cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODIFICATION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE IN BLOCK COPOLYMER-WATER- OIL SYSTEMS BY VARYING THE COPOLYMER COMPOSITION AND THE OIL TYPE : SMALL-ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING AND DEUTERIUM-NMR INVESTIGATION

The study addresses the effects of block composition on the self-assembly (and resulting microstructure) of amphiphilic block copolymers in the presence of selective solvents (“water” and “oil”) by examining the ternary phase behavior and structure of two copolymers, E20P70E20 and E100P70E100, having the same block architecture (ExPyEx) and P:poly(propylene oxide) middle-block size but different E:poly(ethylene oxide) end-block sizes (Pluronic P123, E20P70E20, contains 30% E and Pluronic F127, E100P70E100, 70% E). A characterization (using SAXS and deuterium NMR) of the ternary isothermal (25 °C) E20P70E20−butyl acetate−water and E20P70E20−butanol−water systems is presented first. A variety of lyotropic liquid-crystalline (LLC) phases are thermodynamically stable in the former (butyl acetate) system, both of the “normal” (oil-in-water) and of the “reverse” (water-in-oil) morphology. In the latter (butanol) system, the reverse LLC phases are not stable but are replaced by an extensive water-lean solution r...
Stress Effects in 2d Arsenic Diffusion in Silicon

Proximity rapid thermal diffusion (RTD) using arsenic has been used for doping high aspect ratio trench capacitors which may be used in high density dynamic memories. Nonuniformity of doping has been observed in SEM analyses at the trench comers after preferential etching used for junction delineation. Severe thinning was seen at the bottom comers of the junctions produced at low temperatures for long times (90 sec). This nonuniformity was alleviated at high diffusion temperatures for short time resulting in very uniform junctions. We modeled diffusion processes for trench doping using a process simulator, TSUPREM-IV. Default program data produced large discrepancies with experimental results and a new set of parameters was derived. The stress model in the oxide growth was incorporated in our calculations of the diffusion profiles to simulate formation of the dopant glass and obtain match with the experimental results.
Human Impacts on the Fire Regime of Interior Alaska: Interactions among Fuels, Ignition Sources, and Fire Suppression

Wildfire is the major natural agent of disturbance in interior Alaska. We examined the magnitude of human impact on fire by comparing fire regime between individual 1-km2 grid cells designated for fire suppression with lands where fires are allowed to burn naturally. Two-thirds of interior Alaska has an essentially natural fire regime, with few human ignitions, negligible suppression activity, and many large lightning-caused fires. In the 17% of land that is designated for fire suppression due to its proximity to communities and roads, there was a 50% reduction in the proportion of area burned from 1992–2001, relative to areas without suppression. The remaining 16% of land serves as a buffer, receives some suppression, and has an intermediate fire regime. Even though there were 50 times more fires and the fire season began two months earlier in lands designated for suppression, most of these fires were lit by people and remained small because fires tended to occur at times and places less favorable for fire spread and were more accessible to fire fighters compared to lands not designated for suppression. Even in the absence of fire suppression, human-caused fires were less likely to exceed 400 ha compared to lightning-caused fires. Fire suppression reduced area burned in all fuel types but was somewhat more effective in less flammable (non-forest) vegetation. Alaska’s fire policy of focusing suppression efforts on a small proportion of the fire-prone region maximizes the ecological and social benefits associated with fire-dependent ecosystem services, while minimizing the social and ecological costs of suppression. Application of this policy to other areas would require well-informed managers and stakeholders to make difficult decisions about the relative costs and benefits of fire across ecologically and culturally variable landscapes.
A decomposition of En (n≥3) into points and a null sequence of cellular sets

The non-manifold dog bone space of W.T. Eaton is modified to obtain a decomposition of Euclidean n-space, n≥3, into points and a null sequence of cellular sets so that the resulting decomposition space is not a manifold. Our construction follows a procedure given by R.J. Daverman who has proved this result for n≥5. Our construction has the advantage of working in all possible dimensions including the previously unknown dimension 4.
Specification and testing of some modified count data models

Abstract This paper explores the specification and testing of some modified count data models. These alternatives permit more flexible specification of the data-generating process (dgp) than do familiar count data models (e.g., the Poisson), and provide a natural means for modeling data that are over- or underdispersed by the standards of the basic models. In the cases considered, the familiar forms of the distributions result as parameter-restricted versions of the proposed modified distributions. Accordingly, score tests of the restrictions that use only the easily-computed ML estimates of the standard models are proposed. The tests proposed by Hausman (1978) and White (1982) are also considered. The tests are then applied to count data models estimated using survey microdata on beverage consumption.
Promoter variants of KIR2DL5 add to diversity and may impact gene expression.

Sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified genomic DNA encompassing the putative proximal promoter and the coding region was used to identify KIR2DL5 alleles from 77 unrelated Caucasian individuals. PCR and sequencing were used to link each new allele to its neighboring KIR locus to identify 2DL5A or 2DL5B loci. Allele 2DL5A*001 was found in 24 of the 37 2DL5 positive individuals; 2DL5B*0020101 and 2DL5A*0050101 were also observed. Two new alleles, 2DL5B*008 and 2DL5B*009, contained substitutions altering the amino acid sequence of the leader and transmembrane region, respectively. Two other novel alleles, 2DL5B*0020102 and 2DL5A*0050102, contained alterations of the 5′ upstream region, bringing the number of unique promoter sequences to six. Promoter activity of the alleles was compared using luciferase reporter assays. Our results support those recently published, in which the promoter of 2DL5B*0020101 was shown to be more active in vitro compared to 2DL5A*001, and also provide additional information about the transcriptional activity of the promoters of the newly characterized alleles related to two altered transcription factor binding sites.
Dependence of device characteristics on quantum well thickness in ZnSe/ZnCdSe multi-quantum well blue-green laser diodes

Abstract ZnSe/Zn 0.85 Cd 0.15 Se multi-quantum well (MQW) diode structures with different well thicknesses ( L w ) in the range of 6–13 nm were fabricated, and device characteristics of the diodes were studied in terms of crystalline quality of the MQW layers. In order to investigate the relationship between the device characteristics and the crystalline quality of the MQW layers, the intensity of spontaneous emission from MQW diode structures was measured. The emission intensity increased with increasing L w and showed a maximum value at L w = 10 nm, followed by rather rapid reduction of the emission intensity at L w > 10 nm. This decrease of emission intensity is suggested to be due to the lattice relaxation caused by dislocation formation at the interface taking account of critical thickness of the MQW structure. The lasing characteristics of ZnSe/ZnCdSe MQW blue-green laser diodes are also described.
Students' Motives for Communicating with their Instructors: Considering Instructor Socio-communicative Style, Student Socio-communicative Orientation, and Student Gender

The purpose of this study was to explore how student motives to communicate (i.e., relational, functional, participatory, excuse making, sycophantic) with their instructors are influenced jointly by perceived instructor socio-communicative style and student socio-communicative orientation. Participants were 225 students enrolled in a variety of introductory communication courses at a Midwestern university. Results indicate that (a) the relational and sycophantic motives to communicate are related to both student and instructor assertiveness and responsiveness, (b) the functional, participatory, and excuse making motives to communicate are related to student assertiveness, and (c) the participatory and functional motives are related to instructor responsiveness and student responsiveness, respectively. Moreover, it was found that (a) female students communicate more for the functional motive than male students and (b) male students communicate more for the relational and the sycophantic motives than female...
Convergent sampling of continuous time hereditary stochastic systems

Abstract An effective control of hereditary stochastic dynamical processes involving time-varying delays requires identification of the corresponding system parameters. A valid model is needed for an appropriate parameter identification and estimation. This paper presents a regorous derivation of a discrete time stochastic delayed dynamical system from the continuous model. The discrete model will be shown to be a valid representation of the continuous time stochastic differential equation with time-varying delays. The model construction is implemented in three steps. First, the proof of elxistence and uniqueness of a solution to the stochastic delayed differential equation and then, discretization of the continuous model followed by the proof of verification.
Cone the valve be repaired

C H D 5. Quaegebeur JM, Sreeram N, Fraser AG, Bogers AJ, Stumper OF, Hess J, et al. Surgery for Ebstein’s anomaly: the clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of a new technique. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1991;17:722-8. 6. da Silva JP, Baumgratz JF, da Fonseca L, Franchi SM, Lopes LM, Tavares GM, et al. The cone reconstruction of the tricuspid valve in Ebstein’s anomaly. The operation: early and midterm results. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007;133: 215-23. 7. Anderson HN, Dearani JA, Said SM, Norris MD, Pundi KN, Miller AR, et al. Cone reconstruction in children with Ebstein anomaly: The Mayo Clinic experience. Congenit Heart Dis. 2014;9:266-71. 8. Dearani JA, Said SM, O’Leary PW, Burkhart HM, Barnes RD, Cetta F. Anatomic repair of Ebstein’s malformation: lessons learned with cone reconstruction. Ann Thorac Surg. 2013;95:220-6; discussion 6-8. 9. Vogel M, Marx GR, Tworetzky W, Cecchin F, Graham D, Mayer JE, et al. Ebstein’s malformation of the tricuspid valve: short-term outcomes of the ‘‘cone procedure’’ versus conventional surgery. Congenit Heart Dis. 2012;7: 50-8.
Temporal Response of Bacterial Cells to High Pressures

Cells encounter physicochemical fluctuations in their environment on a routine basis. Bacterial cells have developed regulatory mechanisms to cope with many of these stress fluctuations. The response of the cells to different stresses may depend on the type, magnitude and the duration of the stress [1]. While the stress response of bacterial cells to temperature fluctuations is relatively known, the stress response to fluctuations in high pressures is not explored. We experimentally study the effect of pressure fluctuations on a mesophilic bacterium, Escherichia coli. Specifically, we study the cell morphology, cell division, and gene expression of the one of the major cytoskeletal proteins MreB, which is implicated in maintaining both the cell shape and cell division, as a function of temporal fluctuations in pressure. We find that the probability of high pressure induced elongation of bacterial cells or lack of cell division decreases as the cells are allowed to relax at lower hydrostatic pressure. Moreover, we find that for a given pressure, the rate of cell division depends on the ratio of doubling time and the time scale of relaxation to normal pressure. From our data we can quantify the critical time-scale over which cell morphology and cell division does not exhibit any apparent changes compared to bacterial cells at normal growth conditions. Our experimental results can be explained by a two state stochastic model of bacterial cell elongation at high pressure and relaxation to normal morphology at normal pressures [3]. Our results shed light on the cellular response of bacterial cells to novel stress fluctuations.References:[1] D. Klutz, Molecular and Evolutionary Basis of the Cellular Stress Response. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 67, 225-257 (2005).[2] P. Kumar and A. Libchaber, Cell fates and reversibility of E. coli at high pressures. (preprint).
Heparan sulfate biosynthesis by embryonic tissues and primary fibroblast populations

Abstract Fibroblasts from cornea, heart, and skin of day 14 embryonic chicks demonstrate the ability to make heparan sulfate-like polysaccharide when examined during the 10 hr period immediately following their removal from the embryo. Both the whole tissues from which these fibroblasts are isolated and the fibroblasts grown for 2–5 weeks in vitro also synthesize heparan sulfate. During their first few days in vitro , the three fibroblast populations display increasing rates of [ 35 S]-sulfate and d -[1- 3 H]-Glucosamine incorporation into glycosaminoglycans and sharp fluctuations of those rates, yet the percentage of total [ 35 S]-sulfate incorporated into heparan sulfate-like polysaccharide and the distribution of this polysaccharide between cells and nutrient medium do not change significantly. During their first 48 hr in vitro , skin fibroblasts, but not those from cornea or heart, show steadily decreasing discrepancies between the proportions of [ 35 S]-sulfate and d -[1- 3 H]-Glucosamine incorporated into heparan sulfate, suggesting a sharp decline in the synthesis of nonsulfated glycosaminoglycans. These data support the hypothesis of Kraemer than many cell-types in vivo may normally make heparan sulfate. The data largely eliminate the hypothesis that the biosynthesis of this polysaccharide is selectively stimulated as embryonic cells adapt to growth in vitro .
Dreams in the acute aftermath of trauma and their relationship to PTSD

Dreams following trauma have been suggested to aid emotional adaptation, yet trauma-related nightmares are a diagnostic symptom of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There is little published data relating dreams to PTSD soon after trauma. We assessed dreams and PTSD in 60 injured patients after life-threatening events and obtained follow-up assessments in 39 of these participants 6 weeks later. Ten of 21 dream reports from morning diaries were rated and described as similar to the recent traumatic event. The participants reporting these distressing “trauma dreams” had more severe concurrent PTSD symptoms than those reporting other categories of dreams and had more severe initial and follow-up PTSD than those without dream recall. These findings along with our preliminary longitudinal observations relating changes in dream patterns to outcome, suggest a relationship of dream characteristics and early adaptive versus maladaptive patterns of processing traumatic memory.
Studies on the mechanism of ventricular activity. I. The nature of the P-R interval.

Abstract In BOTH man and experimental animal, the fact has been established that only a fraction of the normal P-R interval represents passage of the excitation impulse across the auricular myocardium. Lewis 1 calculated that the speed of the impulse in the dog's auricle during normal sinus rhythm is approximately 1,000 mm. per second. By means of simultaneous esophageal leads, the normal impulse in the human auricle has been found to travel at a rate of at least 500 mm. per second 2 . If these determinations are accurate, the cardiac impulse traverses the auricles from the sinoauricular node to the A-V node in approximately 0.05 second, or in about one-third of the period occupied by the P-R interval in the normal electrocardiogram. The purpose of this communication is to present new data concerning the delay in conduction responsible for the remaining portion of the normal P-R interval.
Reprogramming donor T cells for adoptive immunotherapy

Harnessing the immune system to fight malignancies has been the primary goal in tumor immunology for over a century. The introduction of humanized monoclonal antibodies as therapeutic agents has revolutionized cancer therapy over the last two decades, has generally been associated with very acceptable toxicities and has become standard of care in a number of cancers, with the CD20-specific antibodies being the first and most prominent representative in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. However, passive antibody therapy, despite its huge success has its limitations, which include its single antigen specificity and the potential tumor cell escape by antigen downregulation. By contrast, cellular therapy approaches are very attractive due to the potential transfer of long-lasting immunity. For more than half a century [1] it has been well established that allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation can be associated with a very potent graftversus-malignancy or leukemia effect (GVL) [2], which is frequently linked to the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a potentially devastating complication of allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation with significant mortality and morbidity [3]. After identification of donor T cells as the major mediators of GVHD and subsequent clinical trials aiming to prevent GVHD by means of administering T-cell depleted stem cell grafts, it was recognized that T-cell depletion resulted in significant attenuation of the GVL effect, especially in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia [2]. Prevention of GVHD without concomitant mitigation of the GVL response is therefore considered the holy grail, and has remained at the center of attention in allo geneic stem cell transplantation research. Different approaches currently under investigation to induce sustained GVL effects without GVHD, are based on the improved understanding of the pathogenetic factors controlling the
Effect of chronic cold exposure on tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA in rat adrenal gland

The effect of chronic stress on the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) RNA in rat adrenal gland was investigated by RNA-DNA hybridization using a cloned TH cDNA probe. Results of dot-blot hybridization experiments and northern analysis demonstrate that exposure of animals to cold for 1 week results in a 4-5-fold increase in the relative abundance of TH mRNA. This increase in TH mRNA level may underlie the increase in adrenal TH activity that is known to occur when rats are exposed to such cold stress.
Nutrient and Radium Fluxes from Submarine Groundwater Discharge to Port Royal Sound, South Carolina

Water exchange between the coastal ocean and underlying aquifers provides a newly-recognized source of materials to the ocean. The flux of materials into the ocean from this process is termed submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Both surficial and semi-confined aquifers contribute to SGD. Here we use 226Ra and 228Ra to quantify fluxes of SGD to Port Royal Sound, South Carolina, and to separate fluxes from the Upper Floridan (UFA) and surficial aquifers. Higher activity ratios of 228/226Ra in the surficial aquifer make this separation possible. We estimate total SGD fluxes of about 100 m3 s-1 with about 80% being derived from the surficial aquifer. The SGD flux provides about1.8 × 106 mol d-1 of NH4 with almost 90% from the surficial aquifer. Because of strong differences in the concentration of PO4 within the UFA, PO4 fluxes areless certain. Using the UFA wells with low PO4 concentrations yields a flux of 1.2 × 105 mol d-1; using wells with high concentrations yields a flux of 2.0 × 105 mol d-1. In the first case virtually all of the PO4 flux is from the surficial aquifer; in the second case, 40% is from the UFA. The UFA in this region has experienced dramatic changes as a result of withdrawals for human use. Prior to these withdrawals, total nutrient fluxes from the UFA may have been even larger. These changes in the UFA and similar coastal aquifers worldwide have the potential to significantly alter a major nutrient source for the coastal ocean.
A novel optical heterodyne vibration sensor scheme, preserving directional information and using a short coherence length source

Abstract A novel optical heterodyne interferometer vibration sensor which utilises optical fibres is proposed, in which a simplified optical configuration is employed, and a low coherence “CD”-type multimode laser diode source is used. Using this arrangement, directional information is preserved and the results thus obtained are contrasted with those obtained using a single mode gas laser source.
Geotechnical Properties of Selected Puerto Rican Soils in Relation to Climate and Parent Rock

Shear strength parameters of both undisturbed and remolded samples, engineering index properties, and mineralogy of nine Puerto Rican Oxisols and Ultisols grading to Oxisols are described. Cohesion, dry density, activity and mineralogy exhibit systematic variations which relate to parent rock and amount of precipitation under which the soils developed. This observation supports the concept of previous workers who suggest an engineering classification of tropical soils based on degree of weathering and the parent rock type.
Shining Light into Black Boxes

The publication and open exchange of knowledge and material form the backbone of scientific progress and reproducibility and are obligatory for publicly funded research. Despite increasing reliance on computing in every domain of scientific endeavor, the computer source code critical to understanding and evaluating computer programs is commonly withheld, effectively rendering these programs “black boxes” in the research work flow. Exempting from basic publication and disclosure standards such a ubiquitous category of research tool carries substantial negative consequences. Eliminating this disparity will require concerted policy action by funding agencies and journal publishers, as well as changes in the way research institutions receiving public funds manage their intellectual property (IP).
Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor on remaining neurons in the lesioned nucleus basalis magnocellularis.

Abstract Rats received a unilateral lesion of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) by infusion of ibotenic acid. Starting 2 weeks after the lesion, the animals were treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by intraparenchymal infusion of 3 μg per day for 4 weeks. Lesioned control animals received a similar amount of cytochromec. The activity of cholone acethyltransferase (ChAT) in the frontal neocortex was signigicantly reduced by the lesion (−39%). However, the intraparenchymal treatment with NGF or BDNF did not affect cortical ChAT activity. The number of p75 NGF receptor-immunoreactive neurons in the NBM was significantly decreased (−49%) by the lesion and was not affected by NGF or BDNF. The size of the remaining neurons was significantly increased by NGF (+32%), but not by BDNF (+12%). Similarly, in situ hybridization showed enhanced expression of the p75 NGF receptor following treatment with NGF, but not with BDNF. These results suggest that although BDNF occurs in the target area of cholinergic NBM neurons, its effects on these neurons are less pronounced than those of NGF.
Mast cells and dendritic cells in basal cell carcinoma stroma.

Background. The interaction of tumors with the surrounding stroma has become an important topic in tumor biology. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) stroma has been characterized as hypervascular and rich in mast cells. The presence of dermal dendrocytes thought to have both antigen presenting and wound healing functions has recently been reported in BCC stroma. GP1b-α is a newly described vascular adhesion molecule with potential significance in tumor biology. Objective. To further characterize the cellular phenotype of BCC stroma. Methods. Eleven BCCs (8 nodular, 2 sclerosing, 1 adenoid-cystic) were examined using immunohistochemical techniques for the presence of antigens specific to vascular endothelium, mast cells, and dermal dendrocytes. Results. The stroma of all BCCs demonstrated increased vascularity, increased numbers of mast cells, and increased numbers of dermal dendrocytes expressing both CD34 and GP1b-α adjacent to tumor nests. No differences in antigen expression were observed between histologic subtypes of BCC. Conclusion. The close proximity of stromal mast cells and dermal dendrocytes surrounding BCC nests suggests a biologically significant interaction. The pattern observed is similar to that observed in healing wounds.
Effects of periodic reinforced-concrete structures on power transmission

Optimization of wireless power transmission through periodic reinforced concrete structures is studied here. Computational methods are applied to investigate the transmission and reflection coefficients for reinforced concrete slabs as a function of concrete slab thickness and rebar configurations at different frequencies. Electric field induced inside reinforced concrete is also examined. Specifically, these analysis lead to the identification of optimum conditions for wireless powering of sensors embedded in reinforced concrete for structural health monitoring.
Early development of aggression in chickens: The relative importance of pecking and leaping

Abstract A longitudinal study (employing a multiple separation technique) of chicks' social behavior over the first postnatal month indicated systematic changes in their mode of physical interactions. During the first week or so, intersubject pecking in same-sex pairs was frequent, and was more likely in birds with a home cage advantage (i.e., a prior resident effect). However, there were no sex differences in any of the forms of social pecking (head, body, or feet of the opponent), and all types showed significant decreases over the period of the study. On the contrary, there was a strong effect for sex on rates of aggressive leaping, with males exhibiting more leaps than females. Further, there was a clear increase in leaping over the first weeks of testing, and something of a decline thereafter. These data suggest that in this species the definitive expression of aggressive or dominance behavior may be leaping. Early social pecking (during a period in which this behavior was at its maximum rate) did not predict the subsequent leaping behavior of individuals, but later “leap orders” were highly associated with later “peck orders”.
Heat stability of micellar casein concentrates as affected by temperature and pH.

The increased interest in using micellar casein concentrates (MCC) obtained by microfiltration in the manufacture of shelf-stable high-protein beverages creates a need to understand the effect of sterilization treatments on the stability of this ingredient. The goals of this work were to (1) elucidate the effects of pH and heat treatment temperatures in the sterilization range on the stability of MCC, and (2) use the generated knowledge to develop solutions for stabilizing the MCC during sterilization treatments. Micellar casein concentrate powders were reconstituted, and the resulting casein dispersions were adjusted to pH values of 6.5 to 7.3. Subsequently, the MCC samples were heated in an oil bath to 110 to 150°C. The treated samples were evaluated for particle size, soluble minerals, and casein dissociation. At pH 6.9, few or no changes were observed after heat treatment. Casein dissociation increased with increasing pH for all caseins, at all temperatures, with dissociation of κ-casein and β-casein being the most pronounced. At higher pH, the levels of dissociated α(s)-casein decreased after heat treatment, suggesting aggregation of α(s)-casein in the presence of Ca and protection lost by κ-casein. It was concluded that increased stability of MCC requires increasing the pH or lowering the processing temperature. After applying these modifications, MCC was submitted to both retorting and UHT sterilization, at equivalent lethality. A significant reduction in particle size was obtained and no coagulation or aggregation occurred after retorting or UHT under the modified conditions as compared with the controls. The knowledge generated in this study will allow the effective stabilization of MCC in practical applications, such as the production of high-protein, shelf-stable beverages.
Lipolysis of Laurate Glycerides by Pancreatic and Milk Lipase

Summary Trilaurin, 1,3-dilaurin, and 1- and 2-monolaurins were lipolyzed by pancreatic and purified milk lipases. Rates of digestion of the substrates decreased in the order listed above. Acyl migration was noted when 2-monolaurin was the substrate. The crude pancreatic lipase preparation may have contained other lipases as both 1- and 2-monolaurins were hydrolyzed. Significance of the findings with regard to the study of triglyceride structure is discussed.
Estimation of Melting Points of Organic Compounds

A combination of additive group contributions and nonadditive molecular parameters is employed to estimate the normal melting points of 1215 organic compounds. The melting points are calculated from the ratio of the total phase change enthalpy and entropy of melting. The total phase change enthalpy of melting is calculated from the enthalpic group contributions, whereas the total phase change entropy of melting is estimated using a semiempirical equation based on only two nonadditive molecular parameters. The average absolute error in estimating the melting points of these organic compounds is 33.2 K. This is a relatively low value considering the wide range of pharmaceutically and environmentally relevant organic compounds included in this data set.
SU‐E‐T‐595: A Novel Method to Generate Treatment Plans for Vaginal Cylinder Patients in Oncentra: A Seamless Transition from No Imaging to 3D Brachytherapy

Introduction: Standard treatment plan library has been often used to ensure a quick turn‐around time for vaginal cylinder treatments. Recently there is an interest to move conventional brachytherapy to 3D image based treatment planning. New treatment planning systems like Oncentra MasterPlan are being introduced into the market to cater to this segment requiring 3D images yet without any option for a standard treatment plan library. We demonstrate here a novel technique using which the CT‐based vaginal cylinder treatment planning time could be significantly reduced. Methods: Oncentra allows multiple sets of data points to be classified as applicator points. It relies on two hard anchor points [i.e., the first dwell position and a predefined dwell position as the origin] and a soft anchor point beyond the last active dwell position to define the axis of the catheter. Information about the spatial location of various points on the applicator and at 5 mm depth is stored in an excel file which can be easily pasted in actual treatment plan. The rest treatment planning process moves identical to any other treatment plan. We evaluated the accuracy and the time needed for the whole process of CT based vaginal cylinder planning. Results: The treatment plans generated using our method on Oncentra on patient CT scans and on Plato TPS using standard treatment plan library yielded comparable results in terms of treatment times, dwell weights, dwell times for a given optimization and normalization points. Less than 1 % difference was noticed between the treatment times generated between both the systems. Using the above method, the entire planning process on a CT data set, including CT importing, point definition, optimization and dose prescription, was usually around 5 minutes, Conclusion: The proposed method allows a smooth transition from no image to the 3D brachytherapy for vaginal cylinder treatments.
Anisotropic grain growth in TiO2-doped alumina

Abstract Grain growth in TiO 2 -doped alumina was studied in a high density, ultrafine matrix (0.4 μm. Normal grain growth, anisotropic grain growth and abnormal grain growth were observed. With 0.15-0.4 wt.% TiO 2 , samples initially undergo normal grain growth until a crystal microstructure is attained and anisotropic grain growth in nucleated. Large anisotropic, platelet-shaped grains grow rapidly by a step growth process until impingement of the large grains essentially stops further growth. The volume fraction of anisotropic grains ranged from 20 to 100 vol.% suggesting that physical properties dependent on grain shape and volume fraction can be tailored. Critical requirements are proposed for the in situ growth of anisotropic grains.
CD44-9v and CD44-10v are potential molecular markers for squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

Objective CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein widely distributed in the extracellular matrix. CD44 isoforms arising from alternative mRNA splicing are implicated in tumor metastases. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of CD44s and two splice variants, CD44-9v and CD44-10v, in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva as well as its correlation with lymph node (LN) metastases and disease-free survival. Methods Thirty-five SCC vulvar tumors were evaluated for CD44s, CD44-9v, and CD44-10v expression by immunocytochemistry. One nonmetastatic LN was studied also. In cases with LN metastases, the metastatic LN as well as a nonmetastatic LN from the same patient were evaluated. Results CD44s and CD44-9v were expressed in all epithelia--normal, dysplastic, and SCC. However, intensity and distribution of expression of 9v isoforms changed within the tissue containing invasive cancer. CD44-9v expression was downregulated in the most differentiated cells within the carcinoma, mainly in patients who had disease recurrence or eventually died of disease (P = .031). All metastatic tumor to LNs was immunoreactive also for CD44-9v. CD44-10v expression was present in 78% of tumors and 56% of normal epithelium. Interestingly, CD44-10v membrane expression, but not cytoplasmic expression, correlated with disease recurrence (P = .035). Conclusion Our findings warrant larger multi-institutional studies to determine the potential of CD44-9v and CD44-10v as molecular markers of disease recurrence in vulvar carcinoma. We propose to test the use of anti-CD44-9v monoclonal antibody for radioimmunoimaging of occult LN metastases.
Endocrinopathy in mice affected with scrapie.

SCRAPIE is a protracted neurologic disease of sheep that is caused by a virus-like agent1. The prominent neuropathologic lesions of scrapie are hypertrophy and proliferation of astrocytes, vacuolation of grey matter and progressive degeneration of neurones2,3. The scrapie agent induces a similar disease in the mouse4. Characteristic clinical features include a waddling gait, reluctance to move, dullness, loss of condition and stiffness of the tail. Evidence of endocrinopathy was observed in two inbred strains of mice affected with scrapie. I shall describe pathologic changes in the reproductive organs of the Balb/c mouse and change in coat colour of the C57 black mouse.
Gallium-Arsenide Tunnel Diodes

The fabrication and properties of GaAs tunnel diodes are described. The material preparation is discussed; devices are described which have been fabricated consistently with peak to valley current ratios > 15:1, with voltage swings in the range from 0.9 to 1.2, and with current densities from 2000 amp/cm2 to over 10,000 amp/cm2 (and with correspondingly low capacitances, e.g., capacitances as low as 0.2 ??f/ma and g/C figures of merit as high as 5×1010 sec-1). The temperature behavior of typical units is presented. Applications particularly well suited to GaAs units are mentioned.
Aiding usability evaluation via detection of excessive visual search

This paper presents an objective evaluation of several methods for the automated classification of excessive visual search, a technique which has the potential to aid in the identification of usability problems during software usability testing. Excessive visual search was identified by a number of eye movement metrics, including: fixation count, saccade amplitude, convex hull area, scanpath inflections, scanpath length, and scanpath duration. The excessive search intervals identified by each algorithm were compared to those produced by manual classification. The results indicate that automated classification can be successfully employed to substantially reduce the amount of recorded data reviewed during usability testing, with relatively little loss in accuracy.
Comparison of Vibringe, EndoActivator, and needle irrigation on sealer penetration in extracted human teeth.

Abstract Introduction Vibringe is a new device that allows continuous sonic irrigation of the canal system during endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different irrigation systems on sealer penetration into dentinal tubules of extracted single-rooted teeth. Methods Fifty single-rooted human teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into 4 groups: group 1 (control), saline; group 2 (conventional irrigation), 17% EDTA followed by 6% NaOCl; group 3 (EndoActivator), same irrigants as group 2; group 4 (Vibringe), same irrigants as group 2. Obturation of all teeth was done with gutta-percha and SimpliSeal labeled with fluorescent dye. Transverse sections at 1 mm and 5 mm from the root apex were examined by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured by using NIS-Elements Br 3.0 imaging software. Results Groups 3 and 4 had a significantly greater percentage of the canal wall penetrated by sealer at the 5-mm level than group 1 (P Conclusions The use of sonic activation with either the EndoActivator or Vibringe did not significantly improve the sealer penetration when compared with conventional irrigation.
Techniques for Measuring Selective Exposure: A Critical Review

Prior research has identified selective exposure (i.e., the tendency to consume information that is consistent with one's existing beliefs) as a phenomenon that may reduce the likelihood that individuals are exposed to diverse information or perspectives. However, weaknesses associated with techniques commonly used to measure selective exposure have led to ambiguity in the interpretation of past results and inconsistency in findings across studies. This paper provides a review of previous research that has investigated selective exposure, particularly in a political context, by measuring participants' retrospective reports of exposure to prior information, by assessing behavioral intentions to consume information in the future, by observing selective exposure behavior directly, or by investigating aggregated behavioral information recorded over a period of time. These prior methods are critically evaluated and recommendations are made which should improve the measurement of selective exposure and conseque...
Type of Reinforcement and Generality in Verbal Operant Conditioning

Social approval and correctness reinforcement were compared, with a noncontingent reinforcement control group. Extinction trials were conducted either by the same E or by a different E. 5 Es, randomly selected from 10 available, generally were assigned 2 Ss in each of the resulting 6 conditions. The two types of reinforcement appeared to be equally effective with respect to effects on verbal operant conditioning (p < .001), but social approval resulted in less generality than reinforcement for being correct. Ss receiving social approval exhibited significantly more rapid extinction in an altered stimulus situation with a different E (p < .05). As social approval typically has been used, these results suggest why numerous previous verbal conditioning studies have failed to yield generalizable effects.
Operant conditioning methodology in the assessment of food preferences: Introductory comments

This paper provides a general introduction to the methodology used in the next three papers of this monograph to test dogs' food preferences. This "operant conditioning" methodology was developed in behavioral laboratories concerned with learning in animals. The logic of the methodology is described, some technical and practical aspects of the methodology are summarized, and its application in the hedonic-scaling of qualitatively different foods is discussed. The relation between this new methodology and the traditional two-bowl preference test is reviewed.
Duox2 exhibits potent heme peroxidase activity in human respiratory tract epithelium

The dual oxidase isozymes Duox1 and Duox2 exhibit functional NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase activity in thyroid and respiratory tract cells and are thought to be essential for H2O2 generation in these tissues. However, it is not universally accepted that the heme peroxidase domains of the Duox isozymes are functional. To address this question, we modulated Duox2 expression in human tracheobronchial epithelial (TBE) cell culture systems and quantified peroxidase activity. We discovered that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) induced robust peroxidase activity in TBE cells that paralleled Duox2 expression. IFN-γ-induced peroxidase activity was abolished in the presence of sodium azide, which implicated the activation of a heme peroxidase. IFN-γ-induced peroxidase activity was abolished in TBE cell lines expressing anti-Duox2 short hairpin RNA transcripts. Together, these data unequivocally demonstrated that Duox2 contains a functional heme peroxidase in intact respiratory tract epithelium.
The Decertification of Transferred Youth Examining the Determinants of Reverse Waiver

Much of the research on juvenile transfer to adult court examines the predictors of the waiver decision. Few studies, however, have focused on the determinants of decertification, a process whereby certain initially transferred youth are reverse waived to juvenile court. This study sought to examine this underresearched area by focusing specifically on the factors that predict decertification and utilizing quantitative data pertaining to 345 youth initially transferred to adult court in 1996 under Pennsylvania's law that automatically excludes certain youth from juvenile court jurisdiction. The findings indicated that legal factors are the strongest predictors of decertification. The need for further research and policy implications also are discussed.
Body Image: Interfacing Behavioral and Medical Sciences

Body image, and more specifically body image dissatisfaction, is believed to play a central role in motivating a number of appearance-enhancing behaviors—including weight loss, cosmetic and fashion purchases, and aesthetic surgery. The term “body image” has been defined a number of different ways. It most commonly refers to an individual's experiences of embodiment, especially self-perceptions and self-attitudes toward one's appearance. Body image is typically viewed as a multidimensional construct, consisting of perceptual, attitudinal, and behavioral components. The two most central body image dimensions are body image evaluation (e.g., satisfaction or dissatisfaction) and body image investment (i.e., the psychological importance of one's appearance to his or her sense of self or self-worth). Much like the growth of aesthetic surgery, interest in the psychological construct of body image has blossomed in popularity over the past few decades. Much of this growth has been attributed to the increased attention on eating disorders and obesity in the mental health community. As a result, the field often has taken a rather myopic view of body image, focusing primarily on weight and shape concerns. In reality, the future of the field of body image likely lies at the interface of behavioral and medical sciences, including plastic surgery. This interaction is reflected in important peer-reviewed …
Multistatic scattering from moving targets in multipath environments

We are examining the feasibility of ground target detection and tracking in urban centers using ground moving target indicator (GMTI) radar when line-of-sight (LOS) coverage is intermittent, yet multipath responses from building walls are available. We enhance the standard ray-tracing propagation methods that assume specular wall reflections and point scattering target models. Our two-dimensional analysis includes near field reradiation from the illuminated wall to a target having a multistatic response. We also evaluate the degradation of power and coherency in the signal processing due to wall surface roughness. Results of this work provide insight for the development of processing techniques that may be required for multipath exploitation radar.
Introduction to Volume 5 of the Annual Review of Financial Economics

In Volume 5 of the Annual Review of Financial Economics, we continue focusing on the role of banks and credit in the recent financial crisis with articles on too big to fail, credit-rating agencies, corporate governance for banks, bank leverage and real interest rates, and financial contagion in the banking sector. More traditional topics such as dynamic capital-structure models, cross-sectional asset pricing tests, trends in firm-specific volatility, short selling, and conglomerates and the theory of the firm are also included. In addition, we have two contributions that fall outside the mainstream of financial economics, one involving capital allocation in the insurance industry and the other involving tax issues at the intersection of law and finance. But we begin this volume with a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the publications of Black & Scholes (1973) and Merton (1973b) on pricing options and other derivative securities, two articles that forever changed the theory and practice of financi...
Collapsin Response Mediator Protein-2 (Crmp2) Regulates Trafficking by Linking Endocytic Regulatory Proteins to Dynein Motors

Endocytosis is a conserved cellular process in which nutrients, lipids, and receptors are internalized and transported to early endosomes, where they are sorted and either channeled to degradative pathways or recycled to the plasma membrane. MICAL-L1 and EHD1 are important regulatory proteins that control key endocytic transport steps. However, the precise mechanisms by which they mediate transport, and particularly the mode by which they connect to motor proteins, have remained enigmatic. Here we have identified the collapsin response mediator protein-2 (Crmp2) as an interaction partner of MICAL-L1 in non-neuronal cells. Crmp2 interacts with tubulin dimers and kinesin and negatively regulates dynein-based transport in neuronal cells, but its expression and function in non-neuronal cells have remained poorly characterized. Upon Crmp2 depletion, we observed dramatic relocalization of internalized transferrin (Tf) from peripheral vesicles to the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC), similar to the effect of depleting either MICAL-L1 or EHD1. Moreover, Tf relocalization to the ERC could be inhibited by interfering with microtubule polymerization, consistent with a role for uncoupled motor protein-based transport upon depletion of Crmp2, MICAL-L1, or EHD1. Finally, transfection of dynamitin, a component of the dynactin complex whose overexpression inhibits dynein activity, prevented the relocalization of internalized Tf to the ERC upon depletion of Crmp2, MICAL-L1, or EHD1. These data provide the first trafficking regulatory role for Crmp2 in non-neuronal cells and support a model in which Crmp2 is an important endocytic regulatory protein that links MICAL-L1·EHD1-based vesicular transport to dynein motors.