cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A leaf sequencing algorithm to enlarge treatment field length in IMRT.

With MLC-based IMRT, the maximum usable field size is often smaller than the maximum field size for conventional treatments. This is due to the constraints of the overtravel distances of MLC leaves and/or jaws. Using a new leaf sequencing algorithm, the usable IMRT field length (perpendicular to the MLC motion) can be mostly made equal to the full length of the MLC field without violating the upper jaw overtravel limit. For any given intensity pattern, a criterion was proposed to assess whether an intensity pattern can be delivered without violation of the jaw position constraints. If the criterion is met, the new algorithm will consider the jaw position constraints during the segmentation for the step and shoot delivery method. The strategy employed by the algorithm is to connect the intensity elements outside the jaw overtravel limits with those inside the jaw overtravel limits. Several methods were used to establish these connections during segmentation by modifying a previously published algorithm (areal algorithm), including changing the intensity level, alternating the leaf-sequencing direction, or limiting the segment field size. The algorithm was tested with 1000 random intensity patterns with dimensions of 21×27 cm2, 800 intensity patterns with higher intensity outside the jaw overtravel limit, and three different types of clinical treatment plans that were undeliverable using a segmentation method from a commercial treatment planning system. The new algorithm achieved a success rate of 100% with these test patterns. For the 1000 random patterns, the new algorithm yields a similar average number of segments of 36.9±2.9 in comparison to 36.6±1.3 when using the areal algorithm. For the 800 patterns with higher intensities outside the jaw overtravel limits, the new algorithm results in an increase of 25% in the average number of segments compared to the areal algorithm. However, the areal algorithm fails to create deliverable segments for 90% of these patterns. Using a single isocenter, the new algorithm provides a solution to extend the usable IMRT field length from 21 to 27 cm for IMRT on a commercial linear accelerator using the step and shoot delivery method.
Development of midline glial populations at the corticoseptal boundary.

Three midline glial populations are found at the corticoseptal boundary: the glial wedge (GW), glia within the indusium griseum (IGG), and the midline zipper glia (MG). Two of these glial populations are involved in axonal guidance at the cortical midline, specifically development of the corpus callosum. Here we investigate the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of each population and determine whether they are generated at the same developmental stage. We find that the GW is derived from the radial glial scaffold of the cortex. GW cells initially have long radial processes that extend from the ventricular surface to the pial surface, but by E15 loose their pial attachment and extend only part of the way to the pial surface. Later in development the radial morphology of cells within the GW is replaced by multipolar astrocytes, providing supportive evidence that radial glia can transform into astrocytes. IGG and MG do not have a radial morphology and do not label with the radial glial markers, Nestin and RC2. We conclude that the GW and IGG have different morphological and molecular characteristics and are born at different stages of development. IGG and MG have many phenotypic and molecular characteristics in common, indicating that they may represent a common population of glia that becomes spatially distinct by the formation of the corpus callosum.
Evaluation of Early Dexmedetomidine Addition to the Standard of Care for Severe Alcohol Withdrawal in the ICU: A Retrospective Controlled Cohort Study.

Purpose:This study evaluated the impact of dexmedetomidine (DEX) administration on benzodiazepine (BZD) requirements in intensive care unit (ICU) patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (...
The theridiid spider Steatoda paykulliana, poisonous to mammals

Abstract The bite of the European cobweb spider Steatoda paykulliana was found toxic to mammals. Although weaker than that of Latrodectus , the toxin produced similar effects on guinea-pigs, and appeared to be neurotoxic. Latrodectus antitoxin did not protect guinea-pigs against its effects. Steatoda paykulliana is redescribed.
Characterization of SERS substrates for chem/bio processing systems

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has promise as an optical sensor for the detection of chemical and biological agents, in particular when combined with front-end processing for sample preparation prior to analysis. In this paper, we report preliminary results from a SERS analysis of Bacillus cereus T strain (BcT), which was prepared for sensor analysis via a microfluidics-based sample processor. In the microfluidics hardware, low and high molecular weight analytes from a sonicated spore sample were separated via mass-dependent diffusion into two independent microchannels. SERS analysis of the sample outputs revealed a significant separation of the low molecular spore biomarker, dipicolinic acid, from the high molecular weight protein and nucleic acid background. In addition to the processing study, measurements were performed on gold core-shell nanospheres, which are considered a potential SERS substrate for the microfluidic system. Finally, field-induced aggregation of silver nanoparticles, an alternative to chemical aggregation, was shown to be an effective approach for the production of highly enhancing SERS substrates.
Synthesis of ceramide analogues having the C(4)-C(5) bond of the long-chain base as part of an aromatic or heteroaromatic system.

Two efficient and stereoselective methods are described for the preparation of aryl and heteroaryl ceramide analogues 2 and 3. The first route involves the addition of an aryllithium or a heteroaryllithium reagent (7a or 25a, respectively) to the l-serine-derived aldehyde 4, followed by hydrolysis of the oxazolidine, liberation of the amino group, and N-acylation. The second route, which was used to prepare arylceramide analogue 2 in eight steps and 28% overall yield starting with 3-bromobenzaldehyde, utilizes a Heck reaction to afford (E)-α,β-unsaturated ester 16, then osmium-catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation for the introduction of the desired chirality at C-2 and C-3. Regioselective α-azidation of α-O-nosyl-β-hydroxyester 18 with sodium azide, followed by LiAlH4 reduction of the azido and ester groups and N-acylation, complete the synthesis of arylceramide analogue 2.
A free-electron laser amplifier with a spatially varying wiggler

Abstract We discuss the dynamics of the free-electron laser in the high gain Compton regime with a linearly decreasing wiggler wave-length, and give evidence for the possibility of a much greater amplification of an input signal with the selected wiggler geometry over the more traditional uniform wiggler configuration. In addition, our numerical results suggest the existence of an interesting transition in the FEL dynamical evolution.
EXAPTATION AND TORSION : TOWARD A THEORY OF NATURAL INFORMATION PROCESSING

Abstract Several conundrums are provoked by attempts to provide algorithmic descriptions of natural phenomena. A characteristic feature of natural computation is a breakdown in the formal simulation relation. This is called hermeneutic torsion, and is formally the failure to commute of a diagram describing homomorphisms between dynamical systems. This torsion is a source of computational power. For example, it is deeply involved with phenomena such as exaptation, wherein an existing structure is recruited for a novel function. Exaptation occurs continually at the macromolecular level and is fundamentally nonalgorithmic; our system-theoretic models of computation deal with structural descriptions for which a functional semantics must be assigned in advance, and a natural system continually `diagonalizes out' of this semantics. This perspective clarifies the nature of computing power and encourages consideration of a new kind of transcomputational complexity.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT COUNTERFEITING: PROBLEMS AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Background to International Counterfeiting It has been estimated that counterfeiting, the unauthorized imitation of goods or services with intent to deceive (6), was responsible for approximately $60 billion in lost sales of consumer and industrial products in the United States in 1985. In comparison, $3 billion in sales were lost in United States market in 1978 due to piracy of reputable merchandise. Currently, counterfeiting has been estimated as increasing at an incredible rate of thirty percent a year. One of the fastest growing product counterfeit segments is in industrial products. Close to five percent of the total world trade consumer industrial products is accounted for by the importation of fraudulent goods and services. The counterfeit market in the United States exists and continues to thrive due to the immense demand for copies of well‐known, reputable brands, but at a fraction of the cost of the real item. By forging goods, counterfeiters reduce their costs by denying the royalties that rightfully belong to the originator of the forged item. In another aspect, if existing technology is copied from another firm, the counterfeiting organization has virtually no research and development costs while the firm that produced the technology costs are significantly higher than those of the counterfeiter.
Effects of sorghum particle size on milling characteristics and growth performance in finishing pigs

Abstract A total of 200 finishing pigs (PIC TR4 × 1050; initially 46.8 ± 1.24 kg) were used in a 69-day growth assay to determine the effects of sorghum particle size on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were sorted by sex, ancestry, and BW with 5 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. Treatments were a corn–soybean meal-based control with the corn milled to a target particle size of 600 μm and sorghum milled to target particle sizes of 800, 600, and 400 μm. Actual mean particle sizes were 555 μm for corn and 724, 573, and 319 μm for sorghum. All diets were pelleted. Pigs were slaughtered (average final BW of 123 kg) at a commercial abattoir. Pigs fed the sorghum-based treatments were not different in growth performance, hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin depth, or fat free lean index compared to those fed the corn control; however, there was a tendency for pigs fed sorghum-based treatments to have increased (P 0.23) on hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin depth, or fat free lean index, but dressing percentage tended to improve (P
In situ electrochemical-mass spectroscopic investigation of solid electrolyte interphase formation on the surface of a carbon electrode

Abstract The energy density of an electrochemical capacitor can be significantly improved by utilizing a lithiated negative electrode and a high surface area positive electrode. During lithiation of the negative carbon electrode, the electrolyte reacts with the electrode surface and undergoes decomposition to form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer that passivates the surface of the carbon electrode from further reactions between Li and the electrolyte. The reduction reactions that the solvent undergoes also form insoluble and gaseous by-products. In this work, those gaseous by-products generated by reductive decomposition of a carbonate-based electrolyte, 1.2 M LiPF 6 in EC/PC/DEC (3:1:4), were analyzed at different stages during the lithiation process of an amorphous carbon electrode. The stages in the generation of gaseous by-products were determined to come as a result of two, 1-electron reduction steps of the cyclic carbonate components of the electrolyte. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was also used to investigate the two distinct electrochemical processes and the development of the two phases of the SEI structure. This is the first time that the state of an electrochemical cell during the formation of the SEI layer has been systematically correlated with theoretical reaction mechanisms through the use of in situ electrochemical-MS and impedance spectroscopy analyses.
DNA and the RNA viruses

Over the past decade our laboratory has worked intensively on the molecular details of RNA replication using the RNA bacteriophages as a model system. About a year and a half ago, I decided that the time had arrived for us to turn our accumulated technical armament on RNA replication to a problem of more immediate relevance and chose the RNA oncogenic viruses as the focus of our future efforts. I will begin by an account of certain of our earlier experiments that led us to hope that a novel therapeutic approach could be devised against RNA viruses. I will then conclude with some very recent developments that suggest we may have made the right decision in electing to work on the RNA oncogenic viruses, but possibly for the wrong reasons.
From Chaos to Order - Perspectives and Methodologies in Controlling Chaotic Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

Controlling (or ordering) chaos is a new concept, which has recently drawn much attention from the communities of engineering, physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences and mathematics. This paper offers an overview of the different interpretations and approaches in the investigation of controlling chaos for various nonlinear dynamical systems. Relevant historical background is provided, several successful techniques are described and analyzed with necessary verifications, and some realistic yet instructive examples are included. The paper also aims at promoting more efforts to be devoted to this challenging and promising new direction of research, as well as its potential applications in nonlinear systems science and engineering.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FINITE ELEMENT AND FINITE DIFFERENCE METHODS FOR CAUCHY-RIEMANN TYPE EQUATIONS*

A least squares formulation of the system divu = rho, curlu = zeta is surveyed from the viewpoint of both finite element and finite difference methods. Closely related arguments are shown to establish convergence estimates.
Interstellar Matter in Early-Type Galaxies. III. Radio Emission and Star Formation

The relationship between the IR and radio luminosity in early-type galaxies is examined using the correlation among spiral galaxies as a diagnostic of the presence of star formation. For ellipticals, the presence of long-wavelength IR emission enhances the probability that the galaxy is a radio source and is also correlated with the strength of that source. These findings are consistent with the idea that active radio nuclei are due to black holes being fueled by accretion of gas. The majority of S0s detected in both radio and far-IR have a similar ratio of IR to radio luminosity as has been found in spirals, and which is considered to be indicative of recent star formation. Sensitive radio limits for several galaxies reveal another substantial population of S0s with moderately strong IR emission unaccompanied by radio power.
The Intensive Care Management of the Term Neonate: Are There Regional Differences in Outcome?

The Intensive Care Management of the Term Neonate: Are There Regional Differences in Outcome?
Effects of flow on the synthesis and release of fibronectin by endothelial cells

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells at confluence were subjected to steady shear flow. The effect of flow on the synthesis of fibronectin, its release into the medium, and incorporation into the extracellular matrix were investigated. The total content of fibronectin in endothelial cells exposed to flow was found to be lower than that in static controls after periods of 12 to 48 h. In the presence of cycloheximide there was no difference in the fibronectin content of sheared and unsheared cells. Our results suggest that the synthesis of fibronectin is inhibited by the flow-induced perturbation of endothelial cells.
Comparison of α-tropomyosin sequences from smooth and striated muscle

Tropomyosins are a closely related family of proteins with a dimeric α-coiled-coil structure1. Skeletal isoforms are composed of two types of subunits, α and β2–4 which, in turn, are assorted into two main molecular species αα and αβ5–7. Both isoforms are present in different molar ratios in individual skeletal muscle types8,9. In small mammals, however, onlyα-chain is expressed in cardiac muscle8. Tropomyosin, in association with the troponin complex (troponin-I, -T and -C) plays a central role in the Ca2+dependent regulation of vertebrate striated muscle contraction10–12. On the other hand, despite structural similarities with the striated isoforms, the function of this protein in smooth muscle and non-muscle cells remains unknown, because in these cells contraction is thought to be regulated by myosin-linked processes independently of tropomyosin13–15. Here we report the nucleotide sequences of cloned complementary DNAs for rat striated and smooth muscle α-tropomyosin. Comparison of the derived amino-acid sequences reveals the existence of tissue-specific peptides that delimit the putative troponin-I and troponin-T binding domains of tropomyosin. S1-nuclease mapping studies reveal the existence of three distinct α-tropomyosin messenger RNA isoforms each encoding a different protein; these isoforms are tissue-specific, developmentally regulated and most probably encoded by the same gene.
“Getting to Know”: Exploring How Urban African American Women Conceptualize Safer and Risky Sexual Behaviors

The surge in the rate of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases continues to be most prevalent for African American women between the ages of 18 and 29, with heterosexual transmission remaining the primary cause of HIV spread for this population. The high rates of HIV/AIDS among African American women continue to emphasize the need for understanding how members of this population conceptualize sexual safety and risk. A qualitative research study using grounded theory methods was conducted to explore how African American women define safer and risky sexual behaviors. Interviews were conducted with 14 African American women between the ages of 18 and 29. The study findings suggest that African American women’s definitions of safer and risky sexual behaviors, while in a consensual sexual relationship, are consistently influenced by sex partner type. The information garnered from this study can help inform the development of HIV prevention strategies, health education, counseling and reproductive health services that support African American women’s wellness.
An evaluation of gating window size, delivery method, and composite field dosimetry of respiratory-gated IMRT

A respiratory gating system has been developed based on a commercial patient positioning system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the ability of the gating system to reproduce normal, nongated IMRT operation and to quantify the errors produced by delivering a nongated IMRT treatment onto a moving target. A moving phantom capable of simultaneous two-dimensional motion was built, and an analytical liver motion function was used to drive the phantom. Studies were performed to assess the effect of gating window size and choice of delivery method (segmented and dynamic multileaf collimation). Additionally, two multiple field IMRT cases were delivered to quantify the error in gated and nongated IMRT with motion. Dosimetric error between nonmoving and moving deliveries is related to gating window size. By reducing the window size, the error can be reduced. Delivery error can be reduced for both dynamic and segmented delivery with gating. For the implementation of dynamic IMRT delivery in this study, dynamic delivery was found to generate larger delivery errors than segmented delivery in most cases studied. For multiple field IMRT delivery, the largest errors were generated in regions where high field modulation was present parallel to the axis of motion. Gating was found to reduce these large errors to clinically acceptable levels.
A comparative study on thermal and hydrothermal stability of alumina, titania and zirconia membranes

Abstract Thermal and hydrothermal stabilities of sol-gel derived γ-alumina, titania and zirconia membranes have been investigated using comprehensive experimental data on the pore and phase structure of these three membranes after heat treatment at high temperatures under air and steam/air atmospheres. For all three ceramic membranes heat treatment results in a decrease in the surface area and an increase in the pore size. The effect of sintering on the change of the pore structure of the three membranes decreases in the order: zirconia > titania > alumina. The presence of steam enhances the pore structure change of these three membranes at elevated temperatures, and the extent of the enhancing effects for the three membranes decreases in the same order. At temperatures higher than 900 (alumina), 600 (zirconia) and 450°C (titania), metastable to stable phase transformation occurs, causing a substantial change in the pore structure of all three membranes, for which the extent of the pore structure change decreases in the order: alumina > zirconia > titania. Presence of steam in the phase-transformation region also enhances the pore structure change, especially of zirconia and titania membranes. Doping drying control chemical additive alters the pore structure of these three ceramic membranes. These comprehensive experimental data are explained using the surface diffusion sintering mechanism, surface nucleation mechanism as well as the microstructure of the sol-gel synthesized ceramic materials.
Positional Obstructive Uropathy Secondary to Ureteroneocystostomy Herniation in Renal Transplant Recipient

A 59-year-old man with end stage renal disease of unknown etiology underwent cadaveric donor renal transplantation. The donor kidney (right side) was placed in the right iliac fossa after revascularization of the renal to external iliac artery and the renal to external iliac vein. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in an extravesical fashion. Induction immunosuppression consisted of 9 days of Minnesota antilymphocyte globulin, methylprednisolone, azathioprine and cyclosporine. Convalescence was uneventful and at discharge home serum creatinine was 1.7 mg./dl. (normal 0.6 to 1.4). Two rejection episodes occurred in the first 3 months of which 1 was empirically treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and 1 with OKT3 for biopsy proved rejection. Subsequently, multiple hospital admissions were related to an increase in creatinine to 2.6 mg./dl. At each admission renal transplant ultrasound and nuclear renal scanning were unremarkable,
Host life history and the effect of parasitic castration on growth: a field study of Cerithidea californica Haldeman (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia) and its trematode parasites

Abstract The prevalence of parasitic infection by larval digenetic trematodes in natural populations of the mud snail, Cerithidea californica Haldeman, was found to increase with snail length; all snails ≥ 33 mm were infected. Distributions of infections by the seven most common larval trematodes were heterogeneous due to two species being more common than expected in the smaller size classes of snails, two being more common than expected in the larger size-classes of snails and three species being most prevalent in snails of intermediate length. The relative abundances of trematodes in different size-classes reflected these distributional patterns. A mark-recapture field study of snail growth rates failed to demonstrate that parasitic infection causes gigantism in Cerithidea. Parasitism tended to stunt the growth of juvenile snails and to a lesser degree, that of adult snails. The effects of trematodes on snail growth was shown to be species specific. This finding contrasts with those of earlier studies in which gigantic growth was observed in infected snails. This discrepancy is attributed to differences in the life histories of the host snails. It is predicted that gigantism will occur commonly in short-lived or semelparous species of snails but rarely, if ever, in long-lived iteroparous species which are predominately marine.
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Technology such as the Internet and mobile phones offers considerable promise for affecting the assessment, prevention, and treatment of and recovery from substance use disorders. Technology may enable entirely new models of behavioral health care within and outside of formal systems of care. This article reviews the promise of technology-based therapeutic tools for affecting the quality and reach of addiction treatment and recovery support systems, as well as the empirical support to date for this approach. Potential models for implementing technology-based interventions targeting substance use disorders are described. Opportunities to optimize the effectiveness and impact of technology-based interventions targeting addiction and recovery, along with outstanding research needs, are discussed.
Emancipation From Research: The Reconceptualist Prescription

Recalling the late 1960's when our nation was beset with social upheaval and student protest, Harry Reasoner (1978), the newscaster, said "The past is like a foreign country; they do things differently there." For most of us, the era of New Left ideology and campus confrontation is like a foreign country, and for many the distance is agreeable. For some individuals in the curriculum field, however, it is still the late 1960's. The radical countercultural rhetoric of the late 1960's echoes again in the late 1970's, but this time it is sounded by a small cadre of curricularists who call themselves "reconceptualists" (Pinar, 1978, p. 5). According to their chief spokesman, the ultimate aim of the reconceptualists is selfreflective "emancipation" from distortions of communication imposed by technological control (Pinar, 1978, p. 9-11). It will be recalled that emancipation from the domination of science
An evolutionary approach to research on the life cycle.

The evolutionist sees the influence of phylogeny at all points of the life cycle; and evolutionary theory is both a fruitful source of ideas and a powerful explanatory tool in the study of human behavior. This paper reports various empirical studies that illustrate these points. For example, in pairs of fraternal and identical twins observed over the first year of life identicals were substantially more alike than fraternals in smiling, vocalizing and attending to mother. Newborns of various ethnic groups were demonstrably different on measures of temperament. Differences in the biologically adaptive role of the sexes appear in humans (e.g., females in infancy and in adolescence show more affiliative behavior than males; boys show more preoccupation with dominance hierarchies than girls; men react differentially to pictures in which secondary sex characteristics, beards and breasts, are present or absent).
Should Private Security Companies be Employed for Counterinsurgency Operations

Many of the reasons offered for outsourcing security involve costs and benefits – a consequentialist way of reasoning. Thus, I will explore a consequentialist argument against the use of private security contractors (PSCs) in counterinsurgencies. Discussing the benefits and costs of employing PSCs in these kinds of operations will demonstrate that the hiring of PSCs in many cases (perhaps in most) is consequentially unsound. More precisely, the overall negative consequences of hiring PSCs during counterinsurgencies should preclude their use unless in extreme emergencies. Defenders of the use of PSCs readily point to their financial benefits and expected increase in efficiency as the starting point for their argumentation. On my account, if the benefits really do outweigh the foreseeable and expected costs, then hiring PSCs may, in that case, be a morally viable option. However, I contend that, unless we institute broad contractual control and oversight reform, unless we truly understand the costs and bene...
The effect of the CH4 level on the morphology, microstructure, phase purity and electrochemical properties of carbon films deposited by microwave-assisted CVD from Ar-rich source gas mixtures

Abstract Carbon thin films were deposited on Si substrates by microwave-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using variable CH4 levels in an Ar/H2 (Ar-rich) source gas mixture. The relationship between the CH4 concentration (0.5 to 3 vol.%) in the source gas and the resulting film morphology, microstructure, phase purity and electrochemical behavior was investigated. The H2 level was maintained constant at 5% while the Ar level ranged from 92 to 94.5%. The films used in the electrochemical measurements were boron-doped with 2 ppm B2H6 while those used in the structural studies were undoped. Boron doping at this level had no detectable effect on the film morphology or microstructure. Relatively smooth ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films, with a nominal grain size of ca. 15 nm, were only formed at a CH4 concentration of 1%. At the lower CH4 concentration (0.5%), faceted microcrystalline diamond was the predominant phase formed with a grain size of ca. 0.5 µm. At the higher CH4 concentration (2%), a diamond-like carbon film was produced with mixture of sp2-bonded carbon and UNCD. Finally, the film grown with 3% CH4 was essentially nanocrystalline graphite. The characteristic voltammetric features of high quality diamond (low and featureless voltammetric background current, wide potential window, and weak molecular adsorption) were observed for the film grown with 1% CH4, not the films' grown with higher CH4 levels. The C2 dimer level in the source gas was monitored using the Swan band optical emission intensity at 516 nm. The emission intensity and the film growth rate both increased with the CH4 concentration in the source gas, consistent with the dimer being involved in the film growth. Importantly, C2 appears to be involved in the growth of the different carbon microstructures including microcrystalline and ultrananocrystalline diamond, amorphous or diamond-like carbon, and nanocrystalline graphite. In summary, the morphology, microstructure, phase purity and electrochemical properties of the carbon films formed varied significantly over a narrow range of CH4 concentrations in the Ar-rich source gas. The results have important implications for the formation of UNCD from Ar-rich source gas mixtures, and its application in electrochemistry. Characterization data by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), visible-Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods are presented.
The effects of elastic interactions on precipitate microstructural evolution in elastically inhomogeneous nickel-base alloys

The roles of lattice mismatch, e, Vegard’s Law parameter, η and single crystal elastic constants, Cij, on the morphologies of γ′-type (Ni3X, X = Al, Ga, Ge, Si) and γ (Ni–Al and Ni–Ge solid-solution) precipitates in aged binary Ni-X alloys are evaluated over the temperature range 800–1200 K. Using data on the lattice constants and the Cij of both phases as functions of composition and temperature, informed by phase equilibrium in the γ/(γ + γ′)/γ′ regions of the Ni-X phase diagrams, values of e, η and the Cij (and elastic constants derived there from) are estimated for γ and γ′ phases of equilibrium composition. The precipitate microstructures are sensitive to small differences between the Cij. For example, Ni–Al alloys are nearly elastically homogeneous, but large precipitates in aged normal (Ni-rich) and inverse (Ni3Al-rich) alloys have very different morphologies, Ni3Al precipitates being plate-shaped in normal alloys and Ni–Al precipitates being lath-shaped in inverse alloys. The ultimate shapes of pr...
Bebop as historical actuality, urban aesthetic, and critical utterance

This paper focuses upon "bebop" as a distinctively urban movement for the purpose of contributing to the articulation of a distinctively urban aesthetics. The author examines both how the music was taken up in such cities as New York, Los Angeles, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago, and in turn how an urban sensibility was expressed in this particular movement.
Towards image-guided atrial septal defect repair: an ex vivo analysis

The use of medical images in the operating room for navigation and planning is well established in many clinical disciplines. In cardiology, the use of fluoroscopy for the placement of catheters within the heart has become the standard of care. While fluoroscopy provides a live video sequence with the current location, it poses risks the patient and clinician through exposure to radiation. Radiation dose is cumulative and thus children are at even greater risk from exposure. To reduce the use of radiation, and improve surgical technique we have begun development of an image-guided navigation system, which can deliver therapeutic devices via catheter. In this work we have demonstrated the intrinsic properties of our imaging system, which have led to the development of a phantom emulating a childs heart with an ASD. Further investigation into the use of this information, in a series of mock clinical experiments, will be performed to design procedures for inserting devices into the heart while minimizing fluoroscopy use.
The impact of child support on child health

The broad goals of child support policy are to keep children in single-parent families out of poverty and to make sure that their material needs are met. One potentially important, but relatively understudied, set of measures of child well-being are health outcomes. A fixed-effects analysis of data from the Child and Young Adult file of the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth shows that, conditional upon receipt of some amount of child support, higher payment levels are associated with significantly greater odds of having private health insurance coverage and significantly lower odds of poor or declining health status. These effects persist even after controlling for other factors that are likely to be correlated with child support payments, including total family income and paternal visitation patterns.
A theoretical study of viscous effects in peristaltic pumping

Intuition and previous results suggest that a peristaltic wave tends to drive the mean flow in the direction of wave propagation. New theoretical results indicate that, when the viscosity of the transported fluid is shear-dependent, the direction of mean flow can oppose the direction of wave propagation even in the presence of a zero or favourable mean pressure gradient. The theory is based on an analysis of lubrication-type flow through an infinitely long, axisymmetric tube subjected to a periodic train of transverse waves. Sample calculations for a shear-thinning fluid illustrate that, for a given waveform, the sense of the mean flow can depend on the rheology of the fluid, and that the mean flow rate need not increase monotonically with wave speed and occlusion. We also show that, in the absence of a mean pressure gradient, positive mean flow is assured only for Newtonian fluids; any deviation from Newtonian behaviour allows one to find at least one non-trivial waveform for which the mean flow rate is zero or negative. Introduction of a class of waves dominated by long, straight sections facilitates the proof of this result and provides a simple tool for understanding viscous effects in peristaltic pumping.
The Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single-Agent and Combination Therapy with Megestrol Acetate and Dronabinol for the Treatment of HIV Wasting Syndrome

This randomized, open-labeled, multicenter study was designed to assess safety and pharmacokinetics of dronabinol (Marinol) tablets and megestrol acetate (Megace) micronized tablets, alone and in combination, for treatment of HIV wasting syndrome. Weight and quality-of-life data were also collected. Fifty-two patients (mean CD4+ count, 59 cells/mL) were randomized to one of four treatment arms: dronabinol 2.5 mg twice/day (D); megestrol acetate 750 mg/day (M750); megestrol acetate 750 mg/day+dronabinol 2.5 mg twice/day (N750+D); or megestrol acetare 250 mg/day+dronabinol 2.5 mg twice/day (M250+D);. After therapy initiation, 47 patients returned for at least one visit, and 39 completed the planned 12 weeks of study visits. Occurrence of adverse events, drug discontinuation, new AIDS-defining conditions, or CD4+ T-lymphocyte changes were not statistically significant different among arms. Serious adverse events related to dronabinol included CNS events (e.g., confusion, anxiety, emotional lability, euphoria, hallucinations) and those related to megestrol acetate included dyspnea, liver enzyme changes, and hyperglycemia. The mean weight change ± SE over 12 weeks was as follows: D, −2.0 ± 1.3 kg; M750, +6.5 ± 1.1 kg; M750 ± D, +6.0 ± 1.0 kg; and M250+D, −0.3 ± 1.0 kg (difference among treatment arms, p = 0.0001). Pharmacokinetic parameters measured after two weeks of therapy for M750 were C max = 985 ng/mL and AUC = 22,4487 ng × h/mL,and for dronabinol and its active metabolite (HO-THC), respectively, were Cmax = 2.01; 4.61 ng/mL and AUC = 5.3; 23.7 ng × h/mL. For megestrol acetate, but not dronabinol, there was a positive correlation at week 2 between both C max and AUC with each of the following: weight change, breakfast visual analog scale for hunger (VASH) score, and dinner VASH score.
Transcending the information given: designing learning environments for informed participation

Informed participation is an approach for community-based learning and design in which all participants actively contribute toward the framing and solving of complex and multidisciplinary problems. Informed participants go beyond the information given to explore large problem spaces, learn from their peers, and create new understandings. Informed participation requires social changes as well as new interactive systems that provide the opportunity and resources for social debate and discussion rather than merely delivering predigested information to participants. This paper describes courses-as-seeds as an application of informed participation to university-level courses. This application demonstrates key aspects of our approach and highlights direction for future research.
Geographic Distance and Contact Between Middle-aged Children and Their Parents: The Effects of Social Class Over 20 Years

This research derives and tests hypotheses from two alternative conceptual models: the modified extended family model, and the changing family constraints model, which takes into account recent changes in work and family life. The hypotheses address social class differences in geographic distance and contact frequency between middle-aged children and their parents over time. Simultaneous probit models are used to analyze distance and contact as jointly determined outcomes with data from the USC Longitudinal Study of Generations and Mental Health. Results from these analyses indicate that children's 1971 educational aspirations and social class positions predict 1991 distance and contact between generations. Parents who have lower 1991 incomes, however, live farther from children and talk with them on the telephone less frequently than higher-income parents. Thus, the effects of early social class position support the modified extended family model, whereas the effects of current social class position support the changing family constraints model.
The Role of Waves and Tidal Currents in the Development of Tidal-inlet Sedimentary Structures and Sand Body Geometry: Examples from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia

ABSTRACT Morphologic variability in tidal inlets along the southeastern coast of the United States has been considered with respect to the distribution of large-scale sand bodies, intertidal and subtidal bedforms and internal sedimentary structures. Data indicate that the morphologic variability in these inlets can be largely explained as a response to waves and tides. Other factors (tidal prism, inlet cross-sectional area and shape, the nature of the back-barrier bay, the degree of flood or ebb dominance, fresh water input, relative changes in sea level and sediment supply) exhibit lesser controls and their effects are less easily quantified. Three types of inlets are identified: tide-dominated, wave-dominated and transitional. 1) Tide-dominated inlets are characterized by a deep, ebb-dominant main channel flanked by long, linear channel-margin bars. Flood-tidal deltas are poorly developed or non-existent. Sand bodies landward of the inlet throat are confined to tidal point bars further landward in the marsh creek system. 2) Wave-dominated inlets are characterized by large, lobate flood-tidal deltas building into wide, open lagoons. The ebb-tidal delta is small and extends only a short distance from the beach. Tidal channels are generally shallow (less then 6 m) and often bifurcate landward and seaward of the throat. 3) In transitional inlets, major sand bodies are typically concentrated in the inlet throat. These inlets v ry widely in morphology and sand body geometry. Logically, this variability should be expressed in the rock record. In a vertical section through a tide-dominated inlet channel, a coarse base, overlain by bidirectional trough cross stratification from the deep channel and ebb-oriented, planar and trough cross stratification from the shallower channel should be expected. Swash-generated, horizontal plane laminations or slightly inclined accretion beds formed along the channel margins are less likely to be preserved. In contrast, a wave-dominated inlet sequence would contain primarily landward-oriented, planar and cross stratification from the shallower channel bottom, overlain by dominantly horizontal or slightly inclined plane laminations from the shallow channel sides. Transitional inlets would produce a variety of sequences, the xact nature of which would reflect the relative importance of waves and tides.
Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) Does Not Differentiate Between Benign and Malignant Mesothelium

Objectives: To examine carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a marker of renal cell carcinoma that recently has been described in malignant effusions. Methods: Pleural and peritoneal fluids with the following diagnoses—reactive (n = 23), carcinoma (n = 17), and “suspicious for mesothelioma” (n = 4)—were immunostained for CAIX, calretinin, Ber-EP4, and MOC31. A tissue microarray of epithelioid (n = 27) and sarcomatoid (n = 8) mesotheliomas and three cases of benign mesothelium were also immunostained for CAIX. Results: Mesothelial cells in both reactive (18/23) and malignant effusions (18/21) were positive for CAIX ( P > .05). In carcinomatous effusions, CAIX expression was restricted to the mesothelial cells. Agreement between CAIX and calretinin expression was present in 89% of cases. In tissues, CAIX was positive in 100% of benign and 91% of malignant mesothelium. Conclusions: CAIX can be a useful ancillary marker for identifying mesothelial cells. There is no difference in CAIX expression between benign and malignant mesothelium. Caution should be exercised while evaluating for metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.
Airport terminal-approach safety and capacity analysis using an agent-based model

The consistent growth of air traffic demand is causing the operational volumes at hub airports to approach their maximum capacities. With this growth, delays are increasing, and safety is becoming a more crucial problem. The terminal approaching and landing phases are especially important since the airspace is more crowded and operational procedures are more complicated compared with the en route phase. We have developed an agent-based stochastic simulation model which is useful to analyze the relationship among airport arrival capacity, delay, and safety. We first present a simplified queue model to demonstrate key ideas. Then, we give a detailed agent-based model that is calibrated to Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. We use the model to evaluate several operational scenarios and examine the trade-offs between system capacity and safety.
Physical and combustion properties of nonwoven fabrics produced from conventional and naturally colored cottons

A comparative study was conducted to identify the effects of processing on physical and combustion properties of needlepunched (NP) and hydroentangled (H-E) nonwoven fabrics produced from fibers of white fiber cotton and a naturally colored brown fiber cotton. A significantly higher degree of flame retardancy (FR) in was observed in fabrics produced from brown cotton fibers compared with white fibers. Calorimetry revealed lower heat release capacity, lower peak heat release rate, and total heat release from brown fibers compared with white fibers. The ash content was also higher in brown fiber samples suggesting higher levels of inorganic elements in the brown fibers. Elemental analyses revealed brown cotton fibers had higher levels of known FR elements including phosphorous and magnesium. The H-E process reduced FR in brown fabrics, which also correlated with a reduction in phosphorous. However, brown H-E fabrics still maintained higher FR than white H-E fabrics. Water content analysis indicated higher w...
Two novel cases of trilateral retinoblastoma: genetics and review of the literature.

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common eye tumor in children; it originates from germline and/or somatic mutations that inactivate both alleles of the RB1 gene located on chromosome 13q14. Patients with unilateral or bilateral RB infrequently may develop an additional intracranial neuroblastic tumor, usually in the pineal gland, which characterizes the trilateral retinoblastoma (TRB) syndrome. The most common chromosomal abnormalities detected in TRB are deletions at 13q14, even if some rare cases of RB1 point mutations were described. In our report, we investigated two patients with TRB who showed a germline RB1 point mutation that has never been found to date and a large deletion involving RB1 , respectively. Genetic data were compared to our in-house series and to current literature; these data suggested a role for other candidate regions in the pathogenesis of TRB. Moreover, our study highlights the need for new approaches allowing a multigenic analysis to clarify the genotype−phenotype correlation in TRB.
Protean and boundaryless careers: An empirical exploration

Abstract While the constructs of protean and boundaryless careers have informed career theory for years, rigorous empirical examinations of these career models have lagged behind. This study seeks to redress this situation by constructing and developing four new scales to measure protean and boundaryless career attitudes. The scales related to protean career attitudes measure self-directed career management and values-driven predispositions. The scales related to boundaryless career attitudes measure boundaryless mindset and organizational mobility preference. The initial validation of these scales, consisting of three studies, demonstrates their reliability and validity.
Does Happiness Mean Friendliness? Induced Mood and Heterosexual Self-Disclosure

The separate process model of mood and behavior suggested that positive mood is associated with a social, expansive, approach motivation, while negative mood is associated with an avoidant, egocentric motivation. The present experiment examined the differential impact of positive and negative mood stimuli that were self-relevant or non-self-relevant on males' social interaction and self-disclosure with a female. The self-relevant conditions were effective in altering both the subjects' self-esteem and mood states, while the non-self-relevant conditions were effective in altering only the subjects' moods. Supporting the separate process model prediction that positive mood increases sociability, the self-relevant and non-self-relevant positive mood inductions were equal in motivating more total communication and more moderately and highly intimate self-disclosures compared with the two negative mood conditions. The self-relevant and non-self-relevant negative mood conditions generally produced equivalent ef...