cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU‐C‐BRA‐09: High‐Performance Dose Calculation for Proton Radiotherapy Using GPU

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and the potential speed gain of GPU accelerated dose calculation for proton pencil beam algorithms with heterogeneity correction and to offer solutions to obstacles in implementing our algorithm. Method and Materials: We implemented our in‐house protondose calculation system on an NVIDIA GTX 280 graphic card and an Intel Xeon 2.83 GHz processor using the Compute Unified Device Architecture environment. Several key techniques and strategies were employed in order to optimize the performance of the GPU code. (1) Modified the scaling algorithm used to calculate lateral spreading of the proton beam in the presence of tissue inhomogeneities. (2) Used an incremental ray tracing algorithm to reduce the memory requirement for each ray allowing for better parallelization. (3) The penalty of massive non‐coalesced memory reads required for convolution/superposition was alleviated by texture fetching. (4) Parallel algorithms such as reduction and prefix sum were implemented on GPU to help avoid data transfer between the CPU and GPU memory. The performance of both implementations was evaluated on a prostate clinical case. Results: With no loss in accuracy, the dose calculation time per beamlet with our GPU implementation ranges from 200 – 500 ms compared to 15 – 40 s on CPU. Approximately 80 times speed gain is achieved for various number of convolution/superposition steps. Conclusions: GPU‐based protondose calculation is feasible with adapted algorithms and proper implementation techniques. Close to two magnitude of performance gain can be achieved with typical hardware. We believe GPU‐based fast dose calculation can reduce the routine treatment planning workload as well as provide a feasible solution to the realization of online adaptive intensity modulated proton therapy.
Integrated Communications at America's Leading Total Quality Management Corporations.

Abstract This study examines how to create organizational processes that allow communication professionals with a variety of expertise—e.g. media relations, employee communications, investor relations, and advertising—to support each other through coordination and integration. It is a multi-case study of eight of America's leading total quality management corporations: AT&T, Allen-Bradley, Eastman Chemicals, Federal Express, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, Saturn, and Xerox. Because of their emphasis on systems thinking and interdepartmental integration, these companies offer an opportunity to examine innovative approaches to integration. The findings are based on face-to-face, in-depth interviews with 41 senior managers representing different communication disciplines at the eight companies. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed with the “constant comparative method.” The study explores how various total quality management processes, such as teamwork, research, and documentation of processes, support integration among communication departments.
Musical expertise modulates early processing of syntactic violations in language.

Syntactic violations in speech and music have been shown to elicit an anterior negativity (AN) as early as 100 ms after violation onset and a posterior positivity that peaks at roughly 600 ms (P600/LPC). The language AN is typically reported as left-lateralized (LAN), whereas the music AN is typically reported as right-lateralized (RAN). However, several lines of evidence suggest syntactic processing of language and music rely on overlapping neural systems. The current study tested the hypothesis that syntactic processing of speech and music share neural resources by examining whether musical proficiency modulates ERP indices of linguistic syntactic processing. ERPs were measured in response to syntactic violations in sentences and chord progressions in musicians and nonmusicians. Violations in speech were insertion errors in normal and semantically impoverished English sentences. Violations in music were out-of-key chord substitutions from distantly and closely related keys. Phrase-structure violations elicited an AN and P600 in both groups. Harmonic violations elicited an LPC in both groups, blatant harmonic violations also elicited a RAN in musicians only. Cross-domain effects of musical proficiency were similar to previously reported within-domain effects of linguistic proficiency on the distribution of the language AN; syntactic violations in normal English sentences elicited a left-lateralized AN in musicians and a bilateral AN in nonmusicians. The late positivities elicited by violations differed in latency and distribution between domains. These results suggest that initial processing of syntactic violations in language and music relies on shared neural resources in the general population, and that musical expertise results in more specialized cortical organization of syntactic processing in both domains.
Acid-Soluble Internal Capsules for Closed-Face Cassette Elemental Sampling and Analysis of Workplace Air

Airborne particles that are collected using closed-face filter cassettes (CFCs), which are used widely in the sampling of workplace aerosols, can deposit in places other than on the filter and thereby may not be included in the ensuing analysis. A technique for ensuring that internal non-filter deposits are included in the analysis is to collect airborne particles within an acid-soluble internal capsule that, following sampling, can be dissolved along with the filter for subsequent elemental analysis. An interlaboratory study (ILS) was carried out to evaluate the use of cellulosic CFC capsule inserts for their suitability in the determination of trace elements in airborne samples. The ILS was performed in accordance with an applicable ASTM International standard practice, ASTM E691, which describes statistical procedures for investigating interlaboratory precision. Performance evaluation materials consisted of prototype cellulose acetate capsules attached to mixed-cellulose ester filters. Batches of capsu...
In situ Characterization of Nanomechanical Behavior of Free-standing Nanostructures

The present paper reports the development of an in situ nanotensilometer that enables highly reliable mechanical tensile testing on individual micro-/nano-scale structures. The device features independent measurement of force and displacement histories in the specimen with nanoNewton force and sub-nanometer displacement resolutions, respectively. Moreover, the device is well suited for in situ testing of free-standing micro/nano-structures within a high resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM), which permits continuous high-resolution imaging of the specimen during straining. The device is comprised of two main parts: (a) a three-plate capacitive transducer that doubles up both as an actuator and a force sensor, and (b) a commercially available nanomanipulator that facilitates transportation and positioning of nanoscale structures with sub-nanometer precision. In order to conduct the mechanical tests the ends of the specimen are attached to the probe tips of the device using ion-beam induced deposition. The general capabilities and features of the nanotensilometer are illustrated by presenting results of nanomechanical tensile tests on electrospun polyaniline microfibers.
Moisture sorption response of paper subjected to ramp humidity changes : Modeling and experiments

Moisture has a profound effect on the physical properties of paper and thus determines the performance characteristics of paper products including the so-called mechanosorptive effect where the creep behavior of paper is accentuated by cyclic humidity variations. Moisture transport in a paper sheet exposed to ramp changes in the external humidity has been studied. Our transport model considers a paper sheet as a composite medium of fibers and void spaces with moisture transported by diffusion through each one. Diffusion in the fibers is approximated by a lumped linear relaxation process. The important dimensionless parameters consist of the Biot, fiber, and void diffusion numbers. A comparison of the model predictions with experimental transient moisture uptake of a bleached kraft paper board sample showed that a single value of the fiber relaxation parameter, ki, was sufficient to give good estimates of transient moisture sorption data.
NADH-dehydrogenase Type-2 Suppresses Irreversible Visual Loss and Neurodegeneration in the EAE Animal Model of MS

To address mitochondrial dysfunction that mediates irreversible visual loss and neurodegeneration of the optic nerve in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), mice sensitized for EAE were vitreally injected with self-complementary adenoassociated virus (scAAV) containing the NADH-dehydrogenase type-2 (NDI1) complex I gene that quickly expressed in mitochondria of almost all retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Visual function assessed by pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) reduced by half in EAE showed no significant reductions with NDI1. Serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed significant inner retinal thinning with EAE that was suppressed by NDI1. Although complex I activity reduced 80% in EAE was not improved by NDI1, in vivo fluorescent probes indicated mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis of the EAE retina were reduced by NDI1. Finally, the 42% loss of axons in the EAE optic nerve was ameliorated by NDI1. Targeting the dysfunctional complex I of EAE responsible for loss of respiration, mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis may be a novel approach to address neuronal and axonal loss responsible for permanent disability that is unaltered by current disease modifying drugs for MS that target inflammation.
Resident performance on the in-training and board examinations in obstetrics and gynecology: implications for the ACGME Outcome Project.

Background: The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Outcomes Project has endorsed the in-training examination (ITE) as an example of a multiple-choice question examination that is a valid measure of a resident's attainment of medical knowledge. An outcome measure for performance on the ITE would be the subsequent performance on the board certification examination. However, there are few reports that attempt to correlate a resident's performance on the ITE to subsequent performance on the board certification examination. Purpose: The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) has administered the ITE annually since 1970. This study tested the hypothesis that the CREOG–ITE score is a valid assessment tool to predict performance on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) written examination. Methods: CREOG–ITE and ABOG written board examination results were collected for 69 resident graduates between the years 1998 and 2005. Logistic regression a...
Solid-phase synthesis of tailed cyclic RGD peptides using glutamic acid: unexpected glutarimide formation.

To provide multiple conjugating sites on cyclic peptides for their increasing biomedical applications, a tailed cyclic RGD peptide, c[RGDfE(GGGKK-NH2)] was designed with c(RGDfE) linked through Glu to a tail consisting of a spacer of three Gly residues and a linker of two Lys residues. The spacer is used to increase the mobility and binding ability of the c(RGDfE) ligand, and the linker is used to proved multiple active sites for conjugating other molecules or biomaterials. We found that the sequence of Glu(Gly)-OAll leads to glutarimide formation, which disrupts the formation of cyclic RGD peptides. However, our results show that glutarimide formation is sequence dependent and can be inhibited by incorporating an amino acid like Lys(Boc) with steric hindrance from the protecting group. To prevent glutarimide formation, Ser(tBu) was used to replace the glycine in the GGG spacer adjacent to the residue of Glu, and a tailed cyclic RGD peptide, c[RGDfE(SGGKK-NH2)] was successfully obtained. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) × U(1) as an intermediate energy subgroup of SO(10)☆

Abstract We analyze several patterns of symmetry breaking of SO(10) where SU(3) c × SU(2) × U(1) × U(1) is an intermediate energy subgroup. Using constraints from the renormalization group and data from neutral-current experiments we show that if the only Higgs used in the low-energy breaking of the theory are those which can give mass to fermions then the possibility of a low intermediate mass scale is ruled out.
Narrative, Believed-In Imaginings, and Psychology's Methods: An Interview with Theodore R. Sarbin.

Vincent W. Hevern is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Le Moyne College. His teaching interests are in abnormal psychology, psychological measurement, and psychotherapy. His research has included the Adolescent Form of the MMPI and field experience coursework for undergraduate psychology students. He currently serves as the Web master for “OTRP Online, ” which distributes teaching resources on behalf of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, and edits the Web site, “Narrative Psychology: Internet and Resource Guide.”Theodore R. Sarbin, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has also taught at the University of California, Berkeley and the Naval Postgraduate School. His research interests include role theory, hypnosis, delinquency, narrative psychology, and the social psychology of deviant conduct. His first journal article appeared 62 years ago, and his most recent book, Believed-In Imaginings: The Narrative Construction of Reality...
Temporal effects of ethanol on growth, thymidine uptake, protein and collagen production in human foetal lung fibroblasts.

Abstract Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is observed in 2/1000 live births worldwide and is characterized by decreased pre-natal and postnatal growth, physical anomalies and mental retardation. To determine the effects of ethanol (Et) on foetal cells cultured in the absence of hormones or growth factors, human foetal lung (HFL1) fibroblasts were exposed to Et-supplemented media (0.1–2% Et) for 6 hr to 7 days. Growth rates, thymidine incorporation into DNA, protein synthesis and degradation, and collagen production were assessed. For growth experiments, cells were seeded at 1 3 confluent density and incubated in Et-supplemented medium 24 hr later. Metabolic labelling was performed on confluent monolayers using [3H]thymidine (TdR), [3H]leucine or [3H]proline. Exposure to Et for 3 or 7 days decreased cell numbers but normal proliferation resumed when cells were re-plated in control medium. Exposure to 0.5% Et for 7 days resulted in a 3.5-fold increase in [3H]TdR uptake. Et suppressed protein production and enhanced degradation. The most significant decrease was seen at 6 hr, but was influenced by the amino acid used for labelling. Agarose-gel chromatography suggests that Et preferentially alters the lower-molecular-weight species. The percentage of the total protein secreted into the medium was not changed. Collagen production, as a percentage of total protein, decreased after a 48-hr label and a 7-day incubation with Et. The percentage of total collagen that was secreted into the medium was also not influenced by Et. The results indicate that, in the absence of endocrine or nutritional manipulation, acute exposure to Et in vitro inhibits cell growth and protein production; protein secretion, however, remains intact.
Retinoblastoma promotes definitive erythropoiesis by repressing Id2 in fetal liver macrophages

In mammals, the fetal liver is the first site of definitive erythropoiesis-the generation of mature, enucleated red cells. The functional unit for definitive erythropoiesis is the erythroblastic island, a multicellular structure composed of a central macrophage surrounded by erythroblasts at various stages of differentiation. Targeted disruption of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor gene in the mouse leads to embryonic death caused by failure of erythroblasts to enucleate. The erythroid defect has been attributed to loss of Rb in cells that support erythropoiesis, but the identity of these cells is unknown. Here we show that Rb-deficient embryos carry profound abnormalities of fetal liver macrophages that prevent physical interactions with erythroblasts. In contrast, wild-type macrophages bind Rb-deficient erythroblasts and lead them to terminal differentiation and enucleation. Loss of Id2, a helix-loop-helix protein that mediates the lethality of Rb-deficient embryos, rescues the defects of Rb-deficient fetal liver macrophages. Rb promotes differentiation of macrophages by opposing the inhibitory functions of Id2 on the transcription factor PU.1, a master regulator of macrophage differentiation. Thus, Rb has a cell autonomous function in fetal liver macrophages, and restrains Id2 in these cells in order to implement definitive erythropoiesis.
Friction Stir Processed AA5182-O and AA6111-T4 Aluminum Alloys. Part 1: Electron Backscattered Diffraction Analysis

The present article is the first part in a two-part series in which crystallographic texture developed during friction stir processing of AA5182-O and AA6111-T4 is characterized and its impact on tensile properties explored. For the texture measurements, coupons were cut from the friction stir processed zone at selected orientations relative to the direction of tool translation. Texture was characterized with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope. Measurements were made at key positions along the coupon surfaces and texture differences between the two friction stir processed Al alloys are discussed in detail. Grain size variations were also measured in both the base and friction stir processed materials and subsequently compared. In part 2, a state-of-art digital image correlation technique is used to investigate tensile properties of both friction stir processed Al alloys. The impact of crystallographic texture on mechanical properties is also explored in this latter part.
Surface electronic states of low-temperature H-plasma-exposed Ge(100).

The surface of low-temperature H-plasma-cleaned Ge(100) was studied by angle-resolved UV-photoemission spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). The surface was prepared by an ex situ preclean followed by an in situ H-plasma exposure at a substrate temperature of 150\char21{}300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Auger-electron spectroscopy indicated that the in situ H-plasma clean removed the surface contaminants (carbon and oxygen) from the Ge(100) surface. The LEED pattern varied from a 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 to a sharp 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1, as the substrate temperature was increased. The H-induced surface state was identified at \ensuremath{\sim}5.6 eV below ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$, which was believed to be mainly due to the ordered or disordered monohydride phases. The annealing dependence of the spectra showed that the hydride started to dissociate at a temperature of 190 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, and the dangling-bond surface state was identified. A spectral shift upon annealing indicated that the H-terminated surfaces were unpinned. After the H-plasma clean at 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the dangling-bond surface state was also observed directly with no evidence of H-induced states.
AERIAL PROFILING OF TERRAIN SYSTEM (APTS), A LASER-INERTIAL AIRBORNE SURVEYOR

The Aerial Profiling of Terrain System (APTS) has been developed by The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory for the United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey to provide terrain profiling and other survey data at current accuracy standards with substantial savings in time and field work. Designed to operate in a relatively small aircraft such as the deHavilland Twin Otter, the APTS incorporates a three-gimbaled inertial platform to indicate the position of the aircraft in three coordinates. A two-axis laser tracker mounted on a common base acquires and follows prelocated retroreflectors in sequence, thereby supplying range and pointing information to update the navigator from ground truth. A laser profiler provides terrain clearance measurements which are combined with the highly accurate position data from the postflight data reduction to obtain ground profiles. An onboard computer with appropriate peripheral devices serves as system controller and data logger while navigating the aircraft during data collection activities. A video system featuring a color camera boresighted to the laser profiler records the image below the aircraft during profiling. Performance evaluation and survey application flights during the past year have confirmed the ability of APTS to achieve its positional design goal of ± 15 cm in the vertical and ± 60 cm in the horizontal coordinates. The paper outlines the considerations leading to the system configuration, describes the design and fabrication of the hardware and delineates the development of the real-time and postflight data reduction software. Performance evaluation testing and data are presented, together with planning and results of surveying application tests to date.
A generalized data acquisition system for minicomputers

The paper discusses a generalized data acquisition program implemented on minicomputers to monitor a variety of environmental data at the Tennessee Valley Authority's power plants. To maintain independence from specific operating systems and machines, the program centers around its own short assembly language scheduler, and control of real-time event execution is maintained in the FORTRAN-coded main program units and data collection subroutines. Subroutines needed to collect each specific type of data comprise independent modules, and to create a program for a power plant, the main program units and only the data modules needed to meet that plant's monitoring requirements are loaded.
A trust domain management schema for multiple grid environments

Trust domain management for the global access of a grid is managed under centralized schema for most of the current grid architectures, which are designed based on the concept that there is only one grid for every grid member, therefore requiring central management for authentication and authorization. This design not only has its own limitations, but it is also awkward when a member of a grid may also be a member of other intersecting grids. Schema for such multi-grid environments have not been well thought out. In this paper, we present a schema that enables trust domain management in a dynamic multi-grid environment.
Sequence Context Modulates the Stability of a GxxxG-mediated Transmembrane Helix–Helix Dimer

To quantify the relationship between sequence and transmembrane dimer stability, a systematic mutagenesis and thermodynamic study of the protein-protein interaction residues in the glycophorin A transmembrane helix-helix dimer was carried out. The results demonstrate that the glycophorin A transmembrane sequence dimerizes when its GxxxG motif is abolished by mutation to large aliphatic residues, suggesting that the sequence encodes an intrinsic propensity to self-associate independent of a GxxxG motif. In the presence of an intact GxxxG motif, the glycophorin A dimer stability can be modulated over a span of -0.5 kcal mol(-1) to +3.2 kcal mol(-1) by mutating the surrounding sequence context. Thus, these flanking residues play an active role in determining the transmembrane dimer stability. To assess the structural consequences of the thermodynamic effects of mutations, molecular models of mutant transmembrane domains were constructed, and a structure-based parameterization of the free energy change due to mutation was carried out. The changes in association free energy for glycophorin A mutants can be explained primarily by changes in packing interactions at the protein-protein interface. The energy cost of removing favorable van der Waals interactions was found to be 0.039 kcal mol(-1) per A2 of favorable occluded surface area. The value corresponds well with estimates for mutations in bacteriorhodopsin as well as for those mutations in the interiors of soluble proteins that create packing defects.
Double Diastereoselective Intramolecular Cyclopropanation to P-Chiral [3.1.0]-Bicyclic Phosphonates

[reaction: see text] A double diastereotopic differentiation strategy on a phosphonoacetate template is described. The approach utilizes Rh(2)(OAc)(4)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclopropanation (ICP) employing the (R)-pantolactone auxiliary in the ester functionality of the phosphonoacetate. The olefinic diastereofacial selectivity is governed by inherent electronic and steric interactions in the reacting carbene intermediate, while the group selectivity is dictated by the chiral auxiliary. This approach is being developed as an effective method to access bicyclic P-chiral phosphonates.
Molecular Characterization of Iron Binding Proteins from Glossina morsitans morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae)

The regulation of iron is critical for maintaining homeostasis in the tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae), in which both adult sexes are strict blood feeders. We have characterized the cDNAs for two putative iron-binding proteins (IBPs) involved in transport and storage; transferrin (GmmTsf1) and ferritin from Glossina morsitans morsitans. GmmTsf1 transcripts are detected in the female fat body and in adult reproductive tissues, and only in the adult developmental stage in a bloodmeal independent manner. In contrast, the ferritin heavy chain (GmmFer1HCH) and light chain (GmmFer2LCH) transcripts are expressed ubiquitously, suggesting a more general role for these proteins in iron transport and storage. Protein domain predictions for each IBP suggest both the conservation and loss of several motifs present in their vertebrate homologues. In concert with many other described insect transferrins (Tfs), putative secreted GmmTsf1 maintains 3 of the 5 residues necessary for iron-binding in the N-terminal lobe, but exhibits a loss of this iron-binding ability in the C-terminal lobe as well as a loss of large sequence blocks. Both putative GmmFer1HCH and GmmFer2LCH proteins have signal peptides, similar to other insect ferritins. GmmFer2LCH has lost the 5'UTR iron-responsive element (IRE) and, thus, translation is no longer regulated by cellular iron levels. On the other hand, GmmFer1HCH maintains both the conserved ferroxidase center and the 5'UTR IRE; however, transcript variants suggest a more extensive regulatory mechanism for this subunit.
Discovering India's three levels of luxury consumption: An exploratory research to find a conceptual framework

Luxury marketing research has moved from functional product attributes to a ‘democratized’ view in emerging economies. This seems to be based on the development of interactive and digital communications. Luxury research studies have historically focused on the brand's and marketer's perspectives. Thus, little attention has been given to the consumer's view of what we consider to be the individual drivers, i.e., the ‘inner and outer self’ and how that impacts luxury consumption. This paper presents a framework of luxury and self, using concepts such as interdependent or outer, independent or inner, and a new concept of ‘digital self’. These appear as three levels of luxury consumption, i.e., conspicuous, individual, and interactive. The interdependent self is influenced by the external motives and leads to conspicuous luxury behavior. Individual self is affected by internal motives and thus influences individual luxury consumption. Digital self affects the networks of motive and relationships and thereby i...
Effect of diabetes during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal bile acid metabolism in the rat.

AbstractThe effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in pregnant rats, on subsequent maternal and neonatal bile acid metabolism was investigated. Plasma glucose levels (mg%) of diabetic pregnant (DP) rats was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in comparison to control pregnant (CP) rats. Total bile acid pool (mg/100g body wt) in DP was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when compared to CP (DP, 29.42 ± 4.44 vs 8.14 ± 1.13 in CP) with a marked increase in cholic acid pool size in DP (DP, 22.65 ± 3.33 vs 3.50 ± 0.48 CP, p < 0.05). The fecal excretion of bile acid was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in DP rats when compared to CP rats. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of bile acid conjugates at postpartum revealed a significant increase in glycine conjugates in bile from DP rats. Examination of the cholic acid pool (μg/100 g body wt) in neonates (2 days old) derived from the two groups of rats indicated a strikingly reduced pool of cholic acid in neonates derived from diabetic mothers (neonates from DP 853.45 ...
Fabrication of vanadium oxide microbolometers on thin polyimide films

We report the fabrication and characterization of thin film vanadium oxide microbolometer detector elements on thin (12.5 um) polyimide films. The microbolometer detectors have been designed and are being evaluated for use in scanning radiometers aboard a satellite. Preliminary characterization results (nominal resistance, temperature coefficient, thermistor noise) are reported.
Finite abstractions for hybrid systems with stable continuous dynamics

This paper outlines an abstraction process in which a particular class of hybrid automata with continuous dynamics that have parameterized positive limit sets, are being abstracted into finite transition systems. The limit sets with their corresponding attraction regions define pre- and post-conditions for the continuous dynamics, and determine the transitions in the discrete abstraction. An observable (weak) bisimulation equivalence is established between the two models. The abstraction process described can find application in verification, as well as in planning and symbolic control.
Contemporary management of post-term pregnancy: how long is too long?

The timely onset of labor and delivery is an important determinant of perinatal outcome. Post-term (prolonged) pregnancy refers to any pregnancy that continues beyond 42 weeks (294 days) of gestation. It complicates 10% of all deliveries and is associated with increased perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, including stillbirth, birth injury, meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal encephalopathy and infant mortality. Post-term pregnancy also poses significant risk to the mother, including an increased risk of cesarean delivery, severe perineal injury and postpartum hemorrhage. Fortunately, post-term pregnancy can be avoided by earlier induction of labor. The risks of continuing pregnancy beyond the due date, the option of induction of labor and the management of low-risk post-term pregnancies are reviewed.
Regenerative derivatives of regenerative sequences

Given a parametric family of regenerative processes on a common probability space, we investigate when the derivatives (with respect to the parameter) are regenerative. We primarily consider sequences satisfying explicit, Lipschitz recursions, such as the waiting times in many queueing systems, and show that derivatives regenerate together with the original sequence under reasonable monotonicity or continuity assumptions. The inputs to our recursions are i.i.d. or, more generally, governed by a Harris-ergodic Markov chain. For i.i.d. input we identify explicit regeneration points; otherwise, we use coupling arguments. We give conditions for the expected steady-state derivative to be the derivative of the steady-state mean of the original sequence
Unique qualities of historians' information-seeking behavior in historical research

This paper presents a study that took an interdisciplinary approach to investigating historians' information-seeking behavior (ISB) during their historical research. The author reviewed the literature of library and information science, archival science, and history to compare their findings on historians' ISB to a model of social scientists' ISB developed by Lokman I. Meho and Helen R. Tibbo. The results show that the differences between the two groups' ISBs are caused by certain unique qualities of historical research, in particular, historians' frequent use of archival materials and institutions. This paper discusses the implications for archival institutions.
Intensity and Directionality of Flare-accelerated α-Particles at the Sun

We have studied γ-ray line emission from fusion of accelerated α-particles with ambient helium in 19 solar flares observed by the Solar Maximum Mission Gamma-Ray Spectrometer from 1980 to 1989. An isotropic or fan-beam distribution of accelerated particles provides good fits to the line profiles for most of the flares. In contrast, a downward beam of accelerated particles can be ruled out at high confidence levels, 99.99% and 99.8%, for the two most intense flares and provides significantly poorer fits than isotropic or fan-beam distributions in two other flares. The fluences in the α-α lines, with a few exceptions, show a correlation with fluences of the narrow nuclear de-excitation lines from elements with high first ionization potential. If we assume that all accelerated ions have the same spectral shape, and if we adopt accelerated particle and ambient abundances derived from other γ-ray line studies, we find that an accelerated α/proton ratio of 0.5 is consistent with the spectra from the 19 flares, whereas a ratio of 0.1 is not. We also suggest the possibility that 7Be produced in α-4He fusion during the intense flares occurring in late 1989 may have reached Earth in a concentration high enough to account, in part, for 7Be observed in NASA's Long-Duration Exposure Facility satellite after its recovery in early 1990.
Characterization of turtle liver nuclear estrogen receptors, seasonal changes, and pituitary dependence of cytosolic and nuclear forms

A nuclear hepatic estrogen receptor was characterized in the female turtle Chrysemys picta for the first time. The characteristics of this receptor were similar to those previously described in the cytosol, using DNA-cellulose column chromatography (Riley et al., '87). The development of a different method for measurement of turtle cytosolic estrogen receptors allowed comparison of cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptor regulation. Cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptors exhibited high affinity (Kd, nuclear, 2.3 × 10−9M), limited capacity (10 – 170 fmol/g liver), steroid specificity for natural and synthetic estrogen, and target tissue specificity. Sucrose gradient analyses of crude cytosol revealed specific peaks of radioactivity at 4S and 9S, however a single 4S peak was present in nuclear extracts and ammonium sulfate precipitated cytosol. The levels of liver nuclear estrogen receptor changed significantly during the annual reproductive cycle, while cytosolic receptors were maintained at a constant level. Vitellogenic animals had higher levels of nuclear estrogen receptor and a greater percentage of total receptor in the nuclear fraction. In nonreproductive animals with low nuclear and high cytosolic estrogen receptor, short term (20 h) or chronic (1 week) estrogen exposure resulted in an increase in nuclear receptor to levels similar to naturally vitellogenic animals; however, depletion of cytosolic receptor was observed. Hypophysectomy of reproductively inactive animals resulted in loss of nuclear estrogen receptors in both control and estrogen-injected turtles and restoration was achieved by ovine growth hormone (oGH) replacement. Cytosolic estrogen receptor levels and depletion after estrogen treatment were unaffected by hypophysectomy, however an increase above control occurred in hypophysectomized turtles treated with oGH. These data suggest that both estrogen and a pituitary factor similar to oGH are necessary for the achievement of high levels of nuclear estrogen receptor associated with vitellogenesis.
An experimental study of cognitive processes and information in political problem solving

Abstract In this article we report the results of a small group experiment which focused on the cognitive basis of small group decision-making. The data were collected by observing and video taping three person interactions revolving around the issue of how to deal with a large budget deficit of a mythical government. To study this topic we employed an information processing perspective in conjunction with three common descriptive frameworks of political decision-making: satisficing, muddling through and incrementalism. Since it is generally known that humans are limited information processors and these descriptive political decision-making frameworks generally assume that choosers will behave as limited information processors we wanted to determine the degree to which choosers were concerned with incoming information and how they blended this information with their prior beliefs and knowledge. A thematic coding scheme and Bales' interaction analysis were used in the coding of the interactions contained on the video tapes. The results supported the idea of humans as limited information processors. But the data also indicate that satisficing is a metaheuristic which leads choosers to ignore highly relevant information in favor of evoking latent preferences. Thus metaheuristics of this type seem to lack decision aids which would allow political decision makers to manage vast amounts of pertinent information.
Thin Film Transistors of Microcrystalline Silicon Deposited by Plasma Enhanced-CVD

We fabricated top gate TFTs of microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) deposited at 360 °C. The TFTs have field-effect electron mobilities of up to 7.9 cm 2 /Vs in the saturation regime and 5.8 cm 2 /Vs in the linear regime. The highest I ON /I OFF ratio is 10 5 . Typical values for V th is 6.5 V and for the subthreshold slope is 1.7 V/decade. The μc-Si is grown by PE-CVD from a source gas mixture of SiH 4 , SiF 4 and H 2 , with a typical flow ratio of 1:20:200, at a pressure of 120 Pa and a power density of 160 mW/cm 2 . The TFT structure is built on un-passivated Coming 7059 glass, with 300 n + μc-Si, 60 nm n + μc-Si source and drain contact layers, 200 nm SiO 2 or 300 nm SiN x gate insulator, and 100 nm Al gate, source and drain electrodes.
Metabolic responses of hibernating and infarcted myocardium to revascularization. A follow-up study of regional perfusion, function, and metabolism.

Background. The presence of persistent myocardial uptake of F-18-deoxyglucose (FDG) within hypoperfused, dysfunctional segments has been shown to predict the recovery of regional contractile function after revascularization. The spectrum of metabolic responses of such hibernating tissue to revascularization is less clear. Methods and Results. Sixteen patients with previous infarction were studied before and after revascularization by myocardial perfusion imaging using Rb-82 positron emission tomography, digitized two-dimensional echocardiography, and imaging of postexercise FDG uptake. Hibernation was identified in 35 of 85 segments showing perfusion and wall motion disturbances before intervention. At follow-up (4.9 +/- 2.6 months after revascularization), hibernating segments were characterized by reduction of wall motion score (p 2 SD above normal) without differing from other hibernating segments with respect to postoperative perfusion or wall motion score. Segments with persistently abnormal metabolism were characterized before intervention by more severe malperfusion (p < 0.01) and greater FDG activity (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Although wall motion and perfusion improve with revascularization of hibernating tissue, myocardial metabolism remains abnormal in a significant proportion of segments. These segments are characterized by more extensive perfusion and metabolic changes before revascularization.
EARTHQUAKES IN TRANSPORTATION CONTINGENCY PLANNING

Abstract Catastrophic earthquakes have occurred outside of California; one of the most severe was at New Madrid, MO, in 1811–1812. The response of various transportation systems has been poor, even in parts of the world that are aware of the earthquake hazard and have taken some mitigating actions. Earthquakes differ from oil supply disruptions in that they are almost certainly recurring events, most of the damage from which occurs immediately. Earthquakes may disrupt not only the energy production and distribution network, but the whole transportation and communication system, including roads, rail beds, bridges, tunnels, airport runways, harbor facilities, pipelines, and power generating facilities.
Derivation of quantum mechanics from the Boltzmann equation for the Planck aether

The Planck aether hypothesis assumes that space is densely filled with an equal number of locally interacting positive and negative Planck masses obeying an exactly nonrelativistic law of motion. The Planck masses can be described by a quantum mechanical two-component nonrelativistic operator field equation having the form of a two-component nonlinear Schrodinger equation, with a spectrum of quasiparticles obeying Lorentz invariance as a dynamic symmetry for energies small compared to the Planck energy. We show that quantum mechanics itself can be derived from the Newtonian mechanics of the Planck aether as an approximate solution of Boltzmann's equation for the locally interacting positive and negative Planck masses, and that the validity of the nonrelativistic Schrodinger equation depends on Lorentz invariance as a dynamic symmetry. We also show how the many-body Schrodinger wave function can be factorized into a product of quasiparticles of the Planck aether with separable quantum potentials. Finally, we present a possible explanation of wave function collapse as a kind of enhanced gravitational collapse in the presence of the negative Planck masses.
The lack of progress in economics

It is possible for economics to become a science — if only the discipline would abandon its present practice of eschewing empirical tests of its theories in favour of ‘formal’ ones
Total Mesorectal Excision – The New Golden Standard of Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer persists as a significant worldwide problem. Currently, surgery is associated with a poor prognosis, a high likelihood of permanent colostomy and a high rate of local recurrence in patients with regional disease (transmural penetration or involvement of regional mesenteric lymph nodes). Functional changes such as impotence and bladder dysfunction remain distressingly common consequences of conventional surgery. Over the past two decades, a fundamental change in operative technique has taken place. Conventional surgery (which is performed using blunt technique along undefinable tissue planes) has given way to sharp dissection along definable planes. The technique known as total mesorectal excision (TME) or complete circumferential mesorectal excision (CCME) produces the complete resection of an intact package of the rectum and its surrounding mesorectum, enveloped within the visceral pelvic fasia with uninvolved circumferential margins. As a result of TME, 5-year survival figures have risen from 45-50% to 75%, local recurrence rates have declined from 30% to 5-8%, sphincter preservation has risen by at least 20% for mid- and lower rectal cancers, and the rates of impotence and bladder dysfunction have declined from 50-85% to 15% or less. Patients with rectal cancer can now have a good prognosis, and intact image and high quality of life. The integration of multidisciplinary radiation therapy and chemotherapy into the care of patients undergoing TME or CCME for rectal cancer is presently under clinical trial.
Social climate along the pathway of care in women's secure mental health service: variation with level of security, patient motivation, therapeutic alliance and level of disturbance.

Background Social climate has been measured in a variety of therapeutic settings, but there is little information about it in secure mental health services, or how it may vary along a gender specific care pathway. Aim To assess social climate in women's secure wards and its variation by level of security and ward type, therapeutic alliance, patient motivation, treatment engagement and disturbed behaviour. Method Three-quarters (80, 76%) of staff and nearly all (65, 92%) of patients in the two medium-security wards and two low-security wards that comprised the unit completed the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) and the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scale (CALPAS); patients also completed the Patient Motivation Inventory (PMI). Pre-assessment levels of disturbed behaviour and treatment engagement were recorded. Results Social climate varied according to ward type and level of security. EssenCES ratings indicative of positive social climate were associated with lower levels of security; such ratings were also associated with lower behavioural disturbance and with higher levels of motivation, treatment engagement and therapeutic alliance. Conclusion This serial cross-sectional survey indicated that use of the EssenCES alone might be a good practical measure of treatment progress/responsivity. A longitudinal study would be an important next step in establishing the extent to which it would be useful in this regard. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Course-Objective Writing Developmental Teacher Training Program.

One of the challenges for educators is composing well-written, specifically stated outcomes of student learning. Developmental teacher training is a program designed to improve the effectiveness of university instructors. The program focuses on improving course methodology by guiding instructors through the development of correctly written and structured course objectives, effective and efficient delivery methodology including implementation of technology as a delivery medium, and proper outcomes evaluation of course effectiveness measured against the course objectives. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the training. The outline used in the training is included in the appendix.
An Electrical Method to Determine Hematocrits

It has been determined that the electrical conductance of whole blood is a very accurate index of its hematocrit. The new instrument described here fills a need for a quick, accurate portable hematocrit meter. This meter can be used at the patient's side for an instantaneous determination, and wherever a portable instrument is required. The advantages of this new instrument are its speed of operation, direct reading, small sample of blood required, and the inherent accuracy of the electrical determination. The last fact could well result in greater clinical significance of the hematocrit measurement.
Unique invulnerability: A classroom demonstration in estimating personal mortality

People believe that "Bad things will not happen to me," thereby displaying a sense of unique invulnerability. To verify the role of such illusions, students in a graduate course covering self-illusions received information based on actuarial tables about t k average age of dying and then reported their estimated ages of death. In Class I, students were estimated their age of death by 9 years. In Class 2, in which students were expressly told that the demonstration would show their sense of unique invulnernability, they again were estimated their age of death by 9 years. Closing comments explore the tenacity of unique invulnerability.