cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INTRINSIC BARRIERS AND TRANSITION STATE STRUCTURES IN THE GAS PHASE CARBON-TO-CARBON IDENTITY PROTON TRANSFERS FROM NITROMETHANE TO NITROMETHIDE ANION AND FROM PROTONATED NITROMETHANE TO ACI-NITROMETHANE. AN AB INITIO STUDY

The identity carbon-to-carbon proton transfers between nitromethane and nitromethide anion and between oxygen protonated nitromethane and aci-nitromethane have been studied by ab initio methods. Group charges calculated by Mulliken and NPA methods as well as geometrical parameters such as pyramidal angles and CN bond lengths indicate that the transition states of these reactions are strongly imbalanced. Further evidence for the imbalance comes from a consideration of the relative energies of the various corners representing hypothetical intermediates on More O'Ferrall−Jencks diagrams. Our results for the CH3NO2/CH2NO2- system, in conjunction with previous findings on other CH3Y/CH2Y- systems, indicate an increase in the imbalance in the order CN ≪ CHO ≤ CHCH2 ≤ NO2 consistent with the notion that imbalances increase with π-acceptor strength of Y. However, when comparing the CH3N+O2H/CH2NO2H system with the CH3NO2/CH2NO2- system, the results are somewhat ambiguous as to whether the stronger π-acceptor (N+O...
BCL::Score--knowledge based energy potentials for ranking protein models represented by idealized secondary structure elements.

The topology of most experimentally determined protein domains is defined by the relative arrangement of secondary structure elements, i.e. α-helices and β-strands, which make up 50–70% of the sequence. Pairing of β-strands defines the topology of β-sheets. The packing of side chains between α-helices and β-sheets defines the majority of the protein core. Often, limited experimental datasets restrain the position of secondary structure elements while lacking detail with respect to loop or side chain conformation. At the same time the regular structure and reduced flexibility of secondary structure elements make these interactions more predictable when compared to flexible loops and side chains. To determine the topology of the protein in such settings, we introduce a tailored knowledge-based energy function that evaluates arrangement of secondary structure elements only. Based on the amino acid Cβ atom coordinates within secondary structure elements, potentials for amino acid pair distance, amino acid environment, secondary structure element packing, β-strand pairing, loop length, radius of gyration, contact order and secondary structure prediction agreement are defined. Separate penalty functions exclude conformations with clashes between amino acids or secondary structure elements and loops that cannot be closed. Each individual term discriminates for native-like protein structures. The composite potential significantly enriches for native-like models in three different databases of 10,000–12,000 protein models in 80–94% of the cases. The corresponding application, “BCL::ScoreProtein,” is available at www.meilerlab.org.
POTENTIAL MEASUREMENT AND STABILIZATION OF AN ISOLATED TARGET USING ELECTRON BEAMS.

Abstract The construction of very large arrays of electronic components on a single semiconductor chip implies a need for new methods of component testing. The presently used contact pads take up too much space. The method proposed herein uses primary electron beams to excite low energy secondary electrons which are used to sense surface potentials. The primary electrons are to be allowed to strike only very small diameter metallic contact areas on the interior of a chip, in an environment where surface electric fields are carefully controlled (i.e., no exposed insulator surfaces). Data are presented for a preprototype system using a mockup target and a single large diameter electron beam. Two operating modes, potential stabilization (corresponding to voltage signal input) and potential measurement (corresponding to voltage signal output), were demonstrated. Accuracies better than 100 mV were observed for both modes using a 5 kV, 10 −6 A, primary beam. If the method could be extended to multiple small-diameter beams, it could be used to simultaneously inject several voltage signals while measuring output signals from extremely small microcircuits.
Intraaortic balloon pumping 1967 through 1982: Analysis of complications in 733 patients

Between June 1967 and December 1982, 872 attempts at intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) were made in 733 patients. Nearly 75% of the patients were men; the proportion of women has increased in recent years. The principal indication for IABP support initially was cardiogenic shock, but over the years, preoperative support, weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and unstable angina have become the primary indications. Complications of IABP were classified and distributed by severity (minor: I [15%] and II [26%]; major: III [3%] and IV [1%]) and type ([vascular [22%], infectious [22%], and bleeding [7%]). Vascular complication rates were higher in women (32 vs 18%; p = 0.0001), in diabetic patients (32 vs 20%, p = 0.003), and in hypertensive patients (27 vs 20%, p = 0.02). These did not vary with the duration of IABP support (range of duration 0 to 76 days). The rate of infectious complications was related to location where IABP was performed (coronary care unit 26%, operating room 12%). The rate of fever and bacteremia increased significantly with duration of IABP support, but the rate of local wound infection did not. In conclusion, most IABP complications are minor, resolve after balloon removal, are related to vascular status of the patient and, with the exception of bacteremia, are independent of IABP duration.
Awareness of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and treatment is poor in people at highest risk

We designed this study to determine factors associated with community stroke knowledge that could be used to improve education strategies. A survey was mailed to random adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. The questions assessed knowledge of stroke (definition, treatment, symptoms, and risk factors) and access to and attitudes toward health care. Background information was obtained from medical records for responders and non-responders. Chi square and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of stroke. Three hundred and sixty four (36%) of 1086 written surveys were returned. The mean age of respondents was 51.6 years. "Stroke" was incorrectly defined by 40% of respondents. Only 67% of respondents correctly identified stroke risk factors. Paralysis was commonly recognized as a symptom of stroke; only 42% of persons, however, would first call 911 if having a stroke. The thrombolytic treatment window was not known by 32%. Participants concerned about health care cost and access were less likely to correctly answer questions about symptoms or treatment. People with stroke risk factors or a personal or family history of stroke or transient ischemic attack were no more knowledgeable about stroke than those without. We concluded that knowledge of stroke is poor, even among persons with a previous stroke or risk factors for stroke. There is a lack of awareness that acute ischemic stroke therapy exists and that it must be used in an urgent fashion. Structured education programs for stroke awareness must be multi-faceted, targeting those persons at high risk while at the same time accounting for health care cost concerns, confidence in the medical community, and the needs of the elderly.
Shifting focus: Assessing cataloging service through focus groups

Focus groups are a valuable research tool for evaluating library services but they are overlooked as a means of analyzing the performance of internal library units like technical services. In this study, focus group meetings were held with departmental library personnel to gather data related to the perception of centralized cataloging services in the decentralized library system at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Participants requested clearer contact information, enhanced communication, and more education regarding policies, processes, and cataloging issues. In response, a new contact list is being developed, technical services librarians are reaching out as liaisons, and educational workshops are underway.
Regulation of sterol 27-hydroxylase and an alternative pathway of bile acid biosynthesis in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes.

In man, hepatic mitochondrial sterol 27-hydroxylase and microsomal cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase initiate distinct pathways of bile acid biosynthesis from cholesterol, the “acidic” and “neutral” pathways, respectively. A similar acidic pathway in the rat has been hypothesized, but its quantitative importance and ability to be regulated at the level of sterol 27-hydroxylase are uncertain. In this study, we explored the molecular regulation of sterol 27-hydroxylase and the acidic pathway of bile acid biosynthesis in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. mRNA and protein turnover rates were approximately 10-fold slower for sterol 27-hydroxylase than for cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase. Sterol 27-hydroxylase mRNA was not spontaneously expressed in culture. The sole requirement for preserving sterol 27-hydroxylase mRNA at the level of freshly isolated hepatocytes (0 h) after 72 h was the addition of dexamethasone (0.1 μM; > 7-fold induction). Sterol 27-hydroxylase mRNA, mass and specific activity were not affected by thyroxine (1.0 μM), dibutyryl-cAMP (50 μM), nor squalestatin 1 (150 nM-1.0 μM), an inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis. Taurocholate (50 μM), however, repressed sterol 27-hydroxylase mRNA levels by 55%. Sterol 27-hydroxylase specific activity in isolated mitochondria was increased > 10-fold by the addition of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Under culture conditions designed to maximally repress cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and bile acid synthesis from the neutral pathway but maintain sterol 27-hydroxylase mRNA and activity near 0 h levels, bile acid synthesis from [14C]cholesterol remained relatively high and consisted of β-muricholate, the product of chenodeoxycholate in the rat. We conclude that rat liver harbors a quantitatively important alternative pathway of bile acid biosynthesis and that its initiating enzyme, sterol 27-hydroxylase, may be slowly regulated by glucocorticoids and bile acids.
Cascaded free-induction decay four-wave mixing

Abstract We report the observation of cascaded optical free-induction decay four-wave mixing (FID-FWM) signal. This process can take place when nonlinear optical measurements are carried out with pulses that are orders of magnitude shorter than the dephasing time of the sample. Experimental observations and theoretical calculations show that the coherent emission from the first laser pulse participates as a time-delayed local electric field to yield the cascaded signal. We arrive at this conclusion based on pulse sequences of degenerate noncollinear femtosecond pulses for which three-pulse FWM is forbidden. Further confirmation was obtained from experiments where the time delay between two pulses were used to form ground or excited state populations, the signal reflected the corresponding ground or excited state dynamics. Although FID is long lived, the femtosecond resolution was found to be maintained in our measurements on gas phase molecular iodine. This is because the FID is modulated in the femtosecond time scale by the molecular dynamics of the system; its intensity and modulation were confirmed using femtosecond time-gated up-conversion measurements.
Theoretical and phantom based investigation of the impact of sound speed and backscatter variations on attenuation slope estimation

Quantitative ultrasound features such as the attenuation slope, sound speed and scatterer size, have been utilized to evaluate pathological variations in soft tissues such as the liver and breast. However, the impact of variations in the sound speed and backscatter due to underlying fat content or fibrotic changes, on the attenuation slope has not been addressed. Both numerical and acoustically uniform tissue-mimicking experimental phantoms are used to demonstrate the impact of sound speed variations on attenuation slope using clinical real-time ultrasound scanners equipped with linear array transducers. Radiofrequency data at center frequencies of 4 and 5 MHz are acquired for the experimental and numerical phantoms respectively. Numerical phantom sound speeds between 1480 and 1600 m/s in increments of 20 m/s for attenuation coefficients of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 dB/cm/MHz are simulated. Variations in the attenuation slope when the backscatter intensity of the sample is equal, 3 dB higher, and 3 dB lower than the reference is also evaluated. The sound speed for the experimental tissue-mimicking phantoms were 1500, 1540, 1560 and 1580 m/s respectively, with an attenuation coefficient of 0.5 dB/cm/MHz. Radiofrequency data is processed using three different attenuation estimation algorithms, i.e. the reference phantom, centroid downshift, and a hybrid method. In both numerical and experimental phantoms our results indicate a bias in attenuation slope estimates when the reference phantom sound speed is higher (overestimation) or lower (underestimation) than that of the sample. This bias is introduced via a small spectral shift in the normalized power spectra of the reference and sample with different sound speeds. The hybrid method provides the best estimation performance, especially for sample attenuation coefficient values lower than that of the reference phantom. The performance of all the methods deteriorates when the attenuation coefficient of the reference phantom is lower than that of the sample. In addition, the hybrid method is the least sensitive to sample backscatter intensity variations.
Orthogonal languages: a framework for program development

Abstract Debugging, performance measurement, program testing, visualization and program modifications are some of the activities undertaken during program development. Since these activities require programming, this paper proposes a language, called an Orthogonal Language, that can be used to write both regular programs and development activities programs. An orthogonal language contains the regular programming language but must also have features that may not be in a regular language such as concurrency, exception handling and access to the run-time environment. Despite the added features, the orthogonal language is almost identical to the regular language. Development activities are programmed as fragments of programs that are inserted interactively into a regular program being developed. Fragments are supported by an extension of the scope and visibility rules of the regular language. Translation rules merge fragments into the executable image of the regular program without changing the source of the regular program. The source of fragments is also maintained.
Thermal stability of LIX63 oxime

Abstract The thermal behavior of the anti and syn isomers of 5,8-diethyl-7-hydroxy-6-dodecanone oxime (H 2 Ox), extracted from the commercial reagent, LIX63 (Henkel Corp.) has been studied. The heat treatment techniques used include refluxing, sublimation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Analytical results derived from infrared, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR and mass spectra indicate that the aliphatic oxime undergoes thermal isomerization from the anti to the syn isomer. An isomerization mechanism is presented based on a nitroso-oxime tautomerism consistent with both ambient and elevated temperature isomer interconversion.
CONTROLLING CHAOS IN A TWO-WELL OSCILLATOR

The chaotic dynamics of a nonlinear buckled elastic beam are shown to be controllable in a periodic orbit using a digital occasional proportional feedback control circuit. The method is similar to that developed by Hunt [1991] and does not require a detailed knowledge of the underlying two-dimensional map. The control is effected by perturbing the potential wells synchronously with the forcing function. Experiments show that the system possesses both periodic orbits and strange attractors different than those of the uncontrolled system.
Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Evidence for Significant Electronic Coupling in Mixed-Valence Hydrogen-Bonded Adducts of Ruthenium Cyano and Ethylenediamine Complexes

Spectroscopic and electrochemical investigations have been carried out on a collection of hydrogen-bonded mixed-valence adducts of ruthenium complexes. The electron donors (H-bond acceptors) are Ru(II) cyano species and the electron acceptors (H-bond donors) are Ru(III) ethylenediamine species, and NIR spectroscopic transitions in the adducts are assigned to intervalence transfer through the hydrogen bonds holding the adducts together (HBIT). Spectroscopic studies using Job's method indicate that the adducts are 2:1 ternary aggregates of formulations such as [((trpy)(bpy)RuII(CN))2,(en)2RuIII(bpy)]5+ and [((bpy)2RuII(CN)2)2,(en)2RuIII(bpy)]3+. Voltammetric investigations show substantial repulsion of the redox waves of the parent complexes in mixtures containing both donor and acceptor. Comparison with known electronic coupling data for mixed-valence ruthenium dimers covalently bound through dithiaspiroalkane bridging ligands indicates that the electronic coupling through H bonds of this type is 65−75% as...
Angioinvasive pulmonary carcinoma with posterior segment metastasis in four cats

The objective of the research was to characterize the clinical, fluorescein angiographic, pathologic and microscopic features of feline pulmonary carcinoma with ocular metastasis that resulted in ischemic chorioretinopathy. Four cats with confirmed or presumed primary pulmonary neoplasia with posterior segment metastasis were studied. The medical records from four cats with a diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma and intraocular metastasis were reviewed. Physical and ophthalmic examinations and thoracic radiographs were performed in all cases, and fluorescein angiography was performed in two cases. Classification of the neoplasms was determined by fine-needle aspiration and biopsies of peripheral metastatic lesions, and/or complete necropsies. All four cases had unilateral or bilateral blindness and ophthalmoscopic lesions characterized by a wedge-shaped, tan discoloration in the tapetal fundus, variable but mild serous exudation under the retina, and profoundly attenuated retinal vasculature. Painful swelling and necrosis of the distal extremities and/or mass lesions in the appendicular musculature were also present. Clinical findings, along with microscopic findings from biopsy specimens or complete postmortem examination, documented widespread metastasis of variably differentiated, neoplastic, columnar epithelial cells presumed to be of bronchial origin. Tumor cells were predominately located within the systemic vasculature, consistent with classification of angioinvasive pulmonary carcinoma. Fluorescein angiographic and histopathologic findings in the affected globes suggested that the posterior segment lesions resulted from invasion and growth of neoplastic cells within the chorioretinal vasculature, resulting in secondary ischemic necrosis of the retina and choroid. Ischemic chorioretinopathy and necrosis of the distal extremities, associated with primary bronchogenic carcinoma, appear to be a unique neoplastic syndrome in the domestic cat.
Sintering studies on ordered monodisperse silica compacts: Effect of consolidation

Abstract Monodisperse silica spheres were synthesized by TEOS hydrolysis, then consolidated by three different processes. Spheres of 270 nm were dispersed in water and centrifuged to form highly ordered compacts with packing efficiencies of 67–68% of the powder density. Dilute sphere suspensions were filtered to form relatively thin dense cakes. Pellets were also prepared from randomly agglomerated powders by uniaxial pressing. Green bodies were sintered at temperatures between 800–1 100 °C for 2–24 h. Pore size distributions of the ordered compacts were determined by mercury porosimetry. No major changes in the pore size distributions were observed for samples sintered between 800 and 950 °C. The sintered ordered samples were not translucent and reached approximately 96–97% of theoretical density at 1 000 °C. In contrast to the centrifugally ordered samples, the filtered cakes became translucent at 1 000 °C. Temperatures of almost 1 100 °C were required to reach high density for compacts made from agglomerated powders. SEM micrographs of the sintered and ordered compacts show the presence of narrow void regions with sizes on the order of the sphere size. These areas are most likely the remnants of the domain boundaries which existed in the ordered green compact. The results of this study show the interference of the domain boundaries in the green compacts to be detrimental to densification, limiting the achievable final densities and degrading the properties of the sintered ceramics. This is despite the fact that the centrifugally-ordered samples had the highest densities in the green state.
Gravity and magnetic investigations in New England

This paper presents a history of gravity and magnetic work in the New England area; a discussion of the significance of this work and types of anomalies studied; a discussion of geologic interpretations derived from these studies in general; interpretations of regional and local anomalies in the New England area; and a discussion of the need for additional work.
Integrating concast and multicast communication models

This paper defines a new group communication model called concast communication. Being the counterpart to multicast, concast involves multiple senders transmitting to a single receiver. Concast communication is used in a wide range of applications including collaborative applications, report-in style applications, or just end-to-end acknowledgements in a reliable multicast protocol. This paper explores the issues involved in designing concast communication services. We examine various message combination methods including concatenation, compression, and reduction to reduce the traffic loads imposed on the network and packet implosion at the receiver. Group management operations such as group creation/deletion, joining/leaving, and concast routing are discussed. We also address transmission issues such as reliable delivery, flow control, congestion control, and QoS. We conclude the paper by presenting a concast communication model that we have been developing in the context of TMTP5. The model uses concast communication to implement reliable multicast and it shares concast trees with the multicast group whenever possible to reduce overhead costs.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of vacuum-aging period on bloom development of the beef gluteus medius from top sirloin butts

The gluteus medius (GM) from USDA Select beef carcasses was used to test the effect of aging period on bloom development. Top sirloin butts (IMPS #184) were randomly allocated to 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d vacuum-aging at 2 °C (n = 10/aging period). Each week, aged top sirloin butts were faced before two 2.5-cm-thick, non-adjacent steaks were cut and instrumental color (L∗, a∗, and b∗) of the GM was measured at 10-min intervals for 2 h after cutting. Steaks aged for 7 and 14 d were a more vivid (greater chroma values; P < 0.05), redder (greater a∗ values; P < 0.05), and more yellow (greater b∗ values; P < 0.05) color than steaks from the other aging periods. Change in total color (ΔE) was greater (P < 0.05) for steaks from top sirloin butts aged 7, 14, and 21 d than steaks from top butts aged 28 and 35 d, whereas oxymyoglobin percentages for steaks from top butts aged 7 and 14 days were greater (P < 0.05) than those from top sirloin butts aged 28 and 35 d. As much as 90% of the total increase (P < 0.05) in a∗, b∗, and chroma values, as well as hue angles and oxymyoglobin percentages, was achieved during the first 60 min after cutting.
Cerebral white matter disease in late-onset paranoid psychosis

We examined magnetic resonance (MR) scans of the heads of 8 patients with late onset psychosis and 8 aged controls. Although some patients had mild cognitive impairment, none had depression or a history or examination suggesting focal brain disease. Thus, all patients met DSM-III-R criteria for late-onset schizophrenia. All 8 patients showed significant leukoencephalopathy or vascular pathology on MR imaging, and temporoparietal and occipital lesions were especially prominent. Little such pathology was evident on control scans. We suggest that focal brain disease of vascular origin may be associated with late-onset psychosis, and that MR scanning of such cases may provide important clues to pathogenesis.
40Ar-39Ar ages of H-chondrite impact melt breccias

40Ar-39Ar analyses of a total of 26 samples from eight shock-darkened impact melt breccias of H-chondrite affinity (Gao-Guenie, LAP 02240, LAP 03922, LAP 031125, LAP 031173, LAP 031308, NWA 2058, and Ourique) are reported. These appear to record impacts ranging in time from 303 ± 56 Ma (Gao-Guenie) to 4360 ± 120 Ma (Ourique) ago. Three record impacts 300-400 Ma ago, while two others record impacts 3900-4000 Ma ago. Combining these with other impact ages from H chondrites in the literature, it appears that H chondrites record impacts in the first 100 Ma of solar system history, during the era of the lunar cataclysm and shortly thereafter (3500-4000 Ma ago), one or more impacts ~300 Ma ago, and perhaps an impact ~500 Ma ago (near the time of the L chondrite parent body disruption). Records of impacts on the H chondrite parent body are rare or absent between the era of planetary accretion and the lunar cataclysm (4400-4050 Ma), during the long stretch between heavy bombardment and recent breakup events (3500-1000 Ma), or at the time of final breakup into meteorite-sized bodies (<50 Ma).
Descriptions of Two New Species of Simulium (Diptera, Simuliidae) From Guatemala

Amongst collections of S. (L.) samboni made near Poctun, Peten, Guatemala, one of the pupae developed into an adult that varied drastically from the others in the lot. Unfortunately, it was not distinguished in the field and it was not until the adult was examined in the laboratory that the distinctiveness of the species was noted. Since it was not considered desirable to describe the species as new from a unique specimen, it was held until further specimens became available. The additional collections consist of three reared females and their pupal cases that were collected in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. This species appears to belong to the subgenus Byssodon Enderlein 1925 on the basis of the form of the male genitalia, general color of the female, and strong basal spur on posterior claw of female. To date, this subgenus has been reported from South America and Mexico but never from Guatemala or any other Central American country.
The breeding potential of ‘flinabe’ and comparison to ‘flibe’ in ‘CLiFF’ high power density concept

Abstract Because of its low melting temperature (240 °C) and low vapor pressure, the molten salt LiF–NaF–BeF2 (Flinabe) with ratio 1:1:1 has been suggested as the front flowing liquid layer, FFLL (2-cm thick) in the Convective Liquid Flow First Wall (CLiFF) high power density concept (7 MW/m2 average neutron wall load, 10 MW/m2 max.). However, because of its lower Li concentration relative to LiF–BeF2 (Flibe, with ratio 2:1), its deployment as a breeder has been a concern. In this paper, we compare the local tritium breeding ratio (TBR) of Flinabe to Flibe in two arrangements: (1) as a FFLL and breeder in the blanket; and (2) as only the FFLL with LiPb/SiC conventional blanket following the FW. The impact of the choice of ferritic steel (FS) and SiC as the structural material on TBR was also examined. In addition, the paper discusses what constitutes a reasonable value for local TBR if all sources of uncertainties in the achievable and the required TBR are considered (e.g. modeling, nuclear data, burn up rate in the plasma, etc.)
Utilization of Thermoluminescent Dosimetry in Total Skin Electron Beam Radiotherapy of Mycosis Fungoides

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this report is to discuss the utilization of thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) in total skin electron beam (TSEB) radiotherapy to: (a) compare patient dose distributions for similar techniques on different machines, (b) confirm beam calibration and monitor unit calculations, (c) provide data for making clinical decisions, and (d) study reasons for variations in individual dose readings. Methods and Materials: We report dosimetric results for 72 cases of mycosis fungoides, using similar irradiation techniques on two different linear accelerators. All patients were treated using a modified Stanford 6-field technique. In vivo TLD was done on all patients, and the data for all patients treated on both machines was collected into a database for analysis. Means and standard deviations (SDs) were computed for all locations. Scatter plots of doses vs. height, weight, and obesity index were generated, and correlation coefficients with these variables were computed. Results: The TLD results show that our current TSEB implementation is dosimetrically equivalent to the previous implementation, and that our beam calibration technique and monitor unit calculation is accurate. Correlations with obesity index were significant at several sites. Individual TLD results allow us to customize the boost treatment for each patient, in addition to revealing patient positioning problems and/or systematic variations in dose caused by patient variability. The data agree well with previously published TLD results for similar TSEB techniques. Conclusion: TLD is an important part of the treatment planning and quality assurance programs for TSEB, and routine use of TLD measurements for TSEB is recommended.
Pressure sensitivity of a clad optical fiber

Experiments carried out by Bucaro et al. demonstrate that an optical-fiber acoustic wave detector with a plastic coating several times its diameter exhibits greatly increased sensitivity compared with an uncoated fiber. In this paper we show that this effect should be expected because the plastic is much more compressible than the glass fiber. With a very thick coating of a Teflonlike plastic, the calculated longitudinal strain produced in the fiber by hydrostatic pressure is thirteen times larger than for an uncoated fiber. The effective phase change is increased by the much larger factor of 38 because the coated fiber expands laterally instead of contracting.
Supporting family caregivers: the hospital nurse's assessment of family caregiver needs.

A smooth transition for the patient is the ultimate goal.Editor's note: This is part one of a three-part series, Supporting Family Caregivers, in collaboration with the AARP Foundation and funded by the Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation. The series is part of an initiative, Professional Partner
Social influences on human ethanol consumption in an analogue situation

Thirty-six male college students, all normal drinkers, were randomly assigned to six experimental conditions in a 3 x 2 completely randomized factorial design which examined the influence of various social conditions on subjects' alcohol consumption. The three social conditions, as determined by the presence or absence of an accomplice, were co-action, audience facilitation, or individual performance. The second factor was whether the accomplice was either a “heavy” or “light” consumer of wine during a taste test analogue task. Subjects who were exposed to a heavy consumptive accomplice in the co-action social condition drank significantly (P < 0.05) more wine than all other subjects, but the other groups did not differ significantly from one another. Thus, imitation alone cannot account for the differences in alcohol consumption observed in previous research of this type. A more parsimonious interpretation of the findings is that increased consumption resulted from co-action, although an alternative explanation in terms of competitive drinking cannot be excluded.
Laboratory evaluation of a silicone foam sealant bonded to various header materials used in bridge expansion joints

Abstract A silicone foam sealant was developed to provide an easy-to-use and economical joint sealant for small-movement bridge expansion joints. In studies reported previously, various laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the sealant using concrete as the bonding substrate. In the present study, laboratory tests on the sealant were conducted using other substrates found in practice, including steel, asphalt, and polymer concrete. Some of the tests conducted included a tension test, repair test, oven-aged bonding test, salt water immersion test, and a cure (modulus over time) test that evaluated the mechanical properties of the sealant as it developed its final state of cure. Through the laboratory tests, it has been observed that the silicone foam has the ability to bond to various substrate materials and can easily accommodate deformation typical of small-movement expansion joints in bridges.
Large-scale fabrication of ZnO micro-and nano-structures by microwave thermal evaporation deposition

A novel thermal evaporation–deposition approach using microwave energy was employed for the fabrication of ZnO micro-and nano-structures. Batch fabrication of ZnO structures including microtubes, microrods, nanowires and nanobelts were successfully obtained with a unique source materials–substrate configuration in achieving desirable temperature profile. Zinc or zinc oxide source materials are evaporating from the high-temperature zone in an enclosure and single crystalline nano-or micro-structures are grown on the substrate materials with controllable dimensions by using appropriate processing conditions. Substrate, temperature, and catalyst showed significant impacts on the controlled growth of the ZnO nano- and micro-structures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations reveal that these products are pure, structurally uniform, and single crystalline. The photoluminescence (PL) exhibits strong ultraviolet emission at room temperature, indicating potential applications for short-wave light-emitting photonic devices.
Argumentation based negotiation in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio networks allow for a more dynamic allocation of network resources (such as the radio spectrum) compared to conventionally engineered networks. We consider a scenario where each node acts as an autonomous agent, maintaining a knowledge base of the network conditions and pursuing its own communication goals. The agents use negotiation to reach agreements about the allocation of network resources and the configuration of forwarding paths.
Microstructural studies of PrCo5 magnets

Abstract Microstructural studies were performed on two sintered Pr-Co magnets with different coercivities. The one with starting composition Pr19.0Co81.0 had an intrinsic coercivity Hci=2400 Oe, remanent induction Br=9630 G, and energy product (BH)max=17.5 MGOe; the other with starting composition Pr17.3Co82.7 had a Hci=140 Oe, a Br= 9010 G and a (BH)max=1.24 MGOe. It was found that a hexagonal Pr oxide with lattice parameters a=(3.85±0.1) A and c= (5.98±0.2)A is the dominating impurity phase in the magnets. Quite a large number of rhombohedral Pr2Co17 grains were found in the low coercivity sample. Unlike rhombohedral Sm2Co17 precipitates which are fully coherent with the matrix in SmCo5 magnet, the Pr2Co17 grew at the grain boundary forming a semicoherent interface with a neighboring PrCo5 grain. The orientation relationships between 1:5H and 2:17R are identified as (10 1 0)1:5H∥(2 11 0)2:17R and (0001)1:5H∥(0003)2:17R. Factors responsible for the low coercivity in PrCo5 magnets were proposed from the microstructural point of view, and a comparison is made with the SmCo5 system.
The permanent values of Thackeray's Vanity Fair

(1949). The permanent values of Thackeray's Vanity Fair. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 94-101.
Clustering from Categorical Data Sequences

The three-parameter cluster model is a combinatorial stochastic process that generates categorical response sequences by randomly perturbing a fixed clustering parameter. This clear relationship between the observed data and the underlying clustering is particularly attractive in cluster analysis, in which supervised learning is a common goal and missing data is a familiar issue. The model is well equipped for this task, as it can handle missing data, perform out-of-sample inference, and accommodate both independent and dependent data sequences. Moreover, its clustering parameter lies in the unrestricted space of partitions, so that the number of clusters need not be specified beforehand. We establish these and other theoretical properties and also demonstrate the model on datasets from epidemiology, genetics, political science, and legal studies.
On the electrodeposition and characterization of niobium from fused fluoride electrolytes

The electrodeposition of niobium from a binary electrolyte consisting of KF and NaF was characterized and compared with that from the ternary electrolyte of LiF, NaF and KF. The deposition experiments were conducted at current densities between 5 and 35 mA cm−2 and electrolyte temperatures between 725 and 800°C. DTA measurements indicated the melting points to be 450 and 710°C for the ternary and binary electrolytes with added K2NbF7; however, it was necessary to operate both electrolytes above 725°C to obtain dense coherent deposits. Coating morphology was described by optical and scanning electron microscopy studies, while coating structure and properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. In particular, a series of diffraction measurements were reported to describe the changes in the microstructure of the deposited material as a function of the preparation conditions.
Computerized aircraft synthesis.

A concept and philosophy of computerized aircraft synthesis is discussed, and Computer Program SYNAC (SYNthesis of AirCraft) is examined in some detail by considering examples of both its construction and its application. An aircraft synthesis computer program involves three principal functions: determination of force characteristics, determination of aircraft performance, and configuration control. There are three groups of variables: independent configuration size and shape variables; intermediate weight-, propulsion-, and aerodynamic-force characteristics variables; and dependent performance variables. Program SYNAC is organized in seven major modules: input, configuration control, geometry, weight, propulsion, aerodynamics, and performance. The program yields accuracies comparable with conventional aircraft synthesis techniques. Computer time per problem is currently on the order of 1 min, and ultimate times of y - of a minute are expected. A typical application of Program SYNAC involves the maximum-range optimization (in terms of wing area, wing thickness ratio, wing aspect ratio, wing taper ratio, and engine size) of a variable wing-sweep configuration for an air-to-ground mission.
Time-dependent loss of radioactivity counts associated with paracellular markers in the presence of cyclodextrin

Abstract This communication reports an unexpected phenomenon observed during the counting of radiolabeled paracellular marker solutions in the presence of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). The results revealed time-dependent loss of 14 C-mannitol and 14 C-polyethlene glycol 4000 radioactivity counts with increased percentages of HPβCD. However, 14 C-diazepam, a transcellular marker, displayed a stable count. A hypothesis behind this phenomenon is being proposed, involving water transfer from aqueous droplets to the surfactant rich scintillation fluid. The remaining droplets, becoming more and more concentrated in cyclodextrin, entrap the hydrophilic markers and consequently exhibit an increasing quenching effect. This effect shows that careful monitoring of radiolabeled markers used in transport experiments is necessary, even with high quench resistant scintillation fluids, to prevent erroneous interpretation of the transport data.
Efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the Essure™ procedure

The Essure™ system for permanent contraception was developed as a less invasive method of female sterilization. Placement of the Essure™ coil involves a hysteroscopic transcervical technique. This procedure can be done in a variety of settings and with a range of anesthetic options. More than eight years have passed since the US Food and Drug Administration approval of Essure™. Much research has been done to evaluate placement success, adverse outcomes, satisfaction, pain, and the contraceptive efficacy of the Essure™. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature regarding the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with this new sterilization technique.
Transmission on an Active Electrical Response between Fibroblasts (L Cells) in Cell Culture

An active electrical response, the hyperpolarizing activation or H.A. response, is characteristic of L cells (a continuous line of fibroblasts) and is transmitted in a decremental manner between contiguous cells. Direct electrical coupling between pairs of L cells occurs occasionally, but transmission of the active electrical response is not dependent on such electrical connections. Some L cells are sensitive to acetylcholine but the transmitted response is not dependent on a cholinergic mechanism. 5-Iodosalicylate blocks the active electrical response. The response can be elicited readily by mechanical stimuli, and thus can serve both as a mechanical and chemical receptor mechanism and as a means of communication between cells.
Limy bile syndrome

Limy bile syndrome (LBS) is a rare condition in which a radiopaque gallbladder and/or bile ducts are noted on plain roentgenograms. LBS is caused by calcium carbonate precipitation in the bile and is usually associated with distal biliary tract obstruction. The etiology of limy bile syndrome is unclear; however, it may be a long-term complication of total parenteral nutrition.
Behavioral responses to food volatiles by two species of stored-product coleoptera,Sitophilus oryzae (curculionidae) andTribolium castaneum (tenebrionidae)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the behavioral activity of grain-derived volatiles as attractants and pheromone synergists forSitophilus oryzae, an internal-feeding pest of sound grain, andTribolium castaneum, an external-feeding pest of damaged grains and flour. Behavioral studies with two-choice pitfall bioassays determined that the fresh grain volatiles valeraldehyde, maltol, and vanillin were attractive toS. oryzae at various doses, butT. castaneum were not attracted to any dose of any of these three compounds. When oils from pressed grains were bioassayed, sesame oil was significantly repellent and oat and wheat germ oils were attractive toS. oryzae. However, rice, soybean, oat, wheat germ, and corn oils were all attractive toT. castaneum. A commercial food product composed primarily of soybean oil and wheat germ was highly attractive toT. castaneum, but elicited no response fromS. oryzae. A combination of the three grain volatiles valeraldehyde, maltol, and vanillin with the synthetic pheromone sitophinone was more attractive toS. oryzae than either the pheromone alone or the tripartite grain volatile mix. Similarly, a combination of the commercial food product with the pheromone 4,8-dimethyldecanal was more attractive toT. castaneum than either food alone or pheromone alone. Behavioral responses to grain volatiles may reflect the ecological niche of the granivore:S. oryzae colonizes sound grain and is attracted to volatiles characteristic of fresh grain, whileT. castaneum utilizes damaged or deteriorated grains and responds best to oils characteristic of damaged or fungus-infested grain. Synergism of food odors and pheromones suggests that more effective traps can be devised for management of these pest insects.
Adenosine receptor crossroads in sickle cell disease

Adenosine therapy for sickle cell disease has been proposed to improve blood flow, mediate cytoprotection and inhibit natural killer cell activity. Complicating this approach, adenosine signaling also induces hemoglobin S polymerization, promoting 'sickling', vasoocclusion, hemolysis and organ damage (pages 79–86).
Taxaceae: the genera and cultivated species.

Past and present research and literature are assembled into a review of the Taxaceae. Five genera and 13 cultivated species are described, including keys and illustrations.
Monte Carlo and deterministic computational methods for the calculation of the effective delayed neutron fraction

Abstract The effective delayed neutron fraction β eff plays an important role in kinetics and static analysis of the reactor physics experiments. It is used as reactivity unit referred to as “dollar”. Usually, it is obtained by computer simulation due to the difficulty in measuring it experimentally. In 1965, Keepin proposed a method, widely used in the literature, for the calculation of the effective delayed neutron fraction β eff . This method requires calculation of the adjoint neutron flux as a weighting function of the phase space inner products and is easy to implement by deterministic codes. With Monte Carlo codes , the solution of the adjoint neutron transport equation is much more difficult because of the continuous-energy treatment of nuclear data. Consequently, alternative methods, which do not require the explicit calculation of the adjoint neutron flux, have been proposed. In 1997, Bretscher introduced the k -ratio method for calculating the effective delayed neutron fraction; this method is based on calculating the multiplication factor of a nuclear reactor core with and without the contribution of delayed neutrons. The multiplication factor set by the delayed neutrons (the delayed multiplication factor) is obtained as the difference between the total and the prompt multiplication factors. Using Monte Carlo calculation Bretscher evaluated the β eff as the ratio between the delayed and total multiplication factors (therefore the method is often referred to as the k -ratio method). In the present work, the k -ratio method is applied by Monte Carlo (MCNPX) and deterministic (PARTISN) codes. In the latter case, the ENDF/B nuclear data library of the fuel isotopes (235U and 238U) has been processed by the NJOY code with and without the delayed neutron data to prepare multi-group WIMSD neutron libraries for the lattice physics code DRAGON, which was used to generate the PARTISN macroscopic cross sections. In recent years Meulekamp and van der Marck in 2006 and Nauchi and Kameyama in 2005 proposed new methods for the effective delayed neutron fraction calculation with only one Monte Carlo computer simulation, compared with the k -ratio method which require two criticality calculations. In this paper, the Meulekamp/Marck and Nauchi/Kameyama methods are applied for the first time by the MCNPX computer code and the results obtained by all different methods are compared.
An unreliable production system with fluctuating production and demand rates

This paper contains an analytical formulation for performance measurement of an unreliable production-storage operation where production and demand rates for a single item are subject to random fluctuations in the operating environment. These fluctuations are represented as transitions among the states of a continuous-time Markov chain and the demand process is characterised as a compound Poisson process. Assuming that the storage space is limited and the stockouts are lost, the proposed model yields exact expressions for a number of popular performance measures. The model is accompanied by some numerical results.