cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-203: Development of a QA Software Tool for Automatic Verification of Plan Data Transfer and Delivery.

Purpose: Consistency verification between the data from treatment planning system (TPS), record and verification system (R&V), and delivered recorder with visual inspection is time consuming and subject to human error. The purpose of this work is to develop a software tool to automatically perform such verifications. Methods: Using Microsoft visual C++, a quality assurance (QA) tool was developed to (1) read plan data including gantry/collimator/couch parameters, multi‐leaf‐collimator leaf positions, and monitor unit (MU) numbers from a TPS (Xio, CMS/Elekta, or RealART, Prowess) via RTP link or DICOM transfer, (2) retrieve imported (prior to delivery) and recorded (after delivery) data from a R&V system (Mosaiq, Elekta) with open database connectivity, calculate MU independently based on the DICOM plan data using a modified Clarkson integration algorithm, and (4) compare all the extracted data to identify possible discrepancy between TPS and R&V, and R&V and delivery. Results: The tool was tested for 20 patients with 3DCRT and IMRT plans from regular and the online adaptive radiotherapy treatments. It was capable of automatically detecting any inconsistency between the beam data from the TPS and the data stored in the R&V system with an independent MU check and any significant treatment delivery deviation from the plan within a few seconds. With this tool being used prior to and after the delivery as an essential QA step, our clinical online adaptive re‐planning process can be speeded up to save a few minutes by eliminating the tedious visual inspection.Conclusions: A QA software tool has been developed to automatically verify the treatment data consistency from delivery back to plan and to identify discrepancy in MU calculations between the TPS and the secondary MU check. This tool speeds up clinical QA process and eliminating human errors from visual inspection, thus improves safety.
Magnetic and thermal properties of the anyon superconductor

Abstract The properties of anyon superconductors are examined in the self-consistent field approximation. (1) There is a new critical magnetic field H′c such that if the external magnetic field Bext exceeds H′c, a uniform magnetic field Bin = Bext − H′c penetrates the material (the partial Meissner effect). At T = 0, H′ c ∼ ( n e 10 21 cm −3 )( m m e ) −1 · 30 G , where ne and m are the hole density and effective mass, respectively. (2) At finite temperature all physical quantities are smooth functions of T. There is no phase transition in the mathematical sense; nevertheless one can define a semi-critical temperature T′c above which H′c vanishes and superconductivity is effectively lost. (3) Numerically T′ c ∼ ( n e d = 2 10 14 cm −2 )( m m e ) −1 · 100 K , where ned = 2 is the two-dimensional hole density. (4) The penetration depth becomes very large near T′c, but never diverges. (5) At T ≠ 0 there exist a non-vanishing magnetic field B0 inside the superconductor even with vanishing external magnetic fields. However, its value is small (∼ 10−4 G at T ∼ 100 K). (6) The RPA result for the static response function for a neutral anyon gas is reproduced. (7) The effective theory for the electromagnetic and Chern-Simons gauge fields is derived, which replaces the Ginzburg-Landau theory of BCS superconductors.
Assessment of effects of neutrals on the power threshold for L-H transitions in DIII-D

To assess the effect of edge neutrals on the low-to-high confinement transition threshold, a broad range of plasma discharges has been analysed. From this analysis, the transition power divided by the density, at constant magnetic field, appears to be a function of a single parameter measuring the neutrals' effect. This results suggest that there is a missing parameter linked to the neutrals in the power-threshold scaling laws.
Hourly rounding: perspectives and perceptions of the frontline nursing staff.

Aims To gain knowledge of a nursing staff's perspectives and perceptions of hourly rounding in an acute care hospital setting. Background Research has shown hospitals that have successfully implemented hourly rounding have significant decreases in adverse patient events with improvements in patient and staff satisfaction. More recent studies and clinical observations by the author are revealing barriers and difficulties in translating this evidence-based practice to the bedside. Method An original survey was distributed to direct care staff on six inpatient units. Descriptive analysis of each survey item and subanalysis of the registered nurse (n = 52) and patient care assistant (n = 15) responses was reported and aggregated according to demographic data and Rogers' Theory of Diffusion of Innovation. Results Findings varied considerably between job category, shift worked, unit worked on and educational level of the registered nurses. Overall only 25% (n = 13) of the registered nurses felt a sense of ownership of the hourly rounding initiative and only 23.1% (n = 12) agreed that completion of the hourly rounding paper documentation tool was a true indication that hourly rounding was actually being done. Conclusions and implications for nursing management Results from this study may give nursing leadership and educators' insight on how to lead and sustain a new initiative or evidence-based practice.
Anatomically preserved leaves of the conifer Notophytum krauselii (Podocarpaceae) from the Triassic of Antarctica.

Permineralized leaves of the Triassic podocarpaceous conifer Notophytum krauselii are described from the Fremouw Formation of Antarctica. The leaves are elongate and apetiolate with 8‐12 parallel veins. The adaxial epidermis consists of rows of rectangular to pentagonal cells; the abaxial epidermis is papillate. Longitudinally oriented stomata occur on both surfaces. An adaxial palisade layer is present and auxiliary sclereids are common in the mesophyll. The vascular bundles have a weakly defined sheath and are flanked by transfusion tracheids. Bundles in the basipetal area of the leaf are capped by sclerotic tissue and subtended by resin canals. These leaves are superficially similar to those of the extant podocarp genus Nageia, but probably represent a distinct acquisition of this leaf type within the Podocarpaceae. Notophytum leaves are similar to the common compression fossil Heidiphyllum elongatum and may be closely related or even conspecific. Evidence from Antarctica suggests that Heidiphyllum and the seed cone Telemachus were produced by the same plant, and may be closely related to several other early Mesozoic conifers with multiveined leaves. With the exception of permineralized and petrified wood, anatomically preserved plant fossils from the Triassic are exceedingly rare. This is unfortunate since it is widely accepted, based on the impression-compression fossil record, that the Triassic was a pivotal time in seed plant evolution. Some of the more dramatic examples of Triassic evolutionary radiations include the Bennettitales, the pteridosperm order Corystospermales, and the conifers. To date, the silicified peat deposits of the Fremouw Formation in Antarctica remain the only significant source of abundant, anatomically preserved Triassic plant fossils (Taylor, Taylor, and Collinson, 1989). Meyer-Berthaud and Taylor (1991) described Notophytum krauselii, a conifer stem with probable podocarpaceous affinities, from the silicified peat of Fremouw Peak. Leaf bases were well preserved. However, the distal parts of the leaf were represented only by short straps of tissue with poor internal preservation. Specimens with better preservation have recently been recognized, which demonstrate that the leaves of Notophytumwere elongate with up to 12 parallel veins, and are morphologically similar to the impression-compression taxon Heidiphyllum elongatus (Anderson, 1978). This is of particular significance since Heidiphyllum is among the most common Gondwanan Triassic fossil seed plants (Anderson and Anderson, 1983). In this paper we describe the leaves of Notophytum and consider the implications of this leaf type in understanding the early evolutionary history of the Podocarpaceae. We also provide the first information on Heidiphyllum cuticles from Antarctica, and present additional evidence suggesting that Heidiphyllum elonga
On a sub-supersolution method for the prescribed mean curvature problem

The paper is about a sub-supersolution method for the prescribed mean curvature problem. We formulate the problem as a variational inequality and propose appropriate concepts of sub-and supersolutions for such inequality. Existence and enclosure results for solutions and extremal solutions between sub-and supersolutions are established.
Cell cycle regulation of RPA1 transcript levels in the trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata

Transcripts of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA replication genes accumulate periodically during the cell cycle in Crithidia fasciculata. An octameric consensus sequence with a conserved hexameric core was found previously to be required for cycling of the TOP2 transcript, encoding the mitochondrial DNA topoisomerase. We show here that the rate of synthesis of the p51 protein, the large subunit of nuclear replication protein-A encoded by the RPA1 gene, varies during the cell cycle in parallel with RPA1 mRNA level. Plasmids expressing a truncated form of RPA1 (Delta RPA1 ) were used to identify cis elements required for cycling of the Delta RPA1 transcript. Sequences within the RPA1 5'-untranslated region (UTR) were found to be necessary for cycling of the Delta RPA1 transcript. These sequences also function when transposed 3'of the Delta RPA1 coding sequence. A 121 bp fragment of this sequence can confer cycling on a heterologous transcript, but is inactivated when two consensus octamers within the sequence are mutated. Mutation of these two octamers in the full-length 5'-UTR ofDelta RPA1 is insufficient to abolish cycling of the mRNA unless three additional octamers having single base changes within the hexameric core are also mutated. Thus, common octameric sequence elements are involved in periodic accumulation of both the TOP2 and RPA1 transcripts.
Microwave conductivity of antidot array in regime of fractional quantum Hall effect

In the regime of the fractional quantum Hall effect, with Landau filling ν<1, an antidot array in a high-mobility 2D electron system exhibits anomalous, enhanced high-frequency conductivity. This enhanced conductivity increases with frequency (f) but decreases with temperature (T), and can be observed only for T≲0.5K, f≳2GHz.
Use of wind shears in the design of aerospace vehicles.

Wind profiles properties application to launch vehicle design and operation, emphasizing wind shears and turbulence effects on vehicle dynamic response
A medical emergency radio communications system (MERCS) for the state of West Virginia

The Medical Emergency Radio Communication System (MERCS) for OH-9 illustrates a new system of emergency medical services (EMS) communications planned for the State of West Virginia. MERCS will be the first multicounty system to be implemented in the State-and will serve as a model for other areas. MERCS will provide a centrally coordinated system of EMS communications for the mountainous rural area of Southern West Virginia. It will exploit the rules of the FCC that provide for use of multichannel equipments and a system of full channel (UHF) mobile relay stations. A vehicle fitted for MERCS will be able to communicate on a common basis through any mobile relay in the system. The mobile relays will provide for communication among all participating public safety agencies, utilizing cross banding where appropriate for interface with the systems of cooperating public safety agencies. The result will be a fully integrated system of communications for EMS.
Lipid and membrane fluidity abnormalities in platelets and megakaryocytes of the hereditary macrothrombocytopenic Wistar Furth rat.

Biochemical and functional abnormalities of megakaryocytes and platelets were studied in Wistar Furth (WF) rats which have genetically determined macrothrombocytopenia and megakaryocytopenia, and were compared with their counterparts in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Both megakaryocytes and platelets synthesized phospholipids from [14C]acetate. WF and SD megakaryocytes incorporated 0.27 and 0.29 nmol acetate per 106 cells, respectively. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) accounted for 64% and 58% of the PL radioactive label in megakaryocytes of SD and WF rats, respectively, (P < 0.05), while 69% of labeled activity was associated with PC of SD platelets compared to 60% found in PC of WF platelets (P < 0.01). In WF platelets a significant increase in the levels of lysophosphatidylcholine (6.1% vs. 3.0%) was observed. WF platelets had substantially higher levels of esterified cholesterol, triglycerides, ceramides and a 3-fold increase in the total protein per platelet compared to SD platelets. The fatty acid composition of WF platelet PC showed quantitative abnormalities. Plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase activity and platelet function monitored by the uptake and release of [14C] serotonin showed nonsignificant variations between SD and WF rats. Compared with the control, platelet membrane fluidity, measured by fluorescence polarization using platelets labeled with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, was significantly decreased in the WF rats.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OVULE AND MEGAGAMETOPHYTE DEVELOPMENT IN FIELD-GROWN AND GREENHOUSE-GROWN PLANTS OF GLYCINE MAX AND PHASEOLUS AUREUS (PAPILIONACEAE)

A study of ovule and megagametophyte development in field- and greenhouse-grown plants of Glycine max (L.) Merrill and Phaseolus aureus Roxb. reveals several consistent features for both species. These features include: a multiple archesporium, enlargement of a primary sporogenous cell directly into a megasporocyte, production of unequal dyad cells, a functional chalazal megaspore, Polygonum-type development, and a hypostase. A filiform apparatus was not observed in either species. Several marked differences in development also occur. Phaseolus usually produces one sporogenous cell per ovule; Glycine produces 2-3 sporogenous cells per ovule. Meiosis II is synchronous in Phaseolus but nonsynchronous in Glycine. Linear tetrads are produced in Phaseolus, whereas linear and T-shaped tetrads are found in Glycine. Starch grains accumulate in the mature megagametophyte of Glycine but are absent at that stage in Phaseolus. The usefulness of the modified clearing fluid, benzyl benzoate-41/2, for the study of ovule and megagametophyte development in Glycine max and Phaseolus aureus is here demonstrated. In addition, the study indicates for both species that megagametophyte development in plants grown under field conditions is markedly similar to development in plants grown in the more uniform conditions of the greenhouse. Accordingly, these findings suggest generally that embryological data collected from plants grown under greenhouse conditions will reflect those from plants found in nature.
AN AUTOMATED ADMINISTRATION OF CORSI'S BLOCK-TAPPING TEST

Corsi's Block-tapping Test has been a clinically useful test of visuospatial memory. Participants (15 men, 15 women) completed an automated and a manual version of the Block-tapping Test, the findings for which suggest that the automated and manual versions gave very similar scores.
Regeneration in Markov chain samplers

Abstract Markov chain sampling has recently received considerable attention, in particular in the context of Bayesian computation and maximum likelihood estimation. This article discusses the use of Markov chain splitting, originally developed for the theoretical analysis of general state-space Markov chains, to introduce regeneration into Markov chain samplers. This allows the use of regenerative methods for analyzing the output of these samplers and can provide a useful diagnostic of sampler performance. The approach is applied to several samplers, including certain Metropolis samplers that can be used on their own or in hybrid samplers, and is illustrated in several examples.
Is Nature Necessary

A mind that opened itself fully to nature without sentimental pre- conception would be glutted by nature's coarse materialism, its relentless superfluity. An apple tree laden with fruit: how peaceful, how picturesque. But remove the rosy filter of humanism from our gaze and look again. See nature spuming and frothing, its mad spermatic bubbles endlessly spilling out and smashing in that inhuman round of waste, rot and carnage. From the jammed glassy cells of sea roe to the feathery spores poured into the air from bursting green pods, nature is a festering hornet's nest of aggression and overkill. Nature is the seething excess of being.
Thrombolysis: findings and lessons of the clinical trials.

By the end of 1996, several large, well-designed trials of thrombolysis for stroke have been completed. 1,2 Although some observers have characterized the results as contradictory, if one carefully looks at the several trials, a pattern emerges that is useful to the treating physician. It is important to understand how we got to the point that we could try thrombolytics in clinical stroke trials, what we learned during those trials, and where we should go next. Thrombolysis for stroke evolved gradually. The first studies in animal models were completed in the mid1980s. At first it was shown that intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) could open up experimentally blocked arteries. 3 A pivotal step was reached when Zivin et al 4 showed that intravenous tPA could improve neurological outcome after cerebral embolization. Further studies were performed to characterize the dose and treatment schedules needed to treat experimental embolic stroke, s-7 During this time, it was noted in several species that streptokinase but not tPA appeared to increase the risk of hemorrhage after embolic stroke. 8 It was also noted that aspirin appeared to increase the risk hemorrhagic transformation. 9 The basic pathophysiology underlying our understanding of hemorrhage after ischemia has been summarized elsewhere. ~~ Under the auspices of the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), primarily under the stewardship of John Marler, MD, several preliminary studies were done using tPA in human beings. Brott, Haley, and colleagues completed a dose finding and safety study that was published in 1992. n,12 In these papers it was determined that a dose of 0.9 mg/kg tPA was safe if given within 3 hours of the onset of stroke. A higher dose was given to a few patients, and two brain hemorrhages occurred. Although these studies were very small and not powered for appropriate statistical analysis, it was concluded that a dose no higher than 0.9 mg/kg should be used. About this same time, Mori et al. in Japan were completing a small randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of intravenous tPA for acute stroke
Role of the free amino acid pool of the copepod Acartia tonsa in adjustment to salinity change

The free amino acid pool of the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa was reduced in proportion to the decrease in external salinity within 24 h, with a corresponding increase in ammonia excretion and a transient rise in oxygen consumption. The free amino acid pool was not increased in response to increased salinity. Catabolism of free amino acids is important in the reduction of cellular osmotic pressure in reduced salinities. Antagonistic demands of osmotic preservation and nutritional metabolism on the free amino acid pool may limit the production of the species in waters of higher salinity.
Astrophysics: A pas de trois birth for wide binary stars.

The widest binary star systems pose a challenge to theory: true stellar twins could not form so far apart. Simulations suggest these twins are in fact triplets, two of which masquerade as one star and cast out the third. See Letter p.221 Very wide binary star systems—widely separated pairs of gravitationally bound stars—are relatively common in the Milky Way, but they challenge current theories of star formation. The problem is that their separation can exceed the typical size of the collapsing cloud of dust and gas from which the stars form. Recent observations have shown that very wide binaries are frequently members of triple systems and that close binaries often have a distant third companion. Bo Reipurth and Seppo Mikkola report N-body simulations of the dynamical evolution of newborn triple systems that demonstrate that although the triple systems are compact when they are born, they can develop extreme hierarchical architectures on timescales of millions of years as one component is dynamically scattered into a very distant orbit. The energy of ejection comes from shrinking the orbits of the other two stars, often making them look like a single star. Such loosely bound triple systems will therefore appear as very wide binaries.
Untangling the Complex Web of IL-4– and IL-13–Mediated Signaling Pathways

Unraveling the exact signaling events mediating the distinct functions of the T cell–derived cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 has been challenging because they are structurally similar and share a functional signaling receptor chain. A study now proposes a potential molecular mechanism to explain the functional differences between IL-4 and IL-13 that involves the ability of IL-4, but not IL-13, to effectively activate the insulin receptor substrate–2 (IRS-2) signaling cascade through binding to its receptor. A better understanding of the interactions of IL-4 and IL-13 with their cognate receptors may facilitate the development of therapies without unintended side effects.
Structure factor of a single linear chain of finite size.

We derive an exact expression for the structure factor S(Q), at all wave numbers Q, for a single linear chain of N atoms fixed at both ends. The effect of finite size for given N on the peaks in S(Q) is most pronounced for the lowest values of the quantity ${n}^{2}$T where n=1,2,3,. . . is the order of the peak and T the absolute temperature. For N\ensuremath{\gg}1, the average over the center-of-mass positions of pairs of scattering atoms is shown to be equivalent to the usual method of periodic boundary conditions with lower cutoff in wave number for the calculation of S(Q). In contrast to the expression derived here for the finite system with fixed ends, the periodic-boundary-condition expression in the literature for the mean-square displacement of a single atom in the infinite chain is independent of the position of the atom in the chain. The fitted half-widths of the Lorentzian-type peaks for given N as a function of ${n}^{2}$T all fall on a single dipper-shaped curve which drops below the infinite-chain flat line, then approaches it from below. This dipper shape is due to the nonlinear character of the fluctuations and is understandably absent in a linearized analytic theory. A quantitative discussion is given which lends some insight into the physical mechanism responsible for the linewidths in S(Q).
An architectural hardware scheme for the generation of LG graphs for real-time image analysis

This paper presents a hardware architecture scheme that implements the local-global (LG) graph methodology. The LG graph method has the capability to efficiently represent the context of a segmented image and hold its structure independent to rotation, translation and scaling. The LG graph method has been successfully used on object/pattern recognition, image understanding, face/facial expression recognition, biometrics representation and recognition.
Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of nylon 11/poly(vinylidene fluoride) bilaminate films

The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of a new class of polymer ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials, nylon 11/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF2) bilaminate films, prepared by a co-melt-pressing method, is presented. The bilaminate films exhibit typical ferroelectric D-E hysteresis behavior with a remanent polarization, Pr, of about 75 mC/m2, which is higher than the value of 52 mC/m2 observed for PVF2 or nylon 11 films measured under the same conditions. The coercive field, Ec, of the bilaminate films is ∼ 78 MV/m, which is higher than that of either PVF2 or nylon 11 films. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the piezoelectric strain coefficient, d31, and the piezoelectric stress coefficient, e31, were also carried out. The bilaminate films exhibit a piezoelectric strain coefficient, d31, of 41 pC/N at room temperature, which is significantly higher than the PVF2 films (25 pC/N) and the nylon 11 films (3.1 pC/N). When the temperature is increased to 110°C, d31 of the bilaminate films reaches a maximum value of 63 pC/N, more than five times that of PVF2 (11 pC/N) and more than four times that of nylon 11 (14 pC/N) at the same temperature. The piezoelectric stress coefficient, e31, of the bilaminate films shows a value of 109 mC/m2 at room temperature, almost twice that of the PVF2 films (59 mC/m2) and about 18 times that of the nylon 11 films (6.2 mC/m2). Measurement of the temperature dependence of the hydrostatic piezoelectric coefficient, dh, of the bilaminate films also shows an enhancement with respect to the individual components, PVF2 and nylon 11. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Signs and symptoms associated with cataplexy in narcolepsy patients.

The purpose of this report is to compare the similarities and differences among patients with EDS, cataplexy, and polysomnographic evidence of narcolepsy with those without cataplexy but with all the other findings
CD30 (Ki-1)-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma mimicking gastrointestinal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND:There is great diversity in the clinical presentation of CD30 (Ki-1)-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The authors report two patients in whom the clinical and morphologic features mimicked gastrointestinal carcinoma. METHODS:Surgical pathology specimens were examined using standard histologic techniques. Paraffin- and frozen-section immunohistochemistry was performed by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. RESULTS:The first patient is a 58-year-old man who presented with a constricting mass of the sigmoid colon. Immunohistochemical staining for CD45 (LCA) was negative in formalin-fixed paraffin sections. However, CD45 and CD74 (LN2) were detectable in B5 postfixed material. The second patient is a 44-year-old woman who presented with dysphagia and back pain. Endoscopic examination revealed an ulcerated luminal mass in the proximal esophagus and a gastric ulcer. Mucosal biopsy specimens of the esophagus and stomach contained ALCL, which was CD45 positive. Retroperitoneal lymph nodes contained ALCL infiltrating the sinuses, interfollicular areas, and blood vessel lumina. In addition to CD45 and pan-T-cell antigens, the neoplastic cells expressed CD68 (KP1) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Monoclonal antikeratins were negative, but a polyclonal antikeratin stain was positive. CONCLUSIONS:These findings indicate that clinical, morphologic, and some immunologic features of ALCL may mimic gastrointestinal carcinoma.
Drawing back the cloak

The Chlamydomonas Sourcebook: A Comprehensive Guide to Biology and Laboratory Use. By Elizabeth H. Harris. Academic: 1989. Pp. 780. $145, £90.
Satisfaction for n -th order languages defined in n -th order languages

Introduction. In this paper we show that for n-th order languages L' with p nonlogical constants, 2 < n < cw, 0 ? p < co, a notion of satisfaction can be defined in an n-th order language containing one additional nonlogical constant, say S. By the usual methods we also show that this notion cannot be defined in L'. Hence, in its present formulation, Beth's Theorem in [1] for first order languages has no analogue for L'. Our defining expression is such that, given any values of the other nonlogical constants and any appropriate m-tuple, it allows us to determine whether or not the m-tuple belongs to the value S of S without considering the totality of objects which are of the same type as S. Whether every definition in an n-th order language is equivalent to one thus "predicative", and hence whether there is a formulation of Beth's Theorem which generalizes to higher orders, we do not know. The falsehood for L' of the analogue of Beth's Theorem implies the falsehood of an analogue of an interpolation theorem for first order languages. The above definability of satisfaction for L' implies a result on finite axiomatizability in slightly richer languages. Details are given in ? 4. Our construction slightly modifies one by Vaught, sketched in ? 7 of [2] (see also ? 2 of [2]), where he notes that the semantical notions for L', or perhaps more accurately certain modifications of these, can be introduced
A middle-affinity estrogen-specific binding protein in livers of vitellogenic and nonvitellogenic Xenopus laevis.

Abstract Administration of estradiol-17β to male Xenopus laevis evokes massive liver synthesis of the egg yolk precursor protein, vitellogenin, and its cognate mRNA. Since previous experiments had implicated only a nuclear estrogen receptor in vitellogenesis, we examined Xenopus liver cytosol for other estrogen-binding proteins. Cytoplasmic extracts from unstimulated Xenopus liver contain high levels (approximately 500,000 sites/cell) of an estrogen-specific binding protein. This protein exhibits a Kd of approximately 4 × 10−8M for estradiol-17β, binds estrogenic steroids only, and has a sedimentation coefficient in the range 2–3 S. It is not a classical estrogen receptor, as it does not translocate into the nucleus following estrogen administration. We discuss possible functions of this protein, which include a role in the ontogeny of the vitellogenic response, and in the cytoplasmic transport and storage of estrogen.
Treatment of ammonia in pilot-scale constructed wetland systems with clinoptilolite

Abstract Clinoptilolite was investigated as a sorptive medium for use in constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTSs) based on its affinity for ammonia and high surface area for attachment of periphytic biofilms. Results from a batch sorption experiment indicate that the clinoptilolite studied has an affinity for ammonia described by the Freundlich equation q = 0.72 C e 0 .57 for equilibrium ammonia-N concentrations from 0.07 to 30.1 mg/L. During a 10-day sampling period, a pilot-scale CWTS planted with Schoenoplectus californicus and containing 1000 g clinoptilolite removed significantly more (p-value = 8.8 × 10−3) ammonia-N (mean outflow 4.5 mg/L, standard deviation = 4.1) than a control system containing no clinoptilolite (mean outflow 8.6 mg/L, standard deviation = 2.7). Nitrification was detected in samples of clinoptilolite from the treated CWTS using nitrifying bacteria activity reaction tests (n-BARTs). Ammonia removal was not affected by addition of clinoptilolite to a pilot-scale CWTS planted with Typha latifolia, and nitrification activity was not detected in samples of clinoptilolite. These data illustrate that clinoptilolite can increase ammonia removal and nitrifying activity in CWTSs receiving ammonia concentrations equal to or greater than ∼6–10 mg/L when conditions required to support nitrification including hydrosoil redox are provided.
Estimates of flushing times, submarine groundwater discharge, and nutrient fluxes to Okatee Estuary, South Carolina

[1] A physical model based on determining the fraction of the tidal prism that returns to the estuary on the next high tide is used to estimate the flushing time of the Okatee River estuary. The return flow factor (b) of 0.81 yields a flushing time of 2 days. A mass balance model of 228Ra and salinity is also used to estimate b. This model yields an average b = 0.79, virtually the same as the physical model. A third model based on the decay of 224Ra relative to 228Ra is used to determine the apparent age of water in the estuary. These ages range from 1.6 to 5 days, with an average of 3.4 days. These three independent estimates are in remarkably close agreement, certainly within the error of each estimate. We use these residence times to develop a mass balance model for the radium isotopes in the Okatee estuary. We consider decay, mixing, sedimentary input, river input, and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). The major loss term for each isotope is mixing with water in Port Royal Sound; the major input for each isotope is SGD. At steady state these terms must balance. Knowing the water age and the radium isotope composition of groundwater entering the Okatee allows us to estimate an average SGD flux of 1 m3/s. The SGD flux is a factor of 3–4 greater during the summer relative to the winter. This SGD supplies a considerable quantity of nutrients and carbon into the Okatee system.
The Drosophila Broad-Complex early gene directly regulates late gene transcription during the ecdysone-induced puffing cascade.

Abstract The ensemble of tissue-specific changes that drives Drosophila metamorphosis is initiated by the steroid hormone ecdysone and proceeds through a transcriptional cascade comprised of primary response transcriptional regulators and secondary response structural genes. The Broad-Complex ( BR-C ) primary response early gene is composed of several distinct genetic functions and encodes a family of related transcription factor isoforms. Our objective in this study was to determine whether individual BR-C isoforms directly regulate secondary response target genes. A cluster of 10 salivary gland-specific secondary response L71 late genes are dependent on the BR-C rbp + genetic function. Transgenic animals expressing individual BR-C isoforms were tested for their ability to provide the BR-C rbp + genetic function by monitoring the transcriptional activation of the L71 genes. We found that the BR-C Z1 isoforms could complement the transcriptional defects seen in rbp mutants but the Z2, Z3, and Z4 isoforms could not. We conclude that the BR-C rbp + function is provided by the BR-C Z1 isoform in prepupal salivary glands. L71 gene rescue was restricted to the prepupal salivary gland, suggesting the involvement of additional factors in L71 gene regulation. Interestingly, we found that the overexpression of Z3 or Z4 isoforms in BR-C + salivary glands repressed L71 expression, indicating that BR-C proteins might also function as transcriptional repressors. Molecular mapping and characterization of the regulatory sequences that control L71-6 expression revealed several Z1 isoform binding sites. Mutagenesis of these Z1 binding sites resulted in the failure to activate late gene expression in vivo when measured by transgenic reporter genes. We conclude that the BR-C early gene directly activates late gene transcription by interacting with late gene cis -acting regulatory elements and that this interaction is responsible for the temporal linkage of early and late ecdysone-induced gene expression.
Strong indirect effects of a submersed aquatic macrophyte, Vallisneria americana, on bacterioplankton densities in a mesotrophic lake.

Phytoplankton and allochthonous matter are important sources of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for planktonic bacteria in aquatic ecosystems. But in small temperate lakes, aquatic macrophytes may also be an important source of DOC, as well as a source or sink for inorganic nutrients. We conducted micro- and mesocosm studies to investigate the possible effects of an actively growing macrophyte, Vallisneria americana, on bacterial growth and water chemistry in mesotrophic Calder Lake. A first microcosm (1 L) study conducted under high ambient NH4+ levels (NH4+ ≥ 10 µM) demonstrated that macrophytes had a positive effect on bacterial densities through release of DOC and P. A second microcosm experiment, conducted under NH4+-depleted conditions (NH4+ < 10 µM), examined interactive effects of macrophytes and their sediments on bacterial growth and water chemistry. Non-rooted macrophytes had negative effects on bacterial numbers, while rooted macrophytes had no significant effects, despite significant increases in DOC and P. A 70-L mesocosm experiment manipulated macrophytes, as well as N and P supply under surplus NH4+ conditions (NH4+ ≥ 10 µM), and measured effects on bacterial growth, Chl a concentrations, and water chemistry. Bacterial growth and Chl a concentrations declined with macrophyte additions, while bacterial densities increased with P addition (with or without N). Results suggest that the submersed macrophyte Vallisneria exerts a strong but indirect effect on bacteria by modifying nutrient conditions and/or suppressing phytoplankton. Effects of living macrophytes differed with ambient nutrient conditions: under NH4+-surplus conditions, submersed macrophytes stimulated bacterioplankton through release of DOC or P, but in NH4+-depleted conditions, the influence of Vallisneria was negative or neutral. Effects of living macrophytes on planktonic bacteria were apparently mediated by the macrophytes use and/or release of nutrients, as well as through possible effects on phytoplankton production.
Low-power optically addressed spatial light modulators using MBE-grown III-V structures

Device approaches are investigated for O-SLMs based on MBE engineered III-V materials and structures. Strong photo-optic effects can be achieved in periodically (delta) -doped multiple quantum well (MQW) structures. The doping-defined barriers serve to separate and delay recombination of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs. One can use this photo-effect to change the internal field across the MQWs giving rise to quantum-confined Stark shift. Alternately, the photo-generated electrons can be used to occupy the quantum wells, which in turn causes exciton quenching and a shift of the absorption edge. Recent work has shown that both of these predicted photo-optic effects can indeed be achieved in such MBE engineered structures. However, these enhanced effects are still insufficient for high contrast modulation with only single or double pass absorption through active layers of practical thickness. We use the asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity approach which permits extinction of light due to interference of light reflected from the front and back surfaces of the cavity. Modulation of the absorption in the active cavity layers unbalances the cavity and 'turns on' the reflected output signal, thereby allowing large contrast ratios. This approach is realized with an all-MBE- grown structure consisting of a GaAs/AlAs quarter-wave stack reflector grown over the GaAs substrate as the high reflectance mirror (approximately equals 0.98) and the GaAs surface as the low reflectance mirror (approximately equals 0.3). We use for our active cavities InGaAs/GaAs MQWs separated by npn (delta) -doped GaAs barriers to achieve sensitive photo-optic effect due to exciton quenching. High contrast modulation (> 60:1) is achieved with the Fabry-Perot structures using low power (< 100 mW/cm2) InGaAs/GaAS quantum well lasers for a write signal.
Field dependence of the Spin State and Spectroscopic Modes of Multiferroic BiFeO3

The spectroscopic modes of multiferroic BiFeO${}_{3}$ provide detailed information about the very small anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interactions responsible for the long-wavelength, distorted cycloid below ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}=640$ K. A microscopic model that includes two DM interactions and easy-axis anisotropy predicts both the zero-field spectroscopic modes as well as their splitting and evolution in a magnetic field applied along a cubic axis. While only six modes are optically active in zero field, all modes at the cycloidal wave vector are activated by a magnetic field. The three magnetic domains of the cycloid are degenerate in zero field but one domain has lower energy than the other two in nonzero field. Measurements imply that the higher-energy domains are depopulated above about 6 T and have a maximum critical field of 16 T, below the critical field of 19 T for the lowest-energy domain. Despite the excellent agreement with the measured spectroscopic frequencies, some discrepancies with the measured spectroscopic intensities suggest that other weak interactions may be missing from the model.
A note on the solutions of Boussinesq, Love, and Marguerre in axisymmetric elasticity

On observe que, en ecrivant l'equation de deplacement a l'equilibre pour l'elasticite homogene, isotrope et lineaire, avec force volumique nulle en termes de dilatation et de rotation dans le cas axisymetrique, on est conduit a une solution complete en termes de deux potentiels de deplacement
The Role of Philosophy in Academic Ethics

This paper seeks to provide some of the roles of philosophy in the field of academic ethics.
Silicon hydride etch products from the reaction of atomic hydrogen with Si (100)

Abstract The formation of silane, SiH4, on the Si(100) surface following atomic hydrogen chemisorption has been investigated using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) mass spectrometry and static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS). The yield of SiH3+ ions in SSIMS is correlated with trends observed in the SiH4 TPD yield, as the hydrogen surface coverage (θH) and the surface temperature during hydrogen exposure are varied. A mixture of silicon hydrides is formed on the Si(100)-(2×1) surface by adsorption of H atoms, including SiH3(a) which yields SiH4(g) during the temperature program. The peak temperature (Tp) for SiH4 in TPD occurs at 375 °C, which is 50 °C below the H2 β2 desorption peak. The maximum yield of SiH4 is observed at θH = 1.5 monolayers, with roughly 4% of all the surface hydrogen desorbing as SiH4, resulting in removal of about 1% of a monolayer of silicon atoms. The minimum hydrogen coverage needed for detectable SiH4 formation is 0.25–0.3 monolayers. The SiH4 TPD yield and the SiH3+ intensity in SSIMS are proportional to θH between θH = 0.25 and 0.5. As θH is increased beyond 0.5, the SiH4 TPD yield gradually saturates at the maximum value. Desorption of polysilicon hydrides, SixHy (x = 2,3,4) is also observed. These higher silicon hydride species desorb in TPD with Tp coincident with the β2 desorption peak for H2 at 425 °C. Molecular species Si2H6, Si3H8 and Si4H10 desorb. and mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns indicate that hydrogen deficient radical species such as Si2H2, Si2H, or Si2 are thermally desorbed. The silicon surface temperature during hydrogen adsorption dramatically affects the yields of all the silicon hydride products.
The Use of Artificial Viscosity to Compute One-Dimensional Wave Propagation in Composite Materials:

A new and simple numerical method is presented for computing large amplitude, one-dimensional wave propagation in composite materials. The method deals with values of stress, particle velocity, and displacement that are averaged over several unit cells of the composite. The principal advantage of the method over previous macroscopic approaches is that it uses the numerical oscillations and the artificial viscosity already present in one-dimensional hydrocodes to model the geometric and dissipative dispersions of the composite material. The hydrocodes (such as PUFF or WONDY) may be used in their present form without additional dispersion relations. The method is shown to correspond to a definite physical constitutive material model. Comparisons of computational results with this method are made with those from previous models and with experimental measurements.
The murmurs of mitral regurgitation.

Not all murmurs of mitral regurgitation are holosystolic. Occasionally, the patient with mitral reflux will demonstrate an early systolic murmur, a late systolic murmur or a mid-systolic murmur. Rarely, a systolic murmur is absent. We have also described a patient with silent mitral regurgitation and a short diastolic rumbling murmur.
Interactions of Gonadotropins with Corpus Luteum Membranes. II. The Identification of Two Distinct Surface Membrane Fractions from Superovulated Rat Ovaries

Fractions enriched in hCG-binding activity were prepared by differential rate centrifugation of superovulated rat ovarian homogenates and were applied to continuous sucrose density gradients (20– 55%). After centrifugation at 63,000 × gav for 3.5 h, fractions of each gradient were collected and assayed for a range of marker enzyme activities characteristic of surface membranes and subcellular organelles. Mitochondria, lysosomes, and rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes accumulated in the gradient between 38–41% sucrose (1.165–1.180 g/cm3). Nuclei passed through the gradient. However, the various surface membrane markers concentrated in two distinct regions of the gradient. Alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, (Na+ + K+)ATPase I, and hCG-binding activity concentrated at 29–32% sucrose (1.120–1.135 g/cm3), whereas 5′-nucleotidase, Mg2+-dependent ATPase, and adenylate cyclase activities (and minor peaks of hCG-binding and phosphodiesterase activities) were enriched at 36–38% sucrose (1.16–1.1...
Whole mind and shared mind in clinical decision-making

Objective To review the theory, research evidence and ethical implications regarding "whole mind" and "shared mind" in clinical practice in the context of chronic and serious illnesses. Methods Selective critical review of the intersection of classical and naturalistic decision-making theories, cognitive neuroscience, communication research and ethics as they apply to decision-making and autonomy. Results Decision-making involves analytic thinking as well as affect and intuition ("whole mind") and sharing cognitive and affective schemas of two or more individuals ("shared mind"). Social relationships can help processing of complex information that otherwise would overwhelm individuals' cognitive capacities. Conclusions Medical decision-making research, teaching and practice should consider both analytic and non-analytic cognitive processes. Further, research should consider that decisions emerge not only from the individual perspectives of patients, their families and clinicians, but also the perspectives that emerge from the interactions among them. Social interactions have the potential to enhance individual autonomy, as well as to promote relational autonomy based on shared frames of reference. Practice implications Shared mind has the potential to result in wiser decisions, greater autonomy and self-determination; yet, clinicians and patients should be vigilant for the potential of hierarchical relationships to foster coercion or silencing of the patient's voice.
New Strategies in the Management of Leptomeningeal Metastases

The management of patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) is multifaceted and complex. Even with an aggressive approach, therapeutic outcomes are uniformly disappointing. This is because of the relentless growth of the central nervous system (CNS) and/or the systemic cancers, or their lethal complications. Advances in the understanding of the homing of cancer cells to the CNS, and of cancer metastasis in general, and more effective anticancer drugs that are adequately delivered to the CNS and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are needed to improve outcomes for patients with LM. These advances may lead to better treatments for this disease and, ultimately, its prevention.