cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ichthyolith strontium isotope stratigraphy of a Neogene red clay sequence: calibrating eolian dust accumulation rates in the central North Pacific

Abstract Cenozoic pelagic (‘red’) clays of predominantly eolian and hydrogenous origin blanket much of the central North Pacific ocean basin. The eolian component is a key indicator of past paleoclimatic conditions; thus, Cenozoic atmospheric circulation can potentially be reconstructed through provenance studies of Pacific red clays, provided there are precise age controls. Methods commonly employed in the past to date red clay cores have included cobalt accumulation rates, ichthyolith biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and ichthyolith strontium isotope stratigraphy. The first two dating methods yield ages with large uncertainties, while magnetostratigraphy is only relevant to cores with accumulation rates in excess of 1 mm/kyr. Ichthyolith strontium isotope stratigraphy has shown promise as a chronological tool in marine studies, but has been only sparingly employed in the dating of marine red clay sequences. In this study, we present a complete age–depth profile for a large diameter piston core from the central North Pacific Ocean (EW9709 PC-01, 32.5°N, 141.2°W), consisting of 11 m of primarily wind-deposited dust. To generate this age–depth profile, strontium isotopic compositions were determined on fish teeth ichthyoliths previously cleaned of contaminants using a newly modified reductive cleaning procedure. Ages were determined by reference to the recently refined Sr isotope curve for Neogene seawater. Comparison with nearby giant piston core LL44-GPC3 reinforces the accuracy of our methods. The data for EW9709 PC-01 indicate a fairly constant sediment accumulation rate of ∼0.45 mm/kyr over most of the 24 Myr time period represented by this core.
Characteristics of diesel engine soot that lead to excessive oil thickening

Abstract This is a study of soot from a heavy duty diesel (HDD) engine test designed to evaluate the soot handling ability of a lubricant. This study aims to understand what properties of diesel soot produced under certain conditions contribute to loss of viscosity control through examination of the morphology, nanostructure and oxygen functionalization of particulates obtained from two heavy duty diesel engine tests with different levels of EGR. Particulate samples obtained from the used engine oil that lost viscosity control at relatively low soot levels showed that the soot in this case was more graphitic and had lower oxygen functionalization.
Spatial dispersion of spotted owl sites and the role of conspecific attraction on settlement patterns

Because spotted owls (Strix occidentalis) are territorial, the theory of habitat selection predicts that they should occupy sites that are relatively dispersed. We examined this prediction using data from a long-term study by measuring the spatial dispersion of occupied sites within years, and the spatial dispersion of sites relative to their occupancy among years. We also examined how experience, based on individual origin (local or immigrant recruit), and age of individual, influenced settlement distance relative to already occupied sites. We estimated that occupied sites were more dispersed than expected by chance, and sites with similar occupancy rates were dispersed rather than clumped. However, immigrants tended to settle closer to already occupied sites compared to individuals that switched sites within the study area. This suggested that immigrants might have been using conspecifics as cues to settle in potentially suitable habitat. Such a pattern of settlement may have long-term consequences on p...
The role of NAA in studies of organic diagenesis of rocks

The Delaware Mountain Group in west Texas and southeast New Mexico provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of organic matter alteration in sediment diagenesis. Trace elements have been measured using neutron activation analysis in organic bitumen as well as authigenic and detrital material separates. Correlations between siltstone organic matter and authigenic minerals in adjacent permeable sandstones establish the close relationship between the organic matter and pore water from which the authigenic minerals precipitated.
Scattering of α-particles at medium energies

Abstract Elastic scattering of α-particles is treated within the context of high energy multiple diffraction theory. Terms up to fourth order in the expansion of the optical phase-shift function are retained (when necessary). The theoretical predictions are compared with the recent 5.05 and 4.30 GeV/ c α-α measurements. The effects of short-range dynamical correlations are discussed.
Spirituality and medicine. A workshop for medical students and residents

INTRODUCTION: Governing bodies for medical education recommend that spirituality and medicine be incorporated into training.
The effects of antemortem electrical stunning and postmortem electrical stimulation on biochemical and textural properties of broiler breast meat

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the combined effects of antemortem electrical stunning (STUN) and postmortem electrical stimulation (STIM) on breast muscle rigor development and meat quality attributes. Birds were either unstunned, stunned with low voltage (LV), or stunned with high current (HC) prior to conventional killing. Immediately after exsanguination, birds were either unstimulated, or were subjected to electrical stimulation with 12 1s on/1s off pulses of 440 V AC and allowed to bleed for 90 s to determine the effect of treatment on blood loss. Breast fillets (Pectoralis major) were removed from carcasses immediately after evisceration (0.25 h) or after aging in a static ice-water slush for 1 or 2 h, and analyzed for muscle pH, R-value (ratio of inosine to adenosine nucleotides), and sarcomere length. Raw breast meat color (CIELAB), cook loss, and shear values were determined on samples held at 2 C for 24 h. Results showed both STUN and STIM significantly affected blood loss, pH, R-value, sarcomere length, color, and shear, and there were significant STUN by STIM interactions. Blood loss was significantly lower for the HC STUN and all the STIM treatments. STIM at 440 V resulted in accelerated rigor development as measured by pH, R-value, and sarcomere length, similar to the unstunned or LV STUN samples, but different from the HC STUN birds. These results indicate that electrical stimulation may accelerate rigor most effectively following high current stunning, which tends to delay early rigor development.
Status of Goldstone Lunar Ultra-High Energy Neutrino Experiment (GLUE)

We report on results from 80 hours of livetime with the Goldstone Lunar Ultra-high energy neutrino Experiment (GLUE). The experiment searches for microwave pulses (width ≤ 10 ns) from the lunar regolith, appearing in coincidence at two large radio telescopes separated by 22 km and linked by optical fiber. Such pulses would arise from subsurface electromagnetic cascades induced by interactions of up-coming ~ 100 EeV neutrinos in the lunar regolith. Triggering on a timing coincidence between the two telescopes significantly reduces the terrestrial interference background, allowing operation at the thermal noise level. No unambiguous candidates are yet seen. We report on limits implied by this non-detection, based on new Monte Carlo estimates of the efficiency.
Effects of conductive fractures during in-situ electroosmosis

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing methods have been used to create horizontal disk-shaped fractures filled with sand to improve the discharge of wells in fine-grained formations, and we have evaluated the feasibility of creating similar features filled with electrically conductive graphite to be used as electrodes during electroosmotic remediation of contaminated soils. The approach was to create two flat-lying conductive fractures, one above the other, and maintain an electrical potential difference between them. Water was held at a constant level in wells accessing each fracture and flow was induced by electroosmosis. Theoretical analyses of this approach indicate that hydraulic gradients will cause water to flow radially away from a well accessing the anode-fracture. It will move vertically through the soil by electroosmosis until it reaches the cathode-fracture, where it will converge on a recovery well under hydraulic gradients. As a result the electrical conductivity of the filled fracture is critical to the creation of an electrical field, and the hydraulic conductivity of the fracture and electroosmotic conductivity of the soil are critical to electroosmosis. Field tests were conducted using fractures filled with granular graphite that is both hydraulically and electrically conductive. Results show that relatively uniform electrical potential gradients of 10–40Vm −1 can be created between the filled fractures, and those gradients are consistent with the results of theoretical analyses. Electroosmotic flow rates of roughly 0.51h −1 were observed during field tests and are similar to theoretical predictions. The tests conducted thus far have been in uncontaminated ground, but the encouraging results suggest that this may be an important technique to use during electrokinetic decontamination of soil.
The Dominican structural adjustment: Impact on educational reform

Abstract This article introduces the analysis of the impact of structural adjustment in the Dominican educational system as a critical problem for the development of secondary educational reform in the last two decades. During this period, different governments used the fiscal and the welfare states as theoretical models of fiscal management. Educational policy makers, however, had limited democratic procedures to face international market crisis impacting in the country. The mechanism used to reallocate scarce public resources showed the major aspects associated with past, present and future destiny of educational reform. It also shows that these are fundamental to understanding the current Dominican democratic system in education.
Photochemically driven redox chemistry induces protocell membrane pearling and division

Prior to the evolution of complex biochemical machinery, the growth and division of simple primitive cells (protocells) must have been driven by environmental factors. We have previously demonstrated two pathways for fatty acid vesicle growth in which initially spherical vesicles grow into long filamentous vesicles; division is then mediated by fluid shear forces. Here we describe a different pathway for division that is independent of external mechanical forces. We show that the illumination of filamentous fatty acid vesicles containing either a fluorescent dye in the encapsulated aqueous phase, or hydroxypyrene in the membrane, rapidly induces pearling and subsequent division in the presence of thiols. The mechanism of this photochemically driven pathway most likely involves the generation of reactive oxygen species, which oxidize thiols to disulfide-containing compounds that associate with fatty acid membranes, inducing a change in surface tension and causing pearling and subsequent division. This vesicle division pathway provides an alternative route for the emergence of early self-replicating cell-like structures, particularly in thiol-rich surface environments where UV-absorbing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could have facilitated protocell division. The subsequent evolution of cellular metabolic processes controlling the thiol:disulfide redox state would have enabled autonomous cellular control of the timing of cell division, a major step in the origin of cellular life.
Merkle Puzzles Are Optimal -- An O(n2)-Query Attack on Any Key Exchange from a Random Oracle

We prove that every key exchange protocol in the random oracle model in which the honest users make at most n queries to the oracle can be broken by an adversary making O(n 2) queries to the oracle. This improves on the previous $\Tilde{\Omega}(n^6)$ query attack given by Impagliazzo and Rudich (STOC '89), and answers an open question posed by them. Our bound is optimal up to a constant factor since Merkle (CACM '78) gave a key exchange protocol that can easily be implemented in this model with n queries and cannot be broken by an adversary making o(n 2) queries.
Adults advising youth: Leading while getting out of the way

Drawing on 3 years of qualitative data, this article broadens the concept of distributed leadership to include “student voice” in school decision making. Specifically, the article focuses on how adults can foster youth participation and leadership in school reform efforts. In this research, adults needed to work in partnership with youth conscientiously and continuously to develop patterns of interaction that aligned with the values of equitable relations. When adults did not strike a balance between support and letting go, the youth and adults often fell back into traditional teacher-student roles. The article identifies ways in which adults helped youth to move from the periphery to the core of group interactions, especially through a collective focus on developing shared norms, language, and skills.
A Qualitative Assessment of Weight Control among Rural Kansas Women.

Abstract Objective To explore weight control beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and practices among rural Kansas women, and to characterize the relationship of these women with their primary-care providers around weight control. Design Qualitative research using focus groups. Setting Three separate communities of rural Kansas. Participants Six focus groups among 31 women during fall 2006. Intervention Two focus groups in each community, each of 2-hour duration. A focus group moderator's guide was used to explore the roles of individuals, primary-care practice teams, and communities around weight control. Analysis This study used a qualitative analysis with an iterative process and standard techniques. The analysis team summarized central findings, descriptive topic areas, and general themes. Results There were 5 broad themes that emerged from these focus groups. These themes are lack of support from primary-care providers; primary-care offices as community resources; lack of resources for promoting dietary change, but adequate resources for physical activity; the importance of group support and inclusiveness; and a need for more intensive interventions for weight control. Conclusions and Implications Rural populations have an above-average prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities. Rural communities need better approaches for addressing the obesity epidemic.
Binding and Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis Protein Cry1C to Susceptible and Resistant Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

We studied mechanisms of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein Cry1C in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). Binding assays with midgut brush border membrane vesicles prepared from whole larvae showed no significant difference between resistant and susceptible strains in binding of radioactively-labeled Cry1C. These results indicate that reduced binding of Cry1C to midgut membrane target sites did not cause resistance to Cry1C. Thus, the mechanism of resistance to Cry1C differs from that observed in several previously reported cases of resistance to Cry1A toxins in diamondback moth. We tested Cry1C toxin and Cry1C crystalline protoxin against resistant and susceptible larvae using leaf disk bioassays. After adjusting for the size difference between Cry1C toxin and protoxin, we found that with resistant larvae, toxin was significantly more toxic than protoxin. In contrast, with susceptible larvae, no significant difference in toxicity occurred between Cry1C toxin and protoxin. The resistance ratios for Cry1C were 19 for toxin and 48 for protoxin. These results suggest that reduced conversion of Cry1C protoxin to toxin is a minor mechanism of resistance to Cry1C. Because neither reduced binding nor reduced conversion of protoxin to toxin appear to be major mechanisms, one or more other mechanisms are important in diamondback moth resistance to Cry1C.
An Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded Inhibitor of Colony Stimulating Factor-1 Signaling Is an Important Determinant for Acute and Persistent EBV Infection

Acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is the most common cause of Infectious Mononucleosis. Nearly all adult humans harbor life-long, persistent EBV infection which can lead to development of cancers including Hodgkin Lymphoma, Burkitt Lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, and lymphomas in immunosuppressed patients. BARF1 is an EBV replication-associated, secreted protein that blocks Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF-1) signaling, an innate immunity pathway not targeted by any other virus species. To evaluate effects of BARF1 in acute and persistent infection, we mutated the BARF1 homologue in the EBV-related herpesvirus, or lymphocryptovirus (LCV), naturally infecting rhesus macaques to create a recombinant rhLCV incapable of blocking CSF-1 (ΔrhBARF1). Rhesus macaques orally challenged with ΔrhBARF1 had decreased viral load indicating that CSF-1 is important for acute virus infection. Surprisingly, ΔrhBARF1 was also associated with dramatically lower virus setpoints during persistent infection. Normal acute viral load and normal viral setpoints during persistent rhLCV infection could be restored by Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus-induced immunosuppression prior to oral inoculation with ΔrhBARF1 or infection of immunocompetent animals with a recombinant rhLCV where the rhBARF1 was repaired. These results indicate that BARF1 blockade of CSF-1 signaling is an important immune evasion strategy for efficient acute EBV infection and a significant determinant for virus setpoint during persistent EBV infection.
Joint orientation in Devonian rocks in the northern portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan

The orientations of 4,787 joints were measured at 43 separate locations in the area from Charlevoix, Michigan, to Alpena, Michigan, and north to the tip of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The sample localities are all in Devonian carbonate rocks and shales of the Michigan Basin. Nearly all of the joints are vertical. At least one major joint set is identifiable at each location, and four major sets are present at more than half of the locations. At 40 of the 43 sample localities, there is a joint set with a strike of about 54 degrees (N54°E); at 35 locations, there is a set striking about 133 degrees (N47°W). At 32 locations, there is a set with a strike of about 92 degrees (N88°W), and a set with a strike of about 2 degrees (NO2°E) is present at 31 sample localities. Mean orientation of any of the four joint sets does vary from location to location but is relatively consistent over the entire area for each of the sets. Fluctuations in mean orientation of any of the joint sets or the presence or absence of the joint sets is independent of formation, lithology, and distance between sample stations. Joint set orientation is independent of the regional strike around the Michigan Basin, which varies from 54 degrees (N54°E) to 114 degrees (N66°W) within the study area. The joint pattern does not appear to be related to structural trends previously postulated to exist in the Precambrian basement of the area. Two of the joint sets may be related to major low-amplitude folds in the Paleozoic strata of the Michigan Basin. In situ stress measurements show the orientation of maximum horizontal compressive stress to be compatible with these joint sets and the folds.
Broadband microwave fiber-optic links with RF phase control for phased-array antennas

The authors report the use of injection-locked self-pulsing laser diodes as optical transmitters in RF fiber-optic links, in which the RF phase of the transmitted signal can be continuously adjusted by simply varying the bias current into the laser. These devices are intended for use in optically-controlled phased-array antenna systems or in optical networks for the remote synchronization of antenna stations. It is demonstrated that by using a commercial, low-cost, compact-disk self-pulsing laser diode, phase shifting over a range of 180 degrees is possible over a broad operational frequency band of 1-7 GHz, with a switching time of 80 dB with proper impedance matching of the laser and photodetector. >
Global distribution of thermospheric heat sources: EUV absorption and joule dissipation

Abstract The global distribution and temporal variations of thermospheric heating due to Joule dissipation of measured ionospheric electric fields are computed. It is shown that the volume Joule dissipation rate at high and middle latitude is similar in magnitude and altitudinal profile to the global solar EUV absorption rate discussed in the previous papers. Thus, Joule dissipation contributes significantly towards reconciling the quantitatively known sources of thermospheric heat input and that required to maintain the normal thermosphere. The combined heat source due to EUV absorption and Joule dissipation varies with the annual cycle in a manner closely resembling that of the thermospheric density.
An Examination of Smoking Behavior and Opinions About Smoke-free Environments in a Large Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Community Members

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to more completely quantify smoking rate and support for smoke-free policies in private and public environments from a large sample of self-identified sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. METHODS A targeted sampling strategy recruited participants from 4 Missouri Pride Festivals and online surveys targeted to SGM populations during the summer of 2008. A 24-item survey gathered information on gender and sexual orientation, smoking status, and questions assessing behaviors and preferences related to smoke-free policies. RESULTS The project recruited participants through Pride Festivals (n = 2,676) and Web-based surveys (n = 231) representing numerous sexual and gender orientations and the racial composite of the state of Missouri. Differences were found between the Pride Festivals sample and the Web-based sample, including smoking rates, with current smoking for the Web-based sample (22%) significantly less than the Pride Festivals sample (37%; p < .0001). The SGM group (n = 2,162) was 1.49 times more likely to be current smokers compared with the study's heterosexual group (n = 436; p = .005). Statistically fewer SGM racial minorities (33%) are current smokers compared with SGM Whites (37%; p = .04). Support and preferences for public and private smoke-free environments were generally low in the SGM population. CONCLUSIONS The strategic targeting method achieved a large and diverse sample. The findings of high rates of smoking coupled with generally low levels of support for smoke-free public policies in the SGM community highlight the need for additional research to inform programmatic attempts to reduce tobacco use and increase support for smoke-free environments.
Photographic Evidence for Southern Plains Armor

The use of armor by Plains Indians is one of the more obscure culture traits of the area. Although there are enough occasional references in early historical works to ascertain armor use and reconstruct some of the particulars, pictorial and artifact evidence has been virtually nonexistent. The recent discovery by Lawrence T. Jones III of a photographic carte de visite portraying an unknown Comanche, Kiowa, or Kiowa Apache (Plains Apache) man circa 1871 provides intriguing evidence for armor on the Southern Plains. This find also prompts discussion of related cultural practices and the ethnohistorical potential of photograph analysis.
Duplication 6q24 6qter in an infant from a balanced paternal translocation

Duplication of 6q24 leads to 6qter was identified by GTG banding in an infant girl whose father was a balanced translocation carrier 46,XY,t(3;6)(p26 leads to q2402). At birth and at 4 mo she had proportionate short stature, microcephaly, asymmetric micrognathia, bow-shaped upper vermilion, long upper lip, submucous cleft palate, antimongoloid slant of palpebral fissures, telecanthus, prominent eyes, short neck with anterior and lateral webbing, short sternum, overlapping toes, wrist contractures, and hypertonicity. Later she was noted to have psychomotor retardation. Eleven previously published cases and our patient suggest that duplication of 6q (involving at least 6q25 leads to 6qter) produces a highly characteristic syndrome.
Effective leadership for culturally diverse technology projects

The challenges of managing culturally and globally dispersed teams are examined in a field study focusing on technology-intensive product developments. The results have implications for team organization, project execution and leadership, with special significance for the management of product and service developments involving multinational teams. The findings provide insight into the business processes, support functions and managerial leadership style most conducive to high project performance in such culturally diverse team environments that typically involve support functions, suppliers, sponsors, partners, alliances and joint ventures across the globe, and require the integration of many disciplines that often range from R&D to manufacturing and marketing. The focus of this paper is on team leadership and organizational conditioning. Specific suggestions are being made as a framework for assessing team leadership effectiveness and barriers to multicultural team performance.
A control point form of algebraic grid generation

SUMMARY Local control points are established within the context of algebraic grid generation. The method of generation is based upon a multidirectional assembly of multisurface transformations that incorporates the best features of tensor product and Boolean sum constructions. Upon assembly, the resultant capability is the capacity to conform precisely to prescribed boundaries while being able to manipulate the grid through a sparse net of control points.
Net Carbon Fluxes Over Burned and Unburned Native Tallgrass Prairie

Abstract Prescribed burning of aboveground biomass in tallgrass prairie is common and may influence dynamics and magnitudes of carbon (C) movement between the surface and atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes were measured for 2 yr using conditional sampling systems on two adjacent watersheds in an ungrazed tallgrass prairie near Manhattan, Kansas. One watershed was burned annually (BA) and the other biennially (BB). Leaf and soil CO2 fluxes were measured in the source area. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 reached a maximum daily gain of 26.4 g CO2 · m−2 · d−1 (flux toward surface is positive) in July 1998 (year when both sites were burned and precipitation was above normal); gains were similar between sites in 1998. The maximum daily NEE loss of CO2 was −21.8 g CO2 · m−2 · d−1 from BA in September 1997 (year when only BA was burned and precipitation was below normal). When data were integrated over the two years, both sites were net sources of atmospheric CO2; NEE was −389 g C · m−2 · 2 yr−1 on BA ...
Risk Factors Associated With Salmonella in Laying Hen Farms: Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

SUMMARY Salmonella contamination of laying hen flocks and shell eggs is associated with various management and environmental factors. Foodborne outbreaks of human salmonellosis have been traced back to consumption of Salmonella-contaminated shell eggs. In the present study, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify and provide an evidence-based overview of potential risk factors of Salmonella contamination of laying hens, layer premises, and shell eggs. This systematic literature search was conducted using AGRICOLA, CAB Abstracts, and PubMed databases. Observational studies that identified risk factors for Salmonella contamination of layer flocks and shell eggs were selected, and best evidence was synthesized to summarize the results. Altogether, 13 cross-sectional studies and four longitudinal studies published in English were included in the review. Evidence scores were assigned based on the study design and quality of the study to grade the evidence level. The strength of association of ...
Nine Decades Later: Idaho Women Reflect on the Meaning of the Nineteenth Amendment

Reflecting on the 90th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment (ratified August, 1920), this narrative inquiry explored its significance to women in leadership positions residing in Idaho. Idaho’s status as a forerunner approving suffrage underscored the foundation for the study. The researchers also wanted to investigate whether women have reached equal citizenship in aspects other than the right to vote. Findings indicate that the Nineteenth Amendment was pivotal in not only giving women a voice in governmental decisions, but also paved the way for other political and social breakthroughs. However, few participants linked passage of the Amendment with their rise to leadership. In some instances, full equality has not been achieved and gender discrimination still occurs, primarily when seeking leadership positions
7 Stereochemistry of Enzyme -Catalyzed Reactions at Carbon

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the interpretation of enzyme reaction stereochemistry. Examples have been selected from the literature to illustrate broad principles that may be applicable to large classes of enzymes. Particular emphasis is given to enzyme systems for which X-ray crystallographic measurements provide a structural context in which to evaluate possible mechanistic interpretations of stereochemical trends. The chapter uses the Cahn–Ingold–Prelog convention for assigning absolute configuration to chiral centers. Chemically identical substituents at prochiral centers are designated according to Hanson's convention. Since 1970, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of enzymes of known stereochemistry, owing to the broad application of numerous elegant methods of stereochemical analysis. An important challenge facing bioorganic chemists is to distinguish between those cases in which the stereochemical features of an enzymic reaction are functionally neutral and the cases that reflect underlying mechanistic advantages unavailable through alternative stereochemical modes.
Evolution of Ipsilateral Head and Neck Radiotherapy

s: Purpose: For patients with early stage lateralized head and neck cancer, unilateral radiotherapy has been shown a superior treatment than bilateral radiotherapy. Unilateral treatment not only maintains the same level of tumor control, it reduces treatment related toxicity. To take the advantage of treating a lateralized and smaller volume, radiotherapy has experi- enced evolution from mixed photon/electron fields, to wedge pair and IMRT treatment. The recent available proton treat- ment can offer further contralateral organ sparing but at a significantly higher financial cost, in addition to its technical complexities and limited accessibility. A new non-coplanar radiotherapy technique that is deliverable on existing C-arm linacs, term 4￻ , is in traduced in this article. Methods: Two patients with unilateral head and neck cancer were included in the planning study. The first patient was a post-surgical head-and-neck patient with a tumor involving posterior right maxillary sinus. The second patient had a pri- mary parotid tumor. A single-level 60 Gy was prescribed to the PTV. Three treatment plans were developed including volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT, clinically used) using 2 partial arcs, 4￻ plans using 6 MV non-coplanar beams, and a non-intensity-modulated 3-field proton plan. The 4￻ plans were created using an in-house optimization program. Both VMAT and the proton plans were generated on Eclipse (Varian). Results: All photon plans achieved 95% coverage of the PTV and less than 10% hot spots in the PTV. The proton plan showed greater dose heterogeneity in the PTV and greater high dose spillage to the surrounding normal tissue. For the first patient, comparison of the maximum doses between VMAT, 6 MV 4￻ and proton plans shows that for the contralat- eral cochlea, it was reduced from 15.6 to 4.6 and 0 Gy; the chiasm, it was from 31 to 10.6 and 7.2 Gy; for the contralateral lens, it was reduced from 6.2 to 1 and 1 Gy; for the contralateral optical nerve, it was reduced from 31.5 to 16.4 and 10.9 Gy; for the brain stem, it was reduced from 28.6 to 14.5 and 14.2 Gy. For the second patient, the same comparison shows that the spinal cord dose was reduced from 35.7 to 21.7 and 5 Gy, contralateral optical nerve dose was reduced from 35.1 to 16.3 and 8.7 Gy, contralateral eye dose was reduced from 12.1 to 7.5 and 0.1 Gy, contralateral lens dose was reduced from 5.5 to 3.1 and 0.1 Gy, contralateral cochlea dose was reduced from 24.6 to 8.52 and 0.05 Gy and contralateral pa- rotid dose was reduced from 14.5 to 5.11 and 0.15 Gy. Conclusion: The 4￻ plan's capacity to spare normal organs is benchmarked against the state of the art partial arc VMAT and proton plans. For well lateralized target in the case study, 4￻ plans showed remarkable potentials to further reduce distant organ doses compared to VMAT. While the level of distant organ sparing is not equivalent to proton therapy, 4￻ was able to attain the majority of the gains from using the proton therapy at the same time achieving superior PTV cover- age and proximal organ sparing.
ZERO-MASS PULSATILE JETS FOR UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE MANEUVERING

Compact zero-mass pulsatile jet actuators are proposed for low speed maneuvering, ducking, and station keeping of small underwater vehicles. To this end, optimization of synthetic jets for maximal thrust generation is investigated. Flow field of such jets are initially dominated by vortex ring formation. Pinched-o vortices characterize the extremum impulse accumulated by the leading vortex ring in a vortex ring formation process. Relevant parameters in this process are identified to design simple and low cost zero-mass pulsatile jet actuators. Prototypes of such actuators are built for underwater maneuvering and propulsion. The actuators could be used in two ways: (i) to improve the low speed maneuvering and station keeping capabilities of traditional propeller driven underwater vehicles, (ii) and as a synthetic jet for flow control and drag reduction at higher cruising speeds.
The Distribution of an Insecticide Made Visible

A mixture of phenolphthalein and arsenate of lead was dusted on tobacco. A print of the leaves was taken on filter paper impregnated with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrate. How thoroughly an insecticide distributes through a plant under varying conditions of application has long been a matter of guess work or determinable only by the slow and laborious methods of analysis. The present method offers an easy and immediate determination to the entomologist and layman who may not have available the services of a chemist. The method is applicable to all dusts of whatever character and also to sprays.
Effects of full-neck volumetric-modulated arc therapy vs split-field intensity-modulated head and neck radiation therapy on low neck targets and structures

Objective:While split-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (SF-IMRT) decreases dose to low neck (LAN) structures such as the glottic larynx compared with full-neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), it is unknown whether SF-IMRT affords superior dose avoidance to organs than whole neck-field volumetric-modulated arc therapy (WF-VMAT).Methods:10 patients treated definitively with radiation for oropharyngeal, oral cavity or nasopharyngeal carcinoma were compared. Only patients ideally suited for SF-IMRT plans were included. The glottic larynx, supraglottic larynx, arytenoids, pharyngeal constrictors, oesophagus, brachial plexus and target volume coverage in the LAN were compared between WF-VMAT and SF-IMRT.Results:Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) yielded statistically significant decreases in maximum dose to the arytenoids and mean dose to the oesophagus. There was no difference in dose to the glottic larynx, supraglottic larynx, pharyngeal constrictors and brachial plexus. WF-VMAT ...
Disagreement, reliability, and resilience

Alex Worsnip has recently argued against conciliatory views that say that the degree of doxastic revision required in light of disagreement is a function of one’s antecedent reliability estimates for oneself and one’s disputant. According to Worsnip, the degree of doxastic revision is also sensitive to the resilience of these estimates; in particular, when one has positive “net resilience,” meaning that one is more confident in one’s estimate of one’s own reliability than in one’s estimate of the disputant’s reliability, less doxastic revision is required. I show that Worsnip’s Resilience Account, however intuitive it may be, sometimes issues prescriptions that are clearly irrational. I then argue that Worsnip’s criticisms of “extreme conciliationism” are mistaken. The discussion brings out several important lessons for the epistemology of disagreement: first, while positive net resilience does not affect the degree of conciliation required in one-shot disagreements, over multiple disagreements it may diminish or magnify the required degree of conciliation; second, a common way of framing the disagreement debate is misguided; and third, the focus of the disagreement debate should not be on whether reliability estimates should determine the degree of conciliation (they should), but on what reasons may legitimately ground reliability estimates.
Optimization and cost analysis of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks supply chains for biorefineries

This study estimated the biomass harvest and transport cost considering single pass biomass harvest with bulk and bale collections of biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks costs were estimated using both corn stover and switchgrass as part of the feedstock supply chain. Harvest and transport cost for multi-pass biomass harvest operations using multiple feedstocks were analyzed and the optimal number of machines for all unit operations were estimated for each supply chain. This dissertation calculated and compared the biomass harvest and transport cost for single pass biomass harvest with bulk and bale collections of biomass. The objective of the research was to find the optimal number of machines, and least cost biomass harvest and transportation costs based on the harvest window, machine capacity, farm sizes and yield of the biomass. The least cost model was developed using the mixed integer non-linear programming model developed in General Algebraic Modeling System. The cost of harvest and transport using the bulk stover collection method was estimated about $25 Mg -1 ($23 ton -1 ) considering a transport distance of 3.2 km (2 miles) for primary storage from the field with the harvestable stover yield of 4.4 Mg ha -1 (2 ton ac -1 ) for the farm size of 2,000 ha. (5,000 ac.) Biomass feedstocks cost at the gate of biorefinery was estimated for multi-pass harvest systems with multi-feedstocks. Corn stover was considered a by-product of grain production and switchgrass as a single product. Planting and establishment cost was also considered along with harvest and transport cost for switchgrass. The cost of switchgrass varied from $75 Mg -1 to $97 Mg -1 ($68 ton -1 to $88 ton -1 ) and cost of corn stover varied from $75 Mg -1 to $97 Mg -1 ($20 ton -1 to $25 ton -1 ) respectively with the farm sizes variation from 400 ha to 2,000 ha (1,000 ac to 5,000 ac).
An exploratory analysis of the competing effects of aggressive decongestion and high-dose loop diuretic therapy in the DOSE trial

Abstract Background Effective decongestion of heart failure patients predicts improved outcomes, but high dose loop diuretics (HDLD) used to achieve diuresis predict adverse outcomes. In the DOSE trial, randomization to a HDLD intensification strategy (HDLD-strategy) improved diuresis but not outcomes. Our objective was to determine if potential beneficial effects of more aggressive decongestion may have been offset by adverse effects of the HDLD used to achieve diuresis. Methods and results A post hoc analysis of the DOSE trial (n=308) was conducted to determine the influence of post-randomization diuretic dose and fluid output on the rate of death, rehospitalization or emergency department visitation associated with the HDLD-strategy. Net fluid output was used as a surrogate for beneficial decongestive effects and cumulative loop diuretic dose for the dose-related adverse effects of the HDLD-strategy. Randomization to the HDLD-strategy resulted in increased fluid output, even after adjusting for cumulative diuretic dose (p=0.006). Unadjusted, the HDLD-strategy did not improve outcomes (p=0.28). However, following adjustment for cumulative diuretic dose, significant benefit emerged (HR=0.64, 95% CI 0.43–0.95, p=0.028). Adjusting for net fluid balance eliminated the benefit (HR=0.95, 95% CI 0.67–1.4, p=0.79). Conclusions A clinically meaningful benefit from a randomized aggressive decongestion strategy became apparent after accounting for the quantity of loop diuretic administered. Adjusting for the diuresis resulting from this strategy eliminated the benefit. These hypothesis-generating observations may suggest a role for aggressive decongestion in improved outcomes.
Re-examining the influence of the inclusion characteristics on the drying shrinkage of cementitious composites

Abstract The addition of aggregates to cement paste is known to alter its shrinkage, in relation to the aggregate stiffness and volume fraction. This study reexamines the effects of aggregate volume, and stiffness on shrinkage experienced upon 1 st and 2 nd drying, by cement pastes across a range of w/c (water-to-cement ratio, mass basis). Focus is paid to understand the influence of the volume fraction and properties of inclusions on the shrinkage response. By unifying shrinkage and mass loss relations with sorption isotherms, the moisture transport properties are extracted as a function of drying time and external relative humidity (RH).
Gemcitabine and Taxane Adjuvant Therapy with Chemoradiation in Resected Pancreatic Cancer: A Novel Strategy for Improved Survival?

Gemcitabine-taxane combination chemotherapy has demonstrated a survival benefit clinically in metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). The authors present their experience with gemcitabine and docetaxel (gem/tax)-based adjuvant treatment (Rx) after surgery with curative intent. Patients with de novo resectable PC from January 2010 to December 2015 were identified from the authors’ institutional database and registry. The study included only patients who received gem/tax as their initial Rx administered exclusively at the authors’ institution with or without chemoradiation (CRTx). Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier methods, and prognostic factors were investigated by Cox proportional hazard modeling. Of 102 patients identified, 58 met the study criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years, with 55% of the patients undergoing an R1 resection (margin ≤ 1 mm). Tumor characteristics included a median tumor size of 28 mm, a poor differentiation rate of 54%, and a lymph node positivity of 67%. Most of the patients (90%, 52/58) completed 80% or more of the 24 week Rx. Of these patients, 71% received post-gem/tax CRTx Rx. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed in 52% of the patients. The median follow-up period was 51.2 months, and the observed median overall survival (OS) was 52 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 27.4–not reached]. The actuarial 5-year OS was 49% (95% CI 33.7–63.4%). In the multivariate analysis, an R1 resection and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage 2 versus stage 1 disease were negatively associated with OS, whereas administration of CRTx was positively associated with OS. Adjuvant gem/tax with or without CRTx is feasible, with a favorable OS. Future prospective studies of gem/taxane-based adjuvant Rx for PC are warranted.
Effect of Temozolomide Chemotherapy on Seizure Frequency in Patients with WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas. (P1.167)

Objective: Assess the impact of Temozolomide (TMZ) on seizure frequency in patients with WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas. Background: Assessing efficacy of antitumor treatment in low grade gliomas (LGG) remains challenging. Literature suggests that seizure reduction may serve as a surrogate marker for tumor response. TMZ has been reported to reduce seizure frequency in a subset of patients with LGG. We analyze seizure response to TMZ in patients with low grade oligodendrogliomas. Design/Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with histopathological diagnosis of WHO grade II oligodendroglioma treated at MSKCC from 2005–2015. All had seizures within 3 months prior to treatment with TMZ despite use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and had available follow up data on seizure frequency after treatment completion. None had other antitumor therapy during TMZ treatment. Results: 42 met inclusion criteria. Eight (19%) had simple partial seizures, 11 (26.2%) complex partial, 7 (16.6%) simple and complex partial, 15 (35.7%) both partial and generalized seizures, 1 had a generalized seizure. All were on AEDs prior to TMZ. Six had prior radiotherapy and 2 had prior PCV. All 42 had previous surgery; 12 (28.5%) biopsy, 20 (47.6%) gross total resection and 15 (35.7%) had a second resection after disease progression. Median time between prior treatment and starting TMZ was 3 years. TMZ was started in 30 patients (71.4%) due to disease progression. AED regimen was changed in 31 (73.8%) within 3 months prior to TMZ treatment. Seizure reduction occurred in 36 (85.7%) with a median of 12 cycles of TMZ treatment (range 4–24). Of those; 29 (80.5%) had radiographically stable disease and 7 (19.5%) had objective radiographic response. AEDs dosage was reduced or completely eliminated in 11 at the end of TMZ treatment. Conclusions: We report a high seizure reduction rate in a homogenous group with WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas which preceded radiographic response to treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Haggiagi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Avila has received royalty payments from Up-To-Date.
Electron Spectroscopy for the Investigation of Metallic Surfaces and Adsorbed Species

These lecture notes cover the experimental use of Ultraviolet Photoemission (UPS) and X-ray Photoemission(XPS) for solid-state and surface adsorption studies and applications. As such they are complementary to the largely theoretical notes of J. W. Gadzuk (JWG)1 which provide a unifying theoretical framework of photoemission. Examples of some of the phenomena discussed by J. W. Gadzuk are given (in particular the detection and use of adsorbate resonances, the phenomena of relaxation and “shake-up” structure, the sum rules connecting the two, and, briefly, some aspects of angular photoemission). Practical consideration is given to their ability to provide information on bonding and analysis at surfaces. Prior to the more esoteric considerations of electronic structure effects during adsorbate/substrate interactions, the more mundane aspects of (a) quantitative elemental analysis at surfaces, and (b) “fingerprinting” methods of molecular and chemical analysis at surfaces are covered.