cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy for intact brain metastases

Abstract Purpose Limited data exist on fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) for brain metastases. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FSRT and further define its role in brain metastasis management. Methods and materials A total of 72 patients were treated with linear accelerator–based FSRT to 182 previously untreated, intact brain metastases. Targets received 25 or 30 Gy in 5 fractions. All targets within the same course received the same prescription regardless of size. Toxicity was recorded per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group central nervous system toxicity criteria. Results The median follow-up was 5 months (range, 1-71 months). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of 12-month local control was 86%. Tumors P P = .015). Tumor diameter ≥3 cm resulted in increased local failure, and a 30 Gy prescription resulted in decreased local failure on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 8.11 [range, 2.09-31.50; P = .003] and HR, 0.26 [range, 0.07-0.93; P = .038]). Grade 4 central nervous system toxicity occurred in 4 patients (6%) requiring surgery, and no patient experienced irreversible grade 3 or 5 toxicity. Increasing tumor diameter was associated with increased toxicity risk (HR, 2.45 [range, 1.04-5.742; P = .04]). Conclusions FSRT for brain metastases appears to demonstrate a high rate of local control with minimal risk of severe toxicity. Local control appears to be associated with smaller tumor sizeand a higher prescription dose. FSRT is a viable option for those who are poor single-fraction candidates.
Dynamical study of a type-3 DFIG wind turbine while transitioning from rated speed to rated power

In this paper, a model of type-3 Doubly Fed Asynchronous/Induction Generator (DFAG/DFIG) wind turbine is considered. We construct a system of 10 nonlinear differential equations that describes the transitional stage of dynamics when the rated speed is achieved and the rated power is not. A computation of the steady state vs. wind speed, stability in grid parameter space (resistance and reactance), and sensitivity of state variables and eigenvalues to parameters are presented in the paper. The paper recorded some sensitivity of eigenvalues to the reactance X. The paper presents simulations for a transitioning wind speed profile and a class of solutions with different wind speeds that start close to the equilibrium. These simulations are supporting the paper's conclusion.
Varied student perception of e-text use among student populations in biology courses

The faculty in a biology department at a four-year public comprehensive university adopted e-texts for all 100 and 200 level biology courses with the primary motivation of reducing textbook costs to students. This study examines the students’ perceptions of the e-texts adopted for these 100 and 200 level biology courses. An online questionnaire was developed and administered in multiple sections of six 100 and 200 level biology courses during the spring and fall semesters of 2014 to measure student perceptions of the e-texts used in these courses. Results suggest a bimodal distribution among our sample (N = 2,152) of student participants. However, there are statistically significant and noteworthy exceptions to this general pattern. Black students reported a significantly higher satisfaction with e-texts compared to white students, and students repeating one of these courses reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction with the e-text compared to students taking the for the first time. Additionally, students with lower grade point averages (GPAs) preferred the e-text significantly more compared to those with higher GPAs. Further analyses reveal that the majority of student participants perceived the use of value-added technologies, such as e-homework, favorably.
A cluster phase analysis for collective behavior in team sports.

Abstract Collective behavior can be defined as the ability of humans to coordinate with others through a complex environment. Sports offer exquisite examples of this dynamic interplay, requiring decision making and other perceptual-cognitive skills to adjust individual decisions to the team self-organization and vice versa. Considering players of a team as periodic phase oscillators, synchrony analyses can be used to model the coordination of a team. Nonetheless, a main limitation of current models is that collective behavior is context independent. In other words, players on a team can be highly synchronized without this corresponding to a meaningful coordination dynamics relevant to the context of the game. Considering these issues, the aim of this study was to develop a method of analysis sensitive to the context for evidence-based measures of collective behavior.
Psychosocial Stress Exposure Disrupts Mammary Gland Development

Exposure to psychosocial stressors and ensuing stress physiology have been associated with spontaneous invasive mammary tumors in the Sprague-Dawley rat model of human breast cancer. Mammary gland (MG) development is a time when physiologic and environmental exposures influence breast cancer risk. However, the effect of psychosocial stress exposure on MG development remains unknown. Here, in the first comprehensive longitudinal study of MG development in nulliparous female rats (from puberty through young adulthood; 8-25 wks of age), we quantify the spatial gradient of differentiation within the MG of socially stressed (isolated) and control (grouped) rats. We then demonstrate that social isolation increased stress reactivity to everyday stressors, resulting in downregulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the MG epithelium. Surprisingly, given that chemical carcinogens increase MG cancer risk by preventing normal terminal end bud (TEB) differentiation, chronic isolation stress did not alter TEBs. Instead, isolation blunted MG growth and alveolobular differentiation and reduced epithelial cell proliferation in these structures. Social isolation also enhanced corpora luteal progesterone at all ages but reduced estrogenization only in early adulthood, a pattern that precludes modulated ovarian function as a sufficient mechanism for the effects of isolation on MG development. This longitudinal study of natural variation provides an integrated view of MG development and the importance of increased GR activation in nulliparous ductal growth and alveolobular differentiation. Thus, social isolation and its physiological sequelae disrupt MG growth and differentiation and suggest a contribution of stress exposure during puberty and young adulthood to the previously observed increase in invasive MG cancer observed in chronically socially-isolated adult Sprague-Dawley rats.
Ab Initio Emulsion Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization

Stable latexes of poly(meth)acrylates with predetermined molecular weights, narrow molecular-weight distributions, and controlled architecture were prepared by true ab initio emulsion atom-transfer radical polymerization. Water-soluble (macro)initiators in combination with a hydrophilic catalyst, Cu/tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, initiated the polymerization in the aqueous phase. The catalyst strongly interacted with the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), thereby tuning the polymerization within nucleated hydrophobic polymer particles. Long-term stable latexes were obtained, even with SDS loading below 3 wt % relative to monomer. Block and gradient copolymers were prepared in situ. The reaction volume and solid content were successfully increased to 100 mL and 40 vol %, respectively, thus suggesting facile scale-up of this technique. The proposed setup could be integrated in existing industrial plants used for emulsion polymerization.
Fragile X syndrome.

1. Fragile X syndrome is defined by the combination of a characteristic phenotype, cognitive impairment, the presence of a fragile site (gap) detectable in folate-free culture medium on Xq27.3 called FRA X A, and transcriptional inhibition, through overmethylation, of an mRNA protein-binding gene called FMR-1. 2. It is inherited in an atypical X-linked dominant way and affects about 1 in 1000 males and 1 in 2000 females; about 1 in 700 females is a carrier. 3. A characteristic but subtle phenotype includes an elongated face and mandible, large ears, macrocephaly with bizygomatic pinching, soft skin, inconsistent mitral valve prolapse, macroorchidism, mildly shortened stature in adulthood, and characteristic behavior that may resemble autism and attention deficit disorders. Intellectual impairment in affected individuals varies from mild to severe, with a majority of affected males within the moderate range of cognitive disability. Twenty percent of males with the mutation are phenotypically and intellectually unaffected. They ae called transmitting males. 4. Female heterozygotes may be indistinguishable from the general population, or they may have subtle physical signs or both physical and intellectual impairment. 5. Sensory motor integration is the therapy of choice for the learning disabilities in children with fragile X syndrome. The benefits of folic acid supplementation are equivocal. 6. A sensitive and understanding support system for the patient and extended family is an inseparable component of appropriate management of fragile X syndrome. 7. Molecularly the mutation is characterized by varying lengths of DNA fragments consisting of the trinucleotide CGG. It is repeated about 6 to 50 times in the normal population and approximately 51 to 200 times in unaffected individuals with a so-called premuation who are at risk for expansion and transmission to offspring. Individuals with over 200 repeats are usually affected and said to have a full mutation. 8. The physician caring for a family with fragile X syndrome should work with an experienced genetics center, counselor, and a laboratory with expertise.
Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects of the Antibody Library of Sharks

At the present time there are sufficient data available to allow two rather basic generalizations regarding the humoral immune response of sharks. The first is that sharks can respond with the production of circulating antibodies to a wide variety of antigens and thus are not necessarily primitive in an immunologic sense. The second generalization is that these antibodies belong to an immunoglobulin class whose gross architecture resembles 19S IgM of mammals, i.e. a pentamer of disulfide-linked monomers each composed of 2 μ-like and 2 L chains (reviewed 1, 2, 3). Similar types of studies indicate the presence of a 7S immunoglobulin that resembles a monomer of IgM; no molecules homologous to mammalian IgG have been found in sharks.
The Effect of a Clinical Decision Support for Pending Laboratory Results at Emergency Department Discharge.

Abstract Background Health care systems often implement changes within the electronic health record (EHR) to improve patient safety and reduce medical errors. Objective To compare the proportion of emergency department (ED) encounters with laboratory tests resulting subsequent to patient discharge before and after a clinical decision support was implemented. Methods In 2015, our institution added an EHR dialogue when placing ED discharge orders, requiring providers to declare whether all laboratory results had been reviewed. To determine the effectiveness of this initiative, we searched the EHR to identify the proportion of ED encounters with laboratory tests resulting after discharge in pre- (January to June 2015) and post-intervention (January to June 2016) periods. Results There were 67,287 discharged patients during the study periods. In the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7–7.2%) and 7.9% (95% CI 7.6–8.2%) of encounters had laboratory tests resulting after discharge, with an absolute difference of 0.9% (95% CI 0.5–1.3%). Of these patients with laboratory tests resulting after ED discharge, in 92% the provider inaccurately marked “yes” or “not applicable” to the EHR dialogue prompt. Conclusions This workflow intervention was associated with an increase in the proportion of laboratory tests resulting after ED discharge; inaccurate answers to the EHR dialogue were pervasive. EHR workflow interventions do not always accomplish their intended goals, and their implementation should be considered thoughtfully.
67 Suicidality and exposure to school-based violence among a nationally representative sample of Asian American and Pacific Islander youth

Statement of Purpose Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the fastest growing racial/ethnic minority group in the U.S. However, less focus has been paid to the rates of suicidal behaviors among AAPI youth, despite estimates placing suicide as the second leading cause of death among AAPI youth (15–24 years). At the same time, exposure to school-based violence has a long-term negative impact on youth outcomes. And recent research has noted that AAPI youth are more likely to be victimized in schools than their non-AAPI peers. The current study expands on the limited existing research and examines the relationship between suicidal behavior and exposure to school-based violence among a national sample of AAPI high school students. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of the CDC’s most recent Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data (n=14,765). Results Results demonstrated that the prevalence of AAPI youth engaging in suicidal behaviors does not differ significantly from other demographic subgroups. Further, a significant correlation between exposure to school-based violence (including having been threatened with a weapon and a perceived lack of safety at school) and four suicidal behaviors was observed among this sample of AAPI youth: considered suicide attempt: r=0.237, p Conclusions Our findings confirm that AAPI youth are engaging in suicidality behaviors and experiencing school-based violence at rates comparable to non-AAPI youth. We also demonstrate that a significant relationship between exposure to school violence and suicidality persists for this subgroup. Significance Implications for integrating existing mental health practices with school-based violence prevention efforts and that are tailored specifically to the needs of AAPI youth are discussed.
Clinical pharmacology of thalidomide.

Thalidomide, a drug initially developed as a sedative agent and later notorious as a teratogen, has recently been shown to be a potent immunomodulator, mediated by inhibition of tumor necrosis factor.1,2,3 As such, it is being reevaluated for possible use in HIV disease, among other conditions.4 A recent report by Jacobson demonstrated the effectiveness of thalidomide in treating idiopathic oral aphthous ulcers in HIV-infected patients.5 Thalidomide is also being investigated for potential use in treating HIV wasting syndrome.6 Knowledge of …
Periodicities in an active region correlated with Type III radio bursts observed by Parker Solar Probe

Context. Periodicities have frequently been reported across many wavelengths in the solar corona. Correlated periods of ~5 min, comparable to solar p -modes, are suggestive of coupling between the photosphere and the corona.Aims. Our study investigates whether there are correlations in the periodic behavior of Type III radio bursts which are indicative of nonthermal electron acceleration processes, and coronal extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission used to assess heating and cooling in an active region when there are no large flares.Methods. We used coordinated observations of Type III radio bursts from the FIELDS instrument on Parker Solar Probe (PSP), of EUV emissions by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and white light observations by SDO Helioseismic and Magnetic Image (HMI), and of solar flare X-rays by Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) on April 12, 2019. Several methods for assessing periodicities are utilized and compared to validate periods obtained.Results. Periodicities of ~5 min in the EUV in several areas of an active region are well correlated with the repetition rate of the Type III radio bursts observed on both PSP and Wind. Detrended 211 and 171 Å light curves show periodic profiles in multiple locations, with 171 Å peaks sometimes lagging those seen in 211 Å. This is suggestive of impulsive events that result in heating and then cooling in the lower corona. NuSTAR X-rays provide evidence for at least one microflare during the interval of Type III bursts, but there is not a one-to-one correspondence between the X-rays and the Type III bursts. Our study provides evidence for periodic acceleration of nonthermal electrons (required to generate Type III radio bursts) when there were no observable flares either in the X-ray data or the EUV. The acceleration process, therefore, must be associated with small impulsive events, perhaps nanoflares.
Abstract 463: Linoleate Epoxides, Epomes, Are Potent Anti-inflammatory Fatty Acid Epoxides and Nearly Equivalent to Arachidonate-derived Epetres

Background: Epoxides of arachidonic acid (EpETrEs, also commonly EETs) are potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediators and are associated with hypotensive and protective vascular actions. Marine omega...
Identification and Characterization of Disease Resistance Genes in Alfalfa and Medicago truncatula for Breeding Improved Cultivars

Alfalfa plants are susceptible to numerous diseases caused by fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, and nematode pests that significantly reduce forage yield, quality, and productive stand life. Disease resistance is the most common and effective means of reducing damage from pathogens. Using phenotypic recurrent selection, plant breeders have successfully developed alfalfa cultivars with high levels of resistance to major yield-limiting diseases. This chapter summarizes the cases in which the mechanisms of disease resistance and inheritance of resistance have been investigated. DNA markers associated with resistance have been identified for several diseases. However, alfalfa lags behind other major crops in the identification of disease resistance genes and the use of molecular markers in cultivar improvement. A better understanding of disease resistance and the use of marker-assisted selection of superior germplasm should accelerate the breeding and development of more productive cultivars.
The Authoritarian Personality 2.0

This essay reframes the significance of the Authoritarian Personality study for the “fascism debates” and for the rapidly growing field of research on digitally mediated right-wing movements by rer...
Computation of Green's functions for a surface field on a circular cylinder with an impedance boundary condition

Computation of the exact eigenfunction solution for the surface fields due to a point source on a circular cylinder is usually a very challenging and time consuming task, especially when the radius of the circular cylinder or the geodesic path length between the source and field points is electrically large. An efficient technique is developed for the computation of the exact Green's function pertaining to the surface magnetic field due to a magnetic current on a circular cylinder with an impedance boundary condition (IBC). The results obtained by this technique can be used for the validation and checking of the accuracy of the relevant mutual coupling as well as surface field results obtained by conventional high frequency asymptotic techniques.
The Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test

The Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT) can be conceptualized as a measure of intelligence, obtained nonverbally. The UNIT is designed to provide a unique measure of cognitive organization (i.e., symbolic and nonsymbolic content) and function (memory and reasoning); even so, it is first and foremost a strong measure of g,primarily because of the complex nature of its six subtests.
A deletion involving Alu sequences in the beta-hexosaminidase alpha-chain gene of French Canadians with Tay-Sachs disease.

French Canadians living in eastern Quebec are carriers of a severe type of Tay-Sachs disease, known as the classic form, 10 times more often than the general population. The alpha-chain of beta-hexosaminidase A, a lysosomal enzyme composed of two chains (alpha, beta), bears the mutation in this inherited disorder. We previously reported that the 5' end of the alpha-chain gene was deleted in two such patients (Myerowitz, R., and Hogikyan, N.D. (1986) Science, 232, 1646-1648). The present study reports the size, precise location, and environment of the deletion. A clone encompassing the deletion was isolated from a genomic library constructed in lambda EMBL3 with DNA from a patient's fibroblasts. Comparison of the restriction maps of the clone with that of the normal gene (Proia, R.L., and Soravia, E. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 5677-5681) showed that the deletion was 7.6 kilobases long and included part of intron 1, all of exon 1 and extended 2000 base pairs upstream past the putative promotor region of the alpha-chain gene. These data are consistent with the inability to detect mRNA and immunoprecipitable alpha-chain protein in this mutant. Sequence analysis of the deletion junction in the mutant and corresponding regions of the normal gene demonstrated the presence of similarly oriented Alu sequences at the 5' and 3' deletion boundaries. The data are in accord with the possibility that the deletion may have arisen during homologous recombination from unequal crossing over between Alu sequences.
Seeing the Old Lady: A New Perspective on the Age Old Problems of Discrimination, Inequality, and Subordination

In recent years, legal scholars have used insights from cognitive and social psychology to explain that, despite significant gains, discrimination persists in America. Specifically, such scholars argue that our current antidiscrimination legal system, aimed at overt, conscious, and intentional conduct is not an effective tool for combating current forms of discrimination that are often subtle, unconscious, and unintentional. This article builds on that work by illustrating that, while insightful, the perspective from which these scholars approach the problem of discrimination is really no different from that which informs the current antidiscrimination system they seek to change. Accordingly, this article will explain how the perspective of these scholars is the same as that informing the current system. Second, this article will put forth an alternative perspective and then demonstrate how the new point of view advocated for opens up new possibilities with respect to how we might eradicate discrimination from American society.
Validation and verification of diagonal neural controller for nuclear power plant

A new approach for wide-range optimal reactor temperature control using diagonal recurrent neural networks (DRNN) with an adaptive learning rate scheme is presented. The drawback of the usual feedforward neural network (FNN) is that it is a static mapping and requires a large number of neurons and takes a long training time. The usual fixed learning rate based on an empirical trial and error scheme is slow and does not guarantee convergence. The dynamic backpropagation algorithm coupled with an adaptive learning rate guarantees even faster convergence. A reference model which incorporates an optimal control law with improved reactor temperature response is used for training of the neurocontroller and neuroidentifier. Rapid convergence of this DRNN-based control system is demonstrated when applied to improve reactor temperature performance. >
Fluxion: an innovative fluid dynamics game on multi-touch handheld device

We explore the possibility of implementing real-time fluid simulation on iPhone to create an innovative game experience. Using fluid dynamics and water tri-states as game mechanics, players can manipulate fluid and solve puzzles through the unique input controls of iPhone, such as accelerometer and multi-touch. We implement particle-based fluid simulation and integrate our particle system with a physics engine, Box2D, to realize the interactions between particles and rigid body. The playtest showed that Fluxion is not only a fun game, but also educational since it provides players the basic concepts of how fluid behaves in the real world.
Living the Wisconsin Idea: Synopsis and Reflections of Research on Two-Year Colleges at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research

Founded in 1964 and housed within the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education, the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) is one of the nation’s oldest and most highly regarde...
The effect of ionizing radiation on uranophane

The susceptibility of uranophane, a uranyl sheet silicate, ideally Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2(H2O)5, to ionizing irradiation has been evaluated by systematic irradiations with 200 keV electrons over the temperature range 94 to 573 K. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that amorphous domains formed locally, concurrently with a gradual disordering of the entire structure. Amorphization doses at room temperature were 1.1 × 1010 Gy for uranophane, 1.3 × 1010 Gy for Sr-substituted uranophane, and 1.9 × 1010 Gy for Eu-substituted uranophane; thus, there was an increase in amorphization dose with increasing average atomic mass. At 573 K, the amorphization dose of uranophane was 2.0 × 1011 Gy. The temperature dependence of the amorphization dose of uranophane has two stages; ď≤413 K and >413 K. Based on a defect accumulation model, the effective activation energies for amorphization at each stage are 0.0440 eV and 0.869 eV, respectively. This suggests that the presence of H2O (and OH−) reduce the energy deposition required to cause–amorphization. Above 413 K, the amorphization dose increased due to the absence of H2O and OH and the absence of radiolytic decomposition of H2O and OH−.
EFFECTS OF PRACTICE ON DIAL READING.

The effects of practice and exposure time were studied for circular and linear (vertically arrayed for this study) dials of the moving pointer type. Type of dial was a between-groups variable, with one group of 11 subjects having the vertical dial and another group of 11 subjects the circular dial. Practice for five daily sessions, and exposure times of 100 or 500 msec, were within-groups variables. The circular dial was superior to the vertical dial for both exposure times, whether per cent correct or amount of reading error was the measure. The practice variable had a minor effect and was statistically significant only for the circular dial at 100 msec. exposure time, and only for the per cent correct measure. Practice tended to alter the distribution of errors for the circular dial.
REALITY TELEVISION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT BIRTH: THE MESSAGES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS

Purpose: Childbirth information in reality television programs needs critical examination. Messages regarding interventions and options were examined in the most popular show, A Baby Story. Research Question: How prevalent are medical interventions and potential alternatives on A Baby Story and how are these discussed by program participants? Significance/Background: Two-thirds of expectant mothers watch childbirth reality television programs, while maternal–infant outcomes worsen, medical intervention rates increase persistently, and midwifery remains underused. Methods: Forty episodes of A Baby Story were randomly sampled, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for content, including frequencies of depicted birth options and interventions as well as comparisons by provider type and birth method. Conversations about childbirth and birth sequences were coded to evaluate discussions. Findings: Physician-attended births predominated (74%) and depicted routine interventions as necessary to facilitate labor progression and minimize pain, allowing medicalized births to appear normative. Alternative birth options were unclear and infrequent, occurring most often when midwives attended or when birthing women were identified as particularly well informed or motivated to avoid intervention. Discussion: Episodes of A Baby Story were not neutral arbiters of information. The majority mirrored the medical model, reinforcing women's fears about pain while inconsistently mentioning alternatives. As impersonal sources of birth information become more common, media messages that normalize medical intervention in childbirth need to be countered. Offering accessible, interesting, widely available information supporting midwifery and childbirth options seems a valuable national strategy.
Is There a Racial Difference in Physiologic Cup Size

Abstract Although many clinicians believe that there is a racial difference in the size of the physiologic cup, this premise has not been studied. To evaluate this, we prospectively examined 100 black and 100 white volunteers. Stereoscopic optic disc photographs taken of each subject were masked to block out the fundus pigmentation, randomized, and then evaluated by an experienced clinician. The average cup/disc ratio in blacks (0.35) was significantly greater ( P
Crystallized p-toluene sulfonate diacetylenic lipid: a Raman spectroscopic study

Abstract The diacetylenic lipid, 1,2-bis-(tricosa 10,12 diynoyl)- rac -glycero-3-(- p -toluene-sulfonate), which is related to the tubule-forming lipid, 1,2-bis-(tricosa 10,12 diynoyl)- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine, has been synthesized and crystallized. The monoclinic crystal structures were polymerized by UV light and displayed strong red coloration when illuminated with light polarized along the crystalline a axis. Raman and resonance Raman spectra of the crystallized lipid were obtained as a function of its degree of polymerization. Spectral features sensitive to order in the lipid hydrocarbon chains reveal that the chains are highly ordered and that this order persists as polymerization proceeds.
Surveying standard model flux vacua on T6/ℤ2 × ℤ2

We consider the SU(2)L × SU(2)R Standard Model brane embedding in an orientifold of T 6 /Z2 × Z2. Within defined limits, we construct all such Standard Model brane embeddings and determine the relative number of flux vacua for each construction. Supersymmetry preserving brane recombination in the hidden sector enables us to identify many solutions with high flux. We discuss in detail the phenomenology of one model which is likely to dominate the counting of vacua. While Kahler moduli stabilization remains to be fully understood, we define the criteria necessary for generic constructions to have fixed moduli.
Evaluating focused factory benefits with queuing theory

Abstract In this paper, we study the benefits of a focused factory using lead-time as a performance measure. Specifically, we model a production process, using multi-class (multiple product types), general interarrival and processing time distributions with multiple machines ( GI/G/c ) queuing models for deriving each product’s mean lead-time. We also perform simulations for estimating the standard deviation of lead times. There are two product types: a standard and a customized product. The customized product has a more variable demand pattern than the standard product, and also requires additional processing time (setup and run time) in its production process. We assume that management is willing to sacrifice the lead-time performance of the customized product in favor of improved performance for the standard product. The paper shows that focusing the factory is more attractive for plants operating at higher utilization, and manufacturing products that have higher processing time and demand variability differentials between product types.
Material-based Design Computation An Inquiry into Digital Simulation of Physical Material Properties as Design Generators:

The paper demonstrates the association between geometry and material behavior, specifically the elastic properties of resin impregnated latex membranes, by means of homogenizing protocols which translate physical properties into geometrical functions. Resin-impregnation patterns are applied to 2-D pre-stretched form-active tension systems to induce 3-D curvature upon release. This method enables form-finding based on material properties, organization and behavior. Some theoretical foundations for material-computation are outlined. A digital tool developed in the Processing (JAVA coded) environment demonstrates the simulation of material behavior and its prediction under specific environmental conditions. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the physical and digital explorations which redefine generative material-based design computation, supporting a synergetic approach to design integrating form, structure, material and environment.
Thoracic epidural anesthesia via the modified Taylor approach in infants

Abstract Background and Objectives: Advancement of catheters from the caudal to the thoracic level is an alternative to thoracic epidural anesthesia in infants and younger children; however, contamination of the insertion site may occur. This study examined the feasibility of the midline modified Taylor approach (L5-S1) for the advancement of epidural catheters to the thoracic level in infants. Methods: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and parental consent, the L5-S1 interspace of infants 3 months to 2 years old was entered with an 18-gauge Crawford needle using the saline loss of resistance technique. A 20-gauge catheter with stylet (Abbott; North Chicago, IL) was then advanced the distance from the L5-S1 interspace to the desired thoracic level. If resistance was encountered, the catheter was withdrawn 1 to 2 cm, rotated along its long axis, and readvanced. The stylet was left in place, and a radiograph of the thoracolumbar spine was taken. The stylet was then removed, and the catheter was secured, tested, and dosed. Results: Sixteen infants (mean age, 14.4 ± 5.7 months and mean weight, 9.3 ± 1.4 kg) were studied. Fifteen of 16 catheters were inserted the full length planned. Fourteen of 16 catheters were straight (1 had a single bend, and 1 had multiple loops). Mean discrepancy between level desired and obtained was −1.7 ± 1.7 segments (median, −1.75). Discrepancy did not correlate with either desired level or length inserted, but did decrease with experience. Conclusions: The midline modified Taylor approach allows access to the thoracic epidural space via catheter advancement, while being below the terminus of the spinal cord and less likely to suffer contamination than the caudal approach. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2000;25;561-565
Resistance to Thermal Shock

The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate that the resistance of ceramic and ceramal materials to thermal shock can he determined by analyzing the nonsteady thermal stresses in the material. First the nonuniform temperature distribution is computed by using the heat conduction equation. This temperature distribution is then used to compute the thermal stress. The material parameters which enter into the calculations are the coefficients of thermal conduction and of thermal expansion, the ultimate strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio of the material. These quantities together with the heating conditions then specify the resistance to thermal shock. The theory is verified by comparing the results with NACA test data.
On the shear deformation coefficient in beam theory

Abstract The effect of transverse shear stresses on the deflection of straight prismatic beams with arbitrarily shaped cross sections is reconsidered. A method for calculating shear deformation coefficients is developed by combining the engineering beam theory with an elasticity solution for a cantilever beam under a tip load. These coefficients can be found by a geometric approach or an energy method. The latter gives a symmetric tensor of shear deformation coefficients and is more accurate. A new general beam stiffness matrix which accounts for both bending and shear deflection is derived. Numerical examples are presented to show the influence of the Poisson's ratio and the choice of coordinate axes on the shear deformation coefficients.
A Study of Rural Senegalese Attitudes and Perceptions of Their Behavior to Changes in the Climate

Semi-structured focus group discussions were employed to capture rural Senegalese attitudes and perceptions of their behavior to changes in the climate and their land use and livelihood strategies. Seven focus groups stratified by gender, ethnicity (Wolof and Peulh) and dominant production system (cultivators and pastoralists) in five villages in semi-arid northern Senegal revealed seven main themes. Rural livelihoods remain predominantly based on rainfall dependant practices, and although cultivators and pastoralists had a clear appreciation of changes in natural resources compared to a perceived more favorable past, few adaptive coping strategies beyond established ones were advocated. The seven themes are discussed in detail and their implications for rural livelihoods under future long term climate predictions discussed with the implications of this study for the development of scenarios of future land cover land use.
Exploring the vulnerability of CMPs to soft errors with 3D stacked nonvolatile memory

Improving the vulnerability to soft errors is one of the important design goals for future architecture design of Chip-MultiProcessors (CMPs). In this study, we explore the soft error characteristics of CMPs with 3D stacked NonVolatile Memory (NVM), in particular, the Spin-Transfer Torque Random Access Memory (STT-RAM), whose cells are immune to radiation-induced soft errors and do not have endurance problems. We use 3D stacking as an enabler for modular integration of STT-RAM memories with minimum disruption in the baseline processor design flow, while providing further interconnection and capacity advantages. We take an in-depth look at alternative replacement schemes to explore the soft error resilience benefits and design trade-offs of 3D stacked STT-RAM and capture the multivariable optimization challenges microprocessor architectures face. We propose a vulnerability metric, with respect to the instruction and data in the core pipeline and through the cache hierarchy, to present a comprehensive system evaluation with respect to reliability, performance, and power consumption for our CMP architectures. Our experimental results show that, for the average workload, replacing memories with an STT-RAM alternative significantly mitigates soft errors on-chip, improves the performance by 14.15p, and reduces power consumption by 13.44p.
Development of neuronal connections with skin grafts in frogs: behavioral and electrophysiological studies.

Three types of skin grafts were made in frog tadpoles at various stages of development. Skin on the trunk was excised and replaced in a back-to-belly inverted position; or skin on the back was grafted in a head-to-tail inverted position; or small patches of back and belly skin were exchanged. During metamorphosis these animals devloped normal reflexes in response to stimulating the skin graft. Some days later, reflexes misdirected to the original position of the grafted skin occurred on stimulating back-to-belly inverted grafts made before larval stage XV. The area of skin giving rise to misdirected reflexes enlarged gradually to occupy most of the graft. Only normal reflexes were elicited from back-to-belly inverted grafts made after stage XV and from the other types of grafts made after stage I. Misdirected reflexes were permanent. However, re-rotation of back-to-belly inverted grafts in adult frogs resulted in recovery of normal reflexes in some cases. The receptive fields of cutaneous nerves were mapped electrophysiologically and were similar in tadpoles and frogs with skin grafts and normal controls. No changes in receptive fields were detected during development of during the period when normal or misdirected reflexes appeared. We concluded that misdirected reflexes were not caused by changes in the peripheral receptive fields but were due to changes in the central nervous system which occurred after the sensory nerves had connected with the skin graft.
Beating-heart, off-pump mitral valve repair by implantation of artificial chordae tendineae: an acute in vivo animal study.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a new off-pump mitral valve repair technology in restoring valve competency in a porcine model of acute mitral regurgitation. Methods Acute mitral regurgitation was induced in 6 anesthetized pigs by cutting anterior leaflet chordae. Artificial chordae were then transapically implanted on the prolapsing segment under epicardial echocardiographic guidance and secured outside the left ventricular apex. All intracardiac manipulations were performed off-pump, through a stab wound incision on the left ventricular apex. Results Cutting the anterior leaflet chordae caused an eccentric, posteriorly directed jet of mitral regurgitation that could be visualized by color Doppler sonography. Implantation of chordae through the left ventricular apex completely eliminated valve regurgitation in 4 animals and reduced regurgitation in 2. Intraoperative measurement of artificial chordal tensions gave similar values to those reported for native chordae. Conclusions Off-pump, transapical implantation of artificial chordae between a prolapsing anterior mitral valve leaflet and the left ventricular apex was effective in reducing acutely induced mitral regurgitation. Long-term studies are planned to assess the stability in this animal model.
Modulation of agonist and antagonist interactions at kidney α1-adrenoceptors by nucleotides and metal ions

Abstract In order to characterize putative high- and low-affinity states of the renal α 1 -adrenoceptor, binding sites for the selective antagonist radioligand [ 3 H]prazosin were examined in washed membranes prepared from rat renal cortex and medulla. Norepinephrine competition curves at [ 3 H]prazosin sites were biphasic and were best fit by a two-site model. Na + and GTP selectively decreased the proportion of sites exhibiting a high affinity for norepinephrine. In contrast, Mg 2+ facilitated high-affinity interactions of norepinephrine at the renal α 1 -receptor. Guanine nucleotides and Na + increased the affinity of some antagonists ([ 3 H]prazosin, WB-4101), but not others (phentolamine). Mg 2+ again had opposite effects. The effects of ions and nucleotides on both agonist and antagonist interactions were concentration-dependent. The order of potencies for monovalent cations (Na + > Li + ⪢ K + ), divalent cations (Mn 2+ > Mg 2+ ) and nucleotides (Gpp (NH)p, GTP ⪢ GMP, ATP) were similar to those reported for cyclase-coupled receptor systems. However, unlike other divalent cations Ca 2+ decreased both agonist and antagonist binding, possibly due to a Ca 2+ -sensitive proteinase. Receptor binding properties were similar in renal cortex and medulla. Renal α 1 -receptor sites appear to display high- and low-affinity states with respect to agonists, and the equilibrium between these states may be modulated by guanine nucleotides and mono- and divalent metal ions. Some antagonists appear to bind preferentially to sites with low agonist affinity, and this effect is probably independent of retained endogenous catecholamines.
The intimate connection between antisocial personality and substance abuse

There is a powerful association between antisocial behavior and substance abuse. What is still uncertain is whether the association between the two is causal, so that one disorder leads to the other, or is explained by shared symptoms or shared risk factors, or suggests that the two disorders are not distinct, but are actually variants of the same underlying disorder. Each of these hypotheses is shown to be plausible. The paper considers four criteria for causality: precedence, coherence with existing knowledge, dose-related liability, and understandability of mechanisms. Problems are noted with each of these criteria. Conduct disorder as a cause of substance abuse fulfills these criteria more obviously than does substance abuse as a cause of antisocial behavior, but both have plausibility. A similarity is noted between the tasks of deciding whether one disorder causes another and deciding whether early symptom patterns predict the later course of a single disorder. The dearth of information about effect of the early symptom profile on the later course can be overcome with careful study design. Such studies promise important gains in patient management. The necessary data are outlined and instruments to collect such data are noted to be newly published or in development.
Generalized ray tracing and the caustic surface

Abstract The caustic surface can be a useful tool for diagnosing and correcting image errors in the process of designing an optical system. However, because of their complicated structure, caustics are hard to visualize. Therefore, a computer programme has been formulated to plot the two sheets of a caustic separately, each as a stereo pair. Results obtained for a simple plano-convex lens are presented.
Solar mass-varying neutrino oscillations

We propose that the solar neutrino deficit may be due to oscillations of mass-varying neutrinos (MaVaNs). This scenario elucidates solar neutrino data beautifully while remaining comfortably compatible with atmospheric neutrino and K2K data and with reactor antineutrino data at short and long baselines (from CHOOZ and KamLAND). We find that the survival probability of solar MaVaNs is independent of how the suppression of neutrino mass caused by the acceleron-matter couplings varies with density. Measurements of MeV and lower energy solar neutrinos will provide a rigorous test of the idea.
Structure prediction of helical transmembrane proteins at two length scales.

As the first step toward a multi-scale, hierarchical computational approach for membrane protein structure prediction, the packing of transmembrane helices was modeled at the residue and atom levels, respectively. For predictions at the residue level, the helix-helix and helix-membrane interactions were described by a set of knowledge-based energy functions. For predictions at the atom level, CHARMM19 force field was used. To facilitate the system to overcome energy barriers, the Wang–Landau method was employed, where a random walk is performed in the energy space with a uniform probability. Native-like structures were predicted at both levels for two model systems, each of which consists of two transmembrane helices. Interestingly, consistent results were obtained from simulations at the residue and atom levels for the same system, strongly suggesting the feasibility of a hierarchical approach for membrane protein structure predictions.
The smallest observable elements of magnetic flux

We have followed disappearing elements of magnetic flux to determine the smallest elements detectable with the Big Bear videomagnetograph. All the elements followed were disappearing through interaction with elements of opposite polarity. The last remaining visible segment of magnectic field of such features can be used to infer the total magnetic flux of these and other small flux elements visible on the magnetograms. We used both photographic and digital videomagnetograms combining 4096 Zeeman frames made at Big Bear. Fifteen elements were measured near the vanishing point, in a 2–8 hr period. The minimum observable fluxes fall in the range of 1.0 × 1016 to 1.4 × 1017 Mx, and the apparent size of these elements is in the range of 1 to 9 square arc sec. The process of disappearance appears to be a smooth one. The smallest detectable elements of network field and ephemeral regions (ER) appear to be the same as the small intra-network (IN) field elements. The present limit is still instrumental; elements smaller than 1 × 1016 would not have been detected.