Taiwan. At that time, it was highly unusual for a nun to take a visible role in the public sphere, so when Shihfu allowed her paintings to be exhibited in Taipei, this was an important breakthrough in helping raise awareness of Chinese and Indian Buddhist culture, Buddhist women’s cultural achievements, and women’s achievements in general. In this paper, I take a participant/observer approach in an effort to understand Shihfu’s unique teaching style and the qualities and achievements that establish her as one of the leading Buddhist nuns of the twentieth century. In this personal reflection, based on fieldwork conducted in Taiwan between 1982 and 2002, I consider her life’s work and the impact that she has had on successive generations of Buddhists, particularly Buddhist women. In the process, I examine what it means to be a uniquely progressive master in an overtly, proudly traditional Buddhist culture.
Fault zone processes in mechanically layered mudrock and chalk

Abstract A 1.5 km long natural cliff outcrop of nearly horizontal Eagle Ford Formation in south Texas exposes northwest and southeast dipping normal faults with displacements of 0.01–7 m cutting mudrock, chalk, limestone, and volcanic ash. These faults provide analogs for both natural and hydraulically-induced deformation in the productive Eagle Ford Formation – a major unconventional oil and gas reservoir in south Texas, U.S.A. – and other mechanically layered hydrocarbon reservoirs. Fault dips are steep to vertical through chalk and limestone beds, and moderate through mudrock and clay-rich ash, resulting in refracted fault profiles. Steeply dipping fault segments contain rhombohedral calcite veins that cross the fault zone obliquely, parallel to shear segments in mudrock. The vertical dimensions of the calcite veins correspond to the thickness of offset competent beds with which they are contiguous, and the slip parallel dimension is proportional to fault displacement. Failure surface characteristics, including mixed tensile and shear segments, indicate hybrid failure in chalk and limestone, whereas shear failure predominates in mudrock and ash beds – these changes in failure mode contribute to variation in fault dip. Slip on the shear segments caused dilation of the steeper hybrid segments. Tabular sheets of calcite grew by repeated fault slip, dilation, and cementation. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope geochemistry analyses of fault zone cements indicate episodic reactivation at 1.4–4.2 km depths. The results of these analyses document a dramatic bed-scale lithologic control on fault zone architecture that is directly relevant to the development of porosity and permeability anisotropy along faults.
AXISYMMETRIC VISCOUS INTERACTION WITH SMALL VELOCITY SLIP AND TRANSVERSE CURVATURE-EFFECTS OF PRANDTL NUMBER AND RATIO OF SPECIFIC HEATS

The flow about an unyawed cone is considered for the hypersonic moderately low density regime. The shock-wave boundary-layer interaction is considered for the hypersonic strong interaction approximation. Small transverse curvature and surface slip effects are considered. Solutions for several wall-to-stagnation temperature ratios are obtained by reduction to ordinary differential equations using a double asymptotic expansion in terms of slip and hypersonic transverse curvature parameters. The self-induced pressure gradient increases the skin friction and wall heat transfer rate. First-order slip increases the boundary layer mass flow rate. Skin friction, self-induced pressure, and displacement thickness parameters are increased for cold wall conditions and decreased for near adiabatic wall conditions. The wall heat transfer rate is significantly affected by non-unit Prandtl number. First-order transverse curvature decreases boundary layer mass flow rate, self-induced pressure, and displacement thickness parameters. The skin friction parameter is increased. Wall heat transfer rate is significantly affected by non-unit Prandtl number.