cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-395: Multi-GPU-Based VMAT Treatment Plan Optimization Using a Column-Generation Approach

Purpose: GPU has been employed to speed up VMAT optimizations from hours to minutes. However, its limited memory capacity makes it difficult to handle cases with a huge dose-deposition-coefficient (DDC) matrix, e.g. those with a large target size, multiple arcs, small beam angle intervals and/or small beamlet size. We propose multi-GPU-based VMAT optimization to solve this memory issue to make GPU-based VMAT more practical for clinical use. Methods: Our column-generation-based method generates apertures sequentially by iteratively searching for an optimal feasible aperture (referred as pricing problem, PP) and optimizing aperture intensities (referred as master problem, MP). The PP requires access to the large DDC matrix, which is implemented on a multi-GPU system. Each GPU stores a DDC sub-matrix corresponding to one fraction of beam angles and is only responsible for calculation related to those angles. Broadcast and parallel reduction schemes are adopted for inter-GPU data transfer. MP is a relatively small-scale problem and is implemented on one GPU. One headand- neck cancer case was used for test. Three different strategies for VMAT optimization on single GPU were also implemented for comparison: (S1) truncating DDC matrix to ignore its small value entries for optimization; (S2) transferring DDC matrix part by part to GPU during optimizations whenever needed; (S3) moving DDC matrix related calculation onto CPU. Results: Our multi-GPU-based implementation reaches a good plan within 1 minute. Although S1 was 10 seconds faster than our method, the obtained plan quality is worse. Both S2 and S3 handle the full DDC matrix and hence yield the same plan as in our method. However, the computation time is longer, namely 4 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. Conclusion: Our multi-GPU-based VMAT optimization can effectively solve the limited memory issue with good plan quality and high efficiency, making GPUbased ultra-fast VMAT planning practical for real clinical use.
Extremely metal-deficient red giants. IV: Equivalent widths for 36 halo giants

Further work on a study of 36 metal-poor field red giants is reported. Chemical abundances previously determined were based on model stellar atmosphere analyses of equivalent widths from photographic image-tube echelle spectrograms obtained with with 4-m reflectors at Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo. A tabulation of the equivalent-width data (a total of 18, 275 equivalent widths) is presented.
Superconducting transition temperature and electronic structure in the pseudobinaries Nb3Al-Nb3Sn and Nb3Sn-Nb3Sb

Abstract : The system Nb3AlySn1-y exhibits complete solid solubility, a positive Seebeck voltage that increases monatomically from 1.8 to over 12 microvolts/deg. K, and a superconducting transition temperature Tc that has a broad minimum of Tc approx. = 15.3K at about y = 0.5. The pseudobinary Nb3Sn1-xSbx, on the other hand, contains two phases, each with the A15 structure, in the interval 0.3 x 0.8. Whereas the Seebeck voltage of the low-Sb phase is positive and has a Tc 14K, the high Sb phase has a negative Seebeck voltage and is not superconducting above 4.2K. These properties were interpreted with the aid of a qualitative band-structure scheme. Thus, the rapid drop in Tc to below 4.2K in the system Nb3Sn1-xSbx is believed to be associated with the filling of the bonding, interchain d sub pi bands of the Nb subarray.
Effects of Impervious Area Estimation Methods on Simulated Peak Discharges

In this paper, the variability of simulated flood discharges is evaluated using two methods for estimating impervious surfaces and common design methods in the Mission Creek watershed 31 km 2 located in Santa Barbara, Calif. The two impervious estimation methods are characterized as high resolution from manually digitizing aerial photographs and medium resolution from automated inter- pretation of satellite data. In all cases, the high resolution fraction of impervious area is greater than the medium resolution. The difference between methods is greatest in urban regions having either small or large fractions of imperviousness low- or high-intensity develop- ment. The largest difference observed at the modeling unit scale 3.4 km 2 was 19 percentage points 26 versus 45%. To quantify discharge variability, four events 2- and 100-year for 6- and 24-h durations and three models were used. The models used combinations of Green-Ampt and curve number CN losses and kinematic wave and unit hydrograph routing. The Green-Ampt model tended to overpredict peak discharge relative to the CN model, and kinematic wave routing and unit hydrograph agreed well except for the largest events, where the efficiency of the routing decreased travel time sufficiently to increase the peak discharge. The CN model was more sensitive to the impervious surface estimation method relative to the Green-Ampt model due to the mechanisms for incorporating imperviousness into the models. At the scale of the watershed used in this study, the effects of imperviousness estimation method on simulated peak discharge ranges from 16% for the 2-year event to 9% for the 100-year event. While the effects are present, they are not sufficient to shift the recurrence interval of the design discharges. At the model unit scale, the difference in peak discharge between impervious estimation methods exceeded 41 and 21% for the 2- and 100-year events, respectively. Overall, the two impervious surface estimation methods result in different peak discharges but neither method consistently results in discharges less than flood frequency- based discharges. In terms of design risk, the results suggest that the design methods are sufficient to absorb the imperviousness variability from the two methods used here. For applications where a model is calibrated to a specific event, variability resulting from differences in estimation methods is likely to be further muted by adjusting model parameters in the calibration process.
Characterization of free breathing patterns with 5D lung motion model.

Purpose: To determine the quiet respiration breathing motion model parameters for lung cancer and nonlung cancer patients. Methods: 49 free breathing patient 4DCT image datasets (25 scans, cine mode) were collected with simultaneous quantitative spirometry. A cross-correlation registration technique was employed to track the lung tissue motion between scans. The registration results were applied to a lung motion model: X-vector=X-vector{sub 0}+{alpha}-vector{beta}-vector f, where X-vector is the position of a piece of tissue located at reference position X-vector{sub 0} during a reference breathing phase (zero tidal volume v, zero airflow f). {alpha}-vector is a parameter that characterizes the motion due to air filling (motion as a function of tidal volume v) and {beta}-vector is the parameter that accounts for the motion due to the imbalance of dynamical stress distributions during inspiration and exhalation that causes lung motion hysteresis (motion as a function of airflow f). The parameters {alpha}-vector and {beta}-vector together provide a quantitative characterization of breathing motion that inherently includes the complex hysteresis interplay. The {alpha}-vector and {beta}-vector distributions were examined for each patient to determine overall general patterns and interpatient pattern variations. Results: For 44 patients, the greatest values of |{alpha}-vector| were observed in the inferior and posterior lungs.more » For the rest of the patients, |{alpha}-vector| reached its maximum in the anterior lung in three patients and the lateral lung in two patients. The hysteresis motion {beta}-vector had greater variability, but for the majority of patients, |{beta}-vector| was largest in the lateral lungs. Conclusions: This is the first report of the three-dimensional breathing motion model parameters for a large cohort of patients. The model has the potential for noninvasively predicting lung motion. The majority of patients exhibited similar |{alpha}-vector| maps and the |{beta}-vector| maps showed greater interpatient variability. The motion parameter interpatient variability will inform our need for custom radiation therapy motion models. The utility of this model depends on the parameter stability over time, which is still under investigation.« less
Study of convective mechanisms under microgravity conditions

Abstract This paper reports on the various contributions of spreading, of capillarity and of Marangoni convection on the mixing and demixing of transparent liquids exhibiting a miscibility gap. Such liquid pairs are model systems for monotectic metallic alloys. The experiences from parabolic flights and from two sounding rocket experiments on the system methanol/cyclohexane (TEXUS 7 and 9) are compared with the results of the Spacelab-D1 experiment FPM-03. The liquid pair chosen in the latter was paraffin oil/benzylbenzoate. The main contributions to mixing and demixing were: • Thermal and solutal Marangoni convection at the free liquid surface during heating. It results in a rapid schlieren movement. • Marangoni migration of bubbles. They moved to the surface and eventually vanished. • The spreading of one component along the supporting disks, as required by theory close to the critical point. • Capillary effects like the rupture of the inner of the two liquid columns about 4 min after beginning of heating. Due to spreading and mixing the minimum volume condition for stability has been reached and a Rayleigh instability arose. Since also the liquid recovery into the reservoir worked correctly, a second, unscheduled run with higher heater temperature and shorter heating time was granted. It was intended to observe the resulting faster spreading and Marangoni convection. Further valuable information on the contributions to separation has been obtained.
Preparation for the Administrative Internship

The State University of New York at Buffalo, Cornell University, The University of Rochester, and Syracuse University joined forces with Ford Foundation support to provide a summer experience for administrative interns. The program's central focus was the development of educational leaders. Interns from each of the four universities were brought to Cornell University. Interns and professors from each university in the program were viewed as a social system, providing an opportunity for participants to diagnose their own social behavior. Two factors contributed to the process: the creation of an “open” climate to foster inquiry and a high degree of cooperation among staff and interns. The first two weeks of the summer experience were devoted to sensitivity training which accomplished several related objectives: more accurate perceptions of self; increased accuracy in perceiving the effect and affect of one's behavior on others; greater understanding of interaction between groups and inductively derived understanding of social and behavioral theories. An instrument for evaluation was prepared by the interns. Among the “high points” they identified, two items were most frequently and about evenly mentioned: sensitivity training and day‐to‐day relationships. The reactions of the interns as a whole was an affirmation of the experience as a meaningful contribution to their personal and professional growth.
Response to Comment on “The Silicate-Mediated Formose Reaction: Bottom-Up Synthesis of Sugar Silicates”

We reported that silicate mediates the formation of four-carbon and six-carbon sugars from simple two- and three-carbon molecules. Kim and Benner’s contention that silicate has little impact on these reactions is based on experiments using harsher conditions of temperature, pH, silicate concentration, and reaction time than in our study, thus confounding any comparisons between our results.
Synergy for patient safety and quality: academic and service partnerships to promote effective nurse education and clinical practice.

Responding to the growing concern about medical error and patient harm, nurse educators are seeking innovative strategies to ensure that nursing students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable them to safely and effectively manage patient care. A nursing school and hospital affiliate engaged in a partnership to increase opportunities for students to acquire these competencies. The Synergy Partnership Model aligns agency safety and quality initiatives with the school's student outcome competencies. The partnership model establishes participant commitment, clarifies professional actions and accountabilities, and structures the integration of student learning with the clinical practice of agency nurses and physicians. A collection of evidence-based, best-practices resources provides students, faculties, and staff the tools to implement the partnership paradigm. A descriptive pilot study design with a convenience sample of students ( N = 24) enrolled in a third-semester, prelicensure clinical nursing course measured students' safety and quality knowledge and the students' perceptions of team behaviors and communication effectiveness. Survey data reveal moderate to large effect sizes in gains for safety and quality knowledge and for students' increased confidence in their impact on patient care outcomes.
The toxicity of three mercurials to Pteronarcys californica newport, and some possible physiological effects which influence the toxicities

Abstract There is little information available on the toxicity of mercurials to aquatic insects. The information that is available is confined to field observations or medium tolerance limit (TLm) values using only one form of mercury. The TLm values were determined for three different forms of mercury (phenylmercuric-, and methylmercuric-, and mercuric chloride) to the stonefly Pteronarcys californica . The order of toxicity of the three forms was found to be phenylmercuric chloride > methylmercuric chloride > mercuric chloride. The in vivo effect of the three forms of mercury on isolated gylceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase was also measured. Two possible physiological factors involved in determining the toxicity of mercury (or other metals) to aquatic insects may be the catabolic pathways being employed at any period during the year, particularly during periods of molting, and age of the instar.
Prognostication in Advanced Cancer: Nurses' Perceptions of the Dying Process

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine how experienced nurses describe the dying process of patients with advanced cancer. SAMPLE/SETTING Fifteen nurses, experienced in the care of patients with advanced cancer, employed by a midsize midwestern hospice or academic inpatient oncology unit. METHODS Individual interviews using structured and semi-structured questions. Responses were content-analyzed using Krippendorff's techniques. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE Dying process in cancer. FINDINGS Nurses view the dying process as a weeks-to-months-long, multidimensional process that encompasses physical, psychosocial, and spiritual/existential domains. Impending death is recognized and monitored. Common clinical signs include declining interest in life, increased weakness, somnolence, and changes in respiratory, circulatory, and cognitive status. CONCLUSIONS Active (or acute) dying processes are recognized and monitored by nurses; the complexities and patterns of the phenomenon remain unarticulated. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Future research could explore both empirical and contextual aspects of acute dying processes. Nurses are in a position to develop useful knowledge about acute dying processes in cancer.
Magnesium in critical illness: metabolism, assessment, and treatment

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation and the fourth most common cation in the body [1]. Its importance as an essential nutrient has been recognized since 1932, when Kruse et al. [2] reported the effects of acute Mg deficiency in rats. Even recently Mg was considered the “forgotten cation” in clinical practice [3]; however, this is no longer the case [4]. Estimates of Mg deficiency range from 20% to 61% [5, 6, 7], while a recent study found that reductions in total serum Mg on admission are associated with increased mortality [8].
PDGFR-α as a potential therapeutic target in uterine sarcomas

Abstract Objective. Uterine sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with a propensity for metastasis and resistance to conventional therapy. Recent success in the treatment of other solid tumors with the targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate offers new avenues for investigation. The primary target of imatinib is c-kit, but the drug also inhibits PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β. Given the lack of identified molecular targets in endometrial stromal sarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, and carcinosarcomas, the purpose of this study was to determine the protein expression of c-kit, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β in these tumors as a preliminary step to determining their susceptibility to directed therapy. A secondary goal was to identify specific gene mutations that might be associated with activation of these proteins in uterine sarcomas. Methods. Archived tissue from 42 cases of uterine sarcomas was stained for c-kit, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β using immunohistochemistry. Laser-capture microdissected samples of uterine carcinosarcomas, or homogeneous areas of leiomyosarcomas or endometrial stromal sarcomas, were subjected to genetic analysis of PDGFR-α exons 12 and 18. Results. The majority (38/42, 90%) of uterine sarcomas lacked c-kit expression and 90% (38/42) demonstrated negative or weak staining for PDGFR-β. In contrast, 70% (30/42) of cases had strong staining for PDGFR-α in the tumor but not in normal myometrium or endometrium. Sequencing results revealed no mutations in exons 12 or 18 of PDGFR-α. Conclusion. c-kit and PDGFR-β are unlikely to represent primary treatment targets in uterine sarcomas. The strong expression of PDGFR-α in uterine sarcoma specimens suggests a role for this receptor in tumor development, although its potential as a therapeutic target requires further investigation.
Alcohol effects on simulated driving performance and self-perceptions of impairment in DUI offenders.

Drivers with a history of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol self-report heightened impulsivity and display reckless driving behaviors as indicated by increased rates of vehicle crashes, moving violations, and traffic tickets. Such poor behavioral self-regulation could also increase sensitivity to the disruptive effects of alcohol on driving performance. The present study examined the degree to which DUI drivers display an increased sensitivity to the acute impairing effects of alcohol on simulated driving performance and overestimate their driving fitness following alcohol consumption. Adult drivers with a history of DUI and a demographically matched group of drivers with no history of DUI (controls) were tested following a 0.65 g/kg alcohol and a placebo. RESULTS indicated that alcohol impaired several measures of driving performance, and there was no difference between DUI offenders and controls in these impairments. However, following alcohol, DUI drivers self-reported a greater ability and willingness to drive compared with controls. These findings indicate that drivers with a history of DUI might perceive themselves as more fit to drive after drinking, which could play an important role in their decisions to drink and drive. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
VERNALIZATION OF CROPS CULTIVATED IN INDIA

IT has been previously reported1.2 that certain wheat varieties (I.P. 165, I.P. 4 and I.P. 52) cultivated in India differ in their response to the vernalization process (pre-sowing cold temp. 6°-8° C. treatment) with reference to the incidence of flowering (ear-emergence) from those of their closely allied relatives of the temperate region. These varieties showed significant earliness in ear-emergence only when vernalized seeds were grown under long-day conditions, that is, when the available light period in the following photo-phase was in the range of 12 hr. or more. Any light period of short-day lengths of less than 12 hr. retarded the same. Similar results were reported by Pal and Murty3 on Indian varieties I.P. 114, I.P. 165 and also on English winter wheats.
An efficient and accurate model for the simulation and analysis of synchronous machine/converter systems

A new synchronous machine model is presented which is readily implemented in either circuit-based or differential-equation-based simulation programs. This model is well suited for the simulation and analysis of synchronous machine-power converter systems. It is based upon standard representations and no approximations are made in its derivation. However, the numerical implementation is shown to be significantly more efficient. An example is provided which demonstrates a 1700% increase in simulation speed with no observable loss in accuracy. The model includes provisions for an arbitrary number of damper or rotor windings and may be easily modified to represent synchronous or induction machines with an arbitrary number of stator phases.
Expert vs. general working sample differences in KSAO improvability ratings and relationships with measures relevant to occupational and organizational psychology

A broad sample of workers from the U.S. workforce as well as a group of Ph.D.s in Applied or I-O Psychology rated a varied set of KSAOs in terms of the extent to which each KSAO could be improved by people through effort. Results in the general working population reflected a type of ‘Horatio Alger myth’ of work-related human capability, or a belief that it is possible to change most of any work-related attribute of oneself through effort. Expert psychologists did not agree with the worker sample, differentiating among KSAOs to a greater extent and rating KSAOs as less improvable overall. We initiated a taxonomy of perceived improvability of KSAOs, providing some indication of the expected perceived improvability of KSAOs. Within the worker sample, observed differences in ‘improvability’ ratings could be attributed mainly to individual differences in people. These individual differences related to a broad set of other important individual measures relevant to occupational and organizational psychology, including motivation for employee development, attitudes towards selection tests and performance appraisal systems, learning/performance goal orientation, and job analysis ratings of KSAO importance and needed at job entry. The total set of results strongly suggests that KSAO improvability ratings may be an additional tool that can be used effectively to understand some aspects of occupational and organizational psychology.
Imports as a threat to cartel stability

Abstract It is an old story that increased imports may have competitive effects on a domestic market. The usual effect is felt through a reduction in demand for the products of the domestic industry. What is more subtle is the effect that imports - in particular, an unexpected surge in imports from a new source country - may have on the stability of a domestic cartel (and, more generally, on the conduct of a domestic oligopoly), implying a further competitive influence of international trade. This paper discusses the issue in the context of several models, and presents some relevant evidence from a recent case brought before the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Television violence: An intervention to reduce its impact on children.

In an attempt to minimize the adverse effects of television violence, the authors implemented a classroom-based intervention with 496 children in 32 classrooms (grades 1 to 4). The intervention consisted of 28 brief lessons conducted by university staff over the course of 7 months. Participants were individually interviewed prior to the intervention and on three other occasions, including 8 months after concluding the intervention. When compared to 242 participants in 17 control classrooms, the intervention children reported watching less violent TV and identifying less with TV's violent superheroes. They also expressed more critical attitudes concerning television violence. These results were achieved for both girls and boys across the 4 grade levels and were still evident 8 months after concluding the intervention.
Early tumor necrosis factor-α release from the pulmonary macrophage in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Objective Tumor necrosis factor-α is a proinflammatory mediator required for the development of experimental lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. The alveolar macrophage is a rich source of tumor necrosis factor-α in multiple models of acute lung injury. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the alveolar macrophage is an important source of tumor necrosis factor-α in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury and whether suppression of its function protects against injury. Methods Left lungs of Long-Evans rats underwent normothermic ischemia for 90 minutes and reperfusion for up to 4 hours. Treated animals received gadolinium chloride, a rare earth metal that inhibits macrophage function. Injury was quantitated via lung tissue neutrophil accumulation (myeloperoxidase content), lung vascular permeability, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid leukocyte, cytokine, and chemokine content. Separate samples were generated for immunohistochemistry. Results Tumor necrosis factor-α secretion occurred at 15 minutes of reperfusion and was localized to the alveolar macrophage by immunohistochemistry. In gadolinium-treated animals, lung vascular permeability was reduced by 66% at 15 minutes ( P P P Conclusions The alveolar macrophage secretes tumor necrosis factor-α protein by 15 minutes of reperfusion, which orchestrates the early events that eventually result in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury at 4 hours. Gadolinium pretreatment markedly reduces tumor necrosis factor-α elaboration, resulting in significant protection against lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Crystallographic characterization of trans-bis(acetato)(1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)ethylenediamineplatinum(IV) trihydrate

The crystal structure of trans-bis(acetato)(1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)ethylenediamineplatinum(IV) trihydrate, trans-PtIV(en)(CBDCA)(OCOCH3)2·3H2O, was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The title compound crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c with four formula units in a cell of dimensions a=10.320(4), b=18.764(6), c=9.926(4) A and β=90.89(3)°. The structure was refined using 2903 observed Mo Kα reflections to R=0.036. The coordination about Pt is a slightly distorted octahedron with the Pt atom only 0.03 A out of the equatorial plane formed by the two bidentate ligands 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate and ethylenediamine. As might be anticipated, both δ and λ forms of the bound ethylenediamine ligand occurred with equal frequency in the crystal. A comparison of bond distances between the CO double bond and the CO single bond for each COO group suggested that there is no significant delocalization of any of the four CO bonds. A strong network of hydrogen bonding involving the three water molecules of solvation was observed, and the two axial acetate ligands appeared to be locked into position by intramolecular hydrogen bonds to the ethylenediamine.
The effect of impact and continuous scratches on the corrosive wear behavior of Fe-18%Cr-5%Ni alloy and 304 stainless steel for two grain sizes

Abstract The transient current response (TCR) in Fe-18%Cr-5%Ni alloy (referred to as the alloy from here on) and 304 stainless steel (SS) due to impact and continuous scratching in an electrolye has been studied using scratch technique. The smaller grain size produces higher values of transient current due to the corrosive wear process in both materials. The additional factor affecting the TCR during continuous scratching is the number of tracks developed by the stylus. The microstructural details, e.g. twins, appear to affect the transient current values. The transmission electron microscopy reveals the near surface (close to the scratches) microstructures showing the presence of deformation twins in 304 SS, while nonuniform distribution of dislocations give rise to the dislocation cell structure in the alloy. The microstructural features such as grain boundaries, isolated dislocations, cell and twin boundaries have been related to the TCR generation in the alloy and the 304 SS.
Adiabatic integration formula for the correlation energy functional of the Hartree–Fock density

An adiabatic integration formula for the quantum chemistry correlation energy functional of the Hartree–Fock density, E c QC[n], is presented. The functional E c QC[n] is meant to be added to the completed Hartree–Fock energy to produce the exact ground-state energy of the system under consideration. The initial slope of the integrand in this connection formula is identified as a second-order energy and an explicit expression for the initial slope of the integrand is presented. Our expression should be useful for arriving at new improved approximations to E c QC[n]. Previous numerical results by Huang and Umrigar (1997) Phys Rev A 56:290, for two-electron densities are proved, and a generalization to more than two electrons is presented. Results obtained by means of the present density functional theory correlation energy functionals, when used to approximate the initial slope in our adiabatic integration formula for E c QC[n], are compared against exact numbers.
Hyperbolic groups with low-dimensional boundary

If a torsion-free hyperbolic group G has 1-dimensional boundary ∂∞G, then ∂∞G is a Menger curve or a Sierpinski carpet provided G does not split over a cyclic group. When ∂∞G is a Sierpinski carpet we show that G is a quasi-convex subgroup of a 3-dimensional hyperbolic Poincare duality group. We also construct a “topologically rigid” hyperbolic group G: any homeomorphism of ∂∞G is induced by an element of G.
The Chromatographic Separation and Determination of Diphenylhydantoin and Phenobarbital

A chromatographic method has been developed for separating diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital on a partition column buffered to an alkaline pH. The two compounds are quantitatively determined spectro-photometrically after elution. The method has been applied to combinations of diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital in capsules.
Levels in Dy 164 from Deuteron Stripping and Inelastic Proton Scattering Experiments

Protons and deuterons with energies 12.5 and 12.0 MeV, respectively, were used to study the levels in ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{164}$ at a number of angles via the reactions ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{164}(p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{Dy}}^{164}$ and ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{163}(d,p){\mathrm{Dy}}^{164}$. The ground-state $Q$ value for the latter reaction was determined as 5434\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 keV. The agreement in energy between the proton groups observed in both reactions and the nuclear models of Bohr and Mottelson and Davydov allows the assignment of ground-state and gamma vibrational bands. These assignments are (in keV) G.S. (0+), 72 (2+), 240 (4+), 503 (6+), 761 (2+), 827 (3+), 919 (4+), 1040 (5+), and, with less certainty, 1157 (6+). Cross sections for excitation of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ band by the ($d,p$) reaction are similar to those of the G.S. band, whereas no excitation of a $\ensuremath{\beta}$ vibrational band is observed. The 6--- two-quasiparticle state, formed from the coupling of the $\frac{5}{2}$--- [523] and $\frac{7}{2}[633]$ neutron states, and 7--- member of the superimposed rotational band are probably the weak states at 1680 and 1853 keV, respectively. The 2+ two-quasiparticle state formed from the coupling of the $\frac{5}{2}$--- [523] and \textonehalf{}--- [521] neutron states and the members of the associated rotational band have probably been observed. They are: 1987 (2+), 2058 (3+), 2158 (4+), 2266 (5+), and 2418 (6+). The collective nature of the ground-state and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ vibrational bands in ${\mathrm{Dy}}^{164}$ is clearly indicated by very small cross sections for the ($d,p$) reactions and relatively large cross sections for the ($p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) reaction. The energy gap corresponding to breaking a neutron pair is observed as a dramatic increase in the ($d,p$) cross section. A useful selection rule for ($d,p$) stripping predicted by Satchler is clearly verified experimentally.
Modeling of bounded stochastic processes

Random processes of bounded variation are generated by using of randomized sinusoidal model and nonlinear filter model. In the randomized sinusoidal model, random noises ar\e introduced in phase angles; while in the nonlinear filter model, a set of nonlinear Ito differential equations are employed. In both methods, the spectral density of a modeled random process can be matched by adjusting model parameters. However, the probability density of the process generated by the randomized sinusoidal model has a fixed shape, and cannot be adjusted. On the other hand, the nonlinear filter model covers a variety of profiles of probability distributions.
Numerical estimate for boiling points via Wang–Landau simulations

We show how molecular simulations, based on the Wang–Landau (WL) sampling method, can be used to determine the boiling points of a wide range of fluids. The simulations presented here rely on an efficient sampling of the isothermal–isobaric ensemble. This circumvents the difficult deletion/insertion of molecules in dense liquid phases, such as those encountered at the standard boiling point. Using a combination of the WL sampling and hybrid Monte Carlo simulations, we show how we can determine the standard boiling point of atomic fluids, such as liquid metals. We then apply WL configurational bias Monte Carlo simulations to determine the boiling points for a series of long n-alkane chains (icosane, tetracosane and triacontane). The results obtained in this work are in good agreement with the available experimental data and simulation results.
Role of aggregation conditions in structure, stability, and toxicity of intermediates in the Abeta fibril formation pathway.

β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is one of the main protein components of senile plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ readily aggregates to forms fibrils and other aggregated species that have been shown to be toxic in a number of studies. In particular, soluble oligomeric forms are closely related to neurotoxicity. However, the relationship between neurotoxicity and the size of Aβ aggregates or oligomers is still under investigation. In this article, we show that different Aβ incubation conditions in vitro can affect the rate of Aβ fibril formation, the conformation and stability of intermediates in the aggregation pathway, and toxicity of aggregated species formed. When gently agitated, Aβ aggregates faster than Aβ prepared under quiescent conditions, forming fibrils. The morphology of fibrils formed at the end of aggregation with or without agitation, as observed in electron micrographs, is somewhat different. Interestingly, intermediates or oligomers formed during Aβ aggregation differ greatly under agitated and quiescent conditions. Unfolding studies in guanidine hydrochloride indicate that fibrils formed under quiescent conditions are more stable to unfolding in detergent than aggregation associated oligomers or Aβ fibrils formed with agitation. In addition, Aβ fibrils formed under quiescent conditions were less toxic to differentiated SH-SY5Y cells than the Aβ aggregation associated oligomers or fibrils formed with agitation. These results highlight differences between Aβ aggregation intermediates formed under different conditions and provide insight into the structure and stability of toxic Aβ oligomers.
Learning Culturally Relevant Practices: Facing Developmental Roadblocks

As multicultural educators who have participated in the development of a secondary education program that strives to prepare 21st century teachers, we are concerned with our teacher candidates’ abi...
Activation of AMPK/TSC2/PLD by Alcohol Regulates mTORC1 and mTORC2 Assembly in C2C12 Myocytes

Background Ethanol (EtOH) decreases muscle protein synthesis, and this is associated with reduced mTORC1 and increased mTORC2 activities. In contrast, phospholipase D (PLD) and its metabolite phosphatidic acid (PA) positively regulate mTORC1 signaling, whereas their role in mTORC2 function is less well defined. Herein, we examine the role that PLD and PA play in EtOH-mediated mTOR signaling.
Volume and grain boundary diffusion of calcium in natural and hot-pressed calcite aggregates

Calcium self-diffusion rates in natural calcite single crystals were experimentally determined at 700 to 900° C and 0.1 MPa in a stream of CO2. Diffusion coefficients (D) were determined from 42Ca concentration profiles measured with an ion microprobe. The Arrhenius parameters yield an activation energy (Q)=382±37 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factor (D0)=0.13 m2/s, and there is no measurable anisotropy. Calcium grain boundary diffusion rates were experimentally determined in natural (Solnhofen) limestone and hot-pressed calcite aggregates at 650° to 850° C and 0.1 to 100 MPa pressure. The Solnhofen limestone was first pre-annealed for 24 h at 700° C and 100 MPa confining pressure under anhydrous conditions to produce an equilibrium microstructure for the diffusion experiments. Values for the product of the grain boundary diffusion coefficient (D′) and the effective grain boundary diffusion width (δ) were determined from 42Ca concentration profiles measured with an ion microprobe. The results show that there is no measurable difference between D′δ values obtained for pre-annealed Solnhofen samples at 0.1 and 100 MPa or between hot-pressed calcite aggregates and pre-annealed Solnhofen samples. The temperature dependence for calcium grain boundary diffusion in Solnhofen samples annealed at 0.1 MPa is described by the Arrhenius parameters D′ 0δ=1.5×10−9 m3/s and Q=267±47 kJ/mol. Comparison of the results of this study with previously published data show that calcium is the slowest volume diffusing species in calcite. The calcium diffusivities measured in this study place constraints on several geological processes that involve diffusive mass transfer including diffusion-accommodated mechanisms in the deformation of calcite rocks.
Vorticity dissipation by western boundary currents in the presence of outcropping layers

Abstract In an exploration of the dynamics of current separation and vorticity dissipation in a two-layer model, the following is found. 1) Results obtained in a barotropic context remain valid; namely, two major dissipation regimes can be found: either a “loop current” or a recirculating gyre. 2) A transition from one regime to the other can be achieved if one increases the strength of the front associated with the outcrop, regardless of the specified boundary conditions. 3) Separation will depend upon the choice of lateral boundary conditions if the upper-layer flow is not highly inertial.
Positive Afterimage as a Background Luminance

In one experimental session, each of six subjects received six flashes of 1.4-msec duration from a centrally fixated 10° field of 4 × 105 L. The brightness of the afterimage was tracked, following the first two flashes, by means of a monocular bipartite photometric field. The bipartite field was formed by blocking one-half of the flash field to provide a semicircular afterimage and arranging a semicircular comparison field in juxtaposition. The comparison field could be varied over an 8-log-unit range by the subject. The density of the wedges was continuously recorded as the match was maintained. Recovery times for recognition of 28.7′ and 16.3′ Sloan Snellen letters at various luminance levels were measured following the other flashes. The letters were transilluminated and viewed against a dark surround. They were presented at one-second intervals and were at 140 mL immediately following the flashes. As soon as the subject correctly identified two successive letters, the luminance was reduced by introducing a neutral density filter. In this manner, ten luminance levels were measured following each flash, with the lowest 0.007 mL. The letters were superimposed on a 10° variable-luminance field and each subject determined the field luminance necessary for threshold recognition of each letter condition. The recovery times for the various letter conditions were then predicted for each subject from his afterimage brightness measurements and cross correlated with the measured recovery times. The correlation coefficient for the measured and predicted values was 0.82.
Tropolone: A Lipid Solubilizing Agent for Cationic Metals

Lipid soluble agents which chelate radioactive cations have several potential uses in nuclear medicine including: brain imaging, labeling of blood elements, and identifying fatty infiltration of organs. A tropolone-gallium complex has been characterized by the determination of in vitro partition ratios correlated with in vivo organ distribution in the rat. Partition ratios were determined for gallium-67 citrate, indium-114m chloride, and iron-59 chloride cations complexed with tropolone in chloroform+water, octanol+water, olive oil+water, and olive oil+plasma two-phased systems. Tropolone proved to be highly effective in the lipid solubilization of these metal cations. Distribution studies in animals of these cations complexed with tropolone demonstrated an increased concentration of these cation complexes in tissues of high lipid content when compared with appropriate controls.
Test application of Bayesian Programming: Adaptive water quality management under uncertainty

A new method, Bayesian Programming (BP), developed by Harrison [Harrison KW. Multi-stage decision-making under uncertainty and stochasticity: Bayesian Programming. Adv Water Resour, submitted for publication] is tested on a case study involving optimal adaptive management of a river basin. The case study considers anew the process of permitting pulp mills on the Athabasca River in Alberta, Canada. The problem has characteristics common to many environmental management problems. There is uncertainty in the water quality response to pollutant loadings that will not be completely resolved with monitoring and the resolution of this uncertainty is impeded by the stochastic behavior of the water quality system. A two-stage adaptive management process is optimized with BP. Based on monitoring data collected after implementation of the first-stage decision, the uncertainties are updated prior to the second decision stage using Bayesian analysis. The worth of this two-stage adaptive management approach to this problem and the worth of monitoring are evaluated. Conclusions are drawn on the general practicality of BP for adaptive management. Potential strategies are outlined for extending the BP approach to secure further benefits of adaptive management.
Detection of hepatitis C viral RNA by the polymerase chain reaction

These studies used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in clinical samples collected from patients with chronic liver disease or from blood donors. The relative role of this assay compared with detection of HCV antibodies in serum was evaluated. Weiner and colleagues found that 9 of 15 patients with non-A, non-B (NANB) chronic hepatitis and the only patient with cryptogenic cirrhosis had persistent antibodies to a nonstructural protein of HCV (C100-3). Seven of the 10 antibody-positive patients had HCV RNA detected by a highly sensitive PCR assay; two of the antibody-negative patients also had HCV RNA. The pattern of viral RNA and antibody was evaluated in one patient with acute posttransfusion NANB hepatitis (PTNANB) and in three chimpanzees with acute infection. Viral RNA was detected early after infection and, in each case, before the appearance of antibody. In one chimpanzee, viral RNA disappeared when antibody became detectable. The authors conclude that most patients with chronic NANB liver disease have HCV infection. Garson and colleagues found that 6 of 1,100 donor blood units were repeatedly positive for antibodies to the C100-3 antigen (anti-C100-3). Only one of these six donor units was found to contain HCV RNA by a “nested PCR” assay. Nested PCR refers to the use of two successive rounds of amplification, with the second round using primers internal to, or nested within, the original two primers. The positive donor unit was the only one of the six antibody-positive units to cause posttransfusion hepatitis in a recipient. Sera from three other confirmed cases of posttransfusion hepatitis were evaluated and in each case one donor unit of blood was found to contain HCV RNA and anti–C100-3. The authors concluded that anti–C100-3 may not be a good predictor of infectivity in blood donors and that direct identification of viral RNA may be required.
Multiple mechanisms of immune evasion by African trypanosomes

During infection of a mammalian host, African trypanosomes are in constant contact with the host's immune system. These protozoan parasites are infamous for their ability to evade the immune responses by periodically switching their major variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), a phenomenon called antigenic variation. Antigenic variation, however, is likely to be only one of several mechanisms enabling these organisms to thrive in the face of the immune defenses. The ability to grow in high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and to avoid complement-mediated destruction may also facilitate the parasite's survival. In this review we summarize (i) the activation of trypanosome genes for three different VSGs during antigenic variation, (ii) the secretion of a trypanosome protein that induces host CD8 T cells to produce IFN-gamma, and (iii) the evidence for trypanosome protein similar to a surface protease of Leishmania that plays a role in resistance to complement-mediated lysis.
A mutation at the major phosphotyrosine in pp60v-src alters oncogenic potential.

Abstract Previously ( M. A. Snyder, J. M. Bishop, W. W. Colby, and A. D. Levinson, 1983 , Cell , 32 , 891–901) a mutant was constructed in v- src in which the major phosphotyrosine site, tyr-416, was converted to phenylalanine. This mutant has now been examined both for tumorigenicity and a number of in vitro parameters relating to the transformed state and to the known properties of pp60 v- src the product of v- sra Mouse cells transformed by this mutant gene, which are called RSV-SF1, are tumorigenic only if tested in immunodeficient mice, whereas cells transformed by the wild-type parent are tumorigenic in either syngeneic or immunodeficient animals. When examined in vitro , RSV-SF1-transformed cells are virtually indistinguishable from cells transformed by wild-type pp60 v- src These findings raise the possibility that the protein kinase activity of pp60 v- src may not be fully responsible for tumorigenesis by v- src , and moreover suggest that evasion of the host immune response is a necessary step in tumorigenesis by v- sra
Clinical epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease: incidence, prevalence, and environmental influences

Although the incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are beginning to stabilize in high-incidence areas such as northern Europe and North America, they continue to rise in low-incidence areas such as southern Europe, Asia, and much of the developing world. As many as 1.4 million persons in the United States and 2.2 million persons in Europe suffer from these diseases. Previously noted racial and ethnic differences seem to be narrowing. Differences in incidence across age, time, and geographic region suggest that environmental factors significantly modify the expression of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The strongest environmental factors identified are cigarette smoking and appendectomy. Whether other factors such as diet, oral contraceptives, perinatal/childhood infections, or atypical mycobacterial infections play a role in expression of inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear. Additional epidemiologic studies to define better the burden of illness, explore the mechanism of association with environmental factors, and identify new risk factors are needed.