cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-J-21: An Intercomparison of Imaging Performance of Two Linac-Mounted Imaging Systems Used in Radiation Therapy: TrueBeam and Trilogy.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the performance of the imaging systems of two linear accelerators, used in radiation therapy. The study includes the following imaging components: electronic portal imaging device(EPID), kilovoltage projection imaging and kilovoltage cone‐beam CT.Method and Materials: The imaging systems mounted on the Varian Trilogy (Varian Medical Systems) and Varian TrueBeam, were evaluated. Image quality of two EPID systems (ASI‐1000) and the two kV flat panel imagers (PaxScan 4030CB) was evaluated in terms of spatial resolution and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) using the QC‐3 and QCkV‐1 phantoms (Standard Imaging, Inc.). Cone‐beam CTimage sets of the CatPhan phantom (The Phantom Lab.) were obtained for standard dose head (100kVp, 0.4mAs per projection) and body (125kVp, 1.04mAs) protocols. Imaging parameters of the default clinical settings were used. The end points of the comparison were spatial resolution,CT number linearity, low contrastdetectability and image uniformity. Analysis of all types of images was performed by the PIPSpro software (Standard Imaging).Results: The critical frequency (f50 in units of lp/mm) of 0.446 and 0.403 were obtained for TrueBeam and Trilogy MV detectors, respectively. The CNR was found double for Trilogy. For kilo‐voltage detectors the f50 was 1.337 and 1.363, while the CNR was better by 6% in Trilogy machine. The CBCT comparison showed a 30% higher uniformity index for the TrueBeam system for pelvis protocol and 50% higher head. No significant difference was found in low contrastdetectability and CT number linearity and resolution, 5 lp/mm. The Trilogy image was noisier by 35% and 30% for pelvis and standard head protocol, respectively. Conclusions: The critical frequencies of both kV and MV detectors were found better in TrueBeam, while CNRs were found better in Trilogy. TrueBeam preformed superiorly in CBCT in terms of image uniformity and noise level.
New system for cryogenic thermal expansion measurement

Coefficient of thermal expansion is an integral part of the performance of optical systems, especially for those which operate at cryogenic temperatures. The measurement of the coefficient of relevant materials has been of continuous interest. Besides commercial measurement sources, development of one-of-a-kind tools has always been of interest due to local needs. This paper describes one such development at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). The approach involves two vertical rods (one sample and one reference) on a flat platform. A probe bar is held horizontally atop the two samples. A temperature change will generally cause rotation of the probe bar. A mirrored surface on one end of the probe bar is used to measure the rotation using the reflection of an incident laser beam upon it. The change of the reflected beam spot position is measured by a position-sensing detector. Using other known quantities, the change determines the coefficient of thermal expansion of the sample material as a function of temperature. A parallel measurement of the rotation of the sample support platform is also performed to account for any unwanted background effects. This system has been demonstrated in a cryogenic chamber at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center X-ray Calibration Facility (XRCF). We present the system details, achievable sensitivity, and up-to-date experimental performance.
Initial Development of the Brief Arab Religious Coping Scale (BARCS)

This project aimed to develop a brief and culturally sensitive measure of positive religious coping that could be useful in research with Arab Americans of both Christian and Muslim affiliations. In Study 1,62 items were generated based on previous religious coping measures and knowledge of religious practices in the Arab community. Seventy-six community respondents completed this pilot questionnaire. Based on Rasch rating scale analysis, 15 items were retained for the Brief Arab Religious Coping Scale (BARCS). In Study 2, the BARCS was completed by an Internet sample of 599 Arab Americans. The measure demonstrated excellent reliability and strong internal validity, although it did not correlate with acculturation stress and depression as expected. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Dispositional authenticity and romantic relationship functioning.

Abstract The present study investigates the extent to which dispositional authenticity is associated with dating couples’ relationship behaviors and outcomes as well as their personal well-being. Sixty two heterosexual couples completed a measure of dispositional authenticity ( Kernis & Goldman, 2006 ), as well as measures of relationship behaviors (e.g., accommodation, self-disclosure, and trust), relationship outcomes, and well-being. Results revealed that authenticity was related to engaging in healthy relationship behaviors, which in turn predicted positive relationship outcomes and greater personal well-being. Interestingly, men’s authenticity predicted women’s relationship behaviors, but women’s dispositional authenticity was not associated with men’s relationship behaviors. The implications of dispositional authenticity and the contribution of gender roles are discussed.
VMAP: Proactive thermal-aware virtual machine allocation in HPC cloud datacenters

Clouds provide the abstraction of nearly-unlimited computing resources through the elastic use of federated resource pools (virtualized datacenters). They are being increasingly considered for HPC applications, which have traditionally targeted grids and supercomputing clusters. However, maximizing energy efficiency and utilization of cloud datacenter resources, avoiding undesired thermal hotspots (due to overheating of over-utilized computing equipment), and ensuring quality of service guaran-tees for HPC applications are all conflicting objectives, which require joint consideration of multiple pairwise tradeoffs. The novel concept of heat imbalance, which captures the unevenness in heat generation and extraction, at different regions inside a HPC cloud datacenter is introduced. This thermal awareness enables proactive datacenter management through prediction of future temperature trends as opposed to the state-of-the-art reactive management based on current temperature measurements. VMAP, an innovative proactive thermal-aware virtual machine consolidation technique is proposed to maximize computing resource utilization, to minimize datacenter energy consumption for computing, and to improve the efficiency of heat extraction. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified through experimental evaluations with HPC workload traces under single-as well as federated-datacenter scenarios (in the machine rooms at Rutgers University and University of Florida).
Lake Erie Oxygen Revisited

The problem of predicting the future hypolimnion oxygen regime in Lake Erie from past records is reassessed. Instead of comparing oxygen depletion rates, the data were manipulated to reveal comparable concentrations at the end of August each year. By removing confusion caused by variable concentrations at the beginning of stratification, the expected change of 0–2 mg/Lfrom the 1950s to present was revealed. The oxygen regime of the east basin has changed little if at all; the year-to-year variability being as large as possible trends in concentration. A water sampling device used in the earliest samplings was found to produce incorrect samples under certain conditions, thereby lessening confidence in the early data. The trajectory of oxygen concentration after stratification is independent of epilimnion productivity. It is proposed that oxygen depletion depends on average trophic conditions proceeding each stratified season. Modestly improved O2 concentrations can be expected with, periodically, low concentrations due to lake levels and weather after nutrient loading reductions. The lag of O2 response to loading reductions is at least 10 years. Lag phenomena may have prevented full O2 response to loading increases.
Technical trends in the future

On the day that Raytheon bought Hughes Electronics, A.N. Chester described how aerospace executives evaluate options for research programs. Their objective is to develop products that have value after the planned work is completed. Big changes are taking place in the environment in which a new commercial product must succeed. By "environment" means the official and unofficial rules created by social pressures, government decisions, industrial activity, and financial activity.
Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women's Spirituality in Feminist Multicultural Counseling

This article discusses considerations for integrating spirituality into feminist multicultural counseling (FMC) with diverse lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women clients. First, the authors describe the historical conflict between LBQ women and conservative religions and explain how hierarchical, patriarchal assumptions and values of conservative religions may have a negative effect on well-being and empowerment. Second, the authors describe the positive influences of affirming religions and spiritualities on LBQ women's resilience within oppressive sociocultural contexts. Third, the authors explore the relevance of FMC when integrating spirituality into counseling with LBQ women. Fourth, the authors provide an overview of a model of FMC framework for integrating spirituality into FMC. Finally, we provide a client vignette example.
Review of: Jews, God, and Videotape: Religion and Media in America, by Jeffrey Shandler

Shandler, J. (2009). New York, NY: New York University Press, 340 pp. $24.00 (paperback). Although religious media have existed for centuries, it was in the United States that American Jews first d...
Expression of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor in purified alveolar epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells, and stromal fibroblasts derived from the lactating rat mammary gland.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is produced by the lactating mammary gland and secreted into the milk; however, the function of PTHrP during lactation is unknown. Since messenger RNA for both PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor have been demonstrated within mammary tissue, a paracrine or autocrine function for PTHrP has been proposed. To investigate this hypothesis in lactating tissue, the expression of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor was examined in purified subpopulations of cells derived from lactating rat mammary glands. Subpopulations of stromal, myoepithelial, and alveolar epithelial cells were isolated from mammary tissue using enzymatic digestion and immunomagnetic purification. Isolated cells were phenotypically characterized by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural morphology. The purity of the separated alveolar and myoepithelial cells was assessed ultrastructurally and ranged from 91 to 96%. Messenger RNA and protein expression of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis, respectively. PTHrP mRNA and protein were expressed in alveolar epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts, whereas PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA and protein were expressed in all three cell types. The expression patterns for PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor support an autocrine or paracrine function for PTHrP in alveolar epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts and a paracrine function for PTHrP in myoepithelial cells in the rat mammary gland during lactation.
Agent-based service composition through simultaneous negotiation in forward and reverse auctions

Service composition is the act of taking several component products or services, and bundling them together to meet the needs of a given customer. In the future, service composition will play an increasingly important role in e-commerce, and automation will be desirable to improve speed and efficiency of customer response. In this paper, we consider a service composition agent that both buys components and sells services through auctions. It buys component services by participating in many English auctions. It sells composite services by participating in Request-for-Quotes reverse auctions. Because it does not hold a long-term inventory of component services, it must take risks; it must make offers in reverse auctions prior to purchasing all the components needed, and must bid in English auctions prior to having a guaranteed customer for the composite good. We present algorithms that is able to manage this risk, by appropriately bidding/offering in many auctions and reverse auctions simultaneously. The algorithms will withdraw from one set of possible auctions and move to another set if this will produce a better-expected outcome, but will effectively manage the risk of accidentally winning outstanding bids/offers during the withdrawal process. We illustrate the behavior of these algorithms through a set of worked examples.
Stability of Anthocyanins in the Skin of Starkrimson Apples Stored Unpackaged, Under Heat Shrinkable Wrap and In‐Package Modified Atmosphere

The concentration of cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, and an unidentified cyanidin arabinoside in the skin of Starkrimson apples stored unpackaged, under in-package modified atmosphere and in heat shrinkable wrap were determined at 7, 23, and 30 weeks storage. Carbon dioxide levels of higher than 73% in in-packaged modified atmosphere severely destablized the three anthocyanins. The unidentified cyanidin arabinoside was the most stable anthocyanin in the skin of Starkrimson apples. Cyanidin-3-galactoside was more stable in the skin of unpackaged apples than shrink-wrapped apples.
Risk-adjusted female breast cancer incidence rates in the United States

A method has been previously proposed for estimating risk-adjusted incidence rates (RAIRs) from cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Unlike conventionally reported SEER-based cancer incidence rates in the United States, but similar to the approach taken by the International Association of Cancer Registries and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the method uses only the first primary cancer of the given site. In addition, it also adjusts for population-based cancer prevalence in order to obtain a better population-based measure of cancer risk. For most cancers multiple cancer primaries are rare and the prevalence of the disease is low. However, female breast cancer has a comparatively high risk of subsequent breast cancers and is the most prevalent cancer in women. Hence, in white women RAIRs are 3.0% lower in ages 30-39, 4.2% lower in ages 40-49, 4.0% lower in ages 50-59, 4.1% lower in ages 60-69, 3.8% lower in ages 70-79, and 4.3% lower in ages 80 years and older compared with conventional rates. Corresponding lower percentages for black women are 3.9%, 6.9%, 5.1%, 7.8%, 6.0%, and 2.2%, respectively. Age-group specific trends in breast cancer incidence rates differed between RAIRs and conventional incidence rates, increasingly so with older age. The number of cancer cases in the United States is estimated from conventional incidence rates and population estimates. In 2007, the estimated number of malignant breast cancer cases was 181,665 for white women and 20,203 for black women. The estimated number of breast cancer cases decreased by 4.8% for whites and 6.5% for blacks when based on RAIRs. RAIRs are a better measure of breast cancer risk and trends in RAIRs are better for monitoring the effect of risk factors.
Syncope and Driving, Flying and Vocational Concerns

When advising a syncope patient about resumption of driving, flying or vocational activities, physicians must consider relevant laws and regulations, the etiology of the syncope, and the risk of recurrence and the impact of recurrence on the safety of the patient and others. Guidelines from professional cardiology societies may aid the physician. In the United States, private driving is regulated by individual states and their laws show significant variance. Commercial driving and flying are regulated at the federal level. These regulations tend to be more uniform, but are significantly stricter due to the potential risk to the public posed by commercial drivers or pilots with syncope. For many diagnoses, both regulations and professional society recommendations incorporate an observation period following the index syncopal event. This is due to the natural history of syncope recurrence and to allow time to monitor the response to treatment.
An Examination of the Effects of Managerial Procedural Safeguards, Managerial Likeability, and Type of Fraudulent Act on Intentions to Report Fraud to a Manager

ABSTRACT: Only a fraction of employees who discover fraud report this information. Given the serious consequences of fraud, better understanding factors influencing individuals' intentions to report fraud, particularly to a non-anonymous recipient such as a manager, is important. We predict that reporting intentions to a manager will be influenced by attributes of the firm (e.g., whether managerial procedural safeguards are strong or weak), the report recipient (e.g., whether the manager is likeable or unlikeable), and the type of fraud (e.g., misappropriation of assets or fraudulent financial reporting). Results from this experimental study indicate that managerial likeability and the type of fraud, but not managerial procedural safeguards or the interaction with managerial likeability, significantly influence reporting intentions to a manager. We contend that participants are influenced by managerial likeability because it provides specific information about the manager and acts as a signal about how th...
The Effects of Financial Statement and Informational Complexity on Cash Flow Forecasts

We characterize the operating-activities section of the indirect-approach statement of cash flows as backwards because it presents reconciling adjustments in a way that is opposite from the intuitively appealing, future-oriented, Conceptual Framework definitions of assets, liabilities and the accruals process. We propose that the reversed-accruals orientation required in the currently mandated indirect-approach statement of cash flows is unnecessarily complex, causing increased cash-flow forecast error and dispersion. We also predict that the mixed pattern (i.e., /-, -/ ) of operating cash flows and operating accruals reported by most companies also impedes investors' ability to learn the time-series properties of cash flows and accruals. We conduct a carefully controlled experiment and find that (1) cash-flow forecasts have lower forecast error and dispersion when the indirect-approach statement of cash flows starts with operating cash flows and adds changes in accruals to arrive at net income and (2) cash-flow forecasts have lower forecast error and dispersion when the cash flows and accruals are of the same sign (i.e., / , -/-) with the sign-based difference attenuated in the forward-oriented statement of cash flows. We also conduct a quasi-experiment to test our mixed-sign versus same-sign hypotheses using an archival sample of publicly available Value Line cash-flow forecasts. We find that Value Line analysts' cash-flow forecasts exhibit the same pattern of forecast error as documented in our experiment.
Helium migration in alkali galliosilicate glasses

Abstract Helium migration has been measured for lithium, sodium, and potassium galliosilicate glasses. The results are compared with those from earlier studies of helium mobility in sodium and lithium aluminosilicate glasses. The concentration dependence of the helium permeability of glasses in all five glass-forming systems exhibits an abrupt change in behavior when the concentration of the intermediate oxide exceeds that of the alkali oxide. This effect appears to be related to changes in the effect of the intermediate oxide on the atomistic structure of the glass. Morphology effects have also been found to influence strongly, helium migration in the glasses containing lithium when the concentration of the intermediate oxide is relatively small.
The relationship of canine-protected occlusion to a periodontal index

A clinical evaluation was made on 1,000 teeth in 100 patients with Angle's Class I occlusion who were free from histories of orthodontics, removable or fixed prosthesis, occlusal equilibration, maxillary or mandibular jaw fractures, and systemic diseases. The study was made to determine if there was a relation between their patterns of disclusion and a periodontal disease index. In this study, 14% of the subjects exhibited canine protection, 16% a pattern called progressive disclusion, 46% group function, and 24% a different disclusion pattern on each side. The teeth of mouths having canine-protected occlusions had significantly lower mean periodontal disease index scores than the teeth of mouths having progressive disclusion or group function. Also, the canines and the molars in the canine-protected group exhibited lower mean periodontal disease index scores than their counterparts in the progressive disclusion or group function categories.
Feedback Stabilization of Bernoulli Jump Nonlinear Systems: A Passivity-Based Approach

We study feedback stabilization of a Bernoulli jump nonlinear system. First, the relationship between stochastic passivity and stochastic stability is established. A state feedback controller that stabilizes a wide class of Bernoulli jump nonlinear systems is then designed using passivity-based tools. The advantage of our approach is that the nonlinear dynamics can be non-affine in the control input.
Body size in early life and breast cancer risk in African American and European American women.

Purpose There is growing evidence that body size in early life influences lifetime breast cancer risk, but little is known for African American (AA) women.
Suppression of Streptococcus mutans in the Mouths of Humans by a Dental Prophylaxis and Topically-applied Iodine

A prophylaxis followed by three topical applications of an iodine-potassium iodide solution significantly reduced the levels of Streptococcus mutans in fissure and approximal plaques and in saliva. Reductions persisted 20-24 weeks after treatment in salivary and approximal samples. A prophylaxis alone exerted a small and temporary reduction of S. mutans in occlusal fissure plaque, but did not reduce the levels of this organism in approximal plaque or in saliva. A significant relationship existed between the levels of S. mutans in saliva and the proportions of this organism in plaque. The dorsum of the tongue does not appear to constitute a significant reservoir for S. mutans following disinfecting procedures.
Behavioral effects: Hippocampal destruction and scopolamine

Rats with sham, cortical, and hippocampal lesions were trained in one-way and two-way avoidance tasks while under the influence of scopolamine hydrobromide. The performance of the hippocampal-lesion group was worse than that of the sham-operate group on the one-way task but better on the two-way task. This demonstrates the efficiency of the lesion on drugged animals, despite the similarity of effects of both the lesions and the drug injections.
The study of polystyrene surface swelling by quartz crystal microbalance and Rutherford backscattering techniques

A quartz crystal microbalance technique (QCM) was used to measure the mass gain of a glassy polystyrene film as 1 -iodo-n-hexane (IOH) was diffused into it. We present a technique by whichOs(t), the time dependent volume fraction of IOH at the surface of the PS film, can be obtained from the QCM data. The surface swelling data thus obtained are shown to be in good agreement with values ofOs(t) measured independently by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The QCM method has the advantage that the data are obtained continuously from one sample rather than requiring the tedious exposure and analysis of the multiple samples that the RBS method does; it is, however, sensitive to small errors in determining the mass gain rate.
Selected auditor communications and perceptions of legal liability

. “The definition of auditing calls for the communication of the degree of correspondence between assertions and established criteria” (AAA. 1972). At present, there continues to be no precise scale for measuring the degree of credibility lent to financial statements by the auditor. Don Leslie recently recommended adoption of a standard requiring auditors to disclose their operational materiality levels [Leslie, 1985]. No serious research has examined this proposal. The American Auditing Standards Board recently modified the standard form auditor's report in the United States. Neither Leslie's recommendation nor universal definitions of materiality were adopted. Among the objectives of report revision are better auditor-user communication and abridgment of auditor legal liability. Few empirical studies have considered the former; none that we know of have examined the latter. This study enters that void and examines whether selected report modifications including explicit disclosure of the working materiality thresholds underlying preparation and audit of the financial statements serve to mitigate auditor liability. A behavioral experiment was conducted with 77 general jurisdiction judges serving as subjects. Findings support the potential for meaningful modifications to the standard auditor's report to abridge auditor liability. Resume. « La definition de la verification fait intervenir la communication du degre de correspondance entre des assertions et des criteres etablis», [Traduction. AAA 1972]. A l'heure actuelle, il n'existe toujours pas d'echelle precise permettant de mesurer le degre de fiabilite que le verificateur accorde aux etats financiers. Don Leslie recommandait recemment l'adoption d'une norme exigeant que les verificateurs fassent etat des niveaux d'importance relative qu'ils utilisent [Leslie, 1985]. Cette proposition n'a fait l'objet d'aucune recherche serieuse. L'American Auditing Standards Board modifiait recemment aux Etats-Unis le rapport type du verificateur. Ni la recommandation de Leslie, ni les definitions universelles de l'importance relative n'ont ete adoptees. Parmi les objectifs de ce remaniement du rapport type du verificateur figurent une meilleure communication entre le verificateur et l'utilisateur et la limitation de la responsabilite civile du verificateur. Peu d'etudes empiriques ont porte sur la premiere question et, a notre connaissance, aucune ne s'est interessee a la seconde. Les auteurs, pour combler cette lacune, examinent si certaines modifications selectionnees apportees au rapport type du verificateur, parmi lesquelles la divulgation explicite des seuils de tolerance operationnels sous-jacents a la preparation et a la verification des etats financiers, font en sorte de limiter la responsabilite des verificateurs. Une experience de comportement a ete menee aupres de 77 juges de competence generale qui ont servi de sujets. Les resultats de l'etude confirment que des modifications pertinentes au rapport type du verificateur peuvent limiter la responsabilite de ce dernier.
Pharmacokinetics of midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl transfer to human breast milk

Background and objectives Lactating women undergoing operations requiring general anesthesia are advised to pump and discard their milk for 24 hours after the procedure. Data on anesthetic drug transfer into breast milk are limited. This study determined the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl transfer into milk to provide caregivers with data regarding the safety of breast milk after administration of these drugs. Methods Five lactating women participated in this study after providing institutionally approved written informed consent. Patients underwent premedication with midazolam before induction of anesthesia with propofol and fentanyl. Anesthesia was maintained with a potent volatile anesthetic. Milk and blood were collected before drug administration. Milk was collected 5, 7, 9, 11, and 24 hours after drug administration. Venous blood was collected at intervals up to 7 hours. Plasma and milk midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl concentrations were measured by HPLC with tandem mass spectrometric or fluorescence detection. The pharmacokinetics of drug transfer into milk was modeled with plasma pharmacokinetics. Results Plasma midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl pharmacokinetics were consistent with reports of others. In 24 hours of milk collection, averages of 0.005% (range, 0.002%-0.013%) of the maternal midazolam dose, 0.027% (0.004%-0.082%) of the propofol dose, and 0.033% (0.006%-0.073%) of the fentanyl dose were collected in milk, representing averages of 0.009%, 0.025%, and 0.039% of the respective elimination clearances. Conclusion The amount of midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl excreted into milk within 24 hours of induction of anesthesia provides insufficient justification for interrupting breast-feeding. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2006) 79, 549–557; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2006.02.010
Genetic Switches and Transcriptional Regulation: Insights from Single Molecules

The lambda repressor-mediated DNA loop governs the epigenetic switch from lysogeny (quiescence) to lysis (virulence). Using magnetic tweezers, tethered particle and atomic force microscopy, we characterized how specific and non-specific binding as well as negative supercoiling allow the loop-based lambda switch to operate across a wide range of repressor concentrations and still switch efficiently to lysis. A similar interplay of specific and non-specific binding operates in the regulatory function of the disc-shaped 186 bacteriophage repressor heptamers which, by looping and wrapping DNA, have many mechanisms found in different transcriptional factors from bacteria to eukaryotes.
Alcohol myopia revisited: Clarifying aggression and other acts of disinhibition through a distorted lens

The alcohol myopia model (AMM; Steele & Josephs, 1990) is reviewed in light of its unique ability to account for a variety of alcohol and nonalcohol-related disinhibited behaviors, particularly aggression. The AMM posits that alcohol has a narrowing, or a "myopic," effect on one's ability to attend to competing instigatory and inhibitory cues. Disinhibited behavior is presumed to occur when attention is directed toward salient provocative or instigatory cues rather than inhibitory cues. AMM research is reviewed with regard to stress and anxiety, risky sexual behavior, drinking and driving, suicide, disinhibited eating, smoking, and alcohol-related aggression. The AMM is also expanded by proposing five key mechanisms (i.e., negative affect, angry affect, hostile cognitive rumination, self-awareness, and empathy) that are likely to explain how the model is specifically involved in the alcohol-aggression relation. Finally, a number of public health interventions, extrapolated from the AMM, are proposed to stimulate future research directed at reducing the prevalence of alcohol-related violence.
The Reduction in Electroporation Voltages by the Addition of a Surfactant to Planar Lipid Bilayers

Abstract The effects of a nonionic surfactant, octaethyleneglycol mono n -dodecyl ether (C 12 E 8 ), on the electroporation of planar bilayer lipid membranes made of the synthetic lipid 1-pamitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC), was studied. High-amplitude (∼100–450mV) rectangular voltage pulses were used to electroporate the bilayers, followed by a prolonged, low-amplitude (∼65mV) voltage clamp to monitor the ensuing changes in transmembrane conductance. The electroporation thresholds of the membranes were found for rectangular voltage pulses of given durations. The strength-duration relationship was determined over a range from 10 μ s to 10s. The addition of C 12 E 8 at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 μ M to the bath surrounding the membranes decreased the electroporation threshold monotonically with concentration for all durations ( p μ s pulse, the transmembrane conductance 150 μ s after electroporation ( G 150 ) increased monotonically with the surfactant concentration ( p =0.007 for 10 μ M C 12 E 8 ). These findings suggest that C 12 E 8 incorporates into POPC bilayers, allowing electroporation at lower intensities and/or shorter durations, and demonstrate that surfactants can be used to manipulate the electroporation threshold of lipid bilayers.
1-D Computational Model of a PEM Fuel Cell Using Reaction Rate Law Kinetics to Model the Consumption of Hydrogen at the Anode

Computational models of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell have historically simulated the anode side reaction assuming the system is mass transfer limited. Specifically, the models assume that the hydrogen gas mass transfer rate is much slower than the reaction rate. Although this assumption makes computational simulations easier, the model does not accurately describe the system. This model introduces a novel method of simulating the anode side reaction. Specifically, the model uses the reaction rate law kinetics of hydrogen gas adsorption onto the platinum electrode and the subsequent ionization of the hydrogen atom to model the anode side reaction dynamics. The benefit is that the model is capable of predicting the actual behavior of the system at the electrode and polymer membrane interface. Because of the computational complexity of this system, the model assumes that a fraction of the hydrogen gas in contact with the polymer membrane dissolves into the polymer membrane and diffuses to the cathode side. The fraction of hydrogen, which is dissolved into the polymer membrane, is proportional to the Damkohler number (Da). Specifically, the model assumes that if the reactant is not completely consumed when it comes into contact with the polymer membrane that some fraction of the hydrogen gas will dissolve into the polymer membrane and will be diffused to the cathode side. In addition, because of the slight negative charge of the polymer membrane, the model assumes that no oxygen diffuses into the polymer membrane.© 2008 ASME
Analysis of K− absorption in deuterium

We have examined theoretically the capture of K− at rest by deuterium, principally in terms of final state YN interactions. In particular we calculated total rates, the momentum spectra associated with the production of Σ−+n+π+ and Λ0+p+π−, and the corresponding angular correlation. (The latter are not found to be useful except perhaps as a check). On the basis of total rates it is known that capture from theP Bohr orbit through thes wave KN channel probably dominates. This assignment is reinforced by the spectrum of the low momentum Λ peak (Λ’s converted from Σ’s). A definitive check can be made when a somewhat better converted Λ spectrum is measured, since one should observe a double peak (with a cusp at the maximum pion momentum associated with production) if this assignment is correct. Analysis of the high pion momentum Λ peak (directly produced Λ’s), using this assignment reveals that the spectrum is insensitive to the YN interaction and yet does not seem to agree with the data. This spectrum shape (and that for Σ−nπ+) depends significantly on the KN → Yπ absorption process off the energy shell, which in turn depends on the KN scattering lengths. Preliminary comparison of data and theory indicates a large negative real part for the isotopic spin one KN scattering length. Finally, from the relative rate for conversion of Σ’s into Λ’s, we deduce a minimum value for the imaginary part of the isotopic spin 1/2p wave σN scattering length. The result, larger than the pion Compton wavelength, indicates a very strong potential in the ΣN channel and/or coupling ΣN and ΛN channels, a potential much stronger than indicated by the universal pion baryon interaction. Capture from theS Bohr orbit is also extensively discussed. In this case, the spectra associated with Σ− and direct Λ production are sensitive to the final YN interaceion.
Cholecystokinin-Induced Desensitization, Receptor Phosphorylation, and Internalization in the CHP212 Neuroblastoma Cell Line

Abstract: Agonist stimulation of cells often results in desensitization of the response, to protect the cell from overstimulation. We have previously shown that the type A cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor on the pancreatic acinar cell and on the model CHO-CCKR cell line undergoes desensitization in response to CCK, with receptor phosphorylation and internalization playing key roles. Although these mechanisms contribute in a cell-specific manner, no analogous information exists for the CCK receptor expressed on neuronal cells, where in vivo data demonstrate a particularly sensitive response to CCK. The present study was designed to explore CCK receptor desensitization in the CHP212 neuroblastoma cell line, focusing on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) responses to CCK and on recognized molecular and cellular mechanisms of desensitization. CCK promptly stimulated IP3 responses in these cells, with hormonal responsiveness rapidly and completely desensitized. Both receptor phosphorylation and internalization were observed to occur, with the former occurring most rapidly and likely being responsible for the earliest desensitization observed. Although the time course of receptor phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and the groups of kinases involved in the neuroblastoma cell line, were most similar to those in the pancreatic cell, the movement of the agonist-bound receptor in these cells was quite different from that in the pancreatic cell and most similar to that in the CHO-CCKR cell line. This hybrid response supports the cell-specific nature of CCK receptor regulation and provides an important system to explore the molecular determinants of these processes.
Inactivation of Enterobacter sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula by trans-cinnamaldehyde

Enterobacter sakazakii is an emerging pathogen which causes a life-threatening form of meningitis, necrotizing colitis and meningoencephalitis in neonates and children. Epidemiological studies implicate dried infant formula as the principal source of the pathogen. Trans-cinnamaldehyde is a major component of bark extract of cinnamon. It is classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and is approved for use in food (21 CFR 182.60). The objective of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde on E. sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula. A 5-strain mixture of E. sakazakii was inoculated into 10 ml samples of reconstituted infant formula (at 6.0 log CFU/ml) containing 0%, 0.15%, 0.3% or 0.5% trans-cinnamaldehyde. The samples were incubated at 37, 23, 8 or 4 °C for 0, 6, 10 and 24 h, and the surviving populations of E. sakazakii at each sampling time were enumerated. In addition, potential cytotoxicity of trans-cinnamaldehyde, if any, was determined on human embryonic intestinal cells (INT-407). The treatments containing trans-cinnamaldehyde significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the population of E. sakazakii, compared to the controls. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (0.5%) reduced the pathogen to undetectable levels by 4 h of incubation at 37 or 23 °C and 10 h of incubation at 8 or 4 °C, respectively. Trans-cinnamaldehyde produced no cytotoxic effects on human embryonic intestinal cells at the tested concentrations. Results indicate that trans-cinnamaldehyde could potentially be used to kill E. sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula, however sensory studies are warranted before recommending its use.
Alternative schedules of levothyroxine administration.

Purpose Published evidence on bedtime versus prebreakfast administration of levothyroxine is reviewed. Summary Because levothyroxine absorption has been shown to increase when the drug is administered to patients in a fasted state, the standard recommendation is that levothyroxine be taken one half to one hour prior to breakfast and at least four hours before or after potentially interacting drugs. However, compliance with this recommendation may be problematic for patients with unpredictable or variable schedules. A literature search identified four published studies of bedtime levothyroxine dosing. Two of the studies demonstrated a significant decrease in levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with levothyroxine administration at bedtime versus 30 minutes before breakfast, one study showed an increase in TSH when levothyroxine was taken at bedtime versus one hour before breakfast, and one study found no significant differences in TSH levels or other thyroid function monitoring limitations with bedtime versus standard dosing in subjects naive to levothyroxine therapy. The inconsistent study findings may be attributable to a number of variables, including dietary differences among the study populations, the use of potentially interacting supplements in one study, and variable intervals between levothyroxine administration and food intake. Neither dosing method correlated with substantial changes in assessments of quality of life or symptom severity; in two of the studies, patients indicated a preference for bedtime levothyroxine administration. Conclusion Based on the available literature, bedtime administration of levothyroxine is an option for patients with hypothyroidism who want to avoid taking their medication with food.
Chlorine chemistry in urban atmospheres: Aerosol formation associated with anthropogenic chlorine emissions in southeast Texas

Abstract Photochemical modeling, using the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with extensions (CAMx), was used to assess the impact of anthropogenic chlorine emissions on particulate matter formation, during a photochemical episode in southeast Texas from August to September 2000. Model performance was assessed by comparing observed and predicted hydrochloric acid, particle chloride, and particle sodium concentrations. The simulations indicated that anthropogenic chlorine emissions have the potential to enhance particulate matter formation by up to 9 μg m−3 in very localized areas during brief periods in the morning; at most times and at most locations, particulate chloride formation due to anthropogenic chlorine emissions was less than 0.1 μg m−3.
Cytoplasmic inheritance of temperature sensitivity in a wild stock of Paramecium primaurelia.

One stock, GBC, has a maximum temperature of growth about 5 degrees C lower than other recently collected stocks of Paramecium primaurelia. The resistant stocks (R) are able to grow continuously at 35 degrees C while the sensitive stock (S) cells die within 48 h. The F1s of R X S crosses exhibited a cytoplasmic pattern of inheritance and all F2-by-autogamy lines derived from the S cytoplasmic parent are sensitive. The F2-by-autogamy lines cytoplasmically descended from the R parent were predominantly (93%) R in the initial assay. Upon reinvestigation one year later, only 64% of these lines were R, 9% were S, and 27% had a new phenotype, weak (W), intermediate between R and S. Backcrosses of W lines to both R and S strongly suggest that the W lines have normal cytoplasm (i.e. R) but also have nuclear gene(s) for temperature sensitivity that are derived from the original S stock. The delayed manifestation of the W phenotype is not understood.
Dissolution of ESCROs and evolution of a national ethics committee for scientific advancement.

In “Assessing ESCROs: Yesterday and Tomorrow,” Dr. Greely (2013) identifies several benefits and burdens of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) committees, and ultimately challenges us t...
EXPERT SYSTEMS FOR MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL REGULATIONS: APPLICATION TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIUM AUDITING AND EVALUATION

Financial expert systems have been developed in the past few years for applications such as credit assessment, portfolio management, and insurance underwriting. The decision making process of the experts in these application domains to a large extent relies on intuitive knowledge acquired by these experts after many years of practice. Eliciting and formalizing this knowledge is a critical phase in the design and development of such expert systems. This paper describes a prototype expert system for auditing and evaluating workers' compensation insurance premiums. This system differs from the abeve expert systems in that most of the experts' knowledge is explicitly accessible as regulations in procedures and manuals. This expert system is an instance of what can be called an expert system for regulation management (ESRM). The main role of the expert in the development of an ESRM is to explain regulations. The expert system presented here exhibits two features critical to the effectiveness of an ESRM: (i) an appropriate representation of complex regulations, and (ii) the capability to incorporate frequent changes to regulations quickly.
Stem Cell Educator Therapy and Induction of Immune Balance

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that causes the deficit of pancreatic islet β cells. A true cure has proven elusive despite intensive research pressure by using conventional approaches over the past 25 years. The situation highlights the challenges we face in conquering this disease. Alternative approaches are needed. Increasing evidence demonstrates that stem cells possess the function of immune modulation. We established the Stem Cell Educator therapy by using cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells (CB-SCs). A closed-loop system that circulates a patient’s blood through a blood cell separator, briefly co-cultures the patient’s lymphocytes with adherent CB-SCs in vitro, and returns the educated lymphocytes (but not the CB-SCs) to the patient’s circulation. Our clinical trial reveals that a single treatment with the Stem Cell Educator provides lasting reversal of autoimmunity that allows regeneration of islet β cells and improvement of metabolic control in subjects with long-standing T1D.
Reality monitoring judgments of other people’s memories

The characteristics of witnesses’ descriptions of events were varied by manipulating the type of covert rehearsal in which witnesses engaged before they described the events. Descriptions were more likely to be attributed by judges to perception than to imagination if witnesses had thought about perceptual aspects of events (e.g., colors and sounds) than if they had thought about apperceptive aspects (thoughts and feelings) before giving their descriptions. Thus, how people think about events may affect how they describe them, and people use some of the same cues to judge the source of other people’s memories as they use in making attributions about the source of their own memories (Johnson & Raye, 1981).
THE RETURNS MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Returns management is the supply chain management process by which activities associated with returns, reverse logistics, gatekeeping, and avoidance are managed within the firm and across key members of the supply chain. The correct implementation of this process enables management not only to manage the reverse product flow efficiently, but to identify opportunities to reduce unwanted returns and to control reusable assets such as containers. In this paper, we describe how the returns management process can be implemented within a firm and across the supply chain. The process is described in terms of its sub‐processes and associated activities, and the interfaces with corporate functions, other supply chain management processes and other firms. Examples of successful implementation are provided.