cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Scale Simulation of Ionizing Particles Tracks for Radiobiology and Hadrontherapy Studies

Abstract This study looks into Monte-Carlo simulation methods that are used for radiotherapy and radiobiology studies. Although simulation methodologies for the two mentioned fields are quite different since one deals with macroscopic effects rather than the cellular scale effects in the case of the other, the results obtained by both fields are complementary for understanding radiation effects on cellular substructures and the resulting reactions of irradiated biological tissues. It has been concluded through the literature that the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage is the most important result to look at among other radio-induced lesions in the cell. Thus, most of the research projects on radiation damage including Monte-Carlo studies are now concentrated on radio-induced DNA breaks and cell repair activities. Among the simulation programs we can distinguish the general purpose codes that are mostly used for macroscopic calculations and the step by step track structure codes that are dedicated for sub-cellular scale simulations mostly dealing with particles interactions with the DNA structure. However, none of the proposed toolkits can completely cover all the simulation cases since we are usually limited by the lack of cross sections for a certain particle type and in a certain energy domain depending on the code content. This obstacle can be overridden by some approximations on the macroscopic scale but when it comes to submicron calculations the energy deposit patterns should be as precise as possible for radiobiological analysis. On the DNA scale, chemical reactions and free radicals diffusion through target media were taken into account in some studies considering also the DNA structure geometry in the simulation. Although this type of approaches is aiming to be as realistic as possible, it can be a complex task to reproduce and also very time consuming requiring an important computing power. So in an effort to simplify and accelerate the calculations, several alternative methods were developed by different authors giving an acceptable estimation of radio-induced DNA damage quantification and making this issue more accessible for quick studies. The work described in this chapter reviews some of the numerical calculations of basic microdosimetric quantities for particles that are generally used in hadrontherapy, mainly protons and carbon ions, taking into account the secondary electrons tracks that are generated in tissue-like media (water). Using the Geant4-DNA package of the Geant4 Monte-Carlo simulation toolkit it is possible to track particles in a step by step mode taking also advantage of the available geometry modules and the standard physics processes of the standard Geant4 toolkit. Simulations are then described and the DNA damage quantification algorithms are studied with an effort to show the link between ionizing track structure and the resulting damage yields. The results obtained by different numerical methods are compared together then a discussion describes the advantages of each of the mentioned calculations.
Cutaneous Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially life-saving treatment modality. However, many patients who undergo allogeneic HSCT develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the skin, potentially resulting in significant long-term morbidity. Chronic GVHD may manifest on the skin in many different clinical presentations, including skin fibrosis, and represents a significant treatment challenge that is often compounded by co-morbidities due to GVHD involvement of other organ systems.
Closed-loop Controller Design of Neuroprosthetics for Functional Walking in Paralyzed Patients

Abstract This paper describes work in progress toward the application of closed-loop control systems for the functional neuromuscular (electrical) stimulation of muscles in paralyzed patients, for the purpose of restoring walking. Reciprocal walking-like motion is produced in the complete paraplegic patient using a portable microprocessor-controlled electrical stimulation and intramuscular percutaneous electrodes. This open loop system has three operating modes that are initiated by patient command: standing (double support), right-leg forward motion and left-leg forward motion. An in-lab minicomputer-based closed-loop system is being tested for balance control during stance, and trajectory control of the swing leg during forward motion.
Sigma map dynamics and bifurcations

Some interesting variants of walking droplet based discrete dynamical bifurcations arising from diffeomorphisms are analyzed in detail. A notable feature of these new bifurcations is that, like Smale horseshoes, they can be represented by simple geometric paradigms, which markedly simplify their analysis. The two-dimensional diffeomorphisms that produce these bifurcations are called sigma maps or double sigma maps for reasons that are made manifest in this investigation. Several examples are presented along with their dynamical simulations.
The Influence of Measurement Error Associated With Oral Reading Progress Monitoring Measures on the Consistency and Accuracy of Nonparametric Single-Case Design Effect Size Outcomes:

Researchers and practitioners frequently use curriculum-based measures of reading (CBM-R) within single-case design (SCD) frameworks to evaluate the effects of reading interventions with individual students. Effect sizes (ESs) developed specifically for SCDs are often used as a supplement to visual analysis to gauge treatment effects. The degree to which measurement error associated with academic measures like CBM-R influences said ESs has not been fully explored. We used simulation methodology to evaluate how common magnitudes of error influenced the consistency and accuracy of outcomes from two nonparametric SCD ESs, percentage of data exceeding baseline trend and TauU. After accounting for other data characteristics, measurement error accounted for a statistically and practically significant amount of variance in the consistency and accuracy of outcomes from both ESs. This article suggests that the psychometric properties of academic measures are important to consider when interpreting ESs from SCDs.
Individual differences in math anxiety and math self-concept promote forgetting in a directed forgetting paradigm

Abstract Students whose math self-concept is threatened in stressful classroom situations activate self-defense mechanisms to forget those experiences, which jeopardize future learning and knowledge retention. External cues to forget might be critical to activate these self-defense mechanisms. We tested this idea by employing a directed-forgetting paradigm using math-related materials. Participants were presented with math problems to enhance anxiety, followed by a list of math-related words with instructions to either remember or forget those words. All participants were then asked to remember a second math list. We predicted that people most vulnerable to experiencing threat—those with high math anxiety and high math self-concept—would have the internal motivation to most effectively carry out the forgetting instructions. Participants with high math anxiety and high math self-concept had a greater forgetting score than other participants. These findings are consistent with a motivated forgetting account and suggest that educational materials are susceptible to forgetting.
Interrelationships of Cadmium, Smoking, and Angina in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a Cross-Sectional Study

The interrelationships between cadmium biomarker levels, smoking, and myocardial infarction and stroke have been established. In this cross-sectional analysis, we explored the interrelationships of blood cadmium levels, smoking, and angina. We analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2014) accounting for the multi-staged complex sampling design. Participants 40-79 years of age with blood cadmium levels but without a history of myocardial infarction and/or stroke were included (n = 14,832). We examined blood cadmium levels (3 tertile groups) in relation to 3 (diagnosed, undiagnosed, and composite diagnosed and/or undiagnosed) angina outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, diabetes, smoking status, and household income were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 14,832 participants, 741 (4.2%) had positive composite angina. The crude and adjusted ORs comparing those in the lowest tertile (referent group) of blood cadmium to those in the highest tertile for the composite outcome were 1.82 (95% CI 1.42-2.34) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.12-1.88), respectively. These cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample contribute to the hypothesis that there are interrelationships between smoking, cadmium, and angina.
Interdisciplinary Internship Projects Utilizing Legacy Robotic Equipment under Budget Constraints at a Small-sized Institution

In this paper we would like to share interdisciplinary project experiences with other small universities who intend or hold an interest in participating interdisciplinary STEM projects with their students. The interdisciplinary science and engineering projects attract students from various disciplines and backgrounds such as computer science, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, and others. When initiating a robotic vision project at East Stroudsburg University, it began with open discussions upon what resources were available to us, what topics we were interested in, and and what we might be albe to accomplish. The students participating in the project were exposed to diverse challenging problems which were hardly seen in their class course works, and to encounter technical difficulties related to the project. The students were encouraged to work first upon their interests and specialties such as hardware, software, and programming languages. The students routinely presented their understanding of possible problems and solutions to other team members because the projects require sharing the knowledge and helping each other to achieve a common goal of the project success. All the team members including faculty adviser were generally in discussions upon finding and solving the problems, with self-motivated learning and helping each other, and in playing their roles for the project development, management, and technological entrepreneurship of rebuilding the old robot arms within university budget constraints. The projects using robot arms seemed to have outperformed in the students’ learning outcomes, motivated the students to enhance their career interests into research fields, and prepared them to an advanced science and technology level in solving practical problems.
Connecting population-level AUC and latent scale-invariant $R^2$ via Semiparametric Gaussian Copula and rank correlations

Area Under the Curve (AUC) is arguably the most popular measure of classification accuracy. We use a semiparametric framework to introduce a latent scale-invariant $R^2$, a novel measure of variation explained for an observed binary outcome and an observed continuous predictor, and then directly link the latent $R^2$ to AUC. This enables a mutually consistent simultaneous use of AUC as a measure of classification accuracy and the latent $R^2$ as a scale-invariant measure of explained variation. Specifically, we employ Semiparametric Gaussian Copula (SGC) to model a joint dependence between observed binary outcome and observed continuous predictor via the correlation of latent standard normal random variables. Under SGC, we show how, both population-level AUC and latent scale-invariant $R^2$, defined as a squared latent correlation, can be estimated using any of the four rank statistics calculated on binary-continuous pairs: Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kendall's Tau, Spearman's Rho, and Quadrant rank correlations. We then focus on three implications and applications: i) we explicitly show that under SGC, the population-level AUC and the population-level latent $R^2$ are related via a monotone function that depends on the population-level prevalence rate, ii) we propose Quadrant rank correlation as a robust semiparametric version of AUC; iii) we demonstrate how, under complex-survey designs, Wilcoxon rank sum statistics and Spearman and Quadrant rank correlations provide asymptotically consistent estimators of the population-level AUC using only single-participant survey weights. We illustrate these applications using binary outcome of five-year mortality and continuous predictors including Albumin, Systolic Blood Pressure, and accelerometry-derived measures of total volume of physical activity collected in 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts.
Assessment of clinical outcomes associated with mercury concentrations in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) in central California.

Abstract Monomethyl mercury (MeHg+) from the diet can cause mild to severe neurotoxicosis in fish-eating mammals. Chronic and low-level in utero exposure also can be neurotoxic, as documented in laboratory animal studies and epidemiologic investigations. In free-ranging animals, it is challenging to study low-level exposure related neurotoxicosis, and few studies have investigated the relationship between mercury (Hg) and adverse outcomes in wild populations. Relative to Hg concentrations on admission we evaluated different types of behaviors for 267 Pacific harbor seal (HS; Phoca vitulina richardii) pups at The Marine Mammal Center from 2015 to 2019 during rehabilitation after stranding and maternal separation. Admitted HS pups underwent a clinical exam; including sex and weight determination, and hair (partly lanugo grown in utero) and blood samples were collected for total Hg concentration ([THg]) determination. All pups were monitored weekly (behavior assessments included response to tactile stimulation, movement, swimming, interactions with other seals, hand feeding, and feeding independently), and days in rehabilitation and survival were recorded. There was a significant negative correlation between [THg] and responses to tactile stimulation and movements, measured in both hair and whole blood (p
The first commercial use of the Valiant Navion stent graft system for endovascular repair of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm

ObjectivesThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the standard of care for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA), and newer generation stent grafts have significant design improvements...
Does Recognition versus Disclosure Affect Debt Contracting? Evidence from SFAS 158

We study how recognition versus disclosure affects pricing and control allocation in debt contracting. We examine whether loan spreads and the use of covenants changed around SFAS 158 adoption, which required recognition of previously disclosed pension liabilities. We find that pension underfunding is positively associated with loan spreads and negatively associated with the use of capital (i.e., balance sheet) covenants prior to the adoption of SFAS 158. This is consistent with lenders viewing disclosed accounting information as not sufficiently reliable for contracting and instead pricing the risk associated with underfunding. Post-SFAS 158, pension underfunding is associated with lower spreads and a higher likelihood of using capital covenants relative to the pre-period. Further, we find no change in the use of performance covenants or the underlying credit risk associated with pension underfunding post-SFAS 158. Collectively, this evidence is consistent with recognition improving the reliability of accounting information for debt contracting.
Psychosocial Stressors and Adaptive Coping Strategies in Couples After a Diagnosis of Young-Onset Dementia.

Background and objectives Diagnoses of young-onset dementias (YOD) are devastating for persons with dementia and spousal caregivers yet limited work has examined both partners' perceptions of challenges and coping after diagnosis. This qualitative study investigated the psychosocial stressors and adaptive coping strategies in couples diagnosed with YOD to inform the development of psychosocial support resources. Research design and methods We conducted live video dyadic interviews with couples (persons with YOD and spousal caregivers together; N = 23 couples). We transcribed interviews and coded data based on a hybrid deductive-inductive approach, with the structure of the coding framework informed by the stress and coping framework, and all codes derived from the data. We derived themes and subthemes related to psychosocial stressors and adaptive coping. Results We identified 5 themes related to psychosocial stressors: the impact of diagnosis, social and family relationships, changing roles and responsibilities, planning for an uncertain future, and couple communication and relationship strain. We identified 7 themes related to adaptive coping strategies: processing emotions and cultivating acceptance, promoting normalcy, efforts to preserve person with YOD's independence and identity, collaborative and open communication, social support, meaning-making, humor and positivity, and lifestyle changes and self-care. Discussion and implications We replicated several themes regarding stressors and adaptive coping strategies from prior YOD research and identified novel themes and subthemes related to dyadic stressors, sources of couples' relationship strain, and the ways in which couples effectively cope with YOD. Findings inform the development of dyadic interventions to reduce YOD-related distress for both persons with dementia and spousal caregivers.
Nodal Clearance as a Predictor of Oncologic Outcomes in Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Malignancies Receiving Trimodality Therapy.

Purpose/Objective(s) Standard of care for surgical candidates with locally advanced esophageal/gastroesophageal junction (E/GEJ) cancers is trimodality therapy. Similar to other groups, we have previously demonstrated the strong prognostic significance of pathological complete response (pCR) at the time of esophagectomy. Little is known about the prognostic significance of nodal clearance alone, however. We sought to determine the prognostic significance of nodal clearance in the subgroup of node positive E/GEJ (N+ E/GEJ), hypothesizing that nodal clearance drives the improved outcomes seen in patients with pCR as the primary tumor is more completely removed at esophagectomy. Materials/Methods Patients undergoing TMT for a primary N+ E/GEJ cancer from 1993-2020 within a single institution were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had either clinically involved nodal disease prior to nCRT and/or pathologically confirmed residual nodal disease at time of esophagectomy. Cancer and demographic features were collected. Direct comparisons were made between pCR versus no pCR and nodal clearance (ypN0) versus persistent nodal disease (ypN+) using the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results One hundred eighty-one patients with median follow up of 140 months were included for analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 60.1 years (30.1-80.9), 142 (78.5%) were adenocarcinomas, 102 (56.4%) were AJCC stage IIIA. Fifty-one (28.2%) had pCR, 103 (56.9%) had ypN0 (including 52 [28.7%] with nodal clearance and residual tumor) and 78 (43.1%) had ypN+. Median OS and PFS for the entire cohort were 26.4 (95% CI, 20.5-32.3) and 18.0 months (95% CI, 12.7-23.4), respectively; 2-year local control rate was 87.4% (95% CI, 84.6-90.2). When comparing ypN0 to ypN+, there were statistically significant improvements in OS and PFS. In contrast, there were no significant differences in OS and PFS when comparing patients with pCR to no pCR (Table 1). Conclusion While pCR is a known prognostic factor in E/GEJ regardless of nodal status, in the high-risk subset of N+ E/GEJ patients, nodal clearance was associated with significantly improved OS and PFS regardless of primary tumor response. This is a novel observation and warrants similar hypothesis testing in other data sets and may have implications for therapy in node positive patients.
Empowering Girls Through Sport: A Gender Transformative Approach to Life Skills?

From the Pacific Islands to Sub-Saharan Africa, development organizations have positioned sport as an ideal tool for building important life skills that can be transferred from the playing field to day-to-day realities. Sport has also been positioned as a key space for girls’ empowerment, especially in contexts where gender norms limit girls’ mobility and/or their opportunities to engage in activities stereotyped as being for boys. But an approach that solely focuses on empowering girls through sport by depositing in her useful life skills ignores the structural conditions that have disempowered her in the first place. This chapter examines the gender transformative potential of sport-based life skills programs by exploring the skills that are being targeted, especially for girls’ empowerment, by the sport for development (SFD) community. The chapter then examines the implications for our understanding of life skills approaches to gender transformative social change, particularly as it pertains to addressing the conditions that have held girls back.
Nonequilibrium Behavior of Electrons in Strong Electric Fields

Experimental tests are made of theoretical predications of the behavior of electrons under highly nonequilibrium conditions. We have chosen to monitor the spatial dependence of the electrons by observing the radiation emitted by molecules and atoms excited by the electrons. Excited states having excitation cross-sections peaking at different energies are used to bring out the behavior of different parts of the electron energy distribution. Planar electrodes and the use of low currents (<1 μA) ensure a uniform electric field. Close fitting electrodes inside a quartz cylinder enable one to obtain a radially uniform, high voltage discharge at low pressures (left-hand side of the Pashen minimum). We present data obtained in D2 at E/N from 400 to 10.000 Td and applied voltages up to several keV. Results have been obtained for molecular singlet and triplet transitions and for atomic Balmer lines. Data taken at discharge currents of 1 μA and less are independent of current, since space charge effects should be small. We make comparisons between our experimental data, the fluid model of Muller, [1] the numerical solutions of Pitchford et a1.[2] and our simple electron beam model.
Freedom of Contract and the Endangered Right to Transfer

One-fifth of all Americans today live in privately governed, common interest communities (CICs). By definition, property in a CIC is subject to restrictions on use, however many CIC properties are also constrained by restrictions on transfer. Owners may not be able to freely sell or lease their property because of limitations in the community’s covenant regime. Such restrictions on transfer increase the economic vulnerability of communities and their members and compromise owners’ property rights. Proponents of such restrictions cite countervailing, albeit amorphous, community interests (such as harmonious neighborhoods and property values) to justify alienation controls. Legitimate neighborhood concerns could be addressed directly through rules governing use, and therefore these goals do not generally justify restrictions on transfer. Courts take a hands-off approach with respect to the content of CIC covenants, reasoning that since these covenants are private contracts, freedom of contract mandates their enforcement. But CIC covenants differ from voluntary private contracts in important ways, making deferential enforcement in the name of contract policy unwarranted. Covenants that run with the land are specifically enforceable and bind subsequent owners of the property, potentially in perpetuity. CIC covenants are contracts of adhesion, made up of completely non-negotiable, recorded terms bundled into home acquisition. Developers and lenders generally prescribe the content of such covenants, and they may not reflect community desires or values. Yet most courts reflexively uphold covenant transfer restraints based on freedom of contract principles without fully vetting implications for individual autonomy and market efficiency. This approach is unwarranted.Free alienability preserves owner autonomy and stimulates market efficiency. Barriers to transfer perpetuate neighborhood segregation, adversely impact minority groups, and can even imperil community financial stability. Legitimate neighborhood concerns regarding maintenance and behavior are better directly controlled through community use regulations rather than through alienation restraints. To promote the still-compelling policies behind free alienability of property, courts should invalidate covenant restrictions that unjustifiably constrain the right to transfer, particularly when the same community objectives could be accomplished through less intrusive means.
Readability of pediatric biomedical research informed consent forms.

Informed consent forms are used in biomedical research as a mechanism to convey study information to potential subjects so that they may arrive at a decision concerning their willingness to participate. Although the Department of Health and Human Services Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects require the presentation of specific study information at a level that is easily understood, according to research concerning adult biomedical consent forms, the typical form is not readily comprehensible. Unfortunately, no data exist concerning the readability of informed consent forms that are used in the context of pediatric biomedical research. In the present study, readability analyses were conducted on a large sample (N = 238) of pediatric biomedical informed consent forms obtained during a 10-year period from a large midwestern children9s hospital. For the entire sample, results derived from two readability estimates (Fry grade equivalent and Flesch Reading Ease methods) indicated that the consent forms were written at the college graduate level. Although there was a linear increase in the length of the consent document during the 10-year period evaluated, expanded length was not associated with improved readability. According to analyses, a differential pattern of reading difficulty was associated with specific sections of the informed consent document. Findings are highly consistent with those from studies of adult biomedical consent forms and document that the purpose of the informed consent form is being compromised, in part, by a readability factor. Suggestions for solving this critical problem are advanced.
Navier-Stokes Simulation of Local Winds Over the Earth’s Topography

A numerical approach is described that simplifies and automates the CFD solution process so that Earth scientists can utilize high-resolution Navier-Stokes flow solvers as a research tool to investigate wind events on the Earth’s surface. The current approach utilizes the OVERFLOW-2 structured overset RANS code. A genetic algorithm is used to obtain an optimal multi-zone overset grid system that reduces the grid size and simulation time by maintaining high resolution over high-gradient land regions and lower resolution over low-gradient water regions. Flow simulations are presented that include flow separation and reattachment over mountainous terrain for coastal islands in Alaska (USA) and British Columbia (Canada).
The Srp54 GTPase is essential for protein export in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Abstract Signal recognition particle (SRP) is a cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein required for targeting a subset of presecretory proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Here we report the results of a series of experiments to define the function of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe homolog of the 54-kDa subunit of mammalian SRP. One-step gene disruption reveals that the Srp54 protein, like SRP RNA, is essential for viability in S. pombe. Precursor to the secretory protein acid phosphatase accumulates in cells in which Srp54 synthesis has been repressed under the control of a regulated promoter, indicating that S. pombe SRP functions in protein targeting. In common with other Srp54 homologs, the S. pombe protein has a modular structure consisting of an amino-terminal G (GTPase) domain and a carboxyl-terminal M (methionine-rich) domain. We have analyzed the effects of 17 site-specific mutations designed to alter the function of each of the four GTPase consensus motifs individually. Several alleles, including some with relatively conservative amino acid substitutions, confer lethal or conditional phenotypes, indicating that GTP binding and hydrolysis are critical to the in vivo role of the protein. Two mutations (R to L at position 194 [R194L] and R194H) which were designed, by analogy to oncogenic mutations in rats, to dramatically decrease the catalytic rate and one (T248N) predicted to alter nucleotide binding specificity produce proteins that are unable to support growth at 18 degrees C. Consistent with its design, the R194L mutant hydrolyzes GTP at a reduced rate relative to wild-type Srp54 in enzymatic assays on immunoprecipitated proteins. In strains that also contain wild-type srp54, this mutant protein, as well as others designed to be locked in a GTP-bound conformation, exhibits temperature-dependent dominant inhibitory effects on growth, while a mutant predicted to be GDP locked does not interfere with the function of the wild-type protein. These results form the basis of a simple model for the role of GTP hydrolysis by Srp54 during the SRP cycle.
Discursive rationality and the division of labour: How cooperation emerges

One of the great achievements of economic science is the explanation of the benefits of the division of labor in market economies. However, despite its merits this utilitarian explanation is insufficient as an account for the widespread division of labor. This insufficiency stems from the normative shortcomings of the harmony-of-interests doctrine, which cannot justify the respect of private-property titles and, therefore, cannot explain on purely utilitarian grounds the fact that the division of labor is as widespread as it in fact is. Mariam Thalos has recently provided a partial solution to this problem by arguing that religious belief in God performs a public function that facilitates human cooperation. In critical elaboration of her thesis, the division of labor is explained by taking into account a different aspect of human reason, namely, discursive rationality.
Topological expansions and decays of new particles: A phenomenology of Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka--rule violation

Decay modes of $\ensuremath{\Psi}$, ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}$ are examined within a model of Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka (OZI) -rule violation based on the $S$-matrix topological expansion (SMTE). The model provides an appropriate language for discussing general features of the OZI rule and successfully predicts the order of magnitude of the decrease in widths between $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ and $\ensuremath{\psi}$. Because of the relatively strong mixing of $\ensuremath{\eta}$ and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ with ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}$ necessitated by the SMTE, these mesons play a prominent role in $\ensuremath{\psi}$, ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ decays. We readily explain the "large" ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\psi}$, $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rates and predict several more channels involving $\ensuremath{\eta}$ and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ into which the new particles should frequently decay. We describe why there is no general concept of double-OZI-forbidden processes and successfully correlate the role the $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ meson plays in such reactions as ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\omega}$, $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\varphi}$. The differences between $\ensuremath{\psi}$ and ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ decays expected because of the radially excited nature of the ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ are touched upon, and it is speculated that $\ensuremath{\Gamma}({\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c})\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{\Gamma}(\ensuremath{\varphi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\pi})$. Comparison is made with other models of OZI suppression.
Making Heaven out of Hell: New Urbanism and the Refutation of Suburban Spaces

Suburban sprawl has led to an array of problems including dependency on automobiles, neglect of cities, social stratification, and isolation. The increasingly popular movement known as new urbanism...
A system for extracting three-dimensional measurements from a stereo pair of TV cameras

Obtaining accurate three-dimensional (3-D) measurement from a stereo pair of TV cameras is a task requiring camera modeling, calibration, and the matching of the two images of a real 3-D point on the two TV pictures. A system which models and calibrates the cameras and pairs the two images of a real-world point in the two pictures, either manually or automatically, was implemented. This system is operating and provides three-dimensional measurements resolution of + or - mm at distances of about 2 m.
Observation of a TeV Cosmic Ray Induced Muon Flux Anisotropy Underground

We report the observation of an anisotropy in the muon flux induced by cosmic rays. The muons were observed about 3,000 meters water equivalent underground with the Super-Kamiokande detector resulting in an muon energy threshold of about 1 TeV. We also present an update on the oscillation of neutrinos produced from cosmic ray interaction in the atmosphere using the full Super-Kamiokande data.
Fast high-voltage high-current switch: thyratron-spark gap hybrid.

A high‐voltage high‐current switch using a hydrogen thyratron in series with a two‐element spark gap is described. The hybrid switch triggers like a thyratron, turns off like a spark gap, and holds off twice the potential of either element alone.
The synthesis of macrocyclic polyether-diester compounds with a pyridine subcyclic unit

Two new series of macrocyclic polyether-diester ligands (4-15) containing a pyridine subcyclic unit have been prepared by treating various oligoethylene glycols and sulfur-containing oligo-ethylene glycols with 2,6- and 3,5-pyridine dicarbonyl chlorides. The compounds prepared from 2,6-pyridine dicarbonyl chloride were: 3,6,9,12-tetraoxa-18-azabicyclo[12.3.1 ]oetadeca-1(18), 14,16-triene-2,13-dione (4); 3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-21-azabieyclo[15.3.1]heneicosa-1(21),17,19-triene-2,16-dione (5); 3,6,12,15-tetraoxa-9-thia-21-azabicyclo[15.3.1 ]heneicosa-1(21),17,19-tri-ene-2,16-dione(6); 3,9,15-trioxa-6,12-dithia-21-azabicyclo[15.3.1]heneicosa-1(21),17,19-triene-2,16-dione (7); 3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-24-azabicyclo[18.3.1 ]tetracosa-1(24),20,22-triene-2,19-dione (8); 3,6,9,12,15,18,21-heptaoxa-27-azabicyclo[21.3.1]heptacosa-1(27),23,25-triene-2,22-dione (9); and the corresponding analogues from 3,5-pyridine dicarbonyl chloride (10-15). The solid potassium thiocyanate complex of compound 5 was also prepared.
Participatory action research: Easier said than done

This article describes participatory action research as an alternative methodology for conducting community needs assessment. The research model empowers individuals by recognizing they have the ability to identify their own needs, and to generate practical long lasting solutions (Rappaport, 1981). A case study is presented in which two community members attempted a participatory community needs assessment. The article concludes with a discussion of how this attempt deviated from the ideal participatory action research model, and the consequences of the compromises made during the research process.
Radical perspectives on the rise of fascism in Germany. 1919–1945

(1990). Radical perspectives on the rise of fascism in Germany. 1919–1945. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 433-434.
Success in family living—does it last? A twenty-year follow-up

Abstract This paper reports selected findings from a 20-year ongoing study of successful family functioning. The study began in 1957–1960 with a nationwide sample of 100 young husband-wife-children families. In 1978–1979, 59 families, now in late middle age, completed a follow-up questionnaire. Their family histories are marked by pragmatic, flexible adaptation. Family dynamics are egalitarian in the marital dyad, democratic with regard to the sons and daughters. Relations with adult children are frequent, reinforced by a thriving transfer economy. Close friendships and active community involvement are cited as important sources of strength. While severely troubling situational events affecting family members are enumerated, few are defined as problems. Perceived problems are most often resolved within the family or, less often, with appropriate professionals. Husbands and wives express continuing satisfaction with marriage and family. They are optimistic about the future and, through careful planning, an...
Intradimensional and extradimensional shift performance of children in a differential conditioning task

The intradimensional and extradimensional shift performance of preschool children was compared with that of second graders in a differential conditioning (single cue presentation) situation. The younger children showed better ID than ED shift performance and their ID-ED difference was greater than that of the older children despite the fact that the differential conditioning paradigm prevents simultaneous comparison of dimensional cue values.
Flow instability in plane-parallel particle beds with constant volumetric heating

This article addresses one possible form of instability in particle-bed nuclear reactors. One of the unresolved questions about this concept is whether the flow through the particle bed will be well-behaved, or will be subject to destructive flow instabilities. These may be of several types, some connected to the annular geometry, some to the nucleonics. This article addresses instabilities due to the heat addition process in the particle bed. A general three-dimensional model of the bed is adopted here, in which the fluid has mobility in three dimensions. From the sample calculations, which have been carried out for plane-parallel bed geometry, it could be concluded that a particle bed without a cold frit would be subject to instability if operated at the high-temperature ratios desired for nuclear rockets, and at power densities below about 4 MW/1. Since the desired power density is about 40 MW/1, operation at design exit temperature but at reduced power could be hazardous for such a reactor. The plane—parallel calculations show that appropriate combinations of cold and hot frits may cure such instabilities, but extension of the analysis to the annular geometry preferred for reactors has indicated that their stabilizing effect is much weaker in this geometry. More definite conclusions must await calculations for specific designs.
Role of tyrosine kinase activity in α-adrenergic inhibition of the β-adrenergically regulated L-type Ca2+ current in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes

1. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that tyrosine kinase activity contributes to alpha(1)-adrenergic inhibition of beta-adrenergic responses in cardiac myocytes. We addressed this question by studying the pharmacological regulation of the L-type Ca(2+) current in acutely isolated adult guinea-pig ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. 2. The selective alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor agonist methoxamine had no effect on the basal L-type Ca(2+) current. Methoxamine also had no effect on cAMP-dependent stimulation of the Ca(2+) current mediated by H(2) histamine receptor activation. However, methoxamine did inhibit cAMP-dependent stimulation of the Ca(2+) current mediated by beta-adrenergic receptor activation. The ability of methoxamine to inhibit beta-adrenergic regulation of the Ca(2+) current was significantly antagonized by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and lavendustin A. 3. The inhibitory effect of methoxamine was also mimicked by the phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate (PVN). PVN had no effect on basal Ca(2+) current or Ca(2+) current stimulated by histamine, but it did inhibit Ca(2+) current stimulated by beta-adrenergic receptor activation. Furthermore, the ability of PVN to inhibit beta-adrenergic stimulation of the Ca(2+) current was antagonized by lavendustin A. 4. These results are consistent with the conclusion that in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes alpha-adrenergic inhibition of beta-adrenergic responses involves a tyrosine kinase-dependent signalling pathway. The fact that methoxamine and PVN antagonized cAMP-dependent responses mediated by beta-adrenergic, but not H(2) histamine, receptor activation suggests that the inhibitory effect of alpha-adrenergic stimulation and tyrosine kinase activity is at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor.
Solving second order initial value problems by a hybrid multistep method without predictors

Abstract A three-step seventh order hybrid linear multistep method (HLMM) with three non-step points is proposed for the direct solution of the special second order initial value problems (IVPs) of the form y ″ = f ( x , y ) with an extension to y ″ = f ( x , y , y ′). The main method and additional methods are obtained from the same continuous scheme derived via interpolation and collocation procedures.The stability properties of the methods are discussed by expressing them as a one-step method in higher dimension. The methods are then applied in block form as simultaneous numerical integrators over non-overlapping intervals. Numerical results obtained using the proposed block form reveal that it is highly competitive with existing methods in the literature.
Optimum Frequencies for Aircraft Classification

The selection of the optimum features for aircraft classification from radar returns was studied. A constraint was imposed that a minimum number of simultaneous frequencies be used. The results indicate that a high reliability of classification is achievable with only two frequencies, and even a single frequency can provide over 95 percent reliability if both phase and amplitude at two orthogonal polarizations are used. The data set tested involved eight military aircraft whose sizes varied over a three-to-one range.
Periodontal repair in dogs Healing patterns in large circumferential periodontal defects

Abstract This report describes the healing patterns of large circumferential periodontal defects in the beagle dog. Approximately 5 mm large periodontal defects were created around the mandibular premolars (P2, P3 and P4) in 13 animals. The root surfaces were then instrumented to remove all cementum and the wounds immediately closed by replacing and suturing the flaps just coronal to the cemento-enamel junction. Block biopsies were harvested after 4 weeks. Most of the surgically denuded root surface healed with connective tissue repair. Cementum formation and regeneration of alveolar bone was limited and averaged approximately 30% and 20%, respectively, of the defect height. Almost all teeth exhibited root resorption. Ankylosis was observed in 1/3 of the teeth. There was no difference in the healing response between the 3 premolars or their buccal and lingual surfaces. The range of healing responses indicates that a biological potential exists which makes this model useful for testing the effect of various root and wound conditioners in (1) enhancing cementum formation on the root surface, (2) increasing regeneration of alveolar bone and (3) preventing aberrant healing events such as root resorption and ankylosis. Conversely, whether such agents may compromise wound healing and result in reduced connective tissue repair may concomitantly be tested.
Cortical dynamics of form and motion integration: Persistence, apparent motion, and illusory contours

How does the visual system generate percepts of moving forms? How does this happen when the forms are emergent percepts, such as illusory contours or segregated textures, and the motion percept is apparent motion between the emergent forms? We develop a neural model of form-motion interactions to explain and simulate parametric properties of psychophysical motion data and to make predictions about how the parallel cortical processing streams V1 → MT and V1 → V2 → MT control form-motion interactions. The model explains how an illusory contour can move in apparent motion to another illusory contour or to a luminance-derived contour; how illusory contour persistence motion to the upper interstimulus interval (ISI) threshold for apparent motion; and how upper and lower ISI thresholds for seeing apparent motion between two flashes decrease with stimulus duration and narrow with spatial separation (Korte's laws). The model acounts for these data by suggesting how the persistence of a boundary segmentation in the V1 → V2 processing stream influences the quality of apparent motion in the V1 → MT stream through V2 → MT interactions. These data may all be explained by an analysis of how orientationally tuned form perception mechanisms and directionally tuned motion perception mechanisms interact.
Some methods for examining content structure and cognitive structure in instruction 1

Abstract Reform in science and mathematics curricula has moved from rote learning of facts and computation skills toward learning a structure of a subject matter. While the reasons for this shift, such as greater understanding, transfer and intellectual excitement are admirable, there is little empirical evidence to support them. A first step in examining such claims is to develop methodology for representing structure in the to‐be‐learned instructional material and in students' memories. The purposes of this paper, then, are to present (a) a method for examining a subject‐matter structure in prose materials, (b) methods for examining a subject‐matter structure in students’ memories, and (c) data bearing on the validity of structural interpretations of these measures. If these structures can be represented objectively and independently — even if not in a complete form or error free — a beginning has been made in validating the reasons for teaching structure.
Finding the right shots: assessing usability and performance of a digital video library interface

The authors developed a system in which visually dense displays of thumbnail imagery in storyboard views are used for shot-based video retrieval. The views allow for effective retrieval, as evidenced by the success achieved by expert users with the system in interactive query for NIST TRECVID 2002 and 2003. This paper demonstrates that novice users also achieve comparatively high retrieval performance with these views using the TRECVID 2003 benchmarks. Through an analysis of the user interaction logs, heuristic evaluation, and think-aloud protocol, the usability of the video information retrieval system is appraised with respect to shot-based retrieval. Design implications are presented based on these TRECVID usability evaluations regarding efficient, effective information retrieval interfaces to locate visual information from video corpora.