cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-613: A Multi-Isocenter IMRT Approach of Large Fields to Reduce the Hot Or Cold Spots Caused by Setup Error

Purpose: To reduce the hot and cold spots introduced by setup error of multi‐isocenter IMRT for large fields. Methods: A patient with entire peritoneal cavity as PTV for IMRT on Trilogy are studied, with prescription of 3000 cGy to the PTV and 3600 cGy to gross disease in 20 fractions. The PTV dimension on the Sup‐Inf direction is 46 cm, thus two isocenters (one in the abdominal region and one in the pelvis) are used. Eight beams with gantry angles 320°, 280°, 240°, 200°, 160°, 120°, 80°, 40° are used for each isocenter, and the two groups of eight beams overlap for 13cm. We intentionally vary the inferior boarder of the abdominal fields and the superior boarder of the pelvis fields, so that there are 4 pairs of beams with different inferior boarders for the 8 abdominal fields and also 4 pairs of beams with different superior boarders for the 8 pelvis fields: the benefit of this beam setup is that only 2 out of the 8 beams will contribute to hot or cold spot when setup errors are introduced. Setup errors are simulated by shifting the isocenters in the Sup‐Inf direction in the Pinnacle system Results: Our method and IMRT without varying superior and inferior boarder give similar plans: V27s are 94.8% vs 95.1%; mean liver doses are 2720 cGy vs 2721 cGy; mean kidney doses are 1795 cGy vs 1774 cGy. However, for 0.3 cm inferior shift of the abdominal isocenter, hot spots are 3400cGy vs 3850 cGy; for 0.3 cm superior shift of the abdominal isocenter, the cold spot are 2700 cGy vs 2400 cGy. Conclusion: Our IMRT approach for large field can significantly reduce the hot and cold spots introduced by setup error.
UNSTEADY-STATE EFFECTS IN LIMITING CURRENT MEASUREMENTS

Abstract In the measurement of limiting currents, unless the approach to the mass transfer limiting conditions by a current ramp or by potential scan is sufficiently slow, the apparent limiting currents obtained are higher than those corresponding to steady state transport. A review of experimental results on limiting currents in free convection at horizontal electrodes indicates that steady state transport may be achieved nearly three times faster by potential scan than by a current ramp. Examination of limiting current data obtained on a rotating disk reveals that this is also the case in laminar forced convection. An unsteady-state diffusion model allows the prediction of the maximum current obtained in fast potential scanning. Criteria are established for estimating the time required for reaching steady-state transport conditions when a current ramp or potential scan is used for the approach to limiting current.
Recent progress in studies of DMSP auroral photographs

A new auroral pattern, which indicates major auroral characteristics in all local time sectors, is presented. It has emerged as a result of extensive study of DMSP-8531 and -10533 auroral photographs. The paper presents also a brief summary of recent studies on the role of the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field on large-scale auroral dynamics and on the relationship between substorm energy and the size of the oval.
Dispersive transport in amorphous arsenic telluride

Abstract We have carried out time-of-flight and transient field-effect measurements on amorphous arsenic telluride (a-As 2 Te 3 ). The results are interpreted in terms of multiple trapping by an exponential distribution of localized states. We show that the long transients often observed in field-effect measurements can be understood by taking into account the collapse of the applied field towards the gate oxide. If this effect is properly analyzed, transient field-effect experiments can be used to study dispersive transport in small-gap materials, for which time-of-flight measurements are very difficult.
Anchimeric assistance in solvolysis of haloalkylphosphines

Abstract Kinetic data are presented which reveal haloalkylphosphines undergo anchimerically-assisted cyclization with the ring-size preference 5 > 6 > 3 > 4. Also, phenylthio and diphenylphosphino groups are shown to have similar intramolecular nucleophilicities.
Notch3 and Mef2c proteins are mutually antagonistic via Mkp1 protein and miR-1/206 microRNAs in differentiating myoblasts.

The Notch signaling pathway is a well known regulator of skeletal muscle stem cells known as satellite cells. Loss of Notch1 signaling leads to spontaneous myogenic differentiation. Notch1, normally expressed in satellite cells, is targeted for proteasomal degradation by Numb during differentiation. A homolog of Notch1, Notch3, is also expressed in these cells but is not inhibited by Numb. We find that Notch3 is paradoxically up-regulated during the early stages of differentiation by an enhancer that requires both MyoD and activated Notch1. Notch3 itself strongly inhibits the myogenic transcription factor Mef2c, most likely by increasing the p38 phosphatase Mkp1, which inhibits the Mef2c activator p38 MAP kinase. Active Notch3 decreases differentiation. Mef2c, however, induces microRNAs miR-1 and miR-206, which directly down-regulate Notch3 and allow differentiation to proceed. Thus, the myogenic differentiation-induced microRNAs miR-1 and -206 are important for differentiation at least partly because they turn off Notch3. We suggest that the transient expression of Notch3 early in differentiation generates a temporal lag between myoblast activation by MyoD and terminal differentiation into myotubes directed by Mef2c.
Stereoselective synthesis of complex polycyclic aziridines: use of the Brønsted acid-catalyzed aza-Darzens reaction to prepare an orthogonally protected mitomycin C intermediate with maximal convergency

A concise synthesis of a highly functionalized intermediate lacking only C10 of the mitomycin backbone is described. The key to this development is the Bronsted acid-catalyzed aza-Darzens reaction used to forge the cis-aziridine. Additionally an oxidative ketalization fortuitously occurs during the quinone–enamine coupling step, leading to an orthogonally protected hydroquinone.
The Effects of a List of Food Items on Motivations to Eat in Dieters and Nondieters

A major health problem in our society is obesity, which is frequently caused by overeating or eating inappropriate foods. It has been suggested that the prevalences of food and food-related cues contribute to overeating and that dieters are particularly sensitive to food stimuli. In the present study, the influence of dieting was examined in a representative sample of college students who were exposed to a list of written food cues or who served as controls. The list of food cues increased motivation to eat in nondieting subjects, but did not appear to influence the appetites of dieters. It may be that dieters are more resistant to the effects of more subtle food cues, even when many cues are presented sequentially.
Coronary artery anomalies in 126,595 patients undergoing coronary arteriography.

Coronary artery anomalies were found in 1,686 patients (1.3% incidence) undergoing coronary arteriography at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1960 to 1988. Of the 1,686 patients, 1,461 (87%) had anomalies of origin and distribution, and 225 (13%) had coronary artery fistulae. Most coronary anomalies did not result in signs, symptoms, or complications, and usually were discovered as incidental findings at the time of catheterization. Eighty-one percent were “benign” anomalies: (1) separate origin of the left anerior descending and circumflex from the left sinus of Valsalva; (2) ectopic origin of the circumflex from the right sinus of Valsalva; (3) ectopic coronary origin from the posterior sinus of Valsalva; (4) anomalous coronary origin from the ascending aorta; (5) absent circumflex; (6) intercoronary communications; and (7) small coronary artery fistulae. Other anomalies may be associated with potentially serious sequelae such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, syncope, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or sudden death. Potentially serious anomalies include: (1) ectopic coronary origin from the pulmonary artery; (2) ectopic coronary origin from the opposite aortic sinus; (3) single coronary artery; and (4) large coronary fistulae. Coronary artery anomalies require accurate recognition, and at times, surgical correction.
Stimulus distinctiveness and backward associations

In two paired-associate experiments, one stimulus was made a distinctive item by making this stimulus a different color from all other items. In subsequent backward-association tests, the distinctive stimulus was emitted as a correct backward association significantly more frequently than other items. In other analyses, the number of correct forward anticipations was computed for each of the nondistinctive pairs and used as a measure of forward associative strength. These analyses showed that stimulus distinctiveness produced a greater effect on backward associations than did forward associative strength. For the nondistinctive pairs, the correlation between the number of correct forward anticipations and the subsequent probability of a correct backward association accounted for less than 6% of the variance.
Interrelationships among prostaglandins, vasopressin and cAMP in renal papillary collecting tubile cells in culture

To determine the influence of prostaglandins on cAMP metabolism in renal papillary collecting tubule (RPCT) cells, intracellular cAMP levels were measured after incubating cells with prostaglandins (PGs) alone or in combination with arginine vasopressin (AVP). PGE1, PGE2 and PGI2, but not PGD2 or PGF2 alpha, increased intracellular cAMP concentrations. At maximal concentrations (10(-5) M) the effects of PGE2 plus PGI2 (or PGE1), but not of PGI2 plus PGE1, were additive suggesting that at least two different PG receptors may be present in RPCT cell populations. Bradykinin treatment of RPCT cells caused an accumulation of intracellular cAMP which was blocked by aspirin and was quantitatively similar to that observed with 10(-5) M PGE2. PGs, when tested at concentrations (e.g. 10(-9) M) which had no independent effect on intracellular cAMP levels, did not inhibit the AVP-induced accumulation of intracellular cAMP in RPCT cells. These results indicate that PGs do not block AVP-induced accumulation of intracellular cAMP in RPCT cells at concentrations of PGs which have been shown to inhibit the hydroosmotic effect of AVP on perfused collecting tubule segments. However, at higher concentrations of PGs (e.g. 10(-5) M), the effects of AVP plus PGE1, PGE2, PGI2 or bradykinin on intracellular cAMP levels were not additive. Thus, under certain conditions, there is an interaction between PGs and AVP at the level of cAMP metabolism in RPCT cells.
Biomechanical and biochemical synthesis.

ABSTRACT Synthesis is an important concept and process in the field of biomechanics and biochemistry. A significant development and direction in sports medicine and exercise science will be the “synthesis” or integration of methods of biomechanics and biochemistry to study connective tissues and their responses to specific levels of physical activity.
Has pricing behaviour in the US automobile industry become more competitive

The literature in the US is divided over whether the character of the domestic automobile industry has changed recently, becoming less oligopolistic. This paper investigates whether domestic industry pricing policies have changed since the oil embargo. The paper finds evidence that industry pricing policy has changed from that consistent with a 'target rate of return pricing' to one more consistent with marginal-cost pricing.
Hochautomatisches Fahren auf der Autobahn

Hochautomatische, vom Fahrer ueberwachte Fahrfunktionen, koennten bereits in naher Zukunft auf dem Markt verfuegbar sein. Anhand des Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) der Volkswagen-Konzernforschung wird gezeigt, wie ein solcher Fahrmodus zukuenftig aussehen kann. Der TAP buendelt hochautomatische, vom Fahrer ueberwachte Fahrfunktionen mit anderen etablierten Fahrerassistenzsystemen (FAS) zu einer integralen Gesamtfunktion. Im Pilot-Modus uebernimmt er auf Autobahnen zwischen 0 und 130 km/h in monotonen Fahrsituationen die Quer- und Laengsfuehrung des Fahrzeugs; der Fahrer behaelt dabei immer die Kontrolle. Die Fahrerzustandserfassung kontrolliert, ob der Fahrer das System dauerhaft ueberwachen kann. Ausserhalb des definierten Anwendungsszenarios kommen etablierte FAS wie Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) oder Lane Departure Warning (LDW) zum Einsatz. Durch eine geeignete Auswahl von Systemstatusdiagramm und -anzeige ergibt sich fuer den Fahrer eine transparente Funktionsintegration des Piloten mit den etablierten FAS. Vor der Produkteinfuehrung muessen jedoch noch offene Fragen beantwortet werden.
Parallel simulated annealing: accuracy vs. speed in placement

The techniques that researchers have used to control error in VLSI placement are surveyed. The author discusses the application of parallelism, synchronization with serial subsets, combining algorithms, periodic synchronization, shared-memory implementation, local-memory implementation, and connection Machine implementation. The issues of temporary versus cumulative error, task allocation, and error measurements are examined. >
Interleukin-7 promotes survival and cell cycle progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by down-regulating the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1

In normal T-cell development interleukin-7 (IL-7) functions as an antiapoptotic factor by regulating bcl-2 expression in immature thymocytes and mature T cells. Similar to what occurs in normal immature thymocytes, prevention of spontaneous apoptosis by IL-7 in precursor T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells correlates with up-regulation of bcl-2. IL-7 is also implicated in leukemogenesis because IL-7 transgenic mice develop lymphoid malignancies, suggesting that IL-7 may regulate the generation and expansion of malignant cells. This study shows that in the presence of IL-7, T-ALL cells not only up-regulated bcl-2 expression and escaped apoptosis but also progressed in the cell cycle, resulting in sequential induction of cyclin D2 and cyclin A. Down-regulation of p27kip1 was mandatory for IL-7–mediated cell cycle progression and temporally coincided with activation of cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)4 and cdk2 and hyperphosphorylation of Rb. Strikingly, forced expression of p27kip1 in T-ALL cells not only prevented cell cycle progression but also reversed IL-7–mediated up-regulation of bcl-2 and promotion of viability. These results show for the first time that a causative link between IL-7–mediated proliferation and p27kip1 down-regulation exists in malignant T cells. Moreover, these results suggest that p27kip1 may function as a tumor suppressor gene not only because it is a negative regulator of cell cycle progression but also because it is associated with induction of apoptosis of primary malignant cells.
Talc-bearing serpentinite and the creeping section of the San Andreas fault

The section of the San Andreas fault located between Cholame Valley and San Juan Bautista in central California creeps at a rate as high as 28 mm yr(-1) (ref. 1), and it is also the segment that yields the best evidence for being a weak fault embedded in a strong crust. Serpentinized ultramafic rocks have been associated with creeping faults in central and northern California, and serpentinite is commonly invoked as the cause of the creep and the low strength of this section of the San Andreas fault. However, the frictional strengths of serpentine minerals are too high to satisfy the limitations on fault strength, and these minerals also have the potential for unstable slip under some conditions. Here we report the discovery of talc in cuttings of serpentinite collected from the probable active trace of the San Andreas fault that was intersected during drilling of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) main hole in 2005. We infer that the talc is forming as a result of the reaction of serpentine minerals with silica-saturated hydrothermal fluids that migrate up the fault zone, and the talc commonly occurs in sheared serpentinite. This discovery is significant, as the frictional strength of talc at elevated temperatures is sufficiently low to meet the constraints on the shear strength of the fault, and its inherently stable sliding behaviour is consistent with fault creep. Talc may therefore provide the connection between serpentinite and creep in the San Andreas fault, if shear at depth can become localized along a talc-rich principal-slip surface within serpentinite entrained in the fault zone.
Rural Migration, Rapid Growth, and Fear of Crime*

Although much research on rural "boomtowns" explores differences between rapid-growth communities and more stable communities, it is logical to consider that residents within rural boomtowns experience community transitions in different ways. We examine a specific outcome, fear of crime, across three categories of community residents with different migration histories: lifetime residents, migrants who joined the boomtown community during its period of rapid growth, and post-boom period migrants. This perspective is particularly interesting, given the likelihood that these three different categories of residents have had substantially different community experiences. Making use of survey data from two intermountain West communities that represent resource-dependent transitions during the 1970s and 1980s (Evanston, Wyoming and Delta, Utah), we find that boom migrants express greater fear of crime than longer-term residents or post-boom migrants. The findings suggest that the longer-term decline in fear of crime in "post-boom" periods is not equal among residents. Language: en
Development of a Methodology for Direct Utilization of Phase-Contrast MRI in Hemodynamic Computations

Development of non-invasive diagnostic indices often requires accurate blood-flow calculation using physiologically realistic velocity profiles as boundary conditions. In this research, a methodology is being developed and validated that can directly use phase-contrast MR imaging (PC-MRI) based velocity measurement to perform blood-flow computation with patient-specific geometry. Using this methodology, the pressure drop can also be calculated non-invasively. Although the main focus of our research has been pulmonary insufficiency (PI) in tetralogy patients, our method can be employed in many other pathophysiologies. As a pilot study, the methodology is tested using a simple model of blood-flow through a straight artery of uniform cross-section.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
What Environmental Sociologists Have in Common (whether Concerned with “Built” or “Natural” Environments)*

Environmental sociology comprises a diverse set of interests, with the built-environment/natural-environment cleavage being especially significant. Yet, by virtue of their interest in societal-environmental relations, all environmental sociologists depart significantly from the disciplinary tradition of ignoring the physical environment. We offer an ecological perspective as a fruitful way of viewing the relations between societal and environmental phenomena, and as a means of integrating work on both built and natural environments.
Seemingly Unrelated Negative Binomial Regression

This paper discusses the specification and estimation of seemingly unrelated multivariate count data models. A new model with negative binomial marginals is proposed. In contrast to a previous model based on the multivariate Poisson distribution, the new model allows for over-dispersion, a phenomenon that is frequently encountered in economic count data. Semi-parametric estimation is possible if some of the assumption of the fully specified model are violated.
The purification and properties of a protein kinase and the partial purification of a phosphoprotein phosphatase that inactivate and activate acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

Abstract the occurrence of a soluble fraction from rat liver that inactivates acetyl-CoA carboxylase was previously reported by this laboratory (1). The purification of this fraction is now reported, and we show that it behaves as a cAMP-independent kinase that inactivates acetyl-CoA carboxylase by phosphorylation. The kinase has a molecular weight of 160,000 and it requires ATP and Mg2+ for activity. A partial purification from rat liver cytosol of a Mg2+-requiring phosphoprotein phosphatase of high molecular weight (greater than 200,000) which dephosphorylates phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase with the regeneration of enzyme activity is also reported. The kinase, phosphatase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase are separable from each other by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and gel filtration.
Parity doubling in the meson spectrum

A simple argument for the restoration of parity symmetry high in the hadron spectrum is presented. The restoration scale is estimated to be 2.5 GeV. This in turn implies that typical quark model phenomenology such as scalar confinement or the {sup 3}P{sub 0} decay model are only useful for low lying states. Minimal requirements for constructing more general phenomenologies are discussed. An additional mass degeneracy between J{sup ++} and J{sup --} states is shown to occur and an isovector 3{sup ++} state is predicted at roughly 1700 MeV, in contradiction with the naive quark model. Similarly, isovector and isoscalar 4{sup --} states are predicted at 2000 MeV. Finally, these results imply that Regge trajectories must become nonlinear at high spin.
EPA issues guidelines for agency consideration of outside data

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new guidelines to ensure that the quality of scientific information it uses that is generated from outside of the agency meets the same standards as research conducted by the agency itself. The intent of the guidelines is to enhance transparency about EPAs quality expectations for information from sources outside the agency, and to raise awareness about quality considerations, so that scientists can better understand how the agency evaluates and weights such information.
Coherent multiphoton excitation of SF6 by picosecond laser pulses

Abstract Intensity-dependent multiphoton excitation was observed in SF 6 molecules which have been excited into ilic quasicontinuum by a separate laser pulse. The strong intensity dependence indicates coherent rather than incoherent excitation of the molecules. This is possible due to a favorable competition of Rabi precession with intramolecular energy transfer. A Block equation model calculation is also presented.
Do Character Education Programs in Sports Work? - A Three Year Assessment

In 2005, the Competitive Sports Office in the Department of Physical Education at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, instituted a formal character education program with a goal of developing character in student-athletes through their participation in a mandatory competitive sports experience. “Baseline” data was collected in the Fall 2005, then three years later in the Fall 2008. The results from this three year assessment were mixed, with some teams/athletes improving while others stayed the same or got worse. These results were not surprising due to the relative infancy of the character in sports program. A follow-up assessment is planned for the Fall 2010 where “better” results are expected because the program will have been in effect for five years.
Peer and parental influences on adolescent tobacco use

Longitudinal models of the development of adolescent smoking and smokeless tobacco (ST) use were tested for a sample of 643 adolescents, age 14 to 17. The sample was assessed at three time points. Smoking, smokeless tobacco, and other problem behaviors formed a single problem behavior factor. Structural equation modeling indicated that inadequate parental monitoring and association with deviant peers at Time 2 predicted tobacco use at Time 3. When parental and peer smoking at Time 2 were added to the model, each accounted for significant variance in predicting Time 3 smoking, but inadequate parental monitoring and association with deviant peers still accounted for some of the variance in Time 3 smoking. In predicting boys' smokeless tobacco use, monitoring at Time 2 predicted smokeless tobacco use, but only when parental approval of ST use was not included. Fathers approval of ST use at Time 2 predicted ST use at Time 3, while maternal disapproval predicted its use.
Experimental transition state for the B-chlorodiisopinocampheylborane (DIP-Cl) reduction

Abstract Asymmetric reductions of prochiral ketones are important transformations in the syntheses of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. B -Chlorodiisopinocampheylborane (DIP-Cl), a stoichiometric reagent that is capable of reducing prochiral aralkyl ketones with high selectivity. Here, we utilize a recently developed 13 C kinetic isotope effect (KIE) methodology to probe the symmetry breaking process inherent to this asymmetric reduction. Experimental KIEs and computed transition structures indicate significant roles for non-bonding interaction, specific directed orbital interactions, and hydrogen tunneling in this reaction.
Simulation of aerosol kinetics

Abstract Results are presented for numerical simulation of aerosol growth processes as they occur in smog chamber experiments and in the atmosphere. A general model for the evolution in time of the particle size distribution and techniques for its numerical solution are discussed. The evolution of the particle size distribution depends on, among other processes, the growth processes of coagulation, condensation, and nucleation. Some initial numerical results are presented for combinations of these processes operating for various model aerosols.
Analysis of Lunar Lineaments: Far Side and Polar Mapping

Abstract Previous mapping of linear structures on the lunar near side shows that lineaments are not equally oriented in all directions but rather have preferred orientations. The preferred orientations of near-side lunar lineaments are roughly consistent with the tectonic pattern predicted by relaxation of a formerly larger tidal bulge on the Moon due to the Moon's continuing recession from the Earth. We have mapped lineaments on the lunar far side and both the polar regions as well as re-examined lineaments mapped in the sub-Earth and anti-Earth regions to determine if the lineament patterns observed in these regions are also consistent with being produced by the collapse of a once larger tidal bulge on the Moon. The lunar far side is found to have a lineament pattern similar to that previously observed on the near side, which is consistent with being produced by the collapse of a once larger tidal bulge. However, the sub-Earth and anti-Earth regions show a lineament pattern indistinguishable from that observed on the rest of the lunar near and far sides, even though relaxation of a formerly larger tidal bulge would produce a significantly different pattern in these regions. Collapse of a once larger tidal bulge also predicts a near to far side lineament trend in the lunar polar regions, but mapped lineaments in the polar regions show no evidence for such a trend. Overall, the observed lunar lineament patterns do not support the predictions of a global tectonic pattern due to the collapse of a once larger tidal bulge on the Moon and therefore require an alternate explanation.
Sunscreen Effects on UV-Induced Immune Suppression

In order to protect the public against the adverse effects of sunlight, the scientific, medical, and particularly the dermatologic community has promoted "safe sun exposure." This strategy includes sun avoidance whenever possible, wearing hats and other protective clothing and/or devices, such as sunglasses, and extensive use of sunscreens. Sunscreen efficacy is determined by measuring the ability of the sunscreen to block ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema (sun protection factor or SPF), and most sunscreen formulations on the market, if used properly, are very good at preventing erythema and sunburn. How well sunscreens protect against the other adverse effects of sunlight, such as immune suppression, is not as clear. The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the literature in this area, concentrating on some of the complications of determining how well sunscreens protect against UV-induced immune suppression.
The Effect of Patient Position on Leak-Point Pressure Measurements in Women with Genuine Stress Incontinence

The aim of this study was to determine the quantitative and qualitative effects of patient position on coughing and Valsalva leak-point pressure in women with genunie stress incontinence. Thirty-seven patients with genuine stress incontinence and 4 with mixed incontinence underwent multichannel urodynamics using a standardized protocol. Leak-point pressures were performed using 8 Fr microtip catheters placed in the bladder and vagina at a bladder volume of 250 ml in the supine, semirecumbent and standing positions. Urethral pressure profilometry was performed in the semirecumbent position at a bladder volume of 250 ml. The mean (range) age, and median (range) gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI), and mean (range) Q-tip deflection angle were 61 years (36–80), 3 (1–8), 3 (1–6), 26 (22–30) and 55.8° (25°–80°), respectively. The mean (± standard deviation) Valsalva leak-point pressures in the supine, semirecumbent and standing positions were 82 ± 23, 73 ± 24 and 63 ± 22 cmH2O, respectively (P<0.001). The mean (± standard deviation) cough leak-point pressures also decreased as the patients were moved from the supine (98 ± 29 cmH2O) to the semirecumbent (88 ± 24 cmH2O) and standing positions (77 ± 24 cmH2O) (P<0.001). The correlation between leak-point pressure and maximum urethral closure pressure was statistically significant and was dependent upon patient position and the provocative maneuver used.
Bauschinger effect in unpassivated freestanding nanoscale metal films

We show experimentally that unpassivated freestanding nanoscale metal films, subjected to uniaxial tension, show substantial Bauschinger effect (BE) during unloading, even at large overall tensile stresses. Aluminum films (thickness 200–400 nm, grain size ≈200 nm) show BE at stresses as high as 150 MPa and their plastic strain after unloading is often less than 50% of the expected value. In gold, BE is relatively smaller. Possible mechanisms for BE in unpassivated thin metal films are discussed.
IBM smart surveillance system (S3): event based video surveillance system with an open and extensible framework

The increasing need for sophisticated surveillance systems and the move to a digital infrastructure has transformed surveillance into a large scale data analysis and management challenge. Smart surveillance systems use automatic image understanding techniques to extract information from the surveillance data. While the majority of the research and commercial systems have focused on the information extraction aspect of the challenge, very few systems have explored the use of extracted information in the search, retrieval, data management and investigation context. The IBM smart surveillance system (S3) is one of the few advanced surveillance systems which provides not only the capability to automatically monitor a scene but also the capability to manage the surveillance data, perform event based retrieval, receive real time event alerts thru standard web infrastructure and extract long term statistical patterns of activity. The IBM S3 is easily customized to fit the requirements of different applications by using an open-standards based architecture for surveillance.
Multiparticle interactions and stimulated emission in chemically synthesized quantum dots

We study the effect of multiparticle interactions on optical gain and stimulated emission in close-packed solids of chemically synthesized CdSe nanocrystals (nanocrystal quantum dots). An analysis of pump-dependent nonlinear absorption signals indicates that the band-edge optical gain is due to multiparticle states with a dominant contribution from doubly excited nanocrystals (quantum-confined biexcitons). We observe that optical gain dynamics are due to the competition between ultrafast hole surface trapping and multiparticle Auger decay. We analyze the effect of intrinsic Auger recombination on optical gain lifetimes and gain pump intensity thresholds.
Antifungal Textiles Formed Using Silver Deposition in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The antifungal properties of two silver-coated natural cotton fiber structures prepared using a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) solvent were examined. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the scCO2 process may be used to produce cotton fiber textiles with uniform silver nanoparticle coatings. A version of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test was used to assess the ability of these textiles to inhibit fungal growth. Cotton fabric samples modified with Ag(hepta) and Ag(cod)(hfac) exhibited measurable zones of inhibition. On the other hand, the uncoated fabric had no zone of inhibition. Possible applications of antifungal textiles prepared using scCO2 processing include use in hospital uniforms and wound dressings.
Advertising: Teaching its Economic and Legal Aspects

This article summarizes the author's approach to teaching a graduate seminar on the economic and social aspects of advertising, highlighting course motives, objectives, methods and results and presenting recommendations for enhancing course effectiveness.
Applications of Metabolomics for Kidney Disease Research: From biomarkers to therapeutic targets

Metabolomics is one of the relative newcomers of the omics techniques and is likely the one most closely related to actual real-time disease pathophysiology. Hence, it has the power to yield not only specific biomarkers but also insight into the pathophysiology of disease. Despite this power, metabolomics as applied to kidney disease is still in its early adolescence and has not yet reached the mature stage of clinical application, i.e., specific biomarker and therapeutic target discovery. On the other hand, the insight gained from hints into what makes these diseases tick, as is evident from the metabolomics pathways which have been found to be altered in kidney cancer, are now beginning to bear fruit in leading to potential therapeutic targets. It is quite likely that, with greater numbers of clinical materials and with more investigators jumping into the field, metabolomics may well change the course of kidney disease research.
In the aftermath of the Qa'yamat:1 the Kashmir earthquake disaster in northern Pakistan

This article explores the local impact of the catastrophic earthquake in northern Pakistan on 8 October 2005. Drawing on field research, including interviews with 40 earthquake survivors, the post-disaster analysis presented here focuses upon risk awareness and the reactions of respondents to the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that devastated areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir State, and North-West Frontier Province. The analysis provides insights into local perceptions of seismic hazard and exposure as well as survivors' priorities with regard to rebuilding and reconstruction. The article suggests that the tragedy of the devastating earthquake is entangled in a deeper knot of causal factors that are social, economic and political in nature. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, changing building styles, environmental degradation and lack of preparedness and mitigation are associated with the circumstances that place the population at risk. Remarks concerning present and future risk reduction efforts are included.
Nourishing the academic imagination: The use of food in teaching concepts of culture

(2001). Nourishing the academic imagination: The use of food in teaching concepts of culture. Food and Foodways: Vol. 9, Food and Education, pp. 235-262.
Factors influencing hotel customers’ intention to use a fingerprint system

Purpose – This paper aims to extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the factors influencing a hotel customer’s intention to use a fingerprint system instead of a traditional keycard system and the moderating factors (i.e. gender and age) on the relationships between the proposed factors and the customer’s intention to use fingerprint technology. When hotels add new technologies, the potential vulnerability of their systems also increases. Underestimating such risks can possibly result in massive losses from identity theft and related fraud for hoteliers. Customers who are aware of these risks may become more open to innovative methods of identification or verification, such as biometrics. Design/methodology/approach – The online survey instrument was developed based on TAMs. The authors collected complete 526 responses from hotel customers and tested the hypotheses using structural equation modeling. Findings – This study found seven factors (i.e. perceived usefulness, perceived ease of u...
Adrian Johnston, Žižek's Ontology: A Transcendental Materialist Theory of Subjectivity

(2010). Adrian Johnston, Žižek's Ontology: A Transcendental Materialist Theory of Subjectivity. Political Theology: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 155-157.
Cell membrane wrapping of a spherical thin elastic shell

Nanocapsules that can be tailored intelligently and specifically have drawn considerable attention in the fields of drug delivery and bioimaging. Here we conduct a theoretical study on cell uptake of a spherical nanocapsule which is modeled as a linear elastic solid thin shell in three dimensions. It is found that there exist five wrapping phases based on the stability of three wrapping states: no wrapping, partial wrapping and full wrapping. The wrapping phase diagrams are strongly dependent on the capsule size, adhesion energy, cell membrane tension, and bending rigidity ratio between the capsule and membrane. Discussion is made on similarities and differences between the cell uptake of solid nanocapsules and fluid vesicles. The reported results may have important implications for biomedical applications of nanotechnology.
A CD46-binding Chimpanzee Adenovirus Vector as a Vaccine Carrier

A replication-defective chimeric vector based on the chimpanzee adenovirus serotype C1 was developed and tested as a vaccine carrier in mice. The AdC1 virus is closely related to human adenoviruses of subgroup B2 and uses CD46 for cell attachment. To overcome poor growth of E1-deleted AdC1 vectors on cell lines that provide the E1 of adenovirus of the human serotype 5 (AdHu5) virus in trans, the inverted terminal repeats and some of the early genes of AdC1 were replaced with those from AdC5, a chimpanzee origin adenovirus of subfamily E. The chimeric AdC1/C5 vector efficiently transduces CD46-expressing mouse dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and initiates their maturation. Transduction of DCs in vivo is inefficient in CD46 transgenic mice. The AdC1/C5 vector induces transgene product-specific B- and CD8+ T-cell responses in mice. Responses are slightly higher in wild-type mice than in CD46 transgenic mice. Transgene product-specific T-cell responses elicited by the AdC1/C5 vector can be increased by priming or boosting with a heterologous adenovirus vector. Pre-existing immunity to adenovirus of the common human serotype 5 does not affect induction of cell-mediated immune responses by the AdC1/C5 vector. This vector provides an additional tool in a repertoire of adenovirus-based vaccine vectors.
Pyrroles and pyrazolines from the ring closure of azines

Alkyl substituted pyrroles and pyrazolines are obtained in good yields by catalytic ring closure of azines, using nickel or cobalt (II) halides as catalysts. The specificity of the reaction is determined by the structure of the azines and a notable exception is discussed.
Inclusion of aggregate angularity, texture, and form in estimating dynamic modulus of asphalt mixes

The present study was undertaken to develop a model that utilizes aggregate shape parameters (i.e. angularity, texture and form) in estimating the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixes. Dynamic modulus tests were conducted on 20 different mixes comprised of different aggregate sources, sizes, asphalt binder, and air void levels. The coarse and fine aggregates were recovered from each mix, and their shape parameters were measured using an automated aggregate image measurement system (AIMS). A nonlinear regression model was developed to estimate the dynamic modulus of the mix in terms of its aggregate gradation, aggregate shape parameters, viscosity of asphalt binder, and volumetric properties. The correlation coefficient (R 2) for the developed model was found to be 0.95 and 0.92 on logarithmic and arithmetic scales, respectively, with a mean average relative error (MARE) of 21.9%. The performance of this model was compared with the widely accepted Witczak model that does not use the shape parameters of the agg...
Behavior of embryonic chick heart cells in culture. 1. Cellular responses to insulin-transferrin-selenium

Abstract Muscle cell-enriched primary cell cultures were prepared from 8-day embryonic chick heart ventricles (74% of these cells showed positive staining with anti-cardiac myosin antibody). To determine if ITS (a commercial mixture of insulin, transferrin, and selenium) affects these cardiac muscle cells, immunostaining and autoradiography were performed to determine the Muscle Cell Labeling Index (MLI). MLI represents the proportion of cardiac myosin-positive cells that specifically incorporated [ 3 H]thymidine. The MLI for ITS-treated cells was 52%. Controls in Serum-free Nutrient Medium (SFNM) had a MLI of 27%. Combinations of growth signals also were tested. Whereas 5% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) was optimal for stimulation of [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation, 10 and 20% FBS elicited an inhibitory effect. Addition of ITS enhanced the stimulatory effect of FBS and relieved some of the inhibitory effect. TGF-β also was shown to have inhibitory effect on [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in these heart cells, but the inhibitory effect was not seen when it was added with ITS. Staining with anti-cardiac myosin antibody revealed that when the cells were cultured with ITS for 6 or 10 days, the percentages of muscle cells were 65 and 59%, whereas the percentages of muscle cells of controls in SFNM dropped to 44 and 31% respectively. Additional experiments showed that cell number increased in the presence of 5% FBS. In contrast, although ITS stimulated DNA synthesis, it did not immediately stimulate complete cell division. The percentage of muscle cells remained around 74% in the presence of 5% FBS, whereas it fell slightly (to 65%) in SFNM. This study showed that cardiac muscle cells from 8-day embryos in culture were responsive to ITS, FBS and TGF-β and that ITS may be permissive for continued expression of differentiation of embryonic cardiac muscle cells.
The incorporation of β-2-thienylalanine into the β-galactosidase of Escherichia coli

The incorporation of the phenylalanine analog, β-2-thienylalanine, into the β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) of Escherichia coli is described. The catalytic properties of β-galactosidase in which at least 95% of the phenylalanine residues have been replaced by the analog were apparently unchanged. Phenylalanine replacement, however, rendered the β-galactosidase more labile than the normal enzyme to heat, urea, toluene, and trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4). Bacteria grown in the presence of β-2-thienylalanine had lost the ability to accumulate galactosides against a concentration gradient.
Experimental evidence for the need to extend the IBA beyond N, s and d: Deformed nuclei☆

Abstract The experimental evidence for the need to extend the interacting boson approximation (IBA) beyond the N, s, d model space is investigated for deformed nuclei. The focus is on proton and neutron pair excitations and L = 4 collective modes. Shell model intruder states in odd-mass nuclei are suggested as indicators that pair excitations may play a role in the low-energy collective spectrum. The actinide region is emphasized to have unusual low-energy collective features. The collective properties associated with ”fission” isomers are summarized. The properties of O+ states in the Yb and Hf isotopes are outlined. The location of L = 4 collective strength is addressed. It is concluded that there is a serious need for experimental data on two-proton transfer reactions (to locate proton pair excitations) and inelastic scattering reactions (to locate L = 4 collective strength).
Quantum phase transitions: experimental facts—a challenge for theory

Abstract Quantum critical phenomena occur in many heavy fermion systems giving rise to non-Fermi liquid behavior at lowest temperatures. Here we report on three systems, namely CeCu 6− x Ag x , CePtSi and UCu 5− x Pd x , where the temperature-dependent specific heat, c ( T ), and resistivity, ρ ( T ), for each system correspond to two different scenarios, depending on whether the long-range antiferromagnetic order is suppressed by magnetic field or chemical pressure, by iso-electronic or non-iso-electronic doping and by change of composition or atomic redistribution, respectively. Theoretically this curious behavior can be thought of as a transition from a weak-coupling scenario to some unknown non-Gaussian fixed point.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE‐TREATED WHEY PROTEIN

Surface hydrophobicity, solubility, gelation and emulsifying properties of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-treated whey protein were evaluated. HHP treatment of whey protein buffer or salt solutions were performed at 690 MPa and initial ambient temperature for 5, 10, 20 or 30 min. Untreated whey protein was used as a control. The surface hydrophobicity of whey protein in 0.1 M phosphate buffers treated at pH 7.0 increased with an increase in HHP treatment time from 10 to 30 min. HHP treatments of whey protein in salt solutions at pH 7.0 for 5, 10, 20 or 30 min decreased the solubility of whey proteins. A significant correlation was observed between the surface hydrophobicity and solubility of untreated and HHP-treated whey protein with r = −0.946. Hardness of HHP-induced 20, 25 or 30% whey protein gels increased with an increase in HHP treatment time from 5 to 30 min. An increase in the hardness of whey protein gels was observed as whey protein concentration increased. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffer at pH 5.8 and 690 MPa for 5 min exhibited increased emulsifying activity. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 and 690 MPa for 10, 20 or 30 min exhibited decreased emulsifying activity. HHP-treated whey proteins in phosphate buffer at pH 5.8 or 7.0 contributed to an increase in emulsion stability of model oil-in-water emulsions. This study demonstrates that HHP treatment of whey protein in phosphate buffer or salt solutions leads to whey protein unfolding observed as increased surface hydrophobicity. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffers at pH 5.8 and 690 MPa for 5 min may potentially be used to enhance emulsion stability in foods such as salad dressings, sausage and processed cheese.