cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automating instrumentation choices for performance problems in distributed applications with VAIF

Developers use logs to diagnose performance problems in distributed applications. However, it is difficult to know a priori where logs are needed and what information in them is needed to help diagnose problems that may occur in the future. We present the Variance-driven Automated Instrumentation Framework (VAIF), which runs alongside distributed applications. In response to newly-observed performance problems, VAIF automatically searches the space of possible instrumentation choices to enable the logs needed to help diagnose them. To work, VAIF combines distributed tracing (an enhanced form of logging) with insights about how response-time variance can be decomposed on the critical-path portions of requests' traces. We evaluate VAIF by using it to localize performance problems in OpenStack and HDFS. We show that VAIF can localize problems related to slow code paths, resource contention, and problematic third-party code while enabling only 3-34% of the total tracing instrumentation.
Caregiver-mediated approaches to managing challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder

A significant proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are referred to mental health centers due to the presence of challenging behaviors. Because challenging behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD often result from underlying social and communication difficulties and comorbid anxiety, traditional caregiver-mediated behavior intervention techniques developed for children with disruptive behavior disorders may need to be adapted for this population. Behavioral interventions that target communication skills, social skills, anxiety, and sensory responsiveness in children with ASD may be needed. Notably, while best practice necessitates the involvement of caregivers in treating children and adolescents with ASD, few randomized control studies have examined the effectiveness of caregiver-implemented interventions in reducing challenging behaviors. This review summarizes the current literature with regard to caregiver-mediated behavioral interventions for children with ASD, and suggests areas for intervention development and research.
Production of carbon disulfide (CS2) from L-djenkolic acid in the roots of Mimosa pudica L.

CS2 is a volatile liquid with bacteriostatic, fungicidal, nematicidal and insecticidal properties. The roots of some plants, particularly those in the subfamily Mimosoideae, produce CS2. These plants may have an agronomic use in crop rotations or intercropping because root-produced CS2 may act as a deterrent to soil pathogens. The biochemical pathway leading to the production of CS2 from mimosoid roots is unclear. Presumably, S-alkyl cysteine lyases present in mimosoid seedlings hydrolyze L-djenkolic acid, a unique, non-protein, sulfur-containing amino acid, to pyruvate, ammonia and methylene dithiol. Because methylene dithiol has never been detected from mimosoid roots, we hypothesized that CS2 is produced instead. Mimosa pudica, a species which produces CS2 in its roots, was used as a model plant. To eliminate CS2 production from microbial sources, all plants were grown gnotobiotically. S-alkyl cysteine lyase activity was confirmed in M pudica when PbS formed on injured roots treated with L-cysteine and lead acetate. When injured roots were wetted, CS2 production increased significantly compared to non-wetted roots. When L-djenkolic was applied to injured roots, CS2 production increased significantly compared to controls. Both thin-layer paper chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography showed the presence of L-djenkolic acid in root tissues of M pudica. These findings suggest CS2 production in roots of M pudica occurs via the hydrolysis of L-djenkolic acid by S-alkyl cysteine lyase.
Avoidant Personality Disorder

At the core of avoidant personality disorder (APD) as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is an extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation that, coupled with a view of self as incompetent and inferior to others, leads to pervasive avoidance in a number of social situations (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). People with this disorder may, for example, refrain from trying new activities for fear of failure. They are also likely to be inhibited in relationships, even with family members, for fear of shame and ridicule. This leads to isolation and a lack of close relationships, and often to secondary disorders such as major depressive disorder. This negative cycle is not a function of disinterest in intimate relationships. Rather, the fear of negative evaluation is so intense as to outweigh the deep-seated longing to interact with others.
Online instructional effort measured through the lens of teaching presence in the community of inquiry framework: A re-examination of measures and approach

With more than 4 million students enrolled in online courses in the US alone (Allen & Seaman, 2010), it is now time to inquire into the nature of instructional effort in online environments. Reflecting the community of inquiry (CoI) framework (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) this paper addresses the following questions: How has instructor teaching presence (Anderson, Rourke, Garrison, & Archer, 2001) traditionally been viewed by researchers? What does productive instructor effort look like in an entire course, not just the main threaded discussion? Results suggest that conventional research approaches, based on quantitative content analysis, fail to account for the majority of teaching presence behaviors and thus may significantly under represent productive online instructional effort.
Spatial and temporal expression of alpha- and beta-thyroid hormone receptor mRNAs, including the beta 2-subtype, in the developing mammalian nervous system

Thyroid hormone exerts profound effects on the developing mammalian brain, and its deficiency can lead to severe mental retardation and motor abnormalities. To identify specific anatomic targets of thyroid hormone action in the developing mammalian nervous system, we examined thyroid hormone receptor gene expression by hybridization histochemistry on serial adjacent sections from 12 stages of the developing rat nervous system. 35S-labeled cRNA probes were generated from divergent sequences of rat alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta 1-, and beta 2- thyroid hormone receptor and related cDNAs. We found that alpha- and beta-thyroid hormone receptor genes have distinct patterns of spatiotemporal expression in the embryonic and postnatal rat nervous system. alpha 1- and alpha 2-mRNAs were widely expressed in similar patterns; highest levels were found in the fetal neocortical plate, site of cortical neuronal differentiation. In contrast, beta 1- transcripts were restricted in distribution, with prominent expression in zones of neuroblast proliferation such as the germinal trigone and the cortical ventricular layer. Surprisingly, the “pituitary-specific” beta 2-transcript was detected in the developing hippocampus and striatum. Our results suggest that alpha- and beta-thyroid hormone receptors may play distinct functional roles during development of the mammalian nervous system.
Cognitive Correlates of Improvised Behaviour in Disaster Response: the Cases of the Murrah Building and the World Trade Center

While emergency response actions are known to range from conventional to improvised, less is known about the thinking processes that underlie these actions. This paper presents a statistical analysis of cognition and behaviour reported by police personnel who responded to two significant US disasters: the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City and the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City.The results suggest the prominence of conventional behaviour coupled with cognitive processes closely tied to recognition, and of improvised behaviours that are linked to more explicit reasoning processes. The results underscore the value of exploring cognitive foundations of both conventional and improvised behaviours to enrich understanding of human response to disaster. 1. Overview
UV laser induced fluorescence sensitivity dependence on PMT or CCD detector selection, collection optics, and excitation polarization

Summary form only given. We have developed a compact tunable UV laser induced fluorescence (LIF) sensor system which is being used to detect trace plastic and related compounds in seawater using excitation emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy. EEM measures a complete fluorescence emission spectrum at each excitation wavelength, and then provides such data at a large number of different excitation wavelengths as the laser is tuned.
Demystifying fluorine chemical shifts: electronic structure calculations address origins of seemingly anomalous 19F-NMR spectra of fluorohistidine isomers and analogues

Fluorine NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying biomolecular structure, dynamics, and ligand binding, yet the origins of (19)F chemical shifts are not well understood. Herein, we use electronic structure calculations to describe the changes in (19)F chemical shifts of 2F- and 4F-histidine/(5-methyl)-imidazole upon acid titration. While the protonation of the 2F species results in a deshielded chemical shift, protonation of the 4F isomer results in an opposite, shielded chemical shift. The deshielding of 2F-histidine/(5-methyl)-imidazole upon protonation can be rationalized by concomitant decreases in charge density on fluorine and a reduced dipole moment. These correlations do not hold for 4F-histidine/(5-methyl)-imidazole, however. Molecular orbital calculations reveal that for the 4F species, there are no lone pair electrons on the fluorine until protonation. Analysis of a series of 4F-imidazole analogues, all with delocalized fluorine electron density, indicates that the deshielding of (19)F chemical shifts through substituent effects correlates with increased C-F bond polarity. In summary, the delocalization of fluorine electrons in the neutral 4F species, with gain of a lone pair upon protonation may help explain the difficulty in developing a predictive framework for fluorine chemical shifts. Ideas debated by chemists over 40 years ago, regarding fluorine's complex electronic effects, are shown to have relevance for understanding and predicting fluorine NMR spectra.
Annual Research Review: Resilient Functioning in Maltreated Children--Past, Present, and Future Perspectives.

Background: Through a process of probabilistic epigenesis, child maltreatment progressively contributes to compromised adaptation on a variety of developmental domains central to successful adjustment. These developmental failures pose significant risk for the emergence of psychopathology across the life course. In addition to the psychological consequences of maltreatment, a growing body of research has documented the deleterious effects of abuse and neglect on biological processes. Nonetheless, not all maltreated children develop maladaptively. Indeed, some percentage of maltreated children develops in a resilient fashion despite the significant adversity and stress they experience. Methods: The literature on the determinants of resilience in maltreated children is selectively reviewed and criteria for the inclusion of the studies are delineated. Results: The majority of the research on the contributors to resilient functioning has focused on a single level of analysis and on psychosocial processes. Multilevel investigations have begun to appear, resulting in several studies on the processes to resilient functioning that integrate biological/genetic and psychological domains. Conclusions: Much additional research on the determinants of resilient functioning must be completed before we possess adequate knowledge based on a multiple levels of analysis approach that is commensurate with the complexity inherent in this dynamic developmental process. Suggestions for future research on the development of resilient functioning in maltreated children are proffered and intervention implications are discussed. Language: en
Interactive visualization of serial periodic data

Serial periodic data exhibit both serial and periodic properties. For example, time continues forward serially, but weeks, months, and years are periods that recur. While there are extensive visualization techniques for exploring serial data, and a few for exploring periodic data, no existing technique simultaneously displays serial and periodic attributes of a data set. We introduce a spiral visualization technique, which displays data along a spiral to highlight serial attributes along the spiral axis and periodic ones along the radii. We show several applications of the spiral visualization to data exploration tasks, present our implementation, discuss the capacity for data analysis, and present findings of our informal study with users in data-rich scientific domains.
Risk Preferences and Patriarchy: Extending Power-Control Theory

Power-control theory, at its most abstract level, links gender differences in risk preference to patriarchal family structures. In previous studies, direct tests have focused on adolescent delinquency, which is a specific form of risk-taking, and have used measures of risk preference specific to delinquency. In the present article, we introduce evidence for more general power-control theory hypotheses by employing a more global measure of risk preference and analyzing data from a sample of adults. We have found that among adults who were raised in more patriarchal families, females have a significantly lower taste for risk, globally defined, than males, and that such a gender difference does not appear among adults who were raised in less patriarchal families. The findings provide a basis for expanding the scope of power-control theory beyond adolescent delinquency to include the gender patterning, and changes over time in that patterning, of a wide range of risk-taking behaviors among adults, including risks that are socially and culturally valued.
Melanoma depth in patients with an established dermatologist

Background The impact of having an established dermatologist on melanoma depth at diagnosis is incompletely understood. Objective We sought to determine whether having had a previous dermatologic examination (an established dermatologist), the recency of the last examination, and the wait time for the dermatology appointment are associated with melanoma invasiveness and depth. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 388 patients with primary melanoma at an academic dermatology department. Results Patients with an established dermatologist were more likely than patients without an established dermatologist to be given a diagnosis of melanoma in situ (103/162 [63.6%] vs 69/155 [44.5%], P = .001) and to have thinner invasive melanoma (0.48 [0.30-0.71] mm vs 0.61 [0.40-1.10] mm, respectively, P = .003). These trends were observed for patients with self-detected, but not dermatologist-detected, melanoma. Patient-detected melanomas made up 184/361 (51.0%) of all melanomas, 83/199 (41.7%) of in situ melanomas, and 101/162 (62.4%) invasive melanomas. Self-detected melanomas were in situ in 36 of 61 (59.0%) patients with an established dermatologist versus 40 of 108 (37.0%) patients without an established dermatologist, P = .006. Neither time from last dermatologic examination nor wait time for an appointment was associated with melanoma invasiveness or depth. Limitations Data are retrospective and from 1 large academic health care system. Conclusion Education obtained at the dermatology appointment may improve early self-detection of melanoma, and having an established dermatologist may facilitate earlier evaluation of concerning lesions.
Selecting Growth Measures for Use in School Evaluation Systems: Should Proportionality Matter?.

The specifics of how growth models should be constructed and used for educational evaluation is a topic of lively policy debate in states and school districts nationwide. In this article, we take u...
Expression and functional analysis of a baculovirus gene encodinga truncated protein kinase homolog

Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) potentially encodes a 215-amino acid polypeptide containing6 out of 11 motifs conserved among eukaryotic protein kinases (Morris et al., Virology 200, 360–369, 1994). We examined the expression of this gene, named pk2, at the transcriptional and translational levels and the possible role of the gene during baculovirus replication in cell culture and insect larvae. Northern (RNA) blot analysis revealed that pk2 was transcribed primarily as an early 1.2-kb RNA. Western blot analysis showed that pk2 was expressed as a 25-kDa protein, PK2, which was present both early and late during virus infection. To examine the function(s) of pk2, we constructed a mutant baculovirus, vKINdel, in which one-third of the PK2-coding region was deleted and then compared the characteristics of vKINdel with wild-type AcMNPV and a marker-rescued revertant. The pk2 deletion mutation had no discernable effect on the number, size, or appearance of plaques, the kinetics of protein synthesis or protein phosphorylation profiles during virus infection of cultured SF-21 cells. Deletion of pk2 also had no significant influence on the infectivity or virulence of the baculovirus in larval bioassays and the level of occluded virus production was normal. Thus, pk2 does not appear to have a significant influence on virus replication in the host systems examined.
Heteroepitaxial thin film of iron phthalocyanine on Ag(1 1 1)

Abstract Ordering of submonolayer iron phthalocyanine (FePc) molecules deposited on Ag(1 1 1) was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. The room temperature deposition of FePc alone, without any annealing, results in no ordered overlayers. However, posterior annealing the substrate to 475 K leads to the formation of a two-dimensional oblique lattice with the lattice constants of 16.2 ± 0.3 A and the angle of 78 ± 1° between them. The resulting FePc lattice is commensurate to the substrate lattice. In addition, the nearest neighbor distance in the lattice is significantly increased through a distinctive molecular orientation of the FePc molecules within the unit cell. The commensurate lattice with a large intermolecular distance is in sharp contrast to that observed from a close-packed square lattice that many other metallo-phthalocyanine molecules often self-assemble into. A possible reasoning behind this intriguing structure is discussed.
Mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia using endothelin-1

Intracerebral injection of the vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), has been used as a method to induce focal ischemia in rats. The relative technical simplicity of this model makes it attractive for use in mice. However, the effect of ET-1 on mouse brains has not been firmly established. In this study, we determined the ability of ET-1 to induce focal cerebral ischemia in four different mouse strains (CD1, C57/BL6, NOD/SCID, and FVB). In contrast to rats, intracerebral injection of ET-1 did not produce a lesion in any mouse strain tested. A combination of ET-1 injection with either CCA occlusion or N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) injection produced only a small infarct and its size was strain-dependent. A triple combination of CCA occlusion with co-injection of ET-1 and l-NAME produced a lesion in all mouse strains tested, and this resulted in a significant motor deficit. However, lesion size was still relatively small and strain-dependent. This study shows that ET-1 has a much less potent effect for producing an infarct in mice than rats.
Video-assisted minimal access in excision of left atrial myxoma

Abstract Background . Minimal access surgery with video-assisted endoscopy has been applied to the correction of intracardiac lesions. We report our experience using this technique in surgical excision of left atrial myxoma in 3 patients. Methods . From November 1995 to March 1997, 3 female patients, ages 45 to 80 years (mean, 62.7 years), received emergency operations for excision of left atrial myxoma. These operations were performed through a right anterior submammary minithoracotomy or right parasternal incision with the assistance of endoscopy during femoro–femoral cardiopulmonary bypass. The myocardium was protected by continuous coronary perfusion with fibrillatory arrest or cardioplegic arrest with aortic cross-clamping. Results . All the tumors were excised completely through the right atrial approach. The bypass time was 92 to 148 minutes (mean, 111 minutes). The operation time was 3.2 to 4.4 hours (mean, 3.7 hours). There were no hospital deaths. Follow-up, which ranged from 6 to 19 months (mean, 10.5 months), was complete in all patients. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination showed good ventricular function without any residual tumors. Patients were found to be in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. They were satisfied with the good cosmetic healing of the incision. Conclusions . Our experience demonstrates that minimal access surgery is a technically feasible, safe, and effective procedure in surgical excision of left atrial myxoma.
Lithospheric structure of the south-central United States

Recent seismic data in the Ouachita Mountains area and the Gulf of Mexico make it possible to construct a lithospheric-scale cross section (transect) from the midcontinent region to the gulf. The authors constructed a transect in the form of a gravity model, but it incorporates all available seismic, drill hole, and geologic data as constraints. The thrust sheets of the Ouachita orogenic belt appear as a thin veneer covering the southern part of the Arkoma basin and the preserved Paleozoic continental margin. Mesozoic rifting is evident in three areas: (1) southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana where extension was minor, (2) the vicinity of the Texas-Louisiana coastline where modification of the lithosphere and subsidence were considerable, and (3) the deep Gulf of Mexico where rifting was successful. A significant variation in the average density of the mantle, which could delineate the North American craton as a lithospheric feature, was detected near the Paleozoic continental margin.
Biosynthesis of monoterpenes by Ceratocystis moniliformis

Abstract Ceratocystis moniliformis produced and excreted monoterpenes when grown on potato-dextrose broth. Geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalol, α-terpineol, geranial and neral were identified by GC-MS. Their production commenced with the depletion of nitrogen in the growth medium and their combined concentration peaked at about 50 μg/ml on the 5th day of growth. The pathway for the biosynthesis of the identified monoterpenes was studied by supplying the radioactive precursors mevalonic acid-[2- 14 C], l -leucine-[4,5- 3 H(N)], and acetate- [2- 14 C] to C. moniliformis . For each precursor, the extent of incorporation into the above monoterpenes and the distribution of radioactivity in geraniol was determined. It was concluded that monoterpenes were formed via the mevalonate pathway, previously established for higher terpenes in other organisms. This represents the first information available on the biosynthetic pathway for free monoterpenes in a microbial system.
Assessment of normal ACL double bundle anatomy in standard viewing planes by magnetic resonance imaging.

Anatomical studies show that the native ACL consists of two distinct functional bundles, termed the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles. The utility of using routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to distinguish the individual bundles of the ACL has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-observer agreement for assessment of the AM and PL bundles using MRI in the axial, coronal, and sagittal viewing planes. We identified a series of patients seen in the senior author’s clinic during a 16-month period. Images were independently evaluated in blinded fashion at two separate time points by a musculoskeletal radiologist and two orthopaedic residents. The AM bundle was detected in most planes of view with high frequency and reliability, while detection of the PL bundle was less frequent and had a lower associated reliability. Our results indicate that it is difficult to reliably detect both the AM and PL bundles using a low-field strength magnet with standard planes of view. It has been demonstrated that the ACL may be imaged effectively in planes that are based on the natural course of the ligament, and it is likely that this will also facilitate visualization of the individual AM and PL bundles. The use of additional oblique planes of view offers a potential approach for improved evaluation of the ACL, even with low field strength magnets. Future work in this area may assist in the pre-operative assessment of isolated AM or PL bundle injuries, facilitating a more anatomic approach to ACL reconstruction.
Fluidized bed heat treatment of cast Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys

The effects of fluidized bed heat treatment on the microstructural and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloys, namely, 354 and 319, were studied. The heating rate in fluidized beds (FBs) is greatervis-a-vis conventional electrical resistance furnaces (CFs). The high heating rate in FBs increases the kinetics of metallurgical phenomena such as Si fragmentation and spherodization during solution heat treatment, as well as the precipitation rate of phases such as Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 and Al2Cu during aging. It is observed that the dissolution rate of phases such as Mg2Si and Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 takes place very rapidly. The solution heat treatment of 319 alloy using FB results in complete dissolution of Mg2Si and Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 particles within 45 minutes. However, for phases such as Al2Cu and Ferich intermetallics, the dissolution rate is relatively slow. Even on prolonged solution heat treatment for 6 hours, these phases do not dissolve completely. It is observed that incomplete dissolution of the Al2Cu phase does not significantly affect tensile properties of T4-treated alloys. The optimum solution heat-treatment time in FB for both 354 and 319 alloys is 45 minutes at 527 °C and 493 °C, respectively. Thermal analysis shows an exothermic peak owing to recrystallization and coarsening of eutectic grains during solution heat treatment. The high heating rate in FB causes this transformation to take place at a lower temperature than in CF. It is observed that the nucleation rate of Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 during aging in FB is greater than using CF. Thermal analysis of samples during the ramp-up stage while aging using FB did not show any phase transformation, while those using CF show two endothermic transformations, which are most likely due to the dissolution of GP zones or the co-cluster of solutes. Aging at 200 °C results in a greater number density of precipitates than those at 240 °C. The tensile strength of samples aged at 200 °C is greater than those aged at 240 °C, because the amount of precipitates formed at 200 °C is greater than that at 240 °C. The total heat-treatment time for T6 temper is less than 2 hours in FBs, which is a significant reduction in heat-treatment time, as well as energy consumption.
Camalexin induction in intertribal somatic hybrids between Camelina sativa and rapid-cycling Brassica oleracea

Camelina sativa, a wild relative of Brassica crops, is virtually immune to blackspot disease caused by Alternaria brassicicola. Intertribal somatic hybrids were produced between C. sativa and rapid-cycling Brassica oleracea as a step toward the transfer of resistance to this disease into Brassica vegetable crops. The plants recovered were confirmed as somatic hybrids by flow cytometry and RAPD analysis. All hybrids showed a morphology intermediate between the two parents. Rooted plants grew in soil up to 4–5 weeks, and some produced sterile flowers. Two of three hybrids tested showed a high level of resistance to A. brassicicola. Resistance was correlated with the induction of high levels of the phytoalexin camalexin 48 h after inoculation, as in the resistant Camelina fusion partner. In contrast, susceptible somatic hybrids produced much lower levels of camalexin.
Conflict performance as a function of instructional set and absolute strength

Abstract One-hundred-twenty-eight male and female introductory psychology students performed in a conflict task. It was found that neither prior knowledge of the “correct” response nor number of practice trials prior to the conflict trial (8 versus 24) had differential effects on performance on the conflict trial. However, subjects who were shocked following an incorrect response took longer to make a decision on the conflict trial than subjects who were not shocked, and females took significantly longer than males.
Establishing a PRA Threshold To Treat Sensitized Patients Awaiting Heart Transplant in the Era of the Virtual Crossmatch

Purpose It has been reported that highly sensitized patients (pts) have increased time on the wait list for heart transplant (HTx). Desensitization therapy(DRx) has been reported to shorten this wait time. However, the threshold for DRx has not been established. In our program, pts who have had a calculated PRA (cPRA) >40% have been considered for DRx as only slightly more than half of available donors would be otherwise compatible. We assessed time on wait list for sensitized pts in the era of virtual crossmatch (VXM) to see if there was a threshold at which DRx improves donor availability. Methods and Materials Between 2009-12, we evaluated 149 status 1 pts for time on the wait list (until HTx). These pts were divided according to cPRA 0-9%, 10-39%, 40-69%, 70 -100%. The % status 1A and 1B pts were similar in all groups (grps). DRx was performed in 15 pts (6/10 pts in the cPRA 40-69% grp and all 9 in cPRA 70-100% grp). DRx included IVIG/rituximab or plasmapheresis/bortezomib. Results Average wait time was comparable in all grps (p=NS), but was numerically higher in the 70-100% grp despite DRx ( table ). DRx in 15 highly sensitized pts significantly reduced cPRA from mean 86±10% to 57±29% (p Conclusions In the VXM era, DRx appears to reduce wait times of cPRA 40-69% pts to be comparable with less sensitized pts. Therefore, this may be a reasonable cPRA threshold to initiate DRx. Highly sensitized pts (70-100%) may continue to have higher waiting times, but most likely this time is shorter than if they did not receive DRx. cPRA Groups Mean Days on Waitlist Status 1A at Tx (N) Status 1B at Tx (N) cPRA 0% - 9% (N=121) 33.2±65.6 95 (79%) 26 (21%) cPRA 10% - 39% (N=9) 24.1±22.9 8 (89%) 1 (11%) cPRA 40% - 69% (N=10) 36.2±48.7 7 (70%) 3 (30%) cPRA 70% - 100% (N=9) 53.3±76.9 6 (67%) 3 (33%)
From Inspired Vision to Impossible Dream The Dangers of Imbalanced Mentoring

This article will present a case study of an unrequited teacher-learning collaboration, an attempt to work with an experienced teacher to redesign his practice in consonance with Fostering a Commun...
Structure and function of the epidermal barrier

The skin is divided into 2 main structural layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is generally considered to be subdivided into 5 separate strata: basal, spinous, granular, lucid, and corneum. The vital barrier function of the skin resides primarily in the top stratum of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC). The SC is the barrier to the passive diffusion of water out of the skin, allowing us to live in air without suffering from dehydration, and is the barrier to other molecules including irritants into the skin. The epidermis also has immunologic functions and provides some protection of the skin from ultraviolet light via the pigment system. This paper will review the structure and function of the epidermal barrier and the response to environmental challenges such as repeated handwashing. Emphasis will be placed on the SC, the front line of the skin's defense against the insults of the outside world.
Development of an Umbrella Checkout System: A Case Study of a Senior Capstone Design Project

Senior capstone design classes allow for both a theoretical and physical basis for learning the principles of the product realization process. By providing an example of the design process for a senior capstone project studied at Carnegie Mellon University, this work highlights insights gained about both the mechanical design process and the product itself. The product studied in this work is an umbrella check system that utilizes Radio Frequency Identification to create a tracking system for a communal resource. The product itself represents a departure from umbrellas as a personal item into use as common good within a community, which has important economic and environmental effects. This work will highlight the various product realization processes that took place in order to translate the product from a user need to a final design, including a traffic analysis based on Markov Models and the construction of several prototypes.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Kinetic analysis of P-700 photoconversion: effect of secondary electron donation and plastocyanin inhibition.

Abstract The kinetics of P-700 photoconversion under weak continuous actinic illumination were quantitatively analyzed to provide information on the relative absorption cross-section σ PSI of the light-harvesting pigments associated with photosystem I and on the number of electrons stored between the two photosystems in dark-adapted chloroplasts. The theory of chemical kinetics for a system of monomolecular consecutive first-order reactions is reviewed briefly to provide support for the experimental approach taken. A complete inhibition of plastocyanin by cyanide eliminated all secondary electron donation to P-700 + and allowed the registration of the exponential (monomolecular) P-700 photoconversion at room temperature. The rate constant K p -700 of the exponential kinetics was independent of the ionic (± Mg 2+ ) and osmotic (± sucrose) strength of the chloroplast suspension medium, and of the oxidation-reduction state of photosystem II. The extent of plastocyanin inhibition in partially inhibited samples was greater under low ionic and low osmotic conditions. In dark-adapted chloroplast samples that were not cyanide treated, the number of electrons stored between the two photosystems was 3.9 ± 0.2 and independent of divalent cations. It is concluded that plastocyanin inhibition by cyanide is favored under low ionic and low osmotic conditions. The Mg 2+ ion and redox state of photosystem II-independent photoconversion of P-700 does not support significant changes in the spillover of excitation from photosystem II to photosystem I in isolated chloroplasts.
Study of the Mechanical Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are composed of C-C covalent bonds, which are the strongest bonds found in nature. Hence, carbon nanotubes are identified as the “ultimate fiber” due to their great strength in the direction of the nanotube axis and their ability to enhance the elastic properties of materials. The first indications of synthesizing carbon nanotubes date back to 1952. Russian scientists Radushkevich and Lukyanovich [1] were able to produce nanosized hollow carbon filaments. Nevertheless, it was until 1991 that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were discovered by Sumio lijima [2, 3] at NEC Corporation Lab, which was followed by his study and synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in 1993. Since their discovery, there has been a constant pursuit to understand the properties and identify the optimal applications of these structures. The paper focuses on the importance of carbon nanotubes and their ability to enhance the mechanical properties of other materials due to their unique elastic properties. Additionally, carbon nanotubes can improve the capabilities and properties of other materials, like polymer composite. Currently, there is an ongoing process to accurately understand the fundamental characteristics of these structures, in particular, to develop the governing laws necessary to control, predict, and manipulate these properties. This will eventually have an impact on the bulk properties of materials where carbon nanotubes may be incorporated. The current research focuses on the ability to create simplified models that can accurately predict the response of carbon nanotube structures undergoing different types of loading conditions. In this way, the mechanical characteristics regarding single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through finite element modeling are computed. A simplified finite element model is created in ANSYS for different types of SWCNTs with varying input parameters. An input array for the elastic modulus and load is generated to control the physical effects of these parameters in the nanotube structure. The geometries of the nanotubes are altered through various thicknesses employed for the construction of the C–C bonds. The current work contributes to the generation of different model responses to monitor the stress distribution employing a wide range of parameter values. The ability to introduce variability in the parameters and boundary conditions without altering the capabilities and computational time in the model represents the main contribution of this work.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Byzantine robustness, hierarchy, and scalability

In [20] (which we'll refer to as NPBR, for “Network Protocols with Byzantine Robustness”) the term “Byzantine Robustness” was defined as the property that guarantees that any two parties, S and D, can converse with each other, with a fair share of bandwidth, even if some of the trusted components in the network (e.g., routers, links) are behaving maliciously, provided that at least one correctly functioning path connects S and D. NPBR only works in a fairly small, flat network. In order to scale to larger sizes, networks need to be organized in hierarchies. This paper presents a network design (which we will refer to as “HBR” for Hierarchical Byzantine Robustness) that provides the same correctness guarantee as NPBR, but our design works in a hierarchical network. Furthermore, our design does not require any node to keep state larger than necessary for its portion of the network hierarchy. Also, our design extends to protection of the destination from being overwhelmed with too many simultaneous connections, with the network queuing connection requests so that each eventually completes. In this paper we summarize NPBR, explain why it does not extend to a hierarchy, and then present our design.
Speciation of metals in the oceans. I. Inorganic complexes in seawater, and influence of added chelating agents

Abstract The speciation of the metal ions in the surface waters of the open ocean has been computed by using critical stability constants describing all of the inorganic complexes that can be formed by the metal ions and inorganic ligands present. The stability constants used were adjusted to change the literature values from 0.10 M ionic strength to the 0.70 M ionic strength of seawater by using a new empirical technique involving experimentally observed variations of stability constants with ionic strength for complexes of similar charge types. For stability constants not listed in Critical Stability Constant compilations, values were estimated by using known trends of stability constants of similar complexes. The speciation determinations made include equilibria with suspended solid phases such as hydroxides, carbonates, and basic carbonates of the metal ions present. Perturbation of metal speciation resulting from the addition of some common chelating agents is determined and the results obtained are discussed in terms of the effects on seawater by the introduction of these chelating agents into the environment. In the 10 −9 to 10 −7 range of added chelant, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetate), NTA (nitrilotriacetate), TPP (tripolyphosphate) and CIT (citrate) exist in the ocean primarily as their Ca(II) and Mg(II) chelates. EDTA and NTA are the dominant ligands for Cu(II) and Ni(II), while TPP is extensively complexed to Fe(III). CIT strongly influences Cu(II) speciation, while SSA (sulfosalicylate, a well-known Fe(III) reagent) has no influence on any of these metal ions or their complexes.
Experimental Realization of an Exact Solution to the Vlasov Equations for an Expanding Plasma

We study the expansion of ultracold neutral plasmas in the regime in which inelastic collisions are negligible. The plasma expands due to the thermal pressure of the electrons, and for an initial spherically symmetric Gaussian density profile, the expansion is self-similar. Measurements of the plasma size and ion kinetic energy using fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy show that the expansion follows an analytic solution of the Vlasov equations for an adiabatically expanding plasma.
SU‐GG‐T‐539: Quantitative Analysis of Dosimetric Effects Due to Irregular Respiratory Motion in Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy of Lung Cancer

Purpose: A dosimetric analysis of respiratory motion irregularities is presented for stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT) of lungcancer. The changes in target dosimetric coverage is quantified in terms of random and systematic variations in the respiratory motion and correlated with average tumor motion. Method and Materials:Treatment plans and respiratory motion data of 12 lungcancer patients treated under SBRT protocols are retrospectively analyzed. In addition to actual respiratory motion data, a set of simulated motion data is also generated demonstrating irregularities in form of random fluctuations as well as systematic variations. Delineated clinical target volumes (CTV) of patients are subjected to the motion pattern while the target voxels are individually tracked in three dimensions. These trajectories are finally used to map the dose accumulated in the voxels of CTV in its own frame‐of‐reference enabling dosimetric evaluation. Results: The reduction in target minimum dose (Dmin) due to irregular respiratory motion was −1.1% (s=0.7%) for mean target motion of 1.0 cm and −2.6% (s=1.4%) for 2.0 cm. Changes in tumor control probability (TCP) associated with these reductions were negligible. When investigated separately, random fluctuations in the respiratory motion accounted for no change in Dmin (s=0.2%) for 1.0 cm target motion and only −0.8% (s=0.4%) for 2.0 cm. However, systematic variations in the respiratory motion such as a change in the average target motion between the simulation and treatment sessions was observed to play a greater role, with −1.6% and −3.7% changes in Dmin for 1.0 and 2.0 cm target motions respectively. Conclusions: Dosimetric impact of irregular respiratory motion was observed to be minimal in the use of SBRT for lungcancertreatments. When individual types of uncertainties are evaluated, the systematic shifts in breathing pattern were observed to have larger effect than commonly observed random breathing fluctuations.
TRANSFER OF HOST-DERIVED ALPHA SYNUCLEIN TO GRAFTED DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS IN RAT

Multiple laboratories have recently demonstrated that long-term dopaminergic transplants form Lewy bodies in patients with Parkinson's disease. Debate has arisen as to whether these Lewy bodies form from the transfer of α synuclein from the host to the graft or whether they form from intrinsic responses of the graft from being placed into what was, or became, an inflammatory focus. To test whether the former hypothesis was possible, we grafted fetal rat ventral mesencephalon into the dopamine depleted striatum of rats that had previously received 6-hydroxydopamine lesions. One month after the transplant, rats received viral over expression of human α synuclein (AAV2/6-α synuclein) or green fluorescent protein (AAV2/6-GFP) into the striatum rostral to the grafts. Care was taken to make sure that the AAV injections were sufficiently distal to the graft so no cells would be directly transfected. All rats were sacrificed five weeks after the virus injections. Double label immunohistochemistry combined with confocal microscopy revealed that a small number of grafted tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons (5.7% ± 1.5% (mean ± SEM) of grafted dopamine cells) expressed host derived α synuclein but none of the grafted cells expressed host-derived GFP. The α synuclein in a few of these cells was misfolded and failed to be digested with proteinase K. These data indicate that it is possible for host derived α synuclein to transfer to grafted neurons supporting the concept that this is one possible mechanism by which grafted dopamine neurons form Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease patients.
Surface-enhanced raman scattering magnified by photochemical activation of the silver electrode in aqueous halide electrolytes

Abstract Laser illumination of a silver electrode during an oxidation-reduction treatment in halide solutions results in a further magnification of the SLRS for pyridine, thiourea and water. This additional enhancement factor appears to be the result of a structural modification of the silver produced by the photoassisted decomposition of the silver halide film formed during the oxidation treatment.
A theoretical study of the effect of a tetraalkylammonium counterion on the hydrogen bond strength in Z-hydrogen maleate.

High-level ab initio calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G** and QCISD(T)/6-311+G**) were carried out to resolve the disagreement between recent experimental and computational estimates of the relative strength of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in Z-hydrogen maleate anion with respect to the normal hydrogen bond in maleic acid. The computational estimates for the strength of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the gas-phase maleate anion are in a range of 14−28 kcal/mol depending on the choice of the reference structure. Computational data suggest that the electrostatic influence of a counterion such as a tetraalkylammonium cation can considerably weaken the hydrogen bonding interaction (by 1.5−2 times) in the complexed hydrogen maleate anion relative to that in the naked anion. The estimated internal H-bonding energies for a series of Z-maleate/R4N+ salts (R = CH3, C2H5, CH3CH2CH2CH2) range from 8 to 13 kcal/mol. The calculated energy differences between the E- and Z-hydrogen maleates complexed to Me4N+, Et4N+, a...
The inclusive electrofission of 238U at incident energies between 45 and 120 MeV

Abstract Inclusive-electrofission cross sections for 238U have been measured by simultaneous detection of fission fragments and inelastically scattered electrons for incident-electron energies Ee=47.6, 80.3, 81.6, 118.4, and 119.1 MeV. Although our cross sections for Ee>80 MeV are significantly lower than all previously reported values, they can be accounted for by using virtual-photon spectra which include nuclear-size corrections.
Synthesis of 131I‐Labelled β‐Iodo‐D‐alanine and related compounds

Methyl-N-carbobenzoxy-β-131I-D-alaninate (2) was synthesized by the melt method. Partial hydrolysis of compound 2 gave methyl β-131I-D-alaninate (3). Hydrolysis of 2 with 2 N HCl gave β-131I-D-alanine. The 123I and 125I labelled compounds were synthesized by the same method.
Ligand-selective interdomain conformations of estrogen receptor-α

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) inhibit estrogen activation of the estrogen receptor (ER) in some tissues but activate ER in other tissues. These tissue-selective actions suggest that SERMs may be identified with tissue specificities that would improve the safety of breast cancer and hormone replacement therapies. The identification of an improved SERM would be aided by understanding the effects of each SERM on the structure and interactions of ER. To date, the inability to obtain structures of the full-length ER has limited our structural characterization of SERM action to their antiestrogenic effects on the isolated ER ligand binding domain. We studied the effects of estradiol and the clinically useful SERMs 4-hydroxytamoxifen and fulvestrant on the conformation of the full-length ERα dimer complex by comparing, in living human breast cancer cells, the amounts of energy transfer between fluorophores attached to different domains of ERα. Estradiol, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, and fulvestrant all p...