cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collaborative testing: Assessing teamwork and critical thinking behaviors in baccalaureate nursing students

The purpose of this study was to foster teamwork and critical thinking behaviors in baccalaureate nursing students using a collaborative testing environment. Collaborative testing affords the nurse educator a unique opportunity to actively influence the development of critical thinking skills directly influencing the nursing student's ability to solve complex patient problems. Using a quasi-experimental approach exam scores from students in prior semesters were compared to students in several semesters using collaborative testing in one undergraduate course taught by the same faculty. In the experimental group collaborative testing was used in the two unit examinations, while the final examination remained individual. For collaborative testing the students were grouped by random assignment. They were not allowed the use of notes, textbooks, or other resource materials. Any student who wished to work alone was allowed do so and any student coming late (within 15 min of examination beginning) was required to work alone. Each student submitted individual examination answer forms, and groups were not required to reach consensus. Collaborative testing is one means to foster critical thinking by allowing students to solve complex patient problems within an examination environment. This better prepares them for national certification exams.
Measurement of ηϱn versus T near Tλ of dilute 3He4He mixtures and their implication for pure 4He

Precision measurements of ηϱn in the vicinity of their respective lambda points have been made for pure 4He and for three mixtures of 3He in 4He. Consideration of the precise 12% mixture curve leads to the conclusion that neither the viscosity nor its first derivative is discontinous at Tλ for this mixture, and to the inference that the same is true for pure 4He.
A Synergistic Model to Enhance Multicultural Competence in Supervision.

The Synergistic Model of Multicultural Supervision is an integration of 3 existing models to provide concrete and practical guidance for supervisors wishing to enhance supervisee multicultural competence in personally meaningful and developmentally appropriate ways. The model attends to both content and process within the supervisory session and promotes multicultural counselor competence through increasing cognitive complexity, self-reflection, and structured interventions.
Mentorship in academic medicine: a critical component for all faculty and academic advancement.

entorship for faculty in academic medicine is a partnership hereby a senior faculty member provides support and guidnce on a professional or personal level to a more junior indiidual. This partnership can be intense and of variable duration, requently existing until the junior person achieves the estabished goals. It can, however, be a long-term relationship that ontinues throughout the career of the junior faculty member.
A FAST HEURISTIC FOR LOOP PARALLELIZATION

We present a fast loop parallelization heuristic that assigns separate invocations of a loop to different processors. If the loop contains data dependences between iterations, later iterations can be delayed while awaiting a result computed in an earlier iteration. In this paper we study a scheduling problem, called the Delay Problem, that approximates the problem of minimizing the delay in the start time of loops with loop-carried dependences. Our major result is a fast (O(n log2 n)) time algorithm for the case where the precedence constraints are a forest of in-trees or a forest of out-trees. Since most graphs for the Delay Problem that arise in practice are sparse and consist of such a forest with possibly a few additional edges, this is an important case. We prove that the Delay Problem becomes NP-Complete when the precedence constraints are a set of arbitrary trees. We also prove that the Delay Problem becomes NP-Complete for independent chains when it is generalized to allow either non-unit execution times or release times and deadlines.
Chest wall abscess: an unusual presentation of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A chest wall abscess is a very rare presentation of extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL); only one case has been reported to date. Here, we describe a case of a 38-yr-old man with HL whose initial presentation was a chest wall abscess. The diagnosis of HL was suggested by cytological examination of the purulent discharge and was confirmed subsequently by excisional biopsy of cervical lymph node. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:33–35. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sustainability of Public Policy: Example from the Energy–Water Nexus

AbstractAssessing how well public policies support and advance sustainable planning and practice is an area of increasing interest, particularly with respect to resources management. The relationship between energy and water resources, commonly known as the energy–water nexus, is one such resource management area in which policy plays a major role. To evaluate the sustainability of specific policies, three recent energy–water nexus bills from the U.S. Congress were assessed based on five sustainability considerations, as follows: (1) creates new knowledge and/or resource management strategy that advances towards the goal of sustainability, (2) allows for flexibility in technology and management options, (3) promotes policy integration between different departments and agencies, (4) matches appropriated budget with anticipated savings or revenue, and (5) considers the long-term for reevaluation. Using these sustainability considerations, the energy–water nexus policies exhibit many characteristics of susta...
The relationship of epilepsy to breech delivery

Abstract In a group of (92) patients with epilepsy whose EEG's revealed diffusely distributed, bilaterally synchronous, spike and slow wave discharges the proportion of breech born individuals (19.6 per cent) was found to be significantly greater than the proportion of breech birth (3.4 per cent) in the general population. In contrast, the proportion of breech born individuals (2.8 per cent) in a group of epileptic patients with localized EEG disturbances did not differ significantly from that in the general population. The proportion of breech born in a group of (20) patients who had petit mal seizures and also in a group of (20) patients with “classical spike and wave” was significantly greater than that in the general population. The high incidence of breech birth in patients who have epilepsy of the type associated with bilaterally synchronous spike and wave EEG disturbances strongly suggests that breech delivery is an important factor in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Breech delivery does not appear to be an important factor in the origin of focal cerebral seizures.
Meta-analysis and Imputation Identifies a 109 kb Risk Haplotype Spanning TNFAIP3 Associated with Lupus Nephritis and Hematologic Manifestations

TNFAIP3 encodes the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme, A20, a key regulator of inflammatory signaling pathways. We previously reported association between TNFAIP3 variants and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To further localize the risk variant(s), we performed a meta-analysis using genetic data available from two Caucasian case-control datasets (1453 total cases, 3381 total control subjects) and 713 SLE trio families. The best result was found at rs5029939 (P=1.67 x 10(-14), odds ratio=2.09, 95% confidence interval 1.68-2.60). We then imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the CEU Phase II HapMap using genotypes from 431 SLE cases and 2155 control subjects. Imputation identified 11 SNPs in addition to three observed SNPs, which together, defined a 109 kb SLE risk segment surrounding TNFAIP3. When evaluating whether the rs5029939 risk allele was associated with SLE clinical manifestations, we observed that heterozygous carriers of the TNFAIP3 risk allele at rs5029939 have a twofold increased risk of developing renal or hematologic manifestations compared to homozygous non-risk subjects. In summary, our study strengthens the genetic evidence that variants in the region of TNFAIP3 influence risk for SLE, particularly in patients with renal and hematologic manifestations, and narrows the risk effect to a 109 kb DNA segment that spans the TNFAIP3 gene.
Preparation and Characterization of Polypyrrole-Coated Nanosized Novel Ceramics

Surfactant bilayers adsorbed on TS-1 zeolite were used as templates to produce colloidal nanocomposites with a polypyrrole (Ppy) shell. The adsorbed surfactant was cetylpyridinium chloride, and it plays a critical role for attaining both the colloidal stability of the nanocomposites and an enhanced conductivity of the Ppy sheath on the TS-1 core. The observed contact conductivity of the nanocomposites was 5 S/cm for a sample with 8 wt % of Ppy incorporation while bulk Ppy powder had a contact conductivity of 0.03 S/cm.
Diffusion in ion exchange resins

Observations on the rate of ion exchange in Dowex 50W resins are reported. Measurements were made under conditions where solid diffusion was the governing phenomenon for six pairs of ions, sodium- zinc, sodium- silver, silveraluminum, zinc -- copper, zinc - aluminum, and aluminum -cerium (trivalent). The effects of temperature and of resin cross-linkage were studied with the first system. Exchange in both directions was studied for each pair except the last. Interpretation with a Fick's law model was accomplished, and diffusion coefficients were obtained for each pair. Values were greatly dependent on the direction of the exchange as well as on the particular pair. Interpretation with a Nernst-Planck model was also accomplished and diffusivities for each ion were obtained. Values were greatly influenced by the nature of the second ion except in the case of sodium. The interpretation in this case required numerical solution of the flux equations. The os of 1/3 and 2/3 with diffusivity ratios of 5, 10, and 20 and for valence ratios of 3 and 3/2 with diffusivity ratios of 1/5, 1/10, and 1/20. Activation energies were found to be 4 to 6 kcal/g mole for either model. Increasing the resin cross-linkage from 4 to 12%more » decreased the diffusion values by approximately 80%. The data were equally well represented with either model. In view of the simplicity of Fick's law, the use of this model is recommended for design purposes. (auth)« less
B-6 vitamer concentrations in mouse plasma, erythrocytes and tissues

Abstract The five major forms of vitamin B-6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP) and pyridoxine (PN) were measured in plasma, erythrocytes, liver and brain of A/Ibg and DBA/2Ibg mice by paired-ion High Pressure Liquid Chromatography. The mice were fed a non-purified diet that provided the bioavailable equivalent of approximately 3–4 mg PN-HCl/kg diet. In each tissue two of the vitamers accounted for nearly all of the total concentration of vitamin B-6. These were: plasma, PLP (14%) and PL (85%); erythrocytes, PLP (94%) and PL (3%); liver, PLP (63%) and PMP (36%); and brain PLP (55%) and PMP (43%). PM and PN contributed negligible amounts to the total vitamin B-6 content of these tissues. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of any of the vitamers between the two mouse strains, however, Pearson correlations between pairs of indices were different in the two strains. For example, plasma and liver PLP concentrations were uncorrelated in the A, but negatively correlated in the DBA mice. These data suggest that although plasma PLP may be a suitable index of dietary intake of vitamin B-6, genetic factors may be an important variable in the ability to predict tissue concentrations of the B-6 vitamers from plasma or erythrocyte concentrations.
The electrochemical desorption of n-alkanethiol monolayers from polycrystalline Au and Ag electrodes

Monolayers formed at Au and Ag surfaces by the spontaneous adsorption of n-alkanethiols were characterized voltammetrically to examine the chemistry of the bound thiol head group. Electrode reactions that correspond to the oxidative- and reductive-desorption of the adsorbed n-alkanethiol monolayer are reported for the first time. Analysis of the data indicates that upon adsorption at both Au and Ag surfaces the hydrogen of the thiol group is lost and the sulfur atom is oxidized by one electron. Based on the charge required for the reductive-desorption of the monolayer, the surface coverage of the oxidized n-alkanethiol species is 9.3×10−10 mol/cm2 and 7.0 ×10−10 mol/cm2 on Au and Ag, respectively. The value of the surface coverage at Au is slightly greater than that expected for a closest-packed overlayer commensurate with a Au(111) substrate, whereas the value at Ag is somewhat less than that expected for layers commensurate at any of the low index Ag surface planes. The low apparent coverage observed for Ag electrodes is attributed to a portion of the monolayer being electroinactive at accessible applied voltages. As a probe of the mechanism for monolayer formation, films that were deposited on Ag and Au surfaces from solutions containing sodium n-octadecanethiolate were also characterized. Examination of the resulting layers with infrared reflection spectroscopy and optical ellipsometry indicates that only at Ag substrates were the films deposited from the thiolate solution complete and structurally similar to monolayers formed from n-octadecanethiol solutions. Based on this observation, it is postulated that the thiol hydrogen of the n-alkanethiol molecule participates in the reduction reaction that is concomitant to the thiol oxidation during adsorption on Au, whereas adsorption on Ag proceeds through the reduction of the Ag(I) surface species of the native oxide. A model for the electric double layer at the monolayer-coated-electrode/solution interface is also suggested based on the observed chain-length dependence of both the capacitance and the potential for the reductive desorption.
A New Heuristic for Inferring Regular Grammars

Modifications to a grammatical inference scheme by Feldman et al. are presented. A comparison of the relative performance of the original and modified schemes is made using the complexity measures of Feldman and Wharton. The case where a complex model is used to generate the sample set is then analyzed. A set of 104 samples was found that trained the program to infer the grammar that corresponded to the original model. The results of a study of the performance of this algorithm when there is a large number of samples is then presented. The major conclusion of this study is that the modified scheme has a superior performance on small sample sets but is highly unsuitable for large ones.
Personality and learning FORTRAN

Abstract Relationships between personality traits and achievement in introductory FORTRAN were examined among 326 college students. Personality was assessed via seven different multiple-choice tests, and achievement was assessed with four course exams, the first serving as a covariate. The course became more difficult as it progressed, and the relevance of personality to achievement increased. Ultimately, relatively introverted subjects, who were hard-driving and ambitious (Type A personality) obtained higher grades than their more extroverted, easy-going counterparts. There was no evidence that non -engineering majors were temperamentally “unsuited” for computer programming.
Subclinical ADHD, stress, and coping in romantic relationships of university students.

Objective: To examine how the subclinical symptoms of adult ADHD and those of oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD) affect relationship satisfaction and stress and to determine whether different patterns of coping strategies emerge when undergraduates have symptoms of one or both disorders. Method: Participants (N = 497) complete self-report surveys assessing ADHD and ODD symptoms, relationship satisfaction, stress, and coping strategies used in their intimate relationships. Results: ADHD and ODD symptoms are significantly related to a number of stressors and different patterns of coping strategies. University students with symptoms of both ADHD and ODD display a different pattern of stressors and different patterns of coping than those with symptoms of ADHD only. Conclusion: Screenings for both ADHD and ODD and the provision of services that offer students more constructive coping alternatives to deal with stress in their intimate relationships are needed on university campuses. (J. of Att. Dis. XXXX; XX(X) XX-XX)
Tea consumption does not affect iron absorption in rats unless tea and iron are consumed together

Abstract Phenolic compounds may influence iron absorption by complexing iron in the intestinal lumen or by altering intestinal permeability. We assessed the effects of tea on iron absorption and intestinal permeability in rats in two experiments. In experiment 1, rats maintained on a commercial rat diet were fasted overnight with free access to water and then gavaged with 1.0 ml of 59 Fe labeled FeCl 3 (0.1 mM or 1.0 mM) and lactulose (0.5 M) in water or black tea. Iron absorption was estimated from 59 Fe retention. Intestinal permeability was evaluated by lactulose excretion in the urine. Iron absorption was lower when given with tea at both iron concentrations but tea did not affect lactulose excretion. In experiment 2, rats maintained on a commercial rat diet were divided into two groups. One group was given black tea as the only source of water for 3 d. The other group was given water. Both groups were fasted overnight with free access to water and then gavaged with 1.0 ml of water or black tea containing 59 Fe labeled FeCl 3 (0.1 mM) and lactulose (0.5 M). Iron absorption was not affected by 3 d of tea consumption but was decreased when delivered in tea. Lactulose excretion was not affected by 3 d tea consumption or by delivery in tea. These data suggest that tea affects iron absorption by forming iron complexes in the lumen.
Student Thinking about Static Equilibrium: Insights from Written Explanations to a Concept Question

Students' thinking during an assessment task was monitored by analyzing their explanations of answers to a multiple-choice question about the equilibrium of bodies under given loads. Based on coding by independent raters, we found that nearly all students explained answers by appealing to force and/or moment summation; they differed principally on whether they applied both force and moment equilibrium and did so consistently. Correlations between answer selection and explanation as found from coding suggested that a reasonable guess as to a student's thinking can be made based on the answer choice alone. By the final exam, some students improved in their ability to consistently apply both principles or at least to apply them when needed. Many other students apparently learned to apply one of the principles consistently, although they came to ignore the other principle, even if they had acknowledged it at the start of the course.
Adaptive hybrid conditional expectation approaches for reliability estimation

Abstract Conditional expectation is a simulation procedure that can be used to estimate the reliability of structures. It involves selecting an important random variable, using Monte Carlo simulation to generate sets of sample outcomes of the remaining “unimportant” random variables, estimating the conditional failure probability for each set of sample outcomes and using the average conditional failure probability as the estimate of the failure probability. This direct conditional expectation approach can be extremely effective, but only if the selected important random variable is much more important than the combined effect of the remaining random variables. In this paper, the concept of using importance sampling to generate the unimportant random variables is introduced. With a good sampling density, this greatly improves the efficiency for cases in which the selected important random variable does not dominate. To select such a density, however, one needs informations about the important regions of the failure domain. Typically, such information is not available a priori , and the direct application of this concept is limited. This concept can, however, be used in an adaptive format and two such adaptive hybrid conditional expectation approaches are developed in this paper. They are based on the idea that, as one generates sample outcomes and calculates the conditional failure probabilities at these outcomes, the knowledge of the failure domain increases. If one keeps modifying the importance sampling density to reflect this increasing state of knowledge, one can develop a good sampling density and simultaneously estimate the failure probability efficiently. Examples are used to demonstrate the efficacy of these approches and study the influence of factors like failure probability level and relative importance of random variables. Also discussed are issues such as the efficiency of the new methods (compared to FORM) and the applications to problems involving unions and intersections.
Ultrastructural correlates of haloperidol‐induced oral dyskinesias in rat striatum

Neuroleptics given chronically to rats induce behavioral sequelae which mimic tardive dyskinesia in some respects. The intent of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural correlates of oral dyskinesias (vacuous chewing movements [VCMs]), induced by chronic haloperidol treatment. After 6 months of treatment, rats were divided into low or high VCM groups. Rats in the high VCM group were either sacrificed on drug or were withdrawn from drug for 4 weeks. Ultrastructural analyses of the striatum indicated that synaptic density: 1) was significantly decreased in both the low and high VCM groups compared to normal controls; 2) was more profoundly decreased in the high VCM group as compared to the low VCM group; and 3) recovered to normal following drug withdrawal. Compared to controls, the density of asymmetric synapses was reduced by a similar magnitude in both the low and high VCM groups, suggesting that this change is a result of haloperidol treatment and independent of VCMs. Conversely, the density of symmetric synapses was reduced compared to normal, only in the high VCM group, suggesting that this change is specifically related to the expression of VCMs. In addition, mitochondrial profiles were hypertrophied and less frequent in the high VCM group in comparison to controls; size, but not number, recovered following drug withdrawal. These results identify distinct ultrastructural correlates of chronic haloperidol treatment that are unique to rats that develop VCMs and suggest that these ultrastructural features may play a role in the pathophysiology of oral dyskinesias in rats.
Nonlinear transient dynamic analysis of soil-pavement interaction under moving load: a coupled BEM-FEM approach

Abstract The nonlinear transient dynamic analysis of a 3-D linear elastic pavement placed on an elastoplastic soil medium, subject to a moving load, is presented. The time domain nonlinear boundary element method for the soil medium is combined with the finite element method for the pavement. The nonlinear BEM is based on an initial stress approach. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified by comparison with available analytical solutions and published numerical results.
Differential leptin access into the brain — A hierarchical organization of hypothalamic leptin target sites?

Leptin target sites are found in several hypothalamic areas with dense populations of long form leptin receptor (LepRb) expressing neurons which mediate important leptin actions. Leptin action has been most intensely investigated in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), which represents an important leptin target site. Recent data have shown that non-ARC leptin target sites mediate important aspects of leptin action, however, including the regulation of energy balance. Therefore, the investigation of discrete leptin signaling systems and their interactions will be an important step to understand the homeostatic action of leptin. In this review I discuss our recent data investigating important differences in leptin accessibility to ARC neurons in contrast to other hypothalamic sites like the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and discuss their importance for the leptin signaling system.
Translational diffusion of transition metal complexes

Abstract Capillary flow techniques have been used to measure D T , the translational diffusion constant at temperature T , for three transition metal complexes in several low-viscosity liquids. The translational radius, r t , for each of the complexes was obtained from D T using the Stokes–Einstein relation. The common value of r t of Ni(mnt) 2 − in n -butyl alcohol, acetonitrile (ACN), acetone, and ethyl alcohol (EtOH) indicates that the apparently different rotational radii (from ESR) in a series of polar solvents are due to solute–solvent interactions and not to solvation or ion pairing. Another complex, Ni(mnt) 2 2− , was also studied in ACN; our values of D T for Ni(mnt) 2 2− and Ni(mnt) 2 − in ACN are in agreement with electrochemical values. The reproducibility of our techniques was checked by using three different capillaries to make four separate determinations of D T for Ni(mnt) 2 − in EtOH; the values are in good agreement. Values of D T were measured for Mn(Cat–N–SQ) 2 , MnR 2 , in tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, and acetone. This complex is of interest because of its screw-propeller geometry. The values of r t in our solvents are in agreement with each other and are consistent with ESR studies of the reorientational motion of MnR 2 .
Pellicular immobilized enzymes

Abstract Methods for the preparation of shell-structured immobilized enzymes supported by a fluid impervious spherical core are outlined. The preparation of such trypsin resins by coreticulation of the enzyme with a copolymer of maleic anhydride and vinyl methylester in situ on the surface of glass beads is described and some properties of the product including its behavior in hydro-organic media are discussed. By using the same reactive polymer pellicular polyanionic conjugates of chymotrypsin, papain, ribonuclease, l -asparaginase and alkaline phosphatase were also obtained. Carbon, nylon, silica and alumina in pellicular form were employed for the preparation of immobilized enzymes by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Pellicular carbon was the most suitable carrier for wheat germ acid phosphatase, cathepsin C and chymotrypsin. The activity of the products compares favorably to that obtained with enzymes immobilized on porous glass. The results indicate that a variety of methods can be employed to obtain pellicular immobilized enzymes, which possess high mechanical stability for use in packed beds and offer an efficient utilization of the immobilized enzyme.
Surface Properties of Hydroxyapatite : I. The Effect of Various Inorganic Ions on the Electrophoretic Behavior

The zeta potential of hydroxyapatite (HA) at a constant pH depends on the type of acid used. Fluoride ions increase the charge density and make the surface less prone to attack by acid or alkali. Sn2+ and Th4+ form ionic complexes with fluoride ions and increase the uptake of fluoride by HA.
Genetic Deletion of NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 Abrogates Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB, IκBα Kinase, c-Jun N-terminal Kinase, Akt, p38, and p44/42 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases and Potentiates Apoptosis

The NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a phase II enzyme that reduces and detoxifies quinones and their derivatives. Although overexpressed in tumor cells, the NQO1 has been linked with the suppression of carcinogenesis, and the effect of NQO1 on tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a cytokine that mediates tumorigenesis through proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumors, is currently unknown. The purpose of our study was to determine the role of NQO1 in TNF cell signaling by using keratinocytes derived from wild-type and NQO1 gene-deleted mice. TNF induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in wild-type but not in NQO1-deleted cells. The treatment of wild-type cells with dicoumarol, a known inhibitor of NQO1, also abolished TNF-induced NF-κB activation. NF-κB activation induced by lipopolysaccharide, phorbol ester, and cigarette smoke, was also abolished in NQO1-deleted cells. The suppression of NF-κB activation was mediated through the inhibition of IκBα kinase activation, IκBα phosphorylation, and IκBα degradation. Further, the deletion of NQO1 abolished TNF-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase, Akt, p38, and p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. TNF also induced the expression of various NF-κB-regulated gene products involved in cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, and invasion in wild-type NQO1 keratinocytes but not in NQO1-deleted cells. The suppression of these antiapoptotic gene products increased TNF-induced apoptosis in NQO1-deleted cells. We also found that TNF activated NQO1, and NQO1-specific small interfering RNA abolished the TNF-induced NQO1 activity and NF-κB activation. Overall, our results indicate that NQO1 plays a pivotal role in signaling activated by TNF and other inflammatory stimuli and that its suppression is a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit the proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells.
SU-E-J-149: Is Rotational IMRT More Susceptible to Tumor Motion than Dynamic IMRT?

Purpose: To investigate whether rotational IMRT is more susceptible to organ motion than IMRT that uses fixed fields. Methods: RapidArc and sliding window IMRT treatment plans were each created for five lung and five pancreas cases. Dosimetric effects due to tumor motion were simulatedby incorporating sinusoidal couch motion into plans using in‐house Monte Carlo dose verification software. Motion was emulated longitudinally (10 mm) for all cases with additional lateral and vertical motion (5 mm) for pancreatic tumors. Dose distributions of original and modified plans were compared using Gamma analysis and dose profiles. Results: Preliminary results show that for one lung case, a 95% Gamma pass rate can be achieved using 6%‐6‐mm criterion for RapidArc versus 8%‐8‐mm for sliding window. Findings are supported by expanding on a well‐known model that demonstrates the effects of intra‐fraction motion on the delivery of dynamic intensity modulation. Conclusions: Rotational IMRT deliveries are believed to be no more susceptible to organ motion than sliding window IMRT, and results thus far support this conclusion.
Quantum mechanics of the googolplexus

«La formulation euclidienne de la gravitation est un sujet qui n'a pas de fondements solides ni de regles de procedure claires; elle ressemble en effet a un marais sans pistes. Je pense m'en etre sorti sain et sauf, mais il est toujours possible que, sans le savoir, je sois dans des sables mouvants jusqu'au cou et que je m'enfonce rapidement.» Sidney Coleman
A sample average approximation approach to stochastic appointment sequencing and scheduling

This article develops algorithms for a single-resource stochastic appointment sequencing and scheduling problem with waiting time, idle time, and overtime costs. This is a basic stochastic scheduling problem that has been studied in various forms by several previous authors. Applications for this problem cited previously include scheduling of surgeries in an operating room, scheduling of appointments in a clinic, scheduling ships in a port, and scheduling exams in an examination facility. In this article, the problem is formulated as a stochastic integer program using a sample average approximation. A heuristic solution approach based on Benders’ decomposition is developed and compared to exact methods and to previously proposed approaches. Extensive computational testing shows that the proposed methods produce good results compared with previous approaches. In addition, it is proved that the finite scenario sample average approximation problem is NP-complete.
Visualizing the game: the iconography of football on African postage stamps

Every country issues postage stamps. Originally construed as pre-payment for the service of transporting letters and packages, stamps have also become mediums for transmitting promotional images and sometimes even propaganda messages about the country of issue to its citizens and the rest of the world. Common themes of the images on postage stamps are sporting events, such as football games, and football celebrities. From an examination of images depicting simple silhouettes, anonymous athletes, stadiums and paraphernalia as well as recognizable icons and teams, this article traces the evolution of the representation of football on postage stamps from eight African countries since independence. This evolution, I argue, occurred in tandem with the development of football as a national and global brand with various dimensions, including image projection and propaganda, as well as economic expansion. The power of philatelic propaganda has been expressed through nationalist aspirations, where icons of footbal...
Use of and Communication about Dietary Supplements Among Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND Use of dietary supplements (DS) is common in the United States; however little is known about the use of DS specifically in hospitalized patients.
Seeking extramural funds to improve services: is it worth the effort?

This article reports key results of a study of the longer term effects of one type of grant (US Library Services and Construction Act), awarded to Wisconsin public libraries over five years (1989‐1994) to improve services to specific groups of users. The study used a qualitative, case study methodology to formulate theory derived from data. Data collection included analysis of proposals and final project reports for 119 funded projects, and, for a sub‐set of 22 selected projects, 74 structured telephone interviews with public library directors and project coordinators, representatives of user groups and related service agencies, and regional systems specialists familiar with the projects. Findings suggest that such projects do have long term benefits. Guidelines are provided for public libraries for developing fundable proposals, and recommendations are made to help funding agencies increase the likelihood of selecting successful projects.
Quality of life measured with a generic instrument (Short Form-36) improves following pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD.

Study objectives: The purpose of this study was toevaluate the effects of a 3-week comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitationprogram on quality of life as measured by the Short Form-36 (SF-36) inpatients with COPD. Design and setting: We report onthe outcomes of 37 consecutive patients referred for pulmonaryrehabilitation at a respiratory specialty medical center. Patients: Thirty-seven patients (mean age, 66 years) with, COPD and severe airflow limitation (mean ± SE FEV 1 ,29.6 ± 1.8% of predicted) were studied. Interventions: Rehabilitation consisted of a 3-weekpulmonary rehabilitation program incorporating 12 exercise sessions, each of which included bicycle ergometer exercise training, upper-extremity training, strength training, and stretching, along withpsychosocial counseling and education. Measurements andresults: The Health Status Index (SF-36) and 6-min walk test werecompleted before and after rehabilitation. There was an improvement infive of the nine quality-of-life subscales of the SF-36 followingpulmonary rehabilitation. Although there was an improvement infunctional capacity as measured by the 6-min walk, there was nocorrelation between improvement in quality of life and improvement infunctional capacity. There was no correlation between FEV 1 and improvement in walk distance, but there was a correlation between, FEV 1 and improvement in SF-36 physical function andenergy/fatigue subscales. Conclusion: Health-relatedquality of life assessed by the SF-36, a general measure of quality oflife, improves following an intensive 3-week pulmonary rehabilitationprogram. Use of the SF-36 allows comparison of the results of pulmonaryrehabilitation to therapeutic interventions in patients with othermedical disorders.
The Pitman comparison of unbiased linear estimators

Abstract The canonical form for the comparison of certain linear estimators using Pitman's Measure of Closeness is generalized to the class of all linear estimators. Under the assumption of normality, the equivalence of Pitman-closest linear unbiased estimators and best linear unbiased estimators is shown. A sufficient condition is given for which the BLUE will be Pitman-closer than the best linear equivalent estimator (BLEE).
Solution Calorimetric Investigation of Oxidative Addition of HEAr (E = O, S, Se; Ar = C6H4X, X = CH3, H, Cl, NO2) to (PMe3)4Ru(C2H4): Relationship between HEAr Acidity and Enthalpy of Reaction†

The enthalpies of reactions of (PMe3)4Ru(C2H4) (1) with a series of HEAr compounds (E = O, S, Se; Ar = aryl), leading to the formation of (PMe3)4Ru(H)(EAr) complexes, have been measured by anaerobic solution calorimetry in C6H6 at 30.0 °C. These reactions are rapid and quantitative under the calorimetry conditions. The measured reaction enthalpies span a range of some 35 kcal/mol. The relative stability scale established is as follows: (PMe3)4Ru(H)(OC6H4-p-CH3) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(OC6H5) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(OC6H4-p-Cl) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(OC6H4-p-NO2) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(SC6H4-p-CH3) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(SC6H5) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(SC6H4-p-Cl) ≈ (PMe3)4Ru(H)(SeC6H5) < (PMe3)4Ru(H)(SC6H4-p-NO2). A single-crystal X-ray structure of one of these complexes, (PMe3)4Ru(SC6H5)H (7), is reported. The measured enthalpies of reaction display a dependence on the acidity of HEAr.
A COMPARATIVE SKETCH OF THE MENOMINI1

THE Menomini were found by Europeans in the vicinity of Green Bay, Wisconsin, not far from the present reservation. Their own tradition states that they first came into existence as transformed animals at the mouth of the Menomini River, near where the city of Marinette now stands. Certain it is that the Menomini have occupied the general vicinity of the region in which they now live for a comparatively long period, probably as neighbors to the Winnebago, who have a very similar origin myth. They state that they did not come into contact with the Sauk, their nearest cultural relatives, until considerably later-an assertion borne out by historical evidence. Besides the " official " tradition of their origin, there is a firm conviction among the older men that at one time their ancestors dwelt farther east, by the shores of the salt water.
Evaluation of Modal and FEMA Pushover Procedures Using Strong-Motion Records of Buildings

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the FEMA-356 Nonlinear Static Procedure (NSP) and a recently developed Modal Pushover Analysis (MPA) procedure using recorded motions of four buil...
Utility of Breath Ethane as a Noninvasive Biomarker of Vitamin E Status in Children

ABSTRACT: The purpose of our study was to determine if the ethane content of expired air could be a useful index of vitamin E status in children. Eight children with vitamin E deficiency secondary to chronic severe liver disease were studied: six of these children were treated with parenteral vitamin E (2–5 mg/kg/dose every 4–7 d). Measures of vitamin E status pre- and posttherapy were: serum vitamin E, 2 ± 1 versus 7 ± 1 μg/mL (p < 0.001); serum vitamin E:total lipids, 0.3 ± 0.1 versus 1.0 ± 0.1 mg/g (p < 0.001); and erythrocyte peroxide hemolysis test, 80 ± 10 versus 6 ± 12% (p < 0.001). Fasting breath ethane in the patients pre- and posttherapy was 78 ± 10 versus 31 ± 11 pmol/kg/min (p < 0.001). Breath ethane correlated negatively with serum vitamin E (p < 0.042) and serum E:total lipids (p < 0.004) and positively with the erythrocyte peroxide hemolysis test (p < 0.003). Values for treated patients did not differ from those for fasted sibling controls (34 ± 12 pmol/kg/min), postprandial sibling controls (31 ± 12 pmol/kg/min), and healthy children sampled randomly, in the nonfasted state (21 ± 14 pmol/kg/min). Breath ethane production in one patient (up to 168 pmol/kg/min) did not normalize after treatment of vitamin E deficiency until her selenium deficiency was corrected as well. We conclude that this noninvasive test can be useful as a screen for vitamin E deficiency in children and for ascertaining response to therapy. The presence of high concentrations of ethane in expired air in vitamin E-sufficient subjects may indicate deficiencies of other antioxidants such as selenium.
Toward a motivational theory of migration decision making

Within the context of the hypothesized transition to a post industrial society, this paper reviews several current approaches to migration decision making. Several problematic areas are identified with the most important being the lack of a consistent theory of decision making. Borrowing from the motivational theory of decision making articulated by John Atkinson and his associates, a motivational approach to the migration decision process is presented which consists of the multiplicative interaction of four variables: (1) avail ability, (2) motive, (3) expectancy, and (4) incentive. Previous migra tion research is evaluated from the perspective of motivational de cision theory. We conclude that concepts used in previous migration decision making research are similar and that this model provides a valuable theoretical integration. One remaining problem is the recon ciliation of the household unit of analysis most often used in migration research with the individual unit of analysis implied by the motiva tional decision theory.
Metabolic and cognitive changes in hereditary ataxia

Abstract Fourteen subjects (affected, n = 7; at risk, n = 7) from one well-known kindred with adult onset autosomal dominant olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA), were studied with [ 18 F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cognitive testing and scored neurological examination, and compared with normal controls. The neurological examination, MRI and cognitive tests showed no significant differences between at risk and normal control subjects. Mild cognitive deficits were seen in affected subjects; the degree of cognitive change appeared to relate to the severity of the illness. MRI demonstrated cerebellar and brainstem atrophy in all affected subjects. PET studies showed higher global metabolic rates (mean [SD]) in at risk subjects (10.5 [1.5] mg per min per 100 g) as compared to affected (9.0 [0.8] mg per min per 100 g) and normal control subjects (9.1 [1.5] mg per min per 100 g). Normalized (region/global average) regional metabolic rates were reduced in cerebellar hemispheres and vermis, and in frontal and prefrontal areas of affected subjects in comparison to at risk and normal control subjects. These findings indicate that functional changes in some forms of autosomal dominant hereditary cerebellar ataxia may extend beyond the cerebellum and brainstem to involve other parts of the neuraxis.
Hypervolume visualization: a challenge in simplicity

Hypervolume visualization is designed to provide simple and fully explanatory images that give comprehensive in-sights into the global structure of scalar fields of any dimension. The basic idea is to have a dimension independent viewing system that scales nicely with the geometric dimension of the dataset and that can be combined with classical approaches like isocontouring and animation of slices of nD data. One completely abandons (for core simplicity) rendering techniques, such as hidden surface removal or lighting or radiosity, that enhance three dimensional realism and concentrate on the real-time display of images that highlight structural (topological) features of the no dataset (holes, tunnels, cavities, depressions, extrema, etc.). Hypervolume visualization on the one hand is a generalization of direct parallel projection methods in volume rendering. To achieve efficiency (and real-time performance on a graphics workstation) the authors combine the advantages of (i) a hierarchical representations of the hypervolume data for multiresolution display and (ii) generalized object space splatting combined with texture-mapped graphics hardware acceleration. The main results of the paper are thus both a multiresolution direct rendering algorithm and scalable graphical user interface that provides global views of scalar fields in any dimension, while maintaining the fundamental characteristics of ease of use, and quick exploratory user interaction.
On scattering, time reversal and information forms

Redheffer scattering theory provides a natural setting for the solution of various state-space estimation and control problems. In this short note we discuss the algorithms for filtering "in reverse" a process for which a forward model is given and the information form filter that is used when no priors are given on the model state. In the language of scattering theory the updates for both the backwards algorithm and the information form filter are shown to correspond to cascading rotated generator layers associated with a Hamiltonian two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP).
Instrumentation techniques for high-temperature superconductor measurement

Methods of measuring the critical temperature T/sub c/, and the critical current I/sub c/ for high-temperature superconductors are described. The critical temperature T/sub c/ is that at which a normal superconducting transition occurs and is an important parameter in the evaluation of high-temperature superconductors. A four-point resistance measurement is normally used but when the resistance approaches zero, noise and interference dominate the signal. This paper describer how to reduce the noise and interference and extract a signal from the noise. In addition, a new method is described for performing automatic I/sub c/ measurements with an oscilloscope or a voltmeter. >
Improved pH measurements with a single PARACEST MRI contrast agent

The measurement of extracellular pH has potential utility for assessing the therapeutic effects of pH-dependent and pH-altering therapies. A PARAmagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) MRI contrast agent, Yb-DO3A-oAA, has two CEST effects that are dependent on pH. A ratio derived from these CEST effects was linearly correlated with pH throughout the physiological pH range. The pH can be measured with a precision of 0.21 pH units and an accuracy of 0.09 pH units. The pH measurement is independent of concentration and T₁ relaxation times, but is dependent on temperature. Although MR coalescence affects the CEST measurements, especially at high pH, the ratiometric analysis of the CEST effects can account for incomplete saturation of the agent's amide and amine that results from MR coalescence. Provided that an empirical calibration is determined with saturation conditions, magnetic field strength and temperature that can be used for subsequent studies, these results demonstrate that this single PARACEST MRI contrast agent can accurately measure pH.
The ecosystem-service chain and the biological diversity crisis

￻The losses that are being incurred of the Earth’s biological diversity, at all levels, are now staggering. The trend lines for future loss are steeply upward as new adverse drivers of change come into play. The political processes for matching this crisis are now inadequate and the science needs to address this issue are huge and slow to fulfil, even though strong advances have been made. A more integrated approach to evaluating biodiversity in terms that are meaningful to the larger community is needed that can provide understandable metrics of the consequences to society of the losses that are occurring. Greater attention is also needed in forecasting likely diversity-loss scenarios in the near term and strategies for alleviating detrimental consequences. At the international level, the Convention on Biological Diversity must be revisited to make it more powerful to meet the needs that originally motivated its creation. Similarly, at local and regional levels, an ecosystem-service approach to conservation can bring new understanding to the value, and hence the need for protection, of the existing natural capital.