cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the importance of neutron-induced reactions along the cycle of an LFR

The Lead-cooled Fast Reactor is one of the three technologies selected by the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform that can meet future European energy needs. Several LFR concepts are now in design phase, such as MYRRHA and ALFRED, and accurate nuclear data are required for the neutronic and safety assessment of the fast reactor designs. In this work, an assessment of the evolution of the importance of neutron-induced reactions along the cycle of a reference LFR design (i.e., ALFRED) with the state-of-the-art JEFF-3.3 nuclear data library is performed. Sensitivity analyses have been carried out with MCNP6 code in order to identify the most relevant isotopes and reactions from the neutronic point of view at BoL, BoC and EoC. Furthermore, an uncertainty quantification has been performed with the SUMMON system to study the evolution of uncertainties in the keff along the reactor cycle. The results from this work provide an exhaustive picture on the influence of nuclear data on core criticality performance, identifying key quantities and nuclear data needs relevant to achieve an improved safety level for LFR.
Deep learning analysis of defect and phase evolution during electron beam-induced transformations in WS 2

Recent advances in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) allow the real-time visualization of solid-state transformations in materials, including those induced by an electron beam and temperature, with atomic resolution. However, despite the ever-expanding capabilities for high-resolution data acquisition, the inferred information about kinetics and thermodynamics of the process, and single defect dynamics and interactions is minimal. This is due to the inherent limitations of manual ex situ analysis of the collected volumes of data. To circumvent this problem, we developed a deep-learning framework for dynamic STEM imaging that is trained to find the lattice defects and apply it for mapping solid state reactions and transformations in layered WS2. The trained deep-learning model allows extracting thousands of lattice defects from raw STEM data in a matter of seconds, which are then classified into different categories using unsupervised clustering methods. We further expanded our framework to extract parameters of diffusion for sulfur vacancies and analyzed transition probabilities associated with switching between different configurations of defect complexes consisting of Mo dopant and sulfur vacancy, providing insight into point-defect dynamics and reactions. This approach is universal and its application to beam-induced reactions allows mapping chemical transformation pathways in solids at the atomic level.
Comparison of vertical cup-to-disc ratio estimates using stereoscopic and monoscopic cameras

BACKGROUND The use of monoscopic cameras for glaucoma screening is increasing due to their portability, lower cost, and non-mydriatic capabilities. However, it is important to compare the accuracy of such devices with stereoscopic cameras that are used clinically and are considered the gold standard in optic disc assessment. The aim of this study is to compare vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) estimates obtained using images taken with a monoscopic and stereoscopic camera. METHODS Participants were selected from the Tema Eye Survey. Eligible subjects had images of at least one eye taken with two cameras. They were classified as meeting the glaucoma threshold if an eye had a VCDR estimate >97.5th percentile, corresponding to >0.725 for this population. Hence, we used 0.725 as the cutoff to group eyes into two categories: positive and negative. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of VCDR assessed by expert readers at a reading center for monoscopic photos using stereoscopic photos as the gold standard. RESULTS Three hundred and seventy-nine eyes of 206 participants were included in the study. Most participants were female (60.2%) and the most common age group was 50-59 years (36.4%). Sixteen eyes met the glaucoma threshold (VCDR > 0.725). Of these, the VCDR estimates of 14 eyes (87.5%) disagreed on the glaucoma threshold from the two cameras. The sensitivity to detect glaucoma with the monoscopic camera was 14.3% (95% CI: 4.0, 40.3). CONCLUSIONS The low sensitivity of monoscopic photos suggests that stereoscopic photos are more useful in the diagnosis of glaucoma.
A Fractional Order SMC approach to Improve the Reliability of Wind Energy Systems During Grid Faults

Abstract This paper proposes a fractional order sliding mode approach for the converters of a DFIG-based wind energy system. It aims at mitigating grid faults and improving power reliability in the presence of uncertainties and sudden load variations. Its reliance on fractional calculus results in smoother control actions and reduced chattering compared to standard SMC. It also implements a super-capacitor as energy storage for its faster response compared to a conventional battery. The proposed approach was validated using a DFIG-based wind energy system installed in a small-scale standalone power supply network. Its performance was further compared to that of a standard PI approach. The obtained results showed significant improvement in the performance of the wind energy system during grid faults.
Behavioral interventions to extend sleep duration: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary The goal of this study was to examine the effects of behavioral sleep extension interventions on sleep duration outcomes in children and adults ≥ age 12. We conducted a systematic literature review, article extraction and meta-analysis. Our search yielded 42 studies from 14 countries. The majority of studies (n = 19) enrolled adults, 10 studies enrolled college students, 13 enrolled children (high school or middle school aged). Results from the meta-analysis demonstrated behavioral sleep extension resulted in a significantly higher sleep duration as compared to control group or baseline, with pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) that was similar for both two-arm 0.80 (95 % CI 0.28 to 1.31; p I 2 = 99.2%) and one-arm studies 0.75 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.11; p I 2 = 86%), and there was significant heterogeneity among both study types. Subgroup analyses revealed that studies with direct interventions on sleep duration (i.e., specified the sleep schedule) had larger effects compared to indirect methods (coaching, educational approaches) and a greater number of curriculum components was associated with smaller effects. Results of this review demonstrate that sleep extension studies are effective at extending sleep in a variety of populations but improving the description of intervention methods and use of more rigorous study designs will improve the quality and reproducibility of this area of research.
Assessing information on YouTube™ as a quality source for the treatment of varicoceles.

Introduction: YouTube™ has grown into one of the largest disseminators of health care information. We assessed the quality of information on varicoceles and their treatment, available on YouTube™. Methods: Using a YouTube™ search query with the keyword “varicocele,” the quality of the first 50, nonrepeat videos in English were assessed as a representative group for the topic. DISCERN and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials (PEMAT-AV) standardized tools were utilized by three independent reviewers to grade the quality of these videos based on content, understandability, and actionability. Results: The average and median DISCERN score was 31.34 (±9.37) and 31 (interquartile range 25–35), respectively, indicating poor quality. The interrater reliability (IRR) scores ranged from 0.51 to 0.93, indicating fair to excellent reliability. The average PEMAT-AV understandability and actionability scores were 69.8% ±15.4% and 11.0% ±24.6%, respectively, indicating mostly understandable but poor actionability. The t-test results showed that international videos scored higher without statistical significance in the DISCERN or PEMAT-AV scores (P = 0.18, 0.59, and 0.20). Conclusions: The current quality of videos on YouTube™ on the topic of varicoceles is of poor quality due to a lack of a holistic approach in explaining the wide range of treatment options available. With the ease of access to produce and disseminate health information, there is a need to create high-quality videos on varicoceles that empower a patient to make an informed decision.
"'Tis better to be brief than tedious"? The Evolution of the American Public Library Annual Report, 1876-2004

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries public libraries used annual reports to inform the public and one another about new services and managerial approaches. Because librarians filled reports with statistics, narrative, and professional philosophy and exchanged them throughout the country, nearby collections of reports can provide rich and accessible evidence for institutional, social, and cultural history studies. However, starting in the 1920s, library reports began to emphasize themes rather than departmental details, and librarians increasingly communicated through journals. Thus some libraries ceased collecting institutional publications. Although today's reports are suitable for public relations purposes, historians should be concerned about their limited content and distribution.
Understanding trapping in photorefractive polymer composites for optical processing applications

Summary form only given. The high gain and index modulation reported for several new photorefractive polymer composites may open the way for future applications of this promising class of materials for optical processing. In this work we focus on identification of the trapping states with a goal of eventual optimization of this critical component. We consider composites of the general composition PVK:NLO:BBP:C/sub 60/, where PVK is the photoconducting host poly(N-vinyl carbazole), NLO is a nonlinear optical chromophore of the form amino-dicyanostyrene, BBP is the liquid plasticizer butyl benzyl phthalate, and the fullerene C/sub 60/ sensitizes hole generation for red wavelengths near 650 nm. Since optical absorption by the fullerene produces mobile holes, the fullerene anion is formed in the process. We present evidence that the radical anion of C/sub 60/ acts as the primary photorefractive hole trap in C/sub 60/-sensitized photorefractive polymers, using the strong near-infrared absorption of C/sub 60/ to quantify the anion concentration in situ. The spectroscopically determined concentration correlates well with the photorefractive trap density obtained from analysis of the photorefractive performance.
Combining Different Line Crosses for Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci Using the Identical by Descent-Based Variance Component Method

Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is usually conducted with a single line cross. The power of such QTL mapping depends highly on the two parental lines. If the two lines are fixed for the same allele at a putative QTL, the QTL is undetectable. On the other hand, if a QTL is segregating in the line cross and is detected, the estimated variance of the QTL cannot be extrapolated beyond the statistical inference space of the two parental lines. To reduce the likelihood of missing a QTL and to increase the statistical inference space of the estimated QTL variance, we present a consensus QTL mapping strategy. We adopt the identical by descent (IBD)-based variance component method originally applied to human linkage analysis by combining multiple line crosses as independent families. We explore the properties of consensus QTL mapping and demonstrate the method with F2, backcross (BC), and full-sib (FS) families. In addition, we examine the effects of the QTL heritability, marker informativeness, QTL position, the number of families, and family size. We show that F2 families notably outperform BC and FS families in detecting a QTL. There is a substantial reduction in the standard deviation of the estimated QTL position and the separation of the QTL and polygenic variance. Finally, we show that the power to detect a QTL is greater when using a small number of large families than a large number of small families.
Potential of peanut skin phenolic extract as antioxidative and antibacterial agent in cooked and raw ground beef

Summary This study investigated the potential of peanut skin extract (PSE) as inhibitor of lipid oxidation in cooked and raw ground beef (GB) and as antimicrobial agent in raw GB. Results show that addition of PSE to raw GB before cooking significantly inhibited the formation of peroxides and TBARS in cooked GB during the refrigerated storage. PSE at concentration ≥0.06% was as effective as BHA/BHT at 0.02% in inhibiting lipid oxidation. PSE also inhibited the oxidation of meat pigments thereby preserving the fresh redness of treated meat when used at 0.02–0.10%. Microplate assay showed complete inhibition of test bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli) in the presence of PSE at 0.4% or higher. However, the antimicrobial effect of PSE in GB was less potent. Hence, PSE can primarily serve the dual purposes of preserving the colour of raw GB and preventing lipid oxidation in cooked products.
A Conversation Analysis—Informed Test of L2 Aural Pragmatic Comprehension

Speech act theory–based, second language pragmatics testing (SLPT) raises test-validation issues owing to a lack of correspondence with empirical conversational data. On the assumption that conversation analysis (CA) provides a more accurate account of language use, it is suggested that CA serve as a more empirically valid basis for SLPT development. The current study explores this notion by administering a pilot CA-informed test (CAIT) of listening comprehension to learners of English as second language (ESL) and to a control group of native speakers of English. The listening CAIT protocol involved participants' addressing multiple-choice items after listening to audiotaped conversational sequences derived from the CA literature. Statistical analyses of pilot-test responses, correlations of test score with participant demographic variables, and CA-informed, qualitative analyses of nonnative and native speaker responses with reference to operationalized pragmatic norms provided tentative evidence that the CAIT aural-comprehension measure possesses some utility in SLPT.
Dietary sodium nitrate supplementation restores blood flow regulation in Becker muscular dystrophy (1165.1)

Chronic administration of a nitric oxide-donating drug fully corrects abnormal blood flow regulation in the mdx mouse model of dystrophinopathy. As a first step to clinical translation, we treated 6 men with Becker muscular dystrophy with a single oral dose of sodium nitrate- a simple, exogenous inorganic nitric oxide donor. We measured reflex vasoconstriction (ΔHb02, near infrared spectroscopy; evoked by lower body negative pressure) at rest and during rhythmic handgrip exercise, before and 3 hours after ~8.4 mmol of oral sodium nitrate. Before treatment, blood flow regulation was impaired in BMD, because handgrip exercise caused no attenuation of reflex vasoconstriction (ΔHbO2:-17±2 vs. -16±2 %, rest vs. HG). Remarkably, sodium nitrate supplementation more than doubled plasma nitrate and nitrite levels, and restored exercise-induced attenuation of reflex vasoconstriction (ΔHbO2: -18±1 vs. -11±2; P <.001, rest vs. HG). Moreover, the exercise-induced increase in forearm muscle blood flow, as measured by D...
Angiogenesis in ischemic heart disease

Inducing the formation of new blood vessels — a novel approach to treating myocardial ischemia
A Novel Method to Reduce Wafer Topography Effect for Implant Lithography Process

Wafer topography structures in the implant lithography process, which include the shallow trench isolation and the poly gate, can result into a severe degradation of the resist profile and significant critical dimension variation. While bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) is not suitable for the implant lithography because of the plasma induced substrate damage, developable bottom anti-reflective coating (DBARC) is now the most promising solution to eliminate wafer topography effects for the implant layer lithography. Currently, some challenges still remain to be solved and DBARC is not ready for mass production yet. In this study, a novel method is proposed to improve wafer topography effects by use of sub-resolution features. Compared with DBARC, this new approach is much more cost effective. Numerical study by use of Sentaurus-Litho simulation tool shows that the new method is promising and deserves more comprehensive investigation.
Protein import into nuclei: association and dissociation reactions involving transport substrate, transport factors, and nucleoporins

Abstract The molecular dynamics of nuclear protein import were examined in a solution binding assay by testing for interactions between a protein containing a nuclear localization signal (NLS), the transport factors karyopherin α, karyopherin β, and Ran, and FXFG or GLFG repeat regions of nucleoporins. We found that karyopherins α and β cooperate to bind FXFG but not GLFG repeat regions. Binding of the NLS protein to karyopherin α was enhanced by karyopherin β. Two novel reactions were discovered. First, incubation of a karyopherin heterodimer-NLS protein complex with an FXFG repeat region stimulated the dissociation of the NLS protein from the karyopherin heterodimer. Second, incubation of the karyopherin heterodimer with RanGTP (or with a Ran mutant that cannot hydrolyze GTP) led to the dissociation of karyopherin α from β and to an association of Ran with karyopherin β; RanGDP had no effect. We propose that movement of NLS proteins across the nuclear pore complex is a stochastic process that operates via repeated association-dissociation reactions.
Nitrogen for no‐tillage corn in Virginia: Sources and time of application

Abstract No‐tillage corn (Zea mays L.) culture normally entails the placement of N fertilizer on the soil surface without mechanical incorporation. This field investigation was conducted to compare the N fertilizers that are most widely used in Virginia, when applied in this manner, for their effectiveness in producing notillage corn. Comparisons of the time of applying NH4NO3 were also made. Grain and stover yields, in addition to N removed in the crop, were used to draw conclusions. The experiments were conducted on both fertile and infertile soils in 1972 and 1973, both of which were relatively wet years. The fertilizers tested, urea, NH4NO3, and N solutions, were equally effective, per unit of N applied. Split applications of NH4NO3 showed no statistically significant advantage over all applied at planting but slightly trended to do so. N deficiency reduced grain yields relatively more than stover yields.
Bounding principles for two-phase flow systems

Abstract For two classes of multiphase flow problems, upper and lower bounding principles are constructed for the rate of dissipation of mechanical energy as the result of viscous forces both in the bulk fluid and in the phase interface. These principles are developed for simple classes of non-linear constitutive equations for the bulk stress tensor and for the surface stress tensor. The integral mechanical energy balance relates these bounds to quantities that are subject to direct experimental evaluation.
Dr. Dolittle's economics☆

Abstract Americans want higher real incomes and cheaper oil. Efforts to satisfy these incompatible wants could result in an economic standstill, a malady known by the “pushmi-pullyu” syndrome.
Cavernous hemangioma of the rectum and appendix: Report of a case

A rare case of rectal cavernous hemangiorna is presented. Atypical distribution of pelvic phleboliths submucosal masses and narrowing of the barium-filled rectum are characteristic roentgenologic signs. Arteriography is recommended to delineate the full extent of any gastrointestinal hemangioma. However, large, cavernous hemangiomas may not always show the anticipated arteriographic findings. Therefore, prolonged venous phase films during arteriography and venography with compression of the inferior vena cava may be useful in opacifying these larger lesions in future cases.
Animal models of polymyositis/ dermatomyositis

Abstract Familial canine dermatomyositis, an inflammatory disease of skin, muscle, and sometimes vessels, was first reported in 1984. 1,2 Canine dermatomyositis (DM) has been recognized only in collies and Shetland sheep dogs (Shelties). 1,3,4 The condition in collies, diagnosed in dogs in 19 states in the United States, is well documented and widespread. 5 The condition in Shelties is less well characterized. 3,4 Dermatomyositis develops spontaneously in juvenile dogs as a variably severe dermatitis in the skin of the face, ears, distal extremities over bony prominences, and tip of the tail. 1,6 Myositis develops later, principally in muscles of mastication and muscles of extremities below the elbow and stifle. 7,8 Severely affected dogs have more generalized dermatitis and myositis. 7,8
Resource Use Efficiency in Sugarcane Production in Konkan Region (M.S.)

The functional analysis was carried out to know the contribution of independent variables in yield of sugarcane. From the estimated Cobb-Douglas production function (log linear production function), it was observed that, in suru sugarcane co-efficient of determination (R 2 ) was 0.9113 indicating 91 per cent of variation and in ratoon sugarcane co-efficient of determination (R 2 ) was 0.9344 indicating that, 93 per cent of the variation in the yield explained by identified input variables included in the function. The expenditure on manures, plant protection, potassium and nitrogen in suru sugarcane cultivation and plant protection and manures to be curtailed considering their excess utilization in ratoon sugarcane cultivation. Whereas, MVP to FC ratios was more than unity for phosphorus and nitrogen, human labour, irrigation indicated under utilization of these resources in sugarcane cultivation which underlines scope of expanding the use of these inputs.
The role of acetate as a potential mediator of the effects of ethanol in the brain

Abstract Acetate is the primary product of ethanol catabolism and can accumulate in the blood at concentration of up to 2 mM following ethanol consumption. It has been suggested that some of the pharmacological actions of ethanol are mediated via acetate, which can lead indirectly to the release of endogenous adenosine. In the present experiments this hypothesis was tested by examining the effects of exogenous sodium acetate on the physiology of hippocampal slices from rat brain. Acetate had no significant effect on intracellular responses recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons or on extracellular field potentials evoked from the either the CA1 region or the dentate gyrus. There was also no significant differences in responses to the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline in CA1 pyramidal neurons recorded using intracellular filling solutions containing potassium acetate, KC1, or potassium methylsulfate. These results suggest that the presence of acetate, either in the extracellular medium or within an intracellular electrode, does not induce a significant increase in adenosine receptor activation in the hippocampus.
Liberalism, Environmentalism, and Partisanship in Public Policy-Making The California Coastal Commissions

This article examines the effects of partisanship, liberalism, environmental concern, and issue salience on both the general policy preferences and the actual voting behavior of administrative officials in a state agency concerned with land use and natural resources management. Building upon earlier studies of interest groups and legislative bodies, this analysis of the members of the California Coastal Commissions suggests several refinements in current thinking about the relation of environmental concern to traditional ideological and partisan cleavages. First, while our findings confirm the association found in most previous elite studies between liberalism and support for protection of natural resources, they also indicate that it is only two of the three components of liberalism that are relevant-government regulation of the market and local government autonomy as opposed to attitudes toward the welfare state. Second, party identification proves of minimal value in explaining the policy preferences a...
Recent Research Activities on Specialty Fibers

We review recent research and development activities at Corning Incorporated on new specialty fibers such as single polarization fiber, nonlinear fiber, high power laser fiber, microstructured fiber and high numerical aperture fiber. We discuss fiber design concepts and present both modeling and experimental results.
Composite systems viewed as relativistic quantal rotators: Vectorial and spinorial models

The constrained relativistic Hamiltonian dynamics of Dirac is applied to two models for composite objects having a nontrivial internal space. One model has a four-vector as internal manifold, the other a real four-spinor. The corresponding quantum mechanics is developed, and the two models each possess a Regge trajectory (mass related to spin) having the minimal (2S+1) degeneracy, unlike the Regge-Hanson spherical top model with (2S+1)/sup 2/ degeneracy. The spinorial model is most promising and allows (in the quantal case) electromagnetic interactions via minimal coupling, leading, for example, to intrinsic spin magnetic moments. An extension to ''relativistic SU(6)'' is shown to exist.
Study of allosteric communication between protomers by immunotagging

LIGAND-INDUCED allosteric changes in proteins are important in their cellular functions and regulation1,2, and both concerted and sequential examples are known3–5. The distinction has entailed elaborate analysis, however, and only a few systems have been unequivocally analysed. We have investigated the coupling between ATP usage and DNA transport by type II DNA topoisomerases6,7, and one key question concerning allostery in these dyadic enzymes is whether ATP binding to one protomer can induce a concerted conformational change in the entire enzyme. Here we use an enzyme with one immunotagged subunit defective in ATP binding and one wild-type subunit to show that it can. Our approach should be generally applicable in the study of allostery and communication between members of a macromolecular assembly.
SILICON, FIBRE, AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS

A logical argument can be made for the hypothesis that lack of silicon may be an important aetiological factor in atherosclerosis. As silicic acid or its derivatives, silicon is essential for growth. It is found mainly in connective tissue, where it functions as a cross-linking agent. Unusually high amounts of bound silicon are present in the arterial wall, especially in the intima. Various kinds of dietary fibre have been reported to be effective in preventing experimental models of atherosclerosis, reducing cholesterol and blood-lipid levels, and binding bile acids in vitro. Exceptionally large amounts of silicon (1000 to 25 000 p.p.m.) were found in fibre products of greatly varying origin and chemical composition which were active in these tests. Inactive materials, such as different types of purified cellulose, contained only negligible quantities of the element. It is concluded that silicate-silicon may be the active agent in dietary fibre which affects the development of atherosclerosis. Two out of three samples of bran also had relatively low levels, which could explain why bran does not lower serum-cholesterol. The fact that atherosclerosis has a low incidence in less developed countries may be related to the availability of dietary silicon. Two instances are presented where silicon is reduced by industrial treatment: white flour and refined soy products were much lower in silicon than--their respective crude natural products. The chemical nature of silicon in different types of fibre is not known. It could exist as orthosilic acid, polymeric silicic acid, colloidal silica (opal), dense silica concentrations, or in the form of organically bound derivatives of silicic acid (silanolates). Possible mechanisms of action are discussed.
The Reconfigurable Streaming Vector Processor (RSVPTM)

The need to process multimedia data places largecomputational demands on portable/embedded devices.These multimedia functions share commoncharacteristics: they are computationally intensive anddata-streaming, performing the same operation(s) onmany data elements.The Reconfigurable StreamingVector Processor (RSVPTM) is a vector coprocessorarchitecture that accelerates streaming data operations.Programming the RSVP architecture involves describingthe shape and location of vector streams in memory anddescribing computations as data-flow graphs.Thesedescriptions are intuitive and independent of each other,making the RSVP architecture easy to program.They arealso machine independent, allowing binary-compatibleimplementations with varying cost-performance tradeoffs.This paper presents the RSVP architecture andprogramming model, a programming case study, and ourfirst implementation.Our results show significantspeedups on streaming data functions.Speedups forkernels and applications range from 2 to over 20 timesthat of an ARM9 host processor alone.
Numerical simulation of the influence of gravity and posture on cardiac performance

A numerical model of the cardiovascular system was used to quantify the influences on cardiac function of intrathoracic pressure and intravascular and intraventricular hydrostatic pressure, which are fundamental biomechanical stimuli for orthostatic response. The model included a detailed arterial circulation with lumped parameter models of the atria, ventricles, pulmonary circulation, and venous circulation. The venous circulation was divided into cranial, central, and caudal regions with nonlinear compliance. Changes in intrathoracic pressure and the effects of hydrostatic pressure were simulated in supine, launch, sitting, and standing postures for 0, 1, and 1.8 G. Increasing intrathoracic pressure experienced with increasing gravity caused 12% and 14% decreases in cardiac output for 1 and 1.8 G supine, respectively, compared to 0 G. Similar results were obtained for launch posture, in which the effects of changing intrathoracic pressure dominated those of hydrostatic pressure. Compared to 0 G, cardiac output decreased 0.9% for 1 G launch and 15% for 1.8 G launch. In sitting and standing, the position of the heart above the hydrostatic indifference level caused the effects of changing hydrostatic pressure to dominate those of intrathoracic pressure. Compared to 0 G, cardiac output decreased 13% for 1 G sitting and 23% for 1.8 G sitting, and decreased 17% for 1 G standing and 31% for 1.8 G standing. For a posture change from supine to standing in 1 G, cardiac output decreased, consistent with the trend necessary to explain orthostatic intolerance in some astronauts during postflight stand tests. Simulated lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in 0 G reduced cardiac output and mean aortic pressure similar to I G standing, suggesting that LBNP provides at least some cardiovascular stimuli that may be useful in preventing postflight orthostatic intolerance. A unifying concept, consistent with the Frank-Starling mechanism of the heart, was that cardiac output was proportional to cardiac diastolic transmural pressure for all postures and gravitational accelerations.
Collateral Damage: Interlibrary Loan Lending Denials

The intent of this paper is to explore the potential of utilizing interlibrary loan (ILL) data relating to lending denials to improve ILL services while highlighting institutional policies that have a negative impact on lending fulfillment rates. Reasons for denial as well as the types of requests being denied are reviewed. In addition, the author explores lending denials on the item and transition level to establish a frequency of denial. The author argues that frequency of denial can be a useful tool for identifying institutional policies that have a negative impact on ILL lending fulfillment and provide a targeted response to lending denials within the institution.
A simple implementation of spectral shearing interferometry for self-referenced amplitude and phase characterization of optical frequency comb sources

We demonstrate a simple scheme which uses only an intensity modulator and an OSA to achieve low-power (∼100nW, 10aJ/pulse at 10GHz), self-referenced, amplitude and phase characterization of high repetition rate optical frequency comb sources.
Short-term effects of androgen withdrawal on the structure of different epithelial cells in the rat epididymis

Rat spermatozoa are highly dependent on the milieu of the normal epididymis for their maturation and survival, and die within a few days after androgenic support of the epididymal epithelium is withdrawn. The immediate changes in the ultrastructural organization of the epithelial cells of the rat epididymis, 2, 4, 6 and 14 days following castration have been monitored by morphometric analysis of localized regions of the caput and cauda epididymidis. While castration results in greater endocytosis by principal cells (Moore and Bedford, '79), many of their early structural changes following androgen withdrawal (disappearance of vesicles from the cell apex, reduction in rough endoplasmic reticulum, a drop in the volume of the Golgi cisternae and increase in lysosome content) seem indicative of inhibition of a secretory function. By contrast with the regressive response of the principal cell, the ultrastructure of clear cells in the cauda and of apical cells in the caput region appeared unchanged up to 14 days after castration. The implications of this evidence for specialized functions, and the suggestion of a differential androgen dependence among major cell types of the epididymal epithelium, are discussed briefly.
Spectral sensitivity in jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae).

1. We report here a psychophysical technique for studying the spectral sensitivity of jumping spiders (family Salticidae), based on a newly discovered oculomotor reflex. 2. Our results, obtained fromMaevia inclemens (Salticidae), are compatible with electrophysiological findings of retinal cells maximally sensitive in the green and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. 3. Sensitivity to longer wavelengths (>650 nm) has been controversial. In our study jumping spiders are shown to have a broad spectral sensitivity function extending from the ultraviolet (330 nm) to the deep red (700 nm).
Negative cognitive style and looming cognitive style synergistically predict stress generation

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that cognitive vulnerabilities to depression or anxiety may lead individuals to generate negative interpersonal life events. However, there has been no study to date that examines the effects of co-occurring vulnerabilities to depression and anxiety. In a sample of 304 participants, we examined the potential interaction of co-occurring negative cognitive style, a vulnerability to depression and looming cognitive style, vulnerability to anxiety. Results indicate that co-occurring cognitive vulnerabilities synergistically predict higher levels of negative interpersonal life events six weeks later, even when controlling for initial levels of stressful life events and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Thus, co-occurring vulnerabilities may have stronger stress generating effects than would be expected from the additive effects of each vulnerability considered separately. This finding highlights the importance of examining cognitive vulnerabilities as interactive effects rather than as individual vulnerabilities.
SU-E-CAMPUS-I-06: Y90 PET/CT for the Instantaneous Determination of Both Target and Non-Target Absorbed Doses Following Hepatic Radioembolization

Purpose The process of converting Yttrium-90 (Y90) PET/CT images into 3D absorbed dose maps will be explained. The simple methods presented will allow the medical physicst to analyze Y90 PET images following radioembolization and determine the absorbed dose to tumor, normal liver parenchyma and other areas of interest, without application of Monte-Carlo radiation transport or dose-point-kernel (DPK) convolution. Methods Absorbed dose can be computed from Y90 PET/CT images based on the premise that radioembolization is a permanent implant with a constant relative activity distribution after infusion. Many Y90 PET/CT publications have used DPK convolution to obtain 3D absorbed dose maps. However, this method requires specialized software limiting clinical utility. The Local Deposition method, an alternative to DPK convolution, can be used to obtain absorbed dose and requires no additional computer processing. Pixel values from regions of interest drawn on Y90 PET/CT images can be converted to absorbed dose (Gy) by multiplication with a scalar constant. Results There is evidence that suggests the Local Deposition method may actually be more accurate than DPK convolution and it has been successfully used in a recent Y90 PET/CT publication. We have analytically compared dose-volume-histograms (DVH) for phantom hot-spheres to determine the difference between themore » DPK and Local Deposition methods, as a function of PET scanner point-spread-function for Y90. We have found that for PET/CT systems with a FWHM greater than 3.0 mm when imaging Y90, the Local Deposition Method provides a more accurate representation of DVH, regardless of target size than DPK convolution. Conclusion Using the Local Deposition Method, post-radioembolization Y90 PET/CT images can be transformed into 3D absorbed dose maps of the liver. An interventional radiologist or a Medical Physicist can perform this transformation in a clinical setting, allowing for rapid prediction of treatment efficacy by comparison to published tumoricidal thresholds.« less
A class of systolic multiplier units for VLSI technology

A high speed multiplier unit is an indispensable part of many applications such as real-time speech processing, image processing and enhancing, pattern classification, fast fourier transformation, etc. Because of its importance, the design of a fast multiplier unit has been under investigation since the 1950's. In addition, recent development in technology has motivated the design and implementation of fast multiplier units for VLSI technology. Some of these algorithms are still “hard” to implement due to their irregular structure with a high ratio of PINs per chip.
Neutron activation analysis correction for the calculation of bromine concentrations via the79Br(n, γ)80Br reaction

Bromine can be determined by neutron activation analysis (NNA) through either the activation of79Br (50.69% naturally abundant) or81Br (49.31% naturally abundant). When79Br is activated, both80mBr and80Br are produced.80mBr (4.42 h) decays to80Br (17.66 m) which then beta decays to either80Se or80Kr. If one would like to determine bromine concentrations with short lived NAA, special equations must be used to account for the parent daughter relationship between80mBr after their simultaneous production. The development of the equations needed to calculate bromine concentrations with short-lived NAA is described including variations on irradiation times, decay times, and count times.
Hearts Beating for Liberty: Women Abolitionists in the Old Northwest

Hearts Beating for Liberty: Women Abolitionists in the Old Northwest, by Stacey M. Robertson, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 2010, 320 pp., US$39.95 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-8078-34...
Postmenopausal hormone therapy and incident urinary incontinence in middle-aged women.

Objective The objective of the study was to examine the association of hormone therapy with incident urinary incontinence (UI) in postmenopausal women aged 37-54 years in the Nurses' Health Study II. Study Design Participants reported use of hormone therapy, including hormone type, on biennial questionnaires from 1989 to 2001. Among 7341 postmenopausal women reporting no UI in 2001, we identified 1026 women who developed UI at least monthly between 2001 and 2003. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Women currently using hormone therapy had 1.39-fold (95% CI, 1.16-1.67) increased odds of incident UI, compared with women who never used hormone therapy. ORs were similar in current users of oral estrogen alone (OR, 1.35, 95% CI, 1.03-1.78) and oral estrogen with progestin (OR, 1.37, 95% CI, 1.13-1.67). Conclusion These findings suggest an increased risk of UI associated with use of postmenopausal hormone therapy in younger postmenopausal women.
Numerical and semiclassical analysis of some generalized Casimir pistons

The Casimir force due to a scalar field in a cylinder of radius r with a spherical cap of radius R>r is computed numerically in the world-line approach. A geometrical subtraction scheme gives the finite interaction energy that determines the Casimir force. The spectral function of convex domains is obtained from a probability measure on convex surfaces that is induced by the Wiener measure on Brownian bridges the convex surfaces are the hulls of. Due to reflection positivity, the vacuum force on the piston by a scalar field satisfying Dirichlet boundary conditions is attractive in these geometries, but the strength and short-distance behavior of the force depend strongly on the shape of the piston casing. For a cylindrical casing with a hemispherical head, the force on the piston does not depend on the dimension of the casing at small piston elevation a<<R and numerically approaches F{sub cas}(a<<R)=-0.003 26(4)({Dirac_h}/2{pi})c/a{sup 2}. Semiclassically this asymptotic force is due to short, closed, and nonperiodic trajectories that reflect just once off the piston near its periphery. A semiclassical estimate reproduces the numerical results for the small-distance behavior of the force within statistical errors, whereas the proximity force approximation is off by one order of magnitudemore » when R{approx}r.« less
A philosophical comparison of decision aid techniques for the policy analyst

Abstract This paper explores the epistemological foundations of some of the decision technologies commonly used in policy analysis including statistics, operations research, and expert systems. The paper develops the idea that a root metaphor or a world view exists in every decision situation, and serves as a filter that determines the appropriate decision aid technology for a particular problem. The notion of root metaphor is particularly important for the policy analyst confronted by the competing values of social science and political reality. The problems of uncovering the critical biases of an expert when creating an expert system are explored, leading to the development of a typology that compares the epistemological differences of decision aid technologies. The paper's goal is to provide an understanding of the philosophical points of view of decision aids in order to educate users to the possibility of Type III errors.
Atropine slows olfactory bulb kindling while diminished cholinergic innervation does not

Abstract The development of kindled seizures elicited through electrical stimulation of the rat olfactory bulb (OB) was examined under two conditions which decrease cholinergic neurotransmission. Atropine sulfate (25 mg/kg, IP) administered 1 hr prior to stimulation of the OB was found to significantly delay the acquisition of the fully kindled state. In a second experiment, diminished cholinergic innervation of the OB was established using chemical lesions of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. Despite the depletion of acetylcholine (Ach), as determined by acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAt) assays, no significant alterations in kindling parameters were observed. Based upon these findings we suggest that Ach is not critical to the establishment of an OB kindled focus but is important for the propogation and generalization of epileptiform activity initiated through OB stimulation.
Physiological factors contributing to the species-specific sensitivity of four estuarine microalgal species exposed to the herbicide atrazine

Algal species vary considerably in sensitivity to the commonly used herbicide atrazine, and it is hypothesized that several factors may contribute to species-specific sensitivity. In this study four estuarine microalgal species, a planktonic chlorophyte (Dunaliella tertiolecta), a benthic chlorophyte (Ankistrodesmus sp.), a cryptophyte (Storeatula major) and a dinoflagellate (Amphidinium operculatum), were exposed to atrazine to determine toxicity and identify factors that might influence species sensitivity. Atrazine effects were examined at the population (cell density, primary productivity and biomass), cellular (biovolume), and subcellular (pigment composition, protein concentration and lipid concentration) levels. Atrazine significantly decreased cell density, productivity rate, biomass and biovolume in all the algal populations tested at atrazine concentrations ≥ 12.5 μ g l−1. Toxicity values (96 h EC50 values) for the four species ranged from 11.87 to 146.71 μ g l−1. Species sensitivity rankings va...
A note on estimating the number of errors in a system by recapture sampling

Abstract Some distributional results related to the recapture debugging experiment of Nayak (1988) for estimating the number of errors, N , in a software are obtained. It is proved that while the sufficient statistics are complete, an unbiased estimator of N based on them does not exist.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Clinical Overview and Pathophysiologic Concepts

Intracerebral hemorrhage is by far the most destructive form of stroke. Apart from the management in a specialized stroke or neurological intensive care unit (NICU), no specific therapies have been shown to consistently improve outcomes after ICH. Current guidelines endorse early aggressive optimization of physiologic derangements with ventilatory support when indicated, blood pressure control, reversal of any preexisting coagulopathy, intracranial pressure monitoring for certain cases, osmotherapy, temperature modulation, seizure prophylaxis, treatment of hyerglycemia, and nutritional support in the stroke unit or NICU. Ventriculostomy is the cornerstone of therapy for control of intracranial pressure patients with intraventricular hemorrhage. Surgical hematoma evacuation does not improve outcome for more patients, but is a reasonable option for patients with early worsening due to mass effect due to large cerebellar or lobar hemorrhages. Promising experimental treatments currently include ultra-early hemostatic therapy, intraventricular clot lysis with thrombolytics, pioglitazone, temperature modulation, and deferoxamine to reduce iron-mediated perihematomal inflammation and tissue injury.
Photoreflectance modulation mechanisms in GaAs- Al x Ga 1 − x As multiple quantum wells

Photoreflectance (PR) measurements performed in conjunction with photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy have allowed the modulation mechanisms that are responsible for the PR effect in GaAs-${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As multiple quantum wells to be determined. This study indicates that the modulation of the interband excitonic transitions, rather than the band-to-band transitions, is observed in the PR spectrum. The spectral form of the PR line shape is discussed in terms of the optical modulation of the exciton energy gap, exciton lifetime, and integrated oscillator strength.