cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Public Accounts: Defending Contested Practices

Little attention has been paid to how actors account for controversial institutional conduct or contested practices. Relying on a content analysis of letters to the editor, I explore how actors operating in the Habermasian “public sphere” justify the contested practice of linking Native American symbols with sports teams, and suggest that in their rejection of challengers to their definitions of the situation, authors create public accounts. Consisting primarily of justifications rather than excuses, these accounts are of four types: “denial of injury,” “assertion of benefit,” “claim of authority,” and “rejection of challenge.” For those who wish to conduct comparative analyses of contested practices, these concepts may prove useful. Although there is a rich literature that describes how actors account for problematic individual conduct, few scholars have paid attention to how actors justify or excuse controversial institutional conduct, which I refer to as contested practices . 1 Contested practices involve the publicly challenged conduct of a number of actors engaging in patterned joint action. Embryonic stem cell research, providing abortions on demand, invading and occupying Iraq, or using Native American imagery to symbolize an athletic team are all examples of contested practices. In these situations, challengers —those who criticize the institutional conduct and call for its elimination or reform, contend with retention ad v ocates (RAs)—those who declare that the practice should be maintained. Public debate over a contested practice is a window into the relationship between processes of individual interpretation and the reproduction and maintenance of social structure. RAs’ accounts aim at preserving and reproducing social structure by protecting a contested practice from criticism. But how do RAs create public accounts? And in what ways are RAs’ accounts similar to and different from individuals’ accounts? In this article, I focus on the controversy over Native American mascots and rely on the content analysis of letters to the editor to investigate how RAs justify their
Real-time continuous iris recognition for authentication using an eye tracker

The majority of today's authentication systems, including password and fingerprint scanners, are based on one-time, static authentication methods. A continuous, real-time authentication system opens up the possibility for greater security, but such a system must be unobtrusive and secure. In this work we studied whether a commercial eye tracker can be used for unobtrusive, continuous, real-time user authentication via iris recognition. In a user study, all 37 participants could be authenticated with 11% equal error rate (EER). For 14 of the 37 users, iris occlusion was sufficiently small to authenticate with 9% EER. When classified using a k-nearest neighbors algorithm and only the right iris, the same data set allowed 100% accuracy for k = 3. Although these error rates are too high for standalone use, iris recognition via an eye tracker might enable real-time continuous authentication when combined with other more reliable authentication means (e.g., a password). As eye trackers become widely available their capabilities for multiple factor, continuous authentication will become compelling.
Validation and verification of expert systems using evidence flow graphs

This paper describes an ongoing investigation into the use of evidence flow graph techniques for performing V&V of expert systems. This method involves translating a rule-base into an evidence flow graph, a representation originally developed for real-time intelligent systems in distributed environments, and then running simulations of the evidence flow graph. Certain errors can be found during the translation process. The simulations can detect output sensitivity to rule firing order, to order of presentation of inputs, and to small changes in input values.
Toward the Effective and Efficient Measurement of Implementation Fidelity

Implementation science in mental health is informed by other academic disciplines and industries. Conceptual and methodological territory charted in psychotherapy research is pertinent to two elements of the conceptual model of implementation posited by Aarons and colleagues (2010)—implementation fidelity and innovation feedback systems. Key characteristics of scientifically validated fidelity instruments, and of the feasibility of their use in routine care, are presented. The challenges of ensuring fidelity measurement methods are both effective (scientifically validated) and efficient (feasible and useful in routine care) are identified as are examples of implementation research attempting to balance these attributes of fidelity measurement.
Image of the Peace Field: An International Survey

An international survey of individuals in the peace field was undertaken to determine whether there is similarity in the images belonging to the field. When examining peace concepts, significant contributors, mentors, optimism for peace and research areas, groups based on field identification, region, age and sex were compared. The 133 responses to the survey undertaken in 1982-83 indicate that none of the groups is isolated from the others. There is an established group of individuals who give coherence to the peace field as noted by responses to mentor and significant contributor questions. Outstanding among these is Johan Galtung. There is also a predominant definition of peace as negative and positive peace. Likewise, research areas for the different groups are interrelated. Given the results of this survey, there is ostensible similarity in images of the peace field. This allows for substantial communication and indicates a unified field rather than divisive schools.
Open-set word recognition with the 3M/Vienna single-channel cochlear implant.

• The author visited Innsbruck (Austria) to evaluate the performance of nine of the better patients implanted in Europe with the 3M/Vienna single-channel cochlear implant. Word- and sentence-level speech recognition tests recorded in German by two speakers from Austria were presented. Performance varied from 15% to 86% correct word recognition on the sentence material, 11% to 57% correct word recognition with word lists, and 21% and 66% correct phoneme recognition on the word tests. These results confirm earlier studies indicating that high levels of open-set word recognition without visual cues can be obtained with the 3M/Vienna single-channel cochlear implant. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1988;114:1123-1126)
Numerical studies of void growth in a necked bar.

Abstract For plane strain finite deformation plasticity, several finite-element methods are examined and their corresponding computational efficiency and accuracy are compared by means of an example of pure bending. Then, employing one of the more efficient methods, the state of stress and deformation at the center of a rectangular bar, deformed in uniaxial extension, is studied. On the basis of this information, then the growth process of a (micro) void in a unit cell located at the center of the necked bar, is examined, revealing that the internal fracture at microscopic scales, seems to occur by the formation of shear bands inclined at about 45° with the axis of (macroscopic) extension, a fact which has been observed in ductile fracture of two-phase alloys. Finally, void growth parameters (i.e. those which characterize the geometry of the void) are computed and the results are compared with those obtained from a solution given by McClintock, arriving at a reasonably good agreement.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF REGULAR AND ENTERIC-COATED ASPIRIN ON GASTRODUODENAL MUCOSA OF MAN

Abstract To determine whether the topical or systemic effects of aspirin are of greater importance in the production of gastroduodenal mucosal damage, the effects of regular and enteric-coated aspirin were compared in 9 healthy volunteers in a 2-week crossover endoscopic study. All subjects developed multiple gastric erosions while taking regular aspirin; 2 subjects developed one gastric erosion each while taking enteric-coated aspirin. 5 subjects developed duodenal erosions while taking regular aspirin, whereas none developed an erosion while taking enteric-coated aspirin: Mean fasting salicylate levels were similar in the two groups. It is concluded that regular aspirin causes a greater amount of gastroduodenal mucosal damage than does enteric-coat aspirin despite similar serum-salicylate levels. This suggests that the topical effects of aspirin are of greater importance than the systemic effects in the production of gastroduodenal mucosal damge in healthy subjects.
System level performance analysis of carbon nanotube global interconnects for emerging chip multiprocessors

Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely proposed as interconnect fabrics for future ultra deep submicron (UDSM) technologies, there is a lack of system-level performance analysis using these interconnects. In this paper, we investigate the performance of four CNT alternatives that may replace conventional copper (Cu) interconnects at the global interconnect level – (i) single walled CNTs (SWCNTs), (ii) SWCNT bundles, (iii) multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) and (iv) bundles of mixed SWCNTs/MWCNTs. Detailed RLC equivalent circuit models for conventional CNT interconnects are described and used to calculate propagation delays. These models are then incorporated into a system-level environment to estimate the impact of using CNT global interconnects on the overall performance of several multi-core chip multiprocessor (CMP) applications. Our results indicate that MWCNTs can provide the most significant performance speedup among the CNT alternatives (up to 1.9×) over Cu global interconnects. With further improvements in CNT fabrication technology, it is shown that mixed SWCNT/MWCNT bundles and SWCNT bundles can also become viable global interconnect alternatives.
RESPONSE OF A MINERAL-OIL BASED LIQUID SCINTILLATOR TO HEAVILY IONIZING PARTICLES.

Abstract The response of a mineral-oil based liquid scintillator to heavily ionizing particles has been determined by measuring the light produced by stopping protons and deuterons. The results are expressed in terms of a saturation parameter which is found to have a value similar to that obtained in a variety of organic scintillators.
Reduction of Frozen Flow Losses by Nonequilibrium Heating

agreement with both the exact numerical calculations and the approximate calculations of Lick obtained using various asymptotic expansions. In view of the success of the radiation slip argument, at least for the particular example considered, it would appear worth while to apply this concept to more complicated geometries, including problems where molecular conduction is present simultaneously, and to gas flows where radiant heat transfer is of importance (see, e.g., Goulard). It also would appear that the exploitation of the simple mean free path arguments presented, by a more detailed photon transport theory, could assist materially in the difficult calculations of radiation transition regimes where the surfaces present and the radiating medium have more complicated properties than those considered.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Chimerism in the Rat Tolerant to a Renal Allograft

Abstract Background. Chimerism, produced by the two-way migration of cells between graft and host, is a proposed mechanism by which tolerance occurs. The appearance of donor/recipient chimeras in tolerant ACI to Lewis rat heterotopic renal transplants was assessed in peripheral blood leukocytes using flow cytometry after staining with monoclonal antibodies. Materials and methods. ACI and Lewis rats were used as donor and recipient, respectively, after Rapamycin and Cyclosporin immunosuppression with or without donor blood or bone marrow transfusion. ACI and Lewis animals were also used for isograft and single-kidney controls. Animals were sacrificed at various time points after initial operation. Flow cytometry was performed on isolated peripheral blood leukocytes at sacrifice. Histologic and functional data were also obtained. The monoclonal antibody panel included RT1 a (ACI, MHC I) combined with CD2, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD25 or RT1 a,c (bone marrow chimeras). Results. RT1 a +, CD8+ cells were transiently present in the peripheral blood leukocytes of Lewis recipients with the exception of allogeneic bone marrow recipients. No significant number of RT1 a +, CD16+ (“dendritic” cell-line) chimeras was seen. Veto cells (RT1 a,c +) were transiently present in the bone marrow recipients, but they did not lead to improved outcome. Furthermore, no correlation was made between histologic tolerance and any of these donor-derived cells. Conclusion. Donor/recipient chimerism, and the veto cell phenomenon are not operational tolerance mechanisms in this stringent model of ACI to Lewis rat renal transplantation.
Distance-constrained molecular docking by simulated annealing

An optimized method based on the principle of simulated annealing is presented for determining the relative position and orientation of interacting molecules. The spatial relationships of these molecules are described by intermolecular distance constraints between specific pairs of atoms, such as found in hydrogen bonds or from experimentally determined data. The method makes use of a random walk through six rotational and translational degrees of freedom where the constituent molecules are treated as rigid bodies. Van der Waals repulsions are used only to define a lower bound on distances between constrained atom pairs within the docking procedure. A cost function comprised of purely geometric constraints is optimized via simulated annealing, in order to search for the best orientation and position of the two molecules. Our docking procedure is applied to eight serine proteinase complexes from the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank. For each simulation 100 computations were performed. A typical docking computation requires only a few seconds of CPU time on a VAXserver 3500. The influence of the number of constraints on the final docked positions was studied. The sensitivity of the docking procedure to a ligand structure which is not well defined is also addressed. Possible applications of this method include using approximate distances incorporating complete energy functions.
Diagnosis of anal sphincter tears by postpartum endosonography to predict fecal incontinence.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether anal endosonography immediately after vaginal delivery can predict subsequent fecal incontinence. Methods: We studied nulliparas who delivered vaginally and had no anal sphincter tears (third- or fourth-degree perineal tears) diagnosed clinically by endosonography before any suture of the perineum. The sonographer was unaware of delivery details and the obstetrician and the women were not informed of endosonography results. Therefore, the suture of the perineum and the outcomes were not influenced by sonographer’s diagnoses. Three months after delivery, we assessed fecal incontinence by self-administered questionnaires. Results: Clinically undetected tears of the anal sphincter were diagnosed by anal endosonography in 42 of 150 women (28%). The external anal sphincter alone was involved in 30 women (20%), the internal anal sphincter alone in two (1.3%), and both in ten (7%). The postal questionnaire was returned by 144 women. Incontinence was reported by 22 (15%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10%, 22%), consisting mainly of incontinence to flatus only (16 of 22, 73%, 95% CI 50%, 89%). Clinically undetected anal sphincter tears diagnosed by endosonography were associated with incontinence 3 months after delivery (odds ratio [OR] 8.8; 95% CI 2.9, 26.5). The sensitivity of anal endosonography was 68% (95% CI 49%, 88%) and the positive predictive value 37% (95% CI 22%, 51%). Conclusion: Anal endosonography immediately after vaginal delivery allows diagnosis of clinically undetected anal sphincter tears that might be associated with subsequent fecal incontinence.
Lipid composition of beef brain, beef liver, and the sea anemone. Two approaches to quantitative fractionation of complex lipid mixtures.

Two new schemes for fractionation of complex lipid mixtures are presented. Their use for the study of lipids of beef brain, beef liver, and the sea anemone are described. Apparatus and techniques for working in an inert atmosphere, evaporation of solutions in the cold under nitrogen, use of infrared spectroscopy for examination of lipids and their hydrolysis products, preparation and clution of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose and silicic acid-silicate columns and general column combinations that can be used to fractionate complex lipid mixtures are considered in detail. The first scheme, employing DEAE cellulose columns followed by thin layer and paper chromatographic examination of the fractions, was applied to liver lipids. The many components, some of them new lipids not previously detected, are clearly seen with this technique but are not seen when paper or thin layer chromatography alone or silicic acid chromatography are used.
Gender Differences in the Social Cost of Affective Deviance

The current study tested whether men and women receive different degrees of social punishment for violating norms of emotional expression. Participants watched videos of male and female targets (whose reactions were pre-tested to be equivalent in expressivity and valence) viewing either a positive or negative slideshow, with their emotional reaction to the slideshow manipulated to be affectively congruent, affectively incongruent, or flat. Participants then rated the target on a number of social evaluation measures. Displaying an incongruent emotional expression, relative to a congruent one, harmed judgments of women more than men. Women are expected to be more emotionally expressive than men, making an incongruent expression more deviant for women. These results highlight the importance of social norms in construing another person's emotion displays, which can subsequently determine acceptance or rejection of that person.
Numerical simulation of the high-current vacuum arc

The paper presents the numerical implementation of the state-variable model of the high current arc interruption.
Replication deficiencies in priA mutants of Escherichia coli lacking the primosomal replication n' protein.

Abstract The priA gene of Escherichia coli encodes the protein that initiates assembly of the promosome, the entity essential for the replication of phage phi X174 and ColE1-like plasmids in vitro. We have prepared a null priA mutant to assess its role in vivo in replication of phages, plasmids, and the host chromosome. Extracts of this mutant are inert in the initial conversion of the phi X174 viral strand to the duplex form, confirming the absence of the PriA activity. In vivo, the priA mutant fails to produce phi X174 phage and, remarkably, is unable to maintain plasmids that depend on the E. coli chromosome origin as well as those of ColE1. Deficiencies in cell growth and cell division are also manifest.
Developing a computerized diabetes self-management education module for documenting outcomes.

PURPOSEThis paper describes a process used to develop a computerized diabetes self-management education record that complies with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.METHODSA working prototype was developed to computerize 1 of the 15 content modules outlined in the National Standards for use on the World Wide Web. During program development, three consultants reviewed the content and proposed structure. For the subsequent prototype, five diabetes educators served as users and evaluated the content, design, and flow of the system.RESULTSThe module was found to be thorough in terms of curriculum content and proposed structure for subsequent teaching. Overall, users were satisfied with the graphic interface screens and provided important feedback for determining specific modifications for future development.CONCLUSIONSThe World Wide Web format provides a universal platform for documenting diabetes education outcomes and allows a broad range of access and networking capabili...
Benzene Uptake in Hookah Smokers and Non-smokers Attending Hookah Social Events: Regulatory Implications

Background: Benzene is a human hematotoxicant and a leukemogen that causes lymphohematopoietic cancers, especially acute myelogenous leukemia. We investigated uptake of benzene in hookah smokers and non-smokers attending hookah social events in naturalistic settings where hookah tobacco was smoked exclusively. Methods: We quantified S -phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA), a metabolite of benzene, in the urine of 105 hookah smokers and 103 non-smokers. Participants provided spot urine samples the morning of and the morning after attending an indoor hookah-only smoking social event at a hookah lounge or in a private home. Results: Urinary SPMA levels in hookah smokers increased significantly following a hookah social event ( P < 0.001). This increase was 4.2 times higher after hookah lounge events ( P < 0.001) and 1.9 times higher after home events ( P = 0.003). In non-smokers, urinary SPMA levels increased 2.6 times after hookah lounge events ( P = 0.055); however, similar urinary SPMA levels were detected before and after home events, possibly indicating chronic exposure to benzene ( P = 0.933). Conclusions: Our data provide the first evidence for uptake of benzene in hookah smokers and non-smokers exposed to hookah tobacco secondhand smoke at social events in private homes compared with their counterparts in hookah lounges. Hookah tobacco smoke is a source of benzene exposure, a risk factor for leukemia. Impact: Because there is no safe level of exposure to benzene, our results call for interventions to reduce or prevent hookah tobacco use, regulatory actions to limit hookah-related exposure to toxicants including benzene, initiate labeling of hookah-related products, and include hookah smoking in clean indoor air legislation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2793–809. ©2014 AACR .
The crystal structures of DNA Holliday junctions.

Abstract Nearly 40 years ago, Holliday proposed a four-stranded complex or junction as the central intermediate in the general mechanism of genetic recombination. During the past two years, six single-crystal structures of such DNA junctions have been determined by three different research groups. These structures all essentially adopt the antiparallel stacked-X conformation, but can be classified into three distinct categories: RNA–DNA junctions; ACC trinucleotide junctions; and drug-induced junctions. Together, these structures provide insight into how local and distant interactions help to define the detailed and general physical features of Holliday junctions at the atomic level.
A forebrain visual projection in the frog (Rana pipiens).

Abstract In the frog (Rana pipiens) using a modification of the Fink-Heimer degeneration stain, a projection was traced from the lateral anterior thalamus via the lateral forebrain bundle to the ipsilateral striatum in the ventrolateral area of the forebrain. Striatal degeneration extended from the anterior commissure to the olfactory bulb. Single-unit microelectrode recording revealed that this area contained visual units that responded to the on and off of light.
Using the Kurtosis Measure to Identify Clusters in Wireless Channel Impulse Responses

In wireless channel propagation, multipath arrivals appear at the receiver in clusters. Because the notion of clusters tends to be intuitive rather than well-defined, cluster identification in channel impulse responses has traditionally been carried out through human visual inspection. Besides time-consuming for large-scale measurement campaigns, this approach is subjective and will vary from person to person, leading to arbitrary identification. In response to these concerns, automatic clustering algorithms have emerged in the past decade. Most, however, are laden with settings which are sensitive to different radio-frequency environments, again subject to arbitrariness. In this communication we propose a novel clustering algorithm based on the kurtosis measure which, in related work, has been employed precisely for its channel independence. We compare ours to some recent algorithms through a standard validation procedure on simulated impulse responses. We show the proposed algorithm to deliver better results and, because it requires no channel-specific settings, is inherently robust to different environments. Results of the proposed algorithm are also illustrated on real measurements in four buildings with assorted wall materials.
Impact of regional variation in detrital mineral composition on reservoir quality in deep to ultradeep lower Miocene sandstones, western Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Future exploration in lower Miocene sandstones in the Gulf of Mexico will focus increasingly at depths greater than 4.5 km, and reservoir quality will be a critical risk factor in these deep to ultradeep reservoirs. The goal of this study was to understand the variation in reservoir quality of lower Miocene sandstones across the western Gulf of Mexico. To do this, we examined regional variation in detrital mineral composition, diagenesis, and reservoir quality in five areas: (1) Louisiana, (2) upper Texas coast, (3) lower Texas coast, (4) Burgos Basin, Mexico, and (5) Veracruz Basin, Mexico using petrographic and petrophysical data from depths of 0.9–7.2 km. There are strong variations in mineralogical composition within the study area. Lower Miocene sandstones from offshore Louisiana have an average composition of quartz = 86%, feldspar = 12%, and rock fragments = 2% (Q 86 F 12 R 2 ). Feldspar and rock-fragment content increase southward as source areas shifted to include volcanic and carbonate rocks. Composition of samples from offshore Texas ranges from Q 67 F 24 R 9 in the upper Texas coast to Q 58 F 24 R 19 in the lower Texas coast. Lower Miocene sandstones from the onshore Burgos Basin, northern Mexico, have an average composition of Q 54 F 22 R 23 , whereas sandstones from the Veracruz Basin, southern Mexico, contain the highest proportion of rock fragments, Q 33 F 12 R 55 . Main diagenetic events in quartz-rich lower Miocene sandstones in Louisiana were mechanical compaction and precipitation of quartz cement. Compactional porosity loss increased to the south with increasing rock-fragment content. Calcite is the most abundant cement in the south and is strongly related to reservoir quality loss. At moderate burial depths, the best reservoir quality occurs in quartz-rich sandstones in Louisiana and decreases with increasing lithic content in Texas and Mexico. Porosity is higher in Louisiana and upper Texas than in lower Texas and Mexico at all depths and temperatures, but at depths >5 km and temperatures >175 °C, porosity differences are lessened. The lower Miocene sandstone trend in the western Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to Mexico is an example of the importance of variation in detrital mineralogy as a control on diagenesis and reservoir quality.
Epilepsy following cortical injury: Cellular and molecular mechanisms as targets for potential prophylaxis

The sequelae of traumatic brain injury, including posttraumatic epilepsy, represent a major societal problem. Significant resources are required to develop a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms as targets for potential prophylactic therapies. Posttraumatic epilepsy undoubtedly involves numerous pathogenic factors that develop more or less in parallel. We have highlighted two potential "prime movers": disinhibition and development of new functional excitatory connectivity, which occur in a number of animal models and some forms of epilepsy in humans. Previous experiments have shown that tetrodotoxin (TTX) applied to injured cortex during a critical period early after lesion placement can prevent epileptogenesis in the partial cortical ("undercut") model of posttraumatic epilepsy. Here we show that such treatment markedly attenuates histologic indices of axonal and terminal sprouting and presumably associated aberrant excitatory connectivity. A second finding in the undercut model is a decrease in spontaneous inhibitory events. Current experiments show that this is accompanied by regressive alterations in fast-spiking gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons, including shrinkage of dendrites, marked decreases in axonal length, structural changes in inhibitory boutons, and loss of inhibitory synapses on pyramidal cells. Other data support the hypothesis that these anatomic abnormalities may result from loss of trophic support normally provided to interneurons by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Approaches that prevent these two pathophysiologic mechanisms may offer avenues for prophylaxis for posttraumatic epilepsy. However, major issues such as the role of these processes in functional recovery from injury and the timing of the critical period(s) for application of potential therapies in humans need to be resolved.
Eye/mind/screen: Toward a phenomenology of cinematic scopophilia

(1990). Eye/mind/screen: Toward a phenomenology of cinematic scopophilia. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 12, Phenomenology in Film and Television, pp. 51-67.
SU‐GG‐T‐569: A Real‐Time Graphical User Interface‐Driven Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Simulator

Purpose: To present a stand‐alone RadiotherapyTreatment Planning simulator (RTPsim) that physicists can use for interactive classroom instruction and provide to students for independent study. Method and Materials: A PC with MATLAB programming language and the imaging toolbox is required. The RTPsim components are (1) a set of grayscale images for dose computation with regions of interest for dose area histogram analysis; (2) a double Gaussian pencil beam algorithm to create treatment fields; (3) dose distribution calculation routines for individual open or wedged beams and for a composite of weighted beams; and (4) a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to run the system with such user friendly features as command buttons to run algorithms, text or cursor variable input, list boxes for patient selection, and radio buttons for beam modifiers such as wedges. Results: The percent depth dose (%DD) for a typical 10×10 cm 6MV beam created by pencil beams closely approximates the actual clinical data. By computing and storing a correction factor table, the %DD values match exactly. The incorporation of divergence and a low dose region beyond the geometrical field edge result in excellent agreement in calculated versus clinical data for open beam profiles. Wedged field profiles show reasonable agreement with our clinical system. Several test cases from texts were reproduced accurately for interactive teaching purposes. As an example, an RTPsim wedged tangent field breast plan comparable to a clinical plan was produced. Variations in wedge, weighting, and normalization point can be demonstrated in real time. Use of a MATLAB GUI is suitable for planning demonstration; physicists and dosimetrists found the GUI convenient and easy to use. Conclusion: The user‐friendly RadiotherapyTreatment Planning simulator can simulate a clinical treatment planningcomputer with sufficient accuracy and speed for interactive educational purposes and independent learning.
Synthesis, superconductivity, X-ray structure and electronic band structure of λ-(BETS)2GaCl4

Abstract The first superconductor derived from bis (ethylenedithio) tetraselenafulvalene (BETS), λ-(BETS) 2 GaCl 4 , possesses a relatively sharp resistive transition with an onset of about 7.5 K and a midpoint of 6 K. Several samples had much broader transitions with higher onsets (> 9 K). Superconductivity was confirmed by AC susceptibility (midpoint 4.5 K, Δ T = 1 K). λ-(BETS) 2 GaCl 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 1 , with four BETS units stacked in a zig-zag fashion in the unit cell. Tight-binding band calculations suggest that λ-(BETS) 2 GaCl 4 has both 1-D and 2-D Fermi surfaces, the most prominent feature being a closed hole pocket centered at X accounting for ≈ 33% of the first Brillouin zone. These results confirm and extend the recent findings of Kobayashi and coworkers.
Evaluating yeast filamentous growth at the single-cell level.

Budding yeast can undergo filamentous growth in response to nutrient limitation. Filament formation can be examined under glucose-limiting conditions by the single-cell invasive growth assay, or under nitrogen-limiting conditions with the pseudohyphal growth assay, both described here. The single-cell assay allows robust quantitation of changes in budding pattern and cell length, and most cells in the population show the response. The pseudohyphal growth assay reveals filamentous patterns in larger microcolonies and adjoining subpopulations of cells. Historically, the single-cell assay has been used to study filamentous growth in haploid cells, and the pseudohyphal growth assay in diploid cells. However, both assays can be used in either cell type.
Patients' Perspectives on Integrating Acupuncture into the Radiation Oncology Setting.

Introduction Acupuncture has potential as a supportive care service for cancer symptom management. However, little is known about patients’ willingness to use acupuncture in the context of conventional cancer care.
Squeezing flows of Newtonian liquid films - An analysis including fluid inertia

A theoretical study is made of the flow behavior of thin Newtonian liquid films being “squeezed” between two flat plates. Solutions to the problem are obtained by using a numerical method, which is found to be stable for all Reynolds numbers, aspect ratios, and grid sizes tested. Particular emphasis is placed on including in the analysis the inertial terms in the Navier-Stokes equations. Comparison of results from the numerical calculation with those from Ishizawa's perturbation solution is made. For the conditions considered here, it is found that the perturbation series is divergent, and that in general one must use a numerical technique to solve this problem.
Sound generation by ducted flames

The sound field established by a v-shaped flame confined in a rectangular duct is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical model is developed to predict pressure spectra caused by the unsteady heat release from the flame. Comparisons between the theoretical and experimentally measured spectra confirm the validity of the model and are also reported. It is also found that changes in the flowfield in the flame zone can significantly modify combustion rates. These modifications, in turn, affect the generated sound field and are important in determining the pressure levels in the duct. The results of this investigation are applicable to combustion noise and instability studies in a variety of burner and propulsion system configurations. 15 references.
Holistic Modeling and Performance Evaluation for Converged Network-Cloud Service Provisioning

The crucial role that computer networks play in Cloud computing requires a holistic vision of both networking and computing resources that leads to a convergence of network and Cloud service provisioning. Performance evaluation on converged network-Cloud service provisioning faces some new challenges that are brought in by key features of Cloud computing, such as resource virtualization and service-orientation. In order to address the challenges, we explored application of network calculus theory in analyzing network-Cloud service performance by proposing a novel profile-based modeling approach. In this paper we further extend this approach by particularly considering the impact of data transform between networking and computing systems in network-Cloud service provisioning, thus achieving holistic modeling and analysis on end-to-end service performance across the network and Cloud domains. The developed analytic method is general and applicable to a wide variety of network-Cloud services. The results obtained in this paper also provide useful guidelines for federated management of networking and computing resources for achieving service performance guarantees.
Biophysics: Cell commuters avoid delays

The rates of chemical reactions in a cell are limited by the time it takes the reactants to find each other through brownian motion. Thus diffusion determines the timescales of life — but can some reactions beat the diffusion limit?
A working hypothesis for connections between electrically-induced changes in cloud microphysics and storm vorticity, with possible effects on circulation

Abstract This paper outlines, and explores the uncertainties in, hypothesized connections between a series of processes that could explain two long-standing puzzles; those of (1) the observed winter storm vorticity responses to atmospheric energy inputs that change the ionosphere–earth current density, Jz, that appear to involve storm invigoration, and (2) changes in anti-cyclonic blocking and circulation that include the observed colder winters in Great Britain and western Europe at solar minima, and especially at extended solar minima. A working hypothesis for the mechanism responsible for (1) is that the flow of Jz through conductivity gradients, as in stratified cloud layers and fog, especially with sea-salt aerosol haze over the high latitude winter oceans, deposits electric changes on droplets and aerosol particles; most importantly on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). These electric charges modulate scavenging of the particles in clouds and haze layers, increasing the concentration of small CCN and decreasing the concentration of large CCN. When further cloud formation occurs there is increased concentration of small droplets and decreased concentration of large ones, reducing coalescence and the production of rain. Thus updrafts carry more liquid water above the freezing level, and there the increased production of ice releases more latent heat and invigorates the updraft (the Rosenfeld mechanism), leading to increased vorticity. Here we explore the major uncertainties for the reality of the above chain of physical processes. A consequence of cumulative cyclonic vorticity increases is increases in downstream anti-cyclonic blocking. A further working hypothesis for (2) is that the invigoration may be large enough to contribute to the observed increases in blocking in winters at solar minima (high Jz) in the North Atlantic, that result in colder winters in the UK and northern Europe.
A comparison of the thermal resistance of a foam neoprene wetsuit to a wetsuit fabricated from aerogel-syntactic foam hybrid insulation

The purpose of this study was to compare the thermal resistance of a wetsuit fabricated from aerogel-syntactic foam hybrid insulation developed by Bardy et al [1] to a foam neoprene wetsuit. The thermal resistance of the hybrid wetsuit and a foam neoprene wetsuit was measured on a human test subject in water at 0.25 MPa (15.25 msw) of hyperbaric pressure. Measurements showed that although certain body regions of the hybrid wetsuit had a higher thermal resistance than foam neoprene, the overall thermal resistance of the hybrid wetsuit was 41% less than a foam neoprene wetsuit, and 51–88% less than predicted values. This was postulated, based on sample testing in water, to be due, in part, to increased heat flow through the hybrid insulation from water filled surface depressions at higher pressures. Other factors may have included water flow over the skin and the presence of thermal bridges in the insulation. Due to a smooth surface and tighter fit, the measured thermal resistance of the foam neoprene wetsuit was within 2–23% of the values predicted using data from Bardy et al [2]. It was concluded that unless the surface depressions can be eliminated, and alternative methods for a tighter fit achieved, foam neoprene provides more thermal protection.
Innovative approaches for integrated research and educational programs

Over the past half century, American agricultural productivity has increased while the number of full time farmers and rural populations have decreased. Although most people believe we have a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply, the high level of productivity has had negative impacts on the environment and rural communities and has increased farmers' dependence on purchased inputs. As Americans become more concerned about food safety and the environment, a new paradigm for American agriculture is emerging. This new alternative agriculture takes an ecological approach to food production. The challenge facing the land-grant university system is how to answer questions about sustainable agricultural systems, maintain productivity and respond to the needs and concerns of their broadened clientele. Whole farm case studies, focus groups, farm improvement clubs, on-farm research, field-size research trials, and whole farm comparisons are new qualitative and quantitative methods for interdisciplinary research and education. These methods integrate biological and social strategies and bring community members into the research and education process. When these groups work together, questions critical to maintaining the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems can be answered.
A technique to demonstrate energy level quantization in a SQUID

Abstract An integrated circuit has been designed to investigate the quantization of energy levels in an RF SQUID. The experiment is very similar to the rapid-sweep technique of Silvestrini et al., except that it is accomplished by using superconducting digital electronic circuitry as the experimental apparatus. This allows the system being studied to be very well isolated from its environment.
HUMAN FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (hFSH): FIRST PROPOSAL FOR THE AMINO ACID SEQUENCE OF THE α-SUBUNIT (hFSHα) AND FIRST DEMONSTRATION OF ITS IDENTITY WITH THE α-SUBUNIT OF HUMAN LUTEINIZING HORMONE (hLHα)

ABSTRACT Amino acid composition of hFSHα was similar to hFSHβ (except for methionines and isoleucines) and to hLHα and hTSHα. hFSHβ composition resembled hTSHβ more than hLHβ. The amino acid sequence of the α subunit of hFSH has been deduced from the sequences of tryptic and thermoiytic peptides of the reduced and carboxymethylated subunit. hFSHα has 89 amino acid residues, with a single isoleucine at position 22, and 2 carbohydrate moieties at 49 and 75. The sequence of hFSHα is identical to hLHα, as determined in our laboratory. The amino acid sequence of hFSHα is virtually identical to that of hCGα (21,22), except for 3 extra residues at the NH2-terminus of hCGα hFSHα possesses 29 positional differences from ovine LHα, including a deletion of 7 residues present at the NH2-terminus of ovine LHα.
A components method for measuring the impact of a family planning program on birth rates

One of the major goals of family planning programs worldwide has been to reduce the level of fertility in hopes of slowing the rate of natural increase and promoting social and economic development. Such programs have now been in existence for sufficient lengths of time to have had an impact on fertility levels. In several countries with organized family planning programs, marked declines in fertility levels have been observed. The extent to which such declines may be credited to organized programs has not been rigorously measured because an appropriate research methodology has been lacking. This paper describes one method of directly linking declines in fertility levels to the contraceptive protection experienced by a population. The contribution of organized family planning programs is estimated by decomposing the amount of total contraceptive protection into within-program and outside-program sources.
Comparison of kinetic and diffusional models for solid-gas reactions.

Kinetic and diffusion models for gas-solid reactions in spherical particle, comparing core shrinking mechanism and activation energies
Comparative health risks of electricity generating systems

At a turning point in the development of electricity generating systems, there is renewed interest in comparative studies of the risks associated with complete fuel cycles as an aid for decision makers. The paper describes some of the contemporary issues which comparative health risk analysis faces in the context of the fossil, nuclear and renewable options, including consideration of occupational and public risks, routine operational risks, and severe accidents.
The use of molecular methods for detecting and discriminating Salmonella associated with foods - a review.

The genus Salmonella is composed of two species, Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori. Only S. enterica subsp. enterica is considered of human clinical significance and consists of 1478 serotypes. A large number of virulence genes and virulence-enhancing genes have been described for Salmonella. There are more than 30 Salmonella specific genes that have been used for the polymerase chain reaction to detect and characterize Salmonella. The sensitivity of detection of Salmonella from complex matrices such as food and feces by PCR is invariably enhanced using nonselective or selective enrichment, particularly if followed by immuno-magnetic separation in addition to coupling the PCR with ELISA formats. R-plasmids are considered to be the main factors responsible for the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in Salmonella. A sizeable number of primer pairs are available for determining by the PCR the presence of many antibiotic resistance genes in Salmonella isolates that are not necessarily...
Manufacturing Partnerships: Evaluation in the Context of Government Reform.

Abstract Current efforts to reform government have promoted the development of inter-governmental and inter-sectoral partnerships to implement public policies and more effectively deliver services. This paper probes the additional complexities posed for program evaluation by the development of partnerships, drawing on a study of the U.S. Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The high-lighted challenges include diverse partner objectives, information deficiencies, variances in partner contributions and outcome effects, and difficulties in tracking a full set of benefits and costs, including learing benefits, intitutional improvements, and transaction costs. Contrasting evaluation strategies to address the challenges of evaluating partnerships are considered.
Application of Deformation Maps to the Study of In-Reactor Behavior of Oxide Fuels

Deformation maps that describe the mechanical behavior of oxide nuclear fuels in and out of reactor were constructed from experimental data using the approach of Ashby. By incorporating the effects of changes in composition and microstructure into the rate equations a map was constructed to describe the in-reactor mechanical behavior of a fully restructured mixed (U,Pu) oxide fuel. The implications of this map are discussed in relation to the modeling of fuel behavior.
Sedative clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

The effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing and membrane oxygenator (MO) on the concentrations of lorazepam and morphine in the neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit were evaluated using an in vitro model that included a closed ECMO circuit with a MO, heat exchanger, bladder and PVC tubing. The circuit was primed with blood, electrolytes, albumin and heparin and maintained at physiologic pH and temperature throughout by frequent measurement of blood gas pH and a temperature probe. Lorazepam and morphine were each studied separately in three separate, but identical circuits for 6 h on the day of circuit prime (new circuit) and then again for 6 h at 24 h (old circuit). Each circuit (new and old) was spiked once with lorazepam to a final concentration of 250 ng/mL or with morphine to a final concentration of 70 ng/mL in the circuit. Serial samples were drawn at baseline and every 30/60 min for 6 h at the site of injection and pre- and post-MO for each circuit. Lorazepam and morphine ...