cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-C-BRA-02: Calibrating the Output of a Linear Accelerator — TG-51 Updated

Although dosimetry protocols tend to be fairly long lived it is more than ten years since the AAPM's TG‐51 protocol was published. With the developments in the technology for dose delivery and advances in the measurement and calculation of ion chambercalibration coefficients it is reasonable to question the validity of TG‐51 for the determination of reference (absolute) dose in 2011. Four areas are immediately obvious: 1. The majority of chambers available today do not have kq factors listed in TG‐51. 2. Users can obtain linac‐based absorbed dose calibration coefficients for ion chambers from calibration laboratories on a routine basis. 3. Monte‐Carlo radiation transport algorithms now allow accurate modelling of ion chamber geometries. 4. Linacs with very different beam parameters (e.g., flattening‐filter‐free) are now being introduced into clinical practice. 5. In light of these issues the AAPM set up a working group to review TG‐51 and provide clarification. The group would focus on accelerators capable of reproducing standard reference conditions (i.e., 10 cm × 10 cm field at 1 m) and the output would be an addendum that updates the TG‐51 protocol to the situation in 2011. This presentation will deal primarily with megavoltage photon beams and will discuss the content of the proposed report: i) Calculated k Q factors for new chambers developed after the publication of TG‐51 ii) A comparison of these calculations with measured k Q factors obtained at primary standards laboratories worldwide. iii) An in‐depth discussion of uncertainties with guidance on how the clinical physicist can affect the overall uncertainty in absorbed dose to water iv) Best practice recommendations to minimize errors and ensure consistent dosimetric reporting In addition there will be some discussion of the issues to be faced in the update for electron beamdosimetry. Development of electron beam standards has lagged behind that for photon beams and further experimental and theoretical work is required before an update to the electron part of TG‐ 51 can be considered. Issues include: i) status of primary standards worldwide; ii) validity of a 60Co‐based calibration (direct versus cross‐ calibration); iii) choice of chamber, cylindrical or parallel‐plate; iv) correct values of kQ factors in light of recent determinations of chamber perturbation factors. Learning objective: 1. Rationale for an update to TG‐51 2. Content of photon beam addendum 3. Timeline and research requirements for electron beam update.
Mid-IR photovoltaic devices based on interband cascade structures

Progress in the design and implementation of interband cascade (IC) structures for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) applications is reported. These devices were designed with enhanced electron barriers and p-type InAs/GaSb superlattice absorbers. These features have been shown to be successful in suppressing dark current in photodetectors. Our seven stage devices had cutoff wavelengths of 4.0 µm at 80 K and 5.0 µm at 300 K. Good photoresponse and dark current suppression was observed at low temperatures. Under illumination of a 1200 K blackbody, a short-circuit current of 5.46 A/cm2 and open-circuit voltage of 1.61 V were observed for a device temperature of 80 K. Above 80 K, we were able to observe high values of the open circuit voltage up to 180 K.
The conjoint effect of reduced crystalloid administration and decreased damage-control laparotomy use in the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND Anticipation of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a factor for performing damage-control laparotomy (DCL). Recent years have seen changes in resuscitation patterns and a decline in the use of DCL. We hypothesized that reductions in both crystalloid resuscitation and the use of DCL is associated with a reduced rate of ACS in trauma patients. METHODS We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent trauma laparotomies at our Level 1 trauma center over a 6-year period (2006-2011). We defined DCL as a trauma laparotomy in which the fascia was not closed at the initial operation. We defined ACS by elevated intravesical pressures and end-organ dysfunction. Our primary outcome measure was a development of ACS. RESULTS A total of 799 patients were included. We noted a significant decrease in the DCL rate (39% in 2006 vs. 8% in 2011, p < 0.001), the crystalloid volume per patient (mean [SD], 12.8 [7.8] L in 2006 vs. 6.6 [4.2] L in 2011; p < 0.001), rate of ACS (7.4% in 2006 vs. 0% in 2011, p < 0.001), and mortality rate (22.8% in 2006 vs. 10.6% in 2011, p < 0.001). However, we noted no significant changes in the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) (p = 0.09), in the mean abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score (p = 0.17), and in the mean blood product volume per patient (p = 0.67). On multivariate regression analysis, crystalloid resuscitation (p = 0.01) was the only significant factor associated with the development of ACS. CONCLUSION Minimizing the use of crystalloids and DCL was associated with better outcomes and virtual elimination of ACS in trauma patients. With the adaption of new resuscitation strategies, goals for a trauma laparotomy should be definitive surgical care with abdominal closure. ACS is a rare complication in the era of damage-control resuscitation and may have been iatrogenic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic/therapeutic study, level IV.
Grade inflation or productivity growth? An analysis of changing grade distributions at a regional university

We examine departmental grade distributions for the school years 1985–1986, 1995–1996, and 2004–2005 at Southeast Missouri State University. Mean undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs) increased from 2.6 in 1985–1986 to 3.1 in 2004–2005. Although higher student GPAs might be evidence of grade inflation, university departments might have experienced productivity improvements that enhanced student learning, given inputs. We represent the technology by the directional distance function. Departments produce two outputs-grade points earned by students and the information content of those grades-using faculty and student inputs. The entropy index is used to proxy the information content of grade distributions. The estimates indicate; no systematic changes in inefficiency over time; a movement along the production frontier toward a mix of outputs with relative more grade points and less entropy; a shift toward non-tenure track faculty that increases the shadow price of entropy relative to grade points.
Stable isotopic evidence for terrestrial latitudinal climate gradients in the Late Miocene of the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract The late Neogene of the Mediterranean region is marked by significant faunal and floral turnover in terrestrial ecosystems, paleogeographic and paleoceanographic changes associated with the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), and regional climate transition associated with the onset of northern hemisphere glaciation. In this paper we report stable oxygen isotope compositions (δ18O) of terrestrial mammal faunas from the Late Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene of Spain, and compare these data with Late Miocene mammal δ18O values from northern Libya. Since tooth enamel δ18O from modern horses has been demonstrated to be a reasonable proxy for the δ18O of local meteoric water, which is in turn strongly dependent on mean annual temperature (MAT), we use the δ18O of fossil horse tooth enamel to estimate MAT. Our paleotemperature reconstructions are consistent with global cooling during the late Cenozoic, with MAT for the Late Miocene that is warmer than today by ∼ 1–2 °C in NE Spain and by ∼ 4–5 °C in SE Spain. The difference of ∼ 8–9 °C between NE and SE Spain for the Late Miocene is ∼ 60% greater than the MAT difference between these same areas today. The δ18O values from Libya are lower than those for southern Spain, and may suggest cooler and/or wetter climates in northeastern Africa during the latest Miocene and early Pliocene. We examined intrafaunal δ18O patterns to make interpretations about paleoecology and to qualitatively assess paleoaridity. Comparisons of δ18O values between clades are consistent with a semi-aquatic lifestyle for anthracotheres, hippopotamids, and castorids. We also compare intra-tooth samples of enamel and dentine to examine possible diagenetic alteration of these materials. Comparisons of enamel and dentine δ18O suggest slight diagenetic alteration of dentine, but we demonstrate that these δ18O values can be used to reconstruct reasonable values of diagenetic water δ18O. Overall, our data do not support large climatic changes in the Iberian Peninsula during the MSC, but are consistent with long-term global cooling and sharper latitudinal climate gradients in Spain during the Neogene.
The response to dietary treatment of patients with chronic post-infectious diarrhea and lactose intolerance.

The response to dietary treatment of patients with chronic post-infectious diarrhea and lactose intolerance was prospectively studied in 29 infants less than 1 year of age. All had gastroenteritis with diarrhea which persisted for more than 3 weeks. In the hospital, diarrhea continued and lactose intolerance was documented while being fed half-strength cow's milk formula. They were given dietary treatment with one of three formulas used for treatment of diarrhea in infancy. Improvement of diarrhea was more frequently achieved with Pregestimil when given as the initial therapy than with the other two formulas. With Pregestimil nine of 10 patients improved whereas only four of nine infants fed Portagen and one of 10 patients initially treated with soy formula improved. Pregestimil was also effective in three of five patients who initially failed to improve with Portagen and in four of eight patients tried with soy formula with or without carbohydrate. Additionally, in the patients who improved, recovery was more rapidly achieved with Pregestimil than with the other two formulas. Formula failures were due to intolerance to glucose polymers in three patients, possibly to protein in seven infants, and an intolerance to all nutrients in five patients. The improvement of the diarrhea was slower in patients who had evidence of colitis in rectal biopsies regardless of the dietary treatment given, but was not correlated with other variables, i.e., etiology of diarrhea, jejunal histology, or duration of diarrhea prior to treatment. However, as a group, the patients who failed to respond to Pregestimil were younger (less than 3 months of age), had more formula changes and associated infections, and were given more antibiotics; they also had more prolonged diarrhea before treatment and more severe jejunal mucosal lesions and jejunal bacterial overgrowth. The data suggests that Pregestimil seems to be the most effective formula for the treatment of infants with chronic post-infectious diarrhea and lactose intolerance.
The Double Loop Reactivation Method for Detecting Sensitization in AISI 304 Stainless Steels

Abstract Measurement of the amount of electric charge (coulombs) generated during electrochemical reactivation from a potential in the passive range to the corrosion potential has been used to detect susceptibility to intergranular attack associated with precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries. The surfaces to be tested must be given a diamond paste polish to 1 μm. To simplify such measurements, a technique has recently been proposed for which a 140 μm or 100 grit (SiC) finish has been specified. For this test, called the double loop (DL) test, the surface is first polarized anodically through the active region before the reactivation scan in the opposite direction is conducted. In this test, the degree of sensitization is measured by determining the ratio of the maximum current generated by the reactivation scan to that of the anodic scan, Ir:Ia. The characteristics of the DL method have been investigated. It is independent of the surface finish as well as the presence of random pitting; i...
Effects of cortisol implants in the brainstem and ventral hippocampus on diurnal corticosteroid levels.

The effect of cortisol implants in the median eminence, midbrain reticular formation and ventral hippocampus has been assessed on basal adrenal activity. Two weeks after implantation rats were decapitated at 9–11 a m. or 4–5 p.m., and levels of adrenal and plasma corticosteroids were determined spectrofluorimetrically.
The science of doing good.

The article explains how technological innovations and an increase in information have helped relief efforts in developing countries to be more efficient and effective. These techniques help aid workers to better serve those who require assistance. The technology provides information in areas with little infrastructure and order. INSETS: ASAP FOR SOS;A POLL UNDER FIRE;STANDARDS OF CARE.
When should a specialist retire

In 1844 an editorial in the Lancet (1844;i:486-90), presumably by Thomas Wakley, excoriated the eminent William Prout as a man who had outlived his reputation and exerted a stultifying influence on progress in his field: “[H]is main researches have been superseded by others …. [He] has retained in the text of his last edition his own account of the process of digestion without taking proper cognisance of the digestive principle pepsin …. [His] pathological notions … have the appearance of closet speculations, and are diametrically opposed to the opinions of the soundest and most experienced men of the day …. [He has] total disregard of numerical and statistical details … [and offers] hypotheses which are unsubstantiated either by facts or arguments …. Dr Prout's name and authority exercise an influence that is detrimental to the cause of science in this country …. Time was when our schools stood foremost in the ranks for originality and discovery, but that time seems to have passed away …. The fault …
Gendered Power in Cultural Contexts: Part III. Couple Relationships in Iran

Sometimes therapists assume that gender equality is not relevant when working with couples from traditional cultures. This study of couples in Iran suggests more complexity. The authors identify a variety of views and practices regarding equality between men and women in relationships. Some aspired to traditional roles; others attempted to create mutually supportive relationships. Yet others were somewhere in-between. This study helps identify important dimensions that may be overlooked when we define couple equality only by American standards or understand it only through a Western lens. The study provides insight into the dilemmas couples face when ideals of equality intersect with societal structures that maintain gendered power and offers suggestions for addressing gender when working with couples with traditional cultural backgrounds.
CYP1B1 and CYP19 gene polymorphisms and breast cancer incidence: no association in the ARIC study

Abstract We conducted a nested case control study of 178 incident breast cancer cases and 356 controls in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. We evaluated the association between breast cancer and Val432Leu polymorphism in the CYP1B1 gene and the tetranucleotide repeats in intron 4 of the CYP19 gene. After adjustment for height, age at menopause, age at menarche, BMI, HRT, and alcohol intake, carriers of the Val/Leu or Val/Val genotype had a 1.45 fold (95% CI 0.85–2.47) greater odds of breast cancer than Leu/Leu carriers. There was no association of the breast cancer with any individual CYP19 allele. Compared to individuals homozygous with the 167 allele, odds ratios were close to 1.0 for the 167 heterozygous genotype and for the remaining tetranucleotide repeats combined. Our data shows no association between breast cancer and the Leu432Val polymorphism of the CYP1B1 gene or the tetranucleotide repeats of the CYP19 gene.
Film condensation in a vertical tube with a closed top

Analyse numerique de la condensation pelliculaire dans des tubes verticaux a sommet bouche de differents diametres
Notes: Suitability of a Cyanoacrylate Adhesive to Close Incisions in Black Crappies Used in Telemetry Studies

Abstract We compared healing rates of incisions closed with sutures or a cyanoacrylate adhesive to determine the suitability of adhesive in closing incisions in black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus used in telemetry studies. Postoperative survival of test fish and control fish was 100% over the course of the experiment. Use of adhesive reduced surgery time by 38% but sutured incisions healed faster. Within 21 d postsurgery, 70% of fish implanted with dummy transmitters lost transmitters through incisions closed with adhesive.
Histochemical investigation of the Mongolian gerbil's brain during unilateral ischemia.

The ischemic effect on cerebral enzymes and glycogen content was histochemically evaluated in mongolian, gerbils subjected to unilateral common carotid artery occlusion for various periods of time from 1/2 to 9h. In early stages (up to 2h), the only enzyme affected was the phosphorylase which revealed a decreased activity. Thereafter, the observed changes inclusive of glycogen and other enzymes such as the dehydrogenase, nonspecific acid and alkaline phosphatases, leucine aminopeptidase and thiamine pyrophosphatase progressed proportionally to the duration of ischemia. There was an overall inverse appearance of histochemically demonstrated enzymatic disturbances between the severely damaged ischemic regions and its marginal zones; the former revealing a conspicuous decrease and/or loss of enzymatic activities while the latter showing an increase of the same enzymes. Correlating the various ischemic responses of the intracellular organelles it appears that the changes in the lysosomes and Golgi apparatus occurred slower than those of mitochondria.
The life course of activity limitations: exploring indicators of functional limitations over time.

Objective: To strengthen the foundations for the use of survey-based measures of functional limitations and to explore associations between limitations in a variety of activities across the adult life course. Method: Five panels of data from the young and mature women’s cohorts of the National Longitudinal Surveys are used to (a) examine patterns of limitations in activities as women age, (b) compare how limitations develop over the life course, (c) explore how limitations in one activity are associated with limitations in others, and (d) investigate whether limitations develop incrementally or occur in clusters. Results: We find that scales of functional limitations are not dependent on the age of the respondent, activity limitations emerge in clusters, and relationships between items do not consistently fall into upper and lower body groups. Discussion: Scales of functional limitations are equally applicable to younger and older women, but further research is needed to compare substantive results using ...
Regulation at Metabolic Branch Points of Aromatic Amino Acid Biosynthesis in Brevibacterium flavum

In the biosynthetic pathway of aromatic amino acids of Brevibacterium flavum, ratios of each biosynthetic flow at the chorismate branch point were calculated from the reaction velocities of anthranilate synthetase for tryptophan and chorismate mutase for phenylalanine and tyrosine at steady state concentrations of chorismate. When these aromatic amino acids were absent, the ratio was 61, showing an extremely preferential synthesis of tryptophan. The presence of tryptophan at 0.01 mM decreased the ratio to 0.07, showing a diversion of the preferential synthesis to phenylalanine and tyrosine. Complete recovery by glutamate of the ability to synthesize the Millon-positive substance in dialyzed cell extracts confirmed that tyrosine was synthesized via pretyrosine in this organism. Partially purified prephenate aminotransferase, the first enzyme in the tyrosine-specific branch, had a pH optimum of 8.0 and Km's of 0.45 and 22 mM for prephenate and glutamate, respectively, and its activity was increased 1 5-fold by pyridoxal-5-phosphate. Neither its activity nor its synthesis was affected at all by the presence of the end product tyrosine or other aromatic amino acids. The ratio of each biosynthetic flow for tyrosine and phenylalanine at the prephenate branch point was calculated from the kinetic equations of prephenate aminotransferase and prephenate dehydratase, the first enzyme in the phenylalanine-specific branch. It showed that tyrosine was synthesized in preference to phenylalanine when phenylalanine and tyrosine were absent. Furthermore, this preferential synthesis was diverted to a balanced synthesis of phenylalanine and tyrosine through activation of prephenate dehydratase by the tyrosine thus synthesized. The feedback inhibition of prephenate dehydratase by phenylalanine was proposed to play a role in maintaining a balanced synthesis when supply of prephenate was decreased by feedback inhibition of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP*) synthetase, the common key enzyme. Overproduction of the end products in various regulatory mutants was also explained by these results.
A "Screening" Procedure for Monitoring Student Grading Procedures:

Monitoring the quality of complicated and dynamic curriculums like those found in most health science schools is a timeconsuming and arduous task. It would be helpful to have a mechanism to monitor various aspects of the curriculum. This article describes a procedure derivedfrom classical test theory for analyzing course grades and reports the results of its use to assess third year clerkships at a large Midwestern medical school. Comparisons of the results from these three classes of students with those obtained by a thorough review of the third-year courses by the medical curriculum committee, found the experimentalprocedure to be sensitive to a large range of characteristics and changes in the courses. It was concluded that, with proper care exercised, the procedure showedpromise as asupplement to student course evaluations as a means of identifying courses in need of assistance and/or evaluating the effects of curriculum change.
Precipitation removal of ultrafine aerosol particles from the atmospheric boundary layer

[1] Ultrafine particles (UFP) formed in the boundary layer (BL) by nucleation processes need to grow up to a diameter dp ∼ 100 nm to become activated as cloud droplets (CD). The time required to reach dp = 100 nm is about 2–3 days for a typical growth rate of 5 nm h−1. If precipitation occurs, most UFP are too small to become CD, and some particles are removed by scavenging processes. A model to estimate the UFP wet removal from the BL by rainfall and coagulation is presented. The scavenging coefficient that describes the decay of aerosol mass in various size bins is a function of aerosol size (dp), rainfall rate (R), and BL background aerosol. The model is applied to determine the UFP 0.5-folding time (t05) during rain events and results show that t05 ∼ 1 hour for R ∼ 1 mm h−1 for newly created particles (dp < 10 nm) and t05 ∼ 1 day for larger UFP (dp ∼ 10–100 nm). To infer the likelihood of UFP removal at a given location, the average time interval (Δt) between rain events with rainfall rate R = 1 mm h−1 at stations with different precipitation regimes was determined. Results show that on average, UFP are very effectively removed from the BL by below-cloud scavenging in tropical regions (Δt ∼ 1 day), removed to a significant extent in eastern U.S. regions (Δt ∼ 3 days), and are less likely to be removed in southwest U.S. regions (Δt ∼ 6–8 days), where the frequency of dry periods is high and UFP have sufficient time to grow.
Asian International Students in Counseling Programs: A Group Intervention to Promote Social Justice

A group designed to address social justice issues for Asian international students within a counseling training program is described. The authors implemented such a group that led to critical consciousness, accountability, and action spurred by culturally sensitive empowerment. Such a group may be desirable for training programs that want to accept, retain, and graduate international counseling graduate students.
Noncovalent assembly of nitroxide spin labels in Laponite films: Formation of one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnets

Laponite is a synthetic layered silicate with a particle size of 25 nm and a basic chemical composition similar to that of the naturally occurring smectite clay hectorite. Aqueous solutions of Lapo...
A Neo-Rawlsian Approach to Residential Integration

Over the past 40 years, the United States has engaged in various policies to integrate otherwise segregated black and white households within a shared space. However, little work has been done to fully articulate a moral argument for residential integration among black and white households. This paper offers what I refer to as the normative argument, which possesses two morally-impelled arguments for residential integration. Since the ethical appeal to integrate is often couched in the language of justice, I begin with a framework—based upon the work of the late philosopher John Rawls—for considering the moral aspects of residential integration. However, I go on to point out intractable problems related to the Rawlsian framework that would fail to flesh out all ethical considerations of the normative argument. From here, I provide a revised, or neo-Rawlsian, framework for understanding residential integration which addresses the aforementioned problems. This exercise is both important and necessary for the future of residential mixing, as better understanding the moral and ethical attributes of this discussion is, perhaps, the best means to lubricate the fundamental shift from 'spatial' to 'social' integration.
Effects of repeated straw incorporation on crop fertilizer nitrogen requirements, soil mineral nitrogen and nitrate leaching losses

. The effects of straw disposal by burning and incorporation on soil and crop nitrogen (N) supply, were investigated on two light textured soils in central (ADAS Gleadthorpe) and eastern England (Morley Research Centre) over the period 1984 to 1995. Nitrogen balance calculations showed that after 11 years of contrasting straw incorporation versus burn treatments, the cumulative N returns in straw were c. 570kg/ha at Gleadthorpe and c. 330 kg/ha at Morley However, these N returns via straw incorporation were not reflected in increased total soil N levels in autumn 1994. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between straw disposal treatments in autumn soil mineral N supply, readily mineralizable N or organic carbon. Similarly, there were no consistent differences between the treatments in terms of crop yield, crop N uptake or optimum fertilizer N rates. Fertilizer N applications of 200 kg N/ha/y increased topsoil organic carbon from 1.18 to 1.28% and total N content from 0.091 to 0.102% on the loamy sand textured soil at ADAS Gleadthorpe, but not at Morley. Previous fertilizer N applications increased the quantity of nitrate-N leached in drainage water by c. 20 kg/ha at Gleadthorpe and c. 60 kg/ha at Morley overwinter 1994/95, and by 10–20 kg/ha at both sites overwinter 1995/96. There was some indication overwinter 1994/95 that straw incorporation reduced nitrate-N leaching by 10–25 kg/ha, but there were no differences between treatments overwinter 1995/96.
Methane Oxidation in Lake Superior Sediments

Abstract Methane profiles generated from Lake Superior sediment cores suggested that significant methane consumption occurs within these sediments. One organic-rich core showed steep gradients, with oxygen becoming undetectable within 15 mm of the surface. Samples were incubated with 14 CH 4 and time points were assayed for l4 CO 2 to measure methane consumption rates. A kinetic analysis suggested that methane was consumed with an apparent half-saturation constant (K m ) of approximately 4.6 μM and a maximal rate (V max ) of 0.7 μmol/L/h. This apparent K m value is comparable to results obtained with other freshwater lakes, but the V max value is two orders of magnitude lower.
Antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy.

Purpose of review With combination antiretroviral therapy, perinatal HIV transmission can be decreased to less than 1%. With this remarkable success, in areas with adequate resources, attention has now been turned to the safety of these medications for the mother and the fetus. This review will discuss relevant publications, from the past year, regarding safety and pharmacokinetics, particularly pertaining to the resource-rich setting. Recent findings Studies are in disagreement about an association between antiretrovirals and prematurity and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. The pharmacokinetics of some antiretroviral medications are altered significantly during pregnancy, while others appear unchanged. Placental transfer to the fetus is variable. Reports about mitochondrial toxicity in the infant provide conflicting conclusions. Potential toxicities in both the mother and fetus are areas of concern. Summary While the well documented benefit in preventing mother-to-child transmission generally outweighs the potential risks to the fetus, infant and mother, there are legitimate concerns. Clinicians providing care to HIV-infected pregnant women must have a thorough understanding of these potential complications. More data on the safety and pharmacokinetics of antiretrovirals during pregnancy are needed.
Characterization ofO-summable processes

For a Banach-valued martingaleX, we define anL 1-valued measureJ X on an algebra of stochastic intervals which generates the optional σ-algebraO. We discuss conditions for when the measure has a countably additive extension toO, that is, for whenX isO-summable. For a process of integrable variationV, we define another countably additive measureI V onO. The existence of these measures allows for the definition of stochastic integrals of optional processes with respect to these Banach-valued processesX andV.
Testing the addition hypothesis in Vroom's force model

Abstract Although Vroom's force model hypothesized that the products of multiplying expectancy Eij and valence Vj combine additively, no methodologically adequate test of the addition hypothesis has existed. This research reports initial graphic and statistical tests of the validity of the addition hypothesis. Eleven of 22 subjects met both a statistical and graphic criterion for rejection of the addition hypothesis. An alternative hypotheses should be considered by expectancy theorists.
Antisense therapies for cardiovascular/metabolic diseases

RNA targeted therapeutics are being developed in a broad array of therapeutic areas, and more recently a growing number of RNA targeted antisense approaches for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases have progressed into clinical development. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are growing health issues with significant associated morbidity and mortality. RNA represents a growing and accessible target space that has been shown to be specifically and selectively targeted utilizing short single strand antisense oligonucleotides. Antisense drugs are relatively small synthetic oligonucleotides with predictable safety and pharmacokinetics across a given chemical platform. Once identified, the remaining risk in development as a therapeutic is associated with selection of the right target, sufficient to affect a clinically meaningful change in the course of disease. This review focuses primarily on the translated mRNAs currently being targeted using antisense therapies in cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
A scaffold hopping approach to identify novel monoamine oxidase B inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors are used to treat Parkinson's disease. In this study, we searched for novel MAO-B inhibitors using a scaffold hopping approach based on our experience with the thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of compounds as MAO-B inhibitors. Several novel compounds were identified, with potencies in the low nanomolar and low micromolar range. We also found that derivatives of the natural product sulfuretin are potent MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors.
Central nervous system histoplasmosis after rhinoplasty

One to two weeks after rhinoplasty was performed in a 49-year-old woman, chronic granulomatous meningoencephalitis developed. The disease was characterized by headache, mental changes, ataxia, and persistent CSF pleocytosis with hypoglycorrhachia. Histoplasma capsulatum was isolated from the CSF using Sabouraud9s agar media at a neutral pH with antibiotics added. Isolation using conventional Sabouraud9s agar media at pH 5.6 was unsuccessful. This is the sixth reported case of central nervous system histoplasmosis in the absence of disseminated disease. Further attempts to isolate fungi from the CSF of patients with suspected granulomatous meningoencephalitis should be carried out on both conventional Sabouraud9s agar media and on Sabouraud9s agar media with neutral pH and antibiotics.
UNEQUAL PHOTOSENSITIVITY OF THE 2 STRANDS OF DNA IN BACTERIOPHAGE LAMBDA.

Bacteriophage λ is made susceptible to photo-inactivation by near visible light if 5-bromouracil is substituted for thymine in the virus DNA. However, near visible light inactivates only half of a population in which 5-bromouracil is confined to just one of the two DNA strands in each phage particle. This observation suggests that there exists a vital function which only one of the two DNA strands in a λ particle is able to perform. Further information is required to decide whether that strand is unique and to reveal the nature of the vital function.
On the computation of incomplete gamma functions in the complex domain

Abstract Some new continued fractions for incomplete gamma functions γ( a, z ) and Γ( a, z ), with a and z complex, are derived. For many of these expansions, it is shown that the approximants can be evaluated by a numerically stable backward recurrence algorithm. Truncation error bounds for these approximations are discussed with applicable references cited. Consideration is given to important special cases such as the error and complementary error functions and exponential integrals. In connection with the error function we discuss the ‘anomalous convergence’ of general T-fractions (two-point Pade approximants) first pointed out and studied by Gautschi.
EXPLOSIVE NUCLEOSYNTHESIS FROM GAMMA-RAY BURST AND HYPERNOVA PROGENITORS: DIRECT COLLAPSE VERSUS FALLBACK

The collapsar engine behind long-duration gamma-ray bursts extracts the energy released from the rapid accretion of a collapsing star onto a stellar mass black hole. In a collapsing star, this black hole can form in two ways: the direct collapse of the stellar core into a black hole and the delayed collapse of a black hole caused by fallback in a weak supernova explosion. In the case of a delayed-collapse black hole, the strong collapsar-driven explosion overtakes the weak supernova explosion before shock breakout, and it is very difficult to distinguish this black hole formation scenario from the direct-collapse scenario. However, the delayed-collapse mechanism, with its double explosion, produces explosive nucleosynthetic yields that are very different from those in the direct-collapse scenario. We present one-dimensional studies of the nucleosynthetic yields from both black hole formation scenarios, deriving differences and trends in their nucleosynthetic yields.
Theorizing Democratic Education from a Senian Perspective

Despite the growing body of literature and general interest in the intersection between the capabilities approach (CA) and education, little work has been done so far to theorize democratic education from a CA perspective. This essay attempts to do so by, first, getting clear about the theory of democracy that has emerged from Amartya Sen’s recent work and understanding how it informs his CA; and, second, by carefully drawing out the implications of these aspects of Sen’s thinking for democratic education. Ultimately, I argue that Senian democratic education (SDE) is a composite of various learning processes that enhance one’s capability for social and political (democratic) participation. Particular attention is given to the learning that happens through one’s actual engagement in democratic practices and that which happens through one’s formal schooling. I call the former of these learning processes SDEp and the latter SDEs. SDEp is democratic life itself, and its effectiveness both depends on and contributes to the development of a culture of political participation within society. SDEs is best understood as the process of facilitating children’s achievement of democratic functioning, that is, children’s achievement of certain “beings and doings” associated with the emergence and exercise of their individual and collective democratic existence.
99Tc, 236U, and 237Np in the Snake River Plain Aquifer at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is located on the eastern Snake River Plain in southeastern Idaho; it is a multipurpose complex operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Among its installations is the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP), a facility designed principally to recover highly enriched uranium (≥93% 235U) from different nuclear fuel types used in naval propulsion, research, and test reactors. Starting in 1952 and continuing until 1984, low-level radioactive waste was discharged from the ICPP directly to the Snake River Plain aquifer by means of an injection well and seepage ponds. Over time, a suite of radionuclides have been measured in the aquifer including 3H, 36Cl, 90Sr, 137Cs, 129I, and Pu isotopes. Reported here are the first measurements of the long-lived radionuclides 99Tc, 236U, and 237Np in the aquifer and their downgradient concentration changes during water transport through fractured basalt. Like 36Cl, 99Tc behaves conservatively during transp...
Maximally decimated perfect-reconstruction FIR filter banks with pairwise mirror-image analysis (and synthesis) frequency responses

Structures are presented for the perfect-reconstruction quadrature mirror filter bank that are based on lossless building blocks. These structures ensure that the frequency responses of the analysis (and synthesis) filters have pairwise symmetry with respect to pi /2 and require fewer parameters than recently reported structures (also based on lossless building blocks). The design time for the proposed structures is correspondingly much less than for the earlier methods, which did not incorporate such symmetry. >
Evaluation of the role of norepinephrine in the reinforcing effects of psychomotor stimulants in rhesus monkeys

Rhesus monkeys were surgically prepared with intravenous catheters and allowed to self-administer cocaine (0.03-0.1 mg/kg/injection) under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule of drug delivery during daily 2-hour experimental sessions. When responding was stable for cocaine, saline or various doses of nisoxetine, a selective norepinephrine (NE) reuptake blocker, was substituted for cocaine for 5-7 consecutive sessions. Nisoxetine failed to maintain self-administration responding at any dose in 3 of 4 monkeys tested. Pre-session administration of the selective alpha 1 NE receptor blocker prazosin (0.2-1.6 mg/kg, IV, 15 minutes pre-session) did not systematically alter cocaine self-administration in any monkey. The results are in contrast to what has been found with DA agonists and antagonists and are consistent with the belief that NE does not play a primary role in the reinforcing properties of psychomotor stimulants.
Role of strain on threshold current, modal purity and Auger processes in strained quantum well lasers

We present numerical calculations of material gain and threshold current density in compressively strained quantum well lasers grown on GaAs and InP. The valence bandstructure is obtained from a 4x4 k . p Hamiltonian that includes the effects of strain. Calculation of the spontaneous emission rate and optical material gain proceeds directly from the bandstructure and we extract the threshold current density from the emission rate. We find that incorporating ~2% misfit strain reduces the threshold current density by 50% in the GaAs system and by 30% in the InP system. We calculate the hole masses in the presence of strain with a 6x6 k. p Hamiltonian and use them to determine the effect of strain on Auger processes. The performance of quantum well lasers can be dramatically improved by incorporating biaxial strain into the well. The strain serves to reduce the threshold current and to improve the time response of these devices as theoretical and experimental studies have shown.lm4 Because all of the performance enhancements resulting from strain and quantization are due to changes in the bandstructure, it is important to have a modelling tool which will calculate the device parameters directly from the bands; in this paper we present the results of such a model. We calculate the effects of strain on the quantum well bandstructure and use the results to compute the optical properties of the device and the associated threshold current. In particular, we evaluate the spontanteous emission directly from the bandstructure using Fermi statistics. We then use this model to optimize a multiquantum well laser for low threshold current density and present results for the optimized structure. Lastly, we calculate the effect of strain on the valence bandgaps and masses and use the results to predict the strain dependence of the CHHS Auger rates. To accurately model long-wavelength optical transitions in III-V semiconductors it is sufficient to include only the conduction band, heavy hole (HH, 1 ~,Yc:)), and light hole (LH, 1 $, ztf)) states; the split-off (SO, 1 t,&:)) band does not participate in low energy transitions. We describe the valence band edge with the 4x4 k.p Hamiltonian.’ In this formalism, the hole wavefunction is given by
Design sensitivity analysis for sequential structural–acoustic problems

Abstract A design sensitivity analysis of a sequential structural–acoustic problem is presented in which structural and acoustic behaviors are de-coupled. A frequency-response analysis is used to obtain the dynamic behavior of an automotive structure, while the boundary element method is used to solve the pressure response of an interior, acoustic domain. For the purposes of design sensitivity analysis, a direct differentiation method and an adjoint variable method are presented. In the adjoint variable method, an adjoint load is obtained from the acoustic boundary element re-analysis, while the adjoint solution is calculated from the structural dynamic re-analysis. The evaluation of pressure sensitivity only involves a numerical integration process for the structural part. The proposed sensitivity results are compared to finite difference sensitivity results with excellent agreement.
Effect of the opposite enantiomer on the physicochemical properties of (−)-ephedrinium 2-naphthalenesulfonate crystals

Abstract During the growth of optically active crystals (host), trace quantities of the opposite enantiomer (guest) present in the solution may be taken up by the host. However, the enantiomeric guest, due to its opposite chirality, may distort the crystal lattice of the host. Thus, the incorporation of the guest may lead to changes in the pharmaceutically important properties of the host, such as dissolution rate and thermodynamic properties, perhaps through lattice disruption. This hypothesis was tested by growing crystals of a model compound, ( - )-ephedrinium 2-naphthalenesulfonate, from aqueous crystallization media containing various trace quantities of its opposite enantiomer. A Stereoselective HPLC method was developed to determine the trace amounts of the opposite enantiomer within and on the surface of the homochiral host crystals. Increasing concentrations of the guest in solution led to its increasing incorporation into the host crystals and to increasing intrinsic dissolution rate of the host. The enthalpy and entropy of fusion of the host decreased with increasing incorporation of the guest, suggesting the disruption of the crystal lattice of the host and an increase in its lattice strain. The water content and the melting point were not significantly affected. At higher levels of the incorporated guest, the enthalpy and entropy of fusion increased, suggesting a relaxation of the lattice strain, and subsequently reached a plateau value. A value of 20.6 was obtained for the ‘disruption index’, which is defined as the rate of change of the difference between the entropy of the solid and that of the liquid, with respect to the ideal entropy of mixing of the host with the guest (York and Grant, Int. J. Pharm ., 25 (1985) 57–72). This relatively high disruption index indicates significant disruption of the crystal lattice of the host by the incorporated guest, suggesting changes in the nature and concentration of the crystal defects.
Attribution of blame in incest cases: A comparison of mental health professionals

This study examined the attribution of blame by mental health professionals in father/daughter incest cases with respect to the influence of professional affiliation, gender, experience in treating victims and perpetrators, and years of clinical experience. A sample of 101 licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors completed a demographic questionnaire, the Jackson Incest Blame Scale, and questionnaire assigning blame for father-daughter incest. A factor analysis of the Jackson Incest Blame Scale yielded six factors rather than the four reported in previous research supporting the hypothesis that attribution of blame is a more complex phenomenon than previously thought. The majority of blame was assigned to the father-perpetrator with mothers and societal factors receiving a small percentage, and daughter victims none of the blame. Clinician experience in treating incest victims, gender of respondent, and professional affiliation differentiated attitudes towards family, situational, and societal blame.
Allergic Conjunctivitis and the Impact of Allergic Rhinitis

Although nasal allergy has been prominent in allergy research, ocular allergy is increasingly recognized as a distinct symptom complex that imposes its own disease burden and reduction in patients’ quality of life. In the past year, knowledge of the relationships between allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis has increased. Allergic conjunctivitis is highly prevalent and has a close epidemiologic relationship with allergic rhinitis. Both conditions also exhibit similar pathophysiologic mechanisms. Pathways of communication are thought to increase the likelihood of an inflammatory reaction at both sites following allergen exposure of nasal or ocular tissue. Clinical trials of intranasal therapies have demonstrated efficacy in allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis. Newer intranasal steroids decrease ocular symptoms, potentially achieving efficacy by suppressing the naso-ocular reflex, downregulation of inflammatory cell expression, or restoration of nasolacrimal duct patency. Proposed pathophysiologic interactions between allergic rhinitis and ocular allergy underscore the need for therapies with efficacy in both symptom sets.