cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-196: Comparative Analysis of Surface Dose Measurements Using MOSFET Detector and Dose Predicted by Eclipse - AAA with Varying Dose Calculation Grid Size

Purpose: Skin dose can be the limiting factor and fairly common reason to interrupt the treatment, especially for treating head-and-neck with Intensity-modulated-radiation-therapy(IMRT) or Volumetrically-modulated - arc-therapy (VMAT) and breast with tangentially-directed-beams. Aim of this study was to investigate accuracy of near-surface dose predicted by Eclipse treatment-planning-system (TPS) using Anisotropic-Analytic Algorithm (AAA)with varying calculation grid-size and comparing with metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistors(MOSFETs)measurements for a range of clinical-conditions (open-field,dynamic-wedge, physical-wedge, IMRT,VMAT). Methods: QUASAR™-Body-Phantom was used in this study with oval curved-surfaces to mimic breast, chest wall and head-and-neck sites.A CT-scan was obtained with five radio-opaque markers(ROM) placed on the surface of phantom to mimic the range of incident angles for measurements and dose prediction using 2mm slice thickness.At each ROM, small structure(1mmx2mm) were contoured to obtain mean-doses from TPS.Calculations were performed for open-field,dynamic-wedge,physical-wedge,IMRT and VMAT using Varian-21EX,6&15MV photons using twogrid-sizes:2.5mm and 1mm.Calibration checks were performed to ensure that MOSFETs response were within ±5%.Surface-doses were measured at five locations and compared with TPS calculations. Results: For 6MV: 2.5mm grid-size,mean calculated doses(MCD)were higher by 10%(±7.6),10%(±7.6),20%(±8.5),40%(±7.5),30%(±6.9) and for 1mm grid-size MCD were higher by 0%(±5.7),0%(±4.2),0%(±5.5),1.2%(±5.0),1.1% (±7.8) for open-field,dynamic-wedge,physical-wedge,IMRT,VMAT respectively.For 15MV: 2.5mm grid-size,MCD were higher by 30%(±14.6),30%(±14.6),30%(±14.0),40%(±11.0),30%(±3.5)and for 1mm grid-size MCD were higher by 10% (±10.6), 10%(±9.8),10%(±8.0),30%(±7.8),10%(±3.8) for open-field, dynamic-wedge, physical-wedge, IMRT, VMAT respectively.For 6MV, 86% and 56% of all measured values agreed better than ±20% for 1mm and 2.5mm grid-sizes respectively. For 18MV, 56% and 18% of all measured-values agreed better than ±20% for 1mm and 2.5mm grid-sizes respectively. Conclusion: Reliable Skin-dose calculations by TPS can be very difficult due to steep dose-gradient and inaccurate beam-modelling in buildup region.Our results showed that Eclipse over-estimates surface-dose.Impact of grid-size is also significant,surface-dose increased up to 40% from 1mm to 2.5mm,however, 1mm calculated-values closely agrees with measurements. Due to large uncertnities in skin-dose predictions from TPS,outmost caution must be exercised when skin dose is evaluated,a sufficiently smaller grid-size(1mm)can improve the accuracy and MOSFETs can be used for verification.
GABAergic transmission and enhanced modulation by opioids and endocannabinoids in adult rat rostral ventromedial medulla

Key points Electrical stimulation of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) facilitates pain behaviours in neonates but inhibits these behaviours in adults. The cellular mechanisms underlying these changes in RVM modulation of pain behaviours are not known. We optimized whole-cell patch-clamp recordings for RVM neurons in animals older than postnatal day 30 and compared the results to postnatal day 10–21 animals. Our results demonstrate that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release is lower and opioid effects are more evident in adult rats compared to early postnatal rats. A cannabinoid receptor antagonist significantly increased GABA release in mature but not in immature RVM neurons suggesting the presence of local endocannabinoid tone in mature RVM. Abstract Neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) play critical and complex roles in pain modulation. Recent studies have shown that electrical stimulation of the RVM produces pain facilitation in young animals (postnatal (PN) day < 21) but predominantly inhibits pain behaviours in adults. The cellular mechanisms underlying these changes in RVM modulation of pain behaviours are not known. This is in part because whole-cell patch-clamp studies in RVM to date have been in young (PN day < 18) animals because the organization and abundance of myelinated fibres in this region make the RVM a challenging area for whole-cell patch-clamp recording in adults. Several neurotransmitter systems, including GABAergic neurotransmission, undergo developmental changes that mature by PN day 21. Thus, we focused on optimizing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings for RVM neurons in animals older than PN day 30 and compared the results to animals at PN day 10–21. Our results demonstrate that the probability of GABA release is lower and that opioid and endocannabinoid effects are more evident in adult rats (mature) compared to early postnatal (immature) rats. Differences in these properties of RVM neurons may contribute to the developmental changes in descending control of pain from the RVM to the spinal cord.
Lectures on zeta functions over finite fields

These are the notes from the summer school in G\"ottingen sponsored by NATO Advanced Study Institute on Higher-Dimensional Geometry over Finite Fields that took place in 2007. The aim was to give a short introduction on zeta functions over finite fields, focusing on moment zeta functions and zeta functions of affine toric hypersurfaces.
Postcolonial Haunting: Anxiety, Affect, and the Situated Encounter

Postcolonial theory has relied, to a great extent, upon the idea of haunting in order to bring awareness of colonial history to the present while revising the conception of the contemporary nation and cultural relations. Hauntings of the colonial frequently turn on what is undoubtedly a well-intended desire to relate to the Other, the silenced, and the hidden, but also reveal a more problematic inability to situate resistance, and mobilize memory for such purposes, in relation to ever-increasing transnational conditions that often deny or obfuscate forms of situated or positioned resistance. In this article, I examine various seminal instances of the turn to the affective charge of haunting found in postcolonial studies. These instances exemplify a concern with locating an affective dimension in the encounter with the colonial past. Such an affective charge is treated as the nexus of a transformational haunting.This focus on the production of affect and anxiety in postcolonial models of haunting, I will suggest, discloses a postcolonial anxiety about the possibility of mapping or situating resistance under conditions of transnational empire and globalized incarnations of imperialism.
Randomized controlled equivalence trial comparing videoconference and in person delivery of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD

IntroductionIn an effort to improve access to and utilization of health care, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continues to investigate the effectiveness of video-teleconferencing (VTC) tec...
Recent developments in performance driven Steiner routing: an overview

The contribution of interconnect delay to the stage delay of a circuit is increasing with scaling of the minimum feature size. At larger feature size the interconnect delay contribution was small and the driver resistance was very large compared to wire resistance. Consequently, a simple lumped model was sufficient for evaluating and optimizing circuit delay. However, with sub-micron processes, the contribution of interconnect delay dominates the stage delay and the wire resistance becomes noticeable, making the interconnect delay dependent on the routing topology. Hence it is becoming necessary to use a more accurate model for estimating and optimizing interconnect delay. This paper surveys the recent advancements in techniques for generating on-chip interconnect topology for optimizing circuit performance.
Lighting Levels in the Dwellings of Homebound Older Adults

Abstract Although poor lighting in the dwellings of older adults has been associated with falls, depression, and reduced visual performance, there has been little measurement of actual light levels in their homes. Knowing the interior light levels and preferences of older adults, especially the homebound, will be of value to service providers and designers in targeting effective interventions. This pilot study measured light levels in the apartments of 40 homebound older adults in New York City, and compared them with industry standard minimum light levels. Nearly all participants had inadequate light levels, yet rated their lighting conditions as adequate. Further research is needed on optimal light levels for improved health, safety, and quality of life.
Von Willebrand Factor Restores Impaired Platelet Thrombogenesis in Copper-Deficient Rats

Dietary copper restriction reduces microvascular thrombogenesis. We have now examined the roles of shear forces and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in in vivo thrombus formation in the cremaster microcirculation of copper-deficient rats. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed purified diets that were either copper-adequate (6.3 mg Cu/kg) or copper-deficient (0.3 mg Cu/kg) for 4 wk. Intravascular fluorescein isothiocyanate tagged to bovine serum albumin was activated with 450-490 nm light to induce thrombus formation in microvessels. Thrombus initiation time was significantly prolonged in copper-deficient rats; after thrombus appearance, however, vessel occlusion was significantly accelerated. The greater shear rates of arterioles compared with venules significantly increased the thrombus initiation time in both groups. However, vessel occlusion time and thrombus growth time were independent of shear rate. Intravascular vWF (0.2 u/100 g body wt) decreased thrombus initiation time in the CuD group without affecting thrombus growth time. The data suggest that decreased thrombogenesis in copper-deficient rats is not a result of altered rheological factors or arteriolar-venular differences, but appears to result from decreased platelet-to-endothelial cell adhesion.
Do Antihypertensive Drugs Differ in Their Ability to Regress Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Numerous studies have documented a strong relationship between left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients.1 2 3 4 5 6 Furthermore, initial evidence suggests that whether LV hypertrophy is reduced or progresses over time directly influences the risk of subsequent complications.7 8 9 10 In this context, it is understandable that considerable attention has been devoted to determining whether different forms of antihypertensive therapy differ with regard to their ability to induce regression of hypertensive LV hypertrophy. Some progress has been made, but important questions remain unanswered after the recent appearance of a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind studies of LV hypertrophy regression11 as well as detailed analyses of echocardiographic data from the Treatment of Mild Hypertension Study (TOMHS) and other large trials12 13 and, in this issue of Circulation , from the long-awaited Veterans Administration study of single-drug antihypertensive treatment.14 To place this recent evidence in context, it is useful to consider the characteristics of optimal study designs for trials of LV hypertrophy regression that help make their results conclusive and generalizable. To add useful information to the existing large but flawed literature, studies of LV hypertrophy regression should at least be randomized and double-blind and use an anatomically validated method of measuring LV mass to compare an active agent with either a placebo or one or more other active agents over ≥6 months in hypertensive women and men, many or all of whom have LV hypertrophy at baseline.15 Relatively small studies of this type, with 20 to 30 patients per treatment arm, may be used to address specific pathophysiological issues in detail or to explore the effects of new therapeutic agents, but they cannot provide conclusive comparisons between drugs. To test definitively whether different classes of antihypertensive …
Particle Deagglomeration and Reentrainment in a PM-10 Sampler

Field tests have revealed large differences in the sampling efficiencies among PM-10 samplers that previously satisfied EPA performance requirements in wind tunnel testing. To investigate causes due to processes internal to the samplers, a laboratory method was used, based on the introduction of aerosol to the sampler in a manner that approximates ambient sampling. Reentrainment of deposited particles in a dry sampler from air flow alone is found to be negligible, but it is found that particle bombardment can produce significant reentrainment. The main cause of oversampling in the Sierra-Andersen sampler is identified to be the deagglomeration of large soil particles on the impaction surface. Optical counter measurements with soil aerosol show that the mass concentration of particles smaller than 10 μm is 1.6 times greater below the impaction plate than above. Oiling the impaction plate reduces the ratio to 1.1.
Ribosomes from a streptomycin-dependent strain of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The ribosomes from a Sm-D strain of Escherichia coli have been compared in vitro with those from Sm-R and Sm-S bacteria. Maximum polyphenylalanine synthesis by Sm-D ribosomes is obtained in the presence of streptomycin; under the same conditions, Sm-S ribosomes are inhibited and Sm-R ribosomes are unaffected by streptomycin. Optimum rates of polyphenylalanine synthesis are obtained with all three classes of ribosomes at the same concentration of divalent cation (Ca2+), both in the presence and absence of streptomycin. Neomycin cannot replace streptomycin for maximum activity of Sm-D ribosomes. The requirement for streptomycin is a property of the 30 s subunit of the Sm-D ribosomes. It is concluded that the mutation leading to this Sm-D phenotype is an alteration of a genetic determinant of the structure of the 30 s ribosomal subunit.
A comparison of the information provided by essay, multiple-choice, and free-response writing tests

This study investigated the similarity of information that is provided by direct and indirect methods of writing assessment. The skills required by each of these techniques provide a framework for a cognitive model of writing skills from which these procedures can be compared. It is suggested that practitioners in terested in reliably measuring all aspects of the pro posed writing process continuum, as characterized by this cognitive model, use both indirect and direct methods. Index terms: Confirmatory factor analy sis, Essay tests, Free-response tests, Multiple-choice tests, Writing assessment, Writing processes.
Collector performance enhancement with flat reflectors

Abstract The use of diffuse and specular flat reflectors to enhance the performance of flat-plate solar collectors has been explored by means of Fortran routines which optimize the size, shape, and placement of reflector and collector. Configuration factors for systems with a diffuse reflector and a collector whose absorptance varies with incidence angle are presented. Specular reflectors are more effective than diffuse reflectors, and, if south-facing, should be used with collectors which are elongated in the east-west direction. Design curves for the specific system of horizontal collector and south-facing reflector are presented. In this system, a moderately sized reflector can increase the midwinter yield per unit collector area by several times.
Loss of chromosome arm 9p DNA and analysis of the p16 and p15 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor genes in human parathyroid adenomas.

Rearrangement and overexpression of the PRAD1/cyclin D1 oncogene, a cell cycle regulator, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of parathyroid adenomas. Recently, two cell cycle regulators that inhibit the cyclin D1-associated kinases cdk4 and cdk6 have been identified: p16 and p15, the products of the INK4A (also known as CDKN2, MTS1) and INK4B (also known as MTS2) putative tumor suppressor genes located on 9p21. Because inactivation of the p16 or p15 genes might be expected to result in oncogenic consequences similar to those from cyclin D1 overexpression, we examined 25 parathyroid adenomas for 1) allelic loss of polymorphic DNA loci on chromosome arm 9p, 2) homozygous deletions of the p16 and p15 genes by Southern blot analysis, and 3) mutations of the p16 and p15 genes by single strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Heterozygous allelic loss at 9p was observed in 4 of 25 adenomas (16%); their smallest shared region of deletion was 9p21-pter, which includes both the p16 and p15 g...
Extracellular redox state: refining the definition of oxidative stress in aging.

Oxidative stress in aging can result from an imbalance of prooxidants and antioxidants with excessive, destructive free radical chemistry. Thiol systems are important in the control of these proces...
Production of fluctuations in the early universe by the quark-nucleon phase transition

A model of the early universe is proposed which initially contains a zero-temperature quark phase. The entropy of the cosmic background radiation is generated by an irreversible transition to the usual radiation-dominated nucleon gas. At recombination time the model has density fluctuations with a characteristic mass of ${10}^{6}$ solar masses.
Modality effects in rhythm processing: Auditory encoding of visual rhythms is neither obligatory nor automatic

Modality effects in rhythm processing were examined using a tempo judgment paradigm, in which participants made speeding-up or slowing-down judgments for auditory and visual sequences. A key element of stimulus construction was that the expected pattern of tempo judgments for critical test stimuli depended on a beat-based encoding of the sequence. A model-based measure of degree of beat-based encoding computed from the pattern of tempo judgments revealed greater beat sensitivity for auditory rhythms than for visual rhythms. Visual rhythms with prior auditory exposure were more likely to show a pattern of tempo judgments similar to that for auditory rhythms than were visual rhythms without prior auditory exposure, but only for a beat period of 600 msec. Slowing down the rhythms eliminated the effect of prior auditory exposure on visual rhythm processing. Taken together, the findings in this study support the view that auditory rhythms demonstrate an advantage over visual rhythms in beat-based encoding and that the auditory encoding of visual rhythms can be facilitated with prior auditory exposure, but only within a limited temporal range. The broad conclusion from this research is that “hearing visual rhythms” is neither obligatory nor automatic, as was previously claimed by Guttman, Gilroy, and Blake (2005).
Importance of spatiotemporal heterogeneity of cellular restitution in mechanism of arrhythmogenic discordant alternans

Background Spatially discordant cellular alternans form a substrate for development of unidirectional block and ventricular fibrillation. However, the mechanisms responsible for discordant alternans remain poorly understood. Previous work suggests electrical restitution is critical to the development of alternans in single cells. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that spatial and temporal heterogeneities of restitution underlie the mechanism eliciting discordant alternans. Methods Steady-state pacing was used to elicit concordant cellular alternans in nine Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts. A single extrastimulus (S2) was applied every 51st beat following either the even or the odd beat of alternans. The cellular response to S2 was determined using optical mapping to generate action potential duration (APD) restitution curves from 256 ventricular sites for both the even and the odd beats. Results Restitution kinetics were temporally heterogeneous during alternans, as restitution curves between the even and the odd beats differed significantly. Temporal heterogeneity was quantified by the average separation of restitution between the two curves, or Δ-restitution. Δ-Restitution was spatially heterogeneous and proportional to the amount of alternans at a given ventricular site. A computer simulation based on the experimental results showed the mechanism of discordant alternans was dependent on both spatial and temporal heterogeneities of restitution. Conclusion Both temporal and spatial heterogeneities of restitution exist during cellular alternans in the intact heart. Temporal heterogeneities of restitution, quantified by Δ-restitution, are proportional to the magnitude of cellular alternans. The combination of spatial and temporal heterogeneities of restitution may underlie the genesis of discordant alternans.
Restriction site map of the Chlorella virus PBCV-1 genome.

The virus PBCV-1, which replicates in a Chlorella-like green alga, has a dsDNA genome. The DNA was mapped for BamHI, HindIII, and PstI restriction sites. The resulting map has a size of 333 kbp and is circular—indicating either covalently closed circular DNA or circularly permuted linear DNA. Several regions of repetitive DNA were also identified and located on the restriction map.
Predictors of short-term treatment outcomes among California's Proposition 36 participants

California's voter-initiated Proposition 36 offers non-violent drug offenders community-based treatment as an alternative to incarceration or probation without treatment. This article reports short-term treatment outcomes subsequent to this major shift in drug policy. Data are from 1104 individuals randomly selected from all Proposition 36 participants assessed for treatment in five California counties during 2004. The overall study sample was 30% female, 51% white, 18% Black, 24% Hispanic, and 7% other racial/ethnic groups. The mean±SD age was 37±10 years. Counties varied considerably in participant characteristics, treatment service intensity, treatment duration, urine testing, and employment and recidivism outcomes, but not in drug use at 3-month follow-up. Controlling for county, logistic regression analysis showed that drug abstinence was predicted by gender (female), employment at baseline (full or part-time), residential (vs. outpatient) stay, low psychiatric severity, frequent urine testing by treatment facility, and more days in treatment. Recidivism was predicted only by shorter treatment duration. Employment predictors included age (younger), gender (male), baseline employment, and lower psychiatric severity. The study findings support drug testing to monitor abstinence and highlight the need to address employment and psychiatric problems among Proposition 36 participants.
Application of a Karst Disturbance Index in Hillsborough County, Florida

Hillsborough County, Florida, is a karst region that is heavily urbanized, yet no study has been undertaken measuring the degree of human disturbance. Van Beynen and Townsend (2005) created a hierarchical and standardized disturbance index specifically designed for karst environments. To address the problem of determining human disturbance in the county, the above index was successfully applied and it was found that Hillsborough was highly disturbed (disturbance score of 0.69 of 1.0) because of its predominant urban and rural land use. Furthermore, the application of the index allowed for its refinement and the highlighting of environmental aspects in need of remediation such as soil compaction, deforestation, disturbance of archaeological sites, and the expanding urban footprint. Several minor issues arose during the application: the need for broader indicator descriptions that encompass a variety of scenarios, the need for a revised water quality indicator, inadequate data on sinkholes, and a lack of data for species richness and species population density. The utility of the index to resource managers arises from emphasizing certain areas of the environment that require immediate attention and determining temporal changes in environmental quality. Future application of the index requires potential retooling of the biota indicators, tightening of scoring descriptions for certain indicators, and further examination of the scale at which the index can be applied.
Dihedral-angle dependence of geminal, scalar, coupling-constants in [1-13C]-amino sugars

Abstract 2-Amino-2-deoxy- D -[1-13C]-glucose and -mannose hydrochlorides have been studied by 13C and 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy. The carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen coupling-patterns observed are qualitatively similar to results obtained with the [1-13C]hexoses. In both of the amino sugars studied, resolvable C-1-C-3 coupling was observed only for the β anomers, whereas C-1-C-5 coupling was observed only for the α anomers. In addition, the C-1-H-2 couplings exhibit the same dihedral-angle dependence found for other [1-13C]hexoses. Specific, homonuclear decoupling of H-1 indicates that the C-1-H-2 coupling constants are negative for the α and β anomers of both amino sugars. The dihedral-angle dependence of the geminal C-1-H-2 coupling is thus qualitatively invariant to the presence of the amino group and appears to be a useful conformational probe.
Administration of the D1-like dopamine receptor antagonist SCH-23390 into the medial nucleus accumbens shell attenuates cocaine priming-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in rats.

Rationale. A growing literature indicates that increased dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens contributes to priming-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior.
Latinas and Postpartum Depression: Role of Partner Relationship, Additional Children, and Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding, additional children, and partner relationship predicted postpartum depression among 59 Latinas who had an infant who was 6 months old or younger. The most powerful predictor was conflict with partner. Counselors working with Latinas experiencing postpartum depression should explore the partner relationship, particularly relationship conflict. El amamantamiento, los otros hijos, y la relacion de pareja pronosticaron la depresion postparto en 59 mujeres latinas que tenian un hijo de 6 meses de edad o menos. El factor de pronostico mas fuerte fue el conflicto con su pareja. Los consejeros que trabajen con mujeres latinas con depresion postparto deberian explorar la relacion de pareja, sobre todo los conflictos en la relacion.
Cluster formation of α7-containing nicotinic receptors at interneuronal interfaces in cell culture

Nicotinic receptors containing the alpha7 gene product are among the most abundant in the nervous system. Because of their widespread distribution and high relative permeability to calcium, the receptors regulate a diverse array of cellular events. On chick ciliary neurons the receptors are concentrated on somatic spines folded into discrete mats on the cell body and are overlaid by a large presynaptic calyx. The receptors co-localize with filamentous actin and the actin-associated protein drebrin which are concentrated in the spines. We show here that embryonic ciliary ganglion neurons grown in dissociated cell culture express and concentrate the receptors in large clusters or plaques that form at interneuronal interfaces between small clumps of neurons. The receptors resist detergent extraction even after disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting the importance of additional molecular mechanisms determining receptor location. The cell adhesion molecules N-CAM and N-cadherin are concentrated at the receptor plaques and may influence plaque stability. Although ciliary neurons do not normally contact each other in vivo, they do so in culture and may mimic interactions normally occurring between calyx and soma in vivo. As a result the cultures may prove useful for identifying components shaping development of postsynaptic specializations on neurons.
Junctional transfer of small molecules in cultured bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes.

Abstract We have utilized cultures of bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (MEC) and pericytes to study two aspects of intercellular relations in the microvasculature. First, the apparent contradiction between the reported demonstration of dye transfer between endothelial cells in capillaries and venules in rat omentum and the lack of ultrastructurally demonstrable interendothelial gap junctions in the same vessels in omentum, brain, and other tissues led us to examine this problem in vitro . MEC showed extensive transfer of both fluorescent dye (Lucifer yellow CH, 96% transfer incidence in primary culture) and radiolabeled uridine nucleotides (97%). Freeze-fracture replicas of MEC revealed both gap and tight junctions. These results demonstrate that MEC are capable of producing gap junctions and engaging in junctional communication in vitro . Second, we have examined the interaction of pericytes with MEC. Cultured pericytes showed gap junctions in freeze-fracture replicas, variable dye transfer (cell density dependent, 19–91%), and extensive nucleotide transfer (94%). While the incidence of dye transfer between MEC and pericytes was low (10–31%), nucleotide transfer between these cells was extensive (86–96%). The demonstration of junctional transfer between MEC and pericytes in vitro may be particularly significant considering the high frequency of junctional contact between these cells in vivo . These cultured cell models should help us to better understand the complex interactions of vessel wall cells in microvascular physiology and pathophysiology.
Low-temperature thermopower of (SN) x

Measurements of the thermoelectric power of ${(\mathrm{SN})}_{x}$ are reported over the temperature range 0.15-4.2 K for magnetic fields of 0-15 kOe applied parallel and perpendicular to the fiber axis. Above 1 K, the thermopower is large, negative, and dominated by phonon drag, which indicates that electrons contribute more to the electrical conductivity than do holes, and that the phonons are predominately scattered by the electrons. As the temperature is decreased below 1 K in zero field, an increase in the thermopower is observed which is attributed to the Kondo effect. This increase is terminated at the superconducting transition temperature, where the thermopower drops to zero. With the application of a magnetic field, a complicated behavior is observed below 1 K which is attributed to a combination of the quenching of superconductivity, superconducting fluctuations, magnetic impurities, and the Kondo effect.
Ray-trace analysis and data reduction methods for the Ritchey-Common test.

The relationships between figure errors on an optical flat and wave-front aberrations when the flat is tested in the Ritchey-Common configuration are examined by the real ray-tracing lens analysis program polycon. A new data reduction method for the test is demonstrated. The test is simulated, and rays are traced using polycon. Unit magnitude Zernike term surface errors are added, one by one, to the flat under simulated test, and the effect on the wave front is derived by real ray tracing. This results in a table of influence functions for the particular test geometry. The simulation is repeated for one or more different field angles or azimuthal rotations of the flat to obtain other sets of influence functions. By using these influence functions it is possible to deduce what surface errors on the flat are responsible for any arbitrary test wave-front errors measured up to the order of the influence functions derived. The effectiveness of this method is compared with other existing methods by computer simulations.
Siderite (FeCO3): Thermal Decomposition in Equilibrium with Graphite.

The thermal stability of siderite (FeCO 3 ) was studied by two independent methods in which the oxygen fugacity of the gas phase was controlled by equilibration with graphite. Both series of experiments indicate that siderite decomposes stably to magnetite + graphite between 455° and 465°C at 500 to 2000 bars P CO 2 + P CO .
The Class A β-Lactamase FTU-1 Is Native to Francisella tularensis

The class A β-lactamase FTU-1 produces resistance to penicillins and ceftazidime but not to any other β-lactam antibiotics tested. FTU-1 hydrolyzes penicillin antibiotics with catalytic efficiencies of 10(5) to 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and cephalosporins and carbapenems with catalytic efficiencies of 10(2) to 10(3) M(-1) s(-1), but the monobactam aztreonam and the cephamycin cefoxitin are not substrates for the enzyme. FTU-1 shares 21 to 34% amino acid sequence identity with other class A β-lactamases and harbors two cysteine residues conserved in all class A carbapenemases. FTU-1 is the first weak class A carbapenemase that is native to Francisella tularensis.
The role of patient needs and preferences for instructional approaches in self-management of diabetes*

This study addresses the issue of individualized instruction, viewing preferences for instructional approaches as an instance of aptitude-treatment interaction. In such interaction, diabetic patients' needs were held to affect their preference for either a structured or unstructured approach to instruction for self-management. Forty-six adult diabetic patients completed the Personality Research Form E and ranked four types of instructional approaches as portrayed in descriptive statements. Need levels of patients preferring structured and unstructured instruction were compared by means of t tests. Results indicated that one of the four composite-need scales, the need for control, significantly (P = 0.003) differentiated structured and unstructured groups. Congruence between certain needs and preferred instructional approaches was thus demonstrated.
Topological vector spaces of analytic functions

In a recent paper we introduced a space of analytic functions in the unit disc called H(1) which is the union of some spaces . We also showed that if , then f(z) can be recaptured from the restriction of its distributional boundary values to an open arc of the unit circle. In this article we shall develop some of the properties of the spaces H(α) that we used in our earlier paper. However, this will be done in a more general form. In fact, for any smooth, positive, concave subadditive function ω(x) on [0, ∞) with ω(x) = 0(x) as x → ∞, we shall construct a Frechet space H(ω(x)) of analytic functions in the unit disc. Different characterizations, the multipliers and the dual spaces of H(ω) will be studied. As a special case if ω(x) = xα (0 < α < 1), we obtain the space H(α).
Doubly excited states of three-electron systems (Z = 2 to 10) below the (1s21)SLπ threshold

A systematic experimental and theoretical study of doubly excited ls21nl’ states of three-electron ions has been performed. Theoretically the truncated diagonalization method (TDM) has been used to generate both non-relativistic and relativistic energy values, wave functions and quantum defects for 42 different Rydberg series converging to four different thresholds, i.e. (ls2s)3Se, 1Se and (ls2p)3P°, 1P°. This comprehensive data base has been used to classify recent high resolution Auger electron spectra arising from Li-like states. Specifically we have analyzed He-, C3+, O5+ and Ne7+ Auger electron data produced by double electron capture in slow ion-atom collisions. Numerous new lines associated with (ls21nl’) Rydberg levels have been identified.
Comments on "Dynamics of Gaseous Uptake from the Lungs: The Concentration and Second Gas Effects"

This comment points out discrepancies between the concentration effect reported in the anesthesiology literature and the model presented in the above paper1 by Poon et al. which attempts to explain it. The difference between the faster kinetics reported for high concentrations of anesthetic gas and the slower kinetics seen in the Poon model is explained.
Oxygen and light effects on chromosomal aberrations in mouse cells in vitro.

Abstract Decreasing the oxygen concentration in the gas phase from 18% (atmospheric) to 1% decreased the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in mass cultures of cells from adult lung and embryos of two inbred mouse strains. Both the rate of shift from the diploid number and the incidence of abnormal chromosomes were decreased at the lower oxygen level. Similarly, shielding mouse cells from room lights (cool white, fluorescent) during routine fluid renewals reduced the incidence of abnormal chromosomes, particularly minutes and metacentrics. The increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities on exposure of cells to light and high oxygen presumably results from a photodynamic reaction affecting the DNA or associated proteins of the chromatin fibers.
Influence of processing conditions on IR edge absorption in fluorohafnate and fluorozirconate glasses

Abstract The influence of processing conditions on the IR absorption edge of fluoride glasses with the composition 62 MF4 1b 33 BaF2 1b 5 LaF3 (M = Hf or Zr) is reported. At higher values of the absorption coefficient (α > 1 cm−1), the IR edge is nearly independent of processing conditions and appears to be intrinsic. At lower values (α
The effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid on contractile properties and catecholamine content of rat carotid arteries

The prevalent use of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) to prevent rebleeding in the preoperative management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms raises the question of a relationship between this drug and cerebral vasospasm. The effects of EACA on the contractile properties of the rat common carotid artery were measured in vitro, and the effects of EACA on the catecholamine content of these arteries were determined qualitatively. When carotid artery segments from rats that had been infused with lactated Ringer's solution alone were incubated in the presence of 1 mM EACA, they exhibited a decrease in contractile activity brought about by the presence of either serotonin or norepinephrine, and an increase in contractile activity when potassium chloride was used. These changes were not witnessed if the arterial segments came from rats that had been infused with lactated Ringer's solution containing EACA. No effect of epsilon aminocaproic acid was found on the median effective dose values for each vasoconstrictor used. Fluorescence histochemistry showed no qualitative changes in the catecholamine content of carotid arteries following EACA treatment.
Tree Labeled LDA: A Hierarchical model for web summaries

We study the applications of hierarchical topic models to represent the content of website summaries. We concentrate on the DMOZ collection of Web extracts and propose a novel Tree Labeled LDA (tLLDA) algorithm to infer topic models using its manually compiled ontology. The algorithm takes advantage of the ontology structure and infers topic models by jointly modeling word and ontology node assignments for documents. We evaluate the performance of our topic modeling approach against that of four state-of-the-art algorithms (Labeled LDA, Hierarchically Labeled LDA, Hierarchically Supervised LDA and Supervised LDA) and show improvement in terms of perplexity and accuracy. Our evaluation shows that topic models produced by tLLDA outperform other algorithms in terms of perplexity for all test sets and all but one test case in terms of accuracy.
Computer simulation of organogenesis: An approach to the analysis of shape changes in epithelial organs☆

Abstract Embryonic development of epithelial organ primordia often involves changes in several parameters, such as cell height, cell width, cell volume, amount of extracellular space, and cell number. Since these changes often occur simultaneously, it becomes difficult to “separate out” the role that each plays in the developmental process. A computer program has been written that allows the shape of epithelial organs to be reproduced based upon measurements of the primordium. A developmental sequence can be simulated by changing the dimensions of the primordium based upon either measurements of the developmental stages or theoretical projections of changes. The primordium is divided into blocks representing groups of cells, based upon characteristics of the different cell groups. The program allows differences in cell height and circular and spiral curvatures of the primordium to be simulated. Analysis of the optic primordium using this method has allowed recognition of several regional changes during optic cup formation. These are sequential constriction of cell apices at the margin of the optic cup, expansion of the apical surface toward the center of the retinal disc, and spreading of the future pigmented layer. Simulation of other organs permits regions of morphogenetic activity to be identified.
Agri-tainment: A New Crop for Farmers

Agricultural tourism has allowed farmers to reach new consumers, cultivate new revenue streams, educate the public regarding their work, and to preserve their way of life. Today, many farmers are going beyond the traditional hayride or pick-your-own orchards to include attractions and amusements. They have transformed the category, even prompting a new name, agri-tainment (agricultural entertainment). In the process, the family farm has become a destination itself. The rationale behind their development along with the consumer interest in experiencing such tourism venues is discussed.
Putting the spinal cord together again.

Demonstration of successful spinal cord regeneration in experimental models is nontrivial. It requires unambiguous proof that injured and not neighboring intact neurons have grown, that novel functional synapses have been established, and that these are responsible for any improvement in functional recovery and that any such recovery is not accompanied by maladaptive function. Very few studies fulfill all these criteria, and consequently there is often uncertainty as to how much regeneration has occurred and its functional significance. The rate of recent progress indicates, though, that we are likely to learn soon why regeneration fails in the adult CNS and may be able to devise technical approaches to use this knowledge to further enhance regeneration.The therapeutic strategies necessary to achieve successful spinal cord regeneration are shown in Table 1Table 1. Given the complexity and diverse response of the CNS to injury, it is extremely unlikely that a single approach will suffice. Multiple interventions will be required at coordinated times to initiate, maintain, and guide regeneration of injured neurons from their site of injury to the appropriate target neurons, and to reestablish functional synaptic contact. Although cautious optimism is beginning to be appropriate, there are great scientific challenges that still need to be met before it is time to focus on or initiate clinical therapies.*To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail: woolf.clifford@mgh.harvard.edu).Table 1Strategies for Promoting Spinal Cord RegenerationObjectivesneuronal death/atrophyglial cell reaction/extracellular matrix formationdecrease inhibitory environment provide permissive environmentincrease growth response decrease response to inhibitory influences provide axon guidance cues ensure contact with appropriate target neuron promote synaptic differentiation prevent maladaptive connectivityTechniquesanti-inflammatory agents—methyl prednisoloneneuroprotection—glutamate receptor antagonists/ion channel blockers/growth factorstarget glial cell reactionvaccination against myelin proteins neutralizing antibodies/receptor bodies targeted at inhibitory proteins (Nogo, etc.) receptor antagonistsabort growth cone collapse—intracellular signal transduction modifierssupporting cell bridges—peripheral nerve grafts embryonic tissue/stem cell grafts Schwann cells/olfactory ensheathing glia acellular matrix conduitsadminister molecules that increase intrinsic growth capacity activate growth cone signal transduction cascades potassium channel blockers—optimizing conduction replace neurons—stem cell transplantsprovide guidance cues and ensure specific target recognition
Nitrogen fixation in different biogeochemical niches along a 120 000-year chronosequence in New Zealand

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the major nitrogen (N) input in many terrestrial ecosystems, yet we know little about the mechanisms and feedbacks that control this process in natural ecosystems. We here examine BNF in four taxonomically and ecologically different groups over the course of forest ecosystem development. At nine sites along the Franz Josef soil chronosequence (South Westland, New Zealand) that range in age from 7 to 120000 yr old, we quantified BNF from the symbiotic plant Coriaria arborea, cyanolichens (primarily Pseudocyphellaria spp.), bryophytes (many species), and heterotrophic bacteria in leaf litter. We specifically examined whether these groups could act as "nitrostats" at the ecosystem level, turning BNF on when N is scarce (early in primary succession) and off when N is plentiful (later in succession and retrogression). Coriaria was abundant and actively fixing (approximately 11 kg N x ha(-1) x yr(-1)) in the youngest and most N-poor site (7 yr old), consistent with nitrostat dynamics. Coriaria maintained high BNF rates independent of soil N availability, however, until it was excluded from the community after a single generation. We infer that Coriaria is an obligate N fixer and that the nitrostat feedback is mechanistically governed by species replacement at the community level, rather than down-regulation of BNF at the physiological scale. Biological nitrogen fixation inputs from lichens (means of 0-2 kg N x ha(-1) x yr(-1)), bryophytes (0.7-10 kg N x ha(-1) x yr(-1)), and litter (1-2 kg N x ha(-1) x yr(-1)) were driven primarily by changes in density, which peaked at intermediate-aged sites (and increased with soil N availability) for both lichens and bryophytes, and grew monotonically with soil age (but did not change with soil N) for litter. This non-nitrostatic link between soil N availability and lichen/bryophyte BNF likely stems from increased tree biomass in more fertile sites, which increases epiphytic moisture conditions and habitable surface area. This apparent positive feedback could produce N-rich conditions.
Context effects in recognizing syllable‐final /z/ and /s/ in different phrasal positions

An examination of the effect of phrase‐final lengthening on the temporal correlates of voicing in syllable‐final /s/ and /z/ was conducted. Discriminant analyses revealed that a combination of vowel duration, frication duration, and the duration of simultaneous voicing and frication was quite successful in determining voicing independently of phrase‐final lengthening. Two perceptual experiments revealed that human listeners’ recognition of the segments does benefit from hearing the syllables in sentential context as opposed to when they are excised from context and presented in isolation. The benefit was greatest for /s/ in phrase‐final position and /z/ in phrase‐internal position. This suggests that the presence of sentential context allows listeners to factor out the influence of phrase‐final lengthening on vowel duration and to more accurately interpret this cue to voicing of the final fricative. These findings extend previous results on rate‐dependent processing of overall speaking rate to the process...
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Light and Nondaily Smokers

Cigarette smoke is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and related mortality. Despite overall decreases in smoking prevalence, light and nondaily smoking is increasingly prevalent. However, the health effects of lower-level cigarette consumption have received less empirical attention to date. Previous research suggests a nonlinear dose-response relationship between smoking level and cardiovascular disease and mortality. In this review, we highlight research investigating the relationship between cardiovascular health risk and light and nondaily smoking, including research examining the mechanisms hypothesized to explain the effects of differing levels of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular health. We conclude that the research community should agree on definitions for “light” and “nondaily” smoking in order to facilitate future research regarding the cardiovascular health effects of these types of smoking patterns and that future examination of the cardiovascular effects of nondaily smoking is critical given the dearth of research in this area.