cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facing the challenge of radiation treatment planning in pediatric malignancies; review of Pediatric Radiotherapy : Planning and Treatment

There are few challenges in radiation oncology greater than the challenge of treating a child with cancer. Having a text like Pediatric Radiotherapy: Planning and Treatmentmakes this challenge easier to face. The book begins with a short introduction that gives a general background on pediatric malignancies. This chapter is followed by an extensive discussion of the unique difficulties in treating children, specifically focusing on second malignancies with a well-annotated review of the literature on a difficult topic. This discussion is well-placed, giving the appropriate context for the later chapters where the guidelines for the use of radiation are discussed. The awareness of this most grave of late side effects is critical in tempering all of the treatment decisions made when caring for a child. The body of the book follows with chapters that focus on each pediatric malignancy such as bone sarcomas and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Within each of these chapters, there is a brief overview of the disease while the remainder of the chapter explains the treatment planning considerations such as target volume, beam orientation, target dose, and critical structures. Most of this information is very helpful, but the templates for beam arrangement such as those found in the section on brain tumors will likely see little use because of each patient’s variability in target volume and dose constraints. This book is dense with information, making it an excellent resource for radiation oncologists, physicists, and dosimetrists. There are discussions regarding the mechanics of total body irradiation, the use of 3D conformal radiation therapy versus intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and intraoperative radiation therapy. Each chapter has a specific discussion of the normal tissue constraints and late side effects seen in those tissues. There are several color plates of dose distributions, dose volume histograms, and field design. These pictures are helpful in illustrating some key topics. The only topic of radiation therapy that has a relatively shorter discussion is proton therapy. It is mentioned in the chapters on neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, soft tissue tumors, and Wilms’ tumor but not discussed at all in the section on craniospinal radiation. This brief inclusion of proton therapy may be seen as a shortcoming by those who are using this modality. This text is well-written and well-researched and provides a comprehensive review of a complex set of information. It is a valuable resource for the team of radiation oncologist, physicist, and dosimetrist who are involved in the care of a deserving population, children with cancer.
Polarimetric Signatures of a Canopy of Dielectric Cylinders Based on First and Second Order Vector Radiative Transfer Theory

Complete polarimetric signatures of a canopy of dielectric cylinders overlying a homogeneous half space are studied with the first and second order solutions of the vector radiative transfer theory. The vector radiative transfer equations contain a general nondiagonal extinction matrix and a phase matrix. The energy conservation issue is addressed by calculating the elements of the extinction matrix and the elements of the phase matrix in a manner that is consistent with energy conservation. Two methods are used. In the first method, the surface fields and the internal fields of the dielectric cylinder are calculated by using the fields of an infinite cylinder. The phase matrix is calculated and the extinction matrix is calculated by summing the absorption and scattering to ensure energy conservation. In the second method, the method of moments is used to calculate the elements of the extinction and phase matrices. The Mueller matrix based on the first order and second order multiple scattering solutions of the vector radiative transfer equation are calculated. Results from the two methods are compared. The vector radiative transfer equations, combined with the solution based on method of moments, obey both energy conservation and reciprocity. The polarimetric signatures, copolarized and depolarized return, degree of polarization, and phase differences are studied as a function of the orientation, sizes, and dielectric properties of the cylinders. It is shown that second order scattering is generally important for vegetation canopy at C band and can be important at L band for some cases.
Increased caveolin-3 levels in mdx mouse muscles

The density of skeletal muscle caveolae is increased in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its genetic homologue, the mdx mouse. This structural change is significant as it may indicate muscle regeneration. We identified in mdx mouse tibialis anterior muscles significantly increased levels of caveolin-3, the chief protein in muscle caveolae, and reduced levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme regulated by caveolin-3. Similar changes occurred in the corresponding mRNA levels. These data suggest that induction of caveolin-3 occurs and this may at least partly be responsible for increased number of caveolae, altered nNOS-caveolin cycle, and regeneration of dystrophic muscles.
Calculation of molecular integrals in momentum space

Abstract Integrals over Slater atomic orbitals of the type ∫φa(r) pin φb(f) d3r, where pi is a component of the linear momentum operator, may be evaluated analytically by transforming the orbitals to momentum space. The procedure is an application of the Fourier convolution theorem. General formulae are given and uses for these integrals are suggested.
Transmission grating goniometer elements for use at synchrotron radiation facilities

Abstract In this paper we show analytically that accurate detection of the positions of the diffracted orders from a holographic transmission grating can be used to compute the angle of incidence of the light onto the grating, irrespective of the light's frequency. Since such a device may be employed as a goniometer, and since beam height may be measured independently, we show that such grating may be employed as beam attitude/altitude detectors at synchrotron radiation facilities where beam steering and positioning are problematical.
Advancing otolaryngology education in the new millennium.

Just as the practice of otolaryngology has changed over the years, so too the educational enterprise that supports the growth and development of the field continues to evolve. Changes in otolaryngology education have been driven by multiple internal and external factors. These changes need to be understood, and a proactive, cooperative approach by the members of this specialty is required to help shape the future in a way that will ultimately benefit both patients and the specialty itself. Rapid growth in the clinical sciences, accelerating technologic developments, and expanding quality improvement initiatives mandate that modern otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons actively engage in continuing education. As described in many of the articles in this issue of the Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America , the resident in otolaryngology is graduating into a career of lifelong learning.
Motor function of the gallbladder: Measurement and clinical significance

Abnormalities in gallbladder emptying commonly occur in gallstone patients. Similar changes can be found in patients without gallstones that have disease that may predispose to stones, such as diabetes. Decreased contractility of the gallbladder can be measured clinically with variety of radiological techniques, and ultrasonography seems to have a number of advantages over others. In addition to a role in pathogenesis, decreased gallbladder emptying may determine the clearance of gallstones from the gallbladder during dissolution and after lithotripsy.
Partial Purification and Characterization of a Greenbug (Homoptera, Aphididae) Esterase Associated with Resistance to Parathion

Abstract Esterases from the greenbug associated with resistance to organophosphate insecticides were partially purified from both resistant and susceptible strains by ion-exchange chromatography and preparative electrophoresis. Enzymes from both strains exhibited similar elution profiles although the activity peak from the resistant strain was greater in both height and total area. The dominant esterase isozymes from both resistant and susceptible strains were further purified by preparative native electrophoresis. Kinetic analysis of the resulting enzyme indicated that the K m of the esterase was identical for the two strains, although V max was consistently three- five-fold higher in the resistant strain. Inhibition of the activity from both strains by paraoxon was also identical, providing further support for the presence of the same isozyme in the two strains. These results suggest that resistance is associated with overproduction of an isozyme present in the susceptible strain rather than the presence of an enzyme with altered properties.
Methodology for adjusting residential cooling and heating seasonal performance ratings to exclude supply fan energy

This article presents new models to convert the rated cooling and heating seasonal performance efficiency (i.e., SEER or heating seasonal performance factor) to steady-state efficiency rating (i.e., energy efficiency ratio or coefficient of performance) that do not include supply fan energy to be used in building energy simulations for the units less than 19,000 W (65,000 Btu/hr). A review of the two existing conversion equations found that the existing methods do not adequately reflect the characteristics of the units currently available on the market (i.e., units higher than SEER 13/heating seasonal performance factor 7.7) that comply with the provision of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 2006. This analysis was performed using the two new datasets from the California Energy Commission database and the 2012 AHRI directory as well as the AHRI fan performance data collected from several manufacturers. The developed models were adopted in the new edition of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013: Energ...
Further Evidence on the Amount of Vitamin G Required for Reproduction in Poultry

Abstract DAVIS, Norris, and Heuser (1938) reported that reproduction in poultry was favorably influenced by the vitamin G content of dried whey rather than by its protein content. This was shown by an indirect procedure in which purified lactalbumin was incorporated in a vitamin G deficient diet in an amount equivalent to that present in 7.5 percent of dried whey, the quantity of whey used to make the deficient diet adequate in this vitamin. Although the results of this investigation appeared conclusive, it was felt desirable to confirm them by using the direct procedure of preparing an extract of vitamin G, free of protein, and feeding it to hens. The preparation of this extract provided an opportunity of making a further study of the amount of vitamin G required in reproduction of poultry. Therefore, the experimental work reported in this paper represents the results of a study of the amount of . . .
Advantages of the Beall Valve Prosthesis

Followup of 29 patients with a Beall mitral valve prosthesis has shown important advantages over the Kay-Shiley valve. No late deaths and no emboli were noted during an average 14 month (range 8 to 27 months) followup. Mitral insufficiency was not noted clinically or by angiography. Hemodynamic studies in nine patients 16 months postoperation showed improvement. Although all patients had evidence of prosthetic obstruction postoperatively, particularly during exercise, good symptomatic improvement, lack of emboli and preservation of disc motion, reflect advantages of this valve over others.
Cystolithiasis With Concentric Mural Calcification Following Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy

A79-year-old male presented with a 1 ½-year history of gross hematuria and slowly increasing irritative voiding symptoms including frequency (up to every 10 minutes), nocturia and urinary incontinence. The patient did not have any significant travel history and did not pass visible amounts of stone material in urine. Prior history is significant for computerized tomography of the abdomen/pelvis that was performed approximately 1 year previously. It failed to demonstrate bladder calcifications but revealed a mildly thickened bladder wall and enlarged prostate. Subsequent cystoscopy similarly found no bladder stones or tumor and only mild bladder trabeculation. The patient underwent transurethral microwave thermotherapy for bladder outlet obstruction, and was seen 5 months later in the emergency department with the presence of left hydronephrosis, hydroureter and a calcified bladder wall. An extensive transurethral bladder resection with multiple calculi removal was performed, and stone analysis (including a 3.031 gm calculus) revealed a mixed composition of urate and magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite). Pathological examination showed calcific and necrotic debris with the presence of cystitis cystica. Followup cystoscopy performed 2 months later found recurrent, severe cystolithiasis and the patient was referred for additional evaluation. At presentation urinalysis revealed a brown specimen with more than 100 red blood cells per high power field, 1 to 3 white
Design flow for complex scene visual object tracking and avoidance system

This paper presents the design flow of efficient and real-time object detection and tracking system in a complex environment. The design relies on color extraction, target recognition using neural networks and feature extraction. Furthermore, the system is designed to identify different objects and also to predict their movements. There are many domains where the detection and tracking of objects can be required. An example is a defense system for perimeter protection where the camera is more cost effective in the case of short range detection and recognition. Another application of the proposed system is the detection of the obstacles in front of a visually impaired person using cameras mounted on the frame of their eyeglasses.
Behavior and strength of circular concrete-filled tube columns

Abstract The behavior of concrete-filled tube columns under seismic loads was studied by testing six columns which were subjected to a constant axial load in addition to a cyclic lateral load. The test parameters included the level of axial load, the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the steel tube, and the concrete compressive strength. The test columns showed high ductility and maintained their strength up to the end of the test. The test results also indicate that the column capacity was significantly improved due to the concrete strength gained from the confinement provided by the steel tube. An analytical model was developed to predict the capacity of circular CFT beam–columns accounting for the interaction between the steel and concrete. The analytical model is compared with the experimental data reported in this paper and those reported by other researchers. Good agreement was observed between the predicted values using the proposed model and the experimental results.
Appropriate Use of Telemetry Monitoring in Hospitalized Patients

Non-intensive telemetry units are overused in hospitalized patients, either inappropriately initiated in low arrhythmia risk patients or continued beyond the recommended duration of monitoring. By far, the largest group of monitored patients is those with chest pain syndromes. The practice guidelines for telemetry monitoring are limited in scope, and chart audits show only moderate adherence by providers; up to 43 % of monitored patients have no indication for monitoring. Review of the available evidence supports the selection of a subset of chest pain patients that have a very low risk of arrhythmias. These low-risk patients have a normal or nonspecific ECG, negative cardiac markers, and, depending on the study, either atypical chest pain characteristics, no recurrent chest pain, or a low Goldman risk score. They are unlikely to benefit from telemetry monitoring in the emergency department or observation unit, during transport between hospital units, and in the inpatient setting.
Weak-light Phase-locking for LISA

The long armlengths of the LISA interferometer, and the finite aperture of the telescope, leads to an optical power attenuation of approximately equal to 10(exp -10) of the transmitted to received light. Simple reflection at the end of the arm is therefore not an optimum interferometric design. Instead, a local laser is offset phase-locked to the weak incoming beam, transferring the phase information of the incoming to the outgoing light. This paper reports on an experiment to characterize a weak light phase-locking scheme suitable for LISA in which a diode-pumped, Nd:YAG, non-planar ring oscillator (NPRO) is offset phase-locked to a low power (13pW) frequency stabilised master NPRO. Preliminary results of the relative phase noise of the slave laser shows shot noise limited performance above 0.4 Hz. Excess noise is observed at lower frequencies, most probably due to thermal effects in the optical arrangement and phase sensing electronics.
The Histone Methyltransferase SUV39H1 Suppresses Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma Formation in Zebrafish

Epigenetics, or the reversible and heritable marks of gene regulation not including DNA sequence, encompasses chromatin modifications on both the DNA and histones and is as important as the DNA sequence itself. Chromatin-modifying factors are playing an increasingly important role in tumorigenesis, particularly among pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), revealing potential novel therapeutic targets. We performed an overexpression screen of chromatin-modifying factors in a KRASG12D-driven zebrafish model for RMS. Here, we describe the identification of a histone H3 lysine 9 histone methyltransferase, SUV39H1, as a suppressor of embryonal RMS formation in zebrafish. This suppression is specific to the histone methyltransferase activity of SUV39H1, as point mutations in the SET domain lacked the effect. SUV39H1-overexpressing and control tumors have a similar proliferation rate, muscle differentiation state, and tumor growth rate. Strikingly, SUV39H1-overexpressing fish initiate fewer tumors, which results in the observed suppressive phenotype. We demonstrate that the delayed tumor onset occurs between 5 and 7 days post fertilization. Gene expression profiling at these stages revealed that in the context of KRASG12D overexpression, SUV39H1 may suppress cell cycle progression. Our studies provide evidence for the role of SUV39H1 as a tumor suppressor.
Quality of Optical Channels in Wireless SCADA for Offshore Wind Farms

One of the most important features in the smart gird is to integrate the state-of-the-art communication technologies into power systems. In offshore wind farms, data communications would rely on wireless techniques. The wireless optical communication technology has several advantages over the RF counterpart. However, the impact of atmospheric turbulence on optical signals must be well understood first. In this paper, the performance of wireless optical links subject to weak influence is investigated. Three types of metrics (amount of fading, outage probability, and bit error rate) are analytically and numerically evaluated.
AMMONIA IN THE EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM: AN ACCOUNT FROM CARBONACEOUS METEORITES

This study presents a survey of abundance distribution and isotopic composition of the ammonia found incorporated in the kerogen-like insoluble material of selected carbonaceous chondrite meteorites; the ammonia was released upon hydrothermal treatment at 300 ◦ C and 100 MPa. With the exception of Allende, a metamorphosed and highly altered stone, all the insoluble organic materials (IOM) of the meteorites analyzed released significant amounts of ammonia, which varied from over 4 μ gm g −1 for the Orgueil IOM to 0.5 μ gm g −1 for that of Tagish Lake; the IOM of the pristine Antarctica find GRA95229 remains the most rich in freeable ammonia with 10 μ gm g −1 . While the amounts of IOM bound ammonia do not appear to vary between meteorites with a recognizable trend, a possible consequence of long terrestrial exposure of some of the stones, we found that the δ 15 N composition of the ammonia-carrying materials is clearly distinctive of meteorite types and may reflect a preservation of the original 15 N distribution of pre- and proto-solar materials.
The Frequency Range of the Ear Supported by Hair Bundle Motility

The sensitivity of the ear depends on the mechanical feedback in hair cells. Here we examine two models of hair bundle motility by assuming that the energy gained by the hair bundle motor is greater than the energy loss due to viscous drag in the subtectorial gap.The channel re-closure (CRC) model (Choe et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1998) leads to a frequency limit (kgxg)2ΦFm, where kg and xg are gating spring stiffness and gating distance of the mechanoelectric transducer (MET) channel, respectively, Φ the factor that depends on channel kinetics, and Fm(=Ns2/(hA)) the morphological factor with the number N of tip-links per hair cell, the rootlet separation s, the height h of the tallest cilia, and the area A of the gap.Tinevez-Julicher-Martin (TJM) model (Tinevez et al., Biophys. J., 2007) leads to the frequency limit of the form a[bFm-1]1/2 with both a and b depend on transducer stiffness kg[1-kgxg2Po(1-Po)/(kBT)], which is required to be negative, and friction coefficient of the motor among others.The limiting frequency estimated for the mammalian ear under realistic conditions is up to 1.2 kHz based on CRC model and is up to 2.8 kHz based on TJM model, lower than the mammalian auditory range. If the mechanical characteristics of the MET channel and the adaptation motor are similar, the limiting frequency could be described by the morphological factor in both models, although TJM model is much more sensitive to the operating point. This feature could be used to explain the auditory range of the avian ears and their tonotopic maps by the morphological factor.
A Harsh and Challenging World of Work: Implications for Counselors

The author presents some of the health risks and economic and job insecurities involved in working in the United States. He suggests ways for counselors to amend their practices to accommodate the changing work environment and to help clients prepare for and deal with the economic and physical realities of the job market.
Magnesium deficiency in vitro enhances free radical-induced intracellular oxidation and cytotoxicity in endothelial cells

The effect of magnesium (Mg)-deficient culture on endothelial cell susceptibility to oxidative stress was examined. Bovine endothelial cells were cultured in either control sufficient (0.8 mM) or deficient (0.4 mM) levels of MgCl2. Oxygen radicals were produced extracellularly by the addition of dihydroxyfumarate and Fe(3+)-ADP. Isolated Mg-deficient endothelial cells produced 2- to 3-fold higher levels of thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive materials when incubated with this free radical system. Additional studies were performed using digitized video microscopy and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) as an intracellular indicator for oxidative events at the single cell level. In response to the exogenous oxidative stress, endothelial cells exhibited a time-dependent increase in fluorescence, suggestive of intracellular lipid peroxidation. The increase in cellular fluorescence began within 1 min of free radical addition; the Mg-deficient cells exhibited a more rapid increase in fluorescence than that of Mg-sufficient cells. In separate experiments, cellular viability was assessed using the Trypan blue exclusion assay. Mg deficiency increased cytotoxicity of the added oxyradicals, but the loss of cellular viability began to occur only after 15 min of free radical exposure, lagging behind the detection of intracellular oxidation products. These results suggest that increased oxidative endothelial cell injury may contribute to vascular injury during Mg deficiency.
Prognostic value of C-reactive protein in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome

Background: Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) represents the extreme manifestation of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with congenital heart disease and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although C-reactive protein (CRP) is known to predict outcome in iPAH, little is known on its prognostic value in ES. Methods and results: We included 1936 CRP measurements performed in a total of 225 adult ES patients (age 40.7±12.4 years, 33% male, 35% with Down syndrome) between years 2000 and 2012. High CRP values related to infection or blood transfusions were excluded from the analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years (1149 patients-years) 50 patients died. The median CRP level was 6.0mg/L [IQR 2.0-10.0] and was higher on the last assessment in deceased patients compared to survivors (11.5mg/L [6.0-22.8] vs. 4.0mg/L [1.5-8.0], P 10mg/L had more than 3-fold higher risk of mortality (HR=3.66, 95% CI 1.98-6.80, P<0.0001, Figure). ![Figure][1] Figure 1 Conclusions: Serum CRP is a simple, but powerful marker of mortality in ES patients and should be incorporated in the risk stratification and routine assessment of these patients. [1]: pending:yes
Hope v. Pelzer Raising the Bar for Public Administrators' Qualified Immunity for Constitutional Torts

When engaged in executive functions, public administrators at all levels of the U.S. government have had qualified immunity in federal civil suits against alleged violations of individuals' constitutional rights. Hope v. Pelzer now places a heavier responsibility on public administrators to learn the constitutional law governing their official actions. This legal brief serves to inform readers about the new standard that Hope sets for determining what constitutes a clearly established constitutional right.
Uncertainty in hurricane surge simulation due to land cover specification

Hurricane storm surge is one of the most costly natural hazards in the United States. Numerical modeling to predict and estimate hurricane surge flooding is currently widely used for research, planning, decision making, and emergency response. Land cover plays an important role in hurricane surge numerical modeling because of its impacts on the forcing (changes in wind momentum transfer to water column) and dissipation (bottom friction) mechanisms of storm surge. In this study, the hydrodynamic model ADCIRC was used to investigate predicted surge response in bays on the central and lower Texas coast using different land cover data sets: (1) Coastal Change Analysis Program for 1996, 2001, and 2006; (2) the National Land Cover Dataset for 1992, 2001, and 2006; and (3) the National Wetlands Inventory for 1993. Hypothetical storms were simulated with varying the storm track, forward speed, central pressure, and radius to maximum wind, totaling 140 simulations. Data set choice impacts the mean of maximum surges throughout the study area, and variability in the surge prediction due to land cover data set choice strongly depends on storm characteristics and geographical location of the bay in relation to storm track. Errors in surge estimation due to land cover choice are approximately 7% of the surge value, with change in surge prediction varying by as much as 1 m, depending on location and storm condition. Finally, the impact of land cover choice on the accuracy of simulating surges for Hurricane Bret in 1999 is evaluated.
Photodetachment threshold of CN− by laser optogalvanic spectroscopy

Abstract Laser optogalvanic spectroscopy is used for the first time to obtain the photodetachment threshold for a molecular negative ion, CN − . The electron affinity for CN is determined to be 3.821 ± 0.004 eV.
Clean hulls without poisons: Devising and testing nontoxic marine coatings

Because this paper marks 50 years since the first Mattiello Memorial Lecture, it begins with a remembrance of the man in whose honor we meet and an appreciation of his character and his contributions to the coatings industry. The body of the paper is concerned with the coating used on a hull of a ship to prevent the accumulation of barnacles and other fouling. The most effective antifouling paint now being used contains toxins and will be forbidden by international regulations within eight years. The ideal replacement will be a nontoxic material that resists the attachment of marine life and encourages the organisms to fall off the ship. This paper describes laboratory and field work during the past 18 years on a variety of fluorinated coatings and silicone coatings with these properties and criteria for formulating successful nontoxic coatings. Silicone and fluorinated coatings frustrate fouling by different mechanisms, and thus the criteria for a successful coating are distinct in important ways.
Radiative corrections to the effective W approximation

Abstract We derive the O(αs) corrections to the W and Z gauge boson distribution functions in the effective W approximation. The QCD radiative corrections are calculated in the soft gluon limit which correctly gives the terms of O(αsπ). We compare the radiatively corrected rates for Higgs production from vector boson fusion and for the background from the q q → W + W − subprocess. In the soft gluon limit, the Higgs signal is unchanged by O(αs) corrections, while the calculation of Barger, Lopez, and Putikka finds that the background from q q → W + W − is increased by a factor of 1+ 8 9 α s π .
Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA) Pulse Power Technology Development

The Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA) is a pulsed linear induction accelerator with the following design parameters: 50 MeV, 10 kA, 70 ns, and 1 kHz in a ten-pulse burst. Acceleration is accomplished by means of 190 ferrite-loaded cells, each capable of maintaining a 250 kV voltage pulse for 70 ns across a 1-inch gap. The unique characteristic of this machine is its 1 kHz burst mode capability at very high currents. This paper describes the pulse power development program which used the Experimental Test Accelerator (ETA) technology as a starting base. Considerable changes have been made both electrically and mechanically in the pulse power components with special consideration being given to the design to achieve higher reliability. A prototype module which incorporates all the pulse power components has been built and tested for millions of shots. Prototype components and test results are described.
School Choice and the Empowerment Imperative

Drawing from historical, sociological, and policy literatures, as well as legislative activity, this article traces the intellectual and political evolution of educational equity, beginning with progressive models of redistribution and remedy to more recent neoliberal forms, which privilege parental empowerment through the expansion of school choice. At the legislative and regulatory levels, policymakers have redefined equity in schooling to mean providing parents with sufficient school choices to “buy” education for their children. This framework recasts the role of the state as a broadening agent for educational markets. Although parental empowerment is seemingly a central goal of the legislation, the laws also facilitate the entry of private sector actors into the educational marketplace. The resulting choice options depart from redistributive forms of equity, advantage some parents over others, and also empower for-profit and nonprofit intermediaries and private providers seeking to gain a share of th...
The effect of protein nutrition on host and tumor metabolism.

Since the introduction of intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) as a nutritional adjunct in multimodal cancer therapy (X), the risk of providing nutrient substrates for more rapid tumor growth has been a concern of those who use IVH to rehabilitate malnourished cancer patients nutritionally. Because of the technical difficulties in studying glucose and amino acid utilization in cancer patients, an experimental model was designed to simulate the nutritional problems encountered in cachectic cancer patients. Tumor-bearing rats were protein depleted with a protein-free diet, and then randomized into three groups which either continued on the protein-free diet, resumed a regular protein diet, or received intravenous hyperalimentation. By manipulating the dietary protein intake, the effects of protein restriction and repletion on host and tumor metabolism could be compared and related to the clinical situation in which hyperalimentation is used to replete malnourished cancer patients nutritionally. Host and tumor metabolism were evaluated by measuring the activity of three important enzymes that control glucose production and specific amino acid degradation. Fructose 1,6-diphosphatase (FDPase, EC 3.1.3.11) is considered one of the rate-limiting enzymes in the gluconeogenic pathway because of its slow kinetics and irreversible catalytic action (25). Glutamate -pyruvate transaminate (GPT, L-alanine:Z
Automated Writing Assessment in the Classroom

Automated essay scoring (AWE) software, which uses artificial intelligence to evaluate essays and generate feedback, has been seen as both a boon and a bane in the struggle to improve writing instruction. We used interviews, surveys, and classroom observations to study teachers and students using AWE software in 4 secondary schools. We found AWE to be a modest addition to the arsenal of teaching tools and techniques at the teacher's disposal, roughly midway between the fears of some and the hopes of others. The program saved teachers' time and encouraged more revision but did not appear to result in substantially more writing or greater attention to content and organization. Teachers' use of the software varied from school to school, based partly on students' socioeconomic status, but more notably on teachers' prior beliefs about writing pedagogy.
Retinoic acid signalling links left–right asymmetric patterning and bilaterally symmetric somitogenesis in the zebrafish embryo

During embryogenesis, cells are spatially patterned as a result of highly coordinated and stereotyped morphogenetic events. In the vertebrate embryo, information on laterality is conveyed to the node, and subsequently to the lateral plate mesoderm, by a complex cascade of epigenetic and genetic events, eventually leading to a left-right asymmetric body plan. At the same time, the paraxial mesoderm is patterned along the anterior-posterior axis in metameric units, or somites, in a bilaterally symmetric fashion. Here we characterize a cascade of laterality information in the zebrafish embryo and show that blocking the early steps of this cascade (before it reaches the lateral plate mesoderm) results in random left-right asymmetric somitogenesis. We also uncover a mechanism mediated by retinoic acid signalling that is crucial in buffering the influence of the flow of laterality information on the left-right progression of somite formation, and thus in ensuring bilaterally symmetric somitogenesis.
Analysis of the Performance of CTH on Commodity Processor-Based Systems

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) has recently installed three systems using commodity processors, each with distinct strengths. The three systems are: an SGI Altix3700 with 256 Intel Itanium2 processors, an IBM Cluster 1350 with 2304 AMD Opteron processors, and a Linux Networx Evelocity2 with 2048 Intel Xeon processors with extended memory technology. All three systems were acquired via the DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Programs (HPCMPs) Technology Insertion 2004 process. The Interim03 version of the CTH code from Sandia National Laboratories gn [1] was used as a basis for this study. Understanding the performance of CTH is a very worthwhile effort because of the vast requirements within the HPCMP for solving problems in the shock physics field. CTH usage may surpass 10 million processor hours in fiscal year 2005. A large database of CTH performance on many HPCMP resources[2,3,4], past and present, was used to put the achieved level of performance into perspective. The Interim03 version of the CTH code from Sandia National Laboratories was built on each system, and a penetration problem was run for processor counts varying from 1 to the full system size by powers of 2. Multiple compilers and build options for each system were used to find the best combination for the CTH problem used as a benchmark.
Evaluation of Enhanced Panicum amarum Establishment through Fragment Plantings and Humic Acid Amendment

Abstract The ability of the dune grass Panicum amarum to resprout from vegetative fragments as well as the response of this species to a commercially available soil conditioner (humic acid) were evaluated using a factorial design in a greenhouse setting. A general trend of greater P. amarum biomass production with humic acid amendment was noted. Panicum amarum growth did not demonstrate either an asymptote or decline with the highest level of humic acid addition, indicating that its growth may potentially be further enhanced by humic acid levels greater than those used in this study. The survivorship of P. amarum fragments (belowground fragment material only and aboveground material fragment only) were comparable with whole-plant planting success with high survivorship noted for all three planting approaches. As anticipated, the whole-plant planting treatments resulted in the greatest total biomass, followed by the belowground-only plantings, which had greater biomass production than the aboveground-only ...
Application of a neutral community model to assess structuring of the human lung microbiome

ABSTRACT DNA from phylogenetically diverse microbes is routinely recovered from healthy human lungs and used to define the lung microbiome. The proportion of this DNA originating from microbes adapted to the lungs, as opposed to microbes dispersing to the lungs from other body sites and the atmosphere, is not known. We use a neutral model of community ecology to distinguish members of the lung microbiome whose presence is consistent with dispersal from other body sites and those that deviate from the model, suggesting a competitive advantage to these microbes in the lungs. We find that the composition of the healthy lung microbiome is consistent with predictions of the neutral model, reflecting the overriding role of dispersal of microbes from the oral cavity in shaping the microbial community in healthy lungs. In contrast, the microbiome of diseased lungs was readily distinguished as being under active selection. We also assessed the viability of microbes from lung samples by cultivation with a variety of media and incubation conditions. Bacteria recovered by cultivation from healthy lungs represented species that comprised 61% of the 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequences derived from bronchoalveolar lavage samples. IMPORTANCE Neutral distribution of microbes is a distinguishing feature of the microbiome in healthy lungs, wherein constant dispersal of bacteria from the oral cavity overrides differential growth of bacteria. No bacterial species consistently deviated from the model predictions in healthy lungs, although representatives of many of the dispersed species were readily cultivated. In contrast, bacterial populations in diseased lungs were identified as being under active selection. Quantification of the relative importance of selection and neutral processes such as dispersal in shaping the healthy lung microbiome is a first step toward understanding its impacts on host health.
Look Who’s Talking: Corporate Philanthropy and Firm Disclosure

In the U.S., many, if not most, firms donate resources to charitable causes. Although scholars and managers have argued that corporate support of charitable causes enhances corporate reputation, research indicates that the public is generally unaware of corporate donations. Many firms do not disclose their philanthropy, and empirical research of corporate social responsibility and corporate philanthropy have not investigated the issue of disclosure of firm giving. This study investigates why some firms publicize their corporate philanthropy and others do not. Findings indicate that more socially responsible firms and firms with corporate- sponsored charitable foundations are more likely to disclose their corporate philanthropy in outlets that can be viewed by the public. The study also found that differentiation and firm size are not associated with disclosure of corporate philanthropy.
A test target generator for wideband pulsed Doppler radars

A test target simulator (TTS) based on a fiber-optic delay line (FODL) has been designed for realistic testing and characterizing of wideband pulsed Doppler radars. The TTS can simulate one or two targets at different radar cross sections (RCS's), different Doppler, and different ranges in the presence of uncorrelated noise or interference. With one target, clutter and multipath effects can also be simulated. In a closed-loop test of a pulsed Doppler radar transceiver, the variable control of the RCS can be used to test the radar's dynamic range. Simulating two targets and varying the range and Doppler of each target in the closed-loop test can evaluate the radar's range and Doppler resolution, respectively. >
Psoriasis drug development and GWAS interpretation through in silico analysis of transcription factor binding sites

Psoriasis is a cytokine-mediated skin disease that can be treated effectively with immunosuppressive biologic agents. These medications, however, are not equally effective in all patients and are poorly suited for treating mild psoriasis. To develop more targeted therapies, interfering with transcription factor (TF) activity is a promising strategy. Meta-analysis was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the lesional skin from psoriasis patients (n = 237). We compiled a dictionary of 2935 binding sites representing empirically-determined binding affinities of TFs and unconventional DNA-binding proteins (uDBPs). This dictionary was screened to identify “psoriasis response elements” (PREs) overrepresented in sequences upstream of psoriasis DEGs. PREs are recognized by IRF1, ISGF3, NF-kappaB and multiple TFs with helix-turn-helix (homeo) or other all-alpha-helical (high-mobility group) DNA-binding domains. We identified a limited set of DEGs that encode proteins interacting with PRE motifs, including TFs (GATA3, EHF, FOXM1, SOX5) and uDBPs (AVEN, RBM8A, GPAM, WISP2). PREs were prominent within enhancer regions near cytokine-encoding DEGs (IL17A, IL19 and IL1B), suggesting that PREs might be incorporated into complex decoy oligonucleotides (cdODNs). To illustrate this idea, we designed a cdODN to concomitantly target psoriasis-activated TFs (i.e., FOXM1, ISGF3, IRF1 and NF-kappaB). Finally, we screened psoriasis-associated SNPs to identify risk alleles that disrupt or engender PRE motifs. This identified possible sites of allele-specific TF/uDBP binding and showed that PREs are disproportionately disrupted by psoriasis risk alleles. We identified new TF/uDBP candidates and developed an approach that (i) connects transcriptome informatics to cdODN drug development and (ii) enhances our ability to interpret GWAS findings. Disruption of PRE motifs by psoriasis risk alleles may contribute to disease susceptibility.
Pulmonary embolism: optimization of small pulmonary artery visualization at multi-detector row CT.

PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of well-visualized pulmonary arteries according to anatomic level by using different collimation with single– and multi–detector row computed tomography (CT) in patients suspected of having acute pulmonary embolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were examined with one of three techniques (20 patients each). Group 1 was examined with single–detector row CT with 3-mm collimation and 1.3–1.6 pitch; groups 2 and 3, with multi–detector row CT with 2.5- and 1.25-mm collimation, respectively. Three thoracic radiologists independently reviewed examination findings to determine if each main, lobar, segmental, and subsegmental artery was well visualized for presence of pulmonary embolism. χ2 tests were performed. For well-visualized vessels, the presence and/or absence of pulmonary embolism was recorded and κ statistic was determined. RESULTS: Reader 1 scored 95% (114 of 120), 96% (115 of 120), and 99% (119 of 120) of lobar arteries (P > .05); 76% (304 of 400), 86% (346 of ...
Molecular simulations of poly(2,5‐benzimidazole): Effect of water concentration, phosphoric acid doping, and temperature on hydrogen bonding and vehicular diffusion

Results of atomistic simulations of neat, hydrated, and phosphoric acid (PA)-doped poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) are reported in this article, with an emphasis on the effect of water concentration, PA-doping level, and temperature on the hydrogen bond network and vehicular diffusion. Analysis of radial distribution functions indicates that varying water concentrations and PA-doping levels does not have a significant effect on hydrogen bond lengths; however, high temperature causes hydrogen bond lengths to increase reflecting lower bond strength. Calculations of the number of hydrogen bonds indicate those involving PA increase with PA-doping level, decrease with increasing temperature, and increase with decreasing water content. Sorption calculations using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo indicate the number of water molecules absorbed per 100 ABPBI repeat units is 141.5 at 298 K, in agreement with the experimental value. Vehicular diffusion coefficients in PA-doped ABPBI decrease in the order: water > PA > ABPBI. Specifically, the vehicular diffusion of PA increases with PA-doping level, temperature, and water content. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the Use and Abuse of Thorstein Veblen in Modern American Sociology, I: David Riesman's Reductionist Interpretation and Talcott Parsons' Pluralist Critique

. The analyses and applications of Thorstein Vehlen's social theory by David Riesman and Talcott Parsons are found to be deficient. Riesman's study of Veblen lacks viability because the reductionist methodology he uses psychologizes and sociologizes Veblen rather than examines the theoretical import of his work. Parsons is wrong in denying the originality of Veblen's work and in treating him as an eccentric Utopian. Thus the paradigmatic and ideological bias of both Riesman and Parsons preclude a proper understanding and use of such Veblenian concepts as status emulation and conflict.
Cohabitation and the Declining Marriage Premium for Men

This article estimates the marriage effect on men's earnings using an alternate definition of marital status in which cohabitation is added as an additional category and using data from the 1976-1999 Current Population Surveys. Results show that the downward trend in the “marriage premium” is not as steep when cohabitors are excluded from the never-married reference group. The findings suggest that men's benefits from marriage have not declined as sharply as has been thought and highlight the importance of the diversity of family forms in studies of inequality. Future research that considers marital status should take into account the growing population of cohabitors.
Near-infrared subwavelength-wire lasers

We report the first observation of near-infrared (NIR) lasing in subwavelength semiconductor wires. The optically-pumped GaSb subwavelength-wire-based lasers promise to be useful for future NIR photonic integrated circuits and systems.
Now That We Have a Strong Building, Let’s Add a Few Floors

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 18: 178–181, 2011] The new review by Chorpita and colleagues (2011) indicates an expanded number of evidence-based interventions for child and adolescent disorders. Notably, some of the best new treatments combine psychotherapy and medication. The new review wisely includes promising interventions with emerging or lower levels of empirical support. Overall, the evidence base for child and adolescent interventions is broad and strong. Future reviews should provide further differentiation among interventions with higher levels of support. Specifically, the notion of treatment equivalence needs more rigorous justification, effect sizes should be interpreted in the context of trial designs, and reviews should emphasize indices of the quality of supportive evidence.