cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
METAL ABUNDANCES OF KISS GALAXIES. III. NEBULAR ABUNDANCES FOR FOURTEEN GALAXIES AND THE LUMINOSITY-METALLICITY RELATIONSHIP FOR H ii GALAXIES

We report results from the third in a series of nebular abundance studies of emission-line galaxies from the KPNO International Spectroscopic Survey (KISS). Galaxies with coarse metallicity estimates of 12 + log(O/H) less than 8.2 dex were selected for observation. Spectra of 14 galaxies, which cover the full optical region from [O II] λλ3727, 3729 to beyond [S II] λλ6717, 6731, are presented, and abundance ratios of N, O, Ne, S, and Ar are computed. The auroral [O III] λ4363 line is detected in all 14 galaxies. Oxygen abundances determined through the direct electron temperature (Te) method confirm that the sample is metal-poor with 7.61 ≤ 12 + log(O/H) ≤ 8.32. By using these abundances in conjunction with other Te-based measurements from the literature, we demonstrate that H II galaxies and more quiescent dwarf irregular galaxies follow similar metallicity-luminosity (L-Z) relationships. The primary difference is a zero-point shift between the correlations such that H II galaxies are brighter by an average of 0.8 B magnitudes at a given metallicity. This offset can be used as evidence to argue that low-luminosity H II galaxies typically undergo factor of 2 luminosity enhancements, and starbursts that elevate the luminosities of their host galaxies by 2-3 mag are not as common. We also demonstrate that the inclusion of interacting galaxies can increase the scatter in the L-Z relation and may force the observed correlation toward lower metallicities and/or larger luminosities. This must be taken into account when attempting to infer metal abundance evolution by comparing local L-Z relations with ones based on higher redshift samples, since the fraction of interacting galaxies should increase with look-back time.
SU-E-T-688: McCloud: Toward 10 Million Monte Carlo Primaries in 5 Minutes for Clinical Use

Purpose: At AAPM 2010, we presented the concept of using Cloud Computing to speed up clinical Monte Carlo calculations. Cloud Computing refers to a set of technologies that offers on‐demand computing resources using a pay‐as‐you‐go pricing model. We presented a feasibility study that included a variety of clinical relevant calculations using protons, electrons, and photons in water and a voxel patient geometry (Zubal phantom). While our initial study was designed for proof‐of‐concept, this research presents a more refined platform with an emphasis on particle therapy and demonstrates its potential to enable Monte Carlo dose calculation for routine clinical use.Methods: A Cloud Computing based distributed Monte Carlo dose calculation system called McCloud was developed. The system is based on Amazon EC2, Fluka, and a variety of “glue” technologies. The calculation involves these key steps: (1) A cluster is allocated in the Cloud. (2) A Monte Carlo task is launched on each node in the cluster. Extra care is used for random seed generations to ensure the correctness of the simulations. (3) The progress of the computation is dynamically monitored. (4) Once the computation is finished in the cluster, the results are aggregated using a linear model or a tree‐based distributive model, and a final dose distribution is returned to the user. Results: We found that for 14 Million 75MeV protons, an analog Monte Carlo simulation can be completed in 5 minutes 36 seconds. For this particular computation, the cost is less than 2 USD (based on official pricing at 8 cents per node per hour). Studies using various cluster sizes have shown the 1/n speed up expected from analytical Monte Carlo simulations Conclusions: Our implementations demonstrate the power of the existing cloud computing model, an extremely promising new paradigm for clinical and research computing. Further research is underway. Supported in part by NSF CBET‐0853157 and NSF CBET‐0755054.
FOR SANDPIPERS, TO SNOOZE IS TO LOSE!

![][1] A considerable body of evidence suggests that sleep is essential to sustain the brain, with insufficient slumber linked to deficits in attention, motivation, sensory–motor processing and memory. Alternatively, some scientists propose that sleep may simply serve to conserve
Organization and regulation of proteins at synapses.

Abstract The organization and regulation of synaptic connections in the mammalian nervous system entail complicated and co-ordinated molecular and cellular processes. The unveiling of various protein–protein interactions and their functional consequences at synapses have led to a greater understanding of the process of synapse formation and the modulation of synaptic transmission. Recent studies indicate that the major excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, the glutamate receptors, are associated with many different molecules that are involved in the formation of elaborate synaptic cytoskeletal networks and signal transduction cascades. These complex protein networks may play critical roles in the regulation of neurotransmitter receptor function and the efficacy of synaptic transmission.
The measurement of 'rootedness' and the prediction of attachment to home-towns in college students

Abstract A 10-item questionnaire measuring ‘rootedness’ was developed using a sample of 134 undergraduates at a large state university. In a second study, the questionnaire was cross-validated with a sample of 126 undergraduates drawn from two other institutions. The questionnaire consists of two subscales based on factors called ‘Desire for Change’ and ‘Home/Family Satisfaction’. In both samples, the scales successfully predicted place-relevant behavior and feelings such as the frequency of homesickness, the intention to return to one's home town following graduation, the frequency of visits from friends back home, and subscriptions to home-town newspapers. The results suggest that place attachment can be thought of as a quantifiable individual difference which might be used to predict the difficulty individuals will experience following relocation.
Diagnostic criteria for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer's disease

The provisional criteria proposed in 1985 by Khachaturian et al. emphasized numbers of plaques and neglected tangles, as did CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease). The decision to set an arbitrary number of plaques as "pathologic" assumed that some neuritic plaques are a normal phenomenon in the aging brain. Neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are age-related lesions, but they are pathologic (i.e., lesions) no matter how many there are. In a clinically demented patient without vascular or other neurodegenerative lesions, a clinico-pathologic diagnosis of AD (a clinico-pathologic entity) can be made with a high level of confidence by demonstrating, and without counting, plaques and tangles. The vast majority of AD cases are straightforward, and diagnostic lesions can be appreciated with a simple silver stain. If patients' histories are unknown or uncertain, the clinical significance of the observed plaques and tangles must remain debatable. This is the essence of the consensus statement with which I wholeheartedly agree. In such cases without a dementia history, one can offer a neuropathologic diagnosis of Senile or Pre-senile Cerebral Disease (not "dementia") of the Alzheimer type. Precise clinico-pathologic correlations and some quantitative measures are needed for elucidating the pathogenesis of AD and for establishing a primary dementing diagnosis when AD is mixed with other dementing diseases. These correlations must be based on periodic and fairly extensive neuropsychological testing followed shortly thereafter by a detailed postmortem neuropathologic evaluation.
Genetics: Vitamin D and blood pressure--a preliminary verdict.

Vitamin D administration lowers blood pressure in animal models, but findings from studies in humans are inconsistent. Vimaleswaran and colleagues used a Mendelian randomization approach to show that alleles associated with increased plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 are associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, suggesting a causal relationship in humans.
Interfraction Motion of the Vaginal Apex During Postoperative Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Are We Missing the Target?

Objective This study aimed to evaluate changes in vaginal cuff position and rectal distention during whole pelvic intensity modulated radiation therapy using daily image guidance for patients with gynecologic malignancies. Materials and Methods We reviewed 145 daily images from 5 patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy after total abdominal hysterectomy for endometrial or cervical cancer. A fiducial marker was placed in the vaginal cuff tissue before computed tomographic simulation. The 2008 ASTRO consensus guidelines for delineation of clinical target volumes were used to deliver 45 to 50 Gy to the target structures. Daily megavoltage computed tomographic images were reviewed and changes in position of the fiducial marker as compared to the initial planning scan were recorded in the anterior-posterior (AP), lateral, and superior-inferior dimensions. Changes in rectal distention were also recorded. The position of the fiducial marker relative to the planning target volumes was reviewed on each daily image. Results The average shifts of the gold seed in the AP, lateral, and superior-inferior dimensions were 7 mm (range, 0–28 mm), 3 mm (range, 0–7 mm), and 2.9 mm (range, 0–12 mm), respectively. Distention of the rectum ranged from 20.5 to 60.1 mm and correlated with movement of the gold seed in the AP dimension (R = 0.53). For 2 patients, the fiducial marker was within 5 mm of the planning target volume margin on 8/40 treatments, or outside the planning target volume on 4/40 treatments. This did not significantly impact total delivered dose to the planning target volume. Conclusions Daily image guidance confirms significant interfraction movement of the vaginal cuff tissue, which may exceed suggested guidelines for clinical target volume margins.
The electronic mechanism of the γ/γ interface strength of Ir-based alloys

The electronic structures of the γ/γ' interface for two-phase Ir-based alloys (Ir/Ir3Ta and Ir/Ir3Ti) have been investigated by performing first-principles quantum mechanics DMol3 (a type of density functional theory for molecules) calculations. The Mayer bond order (MBO) is used to represent the shear and cohesion strengths of the interface by a local sum of the horizontal and vertical MBOs. By comparison with those for single-crystal Ir, the results show that both the cohesive and shear strengths of the γ/γ' interface for the Ir/Ir3Ta alloy increase. The cohesive strength of the interface for the Ir/Ir3Ti alloy increases, whereas the shear strength of the interface for Ir/Ir3Ti decreases. The electron charge density, the Hirshfeld charge, and orbital charge transfers are also calculated and analysed. An electronic mechanism for the γ/γ' interface strength of Ir-based alloys is then suggested.
Autonomic "myasthenia": the case for an autoimmune pathogenesis.

Of all neurological diseases, the one that virtually all third year medical students get right on final exams is myasthenia gravis (MG). MG is an autoimmune disorder that causes weakness and fatigue of skeletal muscles due to an antibody-mediated attack directed against AChRs at neuromuscular junctions (1). It is easy to learn and remember the pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment of MG because the pieces of the puzzle fit together nearly perfectly. In this issue of the JCI, Lennon et al. now provide intriguing evidence of another putative autoimmune disease of AChRs — autoimmune autonomic neuropathy (AAN) (2). They have shown that immunization of rabbits with a fragment of ganglionic AChR induces a condition that mimics the human disease. AAN is very rare but can be life threatening. It is manifested by autonomic disturbances affecting the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems: abnormal gastrointestinal motility with stalled traffic in the intestines, impaired contraction and striking dilatation of the bladder, and disturbances of blood pressure, sweating, salivation, pupillary reactions, and sexual function (3). Based on these experiments and other evidence (4), Lennon et al. suggest that: (a) an antibody-mediated attack directed against neuronal AChRs of autonomic ganglia may be implicated in at least some cases of AAN; and (b) the autoimmune response in some of these patients may be triggered by a remote neoplasm that incidentally expresses the autoantigen. These new findings provide interesting insights into the concepts of autoimmune and paraneoplastic diseases of the nervous system, and information that may be useful for practical treatment of AAN.
Shedding light on clock controlled cab gene transcription in higher plants

Research from several laboratories has revealed that the circadian clock regulates the transcription of many higher plant genes. Amongst the most well characterized of these genes are those that encode the chlorophyll a/b binding (Cab) proteins of the light harvesting complexes of photosystem II. Analysis of cab gene expression in both etiolated and green plants reveals a complex interaction between phytochrome(s) and the circadian clock, in which phytochrome appears to regulate the level of cab transcription and the circadian clock regulates the phase. The development of a non-invasive assay for cab transcription based on firefly luciferase expression in transgenic plants has not only made it possible to analyze clock regulated transcription in living plants, but also provides a means to screen for clock mutants in Arabidopsis.
BRCA1 E1644X: a deleterious mutation in an African American individual with early onset breast cancer

An African American individual with early onset breast cancer has a unique BRCA1 germline mutation, E1644X, that truncates the protein’s carboxy terminal region. DNA sequencing for E1644X mutation and five BRCA1 exon-11 single nucleotide polymorphisms showed tumor LOH. Clinical history suggests paternal transmission of the deleterious allele, and tumor polymorphisms provide some insight into the ancestral origins of the mutation.
A Shift to Inquiry: The Heart of Effective Teaching and Professional Development for the Twenty-First Century

This article explores how an experienced teacher navigates the demands of curriculum to implement her inquiry-centered teaching and learning philosophy, and how administrators along the way supported her during this change. Interviews with this classroom teacher surface suggestions for twenty-first-century professional development and support, including the development of equitable, intellectual, and trusting relationships between teachers and administrators, attitudes of curiosity and availability on the part of administrators, and the use of documentation to provide evidence and visibility of meaningful teaching and learning. This article invites teachers interested in change and administrators committed to supporting competent teachers to consider the strategies proposed.
Amino acid composition of rumen organisms.

Abstract Amino acid analyses were made of 22 strains of rumen bacteria grown in pure culture. The organisms used were selected to represent some of the predominant organisms found in the rumen when either concentrates or roughages are fed. The amino acid results expressed as grams per 100g total amino acids showed very little variation over the entire range of organisms analyzed, thus supporting the hypothesis that the amino acid composition of the bacterial protein presented to the host for digestion is relatively constant, irrespective of the composition of the diet. These amino acid distributions and the amino acid distribution of a preparation of protozoal protein showed good agreement with results of previous reports of analyses of preparations of rumen microbial proteins.
Effects of Long Term Exposures on Fatigue of PM Disk Superalloys

Turbine disks in some advanced engine applications may be exposed to temperatures above 700°C for extended periods of time, approaching 1000 h. These exposures could affect near-surface composition and microstructure through formation of damaged and often embrittled layers. The creation of such damaged layers could significantly affect local mechanical properties. Powder metal disk superalloys LSHR and ME3 were exposed at temperatures of 704, 760, and 815°C for times up to 2020 h, and the types and depths of environmental attacked were measured. Fatigue tests were performed for selected cases at 704 and 760°C, to determine the impacts of these exposures on properties. Fatigue resistance was reduced up to 98 % in both superalloys for some exposure conditions. The changes in surface composition and phases, depths of these changed layers, failure responses, and failure initiation modes were compared.
Helping Counselors Learn to Confront

This article presents a model for training counselors to confront empathetically and presents a confrontation training scale that includes the inadequate responses of acquiescing and scolding and the progressively more effective responses of recognizing ineffective behavior, realizing its negative consequences, and committing to change. The authors contend that counselors who confront tend to become more empathic but also more able to help others and themselves face their problems responsibly.
Open quantum system approach to single-molecule spectroscopy

In this paper, single-molecule spectroscopy experiments based on continuous laser excitation are characterized through an open quantum system approach. The evolution of the fluorophore system follows from an effective Hamiltonian microscopic dynamic where its characteristic parameters, i.e., its electric dipole, transition frequency, and Rabi frequency, as well as the quantization of the background electromagnetic field and their mutual interaction, are defined in an extended Hilbert space associated to the different configurational states of the local nanoenvironment. After tracing out the electromagnetic field and the configurational states, the fluorophore density matrix is written in terms of a Lindblad rate equation. Observables associated to the scattered laser field, such as optical spectrum, intensity-intensity correlation, and photon-counting statistics, are obtained from a quantum-electrodynamic calculation also based on the effective microscopic dynamic. In contrast with stochastic models, this approach allows one to describe in a unified way both the full quantum nature of the scattered laser field as well as the classical nature of the environment fluctuations. By analyzing different processes such as spectral diffusion, lifetime fluctuations, and light assisted processes, we exemplify the power of the present approach.
Application of the additivity theorem in Fourier transform NMR. II. Resolution enhancement in beat-modulated free induction decays

Abstract The free induction decay (FID) in a pulsed NMR experiment is in certain cases modulated by a low frequency beat whose characteristics are determined by the spin system. Selective Fourier transformation of the beat-modulated FID (BMFID) permits separation of the broad peak envelope components and the fine structure without invoking arbitrary convolution functions. The mathematical background of the phenomenon is discussed and applications in C-13 FT NMR are illustrated by showing the determination of long range carbon-hydrogen coupling constants in 2-methyl-2-nitropropane and ethylene glycol, the latter under conditions in which the long range coupling is not discernible in the normally processed FID.
Human and murine cytosolic epoxide hydrolase: physical and structural properties.

Abstract 1. 1. Human and murine liver cytosolic epoxide hydrolase (CEH) had an apparent Mw of 59,000 by SDS-PAGE. 2. 2. Peptide maps of CNBr, trypsin and Slaphylococcus aureus V8 digests, as well as amino acid analysis, showed that human and murine CEH were similar. Uninduced and clofibrate induced murine CEH appeared qualitatively identical. 3. 3. The CEHs shared antigenic determinants as determined by Western blotting. 4. 4. Circular dichroism spectra indicate that human CEH had 39% α-helix. Uninduced and clofibrate induced murine CEH had 38 and 35% α-helix, respectively.
Framing Birth: Postfeminism in the Delivery Room

The debates surrounding the practice of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) offer a unique opportunity for rhetorical scholars to consider the complex dynamics of change in healthcare settings. More specifically, what the debates surrounding VBAC illustrate is how a hegemonic institution (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and its associated physicians and hospitals) responds to advocates for change by domesticating, or containing, feminist arguments for self-determination. This essay offers a feminist rhetorical analysis of the VBAC debates with a focus on the interaction between two argumentative frames, the self-determination frame of feminist activists and the neoliberal risk frame of the medical establishment. The College's rhetoric of containment converts feminist calls for resistance and self-determination into a postfeminist emphasis on patients' responsibilities when managing health risks.
Neurotensin effects on calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphorylation in rat neostriatal slices.

Abstract Neurotensin (NT) is an endogenous brain tridecapeptide for which high affinity binding sites exist in the central nervous system. We have investigated the effects of NT incubation with rat neotriatal slices on calcium/calmodulin (Ca/CaM)-dependent protein phosphorylation. Slices were incubated with NT (5 or 50 nM) for 3, 10, 16, or 30 min followed by in vitro phosphorylation, electrophoresis and autoradiography. NT significantly altered the phosphorylation of a 62 kDa protein which is likely the β subunit of the Ca/CaM dependent protein kinase. These changes may reflect the ability of NT to influence calcium mediated signal transduction.
Foraging cost and meal patterns in ferrets

Abstract The response of ferrets to changes in the cost of obtaining food was studied by systematically increasing the number of responses necessary to gain access to a feeder. The results obtained were consistent with an ecological analysis of feeding. As cost increased, meal frequency declined and meal size increased. These changes in feeding allowed the ferrets to obtain sufficient food intake to maintain growth, while conserving total time and energy spent procuring food.
Exploring patient satisfaction: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of spinal manipulation, home exercise, and medication for acute and subacute neck pain.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to assess satisfaction with specific aspects of care for acute neck pain and explore the relationship between satisfaction with care, neck pain, and global satisfaction. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of patient satisfaction from a randomized trial of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) delivered by doctors of chiropractic, home exercise and advice (HEA) delivered by exercise therapists, and medication (MED) prescribed by a medical doctors for acute/subacute neck pain. Differences in satisfaction with specific aspects of care were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The relationship between specific aspects of care and (1) change in neck pain (primary outcome of the randomized trial) and (2) global satisfaction were assessed using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression. Results Individuals receiving SMT or HEA were more satisfied with the information and general care received than MED group participants. Spinal manipulation therapy and HEA groups reported similar satisfaction with information provided during treatment; however, the SMT group was more satisfied with general care. Satisfaction with general care ( r = −0.75 to −0.77; R 2 = 0.55-0.56) had a stronger relationship with global satisfaction compared with satisfaction with information provided ( r = −0.65 to 0.67; R 2 = 0.39-0.46). The relationship between satisfaction with care and neck pain was weak ( r = 0.17-0.38; R 2 = 0.08-0.21). Conclusions Individuals with acute/subacute neck pain were more satisfied with specific aspects of care received during spinal manipulation therapy or home exercise interventions compared to receiving medication. The relationship between neck pain and satisfaction with care was weak.
Comparison of Time-Sampling and Continuous-Recording Techniques for Observing Developmental Changes in Caretaker and Infant Behaviors

Summary Time sampling and continuous-recording techniques for observing developmental changes in caretaker and infant behaviors between two and five weeks of age were compared. Ten infants from an adoption agency nursery were observed simultaneously with both techniques for two and one-half hours at two and five weeks of age. Five caretaker behaviors and five infant behaviors were observed. Both observational techniques indicated similar findings in age-related behavior changes and in median percent of time spent in the 10 caretaker-infant behaviors. The continuous-recording technique did, however, yield a more molecular analysis in that incidence of behaviors could be subdivided into frequency and duration. It was concluded, therefore, that the added versatility in types of data analysis makes continuous recording a more desirable means of collecting naturalistic observation data.
Spacecraft Doppler tracking as a xylophone detector of gravitational radiation.

Spacecraft Doppler tracking is discussed for detecting gravitational waves in which Doppler data recorded on the ground are linearly combined with Doppler measurements made on board a spacecraft. A new method is derived for removing from combined data the frequency fluctuations due to the Earth troposphere, ionosphere, and mechanical vibrations of the antenna on the ground. The remaining non-zero gravitational wave signal could be used for detecting gravitational waves.
Relaxation Mechanism of the Hydrated Electron

The relaxation dynamics of the photoexcited hydrated electron have been subject to conflicting interpretations. Here, we report time-resolved photoelectron spectra of hydrated electrons in a liquid microjet with the aim of clarifying ambiguities from previous experiments. A sequence of three ultrashort laser pulses (~100 femtosecond duration) successively created hydrated electrons by charge-transfer-to-solvent excitation of dissolved anions, electronically excited these electrons via the s→p transition, and then ejected them into vacuum. Two distinct transient signals were observed. One was assigned to the initially excited p-state with a lifetime of ~75 femtoseconds, and the other, with a lifetime of ~400 femtoseconds, was attributed to s-state electrons just after internal conversion in a nonequilibrated solvent environment. These assignments support the nonadiabatic relaxation model.
Modeling the role of microstructural parameters in radiative heat transfer through disordered fibrous media

Abstract Understanding the influence of microstructural parameters on the rate of heat transfer through a disordered fibrous medium is important for the design and development of heat insulation materials. In this work, by generating virtual 3-D geometries that resemble the internal microstructure of fibrous insulation materials, we simulated the influence of diameter, orientation, and emissivity of the fibers, as well as the media’s porosity and thickness on the radiative heat transmittance. Our simulations are based on a Monte Carlo ray tracing algorithm that we have developed for studying radiative heat flow in 3-D disordered media. The media were assumed to be made up of cylindrical opaque fibers with specular surface. The advantage of our modeling approach is that it does not require any empirical input values, and can directly be used to isolate and study the role of individual microstructural parameters of the media. The major limitation of the model is that it is accurate as long as the fibers can be considered large relative to the wavelength of the incoming rays. Our results indicate that heat flux through a fibrous medium decreases by increasing the packing fraction of the fibers when the thickness and fiber diameter are kept constant. Increasing the fibers’ absorptivity (or emissivity) was observed to decrease the radiation transmittance through the media. Our simulations also revealed that for constant porosity and thickness, the heat flux transmitted across the medium can be reduced by using finer fibers. The steady state temperature profiles across the thicknesses of media with different properties were obtained and found to be independent of the fibers’ emissivity.
The NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 does not protect against serotonin depletions caused by high doses ofdl-fenfluramine

Abstract The non-competitiveN-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) has been shown to block methamphetamine (MA) induced damage to the dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) systems of the brain. dl -Fenfluramine (FEN) is another potential neurotoxin but its long-term depletions are more selective to the 5HT system. To determine whether MK-801 protects against damage induced by FEN, we treated rats with FEN (4 injections of 12.5 mg/kg, at 1 h intervals) in conjunction with either saline or MK-801 (2 injections of 2.5 mg/kg, administered 15 min before and 90 min after the first FEN injection). Two weeks post-treatment, MK-801 alone caused a small but significant decrease in 5HT tissue concentrations in striatum and amygdala. FEN significantly reduced 5HT in all 8 brain regions studied. MK-801 + FEN did not protect against FEN-induced 5HT depletions in nucleus accumbens/olfactory tubercle, septum, frontal cortex, somatosensory cortex or hippocampus. MK-801 + FEN enhanced 5HT depletions in striatum, hypothalamus and amygdala. The differential protective effect of MK-801 between MA and FEN are discussed in terms of a possible dopaminergic mechanism.
A theoretical study of boron tetrahalides: Structures and electron affinities

A series of superhalogens, the boron tetrahalides, BFnClm-, n + m = 4, were studied at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. Their adiabatic detachment energies, vertical detachment energies and geometries were the focus of this study. All molecules have large adiabatic detachment energies of 6.83, 4.97, 5.07, 5.23 and 5.27 eV for n = 4–0 respectively. The neutral molecules have two low energy isomers, with the exception of BF3Cl, that have very different geometries. These isomers are classified as non-covalent complexes with a halogen atom solvated by a boron trihalide, or a covalent structure with shorter B–F and B–Cl bonds. The covalent structure has not been reported in earlier studies. Our study indicates that all neutrals are weakly bound with low barriers for isomerization. All neutral covalent structures appear to be metastable with respect to isomerization and/or dissociation.
Simulation of curvature-driven grain growth by using a modified monte carlo algorithm

The Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm that currently exists in the literature for simulating curvature-driven grain growth has been modified. The modified algorithm results in an acceleration of the simulated grain growth and an early estimate of the grain growth exponent that is close to the theoretical value of 0.5. The upper limit of grain size distributions obtained with the new algorithm is significantly lower than that obtained with the old, because the new algorithm eliminates grain coalescence during grain growth. The log-normal function provides an excellent fit to the grain size distribution data obtained with the new algorithm, after taking into account the anisotropy in grain boundary energy.
Relating Kα to Relative State Parameter Index

The effect of an initial static shear stress on the undrained cyclic loading resistance of saturated sand, as observed in laboratory testing, is often expressed in terms of a correction factor, Kα. Prior research has demonstrated that Kα depends on the state of the sand, as commonly represented by its relative density and confining stress conditions. This dependence of Kα on state is intuitively consistent with critical state concepts, but the implementation of this dependence in practice has been hindered by the absence of simple methods for estimating state and its effects without having to perform an extensive program of laboratory testing. In this paper, a simple index for representing state is derived from Bolton’s (1986) relative dilatancy index and shown to provide a reasonable and practical index for describing the variation of Kα with both relative density and confining stress.
Expression of the Thy-1 antigen in long-term cultures of embryonic mouse spinal cord

Immunofluorescent studies of the Thy-1 antigen in cultures of mouse spinal cord demonstrated positivity on the surfaces of a fraction of neurons and glia. Positivity was evident by one week and increased slowly over the lifespan of the cultures, often several months. Thy-1 positivity was most apparent in regions of clustering of neurons and glia. Neuroglial clusters were identified by morphologic appearance; the identity of astrocytes was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein.
Quality of CT colonography-related web sites for consumers.

Purpose Patients often request to undergo computed tomographic colonography (CTC) from radiologists or referring physicians on the basis of their personal examination of information on the Web. Therefore, the authors examined the information on CTC and virtual colonoscopy available for consumers on the Web to assess its quality. Materials and Methods The term virtual colonoscopy was entered into 3 popular search engines: Google, Yahoo, and MSN. In each case, evaluation was limited to the first 50 Web sites, or hits, which were recorded and analyzed for content, comprehensiveness, and accuracy. Results Sixty-seven Web sites were deemed appropriate for further analysis. More than half of the sites reported currency dates more than 2 years old. Only a third of the sites included information about the risk factors for colorectal cancer. About a third of the sites did not explain the indications for the use of CTC, and the remaining sites lacked consistent descriptions of the indications. Few Web sites offered or described the option of performing same-day optical colonoscopy for patients with abnormal results on CTC. Conclusion The data suggest that patients are often armed with very incomplete information from Web sites on CTC. Web sites were often found to be outdated, to contain conflicting information, and were lacking descriptions of patient risk factors for colorectal cancer. Several suggestions are made to improve the dissemination of comprehensive, current, and accurate information.
Beitrag zur thermischen polymerisation von styrol

Im Zusammenhang mit dem seit kurzem bekannten Auftreten extrem hoher Molekulargewichte bei Umsatzen < 0,1% wird das Konzept der Kettenubertragung durch das Monomere neu uberpruft. Ferner wird wahrscheinlich gemacht, das das hochmolekulare Polystyrol durch einen Radikalmechanismus entsteht. In connection with the existence of extremely high molecular weight polystyrene at conversions < 0.1% the concept of chain transfer by monomer was reexamined. Moreover it has been shown that the high molecular weight material most probably is formed by a radical mechanism.
MEDICAL WASTE : A MINIMAL HAZARD

Medical waste is a subset of municipal waste, and regulated medical waste comprises less than 1% of the total municipal waste volume in the United States. As part of the overall waste stream, medical waste does contribute in a relative way to the aesthetic damage of the environment. Likewise, some small portion of the total release of hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials is derived from medical wastes. These comments can be made about any generated waste, regulated or unregulated. Healthcare professionals, including infection control personnel, microbiologists, public health officials, and others, have unsuccessfully argued that there is no evidence that past methods of treatment and disposal of regulated medical waste constitute any public health hazard. Historically, discovery of environmental contamination by toxic chemical disposal has followed assurances that the material was being disposed of in a safe manner. Therefore, a cynical public and its elected officials have demanded proof that the treatment and disposal of medical waste (i.e., infectious waste) do not constitute a public health hazard. Existent studies on municipal waste provide that proof. In order to argue that the results of these municipal waste studies are demonstrative of the minimal potential infectious environmental impact and lack of public health hazard associated with medical waste, we must accept the following: that the pathogens are the same whether they come from the hospital or the community, and that the municipal waste studied contained waste materials we now define as regulated medical waste.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The proportion of veterans among homeless men: a decade later

Background: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the risk of homelessness among veterans as compared to non-veterans, and to ascertain whether the exceptionally high risk of homelessness among post-Vietnam era veterans first observed in 1987 was still evident one decade later. Method: Data from the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients and the 1996 Current Population Survey were used to examine the risks of homelessness among veteran men as compared to non-veteran men, stratified by age and race. Results: The present results show that the cohort of veterans aged 20–34 that was most at risk in the 1980 s, although no longer the youngest, still has the highest risk for homelessness. In 1996, the youngest cohort of veterans is also over-represented, but not to the extent found among young men 10 years before. Veterans over the age of 55 showed no increased risk of homelessness as compared to non-veterans. Conclusions: The observed cohort effect, which demonstrates an especially high risk of homelessness among veterans of the immediate post-Vietnam era, even as they age, may reflect the continuing influence of the early problems in recruiting for the All Volunteer Force (AVF). In contrast to the national draft, which promised a fair representation of the entire population of draft-eligible young men, the AVF also had the potential to attract young men with fewer alternative opportunities.
Antibiotic Education: Not Just Another Brick in the Cell Wall.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, which inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Muller et al. (2015) show that β-lactam treatment of MRSA leads to synthesis of an altered cell wall that increases inflammasome activation and immunopathology during skin infection.
Water at elevated temperatures (WET): reactant, catalyst, and solvent in the selective hydrolysis of protecting groups

Water at elevated temperatures (WET) can act simultaneously as reactant, solvent, and catalyst in reaction processes. WET has been successfully employed in the removal of protecting groups alleviating the need for added strong acids/bases, subsequent neutralization and waste salt elimination. The protocols for the water-mediated removal of several common protecting groups such as tert-butyl carbamates (N-Boc) from 125 to 150 °C, acetamide (N-Ac) at 275 °C and acetate esters (O-Ac) at 250 °C are reported for different model aryl compounds. In addition, high yields and selective deprotection of one protecting group in the presence of another by simply tuning the temperature is demonstrated. In order to gain further insights into reaction processes, the aqueous solubilities of several of the reactants, the kinetics and mechanisms associated with some of these reactions are also discussed.
Sediment transport constraints on river response to regulation

Abstract We demonstrate that alluvial channel response to regulation depends on the characteristic mode of sediment transport in a channel and, thus, for a channel in supply-transport equilibrium, on the caliber of sediment mantling the channel bed, as well as changes in characteristic water discharge and sediment load. We find that regulated, coarse gravel- and cobble-bed alluvial rivers dominated by bedload transport are predicted and observed to preserve the value of a dimensionless ratio of characteristic water discharge, channel slope, width, and size of sedimentary particles mantling the bed associated with the critical conditions required for the onset of significant sediment transport. The covariant geomorphic adjustment of such rivers to regulation is independent of the degree of sediment impoundment, although the nature and rate of changes in any specific characteristic appear to be sensitive to changes in sediment supply. In contrast, covariant geomorphic changes in sand- and fine gravel-bed alluvial rivers dominated by weak suspension transport are predicted and observed to be dependent on the degree of sediment impoundment and commensurate with the change in the sediment concentration of characteristic, formative flows. In both cases, specific geomorphic characteristics of alluvial rivers exhibit varied responses to regulation in different rivers, but across all rivers a systematic covariation in channel slope, width, and grain size is observed that, for a given mode of sediment transport, preserves a characteristic value of the Shields number.
Patient-ventilator synchrony during pressure-targeted versus flow-targeted small tidal volume assisted ventilation

Abstract Purpose Low tidal volume ( V T ) delivered by flow-targeted breaths reduces ventilator-induced lung injury but may increase patient breathing effort because of limited flow. We hypothesized that a variable-flow, pressure-targeted breath would improve breathing effort versus a fixed flow–targeted breath. Materials and Methods We compared pressure assist–control ventilation and volume assist–control ventilation (VACV) in 12 patients with acute respiratory failure receiving 6 to 8 mL/kg V T . Backup frequency, V T , inspiratory time, applied positive end-expiratory pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen were held constant. Patient breathing effort was assessed by airway pressure (Paw) drop below baseline 0.1 second after the breath initiation (P 0.1 ), the maximal Paw drop during the triggering phase (Ptr), the magnitude of ventilator work during flow delivery, and the presence of an active expiratory effort during cycling and air trapping judged by the magnitude of residual flow at end-expiration. Results Compared with VACV, pressure assist–control ventilation decreased P 0.1 , Ptr (by 25% and 16%, respectively), and evidence for trapped gas but not ventilator work during flow delivery or cycle dys-synchrony. Peak inspiratory flow was comparable between the 2 modes. Conclusions In patients receiving small V T VACV with increased breathing effort, variable-flow, pressure-targeted ventilation may provide more comfort by decreasing respiratory drive during the triggering phase.
Use of stents to maintain atrial defects and fontan fenestrations in congenital heart disease.

Maintaining patent atrial septal communications or fenestrations can be vital in conditions requiring adequate decompression of the atria or Fontan baffle. We have recently deployed stents for this purpose, and the aim of this retrospective analysis is to describe our experience. All 26 patients undergoing such stent placement were retrospectively studied and for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and patients with Fontan fenestrations, their data were compared to controls undergoing transseptal static balloon dilation during the same time period. All 7 stented neonates with HLHS survived to their Norwood procedure and 57% survived to hospital discharge, similar to those who had static balloon dilation. Complications occurred in both HLHS groups but transient complete heart block was only seen in the control group, which also had larger balloons used (10.3 mm vs 7 mm, P = 0.002). The success rate for patients undergoing stent placement in Fontan fenestrations was 64% compared to 76% with dilation alone. Complications were seen in 64% of the Fontan stented group compared to 39% for controls. There were 5 other patients with complex lesions (3 of whom were on the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator) in whom stent placement successfully maintained atrial communication patency. Atrial septal stent placement in neonates with HLHS with restrictive defects is effective and appears at least as safe as static balloon dilation. On the other hand, initial fenestration stent placement is indicated only after extracardiac Fontan procedures in which the previous fenestration location cannot be found.
Optical spectral analysis using moving space-charge field effects in photoconductive semiconductors

The interference of two mutually coherent optical fields with unequal center frequencies generates moving space-charge electric fields inside photoconductive semiconductors that contain deep level traps. The motion of the internal space-charge field drifts free charge carriers out of the photoconductive sample and results in measurable photocurrents that consist of ac and dc components even in the absence of external bias electric fields. The dc photocurrent can be expressed as a convolution integral between the baseband power spectrum of the signal optical field and the characteristic impulse response of the photoconductive crystal, provided that the local oscillator has negligible optical linewidth. We have demonstrated experimentally a new kind of optical spectrum analyzer with a resolution bandwidth smaller than 15 kHz by sweeping the local-oscillator center frequency over the spectral region of interest and by subsequent deconvolution of the recorded photocurrent with the characteristic response of the crystal. The scanning range of the analyzer is limited only by the tuning range of the local oscillator.
Weaving a Transcultural Thread

This article describes the development and implementation of an educational strategy to enhance knowledge about transcultural nursing in a College of Nursing undergraduate program. Concepts of diversity and transcultural nursing were integrated into the entire undergraduate curriculum. This content was presented over six quarters in seminar courses throughout the undergraduate program. A team of faculty members developed this series of courses called "Nurse and Society" that included cultural diversity, ethics, professionalism, and policy as strands or threads woven through the courses. Based on faculty evaluations at the end of each course, most graduating students were aware of the need to provide culturally congruent care. However, there is a need to develop a sound programmatic evaluation that includes empirical outcomes of cultural competence among graduates.
Predator Vocalizations Affect Foraging Trade-offs of Northern Cardinals

Abstract We investigated the roles of food quality and predator avoidance in shaping foraging behavior of Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). Cardinals visited feeders near cover and feeders with sunflower seed significantly more than they visited those in the open and those with commercial wild bird seed mix. Cardinals with a choice between their preferred food and preferred location visited the sunflower seed feeder in the open significantly more than the mixed seed feeder near cover, despite their prior preference for feeding near cover. We recorded visits to these feeders over a 2-day period during which we played Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperi) calls every 2 hrs. The overall visitation rate did not decrease significantly, nor did the visitation rate to feeders near cover increase significantly. However, the decrease in the visitation rate to feeders in the open approached significance. Overall, we observed a significant shift in the proportion of visits to feeders near cover (containing les...