cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a fast method of EPID-based dosimetry for intensity-modulated radiation therapy

Electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) could potentially be useful for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) QA. The data density, high resolution, large active area, and efficiency of the MV EPID make it an attractive option. However, EPIDs were designed as imaging devices, not dosimeters, and as a result they do not inherently measure dose in tissue equivalent media. EPIDose (Sun Nuclear, Melbourne, FL) is a tool designed for the use of EPIDs in IMRT QA that uses raw MV EPID images (no additional build-up and independent of gantry angle, but with dark and flood field corrections applied) to estimate absolute dose planes normal to the beam axis in a homogeneous media (i.e. similar to conventional IMRT QA methods). However, because of the inherent challenges of the EPID-based dosimetry, validating and commissioning such a system must be done very carefully, by exploring the range of use cases and using well-proven “standards” for comparison. In this work, a multi-institutional study was performed to verify accurate EPID image to dose plane conversion over a variety of conditions. Converted EPID images were compared to 2D diode array absolute dose measurements for 188 fields from 28 clinical IMRT treatment plans. These plans were generated using a number of commercially available treatment planning systems (TPS) covering various treatment sites including prostate, head and neck, brain, and lung. The data included three beam energies (6, 10, and 15 MV) and both step-and-shoot and dynamic MLC fields. Out of 26,207 points of comparison over 188 fields analyzed, the average overall field pass rate was 99.7% when 3 mm/3% DTA criteria were used (range 94.0–100 per field). The pass rates for more stringent criteria were 97.8% for 2mm/2% DTA (range 82.0–100 per field), and 84.6% for 1 mm/1% DTA (range 54.7–100 per field). Individual patient-specific sites as well, as different beam energies, followed similar trends to the overall pass rates.
Statistical maps of small-scale electric field variability in the high-latitude ionosphere

[1] Statistical maps of small-scale electric field variability in the high-latitude ionosphere are derived for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres using 48 months of data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN). Maps of variability magnitude (from scales of 45–450 km and 2–20 min) are derived for a range of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientations and dipole tilt angles (the angle between the best fit dipole axis and the plane perpendicular to the Sun-Earth line). It is found that the observed spatial distribution of average variability is significantly modified as the IMF and dipole tilt conditions change. Under negative (winter-like) and neutral (equinox-like) dipole tilt angles, variability is concentrated in the auroral and dayside cusp regions, and the spatial distributions of variability appear to be correlated to those of large- and small-scale field-aligned currents (FACs). Additionally, variability on the nightside is found to be more enhanced in the downward FAC region than it is in the upward FAC region. Under positive (summer-like) dipole tilt angles, the average variability magnitudes across the high-latitude regions are smaller than those observed under negative dipole tilt angles, and the spatial distributions are more uniform. These dipole tilt effects suggest that scale-size- and conductivity-dependent field-aligned potential drops and conductivity-dependent changes in the processes that generate variability are possible factors that impact the observed small-scale electric field variability. In general, Southern Hemisphere maps appear very similar to Northern Hemisphere maps, although some minor differences are observed that may result from interhemispheric asymmetries in the geomagnetic field.
Prevalence of human‐caused mortality in an unhunted cougar population and potential impacts to management

Cougar (Puma concolor) populations have expanded in many western areas of the United States. The Black Hills cougar population naturally recolonized the area and cohabitates within an ecosystem heavily dissected by roads and human activity. Assessing mortality characteristics and determining survival of cougar populations is critical for managing and conserving this species. Our objectives were to assess cause-specific mortality and estimate survival of the Black Hills cougar population, in addition to assessing annual mortality through ancillary opportunistic methods. We captured and radiocollared cougars during 1999–2005 to assess survival and cause-specific mortality. In addition to cause-specific mortality, we also documented all known cougar mortality opportunistically throughout the study area in conjunction with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. We captured 31 independent-aged cougars (n = 12 M, 19 F) for analyses. We opportunistically documented 85 mortality events of cougars in South Dakota during 1998–2005. Despite protection from hunting during our study, 61.5% of mortality was human-induced, in contrast to other studies of unhunted cougar populations that generally attribute natural mortality as the primary mortality source. Male and female cougars exhibited relatively high survival through the course of the study; however, low sample sizes precluded rigorous comparisons of annual survival rates between sex and age cohorts. Proportionally, the largest contributors to cougar mortality were lethal removal by the state agency (e.g., depredation, human-safety concerns) and vehicular trauma. Continued assessment of cause-specific mortality and survival will be useful for evaluating effects of future manipulations of this population. The potential effects of human-caused cougar mortalities should be considered when evaluating management strategies for cougars in landscapes with high propensity for human–cougar interactions. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Short transient recovery of low voltage-grid-tied DC distributed generation

This paper presents a design framework for a power electronic interface for a grid-tied (GT) low voltage DC distributed generation (DG) with short transient recovery between GT mode and islanding mode. The proposed interface contains controlled unidirectional and bidirectional floating interleaved converters (FIC), in addition to a smart grid-tied inverter (GTI) to optimize the overall performance of the DG from different perspectives and provide compatible AC voltage to the grid and local loads during islanding mode, GT operating mode and transition mode. FIC has been applied in order to address the low gain issue in photovoltaic (PV) based DGs, and bidirectional FIC is used in order to add the Energy Storage Unit (ESU) to the system. A comprehensive study on bidirectional FIC operating modes indicates that a single-controller scheme can be applied to control the overall operation of this converter in the buck and boost modes. By using this method, the transient response caused by changing controllers between the boost and buck modes will be recovered. Finally, a battery lifetime management algorithm is proposed for increasing the storage system reliability. The effectiveness of the proposed framework has been verified using simulation results in MATLAB and PSIM software; experimental work is under progress.
Multiple testing problems in pharmaceutical statistics

Multiple testing problems in pharmaceutical statistics, edited by A. Dmitrienko, A.C. Tamhame, and F. Bretz, Boca Raton, Chapman and Hall/CRC, 2010, xvi+304 pp., £57.99 or US$89.95 (hardback), ISBN...
Punishment, proprietariness, and paternity : Men's violence against women from an evolutionary perspective

In this article, we use an evolutionary perspective to examine intimate partner violence, focusing on men's violence against women. Previous examinations of intimate partner violence have typically used a proximate level of analysis, emphasizing the immediate, non-evolutionary causes of intimate partner violence. Complementing this approach, an evolutionary perspective offers an understanding of how such psychology and behavior could have arisen via natural selection. Here, we argue that (1) the recurring adaptive problem of paternity uncertainty plays a central role in intimate partner violence, (2) physical violence functions to punish and deter female sexual infidelity, and (3) sexual violence may function as an anti-cuckoldry tactic, with its occurrence related to suspicion of female sexual infidelity.
Overexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase increases skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygenation in severe rat hind limb ischemia.

Abstract Objective Although nitric oxide (NO) has a critical role in angiogenesis, the therapeutic potential of NO synthase overexpression in severe ischemia remains undefined. We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) would improve tissue perfusion in severe hind limb ischemia. Methods Severe hind limb ischemia was induced in 122 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ten days after the induction of hind limb ischemia, vascular isolation and intraarterial delivery of an adenoviral vector encoding eNOS (AdeNOS), a control adenoviral vector (AdE1), or phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) was performed. Skeletal muscle blood flow, muscle oxygen tension, angiography, and immunohistochemistry for capillary counts were measured. Results Gene transfer of AdeNOS increased eNOS protein expression and enzyme activity. Two weeks after gene transfer, skeletal muscle blood flow was fourfold higher in eNOS-transduced than in AdE1-transduced or PBS treated rats and was similar to exercise-induced maximal flow in nonischemic muscle. eNOS overexpression increased muscle oxygen tension in a titer-dependent fashion. This increase persisted 1 month after transduction, even though eNOS enzyme activity had declined to normal levels. Angiography and capillary counts showed that eNOS overexpression increased the size and number of collateral arteries, but did not significantly increase the capillary–muscle fiber ratio. Conclusions eNOS overexpression in an ischemic rat hind limb significantly increased skeletal muscle blood flow, muscle oxygen tension, and collateral arteries (arteriogenesis). Furthermore, eNOS overexpression did not result in capillary angiogenesis above control levels. These studies demonstrate the potential for eNOS overexpression as treatment for severe limb ischemia in human beings.
Parametric design sensitivity analysis of high-frequency structural-acoustic problems using energy finite element method

A design sensitivity analysis of high-frequency structural-acoustic problems is formulated and presented. The energy finite element method (EFEM) is used to predict structural-acoustic responses in the high frequency range, where the coupling between structural junctions and the structural-acoustic interface are modelled using power transfer coefficients. The continuum design sensitivity formulation is derived from the governing equation of EFEM and the discrete method is applied in the variation of the structural-structural and structural-acoustic coupling matrices. The direct differentiation and adjoint variable method are both developed for the sensitivity analysis, where the difficulty of the adjoint variable method is overcome by solving a transposed system equation. Parametric design variables such as panel thickness and material damping are considered for sensitivity analysis, and numerical sensitivity results show excellent agreement as compared to analytical finite difference results.
The biological relationships of some prehistoric and historic Pueblo populations.

Genetic evidence from the skeletal remains of three Pueblo populations, those of Hawikuh, Pueblo Bonito, and Puye, does not indicate that important racial differences arose between these groups, either through genetic influx or selection. They formed a unified group when compared with several non-Southwestern skeletal samples. Significant genetic variability, however, exists between each pair of populations, contradicting the idea of their belonging to a unified Pueblo Indian gene pool or to a fixed physical type. No differences can be detected between prehistoric populations and those contacted by Europeans. Genetic drift, supplemented by the action of non-random cultural associations and disease, provides a better explanation of the biological variability of Pueblo Indian populations than gene flow or directional selection.
Strategies in infectious disease prevention and management among US-bound refugee children

For multiple reasons, including exposure to violence or trauma, nutritional deficiencies, and an inconsistent medical infrastructure, refugee children are at an increased risk for many infectious diseases. Among these are tuberculosis, malaria, helminthic infections, and neglected tropical diseases. Our purposes are to review the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventionʼs pre-departure program of testing and presumptive therapy for these infections and to review the possible presentations, symptomatology, diagnostic tools, and recommended therapies, if necessary, upon arrival to the US. An understanding of these non-endemic infections, their diagnosis, and their management will improve the domestic medical exam and help to ease the transition for newly arrived immigrant children, their families, and their receiving communities.
Structure of the InAs{100}−(4 × 2) epilayer surface on InP

The composition and structure of an InAs{100}−(4 × 2) epilayer grown on an InP 100 surface has been studied by time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Time-of-flight spectra of scattered neutrals plus ions were collected as a function of the crystal azimuthal angle, δ, and the beam incident angle, α, using 4 keV Ne+ ions. The composition of the outermost layer was obtained from grazing incidence scattering. Experimental scattering images were used with the composition from azimuthal specific elemental accessibilities (CASEA) method to define the azimuthal directions with respect to the bulk crystallographic axes. Structural analysis was obtained from the azimuthal anisotropy of the δ-scans, from the features of the incident α-scans, and from the scattering images. These α- and δ-scans and images were simulated by means of classical ion trajectory calculations. The totality of this data is consistent with the InAs{100}−(4 × 2) surface being In-terminated and with the reconstruction being of the missing-row-dimer (MRD) type. The data show that the interatomic spacings are consistent with the coexistence of both one- and two-missing In rows in the surface. The 1st-layer In atoms are found to shift by 0.4 ± 0.1 A, yielding an In-In dimer spacing of 3.5 ± 0.1 A. Data for the InP (4 × 2) surface has been included in order to contrast the missing-row-trimerdimer (MRTD) reconstruction model of InP with that of the MRD reconstruction model of InAs.
Therapeutic studies in NZB/W MICE

Female NZB/W mice develop a disease closely resembling human systemic lupus and serve as an animal model for therapeutic studies. Several previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of different immunosuppressive drug regimens in the therapy of glomerulonephritis in NZB/W mice. After the onset of immune complex deposition, treatment with intermittent high doses of cyclophosphamide or daily low doses of the combination of cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and methylprednisolone has been effective. The present study was designed to compare such effective regimens in mice early in the course of their renal disease versus mice late in the course of glom-erulonephritis. One to three injections of high-dose cyclophosphamide during active immune complex deposion and early histologic changes were significantly effective in prolonging survival, whereas treatment late in the course of glomerulonephritis was less effective. Even more striking was the result of low-dose combination therapy. Daily treatment with cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and methylprednisolone (C + A + M) effectively prolonged survival when started in mice 5 months old, but was of no benefit when started in those 8 months of age. In a concluding experiment, older mice were selected on the basis of degree of renal disease and studied with regard to proteinuria and survival. Those with mild renal disease responded to daily treatment for 6 months with C + A + M at 1 mg/kg of each drug, whereas those with advanced renal disease at the onset of therapy did not benefit.
Thymocyte emigration is mediated by active movement away from stroma-derived factors

T cells leave the thymus at a specific time during differentiation and do not return despite elaboration of known T cell chemoattractants by thymic stroma. We observed differentiation stage-restricted egress of thymocytes from an artificial thymus in which vascular structures or hemodynamics could not have been playing a role. Hypothesizing that active movement of cells away from a thymic product may be responsible, we demonstrated selective reduction in emigration from primary thymus by inhibitors of active movement down a concentration gradient (chemofugetaxis). Immature intrathymic precursors were insensitive to an emigration signal, whereas mature thymocytes and peripheral blood T cells were sensitive. Thymic stroma was noted to elaborate at least two proteins capable of inducing emigration, one of which was stromal cell-derived factor-1. Thymic emigration is mediated, at least in part, by specific fugetaxis-inducing factors to which only mature cells respond.
Lys 43 and Asp 46 in α-helix 3 of uteroglobin are essential for its phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity ☆

Abstract Uteroglobin (UG) is an anti-inflammatory, secreted protein with soluble phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-inhibitory activity. However, the mechanism by which UG inhibits sPLA2 activity is unknown. UG is a homodimer in which each of the 70-amino acid subunits forms four α-helices. We previously reported that sPLA2-inhibitory activity of UG may reside in a segment of α-helix 3 that is exposed to the solvent. In addition, it has been suggested that UG may inhibit sPLA2 activity by binding and sequestering Ca++, essential for sPLA2 activation. By site-specific mutation, we demonstrate here that Lys 43 Glu, Asp 46 Lys or a combination of the two mutations in the full-length, recombinant human UG (rhUG) abrogates its sPLA2-inhibitory activity. We demonstrate further that recombinant UG does not bind Ca++ although when it is expressed with histidine-tag (H-tag) it is capable of binding Ca++. Taken together our results show that: (i) Lys 43 and Asp 46 in rhUG are critical residues for the sPLA2-inhibitory activity of UG and (ii) Ca++-sequestration by rhUG is not likely to be one of the mechanisms responsible for its sPLA2-inhibitory activity.
Random evolutions and stochastic compartments

Abstract We propose a stochastic compartmental model based on the formalism and results of the theory of random evolutions. The particular case of a two compartment model with two modes of operation and Poisson switching is studied in details. Diffusion approximations to the random evolution model are investigated.
Competitive Price-Cutting Momentum and Pricing Reactions

In light of the increasing interest in understanding the behavioral side of competitive decision making, this paper examines how the “price-cutting momentum” (PCM) created by other competiors' reactions to an initiator's price cut influences pricing decisions. We explore the PCM construct and present the results of a study examining the effect of PCM on the price recommendations of retail grocery pricing executives. We find that PCM influences pricing reactions inboth low-search and high-search markets. Competing explanations of the results are considered.
Net revenues of potatoes rotated with other crops

Using actual potato production data from Aroostook County, Maine, we investigate the possibility of producers increasing net revenues by modifying rotation practices. By examining rotations as a whole, and incorporating yield effects and changes in production costs across rotations, more realistic pictures of net revenues for each rotation develop than if net revenue for each crop within a rotation is considered independently. Our analyses indicate producers can alter their production practices within the range of rotations used locally to increase net revenues. A key finding confirms the synergistic interaction between grains underseeded with a green manure crop and round-white potato varieties, resulting in decreased production costs, greater potato yields, and increased net revenues.
A simplified analysis of deflections in shear-deformable composite sandwich beams:

Simplified mechanics of materials equations for predicting both flexural and shear components of transverse deflections in composite sandwich beams are developed and validated by comparison with experimental measurements and finite element numerical predictions. Results are presented and compared for loading point deflections of two types of sandwich beams loaded in four-point bending; one having unidirectional carbon/ epoxy face sheets and a polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam core, and another having woven E-glass/epoxy face sheets and a PMI foam core. In both cases, shear deflections are greater than flexural deflections. The fraction of total deflection due to shear is greater for the beam with unidirectional carbon/epoxy face sheet than for the beam with woven E-glass/epoxy face sheets. Agreement between the current model predictions, experimental results, and finite element results is very good for the beams with unidirectional carbon/epoxy face sheets, and reasonably good for the beams with woven E-glass...
The effect of temperature acclimation upon succinic dehydrogenase activity from the epaxial muscle of the common goldfish (Carassius auratus L.)--II. Lipid reactivation of the soluble enzyme.

Abstract 1. 1. The specific activity of soluble (lipid-free) succinic dehydrogenase isolated from the epaxial muscle of goldfish acclimated to both 5 and 25°C was increased by incubation with soluble lipid preparations 2. 2. A total mitochondrial lipid extract from 5°C-acclimated goldfish was a more effective reactivator of the enzyme (from either 5− or 25°C-acclimated goldfish) than a comparable extract from 25°C-acclimated goldfish (reactivation of 142±3·3 vs. 128±2·3 per cent; this difference was referable to the greater degree of unsaturation of the 5°C-lipid extract. 3. 3. Studies with highly purified phopholipids indicated that the affinity of the enzyme for lipid was largely dependent upon the phosphatide species, whereas the magnitude of the reactivation was dependent primarily upon the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acid residues. 4. 4. Reactivation of the soluble dehydrogenase was accompanied by an increase in both the K rmm for succinate and V max and a restoration of the K m ∼-temperature characteristics of the native (particulate) enzyme; changes in K m upon reactivation were not lipid specific. 5. 5. These results were interpreted as indicating that the increased specific activity of succinic dehydrogenase following a period of cold acclimation may be partly or in large part explained by underlying changes in membrane composition which regulate the activity rather than the quantity of this enzyme.
Boron toxicity in the rare serpentine plant, Streptanthus morrisonii.

Abstract The release of boron-laden mist from the cooling towers of some geothermal power stations in northern California potentially threatens nearby populations of the rare serpentine plant, Streptanthus morrisonii F. W. Hoffm. To assess the tolerance of S. morrisonii to high levels of boron, the effect of boron on leaf condition, life history, germination rate, growth rate, allocation and photosynthesis was measured on plants grown in a greenhouse. Relative to other species, S. morrisonii was tolerant of excess boron. On serpentine soil, mild to moderate toxicity symptoms (older leaves exhibiting chlorosis and necrosis, but few leaves killed) were apparent when the boron concentration in applied nutrient solutions was 240–650 μ m . Severe toxicity symptoms (significant leaf loss, yound leaves with toxicity symptoms) were apparent when the applied solution was over 1000 μ m boron. Above 1000 μ m boron, S. morrisonii appeared unable to complete its life cycle. On a tissue basis, boron toxicity was first observed when leaf boron content was 40–90 μmol g −1 dry weight. In leaves with severe boron toxicity (>35% injury), the boron content was generally above 130 μmol g −1 dry weight. These levels were an order of magnitude above the tissue boron content of plants in the field. Prior to the onset of pronounced boron toxicity symptoms, growth rate, allocation patterns, and photosynthesis were unaffected by high boron. These results indicate that inhibition of growth and photosynthesis occurred because of a loss of viable tissue due to boron injury, rather than a progressive decline as leaf boron levels increased.
An indirect technique for determining instantaneous flow rate from centerline velocity in unsteady duct flows

Abstract A new technique is presented for measuring instantaneous flow rates in unsteady laminar duct flows. It is based on a relationship between flow rate and centerline-velocity history that is an exact solution to the Navier–Stokes equations for parallel, fully-developed flow of constant-property Newtonian fluids undergoing arbitrary unsteadiness from an initially steady state. The method applies instantaneously in both forward and reversing flow and invokes the sole additional assumption that the flow is axisymmetric. The capabilities of the technique are demonstrated by using experimental measurements of the centerline velocity in a tube upstream of a fuel injector, during a series of sequential injections, to: (i) quantify the differences in the fuel masses injected in each event; and (ii) measure the cumulative masses injected over multiple events. They were found to be in good agreement with direct measurements made with a mass balance.
Probabilistic and numerical validation of homology computations for nodal domains

Homology has long been accepted as an important computable tool for quantifying complex structures. In many applications these structures arise as nodal domains of real-valued functions and are therefore amenable only to a numerical study, based on suitable discretizations. Such an approach immediately raises the question of how accurate the resulting homology computations are. In this paper we present a probabilistic approach to quantifying the validity of homology computations for nodal domains of random Fourier series in one and two space dimensions, which furnishes explicit probabilistic apriori bounds for the suitability of certain discretization sizes. In addition, we introduce a numerical method for verifying the homology computation using interval arithmetic.
Direct Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon Microwires and Nanowires

A simple, direct approach to the synthesis of mesoporous amorphous carbon microwires and nanowires with high aspect ratios is described. It involves solvent-free infiltration of a precursor mixture into porous alumina templates. Hybrid membranes consisting of mesoporous carbon inside porous alumina membranes are accessible.
Somatosensory Corticothalamic Projections: Distinguishing Drivers From Modulators

We used a juvenile mouse thalamocortical slice preparation with whole cell recording to investigate synaptic properties of corticothalamic inputs from somatosensory cortex to the ventral posterior ...
A syllabus of errors: Pope Benedict XVI on Islam at Regensburg

Pope Benedict XVI's comments about Islam at the University of Regensburg on 12 September 2006 are examined here in terms of the traditions of Orientalism on which he draws and the political functions that they serve. The Pope portrays Islam as tending to irrational violence, in contrast to a Christianity based on a rapprochement between faith and the spirit of Greek philosophical inquiry, a rapprochement that is taken to be the foundation of European identity. This article examines the falsehoods, misrepresentations and weaknesses of the Pope's arguments and locates his understanding of Islam within broader intellectual patterns. It argues that his remarks reflect, more particularly, the specificities of his personal formation and the contemporary needs of the Roman Catholic Church.
Sulfate regional experiment in northeastern united states: The ‘SURE’ program

Abstract The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is supporting a research program to define the relation between emitted primary pollutants (e.g. SO 2 ) and regional, ambient concentrations of secondary products (e.g. sulfates). Emphasis will be on identifying the contribution of the electric power industry to ambient sulfate levels in the northeastern United States. This project, the Sulfate Regional Experiment (SURE) will be conducted over three years at a cost of about $6 m. Part of the stimulus for SURE is the concern that utilities may be required to reduce SO 2 emissions in order to meet an ambient sulfate standard. The relationship, however, between SO 2 emissions and ambient sulfate concentrations is obscure, at best. Present studies seem to indicate that the formation of sulfates is a regional problem, tied not just to SO 2 , hence no simple relation exists between SO 2 emissions and regional sulfate levels. If so, a control on SO 2 emissions may not be a realistic means of effecting sulfate reduction. The SURE program comprises four main elements: (1) a ground monitoring network of 54 randomly distributed stations throughout northeastern United States; (2) a program of measurements of air quality using airplanes; (3) a detailed emissions inventory; and (4) a modeling program. Nine ground stations will operate continuously over a 19-month period. The remaining 45 will operate continuously for one month out of each of the four seasons of the year. At all ground stations, a wide range of chemical and meteorological parameters will be measured. Emphasis is on sulfur compounds; however, measurements will also include nitrogen species, ozone, hydrocarbons and some trace metals. The airborne work will serve as a limited supplement to the ground network in an attempt to give a 3-dimensional validity to any conclusions drawn from the measurements made on the ground. The emissions inventory will include SO x , NO x , suspended particles and hydrocarbons from power plants, other industry, homes and surface transportation. Emissions will be reported as daily averages for each season. The modeling effort will develop a simulation system which predicts regional concentrations of primary and secondary pollutants in terms of: (1) multiple sources; (2) pollutant transport and chemical reaction; and (3) meteorological parameters, viz., temperature and humidity. Data for the model will be drawn from other studies as well as from SURE. The program is closely coordinated with activities of U.S. government agencies. Field measurements began in July 1977.
Ultrasonic power reduction during phacoemulsification using adjunctive NeoSoniX technology.

Purpose To compare the phacoemulsification times and powers used in 3 phacoemulsification machine configurations. Setting Wolfe Eye Clinic, Marshalltown, Iowa, USA. Methods A randomized prospective study of 410 consecutive cases was conducted. All cases were performed using the Alcon Legacy 20000 phacoemulsification machine. Configurations were the Standard Legacy 20000 machine (n = 165), Advantec upgraded Legacy 20000 (n = 112), and Advantec upgraded Legacy 20000 with NeoSoniX (n = 133). Preoperative measurements included the patient's age and cataract grade using the nuclear color (NC) scale of the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III). Intraoperative measurements included machine-measured phacoemulsification time and average percentage of maximum power expenditure. An independent statistician performed analysis of covariance on NC for each of the machine configurations. Results The mean age in years and the NC value were similar in each group. There was no significant difference in phacoemulsification time in minutes among the 3 machines: Standard = 1.17, Advantec = 1.12, NeoSoniX = 1.16. The average percentage of maximum power consumption was similar for Standard Legacy 20000 at 38.00% and Advantec Legacy 20000 at 37.97% but significantly less for Advantec Legacy 20000 with NeoSoniX at 27.56% (P Conclusions The addition of 15% amplitude NeoSoniX rotational energy reduced total ultrasonic power expenditure by 27.5% for all cataract nuclear densities.
Alterations in plasma pharmacokinetics of cisplatin in tumor-bearing rats

Rats were inoculated s.c. with the Walker 256 solid carcinosarcoma, and when tumors reached a weight of approximately 2–3 g, pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and urinary excretion of 195mPt-labelled cisplatin were studied. Cisplatin was given i.v., blood was sampled through arterial cannulae, and data were fitted to a three-compartment model. Distribution half-times were prolonged two- to threefold in tumor-bearing animals, although there was no change in elimination half-time. Initial and steady-state volumes of distribution were also increased in tumor-bearing animals. There was no change in AUC, urinary excretion, tissue distribution, or plasma protein binding. The results indicate that a solid tumor represents an additional compartment for distribution of cisplatin and alters the rate at which cisplatin is distributed from the plasma.
Reading Pegmatites: Part 1—What Beryl Says

THIS IS THE FIRST OF SEVERAL ARTICLES THAT ARE MEANT TO INFORM MINERAL MINERS, COLLECTORS, AND AMATEUR SCIENTISTS ABOUT THE GEOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTS OF THE MINERALS THEY COLLECT. In these articles, th...
Acquiring a naive theory of kinship through inference.

The present study focused on how children acquire a naive theory of kinship. Young children appear to have theoretical beliefs about the biological meaning of kinship relations. It was argued here that these beliefs reflect inductive inferences from simple facts about prenatal growth (e.g, where babies grow). An informal model of the inferences linking facts to theory was proposed and tested. In Experiment 1, 4-7-year-olds who knew the basic facts of prenatal growth were most likely to also express the naive theory of kinship. Virtually none of the children who expressed the theory were unaware of the basic facts. In Experiment 2, teaching the facts to a sample of preschoolers led to some increase in their acceptance of the kinship theory. Overall, the results implicate a type of theory building that involves inferences from preexisting knowledge rather than structural change, use of analogy, or acquisition of new knowledge.
Electrophysiologic effects of selective B1 adrenergic stimulation in the late phase of myocardial infarct healing.

Abstract Nonspecific adrenergic stimulation plays an important role in the genesis of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in the postinfarction period. However, the role of selective B 1 adrenergic stimulation in the aggravation of reentrant ventricular tachycardia is still poorly understood. The purpose of this investigation was to study the regional electrophysiologic actions and arrhythmogenic effects of the B 1 adrenergic agonist dobutamine in a postinfarction canine model. Eleven dogs with 4-week-old anterior wall myocardial infarctions, chronic indwelling intramyocardial electrodes and no inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia at baseline, were studied in the closed-chest state at baseline (control) and during intravenous infusion of dobutamine 10 μg/kg/min. Dobutamine caused reductions in the effective and absolute refractory periods in the infarct, peri-infarct and noninfarcted regions of the myocardium which were similar in magnitude at each region. With dobutamine, only 1 dog had inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia (polymorphic). No spontaneous arrhythmias were seen. In summary, selective B 1 adrenergic stimulation alone does not cause dispersion of myocardial refractoriness and does not cause significant proarrhythmia in the chronically infarcted canine heart. Additional metabolic, electrolyte or ischemic abnormalities may be required for B 1 adrenergic stimulation to aggravate arrhythmias in this model.
Winter range use by cattle of different ages in southwestern Montana

Abstract During two winters, we compared the use of winter range by young (3-year-old) cattle that had no experience on winter range with mature (7- to 8-year-old) cattle that had experience on winter range. Ten 3-year-old cows were alternated weekly with ten 7- to 8-year-old cows on the same 150 ha pasture in southwestern Montana from December to February. Before turning cattle onto the pasture, we measured standing crop (kg ha−1) within the pasture. Three times a day, 3 days each week, we recorded if the group was in an unprotected, moderately protected, or protected area relative to wind direction and topography. Microclimate variables were recorded at cattle locations and 12 weather stations in the pasture to assess preference or avoidance of certain microclimates. We used standard operative temperature and lower critical temperatures as indicators of cold stress. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to map locations of thermal protection in the pasture relative to windspeed and topography. The 3-year-old cattle used unprotected areas more frequently than the 7- to 8-year-old cattle, and were in areas where the standard operative temperature was below their lower critical temperature more often than the older cattle. When grazing in unprotected areas, 7- to 8-year-old cattle used areas with higher standing crops than what was available, on average, in those areas (P
Thermal, three-carbon + two-atom cycloaddition of cyclopropenone ketals with carbon-heteroatom double bonds: Butenolide, furan, and γ-keto ester preparation.

Abstract A preliminary study of the thermal reaction of cyclopropenone ketals with carbon-heteroatom double bonds is detailed. The reaction with aldehyde and keto carbonyls provide butenolide ortho esters, the product of a formal three-carbon + two-atom cycloaddition of the cyclopropenone ketal across the carbon-oxygen double bond.
Monitoring Ground‐Water Contamination at a Fly Ash Disposal Site Using Surface Electrical Resistivity Methods

Ground-water quality has been monitored at a fly ash disposal site. The monitoring technique consists of electrical resistivity soundings, and profiles in conjunction with analysis of water samples from 33 wells on the site. In addition laboratory measurements were made on samples from the well borings to determine the changes in resistivity of each lithology as a function of water saturation, and the temperature and conductivity of the pore fluid. For a line approximately perpendicular to the ground-water flow, we were able to detail the subsurface lithology using electrical sounding, and in conjunction with the laboratory studies, it was possible to determine the vertical and horizontal extent of the contamination for that cross section. Electrical profiles, which were taken on a monthly basis, were able to monitor the changing concentration of leachate after the profiles were corrected to a common ground-water temperature.
Reciprocity in Superpower Relations: An Empirical Analysis

Past empirical studies of superpower reciprocity have produced inconsistent results that may be traced to several recurrent methodological problems. Correcting these problems, I analyzed statistically the responses of the United States and the Soviet Union to each other's actions over the past forty years. Results were replicated across quasi-experiments using different data sources, time periods, and model specifications. Both superpowers reciprocate each other's actions within a short time frame of up to about two months. Neither responds inversely (for example, by becoming more cooperative following hostile actions by the other). In the 1950s and 1960s U.S. reciprocity following Soviet actions was much more consistent than Soviet reciprocity following U.S. actions, but in the 1970s and 1980s Soviet reciprocity was more consistent than U.S. reciprocity.
Invasive plants in conservation linkages: a conceptual model that addresses an underappreciated conservation issue

Conservationists have frequently touted the merits of increased landscape connectivity, usually focusing on the efficacy of conservation linkages (corridors) for maintaining viable populations of target species. An often-mentioned, but still greatly understudied, concern is that increased landscape connectivity via linkages may also aid the movement of undesired species. This paper provides conceptual guidance for research on one major aspect of this gap: invasive plants in conservation linkages. To guide research goals and methods, I develop a conceptual model describing eight interaction types between invasive plants and linkages, i.e. the ways that invasive plants can exist in and move into, through, and out of conservation linkages. Each interaction type within the model has three main components: linkage, matrix, and focal species. I discuss several aspects of these components, including a) differentiating among matrix types, b) understanding edge effects within the linkages, and c) incorporating relevant invasive species’ ecology (primarily dispersal ecology). Spatially-explicit documentation of invasive plant distribution is essential to understanding these interactions. By focusing on landscape-scale patterns in real-world systems, this model will enhance landscape-level knowledge of invasion ecology and aid land managers in identifying and prioritizing research and management decisions regarding invasive plants in conservation linkages.
Calcium wave signaling in cancer cells

Ca(2+) functions as an important signaling messenger right from beginning of life to the final moments of the end of life. Ca(2+) is needed at several steps of the cell cycle such as early G(1), at the G(1)/S, and G(2)/M transitions. The Ca(2+) signals in the form of time-dependent changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, [Ca(2+)](i), are presented as brief spikes organized into regenerative Ca(2+) waves. Ca(2+)-mediated signaling pathways have also been shown to play important roles in carcinogenesis such as transformation of normal cells to cancerous cells, tumor formation and growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Since the global Ca(2+) oscillations arise from Ca(2+) waves initiated locally, it results in stochastic oscillations because although each cell has many IP(3)Rs and Ca(2+) ions, the law of large numbers does not apply to the initiating event which is restricted to very few IP(3)Rs due to steep Ca(2+) concentration gradients. The specific Ca(2+) signaling information is likely to be encoded in a calcium code as the amplitude, duration, frequency, waveform or timing of Ca(2+) oscillations and decoded again at a later stage. Since Ca(2+) channels or pumps involved in regulating Ca(2+) signaling pathways show altered expression in cancer, one can target these Ca(2+) channels and pumps as therapeutic options to decrease proliferation of cancer cells and to promote their apoptosis. These studies can provide novel insights into alterations in Ca(2+) wave patterns in carcinogenesis and lead to the development of newer technologies based on Ca(2+) waves for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.
Light Vehicle-Heavy Vehicle Interactions: A Preliminary Assessment Using Critical Incident Analysis

Two recently completed on-road in situ data collection efforts, one involving local/short haul trucking and the other long-haul trucking, provided a large data set in which to conduct an examination of critical incidents (crashes and near-crashes) that occurred between light vehicles and heavy vehicles. Video and non-video data collected during the two studies were used to characterize critical incidents that were recorded between light vehicle and heavy vehicle drivers. Across both studies, 210 light vehicle-heavy vehicle (LV-HV) critical incidents were recorded. Of these, 78 percent were initiated by the light vehicle driver. Aggressive driving on the part of the light vehicle driver was found to be the primary contributing factor for light vehicle driver initiated incidents. For heavy vehicle driver initiated incidents, the primary contributing factor was poor driving technique. The results suggest that efforts at addressing LV-HV interaction incidents should focus on light vehicle drivers who drive ag...
The Roles of Occipitotemporal Cortex in Reading, Spelling, and Naming

We evaluated the hypothesis that Brodmann's area (BA) 37 within left occipitotemporal cortex has at least two important functions in lexical processing. One role is the computation of case-, font-, location-, and orientation-independent grapheme descriptions for written word recognition and production (reading and spelling). This role may depend on the medial part of BA 37, in left midfusiform gyrus. The second role is in accessing modality-independent lexical representations for output, for naming and for reading and spelling of irregular or exception words. This role may depend on the lateral part of BA 37 in inferior temporal cortex. We tested these hypotheses in 234 participants with acute left hemisphere ischaemic stroke who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and language testing within 48 hours of onset of stroke symptoms.
The production of organic nitrates from various anthropogenic volatile organic compounds

Production of organic nitrates from OH reaction with cyclohexane, cyclohexene, n-butane, 1-bromopropane, and p-xylene in the presence of NO was studied. The total organic nitrate yields for cyclohexane and n-butane were determined to be 17 ± 4 and 7 ± 2% respectively, which is in good agreement with previous determinations. Total yields for cyclohexene, 1-bromopropane, and p-xylene were 2.5 ± 0.5, 1.2 ± 0.3, and 3.2 ± 0.7 respectively. The yield for cyclohexene was five times smaller than that for cyclohexane. The 1-bromopropane yield is three times smaller that that for n-propane, but similar to that for propene, indicating that the effect of Br substitution in the reactant may be similar to that for OH substitution. The only nitrooxy product detected for p-xylene was 4-methylbenzylnitrate, which was formed following H abstraction from either methyl group. No organic nitrate was detected for peroxy radicals produced from OH addition to the ring, which accounts for 90% of the OH oxidation of p-xylene. The calculated k3b/k3 value for p-methyl benzyl peroxy radicals (0.32) was slightly smaller than for n-octyl peroxy radicals (0.39). These data imply that substituent inductive effects impact the k3b/k3 ratios. We found no significant difference in the k3b/k3 ratios for primary vs. secondary peroxy radicals of the same carbon chain. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 675–685, 2005
A new type of debate for global warming and scientific literacy

Expanding on some ideas introduced in the paper by Albe and Gombert (2012) “Students’ communication, argumentation and knowledge in a citizen’ conference on global warming”, I explore two issues relevant to their work: global warming (GW) as a socioscientific controversy and scientific literacy in regards to climate change science. For the first issue, the definition of GW socioscientific controversy provided in the article raises controversies in both scientific communities and society or social groups concerned by the issue. I review this from two perspectives that can be considered at the extreme ends of a spectrum of perspectives. I then address the role of debates in education about global warming and climate change and suggest a new type of classroom debates to replace those addressing the existence and cause of global warming.