cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Another two graphs with no planar covers

A graph H is a cover of a graph G if there exists a mapping Φ from V(H) onto V(G) such that Φ maps the neighbors of every vertex ν in H bijectively to the neighbors of Φ(ν) in G. Negami conjectured in 1986 that a connected graph has a finite planar cover if and only if it embeds in the projective plane. It follows from the results of Archdeacon, Fellows, Negami, and the author that the conjecture holds as long as K1,2,2,2 has no finite planar cover. However, this is still an open question, and K1,2,2,2 is not the only minor-minimal graph in doubt. Let &#119966;4 (&#120020;2) denote the graph obtained from K1,2,2,2 by replacing two vertex-disjoint triangles (four edge-disjoint triangles) not incident with the vertex of degree 6 with cubic vertices. We prove that the graphs &#119966;4 and &#120020;2 have no planar covers. This fact is used in [P. Hlinĕný, R. Thomas, On possible counterexamples to Negami's planar cover conjecture, 1999 (submitted)] to show that there are, up to obvious constructions, at most 16 possible counterexamples to Negami's conjecture. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 37: 227242, 2001
Genetic dissection of hybrid incompatibilities between Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana. I. Differential accumulation of hybrid male sterility effects on the X and autosomes.

The genetic basis of hybrid incompatibility in crosses between Drosophila mauritiana and D. simulans was investigated to gain insight into the evolutionary mechanisms of speciation. In this study, segments of the D. mauritiana third chromosome were introgressed into a D. simulans genetic background and tested as homozygotes for viability, male fertility, and female fertility. The entire third chromosome was covered with partially overlapping segments. Many segments were male sterile, while none were female sterile or lethal, confirming previous reports of the rapid evolution of hybrid male sterility (HMS). A statistical model was developed to quantify the HMS accumulation. In comparison with previous work on the X chromosome, we estimate that the X has approximately 2.5 times the density of HMS factors as the autosomes. We also estimate that the whole genome contains approximately 15 HMS "equivalents"-i.e., 15 times the minimum number of incompatibility factors necessary to cause complete sterility. Although some caveats for the quantitative estimate of a 2.5-fold density difference are described, this study supports the notion that the X chromosome plays a special role in the evolution of reproductive isolation. Possible mechanisms of a "large X" effect include selective fixation of new mutations that are recessive or partially recessive and the evolution of sex-ratio distortion systems.
Children's Thinking about Traits: Implications for Judgments of the Self and Others

The relation between the way in which children interpret human behavior and their beliefs about the stability of human traits is investigated. In interviews with 202 7- and 8-year-olds across 2 studies, the belief that traits are stable predicted a greater tendency to make trait judgments, and an increased focus on outcomes and behaviors through which traits can be judged. In the academic domain, a belief in trait stability was associated with an emphasis on the evaluative meanings of performance outcomes, as opposed to mediating processes such as effort. In the sociomoral domain, the same belief was associated with an emphasis on the evaluative meanings of behaviors (e.g., whether the person is good or bad), as opposed to factors that mediate behavior, such as intention. Results suggest that beliefs about the stability of traits may serve an important role in thinking about and functioning within the academic and sociomoral domains.
The Perinatal Expression of Aquaporin-2 and Aquaporin-3 in Developing Kidney

The kidney provides an important contribution to permit the fetus to successfully transition to an independent existence by production of urine with significantly different osmolality compared with plasma. Although recent work has uncovered many aspects of the maturation and regulation of the renal concentrating and diluting mechanism, understanding of how alterations in the expression of aquaporin (AQP) water channels contribute to the formation of urine in the perinatal period is incomplete. Here, we report that both AQP-2 and -3 are expressed during fetal life as early as embryonic d 18 in ureteric buds of rat kidneys, where each is localized to the apical and basolateral membranes of epithelial cells, respectively. Northern analyses demonstrate that the 1.9-kb AQP-2 transcript is present in fetal and postnatal rat kidneys similar to that observed in adults. AQP-2 mRNA expression increases after d 3 of postnatal life. Immunoblotting reveals an increase in total kidney AQP-2 protein particularly with respect to its glycosylated form after postnatal d 3. AQP-3 protein also exhibits a similar alteration likely due to a similar increase in its glycosylation state. Both AQP-2 and AQP-3 display a distribution in the collecting ducts of human postnatal infants and adults identical to that exhibited in rat kidneys. These data show that both AQP-2 and -3 are present in collecting duct epithelia of fetal and postnatal kidneys. Thus, the reduced AVP-responsiveness and decreased urinary concentrating ability of the kidney during the fetal and immediate postnatal period does not appear to be caused by lack of AQP-2 or AQP-3 proteins.
The mass spectral behavior of β‐bromoethyl benzoate and some of its ring substituted derivatives: Evidence for oxygen participation in the formation of [M Br]+

The expulsion of a bromine atom from the molecular ion of β-bromoethyl benzoate displays a kinetic behavior which resembles that of a rearrangement reaction. The two oxygen atoms in the resulting [M Br]+ ion become equivalent before or during the secondary decomposition of this ion, as shown by oxygen labeling. In addition, the primary ions generated from benzophenone ethylene ketal and acetophenone ethylene ketal by phenyl and methyl expulsion, respectively, undergo subsequent fragmentation in the same way as the [M Br]+ from β-bromoethyl benzoate. These results strongly indicate that the carbonyl-oxygen atom participates in the expulsion of bromine. The effect of ring substituents on the competing loss of bromine and McLafferty rearrangement is also discussed.
Institution-Wide QT Alert System Identifies Patients With a High Risk of Mortality

Abstract Objectives To determine the phenotype and outcome of patients with QTc of at least 500 ms and to create a pro-QTc risk score for mortality. Patients and Methods An institution-wide computer-based QT alert system was developed and implemented at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This system screens all electrocardiograms (ECGs) performed and alerts the physician if the QTc is 500 ms or greater. Between November 10, 2010, and June 30, 2011, 86,107 ECGs were performed in 52,579 patients. Clinical diagnoses, laboratory abnormalities, and medications known to influence the QT interval were collected from the medical records and summarized in a new pro-QTc score. Survival was compared with that of the 51,434 Mayo Clinic patients with a QTc less than 500 ms during the same period. Results QT alerts were sent for 1145 patients (2%); of these, 470 (41%) had no other identifiable ECG reason for QT prolongation (eg, pacing). All-cause mortality during a mean ± SD of 224±174 days of follow-up was 19% in those with QTc of 500 ms or greater compared with 5% in patients with QTc less than 500 ms (log-rank P P =.006; age: hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P =.004.). QT-prolonging medications accounted for 37% of the pro-QTc score. Conclusion This novel institution-wide QT alert system identified patients with a high risk of mortality. The pro-QTc score, reflecting patients' multimorbidity and multipharmacy, was an independent predictor of mortality. The QT alert system may increase a physician's awareness of a high-risk patient. Potentially lifesaving interventions can be facilitated by reducing the modifiable factors of the pro-QTc score.
Contextualist solutions to epistemological problems: Scepticism, Gettier, and the lottery

(1998). Contextualist solutions to epistemological problems: Scepticism, Gettier, and the lottery. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 289-306.
Debugging agent interactions: a case study

ABSTRACT The Contract Net protocol is a general-purpose protocol for distributed problem solving. Many modern agent infrastructures facilitate the generation of agents supporting Contract Net. We used one such infrastructure to simulate a Contract Net-based approach to job scheduling and found that some jobs failed to get scheduled even though the resources were available. This paper describes two phases of the subsequent debugging effort. The first phase was enhancing the visualization of the agent community to reveal the causes of failed negotiations. The second phase was formalizing the problem using a Temporal Calculus of Communicating Systems (TCCS) and attempting to find a solution. After exploring a number of solutions that would not generalize, we found that switching from one-stage to two-stage commitment sufficed. For coordination problems in general, our case study demonstrates the applicability of rigorous methods and the importance of providing run-time visibility into agents' logic.
“Be Your Own Windkeeper”: Friends, Feminism, and Rhetorical Strategies of Depoliticization

The television program Friends reinforces therapeutic rhetoric, Third Wave feminism, and postfeminism as it depoliticizes women's issues through three strategies: (1) the representation of female empowerment exclusively as individual transformation, (2) the simplistic resolution of systemic women's economic problems, and (3) the portrayal of political issues as worthy of mockery. This rhetoric has material consequences, especially for young women, because it portrays political action as unnecessary and undesirable.
Observations on Changing Hemodynamics in Tricuspid Atresia Without Associated Transposition of the Great Vessels

Three patients are discussed who, in early infancy, presented with mild cyanosis, cardiac decompensation, failure to thrive, and pulmonary congestion. These manifestations were associated with tricuspid atresia without transposition of the great vessels. The clinical course of these children, who in varying periods of time became progressively more cyanotic, with hearts becoming smaller, and with decreasing pulmonary blood flow, is unique. Cardiac catheterization and angiocardiographic studies were obtained at each end of the clinical spectrum in all of the children. Although a closing ventricular septal defect is thought to be the cause of the decreasing pulmonary flow, the studies were not conclusive. In all three patients, palliative systemic venous-to-pulmonary arterial anastomosis (Glenn procedure) relieved the symptoms of hypoxia.
Evaluation of active and passive recruitment methods used in randomized controlled trials targeting pediatric obesity.

Objective. Evaluate enrollment numbers, randomization rates, costs, and cost-effectiveness of active versus passive recruitment methods for parent-child dyads into two pediatric obesity interventio...
Convective instability of a superfluid3He-4He mixture in a superleak

The convective instability of a superfluid3He-4He mixture in a porous medium confined between parallel horizontal planes is studied. It is shown that this system behaves as a pure classical liquid in a porous medium from the point of view of the convective instability in the whole range of the phase diagram between the λ line and the coexistence curve. It is predicted that two-fluid effects become important for the convection onset and can be observed experimentally in this system at moderately low temperatures. This system is supposed to be the most convenient one to study experimentally convection in a porous medium.
An Autonomous Artificial Designer of Thermal Energy Systems: Part 1—Theoretical Considerations

A knowledge-based approach to automated conceptual design (flowsheet synthesis) of thermal energy systems with strong interactions between heat/power/chemical transformations is presented. The approach is based on a computer-oriented state-space search guided by specially developed heuristics, and makes use of second law (exergetic) analysis, rather than mimicking the strategy of a human designer. The original design problem, formulated in terms of an equipment units network, is decomposed and reduced to a level of a network of elementary processes, with a resulting reduction in the search space. A special form of fundamental equations for steady-state open thermodynamic systems, based on a temperature interval approach, allows one to determine the effects of work, heat and chemical interactions within the system on the magnitude of second-law infeasibility, and on the overall energy loss over any particular temperature interval, prior to the completion of the design. Based on this treatment, a set of generalized transforming operators, a plausible move generator, and a state evaluation function are formulated. The search algorithm is discussed in detail.
Determination of the half-lives of 246Cm and 248Cm by absolute specific activity techniques☆

Abstract The partial alpha half-lives for 246Cm and 248Cm and the partial spontaneous fission half-life for 248Cm have been determined by an absolute specific activity method. The measured values are (4·655±0·040) × 103 yr for t 1 2 (α) for 246Cm; (3·703±0·032) × 105 yr for t 1 2 (α) for 248Cm; and (4·115±0·034) × 106 yr for t 1 2 ( SF ) for 248Cm.
An optical method for detecting anesthetics and other lipid-soluble compounds

Abstract We have developed a fluorescence-based fiber optic biosensor for detection of general anesthetics. It monitors anesthetic-induced changes in fluorescence emission by labeled liposomes entrapped in a hydrogel at the end of two optical fibers. We have demonstrated that this sensor is sensitive to clinically relevant concentrations of commonly used general anesthetics. The sensor may be used for remote measurements of various lipid-soluble chemicals in gas, liquid or solid phases (e.g., blood and tissue).
Pharmacokinetic/dynamic assessment in drug development: application to the investigational opioid mirfentanil.

The safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the investigational partial opioid agonist, mirfentanil, were determined in a dose-escalating, Phase 1 study in healthy male volunteers. Hemodynamic, central nervous system, and respiratory monitoring were used for safety assessment. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was evaluated as a surrogate measure of drug effect. Butorphanol was chosen as the control drug. In the mirfentanil group (n = 8) the dose was increased in sequential subjects from 25 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 30 min to 450 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 15 min, and in the butorphanol group (n = 10) from 2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 30 min to 25 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 15 min. In the mirfentanil group, serious side effects were observed at plasma concentrations more than 2000 ng/mL: heart rates exceeded 130 bpm (n = 2), epileptiform EEG potentials (n = 2), and a convulsion (n = 1). The clearance of mirfentanil was high (5.8-7.2 L/min), and the volume of distribution large (247-348 L). The EEG of the subjects receiving mirfentanil showed no changes typical for opioids. Butorphanol however, caused intermittent slowing in the delta and theta ranges. The results of our study define the upper limit of safe plasma concentrations in future mirfentanil studies.
Distributed cogeneration for commercial buildings: Can we make the economics work?

Abstract Although the benefits of distributed cogeneration are widely cited, adoption has been slow in the United States. Adoption could be encouraged by making cogeneration more economically attractive, either by increasing the expected returns or decreasing the risks of such investments. We evaluate the expected returns from demand response, capacity markets, regulation markets, accelerated depreciation, pricing CO 2 emissions, and net metering. We find that (1) there is an incentive to overcommit in the capacity market due to lenient non-response penalties, (2) there is significant revenue potential in the regulation market, though demand-side resources are yet to participate, (3) a price on CO 2 emissions will make cogeneration more attractive relative to conventional, utility-supplied energy, and (4) accelerated depreciation is an easy and effective mechanism for improving the economics of cogeneration. We go on to argue that uncertainty in fuel and electricity prices present a significant risk to cogeneration projects, and we evaluate the effectiveness of feed-in tariffs at mitigating these risks. We find that guaranteeing a fixed electricity payment is not effective. A two-part feed-in tariff, with an annual capacity payment and an energy payment that adjusts with fuel costs, can eliminate energy-price risks.
Analysis of “on” and “off” times for thermally driven VO2 metal-insulator transition nanoscale switching devices

Abstract Vanadium oxide undergoes a sharp metal-insulator transition in the vicinity of room temperature and there is considerable interest in exploring novel device applications that utilize this phase transition. Using experimentally determined values of the thermal conductivity across the metal-insulator transition in VO2 thin films, we estimate the switching characteristics of two-terminal VO2 devices. The minimum switching time for both heating (“on” state) and cooling (“off” state) processes is explored using a simple resistance-capacitance thermal circuit model. The estimated minimum switching time is on the order of ∼1 ns for 20 nm VO2 films which is comparable to experimentally observed switching times. Optimal operating temperatures to maximize switching times are estimated. Methods to further enhance the switching kinetics by device thickness, carrier doping/strain, interfacial thermal resistance and input thermal energy are discussed. The simulations are compared with a 3-D model for VO2 devices on Si substrates utilizing COMSOL. The results are of potential relevance to the emerging field of correlated oxide electronics with fast phase transitions.
Campus Assessment of Building Heating Energy Consumption: Informing the Climate Action Plan

We present a methodology to assess the technical feasibility of building thermal energy reduction strategies from an architecturally diverse building stock that is not metered. While carbon emissions forecasting efforts are typically the domain of planning and policy, the process detailed here can inform institutional decision-making relative to investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, and offsets to further reduce carbon footprint. As a case study, we estimated the Smith College campus building thermal energy losses, an analysis which informed our Sustainability and Climate Action Plan [1]. Due to building specific physical constraints and planned renovations, different thermal envelope improvement scenarios were then considered to estimate the heating energy reduction potential of these envelope improvements. The current total heating energy consumption from 79 of our campus buildings was found to be 57,000 MMBTU/yr. Across the three building categories with minimal existing insulation and poor sealing conditions, the nominal annual thermal energy loss per square foot ranged from 27,000–37,000 BTU/ft2 . Should envelope improvements be made targeting a 5 year simple payback, this annual thermal energy loss would be reduced by 40% to 34,000 MMBTU/yr. More extensive and less cost effective envelope improvements suggest further energy reductions approaching 30,000 MMBTU/yr (between 13,000–23,000 BTU/ft2 /yr depending upon the building type).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Study of the 90Zr(3He, t) reaction

Abstract Differential cross sections were measured for the 90Zr(3He, t)90Nb reaction at 377 MeV. The ground state analogue of 90Zr and some low-lying natural parity (i.e., even J, even parity) states were adequately described by a conventional microscopic DWBA analysis with ( g 9 2 ) p 1 ( g 9 2 ) n −1 orbitals although the interaction strengths were found to increase with increasing J For the unnatural parity states with T = 4 we found the same discrepancy between theory and experiment as was pointed out in the case of 54Fe(3He, t)54Co studies, viz the microscopic reaction model with central forces predicts that the cross section is dominated by orbital angular momentum transfer L = J −1 while the data is better described by L = J + 1 However, good fits were obtained for the states of 1+ at 2 12 MeV and 3+ at 0 65 MeV by including tensor force in the effective interaction The results indicate that the tensor force is quite important f for exciting these odd-spin states
Effect of Shipment of Hatching Eggs on Future Performance

ABSTRACT To our knowledge, no experimental evidence has been published regarding the importance of the effect of shipment of hatching eggs on the future performance of pullets hatched therefrom. It seemed important to investigate this effect since the NC-47 Regional Project plans to rely heavily on hatching egg shipments for exchanges of stock and evaluation of breeding systems at the Regional Poultry Breeding Laboratory. In addition, the results would be of interest to random sample test managers and to the breeders who participate in these tests. It has been customary to assume that if hatchability and early chick mortality are at satisfactory levels, one need not anticipate any further effects from treatments that may have been imposed on the hatching eggs. In order to discover whether this assumption is correct, hatching eggs were saved for one week from the Regional Cornell Randombred Control (W.L.) population. These eggs were randomized into eight . . .
Objective and subjective indicators of community evaluation: a Pennsylvania assessment

The relationships between subjective and objective measures of well-being were assessedusing data from a survey of Pennsylvania residents and county-level statistical measures complied from secondary sources. Following Ross, Bluestone, and Hines (1979), objective social indicators were derived to measure socioeconomic status, family status, health status, and alienation for Pennsylvania countries. These indices were only modestly intercorrelated, suggesting that they measured somewhat different ideas. Subjective well-being was assessed by asking more than 3000 individual respondents to a mail survey to rate the quality of their communities. Responses were dichotomized and logistic regression used to assess the effects of the objective indicators of county well-being to individual community evaluations. The relationships were small, and inconsistent. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Suicide and homicide: Common sources and consistent relationships

This study reappraises Lester's (1971) multiple replication of suicide-homicide correlations, which determined that there is no clear pattern of relationship and thus that sociological theory could contribute little to an understanding of suicidal and homicidal behavior. However, additional steps are required to complete Lester's analyses, including (1) correction of time-series calculations for serial correlation, (2) correction of cross-state calculations for nonwhites by removing states with very small nonwhite populations, and (3) correction of crossmarital status calculations by segmenting according to race. With these necessary corrections, there is generally a positive association between suicide and homicide rates in the United States. Subculture of violence and anomie theories of homicide and suicide are strongly supported and can be extended to both forms of behavior. This suggests a general sociological dimension of predisposition to lethal violence.
Radiolytic studies of reactions in the Zn+ + Mn(III) system(1)

Abstract Radiolysis of appropriate concentrations of ZnSO4 and MnSO4 in nearly neutral aqueous solutions gives closely similar amounts of Zn+ and Mn(III). Pulse radiolysis of ZnSO4 + MnSO4 solutions was used to investigate the reaction mechanism of these species, and unknown rate constants (e.g. k( Zn + + Mn(III) = 2.4 ± 0.4 × 10 9 M -1 S -1 ) were determined. Some of the Zn+ react with each other to produce Zn0 and ultimately H2, while a fraction of the Mn(III) forms a precipitate and a corresponding amount of H3O+ [G(H2) ∼ 1 was measured in the γ-irradiation of ZnSO4 + MnSO4 solutions]. This formation of gas and precipitate in an initially homogenous system provides a mechanism, whereby a fraction of the redox intermediates escape back reaction. Consequently, chemical storage of some of the energy in the redox system is made possible. The kinetics of precipitate formation were studied and indicate that nucleation is initiated by Mn(III). The effects of concentration, dose and dose-rate on H2 and MnO2 precipitate yields in γ-radiolysis are discussed. The manganese, in the precipitate in γ-radiolyses, showed an average valence of 3.65.
Task Variation and the Social Network of Construction Trades

AbstractConstruction projects can be complex and managers are faced with the challenge of managing multiple trades working on a large number of interdependent tasks. When one trade or task experiences variation, defined as the time difference between what was planned and what occurred for this research, additional trades or tasks can be impacted. This can result in a disrupted project schedule and reduced productivity. A case study involving a general contractor (GC) building a $50 million, 150,000 sq ft data collection center was conducted. Both starting time and task duration variation data was collected on approximately 1,200 tasks performed by over 40 trades. A risk assessment matrix was used to determine which causes of variation posed the greatest risk to project performance. Pajek, a social network analysis software, was used to illustrate the organizational structure of the key trades throughout the project based on spatial proximity. It was found that material delivery and not having prerequisite...
Meningeal hemangiopericytoma: defining the role for radiation therapy.

Meningeal hemangiopericytoma is a rare neoplasm arising from perivascular pericytes. Accounting for 50 Gray providing superior long-term disease-free survival. Meningeal hemangiopericytoma are characterized by a slow, but progressive radiographic response to ionizing radiation, not unlike other radiated, highly vascular brain lesions, such as arteriovenous malformations. A retrospective review of clinical demographics, sites of meningeal origin, radiographic and pathologic findings and the role of chemotherapy is also presented.
Responses of macrobenthos colonizing estuarine sediments contaminated with drilling mud containing diesel oil

Acute toxicities and sublethal effects were determined in several investigations for 11 types of drilling muds obtained from offshore drilling sites in the Gulf of Mexico, which the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association supplied to the Environmental Protection Agency. All were used muds that had been recycled during drilling. Those containing the highest amounts of No. 2 diesel fuel oil were the most acutely toxic to mysids (Mysidopsis bahia), grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), quahog clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), and sand dollars (Echinarachnius parma) and elicited the greatest sublethal responses in corals (Acropora cervicornis). A lignosulfonate mud was the most toxic, followed by a lime mud containing 3.98 mg diesel/g. The present study was initiated to determine the impact of the lime mud with its diesel oil component on field colonization by macrobenthos.
Plasma membrane Pdia3 and VDR interact to elicit rapid responses to 1α,25(OH)2D3

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) regulates osteoblasts through genomic and rapid membrane-mediated responses. Here we examined the interaction of protein disulfide isomerase family A, member 3 (Pdia3) and the traditional vitamin D receptor (VDR) in plasma membrane-associated responses to 1α,25(OH)2D3. We found that Pdia3 co-localized with VDR and the caveolae scaffolding protein, caveolin-1 on the surface of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Immunoprecipitation showed that both Pdia3 and VDR interacted with caveolin-1. Pdia3 further interacted with phospholipase A2 activating protein (PLAA), whereas VDR interacted with c-Src. 1α,25(OH)2D3 changed the interactions and transport of the two receptors and rapidly activated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and c-Src. Silencing either receptor or caveolin-1 inhibited both PLA2 and c-Src, indicating that the two receptors function interdependently. These two receptor dependent rapid responses to 1α,25(OH)2D3 regulated gene expression, proliferation and apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. These data demonstrate the importance of both receptors and caveolin-1 in mediating membrane responses to 1α,25(OH)2D3 and subsequently regulating osteoblast biology.
SU-FF-J-108: Predicting Respiratory Waveform of 4D CT Patients Using Moving Least Square Method

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to predict patient respiratory waveform precisely and quickly using a Moving Least Square method. The external respiratory waveform may have a strong correlation with tumor motion in lung and upper abdomen. Prediction is important because tumor may move significantly during the finite time between monitored position change and beam adjustment. Method and Materials: An adaptive linear filter based on the Moving Least Square (MLS) algorithm was used to predict the respiratory waveform signals for six 4D CT patients. The respiratory waveform was acquired with a bellows system at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz or a sampling period of 10 ms. To predict one datum in the future (10 samples or 100 ms away), 10 s history data (1000 samples) were fed to the linear filter to calculate its coefficients with the MLS algorithm. The output of the linear filter was the predicted value. The predicted values were compared to the real data recorded. We also calculated the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the prediction for each patient and normalized it with the average waveform amplitude. The accuracy of MLS method was compared with that of Wiener‐Hopf method in the normalized RMSE values. Results: For a 100 ms prediction interval, the average prediction RMSE for the 6 patients was 2.1%, with a standard derivation of 0.7%. The computation time for predicting one datum with MLS method was 0.5 ms, which is far less than the sampling period (10 ms). This MLS method shows smaller normalized RMSEs than the Wiener‐Hopf method for all 6 patients. Conclusion: The prediction of patient respiratory waveform using MLS method is both accurate and fast. Real time prediction of respiratory waveform and tumor motion is possible.
An automated atmospheric radon sampling system

Abstract An automated radon gas sampling system using the double filter method is described. Four such systems have been installed on a 1000 ft tower in northwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at elevations of 20, 200, 570, and 890 ft above ground. Simultaneous sulfur dioxide concentration measurements are made at the radon sampling elevations together with measurements of wind speed, wind direction, and temperature at elevations of 40, 100, 200, 350, 570, and 890 ft. Average radon concentrations are measured every hour, while the meteorological variables are recorded continuously, with 10 min averages calculated four times an hour. These systems have had a downtime of less than 15 per cent since March, 1970. The radon systems are capable of monitoring radon concentrations with a sensitivity of 10−14 Ci 1−1, and an uncertainty at 10−13 Ci 1−1 of 7 per cent. The observed average radon concentration at twenty feet above the ground was 1.5 × 10−13Ci 1−1, in substantial agreement with other published values. Data are presented which display the diurnal variation of radon concentration as a function of elevation. Also presented are data which show a radon concentration dependence on wind direction.
Characterizing the Effect of Temperature Increase on Polypyrrole Active Strength and Stress Rate

Conducting polymers can be utilized as actuators due to the materials’ ability to undergo volumetric change caused by an electrochemical stimulus. Polypyrrole is an attractive electroactive polymer and capable of producing large active stress. Its mechanical performance can be improved by increasing temperature. This work describes a custom built device that is capable of performing dynamic mechanical analyses and electrochemistry simultaneously. In addition, there is a temperature control system that heats (or cools) with Peltier thermoelectric devices controlled by a PID controller. In this study, we characterized the effect of temperature increase on polypyrrole actuation strength and stress rate. For approximately each increment of 10°C from 27–83°C, stiffness measurements and isometric tests in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate were done with sample preloaded to about 4 MPa. Results showed that the stiffness decreased by 21% as the temperature was elevated from 25–80°C. The maximum charge per polymer volume increased by 983% as the temperature was increased from 27–75°C and started to level off past 75°C. The peak stress changed with temperature in a similar trend as maximum charge per volume. Peak stress was 0.2 MPa at 27°C and increased to 7 MPa as temperature was increased to 75°C. Moreover, the stress rate increased until 85°C. The results suggest that peak stress depends upon the ionic mobility as opposed to stiffness since both peak stress and charge start to plateau past 75°C.© 2009 ASME
Carrying Firearms for Protection: A Causal Model

The authors develop a causal model of the determinants of carrying firearms for protection. It is argued that the examination of carrying a gun as a dependent variable is methodologically more advantageous than using gun ownership as the dependent variable. Through use of path analysis, the direct and indirect effects on gun carrying behavior are identified. The results suggest most crime specific variables, e.g. fear of criminal victimization, do not directly influence the tendency to carry a gun, although these factors had minor indirect effects on the dependent variable. The most important direct influences on carrying a gun were age, gender, and the belief that the presence of guns is an effective deterrent to crime.
Dependence of Tc on Debye temperature θD for various cuprates

Abstract I extend the T c &.sbnd;θ D relationship established by Ledbetter and coworkers for LaO and YO, and by Dominec for BiO, to include TlO and HgO compounds. In BCS-Macmillan materials, θ D occurs both in the pre-exponential factor in the expression T c ∼ θ D exp(−λ parameter λ = C / M ω 2 >, where ∼ θ D . In BCS materials, T c increases with decreasing θ D , that is with lattice softening. In all five cuprate superconductors listed above, the opposite occurs: T c increases with lattice stiffening. From these results, I draw two principal conclusions. First, T c depends on phonons because it depends on θ D , the quintessential phonon parameter. Second, the T c θ D relationship for high-T c oxide superconductors differs dramatically from that for conventional BCS materials.
Scanning-tunneling-microscopy investigations of ternary graphite intercalation compounds.

The surface structures of the stage-1 ternary graphite intercalation compounds K${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$ (${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$=Hg,${\mathrm{H}}_{0.8}$) have been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. Constant-current and constant-height images of both materials exhibit superstructures in addition to the graphite atomic lattice. In the case of ${\mathrm{KHgC}}_{4}$, a commensurate 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 and an incommensurate superstructure with a period of 8.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 \AA{} have been observed. Images of ${\mathrm{KH}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$ exhibit a one-dimensional superstructure with a 12.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 \AA{} period and a two-dimensional superlattice with a 14.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 \AA{} period. The 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 structure in ${\mathrm{KHgC}}_{4}$ has been attributed to a modulation of the surface density of states by the periodic potential of the underlying intercalant. Possible explantions for these long-period superstructures observed in ${\mathrm{KHgC}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{KH}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$ will be discussed.
X-ray photoelectron diffraction from adsorbate core levels in the energy range 500–10000 ev and with polarized radiation: a theoretical study

Abstract X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) from adsorbate core levels shows considerable promise as a surface-structural probe, especially since a simple single-scattering theory appears capable of describing such photoelectron diffraction. In the past, several types of XPD structural investigations have been made using conventional Al K α radiation, including determinations of bond orientations for diatomic molecular adsorption and of vertical bond distances for atomic adsorption. In this work, a theoretical investigation has been made within the single-scattering cluster model to determine the possible advantages and disadvantages of using different photon energies over a broad range from 500 to 10000 eV and/or a polarized radiation source in such structure determinations. Two test cases, of intramolecular scattering in C 1 s polar scans above vertically adsorbed CO and of interatomic scattering in O 1 s azimuthal scans for c (2 × 2) O on Cu(100), are considered in detail. In general, precision in determining bond orientations can be unproved by using higher energies and/or polarized radiation, although it may be more difficult to obtain the data owing to lower percent effects and lower total intensities. In azimuthal scans, going to higher energy yields narrower features, but requires much lower takeoff angles and concomitantly lower intensities. Other aspects of using variable energy and polarization in XPD are also considered.
Adolescent Development of Forebrain Stimulant Responsiveness: Insights from Animal Studies

: Although initiation of drug abuse occurs primarily during adolescence, little is known about the central effects of nicotine and other abused drugs during this developmental period. Here evidence, derived from studies in rodents, is presented that suggests that tobacco use initiation during early adolescence results from a higher reward value of nicotine. The developmental profiles of the rewarding effects of other abused drugs, such as cocaine, differ from that of nicotine. Using in situ hybridization to quantify mRNA levels of the immediate early gene, cfos, the neuronal activating effects of nicotine in limbic and sensory cortices at different developmental stages are evaluated. Significant age changes in basal levels of cfos mRNA expression in cortical regions are observed, with a peak of responding of limbic cortices during early adolescence. A changing pattern of nicotine-induced neuronal activation is seen across the developmental spectrum, with unique differences in both limbic and sensory cortex responding during adolescence. An attentional set-shifting task was also used to evaluate whether the observed differences during adolescence reflect early functional immaturity of prefrontal cortices that regulate motivated behavior and psychostimulant responding. The finding of significantly better responding during adolescence suggests apparent functional maturity of prefrontal circuits and greater cognitive flexibility at younger ages. These findings in rodent models suggest that adolescence is a period of altered sensitivity to environmental stimuli, including abused drugs. Further efforts are required to overcome technical challenges in order to evaluate drug effects systematically in this age group.
Influence of brain ganglioside upon the neurotoxic effect of influenza virus in mouse brain.

Abstract A purified preparation of brain ganglioside inhibits the neurotoxic effect of influenza PR8 and NWS viruses in vivo and suppresses the development of hemagglutinins in tissue culture in concentrations comparable to those at which it inhibits the hemagglutination reaction. In mouse brain the inhibition of the neurotoxic effect may be due to a competition of added brain ganglioside with the cellular brain ganglioside for the infecting virus.
Phase separation in a Ni-12.7 at. pct Al alloy at 550 °C

The phase separation at 550 °C in a Ni-12.7 at. pct Al alloy was investigated by means of small angle X-ray scattering, large angle X-ray scattering, electrical resistivity, and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that an abrupt change in the electrical resistivity and small angle scattering occurred within 15 seconds at 550 °C, following quenching from 1060 °C, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of small nuclei. However, after this period of rapid change, there was an incubation period of about ten hours in which there was minimal net growth of the nuclei. After the incubation period, growth was accelerated. High angle side bands were observed after a few minutes annealing, and their development closely paralleled the growth of the nuclei and precipitate particles at this temperature. For times beyond the incubation period, small angle X-ray scattering diagrams from single crystals became markedly anisotropic, indicating a quasi-regular spatial distribution of particles. The large and rapid change, in both electrical resistivity and in X-ray small angle scattering, observed after annealing at 550 °C of samples quenched from 1060 °C was attributed to the formation of tiny regions of short range ordered Ni3Al which constitute subcritical nuclei.
Hantavirus Public Health Outreach Effectiveness in Three Populations: An Overview of Northwestern New Mexico, Los Santos Panama, and Region IX Chile

This research compared the effectiveness of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) outreach programs in New Mexico, Panama, and Chile. Understanding the role of human demographics, disease ecology, and human behavior in the disease process is critical to the examination of community responses in terms of behavior changes. Attitudes, knowledge, and behavior across three populations were measured through the implementation of a self-administered questionnaire (N = 601). Surveys implemented in Chile and Panama in 2004, followed by northwestern New Mexico in 2008, attempted to assess knowledge and behavior change with respect to hantavirus in high- and lower-risk prevalence areas during endemic periods. While levels of concern over contracting hantavirus were lowest in New Mexico, they were highest in Panama. Respondents in Chile showed mid-level concern and exhibited a tendency to practice proper cleaning methods more than in New Mexico and Panama. This indicates that public health messages appear to be more effective in Chile. However, since negative behavior changes, such as sweeping and vacuuming, occur at some level in all three populations, improved messages should help decrease risk of exposure to HPS.
QUANTUM AND CLASSICAL ORIENTATIONAL ORDERING IN SOLID HYDROGEN

We present a unified view of orientational ordering in phases I, II, and III of solid hydrogen. Phases II and III are orientationally ordered, but the ordering objects in phase II are angular momenta of rotating molecules, whereas in phase III the molecules order themselves. This concept provides a quantitative explanation for the vibron softening, libron and roton spectra, and the increase of the vibron effective charge in phase III, as well as a framework for understanding the topology of the phase diagram and ortho-para state at high pressure. The effective charge and the infrared and Raman vibron frequency shifts are all linear in the order parameter in phase III.
A 0.8-2.4 μm Transmission Spectrum of the Hot Jupiter CoRoT-1b

Hot Jupiters with brightness temperatures ≳2000 K can have TiO and VO molecules as gaseous species in their atmospheres. The TiO and VO molecules can potentially induce temperature inversions in hot Jupiter atmospheres and also have an observable signature of large optical to infrared transit depth ratios. Previous transmission spectra of very hot Jupiters have shown a lack of TiO and VO, but only in planets that also appear to lack temperature inversions. We measure the transmission spectrum of CoRoT-1b, a hot Jupiter that was predicted to have a temperature inversion potentially due to significant TiO and VO in its atmosphere. We employ the multi-object spectroscopy method using the SpeX and MORIS instruments on the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) and the Gaussian process method to model red noise. By using a simultaneous reference star on the slit for calibration and a wide slit to minimize slit losses, we achieve transit depth precision of 0.03%-0.09%, comparable to the atmospheric scale height but detect no statistically significant molecular features. We combine our IRTF data with optical CoRoT transmission measurements to search for differences in the optical and near-infrared absorption that would arise from TiO/VO. Our IRTF spectrum and the CoRoT photometry disfavormore » a TiO/VO-rich spectrum for CoRoT-1b, suggesting that the atmosphere has another absorber that could create a temperature inversion or that the blackbody-like emission from the planet is due to a spectroscopically flat cloud, dust, or haze layer that smoothes out molecular features in both CoRoT-1b's emission and transmission spectra. This system represents the faintest planet hosting star (K = 12.2) with a measured planetary transmission spectrum.« less
A novel cage organotellurate(IV) macrocyclic host encapsulating a bromide anion guest: [Li(THF)4][(PriTe)12O16Br4(Li(THF)Br)4)Br].2THF.

The first structural report of an unprecedented organotellurate(IV) inorganic–organic hybrid macrocyclic host encapsulating a bromide anion guest is described.
The local redshift-distance relation and spatial uniformity

Abstract Regrettably, the review of the redshift-distance relation in the review by Salpeter and Hoffman [Salpeter, E. E. & Hoffman, G. L., Jr. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 3056-3063], appears flawed. In particular, the logically inconclusive and uncertain hypothesis of local extragalactic spatial uniformity is used in an essential way. Moreover, even in conjunction with this hypothesis, the Lundmark law fits more closely than the Hubble law, on the basis of the data and criteria of Salpeter and Hoffman, when a rough approximation involved in the estimation of the galaxy luminosity function is eliminated. Specifically, the assumption that all galaxies in the redshift range 500-1700 km·s-1 are effectively at the redshift 1100 km·s-1 is made; when this assumption is replaced by a statistically optimal procedure that uses the precise redshifts, the relative fit of the two laws is reversed.
A Structural Analysis of the Formation of a Network Organization

The development of network organizations is increasingly necessary in a global information-oriented economy. The network organization is a highly decentralized and densely integrated social system ...