cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A critical behaviour of anomalous currents, electric-magnetic universality and CFT4

Abstract We discuss several aspects of superconformal field theories in four dimensions (CFT 4 ), in the context of electric-magnetic duality. We analyse the behaviour of anomalous currents under RG flow to a conformal fixed point in N = 1, D = 4 supersymmetric gauge theories. We prove that the anomalous dimension of the Konishi current is related to the slope of the beta function at the critical point. We extend the duality map to the (non-chiral) Konishi current. As a byproduct we compute the slope of the beta function in the strong coupling regime. We note that the OPE of T μν with itself does not close, but mixes with a special additional operator Σ which in general is the Konishi current. We discuss the implications of this fact in generic interacting conformal theories. In particular, a SCFT 4 seems to be naturally equipped with a privileged off-critical deformation Σ and this allows us to argue that electric-magnetic duality can be extended to a neighbourhood of the critical point. We also stress that in SCFT 4 there are two central charges, c and c ′, associated with the stress tensor and Σ, respectively; c and c ′ allow us to count both the vector multiplet and the matter multiplet effective degrees of freedom of the theory.
Pharmacotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The clinical management of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a challenging problem and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Historically, locally advanced HNSCC has been primarily managed with surgery and radiation (RT). The integration of pharmacotherapy has rapidly expanded over the years into the multimodality treatment paradigm of locally advanced HNSCC. Objective: The studies leading to the adoption of the current standard of care for locally advanced HNSCC are discussed. In addition, the limitations of these various treatment approaches are presented. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database for studies published before January 2009. The keywords used for this search were: head and neck neoplasms, chemoradiation, adjuvant chemotherapy, induction chemotherapy, EGFR inhibitor, cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cetuximab. Publications of randomized clinical trials and other supporting r...
Linear Poly(arylene ether)s with Pendant Phenylsulfonyl Groups: Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution Activated from the Meta Position

The synthesis, characterization, and nucleophilic aromatic substitution (NAS) behavior of 3,5-difluorophenyl sulfone, 3, are reported. The reactivity of the electrophilic sites, activated by only a phenylsulfonyl group located in the meta position, in 3 was probed via NMR spectroscopy and model reactions and was determined to be sufficient to undergo NAS reactions. Displacement of the first fluoride atom in 3, with the phenoxide ion derived from p-cresol, resulted in a significant decrease in reactivity for displacement of the second fluoride atom, however, not to such an extent as to prevent its displacement under more vigorous conditions. Confirmation of an SNAr mechanism was provided by 1H and 13C NMR data on the model compounds. High molecular weight, amorphous poly(arylene ether)s, bearing a pendant phenylsulfonyl group, were prepared via the reaction of 3 with a variety of bisphenols under typical NAS conditions. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranged from 136 to 175 °C while the 10% weight l...
Hydrothermal synthesis of graphite tubes using Ni catalyst

Abstract While many forms of carbon nanotubes and filamentous carbon have been reported, both a large inside diameter and highly graphitic wall structure have not been created. This paper describes such tubes from 70 to 1300 nm in diameter which were synthesized hydrothermally in the C–H–O–Ni system at 100 MPa and 730–800°C by first establishing a post-pyrolysis C–H–O equilibrium followed by an increase in pressure during which time growth of graphitic carbon occurred. Depending on the size of the Ni catalyst particles, flake-like graphite or carbon tubules were formed. Tubes were also synthesized without water, i.e., in the C–H–Ni system, but these tubes had multiple internal caps while those produced with water present had very few internal obstructions and a large inside diameter. The exceptional quality of the tube walls is demonstrated by straight and perfect lattice fringing in the tube walls and electron diffraction spot patterns free of diffuse amorphous rings. Raman spectral evidence shows high similarity to the spectra obtained from high purity natural graphite. The high integrity of hydrothermal nanotubes is demonstrated by the existence of liquid inclusions trapped inside the tubes during synthesis. The properties of hydrothermal graphite tubes suggest their use in nano-fluidic devices and as lightweight reinforcement for composites.
An Experiment with a Flexible Exchange Rate System: The Case of Peru, 1950-54

T HE GOVERNMENT OF PERU, largely on the recommendation of an economic and financial mission which a U.S. firm of consultants' had been invited to send to Peru, adopted in November 1949 a system of dual fluctuating exchange rates: a certificate rate applying to most trade transactions and to some approved nontrade items and a draft rate for all other transactions. Up to October 1954, when the certificate rate was pegged by the Central Reserve Bank at 19.00 soles per U.S. dollar, both rates were permitted to fluctuate (Chart 1). The reform of November 1949 was followed by an immediate strengthening of the sol in both the certificate and the draft markets, although the trend in export prices was unfavorable up to the outbreak of the Korean war. From the outbreak of the war to the end of 1952, when export prices were very favorable, the exchange rates were remarkably stable, despite considerable internal monetary expansion. In 1953, however, the certificate rate depreciated by 28 per cent, because world market prices of Peruvian exports fell sharply while domestic costs and prices continued to rise on account of internal inflation. Exchange rate stability was restored in 1954 as the decline in export prices ended and some internal stabilization measures became effective in the second half of
Magnetron sputter pulsed laser deposition: technique and process control developments

Abstract This paper investigates the use of process control in the deposition of nanocomposite thin-films by the magnetron-sputtering/pulsed laser deposition (MSPLD) method. A series of YSZ/Au films was deposited with closed loop feedback control, based on plume emissions, used to update both the laser and magnetron power settings simultaneously to regulate the plume emissions for extended durations. Intensity measurements of zirconium component of the laser ablation plume were made using a narrow band filter in conjunction with a high-speed photomultiplier tube and a digital phosphorous oscilloscope. Intensity measurements of the magnetron Au plasma were made using a monochromater and a high-speed data acquisition card. Using a computer to capture these two measurements every 5 s, setpoint updates were made to both the laser and magnetron in order to maintain the stoichiometry of the thin-film being deposited. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to verify the composition of these films grown with and without process control. The use of process control resulted in the film composition being constant throughout the depth of the thin-film, as opposed to having a graded composition due to process drift.
Designing and testing wearable range‐vibrotactile devices

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how commercially‐off‐the‐shelf sensors and stimulators, such as infrared rangers and vibrators, can be retrofitted as a useful assistive technology in real and virtual environments.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes how a wearable range‐vibrotactile device is designed and tested in the real‐world setting, as well as thorough evaluations in a virtual environment for complicated navigation tasks and neuroscience studies.Findings – In the real‐world setting, a person with normal vision who has to navigate their way around a room with their eyes closed will quickly rely on their arms and hands to explore the room. The authors’ device allows a person to “feel” their environment without touching it. Due to inherent difficulties in testing human subjects when navigating a real environment, a virtual environment affords us an opportunity to scientifically and extensively test the prototype before deploying the device in the real‐world.Research l...
On the Period and Amplitude Changes in Polaris and Other Short-Period Cepheids

The observed modulation of the period and amplitude of Polaris, the short-period classical Cepheid, may be cyclical, though irregular, and superimposed on the continuing evolutionary changes of this star. If so, it curiously resembles the Blazhko effect seen in RR?Lyrae stars, as Evans and her colleagues have noted. The present author's recent theory of the Blazhko effect based on a solar-like magnetoconvective cycle in the stellar envelope is here applied to Polaris, with some limited success. The theory may also explain the slow cycle seen in another short-period Cepheid, V473?Lyr. It is therefore possible to predict, tentatively, an entire new class of short-period Blazhko Cepheids.
NDA SNR estimation: CRLBs and EM based estimators

Signal to noise ratio (SNR) estimation is an important problem in many communication systems. SNR often needs to be estimated in the presence of unknown transmitted data symbols in a non data aided (NDA) manner. In this paper we derive a methodology to calculate the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) of NDA SNR estimation in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel for any symmetric constellation. In particular, the CRLB is evaluated and presented for QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, 16APSK and 32APSK constellations. We also present an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm based iterative estimator, valid for any arbitrary constellation, which performs very close to the CRLBs at all SNRs of practical interest and discuss issues regarding this iterative algorithm such as initialization and convergence speed.
Mercury stable isotopes in sediments and largemouth bass from Florida lakes, USA

Humans and wildlife can be exposed to mercury (Hg) through the consumption of fish with elevated concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg). Studies have shown that increased atmospheric deposition of Hg often leads to increased MeHg concentrations in aquatic organisms. However, depending on the ecosystem characteristics, reductions in Hg emissions may not always lead to immediate decreases in fish MeHg concentrations. Measurements of natural abundance Hg stable isotope ratios may enable a better understanding of these complex relationships. To gain insight into the sources of Hg to sport fish in central Florida, we measured the Hg isotopic compositions of surface sediments and largemouth bass from freshwater lakes. We found that fish collected from lakes located near the large Crystal River coal-fired power plant did not display evidence of anomalous negative δ(202)Hg values that were observed in nearby precipitation. This suggests that Hg recently deposited from the atmosphere is not preferentially methylated and bioaccumulated in these lakes relative to previously deposited Hg accumulated in the lake sediments. We also observed significant positive Δ(199)Hg values in the fish that were correlated with light penetration depth in the lakes from which they were collected. This indicates that a significant amount of photochemical degradation of MeHg (up to ~40%) occurred prior to uptake of the remaining MeHg into the food webs. These results suggest that depending on physical lake characteristics and biogeochemical factors, decreased atmospheric Hg deposition may not lead to immediate short-term reductions in fish MeHg concentrations. Instead, recovery of some freshwater fish populations to baseline MeHg concentrations may take decades to centuries.
Alterations in medial prefrontal cortical activity and plasticity in rats with disruption of cortical development.

Background: Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia are believed to emerge from an interaction of several factors. Thus, a genetic predisposition can lead to developmental compromises that may leave the system more susceptible to deficits induced by subsequent environmental variables such as stress. Methods: The impact of neurodevelopmental interruption induced by exposure of rats prenatally to a compound methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) that disrupts neuronal proliferation was investigated using in vivo electrophysiologic recordings from the prefrontal cortex of adult rats. Results: Prenatal exposure to MAM resulted in alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex indicative of a compromise in information processing. Specifically, we observed a disruption in activity patterns consistent with deficits in neuronal synchronization and abnormal augmentation of synaptic plasticity that was more severely disrupted by stress exposure than in normal animals. Furthermore, these deficits could be reversed by manipulating the mesocortical dopamine system. Conclusions: These results suggest that disruption of early cortical development causes impairments in medial prefrontal cortical function at adulthood that are more vulnerable to disruptive influences, despite the presence of only subtle structural alterations in the brain.
The Role of Hormonal Therapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer—Regional Perspectives: Europe

Abstract Prostate cancer is a significant and increasing healthcare burden in Europe. Patient characteristics are one important factor in determining optimal therapy. Efficacy and survival benefits need to be balanced against the patient's quality of life. In other areas of oncology, such as breast cancer, significant adverse events are endured to achieve these survival benefits. There are still many unanswered questions and challenges in the hormonal management of prostate cancer. These relate to the benefits of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, the timing and duration of treatment and the development of hormone resistance. This paper reviews the management practices in Europe and the ongoing research to evaluate new treatment options.
Increasing the Number of Trained Health and Safety Professionals in Agricultural Medicine: Evaluation of the “Building Capacity” Program, 2007–2013

ABSTRACT The University of Iowa began training health care professionals to care for farmers' occupational health needs since 1974. In order to geographically expand this training to practicing health and safety professionals, the "Building Capacity: A National Resource of Agricultural Medicine Professionals" program was developed and launched in 2006. The model began in 1987 as a program of Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. In 2006, with funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH), the program was expanded beyond the Iowa borders. The principal component of the program, the 40-hour course, Agricultural Medicine: Occupational and Environmental Health for Rural Health Professionals-the Core Course (AMCC) is now being offered to health and safety professionals in nine states in the United States, in Australia, and a modified version presented in Turkey. An initial paper evaluated the first phase of the program, years 2007-2010. This paper compares the first phase (2007-2010) with the second phase (2011-2013), which has involved over 500 health and safety professionals. This paper also describes evaluation of the course and changes resulting from the evaluation. Finally, this paper describes best practices for operating this program and makes recommendations for future courses, as well as other trainings within the field.
Treatment with the thyrotropin-releasing hormone analog CG3703 restores magnesium homeostasis following traumatic brain injury in rats ☆

Abstract Treatment with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) analogs following traumatic injury to the central nervous system (CNS) improves neurological outcome through mechanisms that remain unclear. Previous studies have shown that traumatic brain injury is associated with a profound decline in intracellular free magnesium (Mg f ) and in total tissue magnesium (Mg t ), the extent of Mg f decline being linearly correlated to the severity of injury and resultant neurological deficit. We have used 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively, to measure cerebral Mg f concentration and Mg t content in rats following fluid percussion brain trauma and treatment with the TRH analog, CG3703. Treatment at 30 min postinjury with CG3703 significantly improved Mg f when compared to saline-treated controls. There were no significant changes in Mg t , Na + , K + or water content following CG3703 treatment. Since a decline in intracellular free magnesium may affect cellular bioenergetic status, calcium flux, activity of excitatory amino acids, opiate receptors, and the release of eicosanoids, these results suggest that the beneficial effects of treatment with TRH analogs after CNS trauma may be mediated through magnesium-dependent mechanisms.
Mobile after-media: trajectories and points of departure

This paper is centred on research in the development of a mobile media and art project. Datascape is a geographic storytelling and visualisation platform that supports the telling of locative narratives by artists, researchers, educators and community groups. In this paper, the guiding principles of the project are discussed in relation to the theme of the conference, ‘After Media’.1 The suggestion is that we think of this term not as a time beyond the demise of some particular media, but instead consider the term after-media as an approach where the goals of a new medium are made explicit in relation to its historical foundations and practices. The goals and trajectories of the Datascape project are discussed within the scope of mobile and locative media.
On the thermal expansion of composite materials and cross-property connection between thermal expansion and thermal conductivity

Abstract The paper focuses on the quantitative characterization of heterogeneous microstructures from the point of view of the material’s thermal expansion. First, we derive expression for the second rank thermal expansion contribution tensor of an inhomogeneity and specify it for various inhomogeneity shapes. Case of a spheroidal inhomogeneity in an isotropic material is discussed in detail. Thermal expansion contribution tensor is used as a basic building block to calculate effective thermal expansion of a heterogeneous material and to derive explicit cross-property connection between thermal expansion and thermal resistivity of a composite. We compare our results with experimental data available in literature and with other approaches.
Chronic ethanol consumption alters recovery of spontaneously active medial septal/diagonal band of broca neurons from GABA-microiontophoresis.

BACKGROUND Acute ethanol administration increases GABA-mediated inhibition in a variety of cerebral cortical preparations. Furthermore, chronic ethanol administration blunts ethanol-induced increases in GABA-mediated inhibition and alters GABA A receptor subunit mRNA and peptide expression in the cerebral cortex. The sedative hypnotic effects of ethanol are believed to be modulated by GABA-induced inhibition in medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MS/DB) neurons, a brain region where acute ethanol administration increases GABA-mediated inhibition of spontaneously active neurons. Chronic ethanol administration produces tolerance to the sedative effects of ethanol. However, it is unknown if chronic ethanol consumption produces alterations in GABA-mediated inhibition in the MS/DB in a manner similar to that found in the cerebral cortex. METHODS Animals either consumed ethanol chronically for 14 days via a liquid diet or were pair-fed an equicaloric dextrose-containing control diet. Spontaneously active MS/DB neurons were recorded using multibarrel glass micropipettes while the effect of GABA-microiontophoresis was investigated. The total amount of GABA-mediated inhibition at four ejection currents was analyzed, as was the recovery to spontaneous neural firing rates following GABA inhibition. In a separate group of animals, the medial septum was microdissected, and the relative expression of GABA A receptor alpha1 and alpha4 subunit peptide were analyzed via Western blot analysis. RESULTS Chronic ethanol consumption altered recovery of spontaneous neural activity of MS/DB neurons following GABA-microiontophoresis compared to premicroiontophoresis levels. Specifically, the recovery of spontaneous neural activity of MS/DB neurons recorded from animals that chronically consumed ethanol was slower following GABA-microiontophoresis compared to neurons recorded from control animals. This effect was temporary and reversible. Furthermore, the alteration in recovery of spontaneous neural activity was not due to changes in the total amount of inhibition produced by GABA. Finally, there was no significant change in GABA A receptor alpha1 and alpha4 subunit peptide levels in the MS/DB. CONCLUSIONS Chronic ethanol consumption alters the frequency of spontaneous MS/DB neural activity following GABA microiontophoresis compared to premicroiontophoresis levels. These data suggest that the kinetics of GABA A receptors in the MS/DB are altered by chronic ethanol consumption independent of changes in the total amount of inhibition or alterations in GABA A receptor alpha1 and alpha4 subunit peptide expression.
Effects of high tissue concentrations of selenium on reproduction by bluegills

Abstract Recent studies have associated high body concentrations of selenium with declines in fish populations inhabiting cooling reservoirs of coal-fired electric power plants. Because some evidence indicated that these declines resulted from reduced reproduction, we made a series of 18 artificial crosses of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus possessing high and low body concentrations of Se to determine whether elevated Se in parents reduced viability of gametes or increased mortality of embryos and larvae. Bluegills with high body concentrations of Se were obtained from Hyco Reservoir (cooling water source of a coal-fired power plant) and those with low body concentrations were obtained from nearby Roxboro City Lake, North Carolina. Neither percent fertilization nor percent hatch of eggs differed significantly among the parent combinations. However, all crosses (8) that included females with high Se body concentrations resulted in larvae with edema; such larvae did not survive to the swim-up stage. Only one...
Oral findings in people with or at high risk for AIDS: a study of 375 homosexual males

A total of 375 consecutively identified homosexual, males were studied to assess dental findings, needs, and risks. The oral signs and symptoms that may be used to recognize people infected with the AIDS virus are defined to help dental professionals participate in health care delivery. A total of 375 homosexual males were studied to assess the dental findings, life-style, and risk factors during a 4-year period. At baseline, 136 of the patients were diagnosed as having AIDS, 116 were considered at risk for AIDS, and 123 were considered healthy. In a mean follow-up time of 23 months, nine of the patients at risk for AIDS and five of the patients considered healthy were diagnosed as having AIDS. Kaposi’s sarcoma was the most common oral neoplasm, and candidiasis was the most frequent oral infection. Hairy leukoplakia was found in 28% of the patients, and periodontal disease was found in 17% of the patients. Carriers of the AIDS virus may not be identified easily and control measures in the dental office must be followed.
Late-glacial-Holocene climate of the lake district of Chile

Pollen evidence from a 350-cm section of a fen in a moraine belt at Rucanancu (39°33′S, 72°18′W) bears on the controversy regarding interpretation of late-glacial and Holocene climate in midlatitude Chile. Earlier pollen studies, indicating a cooling trend between approximately 11,000 and 10,000 yr B.P., disagreed with observations of glacier fluctuations which show continuous glacier wastage and, by inference, warming after 12,500 yr B.P. and possibly earlier, up until Neoglaciation, beginning after 6850 yr B.P. Fossil beetle assemblage data in this time range support the interpretation of climate made from the observed glacier behavior. At Rucanancu, a pollen assemblage containing upper montane podocarp (Podocarpus andinus) in quantities reaching 34% and dating between 10,440 and 10,000 yr B.P. implies a cold climate with summer temperatures possibly 5–8°C lower than today's. Holocene warming began afterward, later than the glacier and beetle records indicate, and continued until at least 8350 yr B.P., as suggested by the sequence of assemblages dominated by Myrtaceae, by Aextoxicon punctatum, and by Gramineae. A subsequent assemblage of Nothofagus obliqua type implies an increase of moisture until 6960 yr B.P., following which N. dombeyi type, under a cool and humid Neoglacial climate, became dominant.
The regional surgical society and physician advocacy.

The role of regional surgical societies in American Surgery is being reexamined. Specialty societies have expanded and proliferated, reflecting the importance of advanced surgical skills and knowledge in current surgical practice. Regional surgical societies bring together surgeons from defined geographical areas, presumably reflecting common practice, political and social issues from that specific area. While regional societies have had an ongoing role in surgical education, their continued viability will depend, in part, on their ability to serve as an advocate for their physician members. To advocate means to represent one’s views in another audience. Regional surgical societies serve as advocates for their members to national surgical organizations, such as the American College of Surgeons and the American Board of Surgery. This mechanism is already in place through representations by these societies in these two organizations and communication with their leadership. However, the ability of regional societies to serve as advocates for their surgeon members and, by extension, for their patients to other audiences is less clear and certainly less structured. Given the unique characteristics of a regional society’s members, there may be great value in being an advocate to various regulatory bodies and legislative groups at both the local and national level. This is usually where decisions are made that greatly influence delivery of patient care. Another, less well defined role of regional societies is to serve as an advocate for their members to the public and the patients for whom the members care. A better understanding by these constituents of the nature of surgical practice and ongoing changes in the delivery of medical care might greatly improve physician-patient interactions with resultant improved care. The Southwestern Surgical Congress during its recent strategic planning process, identified advocacy as an important role for the organization and has made plans to expand this activity. An advocacy council has been created which includes the representative to the American College of Surgeons and several at large members. Responsibilities of this council will include ongoing solicitation of important issues and concerns of the members, improved communication via its website, electronic mail, and editorials, such as this, and identifying medical and political figures who might contribute to our annual meeting. These activities should lead to other strategies to expand and improve the role of this regional society as an advocate for its surgeon-members. Am J Surg. 2000;180:396. From the Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Requests for reprints should be addressed to Jon S. Thompson, MD, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 983280 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3280. Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Surgical Congress, Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 9–12, 2000. SCIENTIFIC PAPER
Critical conditions for impact- and shock-induced hot spots in solid explosives

Chemical kinetic thermal decomposition models of pressed solid high explosives containing octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) and triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB), which accurately calculate the times to explosion at various initial temperatures measured in the one-dimensional time to explosion (ODTX) test, are extended to higher temperatures to predict the critical temperatures, times to explosion, and dimensions of the impact- and shock-induced hot spots that are known to control the ignition of exothermic reaction in solid explosives. The effects of hot spot geometry and surrounding temperature on the critical hot spot conditions are investigated. Since hot spot temperatures and dimensions cannot be measured experimentally, these estimated temperatures, sizes, and times required for exothermic chemical reaction provide a means to evaluate proposed physical mechanisms of hot spot formation in accident scenarios involving impact (friction and shear) and shock compression of solid explosives.
Design of a Food Chemistry-Themed Course for Nonscience Majors

The physical science curriculum design at Georgia Gwinnett College requires a theme-based course (lecture and group work, and laboratory) for nonscience majors. Increased student engagement is anticipated when science topics are taught in the context of a topic of which students can select during course registration. This paper presents the course curriculum design, highlights laboratory experiments (designed and adapted) and field trips for a one-semester food chemistry course for nonscience majors. Student feedback on select assignments and laboratory activities is also presented.
SU‐GG‐T‐351: Dosimetric Evaluation of an Implantable DVS‐HFT Dosimeter for Hypo‐Fractionated Radiation Treatment

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric accuracy and reproducibility of an implantable DVS‐HFT dosimeter for hypo‐fractionated radiation treatment in stereotactic radiotherapy.Method and Materials: The dosimeters are factory calibrated to read within the range of 340–950 cGy per fraction. Communication from the detector to the reading device is achieved telemetrically. Two sets of dosimeters were studied in a phantom and one set is implanted in a prostate cancer patient treated with five fractions. The planned doses to detectors were calculated based on CTimages. The calculated doses were validated with ionization chamber measurements in the phantom. Both static and IMRT beams were studied. The uncertainty of dosimeter reading was estimated by Δ% = det ector reading − Planned dose Planned dose × 100% Results: In the phantom studies, the uncertainty of daily readings were found to be from −0.1 to −4.9% (with a mean value of −1.6%) and from +1.4 to +4.8% (with a mean value of +2.5%) for five daily doses of 700 cGy delivered by static and IMRT beams respectively. For the dosimeters implanted in the prostate cancer patient, the daily discrepancies between dosimeter‐1 readings and calculated doses of 767 cGy range from −8.2% to +4.0% (with a mean value of +2.0%) during five fractions. However, the discrepancies of dosimeter‐2 implanted in a region with high dose gradients (calculated dose of 180 cGy) range from −4.3% to +35.0% (with a mean value of +3.4%). Conclusion: The accuracy of the DVS‐HFT dosimeter is shown to be within the manufacture stated uncertainties of < 5.5%. The study demonstrates that the dosimeter may be an effective tool to determine the actual dose delivered to treatment targets as well as organ at risk. The information obtained can be utilized to study actual dose fluctuations of daily treatment. Conflict of Interest: Two sets of dosimeters used in phantom study were provided by Sicel.
Cross-cultural differences in sexual dimorphism: Is there any variance to be explained?

Abstract Some argue that cross-cultural variation in sexual dimorphism is associated with marriage practices whereas others suggest it is a function of absolute size. We reject both explanations, noting that the degree of dimorphism in humans is very consistent and the observed variance is mainly a function of sample size.
Intrabronchial Electrocardiography A Preliminary Report

The Einthoven hypothesis implies that differences in the conductivity of body tissues are not sufficiently great to invalidate the concept that the body is a homogeneous volume conductor. Some investigators believe the lungs are sufficiently poor conductors to make questionable the concept that the body can be regarded as a homogeneous volume conductor. Intrabronchial electrocardiography is presented as a possible method for studying this problem. In ten individuals without manifest cardiac disease the distribution of potential variations in the lungs as manifested by the QRS complexes corresponded approximately and qualitatively with the distribution of the QRS complexes recorded from the body surfaces.
The Autographa californica M Nucleopolyhedrovirus ac79 Gene Encodes an Early Gene Product with Structural Similarities to UvrC and Intron-Encoded Endonucleases That Is Required for Efficient Budded Virus Production

The Autographa californica M nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) orf79 (ac79) gene is a conserved gene in baculoviruses and shares homology with genes in ascoviruses, iridoviruses, and several bacteria. Ac79 has a conserved motif and structural similarities to UvrC and intron-encoded endonucleases. Ac79 is produced at early times during infection and concentrates in the nucleus of infected cells at late times, suggesting a cellular compartment-specific function. To investigate its function, an ac79-knockout bacmid was generated through homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Titration assays showed that budded virus (BV) production was reduced in the ac79-knockout virus compared to control viruses, following either virus infection or the transfection of bacmid DNA. The ac79-knockout virus-infected cells produced plaques smaller than those infected with control ac79-carrying viruses. No obvious differences were observed in viral DNA synthesis, viral protein accumulation, or the formation of occlusion bodies in ac79-knockout and control viral DNA-transfected cells, indicating progression into the late and very late phases of viral infection. However, comparative analyses of the amounts of BV genomic DNA and structural proteins in a given quantity of infectious virions suggested that the ac79-knockout virus produced more noninfectious BV in infected cells than the control virus. The structure of the ac79-knockout BV determined by transmission electron microscopy appeared to be similar to that of the control virus, although aberrant capsid protein-containing tubular structures were observed in the nuclei of ac79-knockout virus-infected cells. Tubular structures were not observed for ac79 viruses with mutations in conserved endonuclease residues. These results indicate that Ac79 is required for efficient BV production.
New Layered Double Hydroxides Containing Intercalated Manganese Oxide Species: Synthesis and Characterization

Manganese oxide species (MnOx) have been intercalated within the gallery spaces of Mg−Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Synthesis of these materials was achieved by ion-exchange of the LDH-nitrate precursor with permanganate anion followed by reduction with organic reagents, such as glucose, ethanol, and ascorbic acid. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, HR-TEM, and N2 sorption analyses have been used to characterize these materials. TEM micrographs of LDH-MnOx materials revealed platelike morphology, characteristic of hydrotalcite-like compounds. Chemical analysis results showed that permanganate anions exchanged with nitrate anions. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the reduction of the permanganate anions after treatment with the organic reagents. The XRD diffraction patterns of LDH-MnOx revealed that the layer structure is maintained after all synthetic steps. The observed basal spacings of intercalates varied depending on the reducing agent; the larg...
Classification of spruce beetle hazard in Lutz and Sitka spruce stands on the Kanai Peninsula, Alaska

Abstract Stand data from Lutz and Sitka spruce forest types occurring on the Kenai Peninsula were analyzed by tree-based classification and abductive inference to develop decision models for classifying spruce beetle hazard. Model development and validation data sets contained 286 and 88 stand observations, respectively. The final decision-tree structure yielded 13 possible hazard outcomes based on total stand basal area, percentage of total basal area composed of spruce, percentage of spruce basal area composed of trees with diameter > 25 cm, stand elevation, and stand aspect. Four paths in the decision tree led to low-hazard outcomes (spruce basal area loss ≤ 10%); two paths each led to low-medium, medium, and medium-high hazard outcomes (spruce basal area loss of ≤ 40%, 11–40%, and > 10%, respectively); and three led to high-hazard outcomes (spruce basal area loss > 40%). Results of model verification were considered very acceptable; in the worst case, predictions of high hazard were correct for 67% of the observations. Model validation results also were considered acceptable, but predictions of medium and high hazard showed a marked drop from verification results. For comparison, the same analysis was performed using abductive inference to test a modeling method better suited to automatic processing of numerous stands for landscape-level analysis. There was a high degree of correspondence between predictions of the two analytical methods.
Neural representations of the axis of acoustic particle motion in nucleus centralis of the torus semicircularis of the goldfish, Carassius auratus

Experiments examined differential coding of acoustic particle motion axis in the auditory midbrain of goldfish. Animals were exposed to vibratory stimuli varying in axis orientation as action potentials were recorded from single units in the central neuropil of nucleus centralis in the torus semicircularis. Response magnitudes as a function of stimulation axis were visualized in three dimensional plots called directional response profiles. These are generally comparable to directional responses observed among primary saccular afferents in having substantially vertical orientations. Distortions in shape from the peripheral patterns indicate neural information processing. A three-dimensional model was used to evaluate the hypothesis that responses in the auditory midbrain reflect the convergence of excitatory and inhibitory primary afferent-like responses. Model afferent inputs were generated and combined arithmetically. This analysis gives insight into the mechanisms of information processing that appear to occur in brainstem nuclei. The lack of diversity in best axis directions suggests that this mechanism alone cannot account for directional hearing abilities in this species. The roles that this directional representation and processing may play in directional hearing and sound source localization are not yet clear. Implications of these data on current models of fish directional hearing are discussed.
The Fundamentalist City, Medieval Modernity, and the Arab Spring

AbstractThe Arab World has witnessed massive popular uprisings that seek to overturn years of authoritarianism and supposedly bring about democratic change and social justice. These uprisings evoke both optimism and pessimism about religion, violence, and their connection to cities. As people in various parts of the Arab world embark on their quest for self-government, there is no telling where this great experiment will lead. Based on current indications, religion will play a decisive role in shaping the futures of these nations, and particularly their cities. These directions seem to be charted by the religious parties that have come to power, and through a series of subtle and gradual policies that are setting the foundations for future theocratic states. The aim of this article is to explore the urban processes by which religious ideologies transform into fundamentalist urban movements, and how their actions are starting to reshape the cities of the Arab World.
Workpiece–fixture static friction under dynamic loading

Abstract Workpiece fixturing for machining operations often relies on friction to prevent workpiece motion. Since most machining operations involve dynamic loads, a better understanding of the influence of such loading on workpiece–fixture contact friction is desirable. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the effects of normal preload force, vibration amplitude and excitation frequency on the static friction between cast aluminum 357 workpiece material and oxide coated AISI 1144 steel fixture material. A friction tester capable of simulating normal and in-plane dynamic loads was designed and built for the study. Response surface analysis of the experimental data reveals that dynamic loading significantly influences workpiece–fixture static friction. Possible explanations for the observed effects are given.
Structural changes in the region directly adjacent to the DNA-binding helix highlight a possible mechanism to explain the observed changes in the sequence-specific binding of winged helix proteins.

Abstract The hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF-3)/fork head (fkh) family contains a large number of transcription factors and folds into a winged helix motif. Despite having almost invariable amino acid sequences in their principal DNA-binding helices, HNF-3/fkh proteins show a wide diversity of sequence-specific binding. Previous studies of chimeric HNF-3/fkh proteins demonstrated that the binding specificity is primarily influenced by a region directly adjacent to the binding helix. We report our findings of an NMR structural study performed on an HNF-3/fkh family member (Genesis, formerly HFH-2) and compare it to that of another family member (HNF-3γ) complexed to DNA and determined by X-ray crystallography. It is found that in comparison to HNF-3γ, Genesis contains an extra small helix directly prior to the N terminus of the primary DNA contact helix. Due to the insertion of this helix, a shorter and slightly re-positioned primary DNA contact helix is observed, which we believe leads to the DNA-binding specificity differences among family members.
Enhanced cis-platinum neurotoxicity in pediatric patients with brain tumors

Eight children were treated with cis-platinum for recurrent brain tumor. Six of these children were fully evaluable. All received cis-platinum (total dose per course 60 to 120 mg/ m2; up to three courses) by infusion with mannitol and hydration. All had received one or more courses of cranial irradiation. Five of the six patients had evidence of significant hearing loss after only one cycle of treatment. All six patients demonstrated significant audiometric or symptomatic hearing loss after a total dose of 110–120 mg/m2. In patients further challenged with cis-platinum hearing loss progressed significantly. Two patients developed profound deterioration in neurologic status within 72 h after infusion. These experiences suggest that:
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of solutions of shear-degraded deoxyribonucleic acid.

Calf thymus and salmon sperm deoxyribouncleie acid were degraded by high-shear stirring to molecular weights M in the range of 1.3–3.2 × 106 and purified by chromatography on methylated bovine serum albumin. Dynamic viscoelastic properties of the fragmented products, in aqueous glycerol solutions in the concentration range of c = 0.003–0.01 g./ml., were investigated with the apparatus of Birnboim and Ferry. At values of the product cM higher than 4 × 103, the frequency dependence of the components of the complex shear modulus, G′ and G″, displayed a plateau region in which G′ > G″ – ων1ηS, similar to that observed in concentrated solutions of coiling polymers where it is attributed to an entanglement network (ω is radian frequency, ν1 volume fraction of solvent, and η8, solvent viscosity). The width of this plateau region on the logarithmic frequency scale is given by Δ = 3.8 (log cM – 3.56). At lower values of cM, the frequency dependence is intermediate between those predicted by the theory of Zimm for flexible coiled macromolecules and by the theory of Kirkwood and Auer for rods. Fitting to the Zimm theory gives highly discrepant values for molecular weights, while fitting the low-frequency end of the dispersion to the Kirkwood-Auer theory gives reasonable agreement for both molecular weight and rotary diffusion coefficient. It is concluded that the helical fragments appear as nearly rigid rods in their behavior at very low frequencies, but at higher frequencies reveal substantial bending flexibility.
Vaccinia Virus Nonstructural Protein Encoded by the A11R Gene Is Required for Formation of the Virion Membrane

The vaccinia virus A11R gene has orthologs in all known poxvirus genomes, and the A11 protein has been previously reported to interact with the putative DNA packaging protein A32 in a yeast two-hybrid screen. Using antisera raised against A11 peptides, we show that the A11 protein was (i) expressed at late times with an apparent mass of 40 kDa, (ii) not incorporated into virus particles, (iii) phosphorylated independently of the viral F10 kinase, (iv) coimmunoprecipitated with A32, and (v) localized to the viral factory. To determine the role of the A11 protein and test whether it is indeed involved in DNA packaging, we constructed a recombinant vaccinia virus with an inducible A11R gene. This recombinant was dependent on inducer for single-cycle growth and plaque formation. In the absence of inducer, viral late proteins were produced at normal levels, but proteolytic processing and other posttranslational modifications of some proteins were inhibited, suggesting a block in virus particle assembly. Consistent with this observation, electron microscopy of cells infected in the absence of inducer showed virus factories with abnormal electron-dense viroplasms and intermediate density regions associated with membranes and containing the D13 protein. However, no viral membrane crescents, immature virions, or mature virions were produced. The requirement for nonvirion protein A11 in order to make normal viral membranes was an unexpected and exciting finding, since neither the origin of these membranes nor their mechanism of formation in the cytoplasm of infected cells is understood.