cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trading and Market Efficiency in Summer

The fall in stock-market trading during summer has real effects on stock-market efficiency. I examine the market efficiency of momentum, post-announcement earnings drift, and idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL). The profitability of a momentum winner-loser strategy is significantly enhanced in summer, thus accentuating momentum-related inefficiency. For positive unexpected earnings in summer, market inefficiency is attenuated, but for negative unexpected earnings market inefficiency is accentuated. The IVOL inefficiency is an exclusively summer effect. Once this effect is controlled for, a positive relation emerges between IVOL quintiles and alphas. Overall, market inefficiency appears to be accentuated in summer due to the fall in trading.
Superparamagnetic dynamics and blocking transition in Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles probed by vibrating sample magnetometry and muon spin relaxation

The magnetic properties of ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ nanoparticle assemblies have been investigated in detail through a combination of vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and muon spin relaxation ($\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{R}$) techniques. Two samples with average particle sizes of 5 and 20 nm, respectively, were studied. For both samples, the VSM and $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{R}$ results exhibit clear signatures of superparamagnetism at high temperature and magnetic blocking at low temperature. The $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{R}$ data demonstrate that the transition from the superparamagnetic to the blocked state occurs gradually throughout the sample volume over an extended temperature range due to the finite particle size distribution of each nanoparticle batch. The transition occurs between approximately 3 and 45 K for the 5-nm nanoparticles and 150 and 300 K for the 20-nm nanoparticles. The VSM and $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{R}$ data are further analyzed to yield estimates of microscopic magnetic parameters including the nanoparticle spin-flip activation energy ${E}_{A}$, magnetic anisotropy $K$, and intrinsic nanoparticle spin reversal attempt time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$. These results highlight the complementary information about magnetic nanoparticles that can be obtained by bulk magnetic probes such as magnetometry and local magnetic probes such as $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{R}$.
The Diversification Puzzle

The levels of diversification in U.S. investors' equity portfolios present a puzzle. Today's optimal level of diversification, measured by the rules of mean-variance portfolio theory, exceeds 300 stocks, but the average investor holds only 3 or 4 stocks. The diversification puzzle can be solved, however, in the context of behavioral portfolio theory. In behavioral portfolio theory, investors construct their portfolios as layered pyramids in which the bottom layers are designed for downside protection and the top layers are designed for upside potential. Risk aversion gives way to risk seeking at the uppermost layer as the desire to avoid poverty gives way to the desire for riches. But what motivates this behavior is the aspirations of investors, not their attitudes toward risk. Some investors fill the uppermost layer with the few stocks of an undiversified portfolio; others fill it with lottery tickets. Neither lottery buying nor undiversified portfolios are consistent with mean-variance portfolio theory, but both are consistent with behavioral portfolio theory.
The Ethics of Teacher Evaluation

With the increasing emphasis on quality in all aspects of education, the growing demand for maintaining standards in the teaching profession and the recurrent demand from the public for pay based on competence and effectiveness have contributed to a new interest in evaluation. This paper presents both the pro and con attitudes of the ethical aspects of teacher evaluation. Included are certain responsibilities on the part of the students when implementing a teacher evaluation.
Link analysis of high throughput spacecraft communication systems for future science missions

NASA's plan to launch several spacecrafts into low Earth Orbit (LEO) to support science missions in the next ten years and beyond requires down link throughput on the order of several terabits per day. The ability to handle such a large volume of data far exceeds the capabilities of current systems. This paper proposes two solutions, first, a high data rate link between the LEO spacecraft and ground via relay satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). Second, a high data rate direct to ground link from LEO. Next, the paper presents results from computer simulations carried out for both types of links taking into consideration spacecraft transmitter frequency, EIRP, and waveform; elevation angle dependent path loss through Earth's atmosphere, and ground station receiver G/T.
Implementation of sonication and feedback control strategies for targeted hyperthermia in prostate with a commercial MR-guided endorectal ultrasound ablation array

This study presents the implementation of protracted mild hyperthermia (HT) delivery to large contiguous volumes in prostate quadrants or hemi-gland targets by utilizing a commercially available MR-guided endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) phased array designed for thermal ablation (ExAblate 2100, InSightec. Ltd). HT-specific beamforming, sonication and control strategies were devised for the hardware/software limitations imposed with this commercial system.
Verification Issues Related to CFD Simulations of Flow Around Circular Cylinders

The classical problem of flow around a stationary smooth circular cylinder is used to evaluate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) transient simulations using two approaches; Body Fitted Grid (BFG) and Immersed Boundary Method (IBM). BFG simulations were performed using a commercial CFD code ANSYS-FLUENT and IBM simulations using an in-house CFD code DREAM. Two dimensional simulations were performed at three different Reynolds numbers; 1 × 103, 1 × 105, and 5 × 105. Each of the cases was simulated using a coarse, medium and fine mesh. CFD simulations were evaluated using the following quantities; drag coefficient, lift coefficient, pressure coefficient, separation angle and the Strouhal number of the first harmonic of the lift coefficient. Average, and amplitude of the evaluation quantities are reported for every case.Simulations showed the grid dependence of the results, e.g. finer meshes captured higher harmonics of the drag coefficient which coarse meshes smeared due the large numerical viscosity. IBM simulations were also affected by the symmetry of the computational grid. Predicted quantities follow previously reported experimental trends fairly well except in the critical flow regime.Two dimensional calculations using turbulence models were performed for the case of Re = 1 × 105, and Re = 5 × 105. Turbulent results showed the importance of the grid resolution near the cylinder wall in capturing the physics of the problem.Three dimensional calculations were also performed and results are compared to those obtained from the two dimensional simulations. As may be expected, discretization error estimation methods using three grid calculations are not satisfactory for this highly unsteady flow problem, especially near the critical regime, 1 × 105 < Re < 5 × 105. This paper dwells on various issues related to verification of calculations for such highly unsteady flows.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
MD-354: what is it good for?

MD-354 (meta-chlorophenylguanidine) has been identified as a member of a novel class of 5-HT3 serotonin receptor agonists. MD-354 is a 5-HT3 receptor partial agonist that has been shown to behave as an agonist in some assays, and as an antagonist in others. MD-354 also binds at α-adrenoceptors (ARs) and displays an affinity for α2B-ARs comparable to its affinity for 5-HT3 receptors. Although devoid of antinociceptive actions following systemic administration alone, MD-354 markedly enhances the antinociceptive actions of clonidine in the mouse tail-flick assay without potentiating the sedative side effects of clonidine. Although studies with MD-354 are still in progress, some pharmacological findings are described here. MD-354-related agents may represent drug adjuvants for the relief of severe pain.
From Naguatex to the River Daycao: The Route of the Hernando de Soto Expedition through Texas

Over the past several decades, many attempts have been made to trace the route of the Hernando de Soto expedition through Texas. All of these efforts have been based on an incomplete understanding of the archeological record relating to the 16th century in Texas. A number of archeological investigations have been conducted over the past several decades, and provide better knowledge of the late prehistoric period in Texas. This article examines the route of the de Soto expedition, under the command of Luis de Moscoso, through the state based on our present archeological knowledge. The expedition is proposed to have entered Texas along the Red River and traveled southward until reaching Caddoan settlements near Nacogdoches in the east-central portion of the state. From here the expedition traveled westward until reaching the Guadalupe River of south-central Texas, where the soldiers abandoned hopes of reaching New Spain by an overland route. Implications of the proposed route upon Native American population...
The Fine Structure of the Scopula‐Stalk Region of Vorticella convallaria

ABSTRACT. We examined by SEM and TEM the stalk-scopular junction, the stalk, and stalk formation in Vorticella convallaria Linnaeus, 1767. The stalk sheath is anchored to the walls of the scopular lip and to the scopular cilia by thin fibrils. Experimental extraction of these fibrils weakens this junction enough to separate the stalk from the cell body. Telotrochs escape from the stalk by means of violent contractions of the cell body, accelerated beating of the trochal band cilia, and twisting of the cell body against the stalk. The edges of the scopular lip spread over the scopular cilia after escape and, in some cases, fuse to enclose the entire, aboral scopular surface in a cupola-like structure. The sessile cells contain fewer and smaller scopular granules than telotrochs. The presence of disintegrating scopular granules in the stalk matrix of some sessile cells suggests that they contain material which is secreted over a period of time to form the stalk. Eruptive formation of the initial adhesive pad and quick elongation of the distal part of the stalk suggests a rapid exocytosis of the larger, more numerous granules of the telotroch. The stalk sheath is formed of fibrils making up complete and incomplete compartments peripherally arranged along the major stalk axis.
Planning and competing interests: testing the mediating influence of planning capacity on smart growth policy adoption

Land use policy can generate substantial conflict between pro-growth and slow-growth interests. Based on the collaborative planning model, one of the many roles of the professional planner is to mediate conflict and generate support among fragmented interests in policy aimed at mitigating the effects from sprawl. The analysis uses original data collected from cities and towns in the state of Massachusetts. This study empirically tests the effect a divergence between local interest groups in the support for planning efforts has on the adoption of smart growth policy. Methodologically, interaction terms are used to test the hypothesis that local planning capacity, in the form of professional planning staff and formal planning mechanisms, mediates this divergence. The results provide insight into how communities can overcome the challenges of interest group divergence in planning for ‘smarter’ growth and more sustainable environmental land use practices.
Value of cancer care: ethical considerations for the practicing oncologist.

The value of cancer care has emerged at the center of a national discourse on fiscal responsibility and resource allocation. The cost of cancer care is rising at a higher pace than any other area o...
Groupwise density and related cardinals

We prove several theorems about the cardinal g associated with groupwise density. With respect to a natural ordering of families of non- decreasing maps from co to co, all families of size < g are below all unbounded families. With respect to a natural ordering of filters on co, all filters generated by < g sets are below all non-feeble filters. If u < g then b = u and g = 1) = c. (The definitions of these cardinals are recalled in the introduction.) Finally, some consequences deduced from u < g by Laflamme are shown to be equivalent to u<g.
A study in system design: C. West Churchman and Chris Argyris

Abstract The management accountant, as a system designer, has far reaching impacts on our social world. As a professional, the accountant is expected to exercise judgment informed by adequate theory when designing organizational or data systems. The theoretical frameworks of C. West Churchman and Chris Argyris are proposed as a basis for responsibly guiding those design actions. While both are systems theorists, they anchor their individual frameworks at radically different levels of system analysis. This study identifies their unique approach to the two anchoring levels, cross level similarities in their frameworks, gaps and inconsistencies when they are taken as a whole, and their implications for the designer of management accounting systems.
Constraints on impact rates in the Pluto-Charon system and the population of the Kuiper comet belt

Impact rates in the Pluto-Charon system are dominated by comets from the proposed Kuiper Belt, 30 to 50 AU from the sun. Such collisions excite the eccentricity of Charon's orbit, which then decays due to tidal dissipation. Charon's eccentricity approaches a quasi-steady state, which can be used to constrain the total number and mass of comets in the Kuiper Belt. Unfortunately, the current upper limit on Charon's orbital eccentricity must be reduced by more than a factor of ten before useful constraints can be set.
Laboratory evaluation of incorporating waste ceramic materials into Portland cement and asphaltic concrete

Abstract Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating fired ware scrap, a waste ceramic material from automobile manufacturing, into pavement material. In this study, crushed fired ware scraps were added into Portland cement concrete (PCC) and hot-mix asphalt (HMA) to replace fine aggregates. The results of this study indicated that the fired ware scraps can be potentially used in the Portland cement concrete and HMA mixture. The compressive strength of PCC was improved by adding crushed scrap. However, due to the high water absorption of the crushed scrap, crushed scrap content is recommended to be less than 10% and a water reduction additive is recommended to provide adequate workability. For HMA, the test results indicated that adding a certain amount (up to 15% by weight) of ground scrap improved the binder’s total resistance to deformation. The dynamic modulus, flow number and indirect tensile strength of the HMA mixture were all improved by adding “filler” made of ground scrap. 2.5% “filler” content was recommended for a dense-graded HMA surface mixture.
Substrate regulation of serotonin and dopamine synthesis in Drosophila

In Drosophila melanogaster, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is required for both very early non-neuronal developmental events, and in the CNS as a neurotransmitter to modulate behavior. 5-HT is synthesized, at least in part, by the actions of Drosophila tryptophan-phenylalanine hydroxylase (DTPH), a dual function enzyme that hydroxylates both phenylalanine and tryptophan. DTPH is expressed in numerous tissues as well as dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons, but it does not necessarily function as both enzymes in these tissues. Deficiencies in DTPH could affect the production of dopamine and serotonin, and thus dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling pathways. In this paper, we show that DTPH exhibits differential hydroxylase activity based solely on substrate. When DTPH uses phenylalanine as a substrate, regulatory control (end product inhibition, decreased PAH activity following phosphorylation, catecholamine inhibition) is observed that is not seen when the enzyme uses tryptophan as a substrate. These studies suggest that regulation of DTPH enzymatic activity occurs, at least in part, through the actions of its substrate.
An Associative Directory Chip in LSI

This paper describes an associative directory of 1 K bit providing a fast comparison of any selected word with input data. Integration of this function in an LSI chip provides a good power performance trade-off.
Acoustical characteristics of fabrics in high-intensity ultrasound

Abstract In utilizing ultrasound to aid in wet processing (dyeing and washing) of fabrics, it is important to know an effective way to introduce the ultrasound to the fabric. The process of increasing dye transfer from the dye bath to the fabric using ultrasonic energy is a function of the acoustic impedance characteristics of the fabrics. A large acoustic impedance mismatch between the dye bath and the fabric implies that the ultrasound is not able to penetrate the fabric. This means that multiple layers of fabric could not be processed in an ultrasound tank without supplying ultrasound to both sides of the fabric. Hence, knowing the reflection, absorption and transmission of the ultrasonic energy at the fabric-water interface will help in determining the fabric processability. There is no published literature on this problem. The purpose of the research presented here is to gain better insight into this interaction. The work shown here is restricted to only the transmission and absorption of high intensity ultrasound through fabrics.
D-C motors for automatic control systems

THE INCREASED USE and accuracy of automatic control systems for industrial and military applications has made it essential that system components be reexamined in terms of over-all system operation. It is the purpose of this article to study the application of d-c motors in these systems in order to 1. Determine the motor constants which affect system performance. 2. Convert the important motor system constants into design factors, such as armature diameter andlength, flux and copper densities, and so forth. 3. Determine the motor design which will giveoptimum over-all system performance.
A distinctive neurologic syndrome after induced profound hypothermia.

Abstract Four patients suffered a distinctive neurologic syndrome after undergoing profound hypothermia and complete circulatory arrest for congenital heart lesion repair. Symptom onset was delayed 24–120 hours post-operatively. The syndrome consists of choreoathetosis and oral-facial dyskinesias, hypotonia, affective changes, and pseudobulbar signs (CHAP). Precise anatomic localization is uncertain. Magnetic resonance imaging of 2 patients did not reveal basal ganglia lesions. Pathogenesis is obscure.
Knowledge to Action: Investigating Implicit Knowledge Production Models Held Among Forest Science Researchers

Criticisms of conventional knowledge production systems target their inability to address complex issues involving natural resources. In response, several researchers have adopted participatory research methodologies, incorporating more holistic problem-solving approaches that greatly value the knowledge and abilities of stakeholders. This case study explores forest science researchers' engagement strategies with stakeholders and how researchers can incorporate alternative approaches to knowledge production. We conducted semistructured interviews with forest science researchers, asking direct questions about how they define and work with stakeholders. Analysis revealed a great awareness among researchers for the need to cooperate with stakeholders and to incorporate their knowledge and abilities into the research process, as well as lamentations over structural, institutional, and resource limitations inhibiting the adoption of these practices. Our results reveal both how forest science researchers and in...
Modelling web changes data recatched during A spread of internet virus

This article discusses a timely and relevant problem that deals with the subject of recatched web pages during an internet virus attack. An innovative and appropriate statistical model is introduced and used in this article. The main premise is that the intervened Poisson distribution represents a better model for capturing web-page changes during the spread of an internet virus. This article further addresses the issue of whether the recatching process should continue when the high number of changes exceeds a critical threshold value. Method for determining this critical value is discussed in the article.
Rising heat wave trends in large US cities

Exposures to dangerously high temperatures are a public health threat expected to increase with global climate change. Heat waves exacerbate the risks associated with heat exposure, and urban residents are particularly vulnerable to threats of heat waves due to the urban heat island effect. To understand how heat waves are changing over time, we examine changes in four heat wave characteristics from 1961 to 2010, frequency, duration, intensity, and timing, in 50 large US cities. Our purpose in measuring these trends is to assess the extent to which urban populations are increasingly exposed to heat-related health hazards resulting from changing trends in extreme heat. We find each of these heat wave characteristics to be rising significantly when measured over a five-decade period, with the annual number of heat waves increasing by 0.6 heat waves per decade for the average US city. Additionally, on average, we find the length of heat waves to be increasing by a fifth of a day, the intensity to be increasing 0.1 °C above local thresholds, and the length of the heat wave season (time between first and last heat wave) to be increasing by 6 days per decade. The regions most at risk due to increasing heat wave trends must plan appropriately to manage this growing threat by enhancing emergency preparedness plans and minimizing the urban heat island effect.
A mixing length model for turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces

Abstract A methodology to analyze turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces is developed. A new formulation of the mixing length model, expressed in the velocity variable, is instrumental in the modeling effort, and the surface roughness effect is embedded in an amplification factor as a multiplier to the mixing length. It ranges from unity for a smooth surface and varies upward for rough surfaces, depending on the type and magnitude of the roughness. The new method is demonstrated in the case of flow over a flat plate with two surface roughnesses. With a length Reynolds number of 10 million, the local skin friction is increased by as much as 60% when the ratio of roughness height to length is 1 : 10000.
Organization of recall in the retroactive inhibition paradigm

The present experiments were designed to assess organizational tendencies in the recall of first-list and second-list responses in the third stage of the retroactive inhibition paradigm. The basic issue is whether subjects will organize responses in terms of list membership or in terms of common stimuli. Clustering data following A-B, A-C learning are presented for three recall procedures—MMFR, free recall of responses only, and free recall of all items. Clustering data for the A-B, A-Br paradigm are also presented. The data indicate that subjects tend to organize their recall in terms of common stimuli, rather than list membership.
AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY OF REGULATORY SUBUNITS OF PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE-1

In this study we demonstrate that recombinant rabbit muscle protein phosphatase-1 immobilized on CH-Sepharose is an efficient affinity chromatography support for the isolation of subunits of phosphatase-1. The support was used to isolate the glycogen binding subunit of phosphatase-1 from muscle and nonmuscle rat tissues. Examination of the affinity-purified material from rat heart and liver showed that the major component was a 160-kDa polypeptide on SDS-PAGE. The identity of the purified liver 160-kDa polypeptide as the glycogen binding subunit was confirmed by the demonstration that it is capable of binding to glycogen, and is phosphorylated by the catalytic subunit of PKA. The novel observation was made that the phosphorylation was dependent on the presence of glycogen. Examination of the material from heart, lung, liver, kidney, and brain showed a similar phenomenon. Our studies show that this subunit is widely distributed in tissues. The affinity support was also efficient in the isolation of the NIPP-1 (nuclear inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1) proteins from calf thymus. Examination of heat-treated extracts of rat liver led to the isolation of a novel 19-kDa inhibitory protein which could also be phosphorylated by PKA and may represent the rat liver homolog of calf thymus NIPP-1.
Theoretical study of the NaClNaCl− ↔ ClNaNaCl− interconversion

Abstract Ab initio HF and MP2 procedures are used to characterize the NaClNaCl − and ClNaNaCl − forms of (NaCl) 2 − as well as the transition state for interconversion of the two ions. It is found that a barrier of about 0.27 eV exists for conversion of ClNaNaCl − to the more stable NaClNaCl −1 form of the anion.
Expression of transcription factors Pu.1, Spi-B, Blimp-1, BSAP and oct-2 in normal human plasma cells and in multiple myeloma cells.

Summary. Differentiation of B lymphocytes into plasma cells is regulated by the interaction of distinct transcription factors (TFs) which activate gene expression in a lineage- and stage-specific pattern. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we studied the expression of five TFs (octamer binding factor oct-2, ets family members PU.1 and Spi-B, pax gene family member BSAP, and Blimp-1) in (1) human cell lines with a plasma cell phenotype, (2) primary malignant plasma cells [obtained from patients with plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) and multiple myeloma], and (3) normal human plasma cells generated in vitro or isolated from normal bone marrows. The expression pattern was compared with TFs expressed by normal CD19+ B lymphocytes and by B cells from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. Our results showed that plasma cells expressed a restricted set of TFs compared with CD19+ B lymphocytes, with continued expression of Spi-B and oct-2, increased Blimp-1 expression, and downregulation of BSAP and PU.1. Cells from PCL lost Spi-B and PU.1 expression completely and expressed only oct-2 and Blimp-1, and thus resembled plasma cell lines. Human plasma cell differentiation therefore seems to be positively regulated by Blimp-1; whether this TF has any oncogenic potential will have to be analysed in future studies.
Ab Initio Calculations on the Thermodynamic Properties of Spiropentane and its Boron-Containing Derivatives

Abstract Following our recent studies on strained boron substituted organic compounds, we follow up with a study on the thermodynamic properties of spiropentane and its boron containing derivatives. We have predicted the optimized structural parameters, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, enthalpies of formation, specific enthalpies of combustion, and hydride affinities for spiropentane and four of its boron containing derivatives at both the MP2 and B3LYP levels of theory. Our results indicate that triborospiropentane has the greatest specific enthalpy of combustion, at about −64 kJ g−1.
Adiponectin effects on the kidney

Adiponectin is a 30-kDa polypeptide secreted primarily by adipose tissue and plays a key role in kidney disease. In obesity, reduced adiponectin levels are associated with insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and obesity related kidney disease. The latter includes microalbuminuria, glomerulomegaly, overt proteinuria and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Adiponectin levels in type 2 diabetics also negatively correlate with early features of nephropathy. However, in patients with established chronic kidney disease, adiponectin levels are elevated and positively predict progression of disease. The mechanism of action of adiponectin in the kidney appears to be related to AMPK activation and NADPH oxidase. Further studies are needed to elucidate this pathway and investigate the role of potential targets of adiponectin-AMPK-Nox pathway for CKD as obesity-related CKD is increasing worldwide.
Deoxynybomycins inhibit mutant DNA gyrase and rescue mice infected with fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria

Fluoroquinolones are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antibiotics, but fluoroquinolone resistance (FQR) is widespread and increasing. Deoxynybomycin (DNM) is a natural-product antibiotic with an unusual mechanism of action, inhibiting the mutant DNA gyrase that confers FQR. Unfortunately, isolation of DNM is difficult and DNM is insoluble in aqueous solutions, making it a poor candidate for development. Here we describe a facile chemical route to produce DNM and its derivatives. These compounds possess excellent activity against FQR methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci clinical isolates and inhibit mutant DNA gyrase in-vitro. Bacteria that develop resistance to DNM are re-sensitized to fluoroquinolones, suggesting that resistance that emerges to DNM would be treatable. Using a DNM derivative, the first in-vivo efficacy of the nybomycin class is demonstrated in a mouse infection model. Overall, the data presented suggest the promise of DNM derivatives for the treatment of FQR infections.
SU‐E‐T‐197: Helical Cranial‐Spinal Treatments with a Linear Accelerator

Purpose: Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) of systemic disease requires a high level of beam intensity modulation to reduce dose to bone marrow and other critical structures. Current helical delivery machines can take 30 minutes or more of beam-on time to complete these treatments. This pilot study aims to test the feasibility of performing helical treatments with a conventional linear accelerator using longitudinal couch travel during multiple gantry revolutions. Methods: The VMAT optimization package of the Eclipse 10.0 treatment planning system was used to optimize pseudo-helical CSI plans of 5 clinical patient scans. Each gantry revolution was divided into three 120° arcs with each isocenter shifted longitudinally. Treatments requiring more than the maximum 10 arcs used multiple plans with each plan after the first being optimized including the dose of the others (Figure 1). The beam pitch was varied between 0.2 and 0.9 (couch speed 5- 20cm/revolution and field width of 22cm) and dose-volume histograms of critical organs were compared to tomotherapy plans. Results: Viable pseudo-helical plans were achieved using Eclipse. Decreasing the pitch from 0.9 to 0.2 lowered the maximum lens dose by 40%, the mean bone marrow dose by 2.1% and the maximum esophagus dose by 17.5%. (Figure 2). Linac-basedmore » helical plans showed dose results comparable to tomotherapy delivery for both target coverage and critical organ sparing, with the D50 of bone marrow and esophagus respectively 12% and 31% lower in the helical linear accelerator plan (Figure 3). Total mean beam-on time for the linear accelerator plan was 8.3 minutes, 54% faster than the tomotherapy average for the same plans. Conclusions: This pilot study has demonstrated the feasibility of planning pseudo-helical treatments for CSI targets using a conventional linac and dynamic couch movement, and supports the ongoing development of true helical optimization and delivery.« less
Phase Transition to an Opaque Plasma in a Sonoluminescing Bubble

Time-resolved spectrum measurements of a sonoluminescing Xe bubble reveal a transition from transparency to an opaque Planck blackbody. As the temperature is <10 000 K and the density is below liquid density, the photon scattering length is 10 000 times too large to explain its opacity. We resolve this issue with a model that reduces the ionization potential. According to this model, sonoluminescence originates in a new phase of matter with high ionization. Analysis of line emission from Xe* also yields evidence of phase segregation for this first-order transition inside a bubble.
Single-mode instability and multi-mode instability of quantum-cascade lasers

In this paper, we have reported the study on instability mechanisms of mid-infrared (MIR) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) with Fabry—Perot cavity. Both the saturable absorber (SA) and spatial hole burning (SHB) effects have been included in the analysis. We found that the single-mode and multi-mode instabilities can coexist in the quantum-cascade medium. The multi-mode instability has been observed to be similar to the coherent Risken—Nummedal—Graham—Haken (RNGH) instability, and the single-mode instability has been found to be associated with SHB effect. These results are different from those previously reported in the literature. The linear stability analysis is based on the linearization of Maxwell—Bloch formulism. There are two differences between our analysis and that presented in the literature. One difference lies in the treatment of the complex quantities, while the other is the algorithm for decoupling various instability mechanisms. Furthermore, we have also discussed about the effects of the saturable absorber on the two instability mechanisms. The saturable absorber effect can enhance both kinds of instabilities through lowering their instability thresholds, while the effect on the multi-mode instability is predicted to be more significant.
Self-interaction-free time-dependent density-functional theory for molecular processes in strong fields: High-order harmonic generation of H 2 in intense laser fields

We present a self-interaction-free time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) for nonperturbative treatment of multiphoton processes of many-electron molecular systems in intense laser fields. The time-dependent exchange-correlation (xc) energy potential with proper short- and long-range potential is constructed by means of the time-dependent optimized effective potential (OEP) method and the incorporation of an explicit self-interaction-correction (SIC) term. The resulting time-dependent OEP/SIC equations are structurally similar to the time-dependent Hartree-Fock equations, but include the many-body effects through an orbital-independent single-particle local time-dependent xc potential. A numerical time-propagation technique is introduced for accurate and efficient solution of the TDDFT/OEP-SIC equations for two-center diatomic molecular systems. This procedure involves the use of a generalized pseudospectral method for nonuniform optimal grid discretization of the Hamiltonian in prolate spheroidal coordinates and a split-operator scheme in the energy representation for the time development of the electron orbital wave functions. High-precision time-dependent wave functions can be obtained by this procedure with the use of only a modest number of spatial grid points. The theory is applied to a detailed study of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) processes of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecules in intense pulsed laser fields. Particular attention is paid to the exploration of the spectral and temporal structures of HHG by means of the wavelet time-frequency analysis. The results reveal striking details of the spectral and temporal fine structures of HHG, providing new insights regarding the detailed HHG mechanisms in different energy regimes.
Comparison of spreader penetration during lateral compaction of .04 and .02 tapered gutta-percha.

The purpose of this study was to compare the initial penetration depth of fine-fine nickel-titanium (NiTi) and fine-fine stainless-steel (SS) spreaders during lateral compaction of .02 or .04 tapered master gutta-percha cones and to evaluate the effect of increasing canal curvature on penetration depth. Fifty-one root canals were instrumented to a standardized size and grouped by degree of curvature for comparison. Our results showed that NiTi spreaders penetrated to a significantly greater depth than SS spreaders using .02 tapered gutta-percha in canal curvatures greater than 20 degrees and when using .04 tapered gutta-percha regardless of canal curvature. No significant difference occurred between NiTi and SS-spreader penetration using .02 tapered gutta-percha in canal curvatures of 0 to 20 degrees (p > 0.05). Both NiTi and SS spreaders penetrated to a greater depth as canal curvatures increased to greater than 20 degrees (p < 0.05). Both NiTi and SS spreaders penetrated to a shallower depth with .04 tapered gutta-percha compared with .02 tapered gutta-percha (p < 0.0001).
Including the effects of temperature-dependent opacities in the implicit Monte Carlo algorithm

The Implicit Monte Carlo technique of Fleck and Cummings [1] is often employed to numerically simulate radiative transfer. This method achieves greater stability than one with a fully explicit time discretization by estimating the t^n^+^1 value of T^4 from the thermal emission term, which is proportional to T^4. In the Fleck and Cummings algorithm, this results in decreasing the absorption by the so-called ''Fleck factor'', and adding a corresponding amount of effective scattering. We show how to include the effects of the temperature-dependent opacity to the estimated t^n^+^1 value of the thermal emission term. This results in the addition to the ''Fleck factor'' of a term that depends on [email protected] We demonstrate that this modification allows for more accurate solutions with much larger time steps for problems with opacities that have a strong temperature dependence.
The Role of Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Ovarian Cancer: Hope or Hoax?

The role of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to treat peritoneal-based cancers has been debated for years. Meanwhile papers that advocate the advantages of this modality continue to accrue, but questions regarding efficacy, optimal indications, patient selection, and toxicity remain largely unresolved. This uncertainty for HIPEC benefit is especially acute in ovarian cancer. Is it time for clinicians to incorporate this treatment modality into the care of ovarian cancer patients? If so, then in whom should this aggressive therapy be prescribed, front-line or recurrent disease? In examining the use of this modality, one needs to consider the defining elements that constitute HIPEC therapy.
Acetylated Sp3 is a transcriptional activator

Sp3 transcription factor can either activate or repress target gene expression. However, the molecular event that controls this dual function is unclear. We previously reported (Ammanamanchi, S., and Brattain, M. G. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 3348–3352) that unmodified Sp3 acts as a transcriptional repressor of transforming growth factor-β receptors in MCF-7L breast cancer cells. We now report that histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) induces acetylation of Sp3, which acts as a transcriptional activator of transforming growth factor-β receptor type II (RII) in MCF-7L cells. Mutation analysis indicated the TSA response is mediated through a GC box located on the RII promoter, which was previously identified as an Sp1/Sp3-binding site that was critical for RII promoter activity. Ectopic Sp3 expression in Sp3-deficient MCF-7E breast cancer cells repressed RII promoter activity in the absence of TSA. However, in the TSA-treated MCF-7E cells ectopic Sp3 activated RII promoter. Histone acetyltransferase p300 was shown to acetylate Sp3. Sp3-mediated RII promoter activity was stimulated by wild type p300 but not the histone acetyltransferase domain-deleted mutant p300 in MCF-7L cells, suggesting the positive effect of p300 acetylase activity on Sp3. Consequently, the results presented in this manuscript demonstrate that acetylation acts as a switch that controls the repressor and activator role of Sp3.
Effects of Attainable and Unattainable Goals on Mirror-Tracing Performance and Retention of a Motor Task

Attainable and unattainable goals' effect on mirror tracing a six-pointed star was investigated. Three groups of male college students were randomly assigned to groups: control, attainable goals, or unattainable goals. Subjects were evaluated for time and error in 28 trials. Goals were individualized on the basis of each subject's performance on the previous three trials. Knowledge of results and goals were given for both time and error on the first 18 trials but not the last 10. The use of goals led to superior performance and short-term retention, but no significant differences were found between subjects given attainable and unattainable goals. Significant correlations of time and error in some experimental blocks suggest that, under increasingly difficult conditions, quality (avoidance of error) may be sacrificed for quantity (time).
Modified Protamine Zinc Insulin: Comparison with Globin Zinc Insulin and Insulin Mixtures1

SOON AFTER protamine zinc insulin was introduced it became evident that, although a reduction in the number of daily injections was possible in most cases, only patients with mild diabetes could be controlled with one dose per day. Of 350 well-controlled diabetic patients we have treated in the past four years, only 186 (53 per cent) could be regulated with protamine zinc insulin alone, while 164 (47 per cent) required in addition a separate morning injection of regular insulin. Of the 186 patients well regulated with protamine zinc insulin alone, 177 (95 per cent) required 40 units daily or less (average 26 units). Those patients requiring separate morning injections of the two insulins were themore severe diabetics, 148 of the 164 needing over 40 units daily, the average total dose being 55 units. It seems evident, therefore, that some different modification of insulin will prove necessary if we hope to control with one daily injection the majority of moderate and severe cases as well as the mild ones.
The Flow Properties of Fibers

A sinusoidal rate of loading is one of the less common ways of testing fibers. A mathematical treatment of the behavior of visco-elastic materials under such conditions is developed, and this theory is applied to data obtained using Nylon 66 monofils. The results indicate that the sig nificant values for the flow process are dependent on the frequency of vibration. An experimental method of obtaining the data necessary is described.
Rethinking Conceptual Approaches to the Study of “Listening”

Theory about listening has been strongly affected by methodological orientations and institutional pressures. It would help if researchers spent more time on the objects of study rather than method. Traditional listening research has confused listening with general cognitive abilities, such as IQ. Studying listening as memory is a tempting alternative, but carries with it its own problems. Listening should be considered as a broad field rather than a single ability or skill. Some alternatives might include listening and schemas, the relationship between listening and reading, and behaviors associated with listening.
Estimating the logistic curve from grouped data

The problem of estimating the parameters of the logistic dose-response curve from data consisting of single binary responses at each of several distinct doses isdiscussed. Four estimation methods are considered; three methods require grouped data and thefourth is the m.1. estimator computed from the original, ungrouped data. Two of the methodsrequiring grouped data are based on the minimum logit chi-square technique. The results, based on monte carlo simulation , are: (I) the grouped data methods often yield smaller mean squared errors when estimating α and β (2) the m.1. estimators yield smailcr mean squared errors than the minimum logit chi-square estimators when estimating to 50% or 90% effective dose.
Reconstruction of a 3-dimensional flow field from orthogonal views of seed track video images

A first generation automated 3-d particle tracking velocimeter was constructed. It measures the velocity (all 3 components simultaneously) of the fluid by imaging the light scattered from nylon particles, which move with the flow. The images are captured into two SIT cameras at video rates. The cameras are to orthogonal positions and the computational algorithms necessary to reconstruct the 3-d velocity information from these two 2-d projections are discussed. An example of the application of the technique to the gas-phase flow (≅ 6.5 m/s) through a transparent model of an engine throttle-body assembly (3 × 3 × 3 cm test section) is presented.
Multiresidue Analysis of Cotton Defoliant, Herbicide, and Insecticide Residues in Water by Solid-Phase Extraction and GC−NPD, GC−MS, and HPLC−Diode Array Detection

A multiresidue procedure was developed for analysis of cotton pesticide and harvest-aid chemicals in water using solid-phase extraction and analysis by GC−NPD, GC−MS, and HPLC−DAD. Target compounds included the defoliants tribufos, dimethipin, thidiazuron; the herbicide diuron; and the insecticide methyl parathion. Three solid-phase extraction (SPE) media, octadecylsilyl (ODS), graphitized carbon black (GCB), and a divinylbenzene-N-vinyl pyrollidine copolymer (DVBVP), were evaluated. On GCB and ODS, recoveries varied depending on compound type. Recoveries were quantitative for all compounds on DVBVP, ranging from 87 to 115% in spiked deionized water and surface runoff. The method detection limit was less than 0.1 μg L-1. SPE with DVBVP was applied to post-defoliation samples of surface runoff and tile drainage from a cotton research plot and surface runoff from a commercial field. The research plot was defoliated with a tank mixture of dimethipin and thidiazuron, and the commercial field, with tribufos. D...
Safety of daptomycin in patients completing more than 14 days of therapy: results from the Cubicin ® Outcomes Registry and Experience

Abstract Patients with complicated infections may receive daptomycin for extended periods. This retrospective analysis was conducted to describe the safety profile of daptomycin in patients completing >14 days of therapy. In the Cubicin ® Outcomes Registry and Experience (CORE ® ) 2005–2009, a retrospective, multicentre, observational registry, patients completing >14 days of daptomycin were studied. Investigators assessed adverse events (AEs) using ICH-E2A definitions of seriousness/severity ≤30 days after completing daptomycin. AEs were grouped by onset at ≤14, 15–28 and >28 days after starting daptomycin. In total, 2263 patients received >14 days of daptomycin. The most common indications were complicated skin and skin-structure infection (25.5%) and osteomyelitis (21.7%). Regarding AEs, 205 patients (9.1%) experienced AEs with an onset ≤14 days of therapy, 168 (7.4%) between 15–28 days and 108 (4.8%) >28 days; a total of 389/2263 patients experienced 814 AEs. The most common AE was increased blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK), occurring in 49 patients (2.2%) during ≤14 days of therapy, 32 (1.4%) between 15–28 days and 10 (0.4%) >28 days. In 183/2263 patients (8.1%), 264 AEs were possibly related to daptomycin. Serious AEs occurred in 153/2263 patients (6.8%). Eighty-nine (3.9%) of 2263 patients had daptomycin discontinued due to AEs, with 36 discontinued due to increased CPK. The overall mortality rate was 63/2263 (2.8%); 4 patients died of a possibly related AE. The most common AEs with onset 28 days. Daptomycin appears to be safe in patients treated for >14 days.