cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiaxial-stress studies on rigid polyurethane foam

Thin-walled tubes of rigid polyurethane foam, at 5 lb/cu ft and 4 lb/cu ft nominal density, were subjected to combined stresses. A universal-test machine applied the axial tensile or compressive stress; an independent pressurization system supplied the internal pressure to the specimen. Changes in diameter, length and wall thickness were measured at room temperature and at −50°F. Failure envelopes in 2-dimensional stress space were obtained for the two densities at room temperature and for the greater density at −50°F. For the wall-thickness range investigated (0.15≤t≤0.25 in.), no effect on the failure envelope was observed. Material constants were obtained in terms of orthotropic elastic theory (at 5 lb/cu ft and room temperature) to describe the material in terms of structure.
Temperature-dependent kinetics study of the reactions of O(1D2) with N2 and O2

A laser flash photolysis–resonance fluorescence technique has been employed to investigate the kinetics of the reactions of electronically excited oxygen atoms, O(1D2), with N2 (k1) and O2 (k2) as a function of temperature (197–427 K) in helium buffer gas at pressures of 11–40 Torr. The results are well-described by the following Arrhenius expressions (units are 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1): k1(T) = (1.99 ± 0.06) exp{(145 ± 9)/T} and k2(T) = (3.39 ± 0.03) exp{(63 ± 3)/T}. Uncertainties in the Arrhenius parameters are 2σ and represent precision only; estimated accuracies of reported k1(T) and k2(T) values at the 95% confidence level are ±10% around room temperature and ±15% at the temperature extremes of the study. The O(1D2) + O2 kinetic data reported in this study are in very good agreement with available literature values. However, the kinetic data reported in this study (and two other new studies reported in this issue) suggest that the O(1D2) + N2 reaction is significantly faster than previously thought, a finding that has important implications regarding production rates of tropospheric HOx radicals as well as stratospheric HOx and NOx radicals calculated in atmospheric models.
Blood pulse wave velocity measured by photoacoustic microscopy

Blood pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an important indicator for vascular stiffness. In this letter, we present electrocardiogram-synchronized photoacoustic microscopy for in vivo noninvasive quantification of the PWV in the peripheral vessels of mice. Interestingly, strong correlation between blood flow speed and ECG were clearly observed in arteries but not in veins. PWV is measured by the pulse travel time and the distance between two spot of a chose vessel, where simultaneously recorded electrocardiograms served as references. Statistical analysis shows a linear correlation between the PWV and the vessel diameter, which agrees with known physiology. Keywords: photoacoustic microscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy, bilirubin, scattering medium.
Regulation of Na,K-ATPase β1 Subunit Gene Transcription by Low External Potassium in Cardiac Myocytes ROLE OF Sp1 AND Sp3

Expression of Na,K-ATPase activity is up-regulated in cells incubated for extended intervals in the presence of low external K(+). Our previous data showed that exposure of cardiac myocytes to low K(+) increased the steady-state abundance of Na,K-ATPase beta1 subunit mRNA. In the present study we determined that incubation of primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes with low K(+) augmented Na,K-ATPase beta1 gene expression at a transcriptional level and that this effect required extracellular Ca(2+). The stimulatory effect of low K(+) on Na,K-ATPase beta1 gene transcription was not dependent on increased contractile activity of cardiac myocytes. Na,K-ATPase beta1 5'-flanking region deletion plasmids used in transient transfection analysis demonstrated that the region between nucleotides -62 to -42 of the beta1 promoter contained a low K(+) response element. Site-directed mutagenesis of a potential GC box core motif GCG in the -58/-56 region of the beta1 promoter decreased basal and low K(+)-mediated transcription. Mutation of the core sequence of a putative GC box element located between nucleotides -101 and -99 further decreased the low K(+) effect on beta1 gene transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using oligonucleotides spanning the proximal and distal GC box elements of the beta1 promoter showed enhanced binding of two complexes in response to low K(+). The inclusion of a consensus GC box sequence as a competitor in gel shift analysis reduced factor binding to the low K(+) response elements. Antibodies to transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3 interacted with components of both DNA-binding complexes and binding of nuclear factors was abolished in gel shift studies using GC box mutants. Together these data indicate that enhanced binding of Sp1 and Sp3 to two GC box elements in the rat Na,K-ATPase beta1 subunit gene promoter mediates beta1 gene transcription up-regulation in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes exposed to low external K(+).
Chronic subdural hematoma: a sentinel health event.

Objective To propose that chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) should be conceived as a sentinel event in elderly patients and offer an analysis of long-term survival after diagnosis. Methods A retrospective review of 301 consecutive patients ≥55 years old admitted to an academic medical center with a primary diagnosis of CSDH between January 1996 and January 2010 was performed. The effects of advanced age and surgical intervention on survival were independently assessed. These groups were compared with standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) on the basis of patient age at time of presentation. Results Mortality after diagnosis of CSDH increases with increased age at presentation. For all patients, the median survival was roughly 4 years after diagnosis (4.0 years ± 0.5). Median survival is decreased with older age at presentation, to a nadir of 1.5 years ± 0.6 for patients ≥85 years old ( P = 0.0003, log-rank test). Compared with the reference data from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1-year SMR was increased in all age groups. An asymmetric increase in SMR was seen between age groups, with the greatest effect on the youngest subpopulation (SMR 2.9). Conclusions The increased mortality rates in patients with CSDHs relative to standardized mortality data corroborate the conception of subdural hematoma as a sentinel health event.
Soot particle inception and O2 profiles in a premixed ethylene flame

Abstract We have found that soot particle inception in our premixed ethylene flame occurs in a region where the O 2 concentration is of the order of 1 % and that particle inception ceases as the O 2 mole fraction drops much lower. This relationship between soot formation and O 2 concentration is in qualitative agreement with shock tube results. The net specific surface growth rate is close to zero in the inception zone, a fact that is consistent with oxidation of soot by O 2 .
Characterization of hot-melt extruded drug delivery systems for onychomycosis.

Abstract The objectives of this investigation were to study the physico-chemical properties of hot-melt extruded (HME) films for onychomycosis and to determine the stability of the model antifungal drug incorporated within these films. The influence of etching and instrument variables on the bioadhesion of these drug delivery systems for the human nail was also studied. Six 250 g batches (F1–F6) of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and/or poly(ethylene oxide) films containing ketoconazole (20%) were extruded using a Killion extruder (Model KLB-100). The thermal properties of HME films were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of the films and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the crystalline properties of the drugs, physical mixtures as well as the HME films. Stability studies were performed on the films stored at 25 °C/60%RH. The bioadhesive properties of these films were investigated on the human nail (ex vivo) using a Texture Analyzer ® . The nail samples tested were either non-treated (control) or treated with an etching gel. The parameters measured were peak adhesion force (PAF) and area under the curve (AUC). The Hansen solubility parameter was calculated using a combination of Hoy and Hoftyzer/Van Krevelen methods to estimate the likelihood of drug–polymer miscibility. SEM provided direct physical evidence of the physical state of the drug within the films. The theoretical post-extrusion content of ketoconazole remaining in the six film batches ranged from 90.3% (±2.2) to 102.4% (±9.0) for up to 6 months and from 83.9% (±3.6) to 91.6% (±3.0) for up to 12 months. Bioadhesion studies of HPC film tested on ‘etched’ nails recorded significantly higher PAF and AUC than that of the non-treated ‘control’ nails. Ketoconazole was found to be relatively stable during the extrusion process. Melting points corresponding to the crystalline drugs were not observed in the processed films. The Hansen solubility parameters predicted miscibility between the polymers and the drug. The predictions of the solubility parameters were in agreement with DSC, XRD and SEM results. Bioadhesion measurements of the film on the human nail substrate were generally higher for the etched nails than that of the control nails.
Inter-country differences of consumer ethics in Arab countries

Abstract Recent geopolitical events have placed the Arab world at the center of attention of the global stage. Nevertheless, there are many potentially profitable opportunities in the region for interested Western firms. Today global firms and public policymakers consider the task of understanding the Arabs' mindset a major priority and a must for successfully operating in the region. Despite this heightened interest, limited effort has been made by social and behavioral scientists to study that part of the world and its people. Most of the current research is journalistic in nature and tends to treat the Arab region as monolithic rather than one that consists of different likes, attitudes and behaviors. The present study overcomes some of this shortcoming by specifically evaluating whether consumers within the Arab world differ from each other with respect to their ethical beliefs, ethical ideologies, and degree of Machiavellianism. Utilizing a sample of 683 consumers from four Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and Oman), the findings suggest that Arab consumers differ significantly in their ethical beliefs and ideologies. Specific results are discussed and managerial implications are offered.
Return migration: its significance in an industrial metropolis and an agricultural town in Mexico.

Return migration the movement back to some previous place of residence always has been one of the more shadowy features of the migration process. Its existence is of course known but its incidence has not been documented for a variety of contexts and so its significance is had to ascertain. Probably the main reason for this state of affairs has been the difficulty in obtaining satisfactory data for this phenomenon. The nets cast out in national censuses to obtain data on migration allow return migration to slip through. Reliance upon state of birth or state of residence "x" years ago versus state of current residence the customary census procedures are unsuited to get at the incidence of return migration. The most reliable way to obtain information on return migration is through the use of migration life histories administered in the course of sample surveys by specially trained interviewers. This technique was used to interview 1640 men aged 21-60 in Monterrey Mexico in 1965 and again in 1967 when 380 men aged 15-64 were interviewed in Cedral a small agriculturally-oriented community in the state of San Luis Potosi. A novel feature of the questionnaire schedule was a life-history form in which was systematically recorded for each year of the respondent’s life any changes in educational marital or employment status and all changes of residence involving six months or more duration (Balan et al. 1969: 105-120). (excerpt)
Interventions (Solutions) Usage and Expertise in Performance Technology Practice: An Empirical Investigation

Performance technology (PT) is complex, drawing theory from instructional design, organizational development, communications, industrial psychology, and industrial engineering to name a few. The Standards of Performance Technology developed for the certified performance technology designation codified the processes used in the practice of performance improvement. The Human Performance Technology (HPT) Model of the International Society for Performance Improvement illustrates the Standards for the Performance Technology process, including the selection, design, and implementation of appropriate performance interventions. Research exists on specific PT interventions, such as problem solving, feedback, or job analysis. This foundational study considers intervention usage within organizations and the expertise of performance technologists. Findings indicate that years of experience in the field or related field is positively correlated to expertise. Some alignment was found between higher ranked PT expertise and higher ranked intervention usage within those organizations.
Modified Neonatal Growth Assessment Score: a multivariate approach to the detection of intrauterine growth retardation in the neonate

The objective of this investigation was the development of a modified Neonatal Growth Assessment Score (mNGAS) for use in the evaluation of neonatal growth status. The growth of 74 fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was followed longitudinally, beginning in the first or early second trimester. Rossavik growth models derived from data obtained in the second trimester were used to predict the weight (WT), crown-heel length (CHL) and head (HC), abdominal (AC) and thigh circumferences (ThC) at birth, which were then actually measured within 24 h after delivery. These measurements were compared to age-specific size curves and used to calculate sets of five growth potential index (GPRIi) values, which in turn were used to calculate five-variable Neonatal Growth Assessment Scores (NGAS5). Neonates were initially classified as normal or IUGR on the basis of NGAS5, GPRIi, and anatomic measurements. A final classification based on principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis was carried out. The score obtained using the first principal component function was defined to be mNGAS51. The effectiveness of mNGASij values, determined from 1-4 GPRIi values, in separating normal and IUGR neonates was also evaluated. Neonates initially considered to be normal had very few abnormal GPRI values or anatomic measurements, whereas the frequency of these abnormalities in IUGR neonates was significantly increased. However, no single anatomic variable was 100% normal in the normal neonates and 100% abnormal in IUGR neonates. Only 40% of IUGR neonates were small for gestational age. Classification of these neonates using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis was essentially the same (98.6%) as that made initially after reclassification of two IUGR neonates as normal. The characteristics of the initial and final normal and IUGR groups were very similar and the mNGAS51 was strongly correlated with the NGAS5 in the IUGR group. The effectiveness of mNGASij in separating normal and IUGR neonates increased with the number of GPRIi values included and the types used. GPRIThC and GPRIWT were the most important, followed by GPRIAC. GPRICHL and GPRIHC were much less important and in some cases detrimental. These findings support the concepts of a decrease in soft tissue mass as the initial step in the development of IUGR and the protection of head growth (brain-sparing). The characteristics of mNGAS51, particularly its comprehensiveness, its independence of differences in growth potential, its weighting of GPRIi values according to their importance in the detection of IUGR and its ability to detect different manifestations of IUGR in different individuals, indicate that this should be a most effective parameter for separating normal and IUGR neonates.
Assessing economic impacts of biological control of weeds: The case of leafy spurge in the northern Great Plains of the United States

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esulaL.), a perennial weed native to Europe and Asia, has become a serious problem for ranchers and land managers in the northern Great Plains region of the United States. Potential economic benefits (i.e. gross benefits, not including the cost of biological control) from biological control of leafy spurge in the four-state region of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are estimated. Biological agents were predicted to control about 65% of the region's leafy spurge infestations—about 1·2 million acres (497 000 ha)—by the year 2025. Direct economic impacts from control were estimated to total about $19·1 million annually, and secondary impacts were estimated at $39·3 million, for a total annual economic impact of $58·4 million.
Secondary analysis of time of day on simulated driving performance.

Abstract Problem Age and gender are frequently controlled for in studies of driving performance, but the effects of time of day or circadian cycles on performance are often not considered. Previous research on time of day effects of simulated driving is contradictory and provides little guidance for understanding the impact of these variables on results. Methods Using driving simulator data from 79 subjects ages 18 to 65, this paper focuses on the impact of age, gender, and time of day on the simulated driving performance of subjects who self-selected the time of participation. Results Time of day effects were consistently evident for drivers' speed overall and across different simulated environments. Drivers in the late afternoon period consistently drove significantly slower than drivers in other time periods. Age and gender affected speed such that women and those participants 50 and older tended to drive more slowly. Time of day also had an effect on reaction time and on speed variability measures. Gender did not have significant effects on reaction time or variability measures, but age effects were present. Summary Taken together, the results suggest that time of day effects should be considered as part of simulated driving performance, and that interactions between time of day and other variables, notably age, should be controlled for as part of future research. Impact on industry Implications of these findings on current efforts for older driver testing are discussed.
Response expectancies: a psychological mechanism of suggested and placebo analgesia

Response expectancies, or the expectation of one's own non-volitional reactions to situational cues, are hypothesized to be a psychological mechanism of both hypnotic and placebo responding (Kirsch, 1990). In this study, response expectancies were evaluated as a mediator of suggested and placebo analgesia using Baron and Kenny's (1986) classic method of testing mediation. One hundred and seventy-two volunteers were randomly assigned to hypnotic analgesia suggestion, imaginative analgesia suggestion, placebo analgesia, or no-treatment control conditions. The hypnotic, imaginative and placebo treatments were more effective than the no-treatment control condition in relieving finger pressure pain. The hypnotic treatment was also more effective than the placebo. Each of the three treatments was partially mediated by response expectancies, although the percentage of mediation varied across the hypnotic (25%), imaginative (29%) and placebo (41%) conditions. The findings support the position that response expectancies are one of the major psychological mechanisms of suggested and placebo analgesia. Copyright © 2009 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large-scale growth of millimeter-long single-crystalline ZnS nanobelts

Millimeter-long single-crystalline hexagonal ZnS nanobelts were grown on specific locations on a wafer scale. This is the first time that the millimeter-scale ZnS nanobelt has been synthesized. The longest nanobelts are about 3 mm. The as-grown nanobelts were characterized by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. The results indicate that the ultra-long nanobelts are pure single-crystalline hexagonal ZnS. There are two kinds of ZnS nanobelts existing in the products. One is the nanobelts that have two smooth sides and grow along the [0 0 1] longitudinal direction, and the other is the nanobelts that have one smooth side and one saw-teeth-like side, namely nanosaws, and grow along the [2 1 0] longitudinal direction. A vapor–liquid–solid mechanism is suggested for the lengthwise growth of the ZnS nanobelts (nanosaws) and a vapor–solid mechanism for the side direction growth of the saw-teeth of the nanosaws.
Agricultural Policy: Where Do We Go from Here? Discussion

The question of where to go from here with agricultural policy is of critical importance today. There is no sign of revitalization of export markets, surpluses are rising, neither land values nor attendant financial troubles have bottomed out, government program costs could reach $30 billion, and congressional elections in the fall will likely provoke further action on both domestic and export subsidies. Agricultural policy has been in turmoil for more than a few years. A sense of crisis intensified before the passage of the 1985 Food Security Act, which did not turn out to be a true watershed in policy development. In these remarks, I will try to synthesize these three very different papers, which are as much about how policy analysis should be carried out as about what policies should be. I hope to provide a broad perspective on policy work and will not attempt a detailed critique of the particular programs described in these papers. I will consider the following this morning: the scope of the agricultural policy agenda, methodological issues in policy analysis, areas of agreement on stabilization policy for agriculture, and distributive issues raised by the speakers.
Thunderstorms above Frontal Surfaces in Environments without Positive CAPE. Part I: A Climatology

Abstract The first of two papers describing thunderstorms that occur above frontal surfaces, frequently in environments without positive convective available potential energy (CAPE), focuses on the climatology of such storms for the conterminous United States. The dataset used consists of 1093 observations made over a 4-year period. The events were selected using conventional network data and a set of criteria that eliminated thunderstorms rooted in the boundary layer. A composite of the dataset shows that the typical “elevated” thunderstorm occurs northeast of an associated surface low-pressure center, and north of a surface warm front in a region with northeasterly surface winds. The planetary boundary layer is generally very stable as determined by comparisons with both the 50-kPa and 85-kPa air. The thunderstorms are usually found in the left exit region of a low-level wind maximum (an area of horizontal deformation). The large-scale environment is strongly baroclinic with large vertical wind shear an...
Fission with microscopic energy dissipation

We calculate the non-adiabatic excitations of pair states in a BCS formalism for a fissioning236U nucleus. The single-particle spectrum is calculated for a folded-Yukawa potential along a deformation path that is determined classically for one-body dissipation. The resulting microscopic energy dissipation is compared to that due to one- and two-body dissipation.
Core and final-state excitonic effects and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering in s–p bonded solids

Abstract The much-discussed electron-hole attraction in resonant inelastic X-ray scattering is analyzed. Its effects on fluorescence yields and emission features are studied. While the attraction can influence both properties of fluorescence, in some cases the yield alone is affected without any change in relative strengths of spectral emission features. Model calculations of X-ray scattering are presented and compared with more realistic treatments of scattering in graphite and hBN. Both intermediate- (i.e. core-hole) and final-state (i.e. valence-hole) effects are considered.
Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery: Does pulmonary artery translocation affect coronary artery course?

Konno procedure. An additional annular enlargement anteriorly also keeps the Manouguian incision to the minimum if needed and minimizes any potential mitral valve dysfunction. This proposed modified extended 2-patch technique enlarges the proximal aorta in 2 directions from the annulus to ascending aorta. In the context of reoperative aortic reconstruction, it can be used as an alternative to total aortic root replacement and coronary reimplantation.
Plasma concentrations of dihydro‐vitamin K1 following dietary intake of a hydrogenated vitamin K1‐rich vegetable oil

Dihydro-vitamin K1 is a dietary form of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) produced during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. To determine if dihydro-vitamin K1 is present in plasma following dietary intake of a hydrogenated fat, eight healthy adults consumed each of two diets containing 30% of calories from fat, of which 20% was either soybean oil or a partially hydrogenated soybean oil-based stick margarine. Of the fats and oils analyzed, dihydro-vitamin K1 was only found in the hydrogenated products. The soybean oil diet contained 180 ±12 μg (mean±SD) of vitamin K1/day and nondetectable levels of dihydro-vitamin K1, whereas the stick margarine diet contained 199±7 μg of vitamin K1/day and 23±2 μg of dihydrovitamin K1/day. After consuming each diet for five weeks, plasma dihydro-vitamin K1 concentrations were higher (P=0.002) in all eight subjects when consuming the stick margarine diet (0.56 ±0.33 nmol/L) compared to the soybean oil diet (0.12±0.11 nmol/L). There was no significant change in plasma vitamin K1 concentrations when the two diets were compared. In conclusion, dihydro-vitamin K1 is detectable in plasma following dietary intake of a hydrogenated vitamin K1-rich vegetable oil.
Web content adaptation for mobile handheld devices

Creative technologies can help overcome the limitations of mobile handheld devices while maximizing their strengths.
Companion animal knowledge, attachment and pet cat care and their associations with household demographics for residents of a rural Texas town

This cross-sectional telephone survey explored companion animal attachment and knowledge as well as cat care of residents in a small Texas town. The survey included 441 residents of randomly selected households (55% response rate). Dogs were owned by 48% of households and cats by 29%. Companion animal ownership was associated with being 25-44 years old, being Anglo, having an income over $85,000/year, and feeding unowned cats. More knowledge about animals was associated with being any age except 45-54 years old and with completing college or an advanced degree. Higher attachment was associated with being a woman and having no children in the household. Attachment and knowledge were not related to ethnicity. Cats were likely to be sterilized if they had been owned more than 2 years and had been rabies vaccinated. Outside-only cats were used to control vermin ("mousers") and were less likely to have visited a veterinarian. Cats with identification were likely to be from a shelter, frequently have visited the veterinarian, and been vaccinated against rabies. There are many companion animal owners who still do not have basic knowledge to prevent accidental litters or provide basic health care. Attachment scores for companion animal owners were similar to those previously reported and similar for cat and dog owners. A pattern of better care emerges for owners who view their cats as companions.
Bismuth, thallium and mercury in stone meteorites by activation analysis

Abstract The radiochemical procedures for the assay of bismuth, thallium, and mercury in stone meteorites following neutron activation are described in detail. A Bi 209 abundance of 2.2 sx 10 −9 gramme/ gramme meteorite leading to a cosmic abundance of 0.0016 (per 10 6 Si atoms) was determined from the analysis of six stone meteorites. A T1 209 abundance of 0.40 sx 10 −9 g/g meteorite and a Hg 202 abundance of 30 sx 10 −9 g/g meteorite corresponding to cosmic abundances of 0.00030 and 0.023 (per 10 6 Si atoms), respectively, were determined from analysis of five stone meteorites. Implications of these data as pertaining to the life history of meteorites are discussed.
SU‐GG‐T‐501: An RBE Rescaling Method for the Comparison of Intensity Modulated Neutron Radiotherapy Plans to Conventional Photon Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Plans

Purpose: At our institution we have developed the ability to deliver intensity modulated neutronradiotherapy (IMNRT). Our goal now is to determine which clinical sites may benefit from the increased conformality and biological effectiveness that IMNRT provides, particularly with respect to conventional photonIMRT therapy. Here we present a method for comparing IMNRT treatment plans to conventional photonIMRTtreatment plans. Method and Materials: A patient treated previously with a combination of 3D neutronradiotherapy and photonIMRT for prostate cancer was re‐planned for IMNRT and current standard of care photonIMRT. The IMNRT plans were created using an in‐house treatment planning system, while the photonIMRT plans were created using Varian's Eclipse treatment planning system. Plan comparisons are made by converting all IMNRT cDVHs into effective photon cDVHs by applying a dose‐dependent relative biological effectiveness (RBE) function point by point along the curves. Generalized equivalent uniform doses (gEUD) are then calculated for each structure and normalized to the prostate‐GTV. Results: The biological advantages of IMNRT given by the neutron RBE differences between structures are shown explicitly through the rescaling of each cDVH curve. For the IMNRT plans the bladder and rectum gEUDs are 39% and 53% of the prostate‐GTV gEUD. The photonIMRT plans, while more conformal than our best IMNRT plans, deliver a higher dose to the bladder and rectum — 53% and 77% of the prostate‐GTV gEUD — due to lack of RBE differentiation. Conclusion: Including RBE and other biological considerations into plan comparison allows for a direct comparison between current photonIMRTtreatments and possible IMNRT treatments at a given clinical site. This type of analysis should allow the design of IMNRT treatments that maintain normal tissue toxicities equivalent to those of standard photonIMRTtreatments while exploiting the high LET nature of neutronradiotherapy.
A more cost effective algorithm for finding perfect hash functions

As the use of knowledge-based systems increases, there will be a growing need for efficient artificial intelligence systems and methods to access large lexicons. In the COmposite Document Expert/extended/effective Retrieval (CODER) system we have, in order to provide rapid access to data items on CD-ROMs and to terms in a lexicon built from machine readable dictionaries, investigated the construction of perfect hash functions. We have considered algorithms reported earlier in the literature, have made numerous enhancements to them, have developed new algorithms, and here report on some of our results. This paper covers an O(n3) algorithm that has been applied to building hash functions for a collection of 69806 words on a CD-ROM. Most recently we have developed a much better algorithm and have succeeded in finding a perfect hash function for a set of 130,199 words taken from sources including the Collins English Dictionary.
VMH Procainization abolishes cephalic phase insulin response

Abstract In order to test the cephalic phase hypothesis of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) obesity syndrome [22], the saccharin-induced cephalic phase insulin response was quantified with and without prior microinjections of procaine-HCl into the VMH of freely moving rats. Saline control injections into the VMH did not change the cephalic phase insulin response observed after the ingestion of 2 ml of 0.15% Na-saccharin. The low dose of procaine HCl (2×15 μg) attenuated, and the larger dose (2×50 μg) completely abolished this insulin response. The possibility that the early insulin response and its suppression could be the consequences of an unspecific oral sensation, general arousal or motor behavior were ruled out by the observations that oral quinine stimulation did not produce a comparable insulin response, and that glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in anesthetized rats was also attenuated by VMH procainization. The results are discussed in the light of the apparent dissociation between the behavioral and endocrine effects of VMH procainization as compared to electrolytic lesions and electrical stimulation of the VMH.
Efficient heuristics for joint optimization of performance, energy, and temperature in allocating tasks to multi-core processors

This paper presents heuristic algorithms for solving the three-way joint optimization of Performance, Energy and temperature (PET) in scheduling tasks to multi-core processors. The problem, called as PET optimized scheduling (PETOS) problem is a high-complexity problem due to conflicting objectives. While solutions to the PETOS problem can be obtained by using conventional multi-objective optimization approaches, the time taken by such solvers is generally not feasible to be used at the scheduling level. Therefore, we explore heuristic methods that can explore the decision space while maintaining low computational complexity. The design of heuristic algorithms presents non-trivial challenges of incorporating all the PET quantities into the scheduling process. We present nine heuristics, each varying in its approach for selecting a core and picking the processor frequency. Each heuristic produces a set of solutions where each solution represents a complete schedule for assigning a set of tasks on a given multi-core system, thus identifying different trade-offs that exist between performance, energy, and temperature at scheduling level. A comparative study describes their trade-offs.
Sequence information required for bacterial protein export

Genetic analysis of the signals within bacterial exported proteins have shown that the information required for proper localization is contained in both the amino-terminal signal sequence and the mature protein. Several types of signal sequence mutations can be isolated, suggesting that the signal sequence may be involved in more than one step in the export process. Export information within the mature portion of the protein is present at several locations.
The resistance patterns and serotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from children

Among 916 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from children in a Warsaw hospital during the period 1985-1988 the most frequently encountered serotypes were O6, O11, O12, and O16. The majority of isolates resistant to aminoglycosides were characterized by simultaneous resistance to gentamicin and tobramycin and belonged to serotype O11. Among isolates resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics the most frequently encountered serotype was O6, followed by serotype O3 and O11. Most strains of serotype O12 were resistant to aminoglycosides and beta-lactam antibiotics as has been reported from other countries.
Glycoprotein biosynthesis in intestinal epithelial cells during differentiation incorporation of [14C]mannose from GDP-[14C]mannose into dolichol derivatives

Abstract Epithelial cells of the rat small intestine were collected as a gradient of villus to crypt cells. Homogenates of these cells incubated with GDP- D -[14C]mannose in the presence of MnCl2 incorporated radioactivity into dolichyl mannosyl phosphate and a mixture of dolichyl pyrophosphate oligosaccharides varying in the size of their oligosaccharide moiety. The labeled oligosaccharides formed in villus cell homogenates appeared shorter than those formed in crypt cell homogenates. The addition of dolichyl phosphate greatly stimulated the synthesis of dolichyl mannosyl phosphate. The initial rate of synthesis of dolichyl mannosyl phosphate from GDP- D -[14C]mannose and exogenous dolichyl phosphate was highest in an intermediate cell fraction having a low specific activity of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase and an intermediate specific activity of thymidine kinase. To compare the rates of dolichyl mannosyl phosphate synthesis in the different cell fractions, it was essential to control degradation of GDP- D -[14]mannose by the addition of AMP to the incubation, since villus cells degraded GDP- D -[14C]mannose much faster than crypt cells.
Entropy and predictability of stock market returns

Abstract We examine the predictability of stock market returns by employing a new metric entropy measure of dependence with several desirable properties. We compare our results with a number of traditional measures. The metric entropy is capable of detecting nonlinear dependence within the returns series, and is also capable of detecting nonlinear “affinity” between the returns and their predictions obtained from various models thereby serving as a measure of out-of-sample goodness-of-fit or model adequacy. Several models are investigated, including the linear and neural-network models as well as nonparametric and recursive unconditional mean models. We find significant evidence of small nonlinear unconditional serial dependence within the returns series, but fragile evidence of superior conditional predictability (profit opportunity) when using market-switching versus buy-and-hold strategies.
Fetal erythropoietin levels in pregnancies complicated by meconium passage: does meconium suggest fetal hypoxia?

Abstract Objective: We sought to determine whether umbilical cord plasma erythropoietin levels were different in deliveries complicated by meconium passage and to determine whether this response is influenced by gestational age. Study Design: Fetal erythropoietin levels were measured in 203 appropriately grown neonates at 37 to 43 weeks of gestation; among those, 70 had passed meconium. Results: Meconium passage in the entire population was associated with elevated fetal erythropoietin levels (68 vs 31 mIU/mL; P 2 , as well as the 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, were not different between the meconium and no-meconium groups. Gestational age and birth weights were significantly higher in the meconium group. Stepwise multiple regression analysis with meconium and gestational age used as the independent variables showed both meconium and gestational age to be independently associated with fetal erythropoietin levels ( r = 0.356, F=14.5; meconium, P P Conclusions: These results suggest that meconium passage can be associated with chronic fetal hypoxia as demonstrated by elevated fetal erythropoietin levels, independent of gestational age. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:188-90.)
Primary cilia in the developing and mature brain

Primary cilia were the largely neglected nonmotile counterparts of their better-known cousin, the motile cilia. For years these nonmotile cilia were considered evolutionary remnants of little consequence to cellular function. Fast forward 10 years and we now recognize primary cilia as key integrators of extracellular ligand-based signaling and cellular polarity, which regulate neuronal cell fate, migration, differentiation, as well as a host of adult behaviors. Important future questions will focus on structure-function relationships, their roles in signaling and disease and as areas of target for treatments.
Metabolic fractionation of carbon isotopes in marine plankton—II. Data on samples collected off the coasts of Peru and Ecuador

Abstract Marine plankton, collected off the coast of Peru and Ecuador in the spring of 1966 during the Anton Bruun Cruise 15, has been examined for the carbon isotope composition of its major biochemical constituents. Relative to sea water bicarbonate, the hemicellulose, the proteins and the pectins are enriched in 12C by about 17%. The 12C-enrichment for cellulose and lignin amounts to 23%, and the corresponding value for the CHCl3-extractable lipid fraction is 30%. Aside of its biological significance in studies on the pathway of carbon during photosynthesis, this observation is of geochemical interest in work concerned with the diagenesis of organic matter in sediments.
Microsample introduction by tungsten filament electrode into capacitively coupled microwave plasma for atomic emission spectroscopy: analytical figures of merit

Abstract A tungsten filament electrode for sample introduction into a capacitively coupled microwave plasma (CCMP) is described for its use in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES). Samples vaporize rapidly off the filament and are excited in the microwave plasma upon the initiation of the microwave discharge. The maximum emission signals of He and Cu were found at similar spatial coordinates, gas flow-rates and microwave powers. The addition of 100 ml min−1 hydrogen dopant into the plasma gas suppressed both the background and emission from the tungsten. The filament temperature increased with the power. The absolute detection limits of 12 elements were within the range of 1 to 100 pg. The linear dynamic range was 3–4 orders of magnitude, and precision was better than 10%.
Analysis of changes in coagulation factors after postoperative blood loss in burn and non-burn patients

A prospective study of the postoperative kinetics of coagulation factors was undertaken in 23 burn patients and in six non-burn patients. All procedures resulted in a large volume blood loss. Fibrinogen, platelets and factors V, VIII and IX were measured serially. Burn patients returned all parameters to preoperative levels by 48 h postoperation, while non-burn patients showed a slower rate of return of platelets and factor V. This study suggests that burn patients may safely undergo re-operation at 48 h intervals for successive wound debridements if clinically necessary.
Induction and duration of tonic immobility in the lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris

Tonic immobility (TI) is an unlearned behavioral response characterized by a state of immobility and torpor. Effect of inter-trial interval on duration of tonic immobility was assessed in thirty, juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris). Regression analyses showed that massed trials of 12 per session increased the average duration of tonic immobility by 475 sec compared to spaced trials of 1 per session. Each experiment was composed of 24 trials. TI is stable and durations much longer in the lemon shark than for other sharks. These findings have enabled us to develop a quantitative bioassay for use in testing chemical shark repellents.
Development of a robotic security vehicle for exterior environments

Sandia National Laboratories is developing a robotic vehicle capable of performing limited security functions autonomously in a structured exterior environment. Efforts to apply the navigation algorithms, originally developed for the Sandia Interior Robot, to a testbed vehicle more appropriate for an outdoor environment are described. The immediate goal is a full-scale demonstration of autonomous navigation capabilities on routine patrol and teleoperation by a human operator for alarm assessment and response. The discussion covers the vehicle itself, the command driving station, adapting the vehicle to the facility where it might be assigned and the missions that it would be expected to perform. The hardware and software are also described. >
High-frequency ventilation with a conventional anesthetic ventilator during cardiac surgery

H IGH-FREQUENCY ventilation (HFV), which employs low tidal volumes and high ventilatory rates, provides good operating conditions for many thoracic surgical procedures, including difficult eases involving the pleura and lung bullae, as well as tracheobronchial operations. I In general, HFV is provided by a dedicated ventilator or special apparatus. A case is described in which a conventional mechanical ventilator was used to supply HFV during emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a patient with severe bullous emphysema m order to improve oxygenation, ventilation, and operating conditions.
Lemierre Syndrome: Not So Forgotten!

Lemierre syndrome is a rare and life-threatening illness. Often referred to as "the forgotten disease," its incidence is reported to be as low as 1 in a million. The microorganism responsible for Lemierre syndrome is typically Fusobacterium necrophorum. The bacterium starts in the pharynx and peritonsillar tissue, then disseminates through lymphatic vessels. Severe sepsis rapidly develops, as does the hallmark of this syndrome: septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. This report describes a case of Lemierre syndrome in a previously healthy 26-year-old man with life-threatening internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis following 2 weeks of an indolent course of pharyngitis. The patient's initial presentation and extensive travel history as an Army veteran were particularly challenging aspects in establishing his diagnosis. The diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome is frequently delayed. Routine use of bedside ultrasonography may aid in rapid diagnosis of the disease.
On the Performance of Uniform Threshold Quantization for a sum of Independent Memoryless Laplacian Sources

The performance of uniform threshold quantization subject to an entropy constraint is studied for a sum of two and three independent zero-mean memoryless Laplacian sources. Both symmetric and asymmetric quantizers are considered, and approximate parametric expressions for the operational rate-distortion function R(D) are obtained for all rates. In particular, the low rate regime (rates below 1 bit per sample) is considered and simpler expressions for R(D) are derived. It is envisioned that these expressions will facilitate rate estimation in practical Wyner-Ziv coding with low complexity encoder.
Seismic Reliability Assessment of Aging Highway Bridge Networks with Field Instrumentation Data and Correlated Failures, II: Application

The state-of-the-practice in seismic network reliability assessment of highway bridges often ignores bridge failure correlations imposed by factors such as the network topology, construction method...
Developing and assessing conceptual understanding in materials engineering using written research papers and oral poster presentations

Introduction to materials engineering at Western Washington University has been transformed from a traditional lecture course to a conceptual knowledge-centered course using several different teaching strategies. This paper focuses on the development and assessment of conceptual understanding using written research papers and oral poster presentations. Pre- and post-class concept questionnaires, paper and poster rubrics, and scores on traditional exam and design questions were used to evaluate improvements in conceptual knowledge. The pre-class questionnaires revealed several significant deficiencies. The questionnaires also revealed how robust student misperceptions can be and that it is important to build several appropriate scaffolds to new knowledge during the term so the students can reconstruct their conceptual understanding. Written research papers and oral poster presentations were also used to help the students articulate their own understanding of material properties. The process of explaining to themselves and to others develops and constructs conceptual knowledge. Forming questions for others in the language of materials engineering similarly advances scaffolding. The assessment benchmarks indicate enhanced development in some conceptual areas. However, only limited progress was made in other important areas. Faculty time needed to complete the necessary assessments is definitely a limiting factor. Future directions conclude the paper.