cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constructing We-ness: A Communal Coping Intervention for Couples Facing Chronic Illness

Communal coping occurs when relationship partners view a stressful health problem as "ours," rather than yours or mine, and take collaborative action to deal with it. Although research employing linguistic (we-talk) and other measures of communal coping demonstrates relevance to a variety of chronic illnesses, the literature offers little about how clinicians can actively promote we-ness and teamwork to help patients and their partners achieve the health benefits this appears to confer. This paper highlights clinical and supporting scientific features of a narrative intervention designed to foster communal coping by couples in which one partner has a chronic illness. The illustrative illness is diabetes, but with modification the protocol is suitable for other chronic conditions as well. Grounded in systemic and narrative models of problem maintenance and change, the communal coping intervention represents a distillation of research and clinical experience with family consultation over several decades. In contrast to more directive and educational approaches, the intervention consists entirely of questions, with no direct suggestions or instruction about how patients, partners, or couples should change. These questions comprise 8 sequential modules (Coping Challenges, Trajectory and Focus, Illness as External Invader, You as a Couple, Past Teamwork in Overcoming Adversity, Present and Future Teamwork, Obstacles to Teamwork, and Wrap-Up), described here in manual-like detail.
Inclusion of quasi-vertex views in a brain-dedicated multi-pinhole SPECT system for improved imaging performance

With brain-dedicated multi-detector systems employing pinhole apertures the usage of detectors facing the top of the patient's head (i.e. quasi-vertex (QV) views) can provide the advantage of additional viewing from close to the brain for improved detector coverage. In this paper, we report the results of simulation and reconstruction studies to investigate the impact of the QV views on the imaging performance of AdaptiSPECT-C, a brain-dedicated stationary SPECT system under development. In this design, both primary and scatter photons from regions located inferior to the brain can contribute to SPECT projections acquired by the QV views, and thus degrade AdaptiSPECT-C imaging performance. In this work, we determined the proportion, origin, and nature (i.e. primary, scatter, and multiple-scatter) of counts emitted from structures within the head and throughout the body contributing to projections from the different AdaptiSPECT-C detector rings, as well as from a true vertex view detector. We simulated phantoms used to assess different aspects of image quality (i.e. uniform activity concentration sphere, and Derenzo), as well as anthropomorphic phantoms with different count levels emulating clinical 123I activity distributions (i.e. DaTscan and perfusion). We determined that attenuation and scatter in the patient's body greatly diminish the probability of the photons emitted outside the volume of interest reaching to detectors and being recorded within the 15% photopeak energy window. In addition, we demonstrated that the inclusion of the residual of such counts in the system acquisition does not degrade visual interpretation or quantitative analysis. The addition of the QV detectors improves volumetric sensitivity, angular sampling, and spatial resolution leading to significant enhancement in image quality, especially in the striato-thalamic and superior regions of the brain. Besides, the use of QV detectors improves the recovery of clinically relevant metrics such as the striatal binding ratio and mean activity in selected cerebral structures. Our findings proving the usefulness of the QV ring for brain imaging with 123I agents can be generalized to other commonly used SPECT imaging agents labelled with isotopes, such as 99mTc and likely 111In.
A multi-vehicle communication system to assess the safety and mobility of connected and automated vehicles

Abstract Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are expected to improve both traffic safety and efficiency by reducing the human driver errors. Recently, many researchers have focused on the simulation-based studies in order to evaluate the benefits of CAVs due to the lack of real-world data. However, none of the previous studies have attempted to differentiate the benefits of CAVs over automated vehicles (AVs) by incorporating multiple preceding vehicle information (i.e., acceleration, position, etc.). This paper aims to fill the existing gap by utilizing separate car-following models for both CAVs and AVs in order to approximate their driving behavior in the Aimsun Next simulation platform. Additionally, a different car-following model is used for the connected vehicles (CVs) without automation by addressing the human driver compliance factor. This study also utilizes mixed penetration of CAV and CV with no automation. A well calibrated and validated simulation testbed is developed for SR417 in Orlando, Florida which is the base scenario in this study. To this end, the impact of CAVs, AVs, and CVs are evaluated based on both traffic efficiency (i.e., travel time) and safety (i.e., traffic conflicts) under various market penetration rates (MPRs). The traffic efficiency results show that travel time is significantly reduced for any MPRs of CAVs, AVs, and the mixture of CVs and CAVs compared to the base scenario. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model is developed to quantify the travel time improvement for CAVs, AVs, and the mixture of CVs and CAVs. The results suggest at least 20% penetration is required for CAVs to get travel time improvement while 40% penetration is needed for AVs. Also, CAV significantly outperforms AV for the same MPRs. For the safety assessment, traffic conflicts are estimated by using different surrogate measures i.e., time-to-collision (TTC) and time exposed time-to-collision (TET). The results imply that crash risk is significantly reduced for CAVs, AVs, and the mixture of CVs and CAVs scenarios compared to the base condition. A Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial model is developed in order to model the number of traffic conflicts as a function of MPRs of CAVs, AVs, mixture of CVs and CAVs, and traffic parameters. The results confirm that CAVs are more efficient in reducing crash risk compared to AVs for the same MPR. The mix penetration rate of CV (60%) and CAV (20%) shows almost similar reduction of crash risk with the 80% MPR of AV. Also, crash risk analysis based on different vehicle types shows that CAVs driving behavior is safer compared to the AVs. Finally, the results of this study indicate a significant improvement of both traffic efficiency and safety by implementing CAV with multivehicle communication system on the freeway segments.
On-field Characteristics and Head Impact Magnitude in Youth Tackle Football.

Abstract Background This study determined the effect of video-verified collision characteristics on head impact magnitudes in male youth tackle football. Methods Participants (n = 23, age = 10.9 ± 0.3 years, height = 150.0 ± 8.3 cm, mass = 41.6 ± 8.4 kg) wore Triax Sim-G sensors throughout the fall 2019 season. Ten filmed games were used to identify nine different collision characteristics: mechanism, preparedness, head direction, struck versus striking activity, stance, play type, closing distance, penalty, and quarter. Random-effects general linear models and Cohen d effect sizes were used to examine differences in log-transformed peak linear (PLA; g) and rotational (PRA; rad/s2) accelerations across characteristics. The 10 games produced 533 total video-verified impacts and 23.2 ± 7.2 impacts per athlete. Results PLA (P range: 0.107 to 0.923) and PRA (P range: 0.057 to 0.768) did not differ across characteristics. Struck players (3370 rads/s2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2986 to 3808) had a small effect for higher PRA compared with striking players (3037 rads/s2, 95% CI = 2713 to 3404, d = 0.251), but negligible effect for simultaneous struck-striking players (3340 rad/s2, 95% CI = 2945 to 3792, d = 0.018). Fourth quarter impacts (3490 rads/s2, 95% CI = 3083 to 3951) had a small effect for higher PRA compared with first (2945 rads/s2, 95% CI = 2596 to 3337, d = 0.404), second (3196 rads/s2, 95% CI = 2832 to 3604, d = 0.219), and third quarters (3241 rads/s2, 95% CI = 2841 to 3699, d = 0.144). Conclusion Youth tackle football characteristics did not significantly affect head impact magnitudes during games. More research is needed to explore additional factors that could be modified for sport safety rather than mitigating impact mechanism.
A Homeownership Dilemma?: Mobility After Job Loss in an Aging Workforce

Older workers are staying in the workforce at the highest rates since the 1960's, yet their propensity to move, either between states or between counties, is at the lowest rate recorded. This prompts concerns that housing wealth losses from the Great Recession and Chinese import competition are forcing individuals to work longer to regain wealth in advance of retirement. This paper exploits Health and Retirement Study microdata to estimate a differences-in-differences-in-differences model that identifies income shocks via job displacements and housing wealth shocks via homeownership status in commuting zones that were in the top quartile of Chinese import competition exposure. I find robust evidence that homeowners and renters exhibit differential retirement, labor force attachment, and migration responses to income shocks but less consistent evidence for difference responses to housing wealth shocks. Displaced renters are 5.1% more likely to move, but displaced renters become very slightly less likely to do so and are instead 5.1 percentage points more likely to retire in response to a displacement than renters. This result explains in part why rising displacements has not resulted in rising migration, but does not explain why falling homeownership has also not done so. Using a coarse measure of migration to retirement destination counties, I find evidence that a $1,000 increase in Chinese import competition results in 325 fewer people migrating. This is circumstantial evidence that while older workers do not appear to increase their labor force attachment to recoup housing wealth losses, they may instead scale back their retirement plans.
Hedging, hedge accounting, and earnings predictability

Studies suggest that, pursuant to the implementation of SFAS 133, even sophisticated users of financial statements find it difficult to comprehend earnings implications of hedging derivatives. Moreover, due to stringent hedge accounting requirements under these standards, many economic hedges do not qualify for hedge accounting and are deemed “ineffective” for financial reporting purposes. Motivated by these considerations, we investigate the impact of hedging on earnings predictability by analyzing hand-collected hedging data from two industries that extensively use derivatives to manage price risks: the oil-and-gas exploration and production industry and the airline industry. In contrast to extant evidence, we find that overall hedging derivatives improve income predictability and increase (decrease) analysts’ forecast accuracy (dispersion). We also show hedges deemed ineffective for hedge accounting can increase earnings volatility and significantly impair earnings predictability. This finding lends support to concerns expressed by some corporate managers and industry experts against stringent hedge accounting requirements.
Somatic-Type Yolk Sac Tumor Arising as a Predominant Component of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma.

Germ cell differentiation has been described in association with somatic tumors arising from several organ systems; rare cases arising from urothelium have been reported. Here we present a 62-year-...
Translating Economic Essence of the Independence Axiom into a General Equilibrium Mathematical Condition

Satisfaction of either of the independence axiom, or its less stringent counterpart, `smoothness of utility functions' is necessary condition for robustness of applications of expected utility theory to modeling of choice under uncertainty. This study arrives at a general equilibrium mathematical condition for inferring of, simultaneously, violations of each of the independence axiom or smoothness of utility functions, conditions. The mathematical condition shows functions that are not `well defined', equivalently, not `one-to-one' induce violations of the independence axiom. In stated respect, artifice of truncation of concave functions at first encounter of a zero derivative induces a function that is not well defined. With focus on stock markets, the mathematical condition directly implies non-robustness of either of concave or strictly convex functions to modeling of choice under uncertainty. For concreteness, in presence of satisfaction of ordering, continuity, and independence axioms, regardless, adoption of concave utility functions for modeling of choice under uncertainty embeds several reinforcing endogeneities, namely pre-knowledge of the optimum, dichotomization of expectations of positive returns from information, and dependence of expectations of positive returns on increase to risk aversion parameters of economic agents. While strictly convex functions are well defined, contrary to economics of stock markets, adoption of strictly convex utility functions implies existence of numeraire assets, that is, parameterization of stock markets by First Order Stochastic Dominance, as such, arrival at a contradiction. Study findings reiterate importance of searches for new approaches to modeling of choice under uncertainty.
DALES Objects: A Large Scale Benchmark Dataset for Instance Segmentation in Aerial Lidar

We present DALES Objects, a large-scale instance segmentation benchmark dataset for aerial lidar. DALES Objects contains close to half a billion hand-labeled points, including semantic and instance segmentation labels. DALES Objects is an extension of the DALES (Varney et al. , 2020) dataset, adding additional intensity and instance segmentation annotation. This paper provides an overview of the data collection, preprocessing, hand-labeling strategy, and final data format. We propose relevant evaluation metrics and provide insights into potential challenges when evaluating this benchmark dataset. Finally, we provide information about how researchers can access the dataset for their use at go.udayton.edu/dales3d.
Modeling, Parameter Identification, and Steering Angle Control of Electric Power Steering for Trajectory Following in Autonomous Vehicles

This paper presents modeling, parameter identification, and control of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) in the autonomous driving mode (driverless mode). The model consists of three parts, the first part estimates the mechanical system of the EPS by a second order one degree of freedom model, the lumped parameters of the mechanical model, moment of inertia, damping and coulomb friction constant are identified using Recursive Least Squares (RLSE). The second part of the model is the estimation of the dynamics of the electric motor by a second order transfer function using (RLSE). The third part of the model is the estimation of the aligning moment torque resulting from road disturbance. The aligning moment is estimated as a function of lateral forces, pneumatic trail, and kinematic trail. Lateral forces are estimated as a function of tire slip angle. Extended Kalman filter (EKF) is implemented to estimate the vehicle side slip angle and yaw rate to be used in the tire slip angle estimation. The model is used in control of the Steering Wheel Angle (SWA) of the EPS for trajectory following. The model is also used to provide a complete steering actuation model for simulation purposes. The control method used to control the EPS angle is Sliding Mode Control (SMC). Side slip angle and aligning moment were validated experimentally in the vehicle, estimated side slip angle showed comparable results with Oxford INS/GPS. Simulation results proved excellent tracking of the SMC SWA controller and compensation for the aligning moment. Simulations were conducted using the EPS model constructed from real time data.
Early Social Workers’ Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

This study reports the findings of a qualitative focus group study of 16 recently graduated MSW social workers in the New York City area regarding their experiences working during the devastating i...
OXIDATION- AND CORROSION-RESISTANT COATINGS

This chapter discusses the various aspects of oxidation- and corrosion-resistant coatings. Superalloys used in high-temperature industrial processes are generally developed with optimized structural properties such as tensile, creep, and fatigue strength while maintaining microstructural stability over a wide temperature range. A large number of coating processes are available to provide surface protection. The selection of the processes depends on the component design and the application. The microstructure, Al, Cr, or Si activity in the coating and coating thickness depend on the substrate alloy, the process parameters including temperature and subsequent heat treatment. Aluminide coatings rely on the formation of βNiAl on the surface of the component alloys. There are three major processes by which the aluminide can be formed. A variant of the above-the-pack process, called pressure pulse aluminiding uses subatmospheric but cyclic pressure. In another variant of the pack process, aluminum is deposited from slurry or by thermal spray followed by subsequent diffusion. It is found that For Ni-rich βNiAl including Pt-containing NiAl, cooling from temperatures in excess of 1100°C results in a reversible martensitic transformation.
Can daytime digital imaging be used for traffic sign retroreflectivity compliance

Abstract To ensure traffic sign visibility for the information transfer between traffic signs and drivers, transportation agencies are required to achieve and maintain traffic signs to at least minimum retroreflectivity levels. To do this, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) outlined two assessment methods – visual nighttime inspection and retroreflectivity measurement – and three management methods – expected life, blanket replacement, and control signs. This study aimed to examine whether or not visual condition derived from daytime digital imaging can be used to achieve sign retroreflectivity compliance. To accomplish this goal, we used two data sets. A sample data of over 1700 signs was manually collected in the field, and the background retroreflectivity of each sign was measured using a handheld retroreflectometer. In addition, sign data of over 97,000 traffic signs was digitally collected by driving an equipped vehicle. Sign visual condition ratings (good, fair, and poor) data was obtained from inspection of daytime digital images taken of each individual sign. By focusing on the overlaps in the two data sets including almost 1500 signs, we obtained a range of retroreflectivity measurements for each sign condition. Also, we employed the basic definition of conditional probability to assess the probability of traffic sign retroreflective pass or failure, depending on whether the sign was recorded in good, fair, or poor conditions. At its completion, the study found that though daytime digital imaging cannot be considered a reliable alternative for sign retroreflectivity measurements, nighttime digital imaging may have potential for use, and both allow transportation agencies to know which signs should be investigated manually.
Fiscal Solutions: A Balanced Plan for Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth

Our country faces a serious fiscal crisis. According to President Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, the nation is on an unsustainable fiscal path, with spending well above tax revenue. The Congressional Budget Office projects that, under current policies, federal debt will soar from 62 percent of annual GDP in 2010 to 87 percent in 2020 and 185 percent in 2035. The plan presented here represents the collaboration of its four authors and does not reflect the position of the American Enterprise Institute or any other organization. The individual authors do not fully agree with every provision of the plan, but we join in presenting it as a way to address the fiscal imbalance while promoting economic growth.Our plan re-establishes a balance between federal spending and revenue that achieves long-term fiscal stability and promotes economic growth. We cannot simply tax our way to a balanced budget without suffering the consequences of a sluggish economy and reduced prosperity. We also cannot simply cut spending without risking the loss of essential services for an aging population, undercutting our infrastructure on which economic growth builds, and reducing our ability to defend the country against its enemies.Our plan limits the national debt to 60 percent of annual GDP in 2035. Ambitious cuts in federal spending are required to achieve that goal while minimizing tax burdens on the American people and the drag that high marginal tax rates impose on long-run economic growth.
A Developing Theology of Poverty and Health Applied to Nursing Education.

Throughout history, the issue of poverty has been a problem in society. In this article, examination of Hebrew and Greek words related to poverty throughout the Bible revealed descriptions of the various types and causes of poverty. Historical research uncovered writings on poverty by several early Church Fathers and influential Christian scholars down through the ages, focusing mostly on the negative effects of poverty on life and society. In current literature, consensus exists regarding the negative effects of poverty on health. Nurses encounter these effects in the form of vulnerability and high risk for disease among their patients. Those who are poor have less access to care as well as limited resources for managing health and illness, often becoming invisible to healthcare providers and “falling through the cracks” of a flawed healthcare system. Even with the Affordable Care Act, illness as a direct result of poverty contributes to increased health risks and vulnerability. The development of a theo...
Deviation from scaling in the triple-regge region of pp→ pX and fP universality

Abstract By generalizing f P universality to Regge-particle “scattering” we obtain s d σ d t d M 2 = F( s M 2 ,t) [1 + M −1 b f (0) b P (0) ] for pp → pX, where b f ( t ) and b P ( t ) are the f and P Regge residues for, say, pp → pp. This agrees with the recent NAL data.
Parent–Child Communication's Attenuating Effects on Mexican Early Adolescents' Perceived Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Substance Use

Utilizing general strain theory, we hypothesized that perceived discrimination would be positively associated with depressive symptoms, which in turn, would be associated with alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. Second, we hypothesized that frequency of mother–child and father–child communication against substance use would attenuate the hypothesized effects. Longitudinal survey data were collected from 247 Mexican-heritage 6th- to 8th-grade students. As hypothesized, perceived discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms, which, in turn, were positively associated with alcohol use and marginally related to marijuana use. Regarding moderation, for Mexican-heritage early-stage adolescents with high frequencies of mother–child or father–child communication, depressive symptoms were not significantly related to alcohol and marijuana use, although associations were significant for adolescents low in either type of communication.
Gay Marriage as a Religious Right: Reframing the Legal Debate over Gay Marriage in the United States

The definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman has origins in sectarian religious views of marriage. Nevertheless, proponents of gay marriage have not yet fully explored the religious discrimination inherent in public policies that embrace this sectarian definition of marriage. Instead, advocates of gay marriage have largely relied on “equal rights” arguments or claims based on substantive due process and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to make the case that gay marriage should be legalized. In an effort to address the religious underpinnings of arguments against gay marriage, this article will consider the implications of using a “religious rights” as opposed to an “equal rights” framework to analyze the debate over gay marriage. This piece will examine pertinent U.S. legal cases related to religious freedom, particularly Establishment Clause jurisprudence, and their applicability to the argument that gay marriage can be framed as a religious right. It also will conside...
Thermodynamics of the hydrolysis reactions of 1,4-β-d-xylobiose, 1,4-β-d-xylotriose, d-cellobiose, and d-maltose☆

Abstract Microcalorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography have been used to conduct a thermodynamic investigation of the following reactions: (1) 1 , 4 - β - D -xylobiose ( aq ) + H 2 O ( l ) = 2 D -xylose ( aq ) , (2) 1 , 4 - β - D -xylotriose + 2 H 2 O ( l ) = 3 D -xylose ( aq ) , (3) D -maltose ( aq ) + H 2 O ( l ) = 2 α - D -glucose ( aq ) , (4) D -cellobiose ( aq ) + H 2 O ( l ) = 2 α - D -glucose ( aq ) . The results of the equilibrium measurements were K = (1.46 ± 0.15) · 103 for reaction (1) and K = (551 ± 34) for reaction (3). Although it was not possible to measure directly a value for the equilibrium constant for reaction (4), it was possible to obtain the value K = 657 for this reaction via a thermochemical pathway calculation. The results of the calorimetric measurements were standard enthalpies of reaction ΔrH∘ = (0.12 ± 0.26) kJ · mol−1 for reaction (1) and ΔrH∘ = −(0.06 ± 0.18) kJ · mol−1 for reaction (2). It is noted that values of ΔrH∘ for reactions (1) and (2) are equal to each other within their respective experimental errors. This fact is consistent with earlier observations that, for reactions involving the making/breaking of N saccharide linkages, the assignment of characteristic values of ΔrH∘/N or ΔrG∘/N or ΔrS∘/N for a specified linkage, is accurate in predicting the values of ΔrH∘, ΔrG∘, and ΔrS∘ for reactions involving saccharides that contain multiples or combinations of such linkages. Also, the values of the standard entropy changes ΔrS∘ for the hydrolysis reactions (3) and (4) fall into the range of values {(32 to 48) J · K−1 · mol−1)} previously noted for the hydrolysis of six-carbon disaccharides. In order to tie the results of this study into the thermochemical literature, a reaction catalog of related property values was created. Selected property values from this reaction catalog were then used to calculate “best” values of the standard Gibbs free energy of formation ΔfG∘, the standard enthalpy of formation ΔfH∘, the standard molar entropy S∘m, and the standard molar heat capacity C p ,m ∘ , for the substances of interest to this investigation.
Learning Analytics and Computational Techniques for Detecting and Evaluating Patterns in Learning: An Introduction to the Special Issue

The learning sciences community's interest in learning analytics (LA) has been growing steadily over the past several years. Three recent symposia on the theme (at the American Educational Research...
Viscosupplementation: a new concept in the treatment of sacroiliac joint syndrome: a preliminary report of four cases.

Abstract Background and Objectives . We describe a new therapeutic modality for sacroiliac joint syndrome that represents an alternative to other treatment modalities. We report on four cases of sacroiliac joint syndrome with severe pain. Methods: Three patients had undergone operative treatment of the lumbar spine and one patient suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the spine. All patients were diagnosed with sacroiliac joint syndrome by means of patient history, physical examination, and intra-articular local anesthetic injection preceded by sacroiliac arthrogram. All patients received three injections of Hylan GF 20 in the sacroiliac joints 2 weeks apart. Results: Twelve to 16 weeks after the injections, the pain was reported to be 40–67% better when measured on the visual analog scale. The duration of the beneficial effect of Hylan on arthralgia and joint function was undetermined. Conclusions . Viscosupplementation of the sacroiliac joint induced a significant degree of analgesia in all four patients. This treatment modality could represent an option in the management of sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction.
Training-induced alterations in contractile function and excitation-contraction coupling in vascular smooth muscle.

ABSTRACT Aerobic training-induced changes in vascular reactivity have been evaluated in vessels of a variety of sizes and tissue origins. In trained animals large coronary arteries have increased responses to adenosine (Ad) and decreased responses to norepinephrine (NE) and nitroprusside (Np). Smaller coronary arterioles have increased responses to bradykinin (Bk) but not Ad; intermediate size vessels have enhanced responses to both Ad and Bk. A similar size dependence has been found in the vascular bed of the rat spinotrapezius muscle. The terminal feed arteries of trained animals demonstrate increased dilation in response to Np and increased constriction in response to epinephrine (Epi) and NE. Smaller arterioles demonstrate increasedβ-dilation at low doses of Epi and decreased constriction at higher doses. Intermediate size vessels demonstrate adaptive responses that appear to be a combination of those in larger and smaller vessels. These vascular alterations are evident despite the fact that blood flow does not increase in this muscle during treadmill running and the oxidative capacity of this tissue is not enhanced by treadmill training. Recently, training-induced vascular adaptations have also been observed in the rat intestine; these adaptations include decreased responses to NE and acetylcholine and increased responses to Np. Experimental evidence suggests that vascular smooth muscle adaptations to training are highly dependent on the size and tissue location of the vessel and occur in tissues other than those activated during the training bout. Potential mediators of these adaptations are discussed.
SU‐D‐110‐06: Delineation of Target Volume Based on FDG PET‐CT Images and Its Effect on Tumor and Normal Tissue Doses

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of FDG PET‐CT imaging on target volume definition, inter and intra observer perceptions, and on tumor and normal tissue doses. Methods: The positron emission tomography with fluorine‐18‐ fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) radiopharmaceutical and computed tomography(CT) combined provide structural and functional information for the definition of tumor and radio‐resistant regions that can be treated to high doses. This study uses data from twenty patients who had CT and PETimaging for treatment plan preparation. Treatment plans used non‐opposing co‐planar beams of four to seven fields. The prescribed dose was 70.2 Gy in 39 fractions. Physicians H and T independently delineated tumor volumes on CT and PET‐CT images and treatment plans were generated. Doses to CT contoured structures were obtained from plans that were originally planned based on contoured PET‐CT fused images.Tumor volumes of PET‐ CT and CT were compared by an index of agreement (IA). The intra and inter observer variations on tumor delineation, mean, minimum and maximum tumor doses, and percent differences in uninvolved lung doses were compared. Results: The mean intra observer IA value was approximately 0.50 for both physicians. The mean inter observer IA value was 0.45 and 0.52 for CT and fused PET‐CT tumor outlining respectively. The percent differences in average minimum and mean tumor doses for PET‐CT and CT plans were 60.1% and 8.1% respectively for physician H, and 78.4% and 11.7% respectively for physician T. The uninvolved lung mean dose variations for PET‐CT and CT plans were 5.6% and 1.9% for physicians H and T respectively, and between both physicians the differences were 9.6% and 12.7% for PET‐CT and CT plans respectively. Conclusions: The volumes created on PET‐CT images by two experienced physicians were greatly different compared to volumes created on CT only, resulting in extreme differences in calculated doses.
Role of Entanglement in Two-Photon Imaging

The use of entangled photons in an imaging system can exhibit effects that cannot be mimicked by any other two-photon source, whatever the strength of the correlations between the two photons. We consider a two-photon imaging system in which one photon is used to probe a remote (transmissive or scattering) object, while the other serves as a reference. We discuss the role of entanglement versus correlation in such a setting, and demonstrate that entanglement is a prerequisite for achieving distributed quantum imaging.
The influence of two moving heat sources on blow-up in a reactive-diffusive medium

Two concentrated heat sources move through a one-dimensional reactive-diffusive medium. The sources, moving at constant speed in the same direction, are separated by a fixed distance. The leading source serves to preheat the medium ahead of the trailing source. Sufficient conditions, involving the speed and the separation distance, are found for blow-up at the site of the trailing source. Also, the asymptotic behavior of the solution near blow-up is examined.
Oxazine Conjugated Nanoparticle Detects in Vivo Hypochlorous Acid and Peroxynitrite Generation

The current lack of suitable probes has limited the in vivo imaging of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). ROS/RNS are often generated by ischemia-induced inflammation; defining the extent of tissue involvement or ROS/RNS-related damage would have a significant clinical impact. We present the preparation and demonstration of a fluorogenic sensor for monitoring peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) mediated hypochlorous acid (HOCl/OCl(-)) production. The sensor consists of a long circulating biocompatible nanoparticle that targets phagocytic cells in vivo and is coated with approximately 400 quenched oxazine fluorophores that are released by reaction with HOCl or ONOO(-) but are stable toward oxidants such as hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide. MPO-dependent probe activation is chloride ion dependent and is negated in flow cytometry studies of MPO inhibitor treated neutrophils. Fluorescence reflectance imaging and microscopic fluorescence imaging in mouse hearts after myocardial infarction showed probe release into neutrophil-rich ischemic areas, making this ROS/RNS sensor a novel prognostic indicator.
A Phytochemical Investigation of the Fruit of Maclura pomifera (Rafinesque) Schneider†: III. Color Tests, Paper Chromatography, and Infrred Spectra of Lurenol, lupeol, and Their Derivatives

The Liebermann-Burchard and Salkowski color tests were applied to lurenol, lupeol, and their acetates. The infrared spectra of these compounds have been recorded. Paper chromatography was applied to lurenol, lupeol, their acetates and benzoates.
Building the Supervisory Alliance with Beginning Therapists

ABSTRACT Outcome studies in psychotherapy research have indicated the importance of the therapeutic alliance independent of the therapeutic orientation. However, because of the multiple demands placed on beginning therapists and their supervisors, the therapeutic relationship is often neglected during supervision, often with problematic results. This article proposes that for beginning therapists, clinical supervisors must take into account the supervisory alliance as a means of helping therapists learn to develop their therapeutic alliances. Using ego-analytic theory as a guide to supervision, the authors underscore how to develop this alliance in an effective manner. Specific suggestions and case examples are given to highlight this trans-theoretical approach.
Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, 1400-1800

This book explores Africa's involvement in the Atlantic world from the fifteenth century to the eighteenth century. It focuses especially on the causes and consequences of the slave trade, in Africa, in Europe, and in the New World. African institutions, political events, and economic structures shaped Africa's voluntary involvement in the Atlantic arena before 1680. Africa's economic and military strength gave African elites the capacity to determine how trade with Europe developed. Thornton examines the dynamics of colonization which made slaves so necessary to European colonizers, and he explains why African slaves were placed in roles of central significance. Estate structure and demography affected the capacity of slaves to form a self-sustaining society and behave as cultural actors, transferring and transforming African culture in the New World.
The distribution of random determinants

The exact distribution of fAnf , where An is a random determinant with independent and identically distributed exponential elements is given for the cases n = 2 and 3 . From the investigation of the behaviour of the density functions for these cases it is conjectured that for any fixed n, the probability density of [Anl for large values of the argument is the same as the density of (Y/n)n , where Y is a gamma random variable.
Toxicity and genetic diversity of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in Florida, USA

Abstract Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a potentially toxic cyanobacterium which has become increasingly prominent in algal blooms throughout the USA. Twenty strains of C. raciborskii isolated from Florida, and one strain from Indiana (USA), were tested for the ability to produce three toxins, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin and saxitoxin using newly developed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) primers and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). None of these strains demonstrated the ability to produce any of the three toxins. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, a common genetic marker used in taxonomic differentiation, did not delineate these isolates from other C. raciborskii strains. However, Rubisco Large Subunit gene sequences, a less commonly used but useful genetic marker, provided better resolution of differences between Florida strains of C. raciborskii and those from Australia, which are known to be toxic. There may be toxic strains of C. raciborskii in the USA, but none were f...
Excitatory and inhibitory responses mediated by GABAA and GABAB receptors in guinea pig distal colon

The actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the receptor selective agonists, muscimol (GABAA) and baclofen (GABAB), on motor activity of the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus of guinea-pig distal colon were studied in vitro. Preparations exhibited spontaneous contractions that were blocked by scopolamine (1 microM) or tetrodotoxin (1 microM). GABA (3-100 microM) inhibited these contractions; the EC50 was 8 microM. GABA-induced relaxations were not blocked by picrotoxin (30 microM). The GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline (3-30 microM), increased the amplitude of spontaneous contractions; this response was not blocked by tetrodotoxin. Baclofen (3-100 microM; EC50 = 14 microM) mimicked the GABA-induced relaxation. Baclofen-induced relaxations were not blocked by the GABAB antagonist, phaclofen (30-100 microM). Muscimol (10-100 microM) induced a contraction followed by a relaxation; both responses faded in the presence of muscimol. The muscimol EC50's for contraction and relaxation were 12.5 and 11 microM, respectively. The muscimol contraction was blocked by tetrodotoxin, scopolamine and picrotoxin and was reduced by hexamethonium (30 microM). Muscimol relaxations were blocked by tetrodotoxin, picrotoxin and apamin (0.1 microM). Muscimol responses were not altered after preincubation of the tissues with cortisol (10 pM-1 microM). These data indicate that GABA can act at presynaptic GABAB receptors to inhibit acetylcholine release from enteric neurons and reduce spontaneous contractions. There are also GABAA receptors on excitatory and inhibitory neurons and agonist action at these receptors results in contraction and relaxation.
Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia: A Clinical Perspective

The charts of 40 children ages 4;0 through 9;11 who had articulation disorders were reviewed for symptoms of developmental verbal dyspraxia (DVD). Abnormalities of syllable production such as inaccuracy, reduced rate and poor sequencing were considered necessary to diagnose DVD. Four of the other eight symptoms needed to be present to be sufficient for DVD diagnosis. Three groups of children were identified. Group 1 had little or no syllable production problems; Group 2 had moderate syallable production problems; Group 3 had severe syllable production problems. The 15 children with severe abnormalities in syllable production (group 3) were much more likely to have DVD symptoms than children with little or no syllable production problems (group 1). Non-verbal oral motor problems were present in only 9% of group 1 children and in 60% of group 3 children. For delayed onset of sentence formulation the percents were 9% and 47%; for severe articulation disorders 9% and 40%; for soft neurological signs 18% and 3...
Venn Diagram Approach to Heisenberg Inequalities

We report on a proof to the Heisenberg inequalities, for both vector-like and scalar-like variables, that is based on statistical dependence of quantum events on appropriate Venn diagrams. A similar proof is provided for the “energy-velocity” uncertainty principle of Haidar (2010).
Effects of early monocular lid suture upon neurons in the cat's medial interlaminar nucleus.

Single unit extracellular recordings, cell size measurements, and cell packing density measurements were made in the medial interlaminar nucleus (MIN) of nine adult cats that had been monocularly deprived by lid suture prior to natural eye opening. The electrophysiological properties of neurons in the nondeprived regions of MIN (areas receiving input from the nondeprived eye) remained unaffected by monocular lid suture. The latencies to optic chiasm stimulation and receptive field properties, including receptive field center size, were essentially the same as those found for MIN neurons of normal adult cats. In contrast, cells in the deprived regions were severely affected by monocular deprivation. We encountered in the deprived regions of MIN only about one half as many active neurons per mm of electrode penetration as we did in the nondeprived regions. Of the physiologically active cells remaining, about one half had abnormal receptive field and/or response properties. This resulted in a sampling density of 5.1 normal Y-cells per mm of penetration in nondeprived regions of MIN compared to 1.0 normal Y-cell per mm in deprived regions of MIN. Histological effects of deprivation were also seen. Deprived regions of MIN were distinguished from nondeprived regions in four cats by autoradiography following intravitreal injection of tritiated proline into the deprived or nondeprived eye (2 cats each). The man cell size of deprived regions of MIN was 34% smaller than that of nondeprived regions. We did not find a difference in cell packing density between these two regions. It appears that the effects of monocular lid suture upon MIN are in most respects similar to the effects of monocular lid suture previously reported for the A laminae. Since MIN is composed solely of Y-cells, these data support the idea that the Y-pathways are more severely affected by visual deprivation than are the X-pathways. Further, since MIN projects largely outside the striate cortex, these data give the first clear demonstration of a primary effect of early lid suture upon extrastriate visual pathways.
Salmonella DNA Adenine Methylase Mutants Elicit Protective Immune Responses to Homologous and Heterologous Serovars in Chickens

Salmonella DNA adenine methylase (Dam) mutants that lack or overproduce Dam are highly attenuated for virulence in mice and confer protection against murine typhoid fever. To determine whether vaccines based on Dam are efficacious in poultry, a Salmonella Dam(-) vaccine was evaluated in the protection of chicken broilers against oral challenge with homologous and heterologous Salmonella serovars. A Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Dam(-) vaccine strain was attenuated for virulence in day-of-hatch chicks more than 100,000-fold. Vaccination of chicks elicited cross-protective immune responses, as evidenced by reduced colonization (10- to 10,000-fold) of the gastrointestinal tract (ileum, cecum, and feces) and visceral organs (bursa and spleen) after challenge with homologous (Typhimurium F98) and heterologous (Enteritidis 4973 and S. enterica O6,14,24: e,h-monophasic) Salmonella serovars that are implicated in Salmonella infection of poultry. The protection conferred was observed for the organ or the maximum CFU/tissue/bird as a unit of analysis, suggesting that Dam mutant strains may serve as the basis for the development of efficacious poultry vaccines for the containment of Salmonella.
Heterologous expression and properties of the γ-subunit of the Fe-only hydrogenase from Thermotoga maritima

Thermotoga maritima is a hyperthermophilic bacterium that contains a complex, heterotrimeric (alpha(beta)gamma) Fe-only hydrogenase. Sequence analysis indicates that the gene encoding the smallest subunit (gamma), hydC, contains a predicted iron-sulfur cluster binding motif. However, characterization of the native gamma-subunit has been hampered by interference from and the inability to separate intact gamma-subunit from the other two subunits (alpha and beta). To investigate the function and properties of the isolated gamma-subunit, the gene encoding HydG was expressed in Escherichia coli. Two forms of the recombinant protein were obtained with molecular masses of 10 and 18 kDa, respectively. Both contained a single [2Fe-2S] cluster based on metal analysis, EPR and UV-visible spectroscopy. NH2-terminal sequencing revealed that the 10 kDa protein is a truncated form of the intact gamma-subunit and lacks the first 65 amino acid residues. The midpoint potential of the 18 kDa form was -356 mV at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C, as measured by direct electrochemistry, and was pH dependent with a pK(ox) of 7.5 and a pK(red) of 7.7. The oxidized, recombinant gamma-subunit was stable at 80 degrees C under anaerobic conditions with a half-life greater than 24 h, as judged by the UV-visible spectrum of the [2Fe-2S] cluster. In the presence of air the protein was less stable and denatured with a half-life of approx. 2.5 h. The recombinant gamma-subunit was electron transfer competent and was efficiently reduced by pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase from Pyrococcus furiosus, with a Km of 5microM and a Vmax of 9 U/mg. In contrast, native T. maritima hydrogenase holoenzyme and its separated alpha-subunit were much less effective electron donors for the gamma-subunit, with a V(max) of 0.01 U/mg and 0.1 U/mg, respectively.
Siberian geotherm based on Iherzolite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite, USSR

Estimates for the temperatures and depths of equilibration of garnet Iherzolite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite plot in superposition on a calculated continental geotherm based on a heat flow of 40 mW/m 2 . The Udachnaya plot shows no marked or substantial inflection for the high-temperature xenoliths, in contrast to results obtained for xenolith suites for southern Africa and elsewhere in the world. Higher-than-present mantle temperatures are not manifest in the 350 Ma Udachnaya geotherm nor in steady-state parts of Proterozoic geotherms obtained for xenolith suites from South Africa and India. The concurrence of geotherms based on garnet Iherzolite xenoliths from kimberlites (excluding inflections) with the estimated present-time shield geotherm based on geophysical data suggests that approximations in both kinds of calculations may be essentially correct.