cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrahigh-energy neutrino astronomy

High-energy cosmic-ray interactions can produce neutrinos. The neutrino fluxes are calculated over a range of energies. The sources considered (and their ranges of importance) are cosmic-ray interactions in earth's atmosphere (neutrino energies less than 10,000 GeV), cosmic-ray interactions with ambient hydrogen in galaxies (neutrino energies between 10,000 and 1 million GeV), regions of cosmic-ray acceleration - e.g., pulsars - and cosmic-ray interactions with the microwave background radiation (neutrino energies greater than 100 million GeV). In addition, estimates of the flux from compact sources, such as active galaxies, are made. These flux levels, calculated conservatively, may be high enough for practical detection with a 1-cu km seawater detector; i.e., count rates greater than 1 per day. Such observations would provide information mainly about high-energy physics, but also (over long times) about cosmic-ray spectra, composition, and acceleration, as well as supernova and galactic-nucleus explosions.
Heat flow by conduction and latent heat in volcanic soil of Mt. Wrangell, Alaska

In August 1966 temperature profiles in the volcanic soil of Mt. Wrangell (4160 m) were measured and the boiling point was found in depths between 20 and 80 cm. The measurements indicated that at least 50 percent of the heat transport is caused by latent heat, the same order of magnitude, which is expected from theoretical considerations.
More constructions of pseudorandom lattices of \(k\) symbols

We define the pseudorandom lattice of \(k\) symbols, and present some new constructions of families of such lattices, which generalize several previous constructions for the pseudorandom binary lattices. These lattices can also be regarded as a high dimensional analogue of some pseudorandom sequences of \(k\) symbols.
Intrasite vancomycin powder for the prevention of surgical site infection in spine surgery: a systematic literature review.

Abstract Background context Deep surgical site infections (SSIs) following spinal surgery are a significant burden to the patient, patient's family, and the health-care system. Because of increasing pressures to reduce SSIs and control costs, some spine surgeons have begun placing lyophilized vancomycin powder directly into the surgical wound at the conclusion of the procedure. However, the literature supporting this practice remains limited. Purpose To review the current literature examining the use of prophylactic intrasite vancomycin powder to control SSIs in spinal surgery and determine if any standard recommendations can be made. Study design A systematic review. Methods Ovid Medline and PubMed were searched to identify English language articles. Results No current guidelines are available for the use of intrasite vancomycin powder in preventing SSIs, and no standard dosage for the drug exists. Based on the limited literature and evidence currently available, there appears to be a protective effect of intrasite vancomycin powder on the incidence of SSI, without evidence of side effects. However, case reports do exist describing the systemic side effects after intrasite vancomycin powder during spine surgery. Conclusions The interpretation of the available evidence supporting the use of intrasite vancomycin powder in surgical wounds is limited, and its extrapolation should be performed with caution. Despite the lack of significant high-quality evidence available in the literature, many surgeons have adopted this practice; anecdotally, it continues to provide protection from infection without apparent significant risk of side effects.
Seasonal variability in anthropogenic halocarbon emissions.

Ambient concentrations of eight predominantly anthropogenic halocarbons were measured via in situ gas chromatography in California’s South Coast air basin for both summer and fall during the 2005 Study of Organic Aerosols at Riverside (SOAR). Ongoing emissions of the banned halocarbons methylchloroform and CFC-11 were observed in the South Coast air basin, whereas CFC-113 emissions have effectively ceased. We estimate anthropogenic emissions in the South Coast air basin for methylchloroform, CFC-11, HCFC-141b, chloroform, tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and dichloromethane based on regressions of halocarbon to carbon monoxide mixing ratios and carbon monoxide emission inventories. We estimate per capita methylchloroform and chloroform emissions in the South Coast air basin for the year 2005 to be 6.6 ± 0.4 g/(person·year) and 19 ± 1 g/(person·year), respectively. We compare our results to national emission estimates calculated from previous work; for several compounds, emissions in the S...
Descriptive Representation, District Demography, and Attitudes toward Congress Among African Americans

We examined the effects of subjective and objective descriptive representation and district demography on African Americans' attitudes toward their member of Congress and the U.S. Congress as an institution. We investigated whether or not African Americans in more-racially homogeneous districts differ in their attitudes from counterparts in districts with fewer African Americans. We also studied the effects of descriptive representation and district demography to determine if these effects are contingent on voters' perceptions of descriptive representation. We found that living in a district with a higher proportion of blacks enhances African American voters' feelings toward their representative and marginally elevates these voters' evaluations of Congress. This effect is mediated, however, by the election of a black representative to Congress.
Mucus glycoproteins secreted by respiratory epithelial tissue from cystic fibrosis patients

Tracheae, bronchi, nasal epithelial, and nasal polyp tissue slices were incubated in tissue culture with [3H]-glucosamine, and the rate of secretion of labeled mucus glycoproteins was measured. Secretion rates were at least 3- to 6-fold higher for all of the samples from nine patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who were studied, as compared with values for tissue slices from eight young subjects not affected with this disease. The secreted glycoproteins were further purified into one neutral and three acidic fractions by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The glycoproteins secreted by respiratory epithelial tissue from cystic fibrosis subjects contained relatively more of two acidic glycoprotein fractions. Double-label experiments with both [3H]-glucosamine and [35S]-sulfate as mucus glycoprotein precursors further substantiated the shift to more acidic components in the purified mucus glycoproteins and, in addition, suggested a higher level of sulfation of these same two acidic glycoprotein fractions. All four of the labeled glycoprotein fractions secreted by cultured human bronchi cochromatographed with authentic mucus glycoproteins purified from sputum of cystic fibrosis subjects by the same techniques. The differences between mucus glycoproteins from cultured CF airway tissue and mucus glycoproteins from other patients' tissue included relatively increased rates of production, level of sulfation, and greater acidity. Further applications of these in vitro techniques should allow the determination of the enzymatic and biochemical causes of these observed differences in the absence of such potentially confounding variables as concurrent airway infection or of oropharyngeal secretions.
Estrogen influences auditory brainstem responses during the normal menstrual cycle.

Abstract We evaluated the impact of the menstrual cycle on auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency in nine normally cycling women. Subjects (age 23–40 years) using no hormonal therapy were recruited and underwent ABR testing during four different phases of the same menstrual cycle: early follicular (cycle days 1 to 3); mid-cycle (cycle days 12 to 15); mid-luteal (cycle days 17 to 22), and premenstrual (cycle days 25–27). Cycles were verified by basal body temperature, and serum estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), and gonadoropin levels. A control group of nine women (age 23–40 years) on oral contraceptives (Nordette-28) was also studied four times during a pill cycle. Results show a significant increase in the latency of wave III and wave V peak latencies and in the I-V interpeak interval associated with a high estrogen state at the mid-cycle phase. No statistically significant variations in latency were found in the birth control pill group. These data suggest the existence of brainstem auditory neural pathways that are sensitive to fluctuations in E2 levels during the menstrual cycle.
A rapidly labeled RNA in rat liver nuclei.

[ 14 C]orotic acid was injected intraperitoneally into rats with normal and regenerating liver. At intervals thereafter the animals were killed, the livers were removed and fractionated into nuclear and cytoplasmic components, and the RNA was purified with phenol. A heterogeneous, rapidly labeled fraction, ranging in size from 6 to more than 30 s, was found in nuclei, but not in cytoplasm. The base composition of the rapidly labeled RNA in the nuclei differed from those of total nuclear RNA, and of DNA, and was suggestive of enrichment with respect to nucleolar RNA. The rapidly labeled fraction could be obtained in apparently intact fashion only when sodium dodecyl sulfate was present during phenol treatment. On the basis of its size, rate of labeling, and its distinctive base composition, this fraction resembles bacterial messenger RNA. Its apparent absence from cytoplasm has led to a consideration of the possibility that a rapidly renewable messenger may exist in liver nuclei, and a relatively stable template in cytoplasm.
Ezrin and Osteonectin, Two Proteins Associated with Cell Shape and Growth, Are Enriched in the Locus Coeruleus

In an attempt to characterize proteins which are enriched or specifically expressed in the locus coeruleus (LC), a region of the brain which plays a critical role in opiate dependence and withdrawal, we have screened a bovine LC cDNA library with an LC minus cerebellum subtracted cDNA probe and isolated several (38) positively hybridizing clones. DNA sequence analysis revealed that two of the clones encoded ezrin and osteonectin, proteins normally associated with cell growth and morphology in peripheral tissues. Regional northern blots from bovine brain and in situ hybridization studies in rat show that ezrin is expressed at high levels in the LC with only low levels detectable in other brain regions. Osteonectin is also abundant in the LC, but in contrast to ezrin, is expressed at high levels in the dorsal raphe and substantia nigra. The results indicate that two proteins, ezrin and osteonectin, are highly enriched in the LC. This raises the possibility that these polypeptides, which play a role in the morphological response of some non-neuronal cell types to growth factors and to other intracellular signals, may also regulate these properties in noradrenergic and other selected neurons in the brain.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy Under Local Anesthesia for Evaluation of Infertility

Diagnostic laparoscopy is routinely performed in outpatient departments. At Stanford University's Gyn/Ob Department Clinic, this procedure is performed with the client's active cooperation by using local anesthesia. In addition to the significant benefit of decreased risk of surgical anesthesia, outpatient surgery is more convenient and more economical for the client and the facility. The laparoscopic procedure is described in detail. The facilities, nursing responsibilities, surgeon's qualifications, and criteria for patient selection are included.
The Bonapartes: The History of a Dynasty – By William H. C. Smith

According to the author of this book, Napoleon was one of the “great men” of history, a leader whose “astonishing career” was a “reflection of his genius” (4). William H. C. Smith takes at face val...
Antenatal exposure to e-cigarette vapor as a possible etiology to total colonic necrotizing enterocolitits: A case report

Antenatal exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with preterm births, low birth weights, and pediatric lung disease. This case report is the first documented potential adverse effect e-cigarettes to a fetus.
A modified assay for cystathionine synthase.

Abstract Paper Chromatographic examination was made of the products of the reaction of radioactive serine with homocysteine in the presence of crude rat or human liver homogenates. Much radioactive cysteine was formed as well as radioactive cystathionine. It was shown that the cystathionine produced in the reaction was partially further converted to cysteine by cystathionase. The amount converted increased with the concentration of enzyme and of pyridoxal phosphate used, and varied according to the tissue and species from which the enzyme extract was prepared. A modified assay for cystathionine synthase is proposed, in which the 14C transferred from l -[3-14C] serine to cystathionine is measured as the total radioactivity of both the cystathionine and cysteine produced. These substances are separated from serine on paper chromatograms of the trichloroacetic acid-soluble fraction of the reaction mixture, and eluted for counting. This method was tested using crude rat liver homogenates, and was then used to determine the cystathionine synthase activity of some human tissues.
journal of visual culture Eating in the Dark: A Theoretical Concession

This article draws on a range of approaches in Film and Media Studies — including phenomenology, psychoanalysis, and reception studies — as well as autobiographical experience, in order to ruminate on the functions and effects of eating at the movies. Looking at the connections between viewing and eating, the author argues that the materiality of the food we eat acts as a mediating or transitional object between our viewing bodies and the fleeting images projected on screen. In fact, eating at the movies, as a lived experience of the scholar—viewer, is also a means of connecting often divergent critical practices.
Thromboembolism in Plastic Surgery

Thromboembolism is a dreaded complication of surgery in multiple disciplines, including plastic surgery, and deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus cause significant morbidity, even death. This article provides methods for understanding and preventing deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus in plastic surgery.
Hydrodynamic and Mass-Transfer Characteristics in Organic Liquid Mixtures in a Large-Scale Bubble Column Reactor for the Toluene Oxidation Process

The gas holdup (eG), Sauter mean bubble diameter (dS), and bubble size distribution, as well as the volumetric mass-transfer coefficient (kLa), gas−liquid interfacial area (a), and mass-transfer coefficient (kL), of N2 and air were measured in a large-scale (0.316-m inside diameter, 2.8-m height) bubble column reactor (BCR) in toluene and its mixtures (toluene−benzoic acid−benzaldehyde) under a wide range of pressure (0.2−0.8 MPa) and superficial gas velocities (0.06−0.14 m/s). The kLa data were determined using the transient physical gas absorption technique, whereas the bubble size distributions as well as the Sauter mean bubble diameters were obtained using the dynamic gas disengagement technique. The gas holdup values were measured employing the manometric method with two differential pressure cells located at different positions in the BCR. From the experimental gas holdup, Sauter mean bubble diameter, and kLa results, a and kL were extracted under various operating conditions. The central composite ...
Hot rocket plume experiment - Survey and conceptual design

Attention is given to a space-borne engine plume experiment study to fly an experiment which will both verify and quantify the reduced contamination from advanced rhenium-iridium earth-storable bipropellant rockets (hot rockets) and provide a correlation between high-fidelity, in-space measurements and theoretical plume and surface contamination models. The experiment conceptual design is based on survey results from plume and contamination technologists throughout the U.S. With respect to shuttle use, cursory investigations validate Hitchhiker availability and adaptability, adequate remote manipulator system (RMS) articulation and dynamic capability, acceptable RMS attachment capability, adequate power and telemetry capability, and adequate flight altitude and attitude/orbital capability.
Specific investments and the EU enlargement

Abstract This paper analyzes a hold-up problem in the EU enlargement process. EU-specific anticipatory investments of private firms lower the government’s outside option. The EU takes advantage of the applicants’ increased dependency and extracts more surplus through entrance conditions that benefit it and impose net costs on applicants. If private firms pay less than the full entrance fee in taxes, enlargement immiserizes the entrant. While in practice an applicant may possess sufficient bargaining power to avoid immiserization, the hold-up problem reduces its potential gains from joining the EU. This result suggests that previous calculations, ignoring both the applicants’ costs of joining the EU and the dynamics of their bargaining position during the negotiations, overestimate the welfare effects of membership.
Walking the model: the smart mobile field engineer (keynote)

Walking the Model (WtM) is a concept that aims to promote the practice of practitioners and crews by providing on-the-job interaction between the system model of the business and the physical world. Among various implementations of this idea, WtM provides mobile field engineers with the ability to view, update and simulate by asking what-if questions while in the field. In this keynote speech, I present the notion and features of walking the model and show how WtM changes the way we perceive of different practices for both actual practice and learning processes.
Mitigating damage costs from hurricane strikes along the southeastern U.S. Coast: A role for insurance markets

Damage costs from hurricanes have increased dramatically as hurricane strikes, populations, and property values have increased along the U.S. southeastern and Gulf Coast states. Federal expenditures in hurricane affected areas and coastal property insurance costs have increased as well. We discuss current public and private sector actions that impact damage costs and consider ways to mitigate future damage costs and government financial exposure. Encouraging adaptive and avoidance measures through market signals and government policies, and protecting areas such as wetlands which mitigate storm damage will help limit damage from hurricanes.
A Numerical Study of Two-Dimensional High Rayleigh Number Natural Convection Between Two Reservoirs Connected by a Horizontal Duct

The phenomenon of natural convection between two enclosures communicating through small openings like windows, ducts, and cracks has important applications in the fields of energy conservation in buildings, indoor air quality, fire research, solar energy storage, and nuclear reactor core performance. A numerical solution of natural convection between two reservoirs connected by a two-dimensional horizontal duct was obtained using a modified SIMPLE algorithm. The emphasis of the numerical computation was on high Rayleigh numbers and small duct dimensions. A strong fluid stratification in both reservoirs was observed at high Rayleigh number. The volume exchange of fluid between the reservoirs takes place through counterflow streams in the connecting duct. The exchange of diffusive energy between the two streams is substantial at low Rayleigh number and small duct dimension. Correlation equations were derived for the Nusselt number and volume exchange rate. 23 refs., 5 figs.
Even distribution/dividing of single-phase fluids by symmetric bifurcation of flow channels

Abstract This study addresses a fundamental issue of distributing a single-phase fluid flow into a number of flow channels uniformly. A basic mechanism of flow distribution is accomplished through bifurcation of channels that symmetrically split one flow channel into two downstream channels. Applying the basic mechanism, cascades flow distributions are designed to split one flow into a large number of downstream flows uniformly. Some key parameters decisive to the flow distribution uniformity in such a system have been identified, and the flow distribution uniformity of air was studied for several versions of flow distributor designs using CFD analysis. The effect of the key parameters of the flow channel designs to the flow distribution uniformity was investigated. As an example of industrial application, a novel fluid packaging device of high efficiency was proposed and some CFD analysis results for the device were provided. The optimized flow distributor makes a very good uniform flow distribution which will significantly improve the efficiency of fluid packaging. The technology is expected to be of great significance to many industrial devices that require high uniformity of flow distribution.
Central Registry for Small-Bowel Ulcers

To the Editor:— In recent years there seems to be a striking increase in the clinical incidence of small-bowel ulceration with attendant stenosis. Lindholmer, Nyman, and Raf in Sweden, and Baker and associates in this country have drawn attention to a possible relationship between this entity and the use of thiazide diuretics in combination with potassium. Because thiazide drugs constitute such and important tool in our therapeutic armamentarium, it is imperative that the available evidence be reviewed and any possible relationships be determined. We are now concerned with a group of more than 80 patients, comprising ( 1) those already reported (see JAMA 190: 586-590 [Nov 16] 1964) and (2) those to be reported by Morganstern, Freilich, and Panish from Los Angeles, Handel from Detroit, and the group from Brooklyn. While available information is imperfect, the patients from these various centers appear to be similar in a number of ways:
Nitrosation and oxidation in the regulation of gene expression

A growing body of evidence suggests that the cellular response to oxidative and nitrosative stress is primarily regulated at the level of transcription. Posttranslational modification of transcription factors may provide a mechanism by which cells sense these redox changes. In bacteria, for example, OxyR senses redox-related changes via oxidation or nitrosylation of a free thiol in the DNA binding region. This mode of regulation may serve as a paradigm for redox-sensing by eukaryotic transcription factors as most-including NF-kappaB, AP-1, and p53-contain reactive thiols in their DNA binding regions, the modification of which alters binding in vitro. Several of these transcription factors have been found to be sensitive to both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide-related species in vivo. It remains entirely unclear, however, if oxidation or nitrosylation of eukaryotic transcription factors is an important mode of regulation, or whether transcriptional activating pathways are principally controlled at other redox-sensitive levels.-Marshall, H. E., Merchant, K., Stamler, J. S. Nitrosation and oxidation in the regulation of gene expression.
Furosemide Does Not Facilitate Pulmonary Vasodilation in Broilers During Chronic or Acute Unilateral Pulmonary Arterial Occlusion

Abstract Furosemide (FURO) is a diuretic and a putative pulmonary vasodilator that, when added to broiler diets, previously has been shown to reduce the cumulative pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) mortality induced by cold temperatures. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of dietary FURO on the pulmonary vasculature in broilers undergoing chronic or acute unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion. Broilers were fed a standard ration throughout the entire experiment (Control group) or the same ration supplemented with 0.015% (wt/wt) FURO from Day 14 to 42 (FURO group). In the present study chicks were chosen at random at 16 to 18 d of age to undergo sham surgery or a chronic unilateral pulmonary artery clamp (PAC) procedure. Diet and surgical treatments resulted in Control-Sham, FURO-Sham, Control-PAC, and FURO-PAC groups. The Control-PAC and FURO-PAC groups did not differ in body weight or right:total ventricular weight ratios (RV:TV). The postsurgical mortality, ascites mortality, and mortality due to other causes did not differ between the Control-PAC and FURO-PAC groups. Plasma Na+ (P 0.05) was lower in the FURO-Sham group than in the Control-Sham group. Broilers from the same hatch were fed Control or FURO diets and surgically prepared for acute unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion by using a snare. Tightening of the snare triggered characteristic increases in pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance. Across all of these variables, the Control and FURO groups did not differ during any sample interval. Dietary FURO did not affect body weight, hematocrit, or RV:TV. Dietary FURO at 0.015% (wt/wt) does not appear to influence the pulmonary vasculature in broilers, but it may prolong the survival of broilers during the pathophysiological progression of PHS.
Identification of transferrin receptors on the surface of human cultured cells

Abstract We have examined the binding of human transferrin to cultured human choriocarcinoma cell lines and to detergent extracts of such cells. The results indicate the presence of a high-affinity saturable binding site (Ka = 4.25 x 10(8) M-1) that is specific for transferrin. This receptor has also been detected on three other human cell lines of different phenotypic origin, including Wil-2 (splenic lymphocytes of B-cell origin), RPMI-2650 (a quasi-diploid nasopharyngeal carcinoma), and WI-38 (embryonic lung fibroblasts). By using anti-human transferrin antiserum to immunoprecipitate the receptor-transferrin complex from detergent extracts of cells containing saturating levels of transferrin followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a single polypeptide of 90,000 daltons has been identified as a subunit of the putative transferrin receptor. The protein shows immunochemical identity and coelectrophoreses in sodium dodecyl sulfate gels with a cell surface glycoprotein subunit, previously identified in placental brush border membrane preparations, on all human cultured cell lines examined. These results suggest that the recent demonstration of transferrin dependence of maximal cell growth in culture [e.g., Hutchings, S.E. & Sato, G.H. (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75, 901-904] is mediated through expression of this glycoprotein receptor.
The association between neonatal thyroxine and craniosynostosis, Texas, 2004-2007.

BACKGROUND Craniosynostosis (CS), a structural anomaly characterized by premature fusion of cranial sutures, occurs in 1 in 2000 live births. Associations of CS with the thyroid have been reported. Neonatal thyroid hormone (T4) is evaluated nationally at birth by the Newborn Screening Program (NBS). This study evaluated the relationship between NBS T4 levels and craniosynostosis. METHODS Live-born singleton babies born in 2004 through 2007 were identified through the Texas Birth Defects Registry (499 cases) and Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics (3570 controls) and successfully linked to analyte data available in the Texas NBS Database. Cases were classified based on the absence of other major defects (isolated cases, n = 382) and suture(s) involved. Mean T4 levels were compared between controls and cases (overall and stratified by classification). T4 levels were stratified by quintiles to evaluate differences between cases and controls within quintiles. The diagnostic utility of NBS T4 was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Mean T4 levels were lower in isolated cases (16.89 μg/dl) than in controls (17.77 μg/dl; p = 0.0004). This trend persisted for sagittal (16.69 μg/dl; p = 0.002) and metopic (16.83 μg/dl; p = 0.042) CS. When stratified by quintiles, 54% of isolated lambdoid CS were in the first quintile compared to controls (p = 0.012). ROC area under the curve (AUC) was approximately 0.55 for all classifications except lambdoid (AUC = 0.73). CONCLUSION NBS T4 levels were slightly lower among cases with nearly half of all lambdoid CS having T4 levels in the lowest quintile. However, overall NBS T4 levels are not suitable for potential screening or diagnostic application. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Looking Out, Looking In: The ‘Other' in the Journal of Geography in Higher Education

The Journal of Geography in Higher Education has a vision of being inclusive. This paper examines what the journal, throughout its history, has published on teaching and learning in relation to people and places referred to in contemporary scholarship as the 'Other'. It addresses themes of gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, and the 'Third World', noting especially the surprising paucity of material on the latter. In particular, the article explores ways in which teaching addresses aspects of students' values and attitudes, and the importance of linking knowledge, emotion, experiential learning and action.
Weakly implementable social choice rules

Previous investigations have shown that a social choice function which is partially implementable must be characterized by pervasive veto power. This paper investigates how much additional latitude in the design of social choice functions, and how much relief from this vetoers result, can be achieved by examining multi-valued social choice rules and relaxing the requirement of partial implementability to a requirement that we call weak partial implementability. We find that the power structures which characterize partially implementable social choice functions, including the veto properties, also characterize weakly partially implementable social choice rules. The conclusion is that invoking multi-valuedness and implementation of appealing social choice rules in strong Nash equilibria. Our results apparently exhaust the possibilities for implementation in strong Nash equilibrium. If any implementation possibility results are to be achieved, they can apparently come only by weakening the equilibrium requirement.
SU-E-T-582: Evaluation of Standard Beam Delivery Devices in Proton Intracranial Radiosurgery

Purpose: To evaluate the use of standard apertures and range shifters for the treatment of brain metastasis in proton stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods: Five localized brain metastasis patients previously treated using our intracranial proton stereotactic radiosurgery procedure (i.e. with a custom aperture and bolus), were randomly selected from our patient cohort. The custom aperture and bolus treatment plans were used as the standard of care in this case and comparative treatment plans using the standard aperture and range shifter concept were generated. Gantry/table angle and the number of treatment beams were optimized as part of this study to evaluate the ability of the standard aperture/range shifter system to deliver a comparable treatment to the patient. Conformity index, homogeneity index, isodose volumes and integral dose were all evaluated to determine the degree of conformity of the plans created and for comparison to the custom aperture/bolus treatment modality. Results: The generated treatment plans demonstrated that the standard aperture and range shifter combination could be used to produce comparable conformity index and isodose volumes to the custom aperture/bolus case in four out of the five patients studied. In two of the patients a comparative conformity index was achieved by optimizing the angles of the 3 treatment beams, while in two of the cases 1 or 2 additional beams were required. Additionally, this system exhibited efficiency gains of 60-90% over the custom aperture bolus system in reducing the time necessary for treatment planning, device manufacture and QA. Conclusion: This work demonstrated that largely spherical shape of brain metastasis makes this target well suited to an application of standard apertures, while additionally providing efficiency gains in device manufacture and QA for treatment.
Remarks on the structure of the multiplicative monoid of integers modulom

This note presents some results concerningH-classes, Schutzenberger groups, and regular elements in the multiplicative monoid ℤ m of integers modulom. It also shows that in ℤ m , the product of twoH-classes is anH-class.
Chronic beta adrenergic receptor blockade in the treatment of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.

Abstract Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade has been demonstrated to reduce obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) and has also proved helpful in reducing angina pectoris due to ischemic heart disease. Accordingly, the effects of oral propranolol on the clinical state and the level and duration of exercise required to produce angina pectoris in 8 patients with IHSS were studied. Five patients exhibited considerable benefit from propranolol initially but two of them deteriorated and ultimately required operation, which the other 3 are being maintained on the beta-adrenergic blocking drug and continue to exhibit improvement. Three patients showed no significant improvement with propranolol and 2 of them have been operated upon with some amelioration of symptoms. The mechanism by which propranolol is efficacious in IHSS is probably related to a diminution of myocardial O 2 requirements resulting from the reduction of wall tension, velocity of contraction and heart rate induced by this drug. The natural history of IHSS is reviewed, as are the results of propranolol treatment reported by other investigators. On the basis of all of the available data, it is suggested that a trial of propranolol therapy be attempted prior to deciding upon operative treatment in patients with IHSS whose chief symptom is disabling angina pectoris.
Neonatal rhinovirus induces mucous metaplasia and airways hyperresponsiveness through IL-25 and type 2 innate lymphoid cells.

Background Early-life human rhinovirus infection has been linked to asthma development in high-risk infants and children. Nevertheless, the role of rhinovirus infection in the initiation of asthma remains unclear. Objective We hypothesized that, in contrast to infection of mature BALB/c mice, neonatal infection with rhinovirus promotes an IL-25–driven type 2 response, which causes persistent mucous metaplasia and airways hyperresponsiveness. Methods Six-day-old and 8-week-old BALB/c mice were inoculated with sham HeLa cell lysate or rhinovirus. Airway responses from 1 to 28 days after infection were assessed by using quantitative PCR, ELISA, histology, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and methacholine responsiveness. Selected mice were treated with a neutralizing antibody to IL-25. Results Compared with mature mice, rhinovirus infection in neonatal mice increased lung IL-13 and IL-25 production, whereas IFN-γ, IL-12p40, and TNF-α expression was suppressed. In addition, the population of IL-13–secreting type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) was expanded with rhinovirus infection in neonatal but not mature mice. ILC2s were the major cell type secreting IL-13 in neonates. Finally, anti–IL-25 neutralizing antibody attenuated ILC2 expansion, mucous hypersecretion, and airways responsiveness. Conclusions These findings suggest that early-life viral infection could contribute to asthma development by provoking age-dependent, IL-25–driven type 2 immune responses.
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of (-)-β-D-2-aminopurine dioxolane and (-)-β-D-2-amino-6-chloropurine dioxolane, and their metabolite (-)-β-D-dioxolane guanine in monkey serum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract (−)-β- d -2-Aminopurine dioxolane (APD), (−)-β- d -2-amino-6-chloropurine dioxolane (ACPD) and dioxolane guanine (DXG) are nucleoside analogues possessing potent activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro. APD and ACPD are metabolized in vivo to yield DXG. Reversed-phase HPLC analytical methodologies were developed for the simultaneous determination of APD and DXG, and for ACPD and DXG in monkey serum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). 2-Fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (FDDI) served as the internal standard. The extraction recoveries of the nucleoside analogues from serum samples were similar, averaging approximately 90%. The limit of quantitation of the analytical method for serum samples was 0.1 μg/ml for DXG, and 0.25 μg/ml for APD and ACPD. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations for each compound at low, medium and high nucleoside concentrations were less than 9.0%. The accuracy of the assay methods was greater than 90% for prodrugs and parent compound. Similar results were observed with urine and CSF samples. Thus, these methods provide sensitive, accurate and reproducible determination of the prodrugs and parent nucleoside in biological samples.
Long-term thermal mechanical stability of PECVD amorphous silicon carbide films for harsh environment microelectromechanical systems

Amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) thin films were deposited at 450°C by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) using silane and methane precursor gases. Films were deposited to a nominal 300nm thickness using a range of precursor gas flow rates, chamber pressures, and RF powers. For the conditions investigated, all films were deposited with high compressive stress (≥ -1,000MPa). Films were then annealed for 10 hours at 550°C residual stress measured periodically, with most films transforming to 300MPa-1,000MPa tensile stress. Films were then subjected to thermal treatment for 50 hours at 500°C to simulate prolonged microelectromechanical device operation at elevated temperatures. After an initial period, all film stresses stabilized to within 5% over 10 hours, with final stresses ranging from 170MPa compressive to 1,200MPa. Young's modulus was determined via nano-indentation and was found to be a consistent 211.4 002B;/- 20.37GPa for each recipe. This, combined with an observed distributed range of stabilized stresses, indicate a potential new application of a-SiC with constant modulus and stable residual stress for high temperature sensors.
Maximum power transfer by conductance comparison

Most scientific satellites to date have utilized solar cells as the main power source for the spacecraft payload. Two basic methods have been utilized for operating a solar cell array at or near the maximum power point of its I-V characteristics. These two methods may be categorized as either an open loop system or a closed loop system. An open loop system makes use of design parameters of the solar array whereas a closed loop system constantly monitors some system parameter in order to determine maximum power point operation.
Formation of hydroxyapatite in serum

The kinetics of the formation of calcium-deficient and carbonated hydroxyapatite at 38°C were investigated by isothermal calorimetry. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was formed by reaction of the particulate calcium phosphates CaHPO4 and Ca4 (PO4)2O. Compared with its rate of formation in DI water, the formation of calcium-deficient HAp is significantly inhibited in serum. When serum is diluted with DI water, the extent of inhibition varies with the extent of dilution. When collagen or HAp seeds are present the extent of inhibition in serum is reduced. The kinetics of HAp formation were also examined in various concentrations of albumin to establish the extent to which inhibition is associated with the presence of this plasma protein. While HAp formation is inhibited in albumin, the extent of inhibition is not as great as in serum. The formation of carbonated HAp is also inhibited in serum and albumin. However, the extent of inhibition is significantly reduced. The variations in sodium and carbonate in solution during HAp formation indicate that these species are incorporated at different rates, with carbonate incorporation being more rapid. Elevated sodium concentrations in solution result in solution pH values near 12. The reduction in the inhibition of HAp formation may be associated with the reaction to carbonated HAp occurring at elevated pH or with the influence of pH on protein adsorption.
Assisting two-way mapping generation in hypermedia workspace

This paper reports our study of a two-way mapping generation tool called Mapping Assistant, as an extension to the Spatial Hypermedia system VITE. Mapping Assistant has been designed to overcome the problem arising due to the difficulty of users in generating an initial two-way mapping for VITE. We have developed VITE to allow users to interact with information in a semi-formal workspace. Creating two-way mapping profiles is a vital step for projecting structured information into a spatial hypermedia system. A previous study of VITE indicated that users spent much of their time developing an initial mapping before working on the information task. We designed the Mapping Assistant to assist users by generating a quick initial mapping from the data entered by the user and reduce the cognitive and mental load on the user. This research studies users' impression of the Mapping Assistant. The results indicate that the users liked the Mapping Assistant and found it useful, but comments from users also reveal possible directions for further improvement of the tool and its design.
Methods to the prediction of phase behavior: Predicting phase behavior with digital computers

COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE digital computing equipment of the punch-card type1,2 permits the expeditious direct application of relatively complex analytical expressions to the evaluation of the conventional thermodynamic properties of pure substances and mixtures. In the case of hydrocarbons, the Benedict equation3,4 is of particular utility in describing the effect of pressure, temperature, and composition upon the thermodynamic properties of a system. However, the complexity of such an expression makes this application time-consuming unless automatic computing equipment is employed. Beattie5 has outlined the general nature of the calculations associated with the evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. These methods apply to pure substances and multicomponent systems alike.
Improved CVD diamond coatings on WC-Co tool substrates

Abstract Tungsten carbide tools with different cobalt concentrations (3 and 6%) have been treated with different surface cleaning procedures for deposition of diamond and multilayer diamond composite films. Cleaning with organic solvents, surface etching to remove cobalt from the surface, and hydrogen plasma etching to decarburize WC and etch remove cobalt have been used in combination to improve the adhesion of diamond films deposited on the tool substrates. Diamond layers are deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) after introducing surface nucleation by suspension with sub-micron size diamond crystallites. TiN and TiC films are deposited as intermediate layers that prevent diffusion of cobalt or as embedding layers that also anchor diamond crystallites to the tool substrate. A continuous top layer of diamond was deposited for different periods of time (15–36 h) to obtain diamond film thickness ranging from 15 to 36 μm. The performance of diamond-coated tools has been tested by machining particleboard. The tool surfaces were characterized using measurements of wear of the cutting edge. Microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the composite layers on the tool surfaces is performed. The quantitative evaluation of wear and microstructural characterization were used to determine the mechanisms of wear of the cutting edge. The results are used to conclude the diamond tool coating procedure that provides the best performance in machining particleboard.
Axial Dispersion of Sedimented Colloids

Abstract After an ensemble of identical particles has had time to settle along the y-axis to their equilibrium distribution in a field of potential energy %oS(y) by gravity, but prevented from adsorbing by double-layer repulsion, their dispersion by Poiseuille flow between two horizontal plates is predicted. The residence-time distribution of particles is obtained in terms of ⊘(y). For chromatographic peaks with long retention times, equations are obtained relating the elution volume and dispersion coefficient to ⊘(y)- From such data, two pieces of information regarding ⊘(y) can be deduced: the location of the minimum, ym, and ⊘ (ym). However, at the opposite extreme of very short retention times, a major portion of the profile ⊘(y) can be deduced from a single chromatogram. Such an experiment might provide the first measurement of long-range forces between a colloid particle and a flat plate.
Role of the malate-aspartate shuttle on the metabolic response to myocardial ischemia.

Abstract The malate–aspartate (M–A) shuttle provides an important mechanism to regulate glycolysis and lactate metabolism in the heart by transferring reducing equivalents from cytosol into mitochondria. However, experimental characterization of the M–A shuttle has been incomplete because of limitations in quantifying cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolites. In this study, we developed a multi-compartment model of cardiac metabolism with detailed presentation of the M–A shuttle to quantitatively predict non-observable fluxes and metabolite concentrations under normal and ischemic conditions in vivo. Model simulations predicted that the M–A shuttle is functionally localized to a subdomain that spans the mitochondrial and cytosolic spaces. With the onset of ischemia, the M–A shuttle flux rapidly decreased to a new steady state in proportion to the reduction in blood flow. Simulation results suggest that the reduced M–A shuttle flux during ischemia was not due to changes in shuttle-associated enzymes and transporters. However, there was a redistribution of shuttle-associated metabolites in both cytosol and mitochondria. Therefore, the dramatic acceleration in glycolysis and the switch to lactate production that occur immediately after the onset of ischemia is mediated by reduced M–A shuttle flux through metabolite redistribution of shuttle associated species across the mitochondrial membrane.
Source characteristics of ELF/VLF chorus

[1] Source characteristics of nonducted dawn-sector magnetospheric ELF/VLF chorus emissions are deduced from in situ chorus wave properties measured with the POLAR/PWI six-channel wideband wave receiver and applied as constraints to a simple chorus emission and propagation model. The model accounts for wave/particle resonance at the source and employs a multi-frequency ray tracing technique to estimate wave refraction and dispersion from source to receiver in order to accurately reproduce the observed frequency-time (f-t) spectral form and wave normal angle θp at the spacecraft, for some optimal combination of source L shell, magnetic latitude λs, and emission wave normal angle θs determined by iteration. The best-fit match for numerous chorus emissions observed over a dawn-sector orbit pass covering 3.5 0) produced on the opposite side of the equator with respect to the receiver, and chorus fallers (df/dt 0, since the spatial wave growth profile increases in the direction towards the receiver and in fact reaches maximum intensity at or just beyond the magnetic equator, the waves appear to emanate from the equator itself. A symmetric ensemble of such chorus emissions thus produces waves which appear to propagate universally away from the magnetic equator, in accord with the observations of LeDocq et al. [1998].