cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-P-37: Helical Tomotherapy to LINAC Plan Conversion Utilizing RayStation Fallback Planning

Purpose: RayStation Fallback (RSF) plan was developed to switch patient’s treatment from Helical Tomotherapy (HT) to Varian TrueBeam. Helical Tomotherapy plans were compared with the corresponding RSF plans by looking at the following dosimetric parameters: PTV coverage (Dmean and D95), Paddick conformity index (CI), uniformity index (UI=(D98-D2)/Drx) and organ-at-risk (OAR) doses. Methods: Five patients with five tumor sites including larynx, head and neck, esophagus, lung, and prostate previously treated with HT were re-planned using RSF treatment planning station(TPS) to best match the HT treatment plans. IMRT technique with nine fields 6 MV X-ray beams and a static multi-leaf collimator (MLC) were used for RSF plans without any additional attempt to further optimize the RSF plans. Results: A physician evaluated and confirmed the clinical acceptability of the RSF plans. Both HT and RSF plans gave comparable PTV coverage with a maximum percentage difference for D95 of 0.7%. HT plans had a better CIs ranging from 2%–15% higher conformity compared to RSF plans. HT plans also had better UIs for all tumor sites except the esophagus. The UIs were 1.6% to 8.9% lower for HT plans compared to RSF plans. Both HT and RSF plans gave comparable and acceptable OAR doses. However,more » the integral dose was 1%–15% higher for HT plans compared to RSF plans. Conclusion: RSF plans were simple and fast to generate. In the study cases of 5 various tumor sites, RSF efficiently created clinically acceptable plans without further optimization. However, further optimization for any IMRT plan can be done if clinically warranted. The absolute differences in CI and UI were small between RSF and HT plans.« less
Association between Prenatal One-Hour Glucose Challenge Test Values and Delivery Mode in Nondiabetic, Pregnant Black Women

Objective. We examined the association between 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT) values and risk of caesarean section. Study Design. A prospective cohort study recruited 203 pregnant Black women to participate. At ~28 weeks of gestation, participants underwent a routine 1-hour 50 g GCT to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between 1-hour GCT value and delivery mode. Results. Of the 158 participants included, 53 (33.5%) delivered via C-section; the majority (; 54.7%) were nulliparous. Mean 1-hour GCT values were slightly, but not significantly, higher among women delivering via C-section; versus vaginally (107.8 ± 20.7 versus 102.4 ± 21.5 mg/dL, resp.; ). After stratifying by parity and adjusting for maternal age, previous C-section, and prepregnancy body mass index, 1-hour GCT value was significantly associated with increased risk of C-section among parous women (OR per 1 mg/dL increase in GCT value = 1.05; 95% CI OR: 1.00, 1.05; ). Conclusion. Even slightly elevated 1-hour 50 g GCT values may be associated with delivery mode among parous Black women.
Thermal modeling of silicon-on-insulator current mirrors

An analytical approach to thermal modeling of SOI circuits is presented, accounting for heat exchanges among devices and heat loss from the Si film, polylines and interconnects through BOX/FOX to the substrate. The approach was applied to SOI current mirrors to study temperature profiles in devices, polylines and interconnects. Electrothermal simulation was also performed, using the developed model and the thermal circuit in BSIMSOI.
Integrated community health and social services: Securing the well-being of young children and mothers

Introduction: To achieve lifelong well-being and productivity, children need supportive environments, particularly during the critical period from maternal conception through the early years of life. The health sector, as a first point of contact, can assume a major role in identifying those children and families that need enhanced and specialist services from other sectors and ensuring a smooth transition to and collaboration with other sectors [1]. However, as indicated by recent UNICEF assessments in the region, home visiting systems, unlike other components of the health care system, have been left relatively unattended and are inefficient and uninformed by evidence and best practices. Aims: Evidence collected in Romania from 2012 to 2013 revealed a multitude of weaknesses in the provision of community-based services for vulnerable children and their families. Such weaknesses include i) the absence of an integrated approach for socially deprived children; ii) poorly defined CHW responsibilities are limited understanding at local level; and iii) lack of standardised monitoring and evaluation tools used by the County Health Directorates. Furthermore, there is a large variation from county to county and community to community in approaches to delivering basic care to rural populations and vulnerable groups. Yet, international and national evidence shows that home visitors (CHWs, community nurses and Roma health mediators), more than any other category of health professionals, have the potential to contribute to improved child survival, health and well-being, as they meet families in their home environment, often repeatedly, and over an extended period of time [2]. Results: An external evaluation of the model project for developing integrated community based services, with special focus on social assistance and community health, has produced overwhelming proof that the role of polyvalent home visits and outreach services is highly relevant to the rural communities in Romania. The evaluation also advocates an urgent and determined policy response [3]. Conclusions: The health reform initiated last year is promising. The draft National Health Strategy 2014-2020 has a specific objective promoting integrated community health services; this is also based on the evidence and best practices provided by UNICEF and the Centre for Health Policies and Services, during the 2012-2013 implementation of the model project. Furthermore, in order to achieve expected results by 2020, collaboration with other initiatives in this field (Swiss – Romanian Cooperation programme, EEA programme, other projects funded by EU structural funds) should be considered to avoid overlap and to build up a sustainable and coherent framework for further developing integrated community-based services. In this context, developing an enhanced and polyvalent role for community professionals is key for moving beyond child
Description of a genetic polymorphism of a human proline-rich salivary protein, Pc, and its relationship to other proteins in the salivary protein complex (SPC).

A new polymorphism, Pc, has been identified in human saliva. Two proteins, Pc 1 and Pc 2, are determined by alleles Pc1and Pc2, respectively, which show autosomal codominant inheritance. No null phenotype has been encountered in 225 randomly collected salivas. The frequencies of the two alleles differ in the Black and White American populations, with Pc1and Pc2being 0.670 and 0.330 in the Black (N=47) and 0.461 and 0.539 in the White (N=178) populations, respectively. The alleles are in equilibrium in the two populations and segregation analyses (30 families) do not suggest the existence of a null allele in either population. Of seven polymorphic human salivary proteins determined by genes in the salivary protein complex (SPC), Pc phenotypes show association only with Ps phenotypes. Based on that association, our linkage studies, and the biochemical similarities with other SPC proteins, we tentatively conclude that Pc is a member of the SPC, bringing the total number of genes in that group to 13.
ADVANTAGES OF RECTUS FASCIAL SLINGS FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE IN CHILDREN WITH NEUROPATHIC BLADDERS

Purpose: Many surgical procedures to improve outlet resistance in children with neuropathic bladders are obstructive and increase the detrusor leak point pressure. In contrast, fascial slings are designed to achieve continence by increasing the Valsalva or stress leak point pressure without altering the detrusor leak point pressure. We evaluate the effectiveness of fascial slings in achieving continence in pediatric patients with neuropathic bladder.Materials and Methods: From October 1994 until February 1999, 10 females and 8 males with neuropathic bladder secondary to myelodysplasia or traumatic spinal cord injury underwent fascial sling procedures. Mean patient age was 14 years (range 8 to 18) and all were incontinent despite aggressive medical management. Urodynamic evaluation was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Specific urodynamic measurements included detrusor leak point pressure, stress leak point pressure and detrusor compliance. Compliance was only compared in the 12 nonaugmented ca...
Energy-Dependent Beta-Gamma Circular Polarization and Nuclear Matrix Elements of Rb 86

The energy-dependent $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ circular polarization was measured in order to set better limits on the matrix-element ratio $\ensuremath{\Lambda}=\ensuremath{\int}\frac{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}{(\ensuremath{\int}\frac{i\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}}}{\ensuremath{\rho}})}$ for the 696-keV first-forbidden $\ensuremath{\beta}$ transition of ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{86}$. The results show that $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ is consistent with the Fujita-Eichler relation, so the contributions of the off-diagonal matrix elements of the Coulomb Hamiltonian to $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ are small for this transition. The nuclear matrix elements are in agreement with previous results, but the limits of error have been reduced.
Gender and Developmental Differences in Children's Conversations

Extending work on childhood gender differences by J. Block (“Assimilation, Accommodation and the Dynamics of Personality Development,” Child Development, 1982, 53, 281–295) and J. H. Block (“Differential Premises Arising from Differential Socialization of the Sexes: Some Conjunctures,” Child Development, 1983, 54, 1335–1354), the present research investigated assimilative and accommodative discourse devices in the speech of 24 preschool children (12 boys and 12 girls) and 24 middle-childhood youngsters (12 boys and 12 girls) in each of grades 3 and 6. Boys' discourse, regardless of age, contained more accommodative devices. Girls' discourse, regardless of age, contained more assimilative devices. Age effects were apparent; older children, regardless of gender, used more discourse devices of both kinds than younger children.
The use of an antiandrogenic agent to distinguish between estrogen and androgen binding proteins in rat ventral prostate.

Abstract Competitive binding studies were performed on cytosol from the ventral prostates of immature, adult, retired breeder, and castrated retired breeder male rats. The cytosols were incubated with tritiated estradiol or testosterone and with unlabeled estradiol, testosterone, or antiandrogen MK-316 (Compound I). Cytosol from castrated retired breeders and immature rats bound the greatest amount of testosterone per mg of protein. Compound I was found to be the most effective competitor for the testosterone binding sites. Estradiol binding is greatest in castrate rats, lowest in immature animals. Neither Compound I nor testosterone was an effective competitor for estradiol sites. These results strongly indicate that estrogen and androgen binding do not occur at the same receptor site.
Determinants of Countywide Voting Behavior on Environmental Ballot Measures: 1990–2000*

There is considerable debate in the literature regarding the variables that produce differing levels of countywide support for environmental protection. Competing explanations include differences stemming from individual attributes of residents, economic conditions, and urban-rural differences. The present study examines why some counties express higher levels of support for environmental protection when voting on environmental ballot measures. Using voting data aggregated at the county level on state-wide environmental ballot measures in five states, OLS regression is employed to examine the utility of each explanation. The results suggest that while all three hypotheses are accurate in a number of cases and urban counties tend to be more supportive of environmental protection than rural counties, individual attributes and economic conditions appear to be the most influential.
Indirect sensing of plant canopy structure with simple radiation measurements

Abstract Easy and reliable estimates of plant canopy structure are needed for many applications but direct measurements are laborious and often destructive. A technique for indirectly sensing canopy structure from simple, manageable measurements of sunlight transmitted through the canopy is examined. The integral relationship between sunlight transmission and leaf area index and leaf angle distribution is discussed and a numerical inversion technique is described. An analysis of the kernels of the integral equation (relationship) reveals the relationship between the transmission measurement errors and the amount of canopy structural information contained in those measurements. Results of tests of the inversion technique with simulated transmission data characterizing that from a wide variety of plant canopies and with actual measurements in corn support the conclusions drawn from the information analysis. In all tests, with relative errors ranging from 0.5 to 4%, the true canopy type (angle distribution) is identified and the leaf area index is estimated to within 2% of the simulated inputs and to within 9% of the direct estimates in corn.
A systematic design approach for two planetary gear split hybrid vehicles

Multiple power sources in a hybrid vehicle allow for flexible vehicle power-train operations, but also impose kinematic constraints due to component characteristics. This paper presents a design process that enables systematic search and screening through all three major dimensions of hybrid vehicle designs - system configuration, component sizing and control, to achieve optimal performance while satisfying the imposed constraints. An automated dynamic modelling method is first developed which enables the construction of hybrid vehicle model efficiently. A screening process then narrows down to configurations that satisfy drivability and operation constraints. Finally, a design and control optimisation strategy is carried out to obtain the best execution of each configuration. A case study for the design of a power-split hybrid vehicle with optimal fuel economy is used to demonstrate this overall hybrid vehicle design process.
A mass spectrometry-based method to measure dialkylphosphate degradation products of organophosphorous insecticides in dust and orange juice.

Dialkylphosphates (DAPs) are urinary metabolites and breakdown products of organophosphorous (OP) pesticides. Urinary DAPs are widely used to assess exposure to OP pesticides in epidemiologic studies. Recent evidence suggests that preformed DAPs are present in food and that they may also be present in other parts of the environment. Thus, DAP concentrations observed in urine may reflect a person's exposure to both parent OP pesticides and preformed DAPs in food and other environmental media. The presence of preformed DAPs in multiple media may indicate that previous studies have overestimated exposure to OP pesticides and that the use of urinary DAPs as biomarkers of exposure for OP pesticides may not accurately characterize exposure in non-acute settings. To establish the presence of DAPs in environmental and food media, we developed analytical methods to measure six DAPs in dust and orange juice. The limits of detection (LOD) for the dimethyl phosphates (dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate, and dimethyldithiophosphate) ranged from 2.8–9.9 ng g−1 and 0.2–0.4 ng mL−1 in dust and juice, respectively. The LODs for the diethyl phosphates (diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate, diethyldithiophosphate) ranged from 5.2–10.4 ng g−1 and 0.5–3.0 ng mL−1 in dust and juice, respectively. The extraction efficiencies for the analytes ranged from 23% to 91% and from 41% to 85% in dust and orange juice, respectively. DMP was detected in about half of the dust samples whereas DEP was detected in 80% of the dust samples tested. Other DAPs were less frequently detected in dust. Less than 3% of intact pesticide present in the matrices was converted to their respective DAPs during the pre-analytic and analytic process. Evaluation of the conversion of intact pesticides in the samples to DAPs will help us to better understand the contribution of preformed DAPs to urinary DAP concentrations.
Methods and practices of investigators for determining participants' decisional capacity and comprehension of protocols.

Ethicists recommend that investigators assess subjects’ comprehension prior to accepting their consent as valid. Because children represent an at-risk population, ensuring adequate comprehension in pediatric research is vital. We surveyed all corresponding authors of research articles published over a six-month period in five leading adult and pediatric journals. Our goal was to assess how often subject’s comprehension or decisional capacity was assessed in the consent process, whether there was any difference between adult and pediatric research projects, and the rate at which investigators use formal or validated tools to assess capacity. Responses from 102 authors were analyzed (response rate 56%). Approximately two-thirds of respondents stated that they assessed comprehension or decisional capacity prior to accepting consent, and we found no difference between adult and pediatric researchers. Nine investigators used a formal questionnaire, and three used a validated tool. These findings suggest that fewer than expected investigators assess comprehension and decisional capacity, and that the use of standardized and validated tools is the exception rather than the rule.
Drosophila TRPML is required for TORC1 activation.

Summary Loss-of-function mutations in TRPML1 (transient receptor potential mucolipin 1) cause the lysosomal storage disorder, mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). Here, we report that flies lacking the TRPML1 homolog displayed incomplete autophagy and reduced viability during the pupal period—a phase when animals rely on autophagy for nutrients. We show that TRPML was required for fusion of amphisomes with lysosomes, and its absence led to accumulation of vesicles of significantly larger volume and higher luminal Ca 2+ . We also found that trpml 1 mutant cells showed decreased TORC1 (target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling and a concomitant upregulation of autophagy induction. Both of these defects in the mutants were reversed by genetically activating TORC1 or by feeding the larvae a high-protein diet. The high-protein diet also reduced the pupal lethality and the increased volume of acidic vesicles. Conversely, further inhibition of TORC1 activity by rapamycin exacerbated the mutant phenotypes. Finally, TORC1 exerted reciprocal control on TRPML function. A high-protein diet caused cortical localization of TRPML, and this effect was blocked by rapamycin. Our findings delineate the interrelationship between the TRPML and TORC1 pathways and raise the intriguing possibility that a high-protein diet might reduce the severity of MLIV.
Enthalpy changes in the formation of the proton electrochemical potential and its components.

Abstract Enthalpy changes in the formation of a proton electrochemical potential ( Δ μ H + ) and its components, ΔpH (proton gradient) and Δψ (electrical potential), across two types of E. coli membrane vesicles were investigated. Flow dialysis experiments showed that in 0.1 M KPi, pH 6.6, E. coli GR19N membrane vesicles coupled with d -lactate exhibited 57 mV for ΔpH, 70 mV for Δψ, and 127 mV for Δ μ H + . Microcalorimetric measurements revealed that the corresponding enthalpy changes (ΔHpH, ΔHψ and ΔHm) were 3.5, 3.3 and 6.9 kcal/mole, respectively. Moreover, in E. coli ML 308-225 membrane vesicles across which 120mV of Δ μ H + was generated, values of ΔHpH and ΔHψ were determined as 7.0 and 6.6 kcal/mole, as compared with the previously reported 14.1 kcal/mole for ΔHm. Comparisons of these enthalpy data revealed that component enthalpies (ΔHpH and ΔHψ) essentially added up to the total enthalpy (ΔHm), providing a self-consistent test for the obtained data. In both membranes, the ratio ofΔHψ to Δψ was comparable to that of ΔHpH to ΔpH in the formation of Δ μ H + . These observations indicated that the process of the movement of H+ across the membranes was the major contributor to the observed energetic changes. Moreover, the enthalpy change in the formation of Δ μ H + was compared with the membranes derived from GR19N and ML 308-225 and coupled with NADH and d -lactate. The results were discussed in terms of trans-membrane phenomena.
COURT COMMUNITIES UNDER SENTENCING GUIDELINES: DILEMMAS OF FORMAL RATIONALITY AND SENTENCING DISPARITY

Efforts to structure sentencing through guidelines involve a fundamental dilemma for the sociology of law—guidelines attempt to emphasize formal rationality and uniformity (Savelsberg, 1992) while allowing discretion to tailor sentences to fit situations and characteristics of individual defendants when courts deem it warranted (substantive rationality). This exercise of substantive rationality in sentencing based on “extralegal” criteria deemed relevant by local court actors risks the kind of unwarranted disparity that guidelines were intended to reduce. We view local courts as arenas in which two sets of sentencing standards meet—formal rational ones articulated by guidelines vs. substantive, extralegal criteria deemed relevant by local court actors. We use statistical and qualitative data from Pennsylvania, a state whose courts have operated under sentencing guidelines for over a decade. Our analysis examines extralegal differences in three county courts' sentencing outcomes, and then documents ways in which substantive rational sentencing criteria are intertwined with defendants' exercise of their right to trial and their race and gender.
Cosmic Coincidence and Asymmetric Dark Matter in a Stueckelberg Extension

We discuss the possibility of the cosmic coincidence generating the ratio of baryon asymmetry to dark matter in a Stueckelberg $U(1)$ extension of the standard model and of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. For the $U(1)$, we choose ${L}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ which is anomaly free and can be gauged. The dark matter candidate arising from this extension is a singlet of the standard model gauge group but is charged under ${L}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$. Solutions to the Boltzmann equations for relics in the presence of asymmetric dark matter are discussed. It is shown that the ratio of the baryon asymmetry to dark matter consistent with the current WMAP data, i.e., the cosmic coincidence, can be successfully explained in this model with the depletion of the symmetric component of dark matter from resonant annihilation via the Stueckelberg gauge boson. For the extended minimal supersymmetric standard model model, it is shown that one has a two-component dark matter picture with asymmetric dark matter being the dominant component and the neutralino being the subdominant component (i.e., with relic density a small fraction of the WMAP cold dark matter value). Remarkably, the subdominant component can be detected in direct detection experiments such as SuperCDMS and XENON-100. Further, it is shown that the class of Stueckelberg models with a gauged ${L}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ will produce a dramatic signature at a muon collider with the $\ensuremath{\sigma}({\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}},{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ showing a detectable ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ resonance while $\ensuremath{\sigma}({\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ is devoid of this resonance. Within the above frameworks, we discuss several broad classes of models both above and below the electroweak phase transition temperature. Asymmetric dark matter arising from a $U(1{)}_{B\ensuremath{-}L}$ Stueckelberg extension is also briefly discussed. Finally, in the models we propose the asymmetric dark matter does not oscillate and there is no danger of it being washed out from oscillations.
Sleep and sensorimotor integration during early vocal learning in a songbird.

Behavioural studies show that sleep plays a role in learning, and birdsong is a well established model system for the study of learning. It has been proposed that forebrain premotor neuron activity in sleeping adult zebra finches reflects daytime singing episodes. Now Sylvan Shank and Daniel Margoliash demonstrate a surprising role for sleep in establishing the organization of the songbird's brain at the time the bird first starts to learn to sing. In juvenile zebra finches yet to master their song, exposure to an adult 'tutor' song produced profound changes in the premotor neuronal activity during the subsequent sleep session. These changes in night-time activity are echoed in tutor-song-induced changes in singing the next day.
A New Class of Molecular Targeted Radioprotectors: GSK-3β Inhibitors

Purpose Development of new treatments is critical to effective protection against radiation-induced injury. We investigate the potential of developing small-molecule inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β)—SB216763 or SB415286—as radioprotective agents to attenuate intestinal injury. Methods and Materials A survival study was done by use of C57BL/6J mice to evaluate the radioprotective effect of GSK-3β inhibitors. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical staining for Bax and Bcl-2 were used to assess apoptosis in the small intestines of the treated mice. A clonogenic survival study, apoptosis assays (staining with annexin V or 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), and immunoblot analysis of β-catenin, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3 were done by use of Rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 cells. Results Pretreatment with SB415286 significantly improved survival of mice irradiated with 8 and 12 Gy. Mice pretreated with SB216763 or SB415286 showed a significant reduction in TUNEL- and Bax-positive cells and an increase in Bcl-2–positive cells in intestinal crypts at 4 and/or 12 h after radiation with 4 and/or 8 Gy compared with radiation alone. Pretreatment of irradiated IEC-6 cells with GSK-3β inhibitors significantly increased clonogenic survival compared with cells treated with radiation alone. This increase was due to the attenuation of radiation-induced apoptosis, as shown by annexin V and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole assays, as well as immunoblot analysis of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3. Conclusions Glycogen synthase kinase 3β small-molecule inhibitors protect mouse intestine from radiation-induced damage in cell culture and in vivo and improve survival of mice. Molecular mechanisms of this protection involve attenuated radiation-induced apoptosis regulated by Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3. Therefore GSK-3β inhibitors reduce deleterious consequences of intestinal irradiation and thereby improve quality of life during radiation therapy.
Specific localization of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase, (Ca2+/Mg2+)-ATPase, and acetylcholinesterase in human erythyrocyte membrane

Abstract A procedure was developed for the detection of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase in myelin. This assay was sufficiently sensitive to detect the low levels of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase in human erythrocytes. The 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase of human erythrocytes was determined to be exclusively associated with the inner (cytosolic) side of the membrane. Leaky ghostsand resealed ghosts were assayed for 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase, (Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ -ATPase, and acetylcholinesterase activity, and the 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase profile is the same as that of the (Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ )-ATPase, an established inner membrane maker.
How does fuel economy of vehicles affect urban motor vehicle travel in the USA

This paper applies the ordinary quantile regression approach to examine the impact of fuel economy of vehicles and gasoline prices on motor vehicle travel. The dataset used includes observations with a survey date before September 2008 from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey to avoid potential problems from the wild volatility of gasoline prices in late 2008 and early 2009. The regression results indicate that for every 10 % increase in fuel economy of vehicles, annual vehicle miles traveled increase by 0.9 to 1.7 % along its distribution. For every 10 % increase in average gasoline prices, annual vehicle miles decline by 0.86 to 2.65 % along the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) distribution.
How to be direct and innocent: A criticism of Crimmins and Perry's theory of attitude ascriptions

L'A. montre que la theorie des attitudes propositionnelles et des attributions d'attitude propositionnelle developpee par M. Crimmins et J. Perry n'apporte pas de reponse satisfaisante aux arguments psychologique et semantique de l'opacite. Leur theorie ne s'accorde pas avec les jugements des locuteurs ordinaires concernant les conditions de verite et les conditions d'attribution de l'attitude
Metanx and early stages of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose l-Methylfolate, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, and methylcobalamin, individually have been reported to have beneficial effects on diabetes-induced defects. The possibility that combining these therapeutic approaches might have additional benefit led us to investigate the effect of Metanx against development of early stages of diabetic retinopathy in a mouse model. Methods C57BL/6J mice were made diabetic with streptozotocin, and some were given Metanx (a combination food product) mixed in the food at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight. Mice were killed at 2 months and 10 months of study for assessment of retinal function, retinal vascular histopathology, accumulation of albumin in neural retina, and biochemical and physiological abnormalities in retina. Results Two months of diabetes significantly increased leukostasis within retinal vessels and superoxide generation by the retina. Diabetes also significantly increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and phosphorylation of IκB. Daily consumption of Metanx significantly inhibited all of these abnormalities. Ten months of diabetes significantly increased the degeneration of retinal capillaries and impaired visual function (spatial frequency threshold (SFT) and a parameter of contrast sensitivity) compared to nondiabetic controls. Daily consumption of Metanx for 10 months inhibited impairment of SFT but had no significant beneficial effect on capillary degeneration, pericyte loss, or the estimate of contrast sensitivity. Conclusions Metanx inhibited a diabetes-induced defect in retinal spatial frequency threshold and inhibited measures of oxidative stress and inflammation. It had no significant effect on contrast sensitivity or retinal capillary degeneration. Nutritional management with Metanx may help inhibit diabetes-induced defects in visual function.
Collagen Fiber Organization in the Cervical Facet Capsular Ligament Following Painful Facet Joint Distraction in the Rat

Chronic neck pain following whiplash is a substantial problem, affecting as many as 42% of whiplash patients [1]. The cervical facet joint is a common candidate for producing neck pain because it sustains altered kinematics during whiplash, with tensile stretch of its capsular ligament exceeding that during normal motions [2,3]. Altered facet capsule mechanics have been documented for loading conditions below structural failure [4,5]; evidence of both decreased linear stiffness and minor ruptures of the capsule suggest ligament injury prior to failure. In vivo studies have also implicated subfailure capsule injury as a potential source of pain. Capsule nociceptive pain fiber activation and saturation [6], as well as sustained pain symptoms [7], can be produced for facet joint distraction below gross failure.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Ab Initio Structures for 90°-Twisted s-trans-1,3-Butadiene and Cyclooctatetraene: The Naked sp2−sp2 Bond

The bond length of a carbon−carbon sp2−sp2 σ-bond without the perturbing effects of π-interactions has been estimated by high level calculations on two prototypical systems: a 90°-twisted form of butadiene and the tub conformer of cyclooctatetraene. The former system yields a value of 1.4818 A, considerably longer than previous estimates. The corresponding bond length in the latter is slightly shorter due to some π-electron delocalization.
Analog enhancement of videomicroscope images.

SUMMARY A simple, inexpensive technique for enhancing the contrast and resolution of videomicroscope images has been developed. The system has manual controls for gain and pedestal (black level) which permit expansion of low contrast images to the full white-to-black video range. Analog delay-line based circuits are used to sharpen the edges and enhance fine details in the image. These circuits also produce an effective increase in the information content of the image by selectively amplifying low amplitude, high frequency components of the video signal. When live, unstained cells were examined at high magnifications, cytoplasmic structures which were only faintly visible in the unenhanced image became clear. The images of fluorescent objects appear in pseudo-relief, which improves visibility even in the presence of background fluorescence. The system enhances images by performing signal processing functions that otherwise require expensive digital image processing equipment.
12-Hydroxy-E-γ-bisabolene, a new sesquiterpene alcohol from a Caribbean sea whip of the genusPseudopterogorgia (Gorgonacea, Cnidaria)

A new sesquiterpene alcohol, 12-hydroxy-E-γ-bisabolene, is reported from an undescribed Caribbean sea whip of the genusPseudopterogorgia. The structure of this new alcohol was established based upon spectral analyses and through chemical interconversions.
Antitumor agents. 194. synthesis and biological evaluations of 4-β-mono-, -di-, and -trisubstituted aniline-4'-O-demethyl-podophyllotoxin and related compounds with improved pharmacological profiles

As a continuation of our structure−activity relationship studies, several new 4-β-substituted 4‘-O-demethyl-4-desoxypodophyllotoxins bearing mono-, di-, or trisubstituted anilines have been synthes...
Structure of full-length ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2-25K (huntingtin-interacting protein 2).

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2-25K has been identified as a huntingtin (the key protein in Huntington’s disease) interacting protein and has been shown to play a role in mediating the toxicity of Aβ, the principal protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. E2-25K is a dual-domain protein with an ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain as well as a conserved ubiquitin-conjugating (UBC) domain which catalyzes the formation of a covalent bond between the C-terminal glycine of an ubiquitin molecule and the ∊-amine of a lysine residue on the acceptor protein as part of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The crystal structures of E2-25K M172A mutant protein at pH 6.5 and pH 8.5 were determined to 1.9 and 2.2 A resolution, respectively. Examination of the structures revealed domain–domain interactions between the UBC and UBA domains which have not previously been reported.
Conformational studies on pyranoid sugar derivatives by N.M.R. spectroscopy. The conformational equilibria of some peracylated aldopentopyranosyl halides in solution

Abstract Conformational equilibria in chloroform- d solution have been measured by high-resolution n.m.r. spectroscopy for the tri- O -acetyl- D -aldopentopyranosyl bromides having the α- xylo ( 1 ), α- lyxo ( 3 ), β- ribo ( 5 ), and β- arabino ( 7 ) configurations, together with the corresponding chlorides ( 2, 4, 6, and 8 ). In addition to these thermodynamically more stable anomeric forms, the unstable β anomer ( 9 ) of 2 was similarly studied. Conformational equilibria were also measured for the tri- O -benzoyl-α and β- D -xylopyranosyl chlorides ( 10 and 11 ) and tri- O -benzoyl-β- D -ribopyranosyl bromide ( 12 ). Data for compounds 1 – 12 are tabulated (Tables I–IX). The C1 ( D ) conformation is favored overwhelmingly for 1, 2, 3, and 10, and very strongly for 4 . The 1C ( D ) conformation is favored overwhelmingly for 7, 8, 11, and 12, very strongly for 5 and 6, and strongly for 9, even though 9 and 11 have all four substituents axially attached. At low temperatures, that conformation favored at room temperature tends to become the exclusive form. The polarity of the solvent had little effect on the conformational equilibrium of the chloride 9, which remained 73–80% in the all-axial 1C ( D ) conformation in a range of solvents whose polarities ranged from e 2.2 (carbon tetrachloride) to 37.5 (acetonitrile). Except on a broad, qualitative basis, the equilibria measured could not be accommodated within the framework of current theories of additive steric and polar contributions.
Genetic sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and hedonic responses to bitter and sweet tastes

Genetically mediated sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) has been associated with greater acuity for bitter and for some sweet tastes. Thus far, few studies have explored the relationship between PROP taste sensitivity and hedonic responses to bitter and sweet. In this study, 87 normal-weight young women were divided into PROP non-tasters (n = 18), regular tasters (n = 49), and supertasters (n = 20), based on their PROP detection thresholds and the scaling of five suprathreshold solutions of PROP and NaCl. Non-tasters had thresholds > 1.8 x 10(-4) mol/l PROP. Supertasters had thresholds 1.70. As expected, dislike of the bitter taste of PROP was determined by its perceived intensity, which was greater among supertasters than among regular tasters or non-tasters. Significant correlations were observed between PROP taste thresholds and the sum of intensity ratings (r = -0.61) and between summed intensity and summed hedonic ratings (r = -0.80). PROP taste sensitivity was weakly linked to enhanced perception of sweet taste, but did not predict hedonic responses to sucrose or to saccharin solutions. Given that the dislike of PROP solutions is determined by their perceived intensity, hedonic responses to PROP solutions may provide a rapid way of screening for PROP taster status.
Loss of site: organizational site moves as organizational deaths

This paper broadens and extends the idea of organizational death by arguing that certain organizational site moves, those in which employees hold a strong place attachment to the to be left, are a form of organizational death. It argues for the utility of viewing organizational change as involving loss and including space in studies of everyday organizational experiences. Using ethnographic research (participant‐observation and in‐depth interviews with the employees) of one such organization (the “Coffee House”) and a negotiated‐order perspective, discusses employee beliefs as to how the site move should have been managed as a means to document their understanding of the move as a loss experience and as a form of organizational death.
Structural Change in Pakistan's Interindustry Relationships

This paper examines and discusses the structural change in Pakistan's interindustrial relationships by comparing the direction of change in the input–output coefficients of the direct input requirements matrix, the total requirements matrix and the business multipliers over the periods 1975–76 and 1984–85.
Biaxial flexing of a unidirectionally reinforced aluminum composite

Aluminum disks reinforced unidirectionally with silicon carbide con tinuous fiber were supported circumferentially on one side and loaded at the center of the other side with a pin. Maximal principal tensile surface strains were determined during flexing with strain gages.Failure under monotonic loading initiated on the convex side of the disks with the for mation of multiple surface matrix cracks which were parallel to the fibers. These cracks formed soon after matrix yielding which initiated at a strain 0.0015-0.002. On cyclic ten sile biaxial flexing, surface matrix cracking was found to be the main failure mechanism. A limited number of disks failed by fiber cracking. The endurance strain limit for 107 cycles of life was 0.001. This strain is only 11 % of the uniaxial monotonic tensile strain to failure. Ultrasonic velocity scans successfully identified the damage generated during cyclic loading.
Undecidability of Winkler's r-Neighborhood Problem for Covering Digraphs

Consider the following decision problem which P. Winkler and V. Bulitko (independently) showed was undecidable: Given a finite set ? of rooted graphs and a positive integer r, is there a graph G such that ? represents, up to isomorphism, the set of all r-neighborhoods of G? We show the undecidability of the related problem in which G is required to be the covering digraph of a partial ordering. Our construction shows that the problem remains undecidable (for certain fixed r) even when G is also required to be planar and bipartite.
Saniculoside N from Sanicula europaea L.

Extracts from the aerial parts of Sanicula europaea L. were investigated for their anti-HIV activity, and the 50% ethanolic extract was shown to exhibit the highest activity. A new triterpene saponin glycoside, 21β-(angeloyloxy)-3-O-[β-d-arabinopyranosyl(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl propyl ester]-3β,15,16,22α,28β-pentahydroxy-Δ12-oleanene, saniculoside N (1), in addition to the known phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid (2), and caffeic acid (3) were isolated as major components. Rosmarinic acid was established as the principal active substance.
Lowest order hadronic contribution to the muon g-2 value with systematic error correlations.

We have performed a new evaluation of the hadronic contribution to ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}=\frac{(g\ensuremath{-}2)}{2}$ of the muon with explicit correlations of systematic errors among the experimental data on $\ensuremath{\sigma}({e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{hadrons})$. Our result for the lowest order hadronic vacuum polarization contribution is ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{had}}=702.6(7.8)(14.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The total systematic error contributions from below and above $\sqrt{s}=1.4$ GeV are (13.1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ and (5.1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$, respectively, and are hence dominated by the low energy region. Therefore, new measurements on $\ensuremath{\sigma}({e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{hadrons})$ below 1.4 GeV can significantly reduce the total error on ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{had}}$. In particular, the effect on the total errors of new hypothetical data with 3% statistical and 0.5-1.0% systematic errors is presented.
W-Band Microstrip Oscillator Using InP Gunn Diode

A low cost, light weight, rugged microstrip oscillator with a very simple structure has been developed in W-Band (34 GHz). The active element is an InP Gunn device operating in its fundamental mode of oscillation. The oscillator provides 35 mW of CW output power and a bias tuning bandwidth of 400 MHz.
Amnesia, neuroendocrine levels and PTSD in motor vehicle accident victims.

Primary objective : To examine the initial neuroendocrine responses and subsequent PTSD symptomatology among amnesic and non-amnesic victims of motor vehicle accidents. It was hypothesized that amnesic patients would be less likely to meet PTSD criteria at 1 month follow-up and would display lower catechalomine levels and higher basal cortisol than non-amnesics. Methods and procedure : Fifteen-hour urinary hormone samples were collected from 70 MVA victims upon hospital admission. Participants were assessed for PTSD symptomatology 1 month later. Main outcomes and results : Amnesic patients displayed lower NE/cortisol ratios than non-amnesics, were less likely than non-amnesics to develop PTSD, and displayed fewer PTSD symptoms than non-amnesics. Conclusions : Amnesics may physiologically experience a motor vehicle accident differently from non-amnesics and have lower subsequent PTSD incidence. These results provide partial support for the hypothesis that amnesia for a traumatic event can serve as a buffer...
The Effect of Exchange on the Scattering of Slow Electrons from Atoms

Reasons are given why the Born approximation is incapable of dealing with the scattering of slow electrons. Since this approximation assumes that the sine of the phase angle $\ensuremath{\delta}$ equals $\ensuremath{\delta}$, the results computed by the Born method become completely unreliable when $\ensuremath{\delta}$ is greater than $\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{2}$. Exact solutions then must be obtained. Equations are set up, including exchange effects, for the best possible wave function for an electron scattered from hydrogen or helium when the complete wave function is of the separable type usually used in atomic theory. These equations are solved on the differential analyzer to find the best possible curves for the $\ensuremath{\delta}'\mathrm{s}$, for the angle distribution of scattering and for the total cross section, for this type of wave function. The check with experiment for helium is good, the maximum discrepancy in any of the $\ensuremath{\delta}'\mathrm{s}$ being only ten degrees. No data for atomic hydrogen are available. The small error introduced by the use of separable wave functions (neglect of polarization) is discussed. The conclusions are that exchange effects are not important for electron energies greater than 30 volts, and below this energy have an appreciable effect only on the angle distribution curves, and not on the cross section curves. An analytic solution of the equations, valid for any atom having closed electronic shells, is obtained for a simplified form of atomic wave function and potential. The results confirm the above conclusions, and also show that exchange is less important in scattering from heavy atoms than from light ones.
Evaluating the Impact of a Substance Use Intervention Program on the Peer Status and Influence of Adolescent Peer Leaders

The current study involved an examination of the impact of a peer-led substance use intervention program on the peer leaders beyond the substance use-related goals of the intervention. Specifically, unintended consequences of an adult-sanctioned intervention on the targeted peer leader change agents were investigated, including whether their participation affected their peer status, social influence, or self perceptions. Twenty-two 7th grade peer-identified intervention leaders were compared to 22 control leaders (who did not experience the intervention) and 146 cohort peers. Three groups of measures were employed: sociometric and behavioral nominations, social cognitive mapping, and leadership self-perceptions. Results indicated that unintended consequences appear to be a legitimate concern for females. Female intervention leaders declined in perceived popularity and liked most nominations over time, whereas males increased in total leader nominations. Explanations for these results are discussed and further directions suggested.