cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences of renal parenchymal attenuation for acutely obstructed and unobstructed kidneys on unenhanced helical CT: a useful secondary sign?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the difference in attenuation frequently noted on unenhanced helical CT scans between a patient's acutely obstructed kidney and the unobstructed kidney is a reliable secondary sign of acute renal obstruction.CONCLUSION. In 95% of patients with acute renal obstruction, the affected kidney was less dense than the unobstructed kidney. When visually detected by radiologists using CT, this difference in density was at least two standard deviations above normal, making it a reliable secondary sign for acute obstruction.
Space station on-orbit identification and performance monitor

This paper describes the generic applications of on-orbit identification to the reference Space Station configuration currently under consideration by NASA. Identification functions are categorized, and the various methods for extracting parameter estimates are correlated with the sensing of specific characteristics of interest to both engineering subsystems and users of the Station's commercial and scientific facilities. A case study of crew motion detection and identification is included to illustrate the application to the Station's disturbance environment and plant characterization using accelerometer sensing. Onboard implementation architecture is discussed from the viewpoint of maximizing integration of the identification process with the flight subsystem's data and signal flow.
Elective laparoscopic versus open colectomy for diverticulosis: an analysis of ACS-NSQIP database

The benefits of laparoscopic (LC) versus open (OC) colectomy for symptomatic colonic diverticulosis as an elective operation remain unclear. Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) participant-user file, patients were identified who underwent elective colon resection for symptomatic colonic diverticulosis, between 2005 and 2008. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative variables, and 30-day morbidity and mortality were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the surgical approach (LC vs. OC) and risk-adjusted overall mortality, overall morbidity, serious morbidity, and wound complications. A total of 7,629 patients were identified who underwent colon resection for symptomatic diverticulosis. They were subdivided into two groups: OC (3,870 (50.7%)) and LC (3,759 (49.3%)). Patients who underwent OC were significantly older (59.0 vs. 55.7 years, P < 0.0001) with more comorbidities compared with those who underwent LC. After risk-adjusted analysis, it was noted that the patients treated with LC were significantly less likely to experience overall morbidity (11.9% vs. 23.2%), serious morbidity (4.6% vs. 10.9%), and wound complications (9.1% vs. 17.5%), but not mortality (0.3% vs. 0.8%). Operative duration was significantly longer with LC (176.64 vs. 166.70 min, P < 0.0001), but the length of stay was significantly shorter (4.77 vs. 7.68 days, P < 0.0001). Using logistic regression analysis, patients with history of peripheral vascular disease, percutaneous coronary interventions, current steroid use, and hypertension requiring medication were at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality at 30 days. Patients with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking experienced more wound complications at 30 days. In the elective setting for symptomatic diverticulosis, LC seems to be associated with lower 30-day morbidity and complication rates compared with OC.
Computational Studies of Nucleosome and Chromatin Folding

Understanding the packaging of nucleosomes on DNA, including how various proteins interact with DNA, is important for understanding the dynamics of the cell. With this goal in mind, we have developed a shape-based model to map histone-DNA recognition quantitatively in terms of atomic contacts and DNA deformability. This method reduces the complexity of nucleosome structure from 3D visualization to a 2D mapping. Comparison of 32 available nucleosome crystal structures with this approach shows promise in deciphering the sequence-dependent binding mechanism of nucleosomes on DNA. We have also developed a novel Monte-Carlo method, involving multi-scale dinucleotide and dinucleosome modeling, to simulate the communication of proteins over long stretches of chromatin-compacted DNA. We compare our predictions of chromatin looping with recent experimental measurements of enhancer-promoter interactions, focusing on (i) the role of the histone tails in enhancing chromatin looping and (ii) the internal folding structures of chromatin under different ionic conditions.
SU-E-T-480: Radiobiological Dose Comparison of Single Fraction SRS, Multi-Fraction SRT and Multi-Stage SRS of Large Target Volumes Using the Linear-Quadratic Formula

Purpose: To compare the radiobiological effect on large tumors and surrounding normal tissues from single fraction SRS, multi-fractionated SRT, and multi-staged SRS treatment. Methods: An anthropomorphic head phantom with a centrally located large volume target (18.2 cm3) was scanned using a 16 slice large bore CT simulator. Scans were imported to the Multiplan treatment planning system where a total prescription dose of 20Gy was used for a single, three staged and three fractionated treatment. Cyber Knife treatment plans were inversely optimized for the target volume to achieve at least 95% coverage of the prescription dose. For the multistage plan, the target was segmented into three subtargets having similar volume and shape. Staged plans for individual subtargets were generated based on a planning technique where the beam MUs of the original plan on the total target volume are changed by weighting the MUs based on projected beam lengths within each subtarget. Dose matrices for each plan were export in DICOM format and used to calculate equivalent dose distributions in 2Gy fractions using an alpha beta ratio of 10 for the target and 3 for normal tissue. Results: Singe fraction SRS, multi-stage plan and multi-fractionated SRT plans had an average 2Gy dose equivalent to the target of 62.89Gy, 37.91Gy and 33.68Gy, respectively. The normal tissue within 12Gy physical dose region had an average 2Gy dose equivalent of 29.55Gy, 16.08Gy and 13.93Gy, respectively. Conclusion: The single fraction SRS plan had the largest predicted biological effect for the target and the surrounding normal tissue. The multi-stage treatment provided for a more potent biologically effect on target compared to the multi-fraction SRT treatments with less biological normal tissue than single-fraction SRS treatment.
Operation of the Large Interconnected Power System by Decision and Control

A comprehensive approach to the control of the large interconnected power system in conditions ranging from normal to disintegrated is outlined. The basic decision is between normal and abnormal conditions or, more precisely, on the degree of abnormality with normality rating as zero degree abnormality. The applicable control algorithms would then be aimed at maintaining normalcy when it is present or leading the system back to normalcy with the least disruption when the condition is abnormal. In a sense one could say that in Decision and Control operation a system is always in a restoratory state seeking the best way back to normalcy-when it finds nothing to restore the system is in a normal condition. To lead the system back to normalcy five Regimes of Control are defined and the measures and means used in each are defined and developed. New ancillary algorithms to use as tools in these operations have been developed. An illustration of a sequence of emergency events under Decision and . Control Operation is also included. A measure of the effectiveness of the new techniques is a consistent tenfold increase of critical clearing times. This indicates a large potential saving in new transmission equipment.
Risk Sharing in Custom Cattle Feeding

A simulation model is used to evaluate the risks and returns to feedlot operators and cattle owners in the upper Midwest that occur with alternative types of custom cattle feeding contracts. Historical price data were combined with seasonal performance data to analyze the seasonal incentives for different risk-sharing arrangements. Seasonal returns varied significantly both as to mean and variance and point out the need for seasonally varying contract terms. Feedlot owners are significantly better off with yardage fee contracts as opposed to cost-of-gain contracts in terms of return variance, whereas cattle owners are only slightly better off with guaranteed cost-of-grain contracts.
Crosshairs SRAM — An adaptive memory for mitigating parametric failures

We propose Crosshairs SRAM to adaptively fix parametric failures and increase yield. It mitigates process variation by tuning Vdd and Gnd of each bitcell inverter independently from its cross-coupled counterpart. It targets failing cells at the intersection of individually-tuned orthogonal Vdd and Gnd rails. We implement 70 32kb test arrays in 45nm CMOS with little modification to a commercial 6T design and no increase in bitcell area. Crosshairs improves performance by 13% and fixes an average of 70% of parametric failures for reasonable initial failure rates lower than 0.1%.
A New High Current Fast 100ns LTD Based Driver for Z-pinch IFE at Sandia

Sandia is actively pursuing the development of new accelerators based on the novice technology of linear transformer driver (LTD). LTD based drivers are currently considered for many applications including future very high current Z-pinch drivers like ZX and z-pinch IFE (inertial fusion energy). LTD is a new method for constructing high-current, high-voltage pulsed accelerators. The salient feature of the approach is switching and inductively adding the pulses at low voltage straight out of the capacitors through low inductance transfer and soft iron core isolation. High currents can be achieved by feeding each cavity core with many capacitors connected in parallel in a circular array. High voltage is obtained by inductively adding the output voltage of many cavities in series. Utilizing the presently available capacitors and switches we can envision building the next generation of fast Z-pinch drivers without the usage of large deionized-water and oil tanks, as it is the case with the present technology drivers. The most significant advantage of all is that the LTD drivers can be rep-rated. They can be multipulsed with a repetition rate, in principle, up to the capacitor specifications and up to 10 Hz. The later makes LTD the driver of choice for z-pinch IFE where the required repetition rate is of the order of 0.1 Hz. Presently we have in rep rated operation in Sandia a one 500-kA, 100-kV LTD cavity. Our goal is to establish the maximum possible frequency of repetition rate and test the longevity of the utilized dry air gas switches. The compact fast (<100 ns pulse rise time) LTD technology was suggested and its development is funded and being monitored by Sandia at the High Current Electronic Institute (HCEI) in Tomsk, Russia, where an additional number of larger and stackable 1-MA cavities are under construction to be utilized as building blocks for a 1-MA, 1-MV voltage adder test module. This module will serve as a prototype for longer higher voltage modules, a number of which, connected in parallel, could become the driver of the z-pinch IFE reactor. In this paper we briefly describe the basic theory underlying the LTD operation, present the device and give performance results of our 500-kA and 1-MA cavities currently in operation and finally describe a first cut design of an IFE driver utilizing the 1-MA, 100-kV cavity as a building block
EFFECT OF A PORCINE PANCREATIC COLLAGENASE ON MUSCLE CONNECTIVE TISSUE

SUMMARY– Porcine and bovine pancreas as well as porcine spleen, liver and kidney were analyzed for possible collagenolytic activity. Both the porcine and bovine pancreas extracts possessed collagenolytic activity at pH 5.5 and 37°C. The ability of the pancreas extract to break down connective tissue was not due to tryptic or chymotryptic activity, but was due to a combination of collagenolytic and elastolytic activity. The collagenase was partially purified using Sephadex chromatography and was shown to degrade collagen into small soluble peptide fragments.
Above-band-gap dielectric functions of ZnGeAs2: Ellipsometric measurements and quasiparticle self-consistent GW calculations

We report the above-band-gap dielectric-function spectra ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{a}=$ ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{a}$${}_{1}$ $+$ $i{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{a}$${}_{2}$ of single-crystal ZnGeAs${}_{2}$ grown epitaxially on (001)GaAs, and study it theoretically. After surface overlayers were removed chemically to minimize artifacts, pseudodielectric-function spectra $\ensuremath{\langle}\ensuremath{\varepsilon}\ensuremath{\rangle}=\ensuremath{\langle}{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{1}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ $+$ $i$$\ensuremath{\langle}{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ were acquired ellipsometrically from 1.5 to 6.0 eV with the sample at room temperature. The ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{a}$ spectra were then extracted by multilayer analysis. The procedure ensures that the result is a close approximation to the $a$-axis component of the dielectric-function tensor \ensuremath{\varepsilon} $=$ ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{1}$ $+$ $i$${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{2}$ of ZnGeAs${}_{2}$. The data exhibit numerous spectral features associated with critical points. The energies of these critical points are determined accurately by fitting standard line shapes to second energy derivatives of the data obtained by a combined method of spectral analysis. We compare our results to the predictions of quasiparticle self-consistent $\mathit{GW}$ calculations. Good agreement is achieved for the major critical-point features, and their probable origins are identified.
Simultaneous optical imaging of membrane potential and intracellular calcium.

Abstract Imaging of membrane potential (V m ) and intracellular calcium (Ca i 2+ ) is important for studying mechanisms of cardiac excitation, arrhythmias and defibrillation. We have developed an optical technique for simultaneous mapping of V m and Ca i 2+ in cultured cell monolayers using fluorescent V m - and Ca 2+ -sensitive dyes. Cultures of neonatal rat myocytes were double-stained with dyes RH-237 (V m ) and an analog of Fluo-3 or Rhod-2 dyes (Ca 2+ ). These dyes have overlapping excitation spectra, allowing simultaneous excitation at the same wavelength range, and separate emission spectra allowing division of the fluorescent light into components sensitive to V m and Ca i 2+ , which were measured with two 16 x 16 photodiode arrays. It was found that Ca i 2+ measurements were strongly dependent on the properties of Ca 2+ -sensitive dyes. Thus, high-affinity Ca 2+ dyes such as Fluo-4 and Rhod-2 reported Ca i 2+ transients approximately twice as long as those reported by low-affinity dyes Fluo-4FF and Rhod-FF. In addition, dyes with different affinities resulted in different measurements of Ca i 2+ responses to electrical shocks. When shocks were applied during the early plateau phase of the action potential, low-affinity dyes reported transient Ca i 2+ decreases at sites of both negative and positive V m changes. In contrast, high-affinity Ca 2+ dyes reported only a negligible change of plateau Ca i 2+ and a large elevation of diastolic Ca i 2+ . These discrepancies between high- and low-affinity dyes were explained by a model of dye-ion interaction, which indicated that apparently long Ca i 2+ transients and Ca i 2+ responses to electrical shocks measured with high-affinity dyes were due to their non-linear response. These results indicate that optical measurements of Ca i 2+ transient duration and shock-induced Ca i 2+ changes require the use of low-affinity Ca i 2+ dyes.
Electrolysis of Water in the Secondary School Science Laboratory with Inexpensive Microfluidics

This activity allows students to visualize the electrolysis of water in a microfluidic device in under 1 min. Instructional materials are provided to demonstrate how the activity meets West Virginia content standards and objectives. Electrolysis of water is a standard chemistry experiment, but the typical laboratory apparatus (e.g., Hoffman cell) is best suited for group presentations. With microfluidics, the cell volume is reduced from 100 mL to 100 μL, making the electrolysis safer and easier to view by an individual. A single device is reusable and assembled for $5. This report describes the development of a microfluidic learning module that was implemented and assessed in the eighth-grade chemistry classroom.
Convergence rates for direct transcription of optimal control problems using collocation at Radau points

We present convergence rates for the error between the direct transcription solution and the true solution of an unconstrained optimal control problem. The problem is discretized using collocation at Radau points (aka Gauss-Radau or Legendre-Gauss-Radau quadrature). The precision of Radau quadrature is the highest after Gauss (aka Legendre-Gauss) quadrature, and it has the added advantage that the end point is one of the abscissas where the function, to be integrated, is evaluated. We analyze convergence from a Nonlinear Programming (NLP)/matrix algebra perspective. This enables us to predict the norms of various constituents of a matrix that is "close" to the KKT matrix of the discretized problem. We present the convergence rates for the various components, for a sufficiently small discretization size, as functions of the discretization size and the number of collocation points. We illustrate this using several test examples. This also leads to an adjoint estimation procedure, given the Lagrange multipliers for the large scale NLP.
Static magnetism of superfluid 3He

Abstract Measurements of static nuclear magnetism in 3 He show that the magnetization at constant field and pressure has a slight increase at T c , is temperature independent in 3 He-A, and decreases in 3 He-B such that χ χ N is a nearly pressure independent function of T T c .
A note on the acceleration phase of high-energy particles in the solar flare on 7 July, 1966

The acceleration phase of solar cosmic rays and relativistic electrons is studied on the basis of the observational data available on the optical, radio, X-ray, and particle events associated with the solar flare that occurred on July 7, 1966. The generating process of hydromagnetic shock waves which excited the type-II radio burst detected at a frequency below about 100 MHz is also discussed. The results of the study suggest that no secondary acceleration process after the explosive phase can contribute much to the generation of high energy particles. The ejection of solar cosmic rays and relativistic electrons seems to be related to the expansion of the magnetic bulge which can trap accelerated electrons from the triggering region of solar flares.
Direct observation of enzyme substrate complexes by stopped-flow fluorescence: mathematical analyses.

The fluorescence changes which occur upon the interaction of enzyme and substrate under stopped-flow conditions can provide a sensitive means to directly observe ES complexes. The interconversion of the intermediates during catalysis causes changes in fluorescence, signaling directly their existence, and allowing their quantitation. We have studied extensively and approach which measures radiationless energy transfer (RET) between enzyme tryptophanyl residues and a fluorescent peptide or ester substrate. Our studies of a number of proteolytic enzymes have validated the approach, which is sensitive and applicable to a variety of enzymes under a wide range of experimental conditions, including subzero temperatures. Direct excitation of fluorescent substrates can also be used to observe ES complex formation and breakdown and is complementary to the RET approach. Here we review both the RET and direct excitation kinetic approaches, with particular emphasis on the mathematical foundations we have developed which are critical to the successful interpretation of these or any other spectroscopic approach which yields a signal that is unique to ES complex.
Nonphysical noises and instabilities in plasma simulation due to a spatial grid

Abstract A series of plasma numerical simulation has been performed in order to understand the enhancement of nonphysical noises and instabilities due to the use of a spatial grid. Several different superparticle models including the Nearest Grid Point (NGP) model, Cloud-in-Cell (CIC) or Particle-in-Cell (PIC) models, Lewis energy conserving code, and the multipole expansion code have been examined for a Maxwellian plasma and a one beam plasma using a one-dimensional, one-specie (electron) plasma. An instability was observed for all of the models when the Debye length was too small compared with the grid size. When the Debye length is comparable to the grid size, no instabilities were observed. However, the enhancement of noises at high frequencies (ω > 3ω pe may not always be negligible- even for long wavelength modes for the NGP model. For the NGP and CIC, PIC models, the experimental results are in good agreement with Langdon's theory. It is observed that the dipole expansion model, which is the first-order approximation to the multipole expansion scheme, is similar to CIC, PIC models in many respects and appears to be the same order of approximation.
Cortes's notary: The symbolic power of records

This article explores the relationship between records and various expressions of political and social power. Records are often made and used for explicit, instrumental purposes, designed to put into effect the plans and desires of those with the upper hand in certain relationships. They may also be used to enhance subtler forms of symbolic, emotional, and psychological power. Drawing on a selection of historical examples, the essay argues that record making itself can sometimes be as potent as any particular records resulting from that process. The essay concludes with some speculations on how these powers inherent in records may be changing in the context of current technological developments.
Electric birefringence of bacterial flagellar protein filaments: evidence for field-induced interactions.

The time course for the build-up and decay of birefringence induced by a rectangular voltage pulse was measured on solutions of flagellar filaments from Salmonella equi-abortus (strain SJ25). These filaments are tubular polymers of protein (degree of polymerization ≈ 103) constituted by non-covalent linkage of flagellin monomers of molecular weight 4 × 104. The effect on electro-optical properties of solutions of filaments due to variations in temperature, concentration and mean length of protein filaments, and the duration and intensity of the applied electric field is described. Analysis of the field intensity dependence of the birefringence and comparison of the build-up and decay processes indicate that orientation in the field is due primarily to the existence of a permanent dipole moment in the filaments. At 18 °C the following values were obtained for a solution of filaments with mean length and standard deviation of 0.39 and 0.30 μm: specific Kerr constant (Ksp) = 6.14 × 10−3 electrostatic units; optical anisotropy factor (g1 — g2) = 5.66 × 10−3; dipole moment (μ) = 1.01 × 105 Debye units; and mean relaxation time (\gt) = 9.20 ms. At temperatures below 20 °C there is a marked increase in the optical anisotropy factor of the filaments which may be due to a change in their flexibility. The large values of Ksp obtained indicate the highly responsive nature of these filaments to an electric field. The birefringence decay curves were decomposed by computer into a specified number of exponential terms from which both the mean length and the size distribution of these polydisperse filaments were calculated. The results obtained were in substantial agreement with the values of these parameters observed by electron microscopy. A cumulative field effect dependent on field intensity and filament concentration was observed. Repeated pulsing of electric field, above threshold values of field intensity and filament concentration, produced decreases in the birefringence near 60% of its initial value. The effect was reversible with a time constant greater than two minutes. No appreciable change in the relaxation time for decay of birefringence was observed on multiple pulsing of these solutions. These results are interpreted consistently to arise from the sidewise aggregation of filaments induced by electrical impulses of sufficient intensity and duration. These properties appear relevant to bacterial motility: variations in electric potential along the membrane of the bacterium might serve first to orient these organelles and then to induce their coalescence to “bundles” of filaments. The latter structures are commonly observed in vivo. In this way the activity of flagella might be co-ordinated.
Can Anyone Here Know Who I Am? Co-constructing Meaningful Narratives With Combat Veterans

The discourse on psychosocial reintegration of combat veterans in the United States has largely been confined to discussions of the best treatment for those diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Yet analysis of the data indicates that all combat veterans are changed by their experience. It also indicates that the current medical model of treatment is insufficient. The author suggests that another model is called for; one that benefits from psychoanalytic insights on war and violence. A model that supports veterans’ experience of changed consciousness might best help them form a coherent narrative that connects their past lives and combat experience to their lives going forward. She argues that this approach may not have been taken because the same mental processes that cause combat veterans to split off their experiences also cause society as a whole to distance itself from them. Clinicians can be most effective when they create a link to the veteran by acknowledging the veteran as part of society, not a split off aberration, and recognizing the universal role of aggression within and without in creating the war that the veterans fought, and shaping the social response to their return. Literature drawn from psychoanalysis, cognitive neuroscience, and clinicians from the global south is combined with that of military psychiatry and global relief and development to support these positions.
R68-11 Intercommunication of Processors and Memory

Second generation computing systems rarely had an aggregate of peripheral devices with high enough data transfer rates to tax memory speed or to degrade central processor ( CP) performance. Whenever they did, there was no attempt to overlap transfer with computing, and the CP remained idle. But in many third generation systems, there are several processors-both I/O devices and arithmetic units-operating asynchronously and independently, each of which has a high transfer rate to main memory. Thus, the question of designing sufficient bandwidth into memories and buses is significant. Experience with some of the commercial multiprocessing systems (e. g., UNIVAC 1108 or IBM 360/67) shows, however, that sufficient bandwidth is not enough. The system must be organized so that the full bandwidth, or at least a large fraction of it, can be used effectively. It is this problem to which the author has ably addressed his paper.
Cytosolic clearance of replication-deficient mutants reveals Francisella tularensis interactions with the autophagic pathway

Cytosolic bacterial pathogens must evade intracellular innate immune recognition and clearance systems such as autophagy to ensure their survival and proliferation. The intracellular cycle of the bacterium Francisella tularensis is characterized by rapid phagosomal escape followed by extensive proliferation in the macrophage cytoplasm. Cytosolic replication, but not phagosomal escape, requires the locus FTT0369c, which encodes the dipA gene (deficient in intracellular replication A). Here, we show that a replication-deficient, ∆dipA mutant of the prototypical SchuS4 strain is eventually captured from the cytosol of murine and human macrophages into double-membrane vacuoles displaying the late endosomal marker, LAMP1, and the autophagy-associated protein, LC3, coinciding with a reduction in viable intracellular bacteria. Capture of SchuS4ΔdipA was not dipA-specific as other replication-deficient bacteria, such as chloramphenicol-treated SchuS4 and a purine auxotroph mutant SchuS4ΔpurMCD, were similarly targeted to autophagic vacuoles. Vacuoles containing replication-deficient bacteria were labeled with ubiquitin and the autophagy receptors SQSTM1/p62 and NBR1, and their formation was decreased in macrophages from either ATG5-, LC3B- or SQSTM1-deficient mice, indicating recognition by the ubiquitin-SQSTM1-LC3 pathway. While a fraction of both the wild-type and the replication-impaired strains were ubiquitinated and recruited SQSTM1, only the replication-defective strains progressed to autophagic capture, suggesting that wild-type Francisella interferes with the autophagic cascade. Survival of replication-deficient strains was not restored in autophagy-deficient macrophages, as these bacteria died in the cytosol prior to autophagic capture. Collectively, our results demonstrate that replication-impaired strains of Francisella are cleared by autophagy, while replication-competent bacteria seem to interfere with autophagic recognition, therefore ensuring survival and proliferation.
Test expectancy and performance on factual and higher-level questions

Abstract The study involved an investigation of the effect of test expectancy on preferred strategy use and test performance on factual and higher-level questions in learning from expository text. A total of 42 undergraduate college students were instructed to expect factual or higher-level questions, or were given no information regarding the test. Students studied a 3145-word passage from an introductory psychology text, reported their use of study strategies and why each was used, and then completed 42 multiple-choice questions. Results indicated that test expectancy did not affect preferred strategy use, nor did it affect test performance. Subsequent analyses were employed to identify differences between those who exhibited superior or inferior performance on each type of question. Superior performance on factual questions over main points was associated with higher reading comprehension scores, longer study time, higher confidence rating on the questions, and more extensive use of embellished text. Superior performance on factual questions over details was associated with higher confidence rating in answering questions and extensive use of a number of author-provided cues to strategic text processing (embellished text, examples, analogy). In sharp contrast, superior performance on higher-level questions was not associated with confidence rating, nor use of author provided cues. In addition, use of preferred strategy and metacognitive awareness was not associated with performance on any type of question. A majority of students retrospectively reported use of underlining and rereading, and indicated the importance of selection and retention of important information as reasons for deploying the strategies, suggesting a rote-learning approach to learning from text.
Synthesis and structural characterization of a layered tin(II) phosphate, [Sn2(PO4)2]2-[C2N2H10]2+.H2O

A new layered tin(II) phosphate [Sn 2 (PO 4 ) 2 ] 2- [C 2 N 2 H 10 ] 2+ .H 2 O was synthesized by hydrothermal technique. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2 1 /c (No. 14) with lattice parameters a=9.4112(1) A; b=8.5998(1) A; c= 15.9921(2) A; β = 100.009(1)°; V= 1274.61(2); Z = 4; R = 2.06%; R w = 2.17%. The structure consists of inorganic layers, comprising a network of strictly alternating SnO 3 and PO 4 moieties and held together by strong hydrogen bonding between the layers. Protonated ethylenediamine and water molecules are trapped between the layers.
Axel and DuAxel rovers for the sustainable exploration of extreme terrains

Some of the most appealing science targets for future exploration missions in our solar system lie in terrains that are inaccessible to state-of-the-art rover technology. This paper discusses the challenges and constraints of designing a robotic explorer for these “extreme'' terrains and then examines the trade-offs among different mobility architectures. To address many of these challenges, we have developed the Axel family of rovers. The Axel rover is a two-wheeled tethered robot capable of rappelling down steep slopes and traversing rocky terrain. The DuAxel rover, which is a four-wheeled vehicle formed from two Axel rovers, provides untethered mobility to get to extreme terrains. We describe the basic design principles of these rovers and review our efforts to implement the key features of the Axel concept. Limitations found during experiments with prior Axel rover prototypes led to the design of a third-generation Axel rover. We describe the features of this new rover and then present a thermal analysis conducted to assess the feasibility of exploring lunar cold traps, which are expected to have a temperature range of 40 to 70 K. We conclude the paper with results showcasing Axel and DuAxel's extreme-terrain performance as evaluated during two recent field tests in a steeply sloped Southern California rock quarry and at a location in Arizona that closely resembles rugged Martian terrain. We also summarize lessons learned during the Axel development program. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural Network for Gap Acceptance at Stop-Controlled Intersections

The behavior of gap acceptance by vehicles at intersections with stop signs involves the complex interaction of numerous geometric, traffic, and environmental factors. Several methods, including empirical analysis, and theoretical, logit, and probit models have been used to estimate gap acceptance at stop‐controlled intersections. In the past, neural networks have been used to examine problems involving complex interrelationship among many variables and found to perform better than conventional methods. This paper describes the development of a neural network and a binary‐logit model for predicting accepted or rejected gaps at rural, low‐volume two‐way stop‐controlled intersections. The type of control, the turning movements in both the major and minor directions, size of gap, service time, stop type, vehicular speed, queue in the minor direction, and existence of vehicle in the opposite approach were found to influence the driver's decision to accept or reject a gap. The results of the neural network and...
The Genet mission

While Genet had considerable shortcomings as a diplomat, more important was his inability to accept the irreconcilable differences between the two countries, particularly in their commitment to popular sovereignty and the doctrine of the rights of man. In addition, neither Genet nor his government understood the nature or power of the presidency; in his efforts to win popular support for the French cause, Genet provoked Washington and his cabinet, and the administration eventually demanded the minister's recall. While the mission ended in failure, the public controversy stirred up by Genet constituted a vital step in the formation of the first political parties in the United States. The debate over his demands, which involved common people to an unprecedented degree, led to the infusion of a more democratic strain into the political process, long dominated by an elite leadership.
Normal CK, elevated MB predicts complications in acute coronary syndromes.

Abstract The implications of an elevated Creatine kinase (CK)-MB isoenzyme (MB) in suspected acute coronary syndromes, with a normal total CK, is not well established. Despite many guidelines on managing patients with acute coronary ischemia, none indicates strategies for patients with elevated MB and with a normal CK. The outcome consequence of this result is not firmly established. Our objective was to prospectively evaluate outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes, normal initial total CK, and increased MB. All Emergency Department patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes and creatinine
BK-related polyomavirus vasculopathy in a renal-transplant recipient.

Human polyomaviruses include JC virus, which can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and BK virus, which can cause severe allograft dysfunction in renal-transplant recipients. This report describes a renal-transplant recipient in whom a disseminated BK virus infection with vascular tropism developed, resulting in systemic vasculopathy, the capillary leak syndrome, and death.
Voices from the Margin: A Case Study of a Rural Lesbian's Experience with Woman-to-Woman Sexual Violence

The purpose of this case study is to understand how a lesbian survivor coped with traumatic stress resulting from woman-to-woman sexual violence in a rural context. This research was grounded on the feminist paradigm, and the case study approach was used for data collection and analysis. The results indicate that the lesbian survivor encountered numerous obstacles to admitting the rape and seeking help. A number of these perceived challenges were associated with the rural sociocultural context (e.g., conservative culture, religious fundamentalism, low levels of anonymity, small gay/lesbian communities, and geographical isolation), myths of lesbian utopia, a heterosexist legal system, and a lack of lesbian-friendly helping resources. Despite being confronted with numerous challenges, the survivor demonstrated her resilience through the use of a variety of strategies to cope with the rape aftermath and detrimental social reactions. Positive social support from her gay and lesbian friends also facilitated her recovery. The findings highlight the importance of considering the intersection of trauma and cultural oppression in understanding lesbian survivors' experiences with same-sex sexual assault.
Light Guide Radiation Pyrometry

A method of calculating and describing transmission characteristics of light guides is developed and applied to rods of synthetic sapphire. The total transmission is shown to be an inadequate measure of the extent to which a calibration curve relating relative signal to temperature is possible for a light guide radiation pyrometer. The angular field of view of synthetic sapphire rod is presented in terms of fractional emergent power per five degree angular increment. It is concluded that the transmission properties presented here, in combination with data for a single point, permit the simple, individual calibration of commercially available light guide radiation pyrometers.
EFFECT OF INCREASES AND DECREASES IN BREATHING RATE ON HEART RATE AND FINGER PULSE VOLUME

Twenty per cent changes in breathing rate (increases and decreases), sustained for 10 min, do not change average heart rate; however, increases in breathing rate tend to decrease the standard deviation of heart rate and decreases in breathing rate tend to increase the standard deviation of heart rate. Neither increases nor decreases in breathing rate abolish sinus arrhythmia. Finger pulse volume is decreased by both increases and decreases in breathing rate. The standard deviation of finger pulse volume is decreased during slow-paced breathing and unchanged during fast-paced breathing. The decrease in finger pulse volume occurs within the first minute during slow-paced breathing; however, during fast-paced breathing the decrease does not occur until about 4 min after the onset of paced breathing.
British informal empire: The case of China 1

(1976). British informal empire: The case of China. The Journal of Commonwealth & Comparative Politics: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 64-81.
Laser cooling and electromagnetic trapping of neutral atoms

Atoms in a thermal beam can be cooled, decelerated, and stopped using the radiation pressure from a nearly resonant laser beam. Several groups have already used this laser-cooling process on an atomic sodium beam. The techniques and results of the various experimental groups are reviewed, and applications of laser-cooled atoms, in particular the possibility of confining them in electromagnetic traps, are discussed.
Synthesis, complexation, and coordination oligomerization of 1,8-pyrazine-capped 5,12-dioxocyclams.

(Methyl)(methoxy)-5,12-dioxocyclam 1 was alkylated on the secondary amines (capped) with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyrazine. The resulting macrocycle was complexed to copper(II) to produce a five-coordinate complex 5a which was fully characterized by a range of spectroscopic methods (IR, UV−vis, ESR) as well as by X-ray crystallography. The structure of this complex is similar to the previously reported pyridine complex, with the five-coordinate copper having distorted square pyramidal geometry and a Cu−Pz bond length of 2.125 A. Attempts to prepare this same complex under microwave irradiation instead produced a trinuclear complex 6a having an octahedral copper(II) center complexed to two pyrazine−cyclam copper units through the amide carbonyl oxygen and the methoxyl group oxygen of the cyclam unit. The X-ray crystal structure of the trinuclear complex showed extensive distortion in the cyclam rings. The remote nitrogen of pyrazine−cyclam complex 5a was capable of coordinating an additional metal. Treatment wi...
Long adult deformity fusions to L5 and the sacrum. A matched cohort analysis.

STUDY DESIGN A matched cohort analysis of long adult deformity fusions according to distal fusion level (L5 vs. S1). OBJECTIVE.: To compare the results of long adult deformity fusions to either L5 or the sacrum in the presence of a "healthy" 5-1 disc using a matched cohort analysis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA For adult spinal deformity, the decision often arises whether to terminate a long fusion at L5 or the sacrum. The decision is especially challenging in the presence of a "healthy" (Grade 0 to 1 degeneration) 5-1 disc. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 95 adult deformity patients that underwent fusion from the thoracic spine to either L5 or the sacrum were sorted according to five preoperative criteria: 5-1 disc status, patient age, smoking status, number of levels fused, and sagittal balance. Two cohorts (L5, 27 patients; sacrum, 12 patients) were precisely matched according to the five criteria. Patients were evaluated at 2-year minimum follow-up according to radiographic data, complications, and SRS-24 outcomes. RESULTS Correction of sagittal imbalance was superior for sacrum patients (C7 plumb line: L5, 0.9 cm; sacrum, 3.2 cm; P = 0.03). At latest follow-up (L5, 5.2 years; sacrum, 3.7 years), 67% of L5 patients had radiographic evidence of advanced 5-1 disc degeneration and the L5 cohort tended to have inferior sagittal balance (C7 plumb line: L5, +4.0 cm; sacrum, +1.2 cm; P = 0.06). The sacrum cohort, however, required more surgical procedures (L5, 1.7; sacrum, 2.8; P = 0.03) and experienced a greater frequency of major complications (L5, 22%; sacrum, 75%; P = 0.02), including nonunion (L5, 4%; sacrum, 42%; P = 0.006) and medical morbidity (L5, 0%; sacrum, 33%; P = 0.001). SRS-24 scores reflected a similar patient assessment of outcome and function for the two cohorts (L5, 89; sacrum, 87). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION At 3 to 5 years' mean follow-up, long adult fusions to the sacrum required more procedures and had a higher frequency of complications than similar fusions to L5. For fusions to L5, subsequent subjacent disc degeneration is common and may be associated with a forward shift in sagittal balance. The ultimate influence of these factors on long-term outcomes remains to be seen.
Harvesting Photons in the Infrared. Electron Injection from Excited Tricarbocyanine Dye (IR-125) into TiO2 and Ag@TiO2 Core−Shell Nanoparticles

TiO2 and Ag@TiO2 core shell nanoparticles have been modified with a carbocyanine dye (IR-125) to extend the photoresponse in the near-infrared. Upon binding dye molecules to TiO2, we observe a sharp decrease in the fluorescence yield. The electron injection into TiO2 was found to dominate the deactivation of the excited singlet state. The rate constant for the charge injection process as determined from the decay of the excited singlet is ∼1011 s-1. In the case of Ag@TiO2, the electrons injected into the TiO2 layer are quickly transferred to the Ag core. The metal core in Ag@TiO2 did not alter the forward charge-transfer kinetics, but it influenced the back electron transfer. The regeneration of the dye involving the reaction between the oxidized dye and injected electron was a factor of 2 slower for Ag@TiO2 than the TiO2 system. Use of composite nanoparticles comprised of a metal core semiconductor shell may provide new ways to modulate charge recombination processes in dye-sensitized solar cells.
On correspondences between toric singularities and (p,q)-webs

We study four-dimensional N=1 gauge theories which arise from D3-brane probes of toric Calabi-Yau threefolds. There are some standing paradoxes in the literature regarding relations among (p,q)-webs, toric diagrams and various phases of the gauge theories, we resolve them by proposing and carefully distinguishing between two kinds of (p,q)-webs: toric and quiver (p,q)-webs. The former has a one to one correspondence with the toric diagram while the latter can correspond to multiple gauge theories. The key reason for this ambiguity is that a given quiver (p,q)-web can not capture non-chiral matter fields in the gauge theory. To support our claim we analyse families of theories emerging from partial resolution of Abelian orbifolds using the Inverse Algorithm of hep-th/0003085 as well as (p,q)-web techniques. We present complex inter-relations among these theories by Higgsing, blowups and brane splittings. We also point out subtleties involved in the ordering of legs in the (p,q) diagram.
Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Carotid MRI Flow Cytometry Study of Monocyte and Platelet Markers: Intraindividual Variability and Reliability

Background: Cellular markers help identify different components of a pathological process and may contribute to the diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and management of patients with suspected syndromes. Flow cytometry can be used to accurately assess markers of platelet and leukocyte activation and cellular aggregation in whole blood. To use cell markers as predictors of disease requires that they be measured reliably and show modest within-individual, day-to-day variation. Methods: We used whole blood flow cytometry to analyze monocyte and platelet markers in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Carotid MRI study. We estimated laboratory variability using 20 split samples, process variation using replicate blood tubes taken from 112 subjects, and biologic plus process variation using replicate blood samples taken 4–8 weeks apart from 55 people. Results: For most analytes, the laboratory CV was 0.90). Reliability coefficients based on repeat-visit data indicated substantial to high repeatability ( R > 0.60) for CD14, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, CD162, CD61, CD41, CD62P, CD154, and platelet–leukocyte aggregates. In contrast, TLR-4, CD45, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 had slight to moderate repeat visit reliability. Conclusions: The high repeatability results for selected platelet and monocyte markers indicate that they can be reliably measured in multicenter studies with delayed sample processing, provided that rigorous standardization of sample collection, shipping, and flow cytometry procedures is applied.