cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Temporal Analysis of Freight Train Derailment Rates in the United States: 2000 to 2012

Safety is the top priority for every rail system in the world. A widely used measure for rail safety is the accident rate, which is the number of train accidents normalized by traffic exposure. Of interest in rail safety research is understanding the temporal trend of accident rates, the significant factors affecting the trend, and how to predict accident rates. This paper uses a negative binomial regression model to present a statistical analysis of U.S. Class I railroad freight train derailment rates on main tracks by year and accident cause for 2000 to 2012. The accident and traffic data used in the analysis come from FRA. The analysis led to several observations. There is a significant temporal decline in freight train derailment rate (−5.9% per year). The rate of change in accident rate varied by accident cause. Rates of freight train derailment caused by broken rails or welds and track geometry defects declined by 6% and 5% annually, respectively; the rate of derailment caused by bearing failure decreased by 11% annually; and rate of derailment caused by train handling errors fell by 7% annually. The regression model is used to project train derailment rates by accident causes and can be used to evaluate the safety benefit of potential accident prevention strategies. This research provides policymakers and practitioners with a statistical method for analyzing the temporal trend of train accident rate for development of rail safety policy and practice.
Dynamic–Viscoplastic Experiments and Analyses of Rapid Crack Propagation and Arrest

ABSTRACT There are many practical situations in which the initiation of rapid crack propagation cannot be absolutely precluded and where the consequences of a large scale fracture would be catastrophic. For these cases crack arrest fracture mechanics technology is needed. The currently available procedures utilize elastodynamic analyses and material fracture property characterization. However, as small-scale yielding conditions are not always satisfied, more advanced viscoplastic-dynamic analyses are now being developed to generalize the technology. The approach that has been taken in the SwRI work is to intimately couple a viscoplastic-dynamic analysis capability with exceptionally-well instrumented fracture propagation experiments. This level of complexity is deemed essential to ensure transferability of arrest toughness values obtained from small size test specimens to an engineering structure when inertia forces, reflected stress waves, large-scale yielding and the rate-dependence of yielding must be accounted for. Following a pragmatic introduction to the subject, this paper outlines the current technology and suggests the areas in which further research is needed.
Herpesvirus hominis Type 2 Infections in Rabbits: Effect of Prior Immunization with Attenuated Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) Cells

Angora, New Zealand, and Dutch-belted rabbits were tested for their susceptibility to graded doses of Herpesvirus hominis type 2 administered by vaginal instillation, intracorneal injection, and scarification of the cornea. Central nervous system involvement and death occurred after infection by the various routes employed. Prior immunization of Dutch-belted and New Zealand rabbits with viable Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) cells injected intravenously provided protection against subsequent infections with type 2 virus.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Effects on the Pancreas and Recurrent Stone Disease

Long‐term effects of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) are unknown; however, we recently found an association between SWL and diabetes mellitus in a population based case control cohort. To further study the association between SWL and diabetes mellitus, we determined the immediate impact of SWL on the pancreas as well as the long‐term natural history of stone disease following treatment. Chart review identified 630 patients treated with SWL at our institution in 1985. Questionnaires focusing on recurrent stone episodes after SWL were sent to 578 patients alive in 2004. To further assess impact of SWL on the pancreas, pancreatic enzyme measurements were performed on 24 symptomatic stone patients treated in 2006 with ureteroscopy (n=12) and SWL (n=12). Serum amylase and lipase were evaluated pre and post SWL. A⩾5 U/L increase in either lab value was considered significant. Among patients in the long‐term SWL treatment group, the questionnaire response rate was 58.9% (288/489). Recurrent stone events were noted in 154 (53.5%) of the survey respondents. Characteristics associated with stone recurrences were: gender (p=0.004), age at SWL (p=0.022), BMI (p=0.007), SWL complications (p=0.009), and lower pole SWL (p=0.025). Recurrent stone disease was also associated with the development of diabetes mellitus (p=0.020). In the contemporary group of treated stone patients, pancreatic enzyme analysis demonstrated an increase in serum amylase and lipase in 3 (25.0%) SWL patients and 1 (8.3%) ureteroscopy patient (p=0.273). In conclusion, over half of the patients treated with SWL will develop recurrent stone events. We found a strong association between recurrent stone disease and the development of diabetes mellitus at long‐term follow‐up. Although not statistically significant due to small number, data in a contemporary treatment cohort suggest the possibility that the pancreas can be adversely affected by SWL.
Spy Games in a Foreign Land: Georg Klein’s Libidissi

When Georg Klein made his debut in 1998 with the enigmatic spy novel Libidissi, critics hailed him as the purveyor of a style of writing that effortlessly combines and appropriates a supposedly repressed German modernism, in which transcendence and subjectivity were valued more highly than moral purpose, and imitation of the Anglo-American mainstream. Libidissi combines parodying the Anglo-American exemplars of the spy genre with investigating the secret of contemporary Germany in a playful reconfiguration of the spy genre. The labyrinthine, postcolonial “Eastern” city of Libidissi is inscribed as the novel’s central topography in which the hunt for a rogue agent unfolds and, at the same time, serves as the cipher for the text itself and its layered, brittle construction out of the strewn pieces of languages, genres, and discourses. The paradoxical textual shape of the deep surface in which knowledge is both disclosed and withheld keeps the reader suspended in the text’s fanciful web as it inscribes a reflection on national identity and belonging.
Free-breathing multi-slice myocardial T2 mapping using slice-selective T2 magnetization preparation

Background Quantitative myocardial T2 mapping allows non-invasive assessment of myocardial inflammation/edema [1]. Current implementations commonly use a T2-prepared (T2prep) SSFP sequence to acquire different T2 weighted images at different echo times to generate the T2 maps [2,3]. However, all current techniques are designed for single slice acquisition with long rest cycles (3-6 sec) after each T2prep image acquisition to allow for full spin recovery. This markedly increases the overall scan time, especially if multiple slices are to be acquired in serial. In this study, we propose a novel multi-slice T2 mapping sequence, which uses slice-selective T2prep pulses combined with an interleaved slice acquisition scheme to provide a fast multi-slice T2 mapping.
In vivo induction of interleukin-12 mRNA expression after oral immunization with Salmonella dublin or the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin.

Mice orally immunized with Salmonella dublin EL23, a nonreverting, aromatic-dependent, histidine-requiring mutant transformed with a plasmid which carries a gene that codes for production of the B subunit of the heat-labile toxin (LT-B) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, or with purified LT-B alone were compared for their ability to initiate expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) mRNAs at mucosal sites. At 6 or 20 h following oral immunization, the Peyer9s patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were removed, and polyadenylated mRNA was prepared from each tissue. Constitutive expression of an mRNA encoding the p35 subunit of IL-12 was observed in control as well as immunized mice. Conversely, expression of an mRNA encoding the p40 subunit of IL-12 was not detected in control animals but was dramatically upregulated in immunized mice. By using semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) followed by competitive RT-PCR, differences in the magnitude of IL-12 p40 mRNA expression were quantified. Six hours after oral immunization with the Salmonella construct, mice had 12.1- and 8.4-fold increases in expression of IL-12 p40 mRNA in the Peyer9s patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, respectively, compared with control mice receiving only saline. By 20 h, the pattern of increased mRNA expression was reversed, showing 2.5- and 17.6-fold increases in the Peyer9s patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, respectively. Oral immunization with LT-B alone also stimulated IL-12 p40 mRNA expression, but to a lesser extent. The constitutive expression of IL-12 p35 mRNA at these mucosal sites coupled with a rapid and dramatic induction of IL-12 p40 mRNA following immunization with wild-type or attenuated strains of S. dublin is consistent with other investigations which support a role for IL-12 in modulating cell-mediated immune responses against intracellular pathogens.
Softening Refractory Plant Material Embedded in Paraffin

(1950). Softening Refractory Plant Material Embedded in Paraffin. Stain Technology: Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 161-162.
1H-27Al heteronuclear dipolar couplings and internuclear distances in alumina: SEDOR and REDOR 27Al study

Abstract Double-resonance spin-echo NMR techniques (SEDOR and REDOR) are used to study heteronuclear connectivities in two aluminas, gibbsite and super 5. In gibbsite (SEDOR), we describe a new procedure which allows one to estimate average internuclear distances when the ‘isolated pair approximation’ does not hold. In super5, a comparative examination of REDOR responses with one pulse and cross-polarization excitation results in obtaining structural information concerning the surroundings of four-, five- and six-coordinated Al sites and in discriminating between surface, intermediate and bulk species.
Evolution in vitro: sequence and phenotype of a mutant RNA resistant to ethidium bromide.

Ethidium bromide inhibits the in vitro replication of MDV-1 RNA (a small replicating RNA molecule) by reducing the rate of chain elongation. In a serial transfer experiment, in the presence of ethidium, a mutant RNA was selected that was more resistant to ethidium inhibition than is the wild-type MDV-1 RNA. The complete nucleotide sequence of the mutant RNA was determined and three nucleotides in the mutant sequence were found to be different from those in the wild type. The mixture of mutant and wild-type RNAs present in successive transfers was also sequenced. Each of the three point mutations occurred at a different time. These results show that the mutant RNA did not arise from a pre-existing strand present in the wild-type population, but rather, occurred de novo in the course of the experiment. It is probable that the chemical basis of resistance is the elimination of ethidium binding sites due to the specific alterations in the nucleotide sequence, since the mutant RNA was found to bind less ethidium than the wild-type molecules.
Characteristics of Rainfall Distributions over Taiwan during the Taiwan Area Mesoscale Experiment (TAMEX)

Abstract Based on 808 daily rainfall stations, rainfall distributions over Taiwan during TAMEX (Taiwan Area Mesoscale Experiment) (10 May–27 June 1987) were analyzed. The total rainfall had a maximum on the windward slopes under the prevailing southwesterly monsoon flow, indicating that orographic lifting plays an important role in determining rainfall distribution. About 50% of the rainfall occurred as scattered orographic showers during nonfrontal periods. Along the northwestern coastal plain, about 80% of the rainfall was associated with the passage of surface fronts. Along the eastern coastal, mountainous region, which is on the lee side under the prevailing southwesterly monsoon flow, a large portion of the rainfall was produced by upper-level, cold-core lows and a midlevel vortex event. For these cases, low-level flow was southerly or southeasterly because Taiwan was on the western or southwestern periphery of the western Pacific subtropical high. In this situation, eastern Taiwan was on the windwar...
Aerial dispersal behavior of larval bagworms, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae).

Seasonal and daily patterns of ballooning, and behavioral processes involved in aerial dispersal of the bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth), were studied on Juniperus virginiana L. in Kentucky. The aerial dispersal period began in mid-May 1983 and lasted ca. 1 month. About 75% of dispersing larvae ballooned after making a bag. Settling velocities were determined for larvae with and without bags and trailing varying lengths of silk; a model was then developed that predicts dispersal distance for a particular wind speed and departure height. Most aerial dispersal is probably short-range. The bag reduced potential dispersal distance, but larvae with bags survived ca. 2 days longer than those without bags when exposed to abiotic factors off of a host. Larvae without bags ballooned mostly in morning, whereas 80% of the larvae dispersing with a bag ballooned in the afternoon. These patterns may be related to the diel periodicity of emergence of neonate larvae from old female bags, and the subsequent behavior of 1st instars prior to dispersal. A large proportion of each cohort emigrates regardless of host condition.
On the income–nuclear energy–CO2 emissions nexus revisited

This paper seeks to contribute to the debate over the income–nuclear enery–CO2 emissions nexus by taking specific account of the possible endogeneity of income, which has been largely ignored by early studies. A multivariate cointegrated vector autoregression (CVAR) is applied to top six nuclear generating countries. We find that nuclear energy tends to reduce CO2 emission for all countries. It is also found that income has a beneficial effect on the environment only in some countries. Finally, we find that CO2 emissions and income are indeed determined simultaneously, while nuclear energy acts exogenously, indicating that nuclear energy is the driving variable, which significantly influences the long-run movements of CO2 emissions and income, but is not affected by CO2 emissions and income in the model.
Approximate Solution of the Equations of Magnetization Reversal by Coherent Rotation

A complete solution of the modified Landau-Lifshitz equation of magnetization reversal by coherent rotation is presented for α2≫H a/4πM s, where α is the phenomenological damping constant, H a is the applied field, and M s is the saturation magnetization. This solution extends previous work in that it is valid for t≥0, whereas, other solutions have not been valid over this entire range. In addition, from this solution the time dependence of the demagnetizing field is found.
Speech Recognition and In-Vehicle Telematics Devices: Potential Reductions in Driver Distraction

Speech Recognition is frequently cited as a potential remedy to distraction resulting from drivers' operation of in-vehicle devices. This position typically assumes that the introduction of speech recognition will result in reduced cognitive workload and improved driving performance. Past research neither fully supports nor fully discounts this assumption. However, it is difficult to compare many of these studies, due to differences in device operation tasks, the pacing of those tasks, speech recognition system performance, and system interface designs. In an effort to directly address the effect of voice recognition on driver distraction, the present authors developed a capability to manipulate the performance characteristics of a speech recognition system through a Wizard of Oz speech recognition system and installed this system in a simulated driving environment. The sensitivity of the simulated driving environment and speech recognition accuracy manipulation were evaluated in an initial study comparing driver cognitive workload and driving performance during self-paced simulated operation of a personal digital assistant (PDA) during no PDA use, manual control of the PDA, and speech control of the PDA. In the Speech PDA condition, speech recognition accuracy was varied between drivers. Analysis of drivers' emergency braking response times and rated cognitive workload revealed significantly lower cognitive demand and better performance in the No PDA condition when compared to the Manual PDA condition. The Speech PDA condition resulted in response times and rated cognitive workload levels that were between the No PDA and Manual PDA conditions, but not significantly different from either of these conditions. Further analysis of emergency braking performance revealed a non-significant trend towards better performance in conjunction with higher speech recognition accuracy levels. The potential for reducing driver distraction through the careful development and evaluation of speech recognition systems is discussed.
Endorectal T2-weighted MRI does not differentiate between favorable and adverse pathologic features in men with prostate cancer who would qualify for active surveillance

Abstract Objective With the increased diagnosis of low grade, low volume, potentially non-lethal disease, active surveillance (AS) has become an increasingly popular alternative for select men with low-risk prostate cancer. The absence of precise clinical staging modalities currently makes it difficult to predict which patients are most appropriate for AS. The goal of our study was to evaluate the ability of endorectal MRI (eMRI) to predict adverse pathologic features in patients who would otherwise qualify for an AS program. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed our institution's radical prostatectomy (RP) database from 1991 to 2007 and identified 172 patients who would have qualified for AS and underwent preoperative staging eMRI with T2-weighted (T2W) sequences. MRI findings were correlated to final pathology in order to assess the ability of staging eMRI to predict adverse pathologic features in patients suitable for AS. Results The mean age of our cohort was 59.8 ± 6.2 years. The mean PSA at the time of diagnosis was 5.2 ± 2.2 ng/ml. In 51% of patients, no discrete tumor was visualized on eMRI and in 49% of patients a discrete tumor was detected. At the time of RP, Gleason score upgrading, extracapsular extension, and a positive surgical margin occurred in 17%, 6%, and 5% of cases, respectively. Patients with documented tumor on eMRI did not have an increased incidence of adverse pathologic findings with regard to tumor volume ( P = 0.31), extra-capsular extension ( P = 0.82), Gleason upgrading ( P = 0.92), seminal vesicle invasion ( P = 0.97), or positive surgical margin rate ( P = 0.95) compared with those in whom no tumor was seen. Conclusion Discrete tumor identification on eMRI is not predictive of adverse pathologic features in patients who would otherwise qualify for AS. eMRI likely does not provide additional information when prospectively evaluating patients for AS protocols.
Isomerization of Linear to Angular [3]Phenylene and PAHs under Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis Conditions

Flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) of linear [3]phenylene affords its angular counterpart and the same mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon isomers as that observed on FVP of angular [3]phenylene. A mechanism, supported by a 13C labeling study, is proposed to explain these results.
Bursting of chromitic refractories

A variant of the contact method for determining bursting of refractories was developed characterizing: double sided action of tablets of iron oxide with the specimen which creates conditions for more uniform bursting of the entire specimen; observation of the changes in the thickness of the specimen during testing which permits us to control the process of bursting; control of the gaseous atmosphere (content of oxygen 14–16%); excellent reproducibility of results.
Prophylactic appendectomy: unnecessary in children with incidental appendicoliths detected by computed tomographic scan.

Abstract Purpose Controversy exists regarding the clinical significance of an isolated appendicolith on computed tomographic (CT) scan. We sought to determine the risk of developing appendicitis in children with an incidentally noted appendicolith. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all pelvic CT scans in patients 18 years or younger at a tertiary care children's hospital from October 2005 to September 2008. Patients with an appendicolith and no radiographic evidence of acute appendicitis were selected for further review. Written questionnaire and telephone follow-up were attempted in all patients. Results Two thousand nine hundred thirteen pelvic CT scans were performed during the study period. The incidence of an isolated appendicolith during the study period was 2.6% (n = 75). Seven patients underwent appendectomy at initial presentation. Nine children underwent appendectomy subsequently: 3 electively and 6 at the time of return with abdominal pain. Only 6 of these 16 appendectomy specimens had histologic evidence of appendicitis, whereas only 3 demonstrated an appendicolith. Subsequent appendicitis developed in 5.8% (n = 4) of patients with an isolated appendicolith. Follow-up was achieved in 50% of patients who did not have an appendectomy (median, 2.8 years). Conclusion Children with an incidental appendicolith are at low risk for developing appendicitis. The appendicoliths were often a transient finding not confirmed on surgical pathologic condition or subsequent imaging.
Remarks on the periodic orbits of the matrix Riccati equation

We investigate certain questions concerning the periodic structure of the matrix Riccati differential equation with constant coefficients. A closed-form expression for the periodic solutions is obtained for both the cases involving distinct or repeated eigenvalues in the associated linear hamiltonian system. Previous results are extended by establishing that periodic solutions are bounded if and only if the span of their range does not intersect the orthogonal complement of the controllable subspace of the associated linear system.
Peak Energy, Climate Change, and Limits to China's Economic Growth

This article evaluates the prospects of energy supply and its impact on economic growth in China from now to 2100. After considering the prospects for coal, oil, and gas production, as well as the development potentials of nuclear energy, renewable energies, and energy efficiency, it concludes that China is likely to face irreversible declines of energy consumption and economic output after the mid-twenty-first century. moreover, the projected fossil fuel consumption implies levels of carbon dioxide emissions substantially more than what would be consistent with China's obligations to global climate stabilization.
Growth and viability of mycelial fragments of white-rot fungi on some hydrogels

The viability of mycelial fragments of Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus and their growth on selected hydrogels are described. The size of mycelial fragments of the fungi did not significantly influence their viability. Alginate hydrogel films supported fungal growth better than agarose, carrageenan, chitosan and gelatin films, and had the highest mechanical strength but were less hydrophilic than the other hydrogels. All commercial alginates that were tested supported aseptic growth of fungal fragments without prior sterilization of the hydrogel solution. The viability of mycelial fragments in the hydrogel solutions was higher for some commercial alginates than that in laboratory grade alginate. The mechanical strength and hydrophilicity of hydrogels from alginate type Sobalg FD 155 and Meer HV were comparable to that of laboratory grade alginate. Sterilization and pH of the alginate hydrogel did not significantly influence the growth of T. versicolor mycelial fragments but affected the growth of I. lacteus. Concentrations of alginate in the range of 1‐2% in the hydrogel did not affect the growth of entrapped mycelial fragments of these fungi.
Sibling relationships in childhood: Links with friendships and peer relationships

Links between children's relationships with younger siblings, friends and peers were studied in a sample of 5–10-year-olds. Measures of children's sibling relationships were collected during home visits. Mothers and children were interviewed about children's friendships. Teachers and mothers reported on children's peer relationships and rated children's temperament. Results showed that children's sibling relationships were not associated with peer relationships; however, there were some links between children's relationships with siblings and friends. Ratings of children's temperament were associated with the quality of children's relationships with both friends and peers. Taken together these predictors accounted for 7–35 per cent of the variance in children's friendships and peer relationships. Results highlight the importance of distinguishing between close friendships and peer relationships when studying children's development.
Using Police as Custodial Officers: An Analysis from the Perspective of International Human Rights Standards

This study explores the situation in which police officers are responsible for the care of prisoners. International human rights standards require these persons to have special expertise. Do police officers have such expertise? If not, then the use of police as custodial officers may violate prisoners' human rights. Police officers were interviewed in a sample taken in 10 nations from the 6 populated continents of the world. Results of the study suggest that the use of police officers in an extended custodial capacity may increase the likelihood of human rights violations, as set forth in United Nations agreements. The authors call for further research on the extent to which prisoners are being guarded by police officers across the world, and the outcomes that this situation creates for the incarcerated persons under their care.
The emerging genetic landscape underlying cardiac conduction system function

Proper function of an organized Cardiac Conduction System (CCS) is vital to the survival of metazoans ranging from fly to man. The routine use of non-invasive electrocardiogram measures in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular health has established a trove of reliable CCS functional data in both normal and diseased cardiac states. Recent combination of echocardiogram (ECG) data with genome-wide association studies has identified genomic regions implicated in ECG variability which impact CCS function. In this study, we review the substantial recent progress in this area, highlighting the identification of novel loci, confirming the importance of previously implicated loci in CCS function, and exploring potential links between genes with important roles in developmental processes and variation in function of the CCS.
Timing, magnitude, and impact of acidic deposition on sensitive forest sites

Adverse effects of acidic deposition on forest health are most likely to occur in forests which develop a thick raw or “mor” humus layer in which the effective cation exchange capacity is highly sensitive to acid input. A study of the trend of exchangeable Ca and Mg ions in sensitive humus layers over the past six decades indicated that a downward shift in equilibrium has occurred that is consistent with theories of ion mobilization and coincident in time with increasing acidic deposition in the mid-1900's. Independent records of a base cation mobilization in wood supports the view of a change in the root zone in sensitive forest sites and in lake water chemistry. Induced nutrient deficiency in declining forest stands was indicated by a high Al∶Ca ratio in fine root tip tissue as a marker of altered uptake efficiency which leads to increased vulnerability to biotic factors and greater sensitivity to abiotic stresses. Evidence indicates that sensitive sites were damaged by acidic deposition 20 to 40 yr ago, long before the problem of “acid rain” was recognized.
Giving Patrons What They Want: An Analysis of a Thesis and Dissertation Purchase-on-Demand Project at East Carolina University

Joyner Library's Interlibrary Loan Department has been purchasing theses and dissertations that it could neither borrow from other libraries nor find freely available online to fulfill patron requests. Purchased documents are reviewed by Collection Development for possible accession after the patron has finished consulting the works. The background, interlibrary loan process, collection development process, and technical services process are discussed. Summary data and analysis are presented.
Chronic administration of KB-R7943 induces up-regulation of cardiac NCX1.

The NCX1 (sodium-calcium exchanger) is up-regulated in human heart failure and in many animal models of heart failure. The potential benefits and risks of therapeutically blocking NCX1 in heart failure and during ischemia-reperfusion are being actively investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that prolonged administration of the NCX1 inhibitor KB-R7943 resulted in the up-regulation of Ncx1 gene expression in both isolated adult cardiomyocytes and intact mouse hearts. Ncx1 up-regulation is mediated by the activation of p38. Importantly, p38 is not activated by KB-R7943 treatment in heart tubes from Ncx1−/− mice at 9.5 days postcoitum but is activated in heart tubes from Ncx1+/+ mice. p38 activation does not appear to be in response to changes in cytosolic calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i. Interestingly, chronic KB-R7943 treatment in mice leads to the formation of an NCX1-p38 complex. Our study demonstrates for the first time that the electrogenic sarcolemma membrane cardiac NCX1 can act as a regulator of “activity-dependent signal transduction” leading to changes in gene expression.
SU‐FF‐T‐265: Impact of Linac Isocenter Shifts On Stereotactic Radiosurgery Dose

Introduction: Of the various sources of error in Stereotactic radiosurgery,linac isocenter shift can be the largest. We present a method of quantifying this error using Winston Lutz (WL) QA films and evaluate its impact on patient dose.Methods and Materials: WL films (5mm ball and 10mm cone) were acquired for 16 gantry and couch angles for a NOVALIS linac. Films were scanned at high‐resolution (89 μm) and analyzed using RIT software to determine differences between ball and radiation field centroids. An algorithm was developed to transform these to patient reference frame and map out shifts between target and linac isocenter for all allowed gantry and table angles. For this study, a patient with trigeminal neuralgia (70Gy with 6 arcs and 4mm cone) was considered. The impact on delivered dose was evaluated by weighting each treatment arc with its appropriate isocenter shift. Also for comparison, the treatment plan was recalculated using the maximum shift observed in film data. Results: Minimum target dose (Dmin) in the original patient plan was 54.6Gy and target D95 was 61.6Gy. When maximum shift was used to modify treatment plan, DVH data erroneously showed 30% target underdosage: Dmin = 38.5Gy; D95 = 44.2Gy. However, for the “weighted‐arc” plan, Dmin = 53.9Gy and D95 = 61Gy were within 1% of the original plan. Therefore, in evaluating dose delivered to the patient, it is important to consider the impact of isocenter shift on each treatment arc for highly accurate treatments. In appropriate cases, this method can also be used to compensate for gantry‐table combinations that may fall outside the acceptable limits (> 1 mm). Conclusions: We have presented a method that allows quantitative evaluation of dose errors that result due to shifts in linac isocenter as a function of gantry and table angles.
Characterization of brainstem peptide YY (PYY) neurons

Peptide YY (PYY), a member of the NPY superfamily of peptides, is predominantly synthesized by the colon and is thought to act on both the gut and brain to modulate energy homeostasis. Although neurons expressing PYY mRNA have also been reported in the brainstem, little is known about their physiological role and study of their projections has been problematic due to crossreactivity of PYY antibodies with NPY. In the present study we examined the localization of central PYY cell bodies in the mouse, rat, and monkey. In addition, efferent projections and afferent inputs of central PYY neurons were examined in rodents. Central PYY projections were examined by immunohistochemistry in the NPY knockout mouse, or with an NPY-preabsorbed PYY antibody in the rat to avoid any crossreactivity with NPY. In all species investigated PYY-immunoreactive (ir) cell bodies were localized exclusively to the gigantocellular reticular nucleus (Gi) of the rostral medulla. The highest density of PYY fibers was present within the solitary tract nucleus, specifically within the dorsal and lateral aspects. PYY fibers were also concentrated within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the hypoglossal nucleus. In addition, both orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone fibers made numerous close appositions with PYY cell bodies in the Gi. Collectively, the projection pattern and association with orexigenic neuropeptides suggest that brainstem PYY neurons may play a role in energy homeostasis through a coordinated effect on visceral, motor, and sympathetic output targets.
Laryngeal chemoreflexes and development.

In the mid-1970’s, Johnson et al. and Harding and colleges discovered that when water is introduced into the larynx of the newborn lamb, the responses include startle, arousal from sleep, rapid swallowing, prolonged apnoea, bradycardia, hypertension, and constriction of the peripheral vascular bed resulting in redistribution of perfusion. On the other hand, when saline replaced water in this study, there was little or no effect. These studies comprised the first detailed description of the LCR. Later, these findings were confirmed in puppies as well as piglets, kittens and newborn monkeys. It was shown that LCR reflexes arise from stimulation of sensory afferent nerve fibers in the superior laryngeal nerves (SLN). Anatomical and physiological studies indicate that unencapsulated, unmyelinated nerve endings terminating in the mucosal epithelium of the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds and interarytenoid space are the sole receptors mediating these reflexes (Fig. 1). The intraepithelial location of these receptors would appear to be ideal
Sequentially reweighted TV minimization for CT metal artifact reduction

Purpose: Metal artifact reduction has long been an important topic in x-ray CT image reconstruction. In this work, the authors propose an iterative method that sequentially minimizes a reweighted total variation (TV) of the image and produces substantially artifact-reduced reconstructions. Methods: A sequentially reweighted TV minimization algorithm is proposed to fully exploit the sparseness of image gradients (IG). The authors first formulate a constrained optimization model that minimizes a weighted TV of the image, subject to the constraint that the estimated projection data are within a specified tolerance of the available projection measurements, with image non-negativity enforced. The authors then solve a sequence of weighted TV minimization problems where weights used for the next iteration are computed from the current solution. Using the complete projection data, the algorithm first reconstructs an image from which a binary metal image can be extracted. Forward projection of the binary image identifies metal traces in the projection space. The metal-free background image is then reconstructed from the metal-trace-excluded projection data by employing a different set of weights. Each minimization problem is solved using a gradient method that alternates projection-onto-convex-sets and steepest descent. A series of simulation and experimental studies are performed to evaluate the proposed approach. Results: Our study shows that the sequentially reweighted scheme, by altering a single parameter in the weighting function, flexibly controls the sparsity of the IG and reconstructs artifacts-free images in a two-stage process. It successfully produces images with significantly reduced streak artifacts, suppressed noise and well-preserved contrast and edge properties. Conclusions: The sequentially reweighed TV minimization provides a systematic approach for suppressing CT metal artifacts. The technique can also be generalized to other “missing data” problems in CT image reconstruction.
Practical Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution over 1 km

A working free-space quantum key distribution system has been developed and tested over an outdoor optical path of {approximately}1 km at Los Alamos National Laboratory under nighttime conditions. Results show that free-space quantum key distribution can provide secure real-time key distribution between parties who have a need to communicate secretly. Finally, we examine the feasibility of surface to satellite quantum key distribution. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Death Competence: An Ethical Imperative.

The authors argued that death competence, defined as specialized skill in tolerating and managing clients’ problems related to dying, death, and bereavement, is a necessary prerequisite for ethical practice in grief counseling. A selected review of the literature tracing the underpinnings of this concept reveals how a robust construct of death competence evolved. Using the vehicle of a case study, the authors analyzed an example of empathic failure resulting from an apparent lack of death competence on the part of a mental health provider to illustrate the importance of this characteristic in delivering clinically effective and ethically sensitive grief counseling.
Binocular Vertical Diplopia

The assessment of a patient with binocular vertical diplopia begins with a thorough history and neuroophthalmologic examination. The neuro-ophthalmologic examination includes observation for a compensatory head, face, or chin position; ocular ductions and versions in the nine cardinal positions of gaze; the three-step test; the double Maddox rod test; indirect ophthalmoscopy to observe the location of the fovea in relationship to the optic nerve head to determine cyclodeviation; and the forced ductions test. Binocu-lar vertical diplopia may be due to supranuclear processes, ocular motor nerve dysfunction, neuromuscular junction disease, diseases of eye muscle, mechanical processes causing vertical eye misalignment, and even retinal disease. In this article, the differential diagnosis of these processes is outlined.
Earthquake and volcano hazard notices: An economic evaluation of changes in risk perceptions

Abstract Earthquake and volcano hazard notices were issued for the Mammoth Lakes, California area by the U.S. Geological Survey under the authority granted by the Disaster Relief Act of 1974. The effects on investment, recretion visitation, and risk perceptionsare explored. The hazard notices did not affect recreation visitation, although investment was affected. A perceived loss in the market value of homes was documented. Risk perceptions were altered for property owners. Communication of the probability of an event over time would enhance hazard notices as a policy instrument and would mitigate unnecessary market perturbations.
BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY, STENTING, AND ROLE OF ATHERECTOMY

The main therapeutic modalities in the nonoperative arsenal to treat lower-extremity atherosclerotic arterial disease are balloon angioplasty and stenting. To a much lesser extent, atherectomy may have a role, although clinical experience with its use in peripheral arteries is limited. Used either separately or in combination, these interventional procedures have proved effective in the hands of skilled clinicians when used in appropriately selected patients.
Aqueous-Phase Oxidation of Green Leaf Volatiles by Hydroxyl Radical as a Source of SOA: Product Identification from Methyl Jasmonate and Methyl Salicylate Oxidation

Abstract Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are a group of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) released into the atmosphere by vegetation. BVOCs produce secondary organic aerosol (SOA) via gas-phase reactions, but little is known of their aqueous-phase oxidation as a source of SOA. GLVs can partition into atmospheric water phases, e.g., fog, mist, dew or rain, and be oxidized by hydroxyl radicals (˙OH). These reactions in the liquid phase also lead to products that have higher molecular weights, increased polarity, and lower vapor pressures, ultimately forming SOA after evaporation of the droplet. To examine this process, we investigated the aqueous, ˙OH-mediated oxidation of methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and methyl salicylate (MeSa), two GLVs that produce aqueous-phase SOA. High performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) was used to monitor product formation. The oxidation products identified exhibit higher molecular mass than their parent GLV due to either dimerization or the addition of oxygen and hydroxyl functional groups. The proposed structures of potential products are based on mechanistic considerations combined with the HPLC/ESI-MS data. Based on the structures, the vapor pressure and the Henry's law constant were estimated with multiple methods (SPARC, SIMPOL, MPBPVP, Bond and Group Estimations). The estimated vapor pressures of the products identified are significantly (up to 7 orders of magnitude) lower than those of the associated parent compounds, and therefore, the GLV oxidation products may remain as SOA after evaporation of the water droplet. The contribution of the identified oxidation products to SOA formation is estimated based on measured HPLC-ESI/MS responses relative to previous aqueous SOA mass yield measurements.
Calcium-Ammonium Effects on Growth and Yield of Small Grains

Calcium (Ca ++ ) is known to stimulate potassium (K + ) and ammonium (NH + 4 ) absorption rates by plants. Increased NH + 4 absorption stimulates plant growth and development. However, little is known about the effect of Ca ++ with NH + 4 on small-grain crops. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of Ca ++ /NH + 4 on growth and development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Treatments consisted of growing small grains using complete nutrient solutions with a molar ratio of 0, 0.30, 0.60, 1.20, and 1.80 Ca ++ /NH + 4 , and a check with NO - 3 -N. Plants were grown in the greenhouse to seedling (30 d), intermediate (elongating, 60 d), and mature (booting, 90 d) growth stages on a NO - 3 nutrient solution and then treated for 7 d with the Ca ++ /NH + 4 fertilizer solutions. One set of plants was fertilized solely with the Ca ++ /NH + 4 solution and another with a NO - 3 fertilizer solution. The addition of Ca ++ with NH + 4 to small grains resulted in increased N absorption, grain yield, tiller formation, dry matter, and grain weight per unit of plant dry matter, but the extent varied with the crop. Calcium apparently caused a redirection of foliar metabolites to grains. Short-term treatments with Ca ++ /NH + 4 at different growth stages showed the least results at the seedling stage, whereas maximum results were obtained at the intermediate growth stage (initiation of jointing) and good stimulation of plant growth and tillering at the mature (booting) stage. Calcium increased NH + 4 absorption, leading to increased tillering, increased weight per head of grain produced, and consequently higher grain yields. Calcium added with NH + 4 -N increases plant N use efficiency by more rapid absorption, greater rates of tillering, greater metabolite deposition in seeds, and possibly increases in photosynthesis.
When Is Inequality a Problem?: Victim Contests, Injustice Frames, and the Case of the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Support Services at Indiana University

The authors argue that since social activists are often busier establishing the unfairness of inequalities than establishing the mere existence of those inequalities, a constructionist sociology of inequality ought to build upon the scholarship on “victim claiming” and “injustice framing.” To illustrate, they present the case of the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Support Services at Indiana University—a local controversy in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1994 that was also part of the national debate over gay and lesbian rights. The central issue in the case was whether treating gays differently from heterosexuals was justified, often framed as comparable to discrimination against blacks. Among other things, the authors conclude that the discourse of black civil rights has spawned a broader cultural discourse for inequalities that are also unjust, and hence, it has become central to debates about the meaning of inequality, particularly in the United States.
A highly diverged beta 1 exon in the DR region of the human MHC: sequence and evolutionary implications.

TheDR subregion of the human major histocompatibility complex from aDR4 haplotype includes the well-characterizedDRga,DR4βDR(MT3)βandDRβψgenes. In addition, the region between theDRαand the proximalDR(MT3)βgenes contains several copies of conserved DRβ-related sequences. These repeated elements, numbered II, III, and IV, include the DRβ signal sequence and a region located further upstream. Further examination of these conserved sequences showed that DRβ first intron sequences are present at the 3′ ends of these repeats. Progressively longer portions of the DRβ first intron are conserved from repeat II to repeat IV, producing a gradient of conservation. The most complete repeat element of repeats II, III, and IV is associated with a loneβ1 exon (DRβ1). Upon sequencing, (DRβ1). was found to contain several deleterious mutations, indicating that it is nonfunctional. (DRβ1). has accumulated a large number of replacement substitutions and mutations at positions which are invariant inβ1 domains from expressedDRβgenes: 77.8% of the nucleotide substitutions were replacement substitutions, and 41.5 % of the amino acids at invariant positions have been altered. Calculations based on these figures suggest thatDRβ1 may have become inactive approximately 25 million years ago. There are, however, two histidine residues within a variable region which are unique toDRβ1 and theDR4βgene, suggesting that they represent a gene pair which probably evolved by duplication of a singleDRβchain gene.
Note on the use of ground-state rotational constants in the determination of molecular structures

Abstract A method, independent of the first moment equations, for locating atoms which lie near the center of mass of a molecule or near a principal axis is proposed. The method gives excellent results for the central nitrogen atom of N 2 O. It is also proposed that extension of the method to all atoms of a molecule may lead to structures which very closely approximate equilibrium structures.