cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propagation of vortex electron wave functions in a magnetic field

The physics of coherent beams of photons carrying axial orbital angular momentum (OAM) is well understood, and such beams, sometimes known as vortex beams, have found applications in optics and microscopy. Recently electron beams carrying very large values of axial OAM have been generated. In the absence of coupling to an external electromagnetic field, the propagation of such vortex electron beams is virtually identical mathematically to that of vortex photon beams propagating in a medium with a homogeneous index of refraction. But when coupled to an external electromagnetic field, the propagation of vortex electron beams is distinctly different from photons. Here we use the exact path integral solution to Schrodinger's equation to examine the time evolution of an electron wave function carrying axial OAM. Interestingly we find that the nonzero OAM wave function can be obtained from the zero OAM wave function, in the case considered here, simply by multipling it by an appropriate time and position dependent prefactor. Hence adding OAM and propagating it can in this case be replaced by first propagating then adding OAM. Also, the results shown provide an explicit illustration of the fact that the gyromagnetic ratio for OAM is unity. We also propose a novel version of the Bohm-Aharonov effect using vortex electron beams.
Drinking, Alcohol Problems and Intimate Partner Violence Among White and Hispanic Couples in the U.S.: Longitudinal Associations

This paper examines longitudinal associations between drinking, alcohol problems and male-to-female (MFPV) and female-to-male partner violence (FMPV) in a national sample of White and Hispanic couples in the United States. The study uses general population household survey longitudinal data collected in 1995 and in 2000. Subjects (18 years or older) constitute a random sample of married and cohabiting couples in the 48 contiguous United States. In 1995, a total of 1,635 couples completed the interview for a response rate of 85%. In 2000, face-to-face interviews were completed with 1,392 couples in their homes. The present analyses include 406 White and 387 Hispanic couples, who remained intact at the follow-up. Alcohol volume, alcohol problems, MFPV and FMPV in 1995 significantly predicted these same behaviors 5 years later. For White couples, female alcohol problems predicted FMPV in 1995. For Hispanics, female alcohol problems predicted FMPV only in 2000. The relationships between the three alcohol variables and MFPV and FMPV are not static, changing across ethnic groups over time. Findings suggest that once a behavior is present, it tends to be a strong predictor of that same behavior in the future.
Finite element analysis of textile composite preform stamping

The forming or draping of a textile composite preform may result in large changes in the fibrous microstructure of the preform. This change in the local fiber orientation leads to significant changes in the fabric permeability as well as the mechanical properties of the ensuing composite structure. Therefore, this change in orientation of the tows of the preform needs to be known accurately to calculate the various effective properties of the composite. A new finite element approach for stamping analysis of a plain-weave textile composite preform has been developed. This model is simple, efficient and can be used in the existing finite element codes. The model represents the preform as a mesh of 3-D truss elements and 3-D shell elements. The truss elements model the tows, which are allowed to both scissor and slide relative to one another. The shell elements represent a fictitious material that accounts for inter-tow friction and fiber angle jamming. The model takes into account large strains and large deformations. In-plane uniaxial tension tests have been performed on plain-weave specimens for determining the constitutive law of the transforming medium and to show the inter-tow sliding. Application of the model is demonstrated by simulating the stamping of a preform by a spherical punch. The results from the simulation show good correlation with results from the experiments.
Introduction of a μ immunoglobulin gene into the mouse germ line: Specific expression in lymphoid cells and synthesis of functional antibody

Abstract A functionally rearranged μ heavy chain immunoglobulin (Ig) gene was introduced into the germ line of mice. The μ gene encodes a polypeptide which, combined with λ1 light chains, shows a specificity for binding the hapten NP. Four transgenic mice harboring 20–140 copies of the foreign μ gene expressed the gene specifically in spleen, lymph node, and thymus at a high level. Purified surface Ig-positive B cells, Lyt 2-positive mature T cells, and thymocytes transcribed the foreign μ gene at a similarly high level, suggesting that control of Ig gene rearrangement might be the only mechanism that determines the specificity of heavy chain gene expression within the lymphoid cell lineage. No transcription of the foreign μ gene was detected in nonlymphoid tissues with the exception of the heart which expressed the gene at a low level. The transgenic mice had up to 400-fold elevated serum levels of NP binding antibody, which contained a heavy chain with the characteristics of the foreign μ gene. The serum levels of endogenous heavy and light chains in transgenic mice appeared to be the same as in normal mice.
Recent trends in estuarine fisheries: Predictions of fish production and yield

Trends in global and United States fish catches were examined to determine the status of estuarine fisheries yields relative to those from other ecosystems. Potential marine fish production, based upon primary production relationships, was estimated globally and for specific marine ecosystems, including estuaries. While global fish catches increased substantially during the past two decades and continued to increase through 1989, catches of estuarine-dependent species have peaked or stabilized. In the United States, total catches have increased but many estuarine-dependent fisheries have declined, although the declines in catches are no more dramatic than those of heavily-fished continental shelf species. Overfishing probably is the primary cause of declines in estuarine and shelf fisheries. A few estuarine-dependent species of the United States have experienced substantial increases in harvests since 1970, for example, Pacific salmons, menhaden, and penaeid shrimps. The percentage contribution of major estuarine fisheries to the United States commercial catch declined between 1970 and 1990, although the yield of these species increased substantially. Global marine fisheries production at trophic level 2.5 was estimated to be 1,359 million tons. Potential yield was estimated to be 307 million tons, but the 1989 world marine catch was only 86.5 million tons. The major fraction, 196 million tons, of the estimated potential yeild was for the open ocean where technological constraints may prevent its full realization. Of the remaining 111 million tons of the potential, 18.0 million tons (16.2%) may come from estuaries and probably already is fully exploited. The potential catches from shelves, 68.5 million tons (61.6%), and upwelling areas, 24.8 million tons (22.2%), while considerably larger than those from estuaries, are lower in a relative sense (per unit area) than fisheries production and potential catch in estuarine zones. Relationships between fish production, fish harvest, and primary production were examined in specific estuaries. The developing role of aquaculture and its effect on estuarine fisheries are discussed.
A study of the mechanisms of cyclic deformation in f.c.c. metals using strain rate change tests

Abstract Plastic strain rate change tests were performed during low cycle fatigue (LCF) of 7075-T6 aluminum and Type 304 stainless steel using plastic strain as the control variable. The evolution of dislocation interactions was observed by evaluating the activation area and true stress as a function of cumulative plastic strain. Activation areas for 7075-T6 aluminum at each of three plastic strain amplitudes, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%, have initial values of approximately 250–450 b2 which decrease to 70–115 b2, respectively, during cyclic loading to saturation. Activation areas for 304 stainless steel at both amplitudes tested, 0.4 and 0.6%, exhibit initial values of 90 b2 which increase slightly to 130 b2 at large cumulative strains. Both materials show a deviation from the Cottrell–Stokes law during cyclic hardening and softening. Tests performed at saturation reveal a mild dependence of activation area on plastic strain amplitude for aluminum but no such relationship for stainless steel. These results reflect a contrast between wavy slip for pure copper and 7075 aluminum versus planar slip for 304 stainless steel tested at room temperature. In addition, the Cottrell–Stokes law holds in both alloys at saturation. Dislocation motion in 7075 aluminum and 304 stainless steel is controlled by obstacles that are characteristically more thermal than forest dislocations; obstacles in 7075-T6 aluminum are identified as solutes from re-desolved particles; for 304 stainless steel, the obstacles are also in the form of solutes.
A Study of Readers Theater in Eighth Grade: Issues of Fluency, Comprehension, and Vocabulary

This study investigated the impact of Readers Theater on eighth-grade students, the majority of whom were reading below grade level. Over six weeks of a short story unit, one class participated in Readers Theater. The comparison group of like-ability students received more traditional literary and vocabulary instruction. Quantitative measures showed that when compared with students in the comparison class, students in the Reader Theater class made statistically significant growth in reading level, as well as significant gains in fluidity and expressive measures of oral reading. Groups were not significantly different on comprehension measures. However, the Readers Theater class nearly doubled the vocabulary acquisition of the comparison group. Qualitative measures attested to the potential of Readers Theater to motivate struggling adolescent readers and to build their reading confidence.
Artinian rings with restricted primeness conditions

Abstract Complete blocked triangular matrix rings over division rings are characterized as left artinian rings which satisfy suitably restricted primeness conditions. A matrix representation is also provided for the class of nonsingular left artinian C-prime rings.
Pulmonary vein and left atrial changes during the cardiac cycle, pre and post pulmonary vein isolation

Introduction High resolution late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PV) performed after PV isolation (PVI) demonstrates the ablation pattern, but would benefit from imaging during the period of least motion. LA area changes during the cardiac cycle have been studied in normal subjects [1]. The PV ostial size variations throughout the cardiac cycle have also been measured in pre-PVI patients [2].
Use of INFIC data base for amino acid requirement studies

The International Network of Feed Information Centers (INFIC) database contains amino acid profiles of over 15000 feedstuffs prepared by various techniques by the countries of the world. Preliminary filtering of appropriate feedstuffs which might be used in fish feed formulations has generated a data base of over 100 commonly used ingredients. Many of these have digestibility coefficients for protein and some have amino acid digestibility coefficients listed. The data base is faulted by the variety of techniques used to measure amino acid profiles, and by many ingredients which have not had digestibility coefficients for the protein component determined. This data base is now being re-examined by the National Research Council to generate more exact values for the indispensable and dispensable amino acids present in feedstuffs. It is anticipated that the base will be further improved by cooperating laboratories specifically interested in amino acid profiles of various fish feed formulas. Regardless of these deficiencies, the existing INFIC data base and the scheduled improved one should provide fish feed formulae, chemical amino acid profiles, for least cost and for research diet functions. These data will form a first proximation for satisfying dietary requirements for various fish species used in nutritional requirement studies.
The Influence of Molecular Dipole Moment on the Redox-Induced Reorganization of α-Helical Peptide Self-Assembled Monolayers: An Electrochemical SPR Investigation

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ferrocene-labeled α-helical peptides were prepared on gold surfaces and studied using electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (EC-SPR). The leucine-rich peptides were synthesized with a cysteine sulfhydryl group either at the C- or N-terminus, enabling their immobilization onto gold surfaces with control of the direction of the molecular dipole moment. Two electroactive SAMs were studied, one in which all of the peptide dipole moments are oriented in the same direction (SAM1), and the other in which the peptide dipole moment of one peptide is aligned in the opposite direction to that of its surrounding peptide molecules (SAM2). Cyclic voltammetry combined with SPR measurements revealed that SAM reorientations concomitant with the oxidation of the ferrocene label were more significant in SAM2 than in SAM1. The substantially greater change in the peptide film thickness in the case of SAM2 is attributed to the electrostatic repulsion between the electrogenerated ferrocinium moiety and the positively charged gold surface. The greater permeability of SAM1 to electrolyte anions, on the other hand, appears to effectively neutralize this electrostatic repulsion. The film thickness change in SAM2 was estimated to be 0.25 ± 0.05 nm using numerical simulation. The timescale of the redox-induced SPR changes was established by chronoamperometry and time-resolved SPR measurements, followed by fitting of the SPR response to a stretched exponential function. The time constants measured for the anodic process were 16 and 6 ms for SAM1 and SAM2 respectively, indicating that the SAM thickness changes are notably fast.
Teaching workshops to college faculty, staff, and administrators

HELPING USERS become self-sufficient is one of the primary functions of academic computing in a college or university computer center. One-on-one consulting, the teaching of literacy courses and workshops, along with the distribution of documentation and newsletters, are some of the methods employed to help the user attain this self-sufficiency.I have worked in academic computing at Temple University in Philadelphia, Trinity University in San Antonio, Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, and Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. At these institutions, most of the aforementioned methods of helping the user attain self-sufficiency have met with little success. Manuals and newsletters are distributed for free, or for a small amount of money, to faculty, staff, and administrators. Even though users eagerly accept the written material, they rarely read it as can easily be inferred by the questions they later ask. Consulting is made available, but there aren't enough staff members to handle all of the needs for one-on-one consulting. The success of computer literacy courses often depends on work done outside the scheduled class time. At one institution where I taught literacy classes, the courses generated tremendous initial enthusiasm but that enthusiasm waned once the term got under way.Of all of the methods I have used to help the users become self-sufficient, workshops have been the most successful. This success can be measured by the types of questions workshop participants later do or do not ask relating to the topic that was taught.In this paper, I will draw upon my experiences in academic computing at the four institutions at which I have worked. At these colleges and universities, workshops have typically been two-hour sessions for groups of ten to twenty people. I will examine some of the reasons for the success of workshops, the evolution of the techniques I have used, and the rules-of-thumb I have developed for giving successful workshops.
Enhanced delamination detection in multifunctional composites through nanofiller tailoring

Delamination detection is challenging but vital to ensuring the safety of an increasing number of structures utilizing laminated composites. Laminated composites manufactured with nanocomposite mat...
Effects of (+)-amphetamine on the treadmill endurance performance of rats.

Abstract The treadmill endurance performance of behaviourally-naive rats at 18.8 m/min was increased by 24–67% with low doses of (+)-amphetamine (0.31–5 mg/kg) and reduced by 18–47% at high doses (7.5–10 mg/kg). At belt speeds ranging from 10.7 to 26.8 m/min, a low dose of amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) increased running times by 33–101%, while a high dose (10 mg/kg) reduced endurance by 17–43%. Amphetamine (1.25 mg/kg) increased the endurance of fatigued rats by 44% at a belt speed of 26.8 m/min. These biphasic effects on endurance performance may result from the central and/or peripheral actions of amphetamine.
Effect of Geometrical Libration on the Damped Motion of an Earth Satellite

Satellites stabilized by the gravitational gradient are sensitive to disturbing torques arising from many sources. One example is the geometrical libration occurring whenever the orbit is not circular. The motion due to this source can be reduced about the pitch axis by a reaction wheel whose speed is controlled by either the pitch angular rate measured by a rate gyroscope or by the pitch angle measured by a horizon scanner. In each of these possible mechanizations there results an error in pitch which is a function of eccentricity of the orbit. Another possible mechanization described here makes use of a combination of rate gyro and horizon scanner to control the reaction wheel speed. In this case the error in pitch is a function of system tuning and not the accuracy at which the orbit has been achieved.
Catalytic conversion of methane to benzene over Mo/ZSM-5

Dehydroaromatization of methane to benzene occurs over a 2 wt% Mo/ZSM-5 catalyst at 700‡C under non-oxidizing conditions. Following an initial induction period, during which CH4 reactant reduces the original Mo6+ ions in the zeolite to Mo2C and deposition of coke occurs, a benzene selectivity of ∼ 70% at a CH4 conversion of 8–10% could be sustained for more than 16 h. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction measurements indicate that the reduced Mo is highly dispersed in the channels of the zeolite. Initial activation of CH4 reactant occurs on Mo2C sites, leading to the formation of C2H4 as the primary product. The latter then undergoes subsequent oligomerization reactions on acidic sites of the zeolite to form aromatic products.
A return to infancy: old age and the second childhood in history

Throughout Western history scholars and writers have characterized old age as a period of a second childhood and childish behavior. The second childhood stereotype has endured and finds expression in numerous works of literature, in a variety of historical contexts including ancient through contemporary times. Explanations for this stereotype were linked to the humoral theory of aging, the perceived and actual dependency of older people for care, dementia, and other ties between childhood and old age. The second childhood was also interpreted as a stage of life where the lifecycle returned to its beginning. The stereotype, while predominantly viewed as negative, may also be viewed in a positive light and underscores the duality and ambiguity that characterized the way older people have been viewed in Western history. The stereotype, while enduring, may have been more prevalent during certain periods, such as those periods when older people were devalued. Cultural representations and more importantly inter...
Child bystanding: A risk factor for injury and identifying its' determinants on midwestern agricultural operations

Abstract Background Agriculture is considered among the most dangerous occupations and has consistently ranked among the top three. Production processes, associated with this occupation, place at risk not only workers but also others who live on the operations. We evaluated the incidence and determinants of associated bystander injuries in the Regional Rural Injury Study-II (RRIS-II). Methods The RRIS-II followed 32,601 people (∼85% of eligible) from rural communities in the Midwest for 1999 and 2001, using six-month recall periods, and identified their injury events. Demographic, injury, and exposure data were collected through comprehensive and case–control computer-assisted telephone interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of child bystanding and agricultural injury, while controlling for potentially confounding variables. Results Nearly 60% of all 425-child injury cases ( Conclusions Although parents cannot child-proof their operations, it is important for them to understand the apparent odds of and risks associated with bystanding. Children can have injury odds similar to adults in this environment; therefore, it is necessary to examine parental factors that may be associated with children's likelihood of bystanding in high-risk work environments.
FLUORESCENT ENZYMATIC PROBES SUITABLE FOR TWO-PHOTON EXCITATION

Several common aminopeptidase probes are examined for the strength of two-photon excited fluorescence. The fluorophores 4- methoxy- beta -naphthylamine and 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin have limits of detection of 930 pM and 200 pM, respectively. The coumarin derivative is shown to have a two-photon cross section at 590 nm, which is exceptionally large for an aromatic amine. Spectral data for this compound also indicate that excitation near 690 nm should permit quantitation at concentrations as low as 40 pM.
Mission Statement for the New Column, Terminology and Teaching

Using the term “neutral” as an example, this discussion examines difficulties that chemistry students face when trying to contextualize chemical terminology. Interview responses of 20 undergraduate students (majors in either chemistry or biology) indicate that some of students’ context-based interpretations of neutral are shared, although up to half of the context-specific interpretations of the term differ from the scientifically accepted meaning of neutral implied by the sample contexts. Most evident is the association of the word “neutral” in a scientific context with the words “unreactive” or “equilibrium”.
SU‐GG‐J‐149: Feasibility of In‐Room PET Imaging for in Vivo Proton Beam Range Verification

Purpose: Investigating the advantage of in‐room PETimaging for in‐vivo range verification in proton therapy in comparison with an off‐line protocol. Considering in‐room data acquisition, the signal from short‐lived 15O (t1/2=2.03 min) isotopes, which are dominant in soft tissues, can be measured and 11C (t1/2=20.33 min) signal is increased. Furthermore, the movement of the patient during the PET scanning as well as the biological washout is minimized. Method and Materials: Two patients were scanned with a mobile PETscanner designed for neurological studies, NeuroPET, 2–3 minutes after the irradiation of a single field fraction (2Gy(RBE)) with passive scattering proton therapy. For each patient, two PET scans were acquired after two treatment sessions ∼1 week apart, with the same treatment plan. The scanner was positioned into the treatment room and for the PET scan the patient remained on the treatment couch for the PET scan, which had to be rotated and shifted from the treatment position. Measured and calculated (GEANT4 simulation of the nozzle and patient delivery) PETimages were compared to evaluate the range verification accuracy. Results: A very similar number of coincidences were obtained for the in‐room (2 min delay, 5 min PET scan) and off‐line (17 min delay, 30 min scan) measurements. A ten‐fold increase of the count rate at the beginning of the acquisition on in‐room measurements has been observed due to the contribution of the 15O. A mean difference up to 5 mm has been observed between falloff positions of in‐room and off‐line images.Conclusions: We have identified an optimal timeframe for compromising signal strength versus noise. Experimental and calculational uncertainties are being reduced for future patient studies by means of a better co‐registration accuracy, attenuation correction, washout model, and conversion from CT numbers into tissue materials.
Lectins from latices of Euphorbia and Elaeophorbia species

Abstract Crude latex sera from 17 members of the genus Euphorbia and from Elaeophorbia drupifera (Euphorbiaceae) contained a wide range of agglutinating abilities. Homogeneous lectins were isolated from latices of Euphorbia coerulescens, E. hermentiana, E. lactea, E. lactea cristata, E. lathyris, E. trigona and Elaeophorbia drupifera . The M ,s of the lectins ranged from 60 to 67 000, and the unit weights from 27 to 38 000. pI measurements showed that each latex contained from five to 13 isolectins. The amino acid compositions of the seven lectins were determined: those from E. hermentiana, E. lactea, E. lactea cristata, E. trigona and Elaeophorbia drupifera are related.
In vitro studies of beating heart cells in culture XIII. The effect of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene

Abstract 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB) caused the cessation of beating of heart cells in tissue culture. The beating stopped after 5 to 10 min in 0.19 m m FDNB. The cessation of beating in FDNB-treated cells correlated with a decrease in ATP to 70–80% of the control level, without any change in phosphocreatine concentration. FDNB appeared therefore to inhibit ATP:creatine phosphotransferase. In a time period equivalent to that used in the FDNB experiments (5–10 min), cells incubated with 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) + oligomycin continued to beat, and the change in ATP concentration was very small. The total high energy phosphate was greatly depleted and reflected in phosphocreatine decrease. The total change in high-energy phosphate was the same in the presence of oligomycin + 2-DG as in FDNB + oligomycin + 2-DG. In the former case the energy utilization was reflected in a phosphocreatine depletion, while in the latter in the ATP level. It was concluded that the spontaneous contractions of heart cells utilize ATP directly and are independent of the phosphocreatine level as long as the ATP level is essentially undiminished. Possible effects of FDNB on metabolism, contractile proteins, and 45Ca uptake and washout were investigated.
Water as the Key to Expansion of Ettringite in Cementitious Materials

Damage in sulfate-bearing soils and aggregate systems stabilized with additives containing lime, including lime and portland cement, has drawn considerable attention over the past two decades. Researchers and practitioners have made considerable contributions to the understanding of the problem, including the mechanisms involved in the formation of the two minerals, ettringite and thaumasite, that are most often associated with this damage. This paper provides a case history analysis of the expansion history compared with the ettringite growth history of three controlled low-strength mixtures containing fly ash with relatively high sulfate contents. Samples were subjected to three curing conditions: a dry cure, in which only mixing water was available for curing; a moist cure, in which an external source of water was available for curing; and a sulfate cure, in which an external source of sulfate-bearing water was made available for the duration of cure. Ettringite was quantified by using both differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction; the resulting volume changes in the samples were measured. Results suggested that sorption of water by the ettringite molecule was at least part of the reason for expansion. The importance of sorption was based on the fact that although expansion increased in moist cure compared to dry cure systems, the quantities of ettringite formed under each regime were about the same and remained about the same throughout the experiments. As expected, samples exposed to sulfate cure responded with the greatest expansion, which was concomitant with continued ettringite crystal growth due to a supply of the limiting reagent, sulfate.
MR imaging of tumor-associated macrophages

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in breast cancers foster several aspects of tumor progression and metastasis, and represent a biomarker associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome. As new therapeutic agents selectively targeting leukocytes enter the clinic whose mechanism of action involves diminishing macrophage infiltration or presence in tumors, it becomes increasingly important to identify those tumors heavily infiltrated by TAMs, as well as monitoring TAM response to therapy. MR imaging with iron oxide nanoparticles enables noninvasive quantification of TAMs in tumors, and thus, provides an easily accessible ex vivo assessment of TAMs for prognosis and related treatment decisions.
Energy Efficiency in Telecom Optical Networks

Since the energy crisis and environmental protection are gaining increasing concerns in recent years, new research topics to devise technological solutions for energy conservation are being investigated in many scientific disciplines. Specifically, due to the rapid growth of energy consumption in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), lot of attention is being devoted towards "green" ICT solutions. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the most relevant research activities for minimizing energy consumption in telecom networks, with a specific emphasis on those employing optical technologies. We investigate the energy-minimization opportunities enabled by optical technologies and classify the existing approaches over different network domains, namely core, metro, and access networks. A section is also devoted to describe energy-efficient solutions for some of today's important applications using optical network technology, e.g., grid computing and data centers. We provide an overview of the ongoing standardization efforts in this area. This work presents a comprehensive and timely survey on a growing field of research, as it covers most aspects of energy consumption in optical telecom networks. We aim at providing a comprehensive reference for the growing base of researchers who will work on energy efficiency of telecom networks in the upcoming years.
Monte Carlo treatment planning for stereotactic radiosurgery

Abstract Objectives : In radiosurgery treatment planning there is general acceptance that the target volume can be assumed to be homogeneous and that corrections for variations in contour are unnecessary. Thus, dose algorithms employed in radiosurgery treatment planning are quite unsophisticated; in almost every case the algorithms are the simple product of tissue-maximum and off-axis ratios and an output factor. In small photon beams, however, the lack of side scatter equilibrium compromises these assumptions. Methods : In this work we have employed Monte Carlo techniques in an attempt to obtain a more accurate representation of radiosurgical dose distributions. Specifically, the Monte Carlo system which we have devised traces the paths of primary and secondary radiation through a patient-specific anatomical representation defined by computed tomography data. In this manner the perturbation effects from external contour changes and internal tissue heterogeneities are accounted for completely. The ability to precisely mimic multi-beam multi-arc stereotactic delivery has been incorporated into our Monte Carlo treatment planning interface. Results : Results from subsequent calculations show that substantial differences can exist when homogeneity is not assumed. Tissue heterogeneities produce a lateral broadening of the beam, resulting in a smaller volume contained within the higher isodose levels (80–90%) with a corresponding increase in the volume treated at the lower isodose levels ( Conclusions : These results suggest that further investigation and refinement of radiosurgery dose algorithms is in order.
Cardiac multidetector computed tomography incidental finding of a membranous septal aneurysm.

t c I a t i t A 48-year-old woman was referred for the evaluation of n ongoing history of chest pain despite prior negative valuations. An electrocardiographic-gated multidetector omputed tomography (MDCT) study using a 64-slice scaner was performed. No coronary artery calcifications or bstructive lesions were observed. However, investigation f the chambers showed a membranous septal aneurysm ith a patent lumen without intraluminal filling defects and hich communicated with the left ventricular cavity
Interleukin-1 Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus Subgenomic RNA Replication by Activation of Extracellular Regulated Kinase Pathway

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays an important role in the inflammatory process. Some studies have demonstrated that IL-1 production was impaired in patients with chronic infections of hepatitis C virus (HCV), implying that IL-1 may play a role in viral clearance. Using an HCV subgenomic replicon cell line, we demonstrate that IL-1 can effectively inhibit HCV subgenomic RNA replication and viral protein expression, suggesting that IL-1 has direct antiviral activity. The inhibitory effect is associated with the extracellular regulatory kinase (ERK) activation. In addition, we also show that IL-1 can induce one of the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), 1-8U, which exhibits antiviral activity. However, it has no effect on the other ISG, 6-16, suggesting that IL-1 induces novel antiviral pathways within a cell.
Application essays as an effective tool for assessing instruction in the basic Communication course: A follow-up study

The assessment of student learning in general education courses is of critical importance in higher education. This study examines the utility of a writing assignment (application essays) in a basic communication course as an effective assessment tool. The authors conducted a content analysis of student portfolios to determine the extent to which application essays provide evidence of student learning in the basic course. The present study extends the findings from recent assessment efforts (Jones, Simonds, & Hunt, 2005) to explore types of mass media events students address in application essays and assess the revisions made to the assignment based on findings from Jones et al. (2005). Results reveal (a) the various communication events that students write about in application essays, (b) the communication concepts that students address, (c) that students typically, but not always, make appropriate connections when they write application essays, and (d) after revising the assignment based upon data from recent assessment efforts, more students made appropriate connections between the communication event and concept. Implications for classroom pedagogy and course management are discussed.
Shedding of Kidney Injury Molecule-1, a Putative Adhesion Protein Involved in Renal Regeneration

KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on dedifferentiated renal proximal tubule epithelial cells undergoing regeneration after toxic or ischemic injury. The extracellular domain of KIM-1 is composed of an immunoglobulin-like domain topping a long mucin-like domain, a structure that points to a possible role in cell adhesion by homology to several known adhesion proteins. Two splice variants (a and b), of the human KIM-1 having identical extracellular domains, differ in their cytoplasmic domains and tissue distributions. In this study, we report that the KIM-1b transcript is expressed predominantly in adult human kidney. We describe the generation of 10 monoclonal antibodies against the extracellular domain of human KIM-1, the mapping of their binding sites, and their use in identifying various forms of the protein. We show that human KIM-1b is expressed in adult kidney cell lines, and we demonstrate that a soluble form of KIM-1 is shed constitutively into the culture medium of the cell lines expressing endogenous or recombinant KIM-1b by membrane-proximal cleavage. A monoclonal antibody that binds at or close to the proteolytic site can partially block the shedding of KIM-1. Release of soluble KIM-1 is enhanced by activating the cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and can be inhibited with two metalloproteinase inhibitors, BB-94 (Batimastat) and GM6001 (Ilomastat), suggesting that the cleavage is mediated by a metalloproteinase. We propose that the shedding of KIM-1 in the kidney undergoing regeneration constitutes an active mechanism allowing dedifferentiated regenerating cells to scatter on denuded patches of the basement membrane and reconstitute a continuous epithelial layer.
Biogeography and comparative ecology of testate amoebae inhabiting Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands in the Great Lakes and Rocky Mountain regions of North America

Testate amoebae (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) are common inhabitants of peatlands. Strong relationships between community composition and substrate moisture in Sphagnum-dominated peatlands have made them particularly useful as hydrological proxies in environmental and palaeoenvironmental research. However, stability of these relationships in geographical space is important for widespread applicability. In this study, we compared testate amoeba communities inhabiting Sphagnum-dominated peatlands of the Great Lakes and Rocky Mountain regions of North America. Our primary objectives were to describe patterns of community composition in the two regions, develop hypotheses to explain differences, and determine if taxa occupy similar ecological niches with respect to substrate moisture in both places. Our results indicated that testate amoeba communities are relatively different in the two regions, and these differences are probably caused by differences in climate and peatland trophic status, although other factors may also play a role. However, many taxa do occur in both regions and these taxa had comparable moisture preferences in each region, suggesting that the ecological niches of taxa with respect to substrate moisture are similar even within communities of relatively different composition.
Beautifully Imperfect: Applying the Western Civil Society Model to Africa

The thrust of this paper is to show how theories of civil society may be altered by the inclusion of the case of Africa. In order to have a nuanced understanding of the subject matter, the article first traces the concept to some classical scholars, illustrating its dynamism by presenting postulates on the subject matter, and operationalizing it for discussion. It then provides some background to the African civil society, describing how it differs from the global North's, thereby having the potentials for altering the crude Western model when the case of the continent is included. Citing examples from Nigeria (West Africa), Egypt (North Africa), Somali (East Africa), and Zimbabwe (Southern Africa), the paper posits that the theories of civil society that are historically Western secular are beautiful and best fit in the societies where they were embebbed; yet, they alter by inclusion of the case of Africa. This is due to a number of factors including differences in history, nature of the states and their role, regime type, value-orientation, worldviews of the citizens, autonomy of the civil society, and the living conditions of the people. The essay concludes by demonstrating how expanding the study of civil society beyond Europe and North America changes how we look at African contexts and why it matters for societal outcomes. Thus, while studying civil society in the global South, we need to recognize multiple modernities, complexity of the target society, as well as differences in histories and cultural values.
Medulloblastoma in childhood: new biological advances

Summary Medulloblastoma is the most common embryonal tumour in children. Patients with medulloblastoma are currently staged as average-risk or poor-risk on the basis of clinical findings. With current multimodality therapy, nearly 90% of children with average-risk, non-disseminated medulloblastoma have 5-year event-free survival, and those with high-risk disease have a 60–65% survival rate; however, the outcome for younger children, particularly infants, is worse. Children who survive medulloblastoma are at risk of long-term sequelae related to the neurological effects of the tumour, surgery, or radiotherapy, and the additive effects of chemotherapy. Molecular biology has changed our understanding of medulloblastoma and has implications for diagnostic stratification and treatment. As newer biological agents are translated from the lab to the bedside, clinicians need to understand the fundamental signalling pathways that are targeted during therapy. Greater understanding of the molecular biology of medulloblastoma is needed so that more children can be cured or have an improved quality of life.
Effect of spatial distribution of T-Cells and HIV load on HIV progression

Motivation: We present a spatial-temporal (ST) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) simulation model to investigate the spatial distribution of viral load and T-cells during HIV progression. The proposed model uses the Finite Element (FE) method to divide a considered infected region into interconnected subregions each containing viral population and T-cells. HIV T-cells and viral load are traced and counted within and between subregions to estimate their effect upon neighboring regions. The objective is to estimate overall ST changes of HIV progression and to study the ST therapeutic effect upon HIV dynamics in spatial and temporal domains. We introduce sub-regional (spatial) parameters of T-cells and viral load production and elimination to estimate the spatial propagation and interaction of HIV dynamics under the influence of a 3TC D4T Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTI) drug regimen. Results: In terms of percentage change standard deviation, we show that the average rate per 10 weeks (throughout a 10-year clinical trial) of the ST CD4+ change is 5.35% 1.3 different than that of the CD4+ rate of change in laboratory datasets, and the average rate of change of the ST CD8+ is 4.98% 1.93 different than that of the CD8+ rate of change. The half-life of the ST CD4+ count is 1.68% 3.381 different than the actual half-life of the CD4+ count obtained from laboratory datasets. The distribution of the viral load and T-cells in a considered region tends to cluster during the HIV progression once a threshold of 86–89% viral accumulation is reached. Availability: Executable code and data libraries are available by contacting the corresponding author. Implementation: C++ and Java have been used to simulate the suggested model. A Pentium III or higher platform is recommended. Contact: george.towfic@clarke.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Discrete Riccati equation solutions: Partitioned algorithms

Using the "partitioning" approach to estimation and control, robust and fast computational algorithms for the solution of discrete Riccati equations (RE) are presented. The algorithms have a decomposed or partitioned structure that results through partitioning the total computation interval into subintervals and solving for the RE in each subinterval with zero initial conditions for each subinterval Thus, effectively, the RE solution over the whole interval has been decomposed into a set of elemental piece-wise solutions which are both simple as well as completely decoupled from each other and as such computable in either a parallel or serial processing mode. Further, the overall solution is given in terms of a simple recursive operation on the elemental solutions. The partitioned algorithms are theoretically interesting as well as computationally attractive.
The measurement of unstable, ultracomplex, ultrabroadband, ultraweak, ultrashort pulses

New variations on the FROG technique can measure ultrashort pulses weaker, more complex, and broader-band than thought possible, despite such additional complexities as random absolute phase, poor spatial coherence, and massive shot-to-shot pulse-shape variations.
Does music listening in a social context alter experience? A physiological and psychological perspective on emotion:

Music has often been shown to induce emotion in listeners and is also often heard in social contexts (e.g., concerts, parties, etc.), yet until now, the influences of social settings on the emotions experienced by listeners was not known. This exploratory study investigated whether listening to music in a group setting alters the emotion felt by listeners. The emotional reactions to 10 musical excerpts were measured both psychologically (rating on retrospective questionnaires and button presses indicated the experience of a chill, defined as the experience of a shiver down the spine or goose pimples) and physiologically (skin conductance response) using a new, innovative multi-channel measuring device. In a repeated measures design, 14 members of an amateur orchestra (7 male, 7 female; mean age 29) came in for two testing sessions: once alone, and once as a group. Chills were validated in the data analysis: each chill was counted only if the button press was accompanied by a corresponding skin conductance...
Greater reductions in nicotine exposure while smoking very low nicotine content cigarettes predict smoking cessation

Objective Reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes is a potential regulatory strategy that may enable cessation. The present study investigated the effect of nicotine exposure while smoking very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes on cessation outcomes. The roles of possible sources of nicotine were also explored, including the VLNC cigarette and co-use of cigarettes with normal nicotine content. Methods A secondary data analysis of two analogous randomised trials of treatment seeking, adult daily smokers (n=112) who were instructed to smoke VLNC cigarettes for 6 weeks and then make a quit attempt. Controlling for baseline demographic and smoking features, the association between reductions in nicotine exposure during the 6-week trial, assessed by urinary total cotinine and biomarker-confirmed smoking abstinence 1 month later, was tested. Subsequent analyses controlled for the effects of the frequency of VLNC and normal nicotine content cigarette use and the nicotine yield of the VLNC cigarette (0.05 vs 0.09 mg). Results Greater reductions in nicotine exposure while smoking VLNC cigarettes predicted abstinence independent of individual differences in baseline smoking, cotinine, dependence, gender and study. Nicotine reduction was largest among individuals who were assigned to smoke a VLNC cigarette with lower nicotine yield and who smoked fewer normal nicotine content and VLNC cigarettes. Conclusions In the context of nicotine regulations and corresponding research, factors that undermine nicotine reduction must be addressed, including the availability and use of cigarettes with normal nicotine content and not sufficiently reducing the nicotine yield of cigarettes. Maximising nicotine reduction may facilitate smoking cessation. Trial registration numbers NCT 101050569 and NCT 00777569.