cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human-computer interfaces: Modelling and evaluation

Abstract The human-computer interface is the area of contact between people and computers. Within this area, the interface component of interest is the computer software that determines the conceptual and perceptual interactions that users of the computer perform. It is generally accepted that poor interface design can lead users to experience stress, lower work rates, decreased job satisfaction and even absenteeism (Booth, 1989). Designers are not trained in human factors concepts. They may not understand or consider the user's needs or working environment. A poor interface design can lead to misuse or lack of use of the computer system. The system may include many capabilities without including the functionality needed by the user. Many times a user in this situation will discover a way to perform the needed task, even though it may be clumsy and undesirable from the user's point of view. Research in the area of human computer interface is needed. In the past, when the primary objective of software design was compilers, operating systems, and other development tools, designers of computer systems were the users or were typical of the computer users. Resultant computer systems were more likely to meet the designers' personal needs since their needs and style were used to model user requirements. Today computer users no longer are the computer professionals but are mostly discretionary users. The software designers are no longer typical of the ultimate user but are rather unique and are unrepresentative of the user (Shackel, 1985). Tools, techniques, design practices, and methodologies are required in order to build a model of how users will behave at an interface and of what users require from a system. This paper discusses two topics in this area: user modelling and task analysis, and the evaluation of user interfaces.
Religious Identity and the Future of Northern Ireland

Religion matters in Northern Ireland because it shapes social and personal identity and influences the very different worldviews of people within the two cultures of the province (Protestant and Catholic). Because religion matters so profoundly, no long-term solution to the political problems of the province will be possible without acknowledging its impact on values and thinking. The significance of the expressions “the Catholic community” and “the Protestant people” is explored as is the impact of religious ideas on current policy issues. A comparison of Northern Ireland and the United States is offered as a way of suggesting the effect social and economic mobility will have on attempts to resolve the province's political troubles.
Evaluation of wavelength selective photovoltaic panels on microalgae growth and photosynthetic efficiency

Abstract Large-scale cultivation of microalgal biomass in open systems can benefit from the low cost of using natural sunlight, as opposed to artificial light, but may encounter problems with photoinhibition, high evaporation rates, potential contamination and high energy demand. Wavelength selective luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) panels can solve some of these problems when incorporated into low-cost sheltered structures for algal biomass production that concurrently produce their own electricity by harnessing select portions of solar energy, not used for algal growth. The LSC panels in this study contained a fluorescent dye, Lumogen Red 305, which transmits blue and red wavelengths used for photosynthesis with high efficiency, while absorbing the green wavelengths and re-emitting them as red wavelengths. The fluorescently generated red wavelengths are either transmitted to boost algal growth, or waveguided and captured by photovoltaic cells to be converted into electricity. We found that different strains of microalgae (currently used commercially) grew equally well under the altered spectral conditions created by the luminescent panels, compared to growth under the full solar spectrum. Thus this technology presents a new approach wherein algae can be grown under protected, controlled conditions, while the cost of operations is offset by the structure's internal electrical production, without any loss to algal growth rate or achievable biomass density.
European Romanies: A Collaborative Educational Program at the University of Florida Libraries

The article describes a collaborative library‐museum partnership that created an educational program about European Romanies for the University of Florida community in conjunction with International Roma Day. Partners in this endeavor were the University of Florida's George A. Smathers Library and the Museum of Romani Culture in the Czech Republic. The authors hope that this record will be helpful for others wishing to stage similar projects.
Combining Atomic Actions

A combining network can combine concurrently issued operations on the same variable and fan out responses to the processes that issued the operations. Combining networks have been proposed with the goals of reducing message traffic, hotspots within the network, and contention for shared variables. This paper extends the class of operations that can be combined to include operations from flat atomic actions. We describe a class of networks called isotach networks and show that isotach networks can correctly combine operations from different flat atomic actions. Also we show that isotach combining networks can combine pipelined operations without sacrificing sequential consistency.
Run Placement Policies for Concurrent Mergesorts Using Parallel Prefetching

We study the performance of various run placement policies on disks for the merge phase of concurrent mergesorts using parallel prefetching. The initial sorted runs (input) of a merge and its final sorted run (output) are stored on multiple disks but each run resides only on a single disk. In this paper, we examine through detailed simulations three different run placement policies and the impact of buffer thrashing. The results show that, with buffer thrashing avoidance, the best performance can be achieved by a run placement policy that uses a proper subset of the disks dedicated for writing the output runs while the rest of the disks are used for prefetching the input runs in parallel. However, the proper number of write disks is workload dependent, and if not carefully chosen, it can adversely affect the system performance. In practice, a reasonably good performance can be achieved by a run placement policy that does not place the output run of a merge on any of the disks that store its own input runs but allows the output run to share the same disk with some of the input runs of other merges.
Effects of arabinoxylans on activation of murine macrophages and growth performance of broiler chicks

ABSTRACT Arabinoxylans occur in a wide variety of agricultural products and may contribute a significant portion of human dietary fiber intake. Corn hulls and banana peels are potential sources of arabinoxylans with isolation yields of ≈40 and 10% when extracted with dilute alkali. A broiler chick growth study was performed to determine the effect of extracted corn hull arabinoxylan on performance and attachment of Salmonella, as a representative of an enteric pathogen, to the ileum. Ability of arabinoxylans to activate a macrophage cell line as an immune stimulator was determined by respiratory burst assay. Corn hull arabinoxylan tended to increase body weight gain and reduced attachment of Salmonella to ileal tissue in broiler chicks undergoing mild heat stress. Arabinoxylans from corn hulls and banana peels showed positive oxidative burst in macrophage cells. Collectively, these data indicate the two arabinoxylans have the potential to be used as health-promoting dietary supplements.
SPEAR — ToF neutron reflectometer at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center

This article discusses the Surface ProfilE Analysis Reflectometer (SPEAR), a vertical scattering geometry time-of-flight reflectometer, at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Lujan Neutron Scattering Center. SPEAR occupies flight path 9 and receives spallation neutrons from a polychromatic, pulsed (20Hz) source that pass through a liquid-hydrogen moderator at 20K coupled with a Be filter to shift their energy spectrum. The spallation neutrons are generated by bombarding a tungsten target with 800MeV protons obtained from an accelerator. The process produces an integrated neutron flux of ∼ 3.4×106 cm−2 s−1 at a proton current of 100μA. SPEAR employs choppers and frame overlap mirrors to obtain a neutron wavelength range of 4.5–16 A. SPEAR uses a single 200mm long 3He linear position-sensitive detector with ∼ 2 mm FWHM resolution for simultaneous studies of both specular and off-specular scattering. SPEAR’s moderated neutrons are collimated into a beam which impinges from above upon a level sample with an average angle of 0.9° to the horizontal, to facilitate air-liquid interface studies. In the vertical direction, the beam converges at the sample position. The neutrons can be further collimated to the desired divergence by finely slitting the beam using a set of two 10B4C slit packages. The instrument is ideally suited to study organic and inorganic thin films with total thicknesses between 5 and 3000 A in a variety of environments. Specifically designed sample chambers available at the instrument provide the opportunity to study biological systems at the solid-liquid interface. SPEAR’s unique experimental capabilities are demonstrated by specific examples in this article. Finally, an outlook for SPEAR and perspectives on future instrumentation are discussed.
Plasticized conjugated polymers: a possible route to higher voltage solar cells

The introduction of propylene carbonate (PC) into the poly (3-alkyl)thiophenes (P3AT) poly(octyl)thiophene (P3OT) and poly(hexyl)thiophene) (P3HT) is studied. In both cases, we observe a diminution of their melting temperature, which demonstrates a plasticizing effect. We also observe an increase of photovoltage and photocurrent in sandwich devices M//P3AT+PC//ITO-PET where M=Al, Mg and ITO-PET is Indium thin oxide coated on polyester. We attribute this effect to the introduction of oxygen from the PC. When mixed with an electron acceptor PCBM, the photocurrents only slightly increase and the photovoltages are similar. In this case, the presence of oxygen is detrimental to the system.
The NMR solution structure of BeF(3)(-)-activated Spo0F reveals the conformational switch in a phosphorelay system.

Abstract Two-component systems, which are comprised of a single histidine-aspartate phosphotransfer module, are the dominant signaling pathways in bacteria and have recently been identified in several eukaryotic organisms as well. A tandem connection of two or more histidine-aspartate motifs forms complex phosphorelays. While response regulators from simple two-component systems have been characterized structurally in their inactive and active forms, we address here the question of whether a response regulator from a phosphorelay has a distinct structural basis of activation. We report the NMR solution structure of BeF3−-activated Spo0F, the first structure of a response regulator from a phosphorelay in its activated state. Conformational changes were found in regions previously identified to change in simple two-component systems. In addition, a downward shift by half a helical turn in helix 1, located on the opposite side of the common activation surface, was observed as a consequence of BeF3− activation. Conformational changes in helix 1 can be rationalized by the distinct function of phosphoryl transfer to the second histidine kinase, Spo0B, because helix 1 is known to interact directly with Spo0B and the phosphatase RapB. The identification of structural rearrangements in Spo0F supports the hypothesis of a pre-existing equilibrium between the inactive and active state prior to phosphorylation that was suggested on the basis of previous NMR dynamics studies on Spo0F. A shift of a pre-existing equilibrium is likely a general feature of response regulators.
The transcriptional regulation of regucalcin gene expression.

Regucalcin, which is discovered as a calcium-binding protein in 1978, has been shown to play a multifunctional role in many tissues and cell types; regucalcin has been proposed to play a pivotal role in keeping cell homeostasis and function for cell response. Regucalcin and its gene are identified in over 15 species consisting of regucalcin family. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of regucalcin from vertebrate species is highly conserved in their coding region with throughout evolution. The regucalcin gene is localized on the chromosome X in rat and human. The organization of rat regucalcin gene consists of seven exons and six introns and several consensus regulatory elements exist upstream of the 5′-flanking region. AP-1, NF1-A1, RGPR-p117, β-catenin, and other factors have been found to be a transcription factor in the enhancement of regucalcin gene promoter activity. The transcription activity of regucalcin gene is enhanced through intracellular signaling factors that are mediated through the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of nuclear protein in vitro. Regucalcin mRNA and its protein are markedly expressed in the liver and kidney cortex of rats. The expression of regucalcin mRNA in the liver and kidney cortex has been shown to stimulate by hormonal factors (including calcium, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, insulin, estrogen, and dexamethasone) in vivo. Regucalcin mRNA expression is enhanced in the regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy of rats in vivo. The expression of regucalcin mRNA in the liver and kidney with pathophysiological state has been shown to suppress, suggesting an involvement of regucalcin in disease. Liver regucalcin expression is down-regulated in tumor cells, suggesting a suppressive role in the development of carcinogenesis. Liver regucalcin is markedly released into the serum of rats with chemically induced liver injury in vivo. Serum regucalcin has a potential sensitivity as a specific biochemical marker of chronic liver injury with hepatitis. Regucalcin has been proposed to be a key molecule in cellular regulation and metabolic disease.
Instabilities in a Stratified Fluid Having One Critical Level. Part III: Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities as Overreflected Waves

Abstract We show that Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities result from overreflected, vertically propagating, vorticity waves. Such waves exist in regions of large vorticity gradients. Just as with gravity wave instabilities, growth rates may be inferred from the quantization and overreflection of such waves. Moreover, overreflection concepts offer convenient insights into why Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, when they exist, tend to grow faster than gravity wave instabilities.
Concurrent Collections on Distributed Memory Theory Put into Practice

Finding and expressing scalable parallelism is a non-trivial task, in fact it is one of the most difficult parts of software development. Concurrent Collections (CnC) is a novel programming model which aims to make this easy. Its higher level abstractions expose available parallelism implicitly through specifying the semantically required dependencies between individual computation kernels. It has been shown conceptually to be deterministic, independent of the target platform and to separate program semantics from tuning. While abstractly evident, there have been no concrete implementations yet which show that these concepts are actually generally exploitable in practice. We developed an implementation of CnC which exposes these benefits in a single model for both shared and distributed memory. Additionally, we provide a tuning interface which allows defining and optimizing distribution plans easily and flexibly. Unlike most approaches, our implementation allows changing the distribution without altering the computation code itself. This makes the development very productive because it separates the concerns of program semantics and tuning. Last but not least, we show that the new mechanisms not only preserve CnC's deterministic model but are also capable of providing competitive performance. We ported several applications and ran them on a cluster of multi-cores. Our results show that CnC performance matches and often outperforms that of existing state-of-the-art models.
Structural Reorganization Triggered by Charging of Lys Residues in the Hydrophobic Interior of a Protein

Summary Structural consequences of ionization of residues buried in the hydrophobic interior of proteins were examined systematically in 25 proteins with internal Lys residues. Crystal structures showed that the ionizable groups are buried. NMR spectroscopy showed that in 2 of 25 cases studied, the ionization of an internal Lys unfolded the protein globally. In five cases, the internal charge triggered localized changes in structure and dynamics, and in three cases, it promoted partial or local unfolding. Remarkably, in 15 proteins, the ionization of the internal Lys had no detectable structural consequences. Highly stable proteins appear to be inherently capable of withstanding the presence of charge in their hydrophobic interior, without the need for specialized structural adaptations. The extent of structural reorganization paralleled loosely with global thermodynamic stability, suggesting that structure-based p K a calculations for buried residues could be improved by calculation of thermodynamic stability and by enhanced conformational sampling.
Universal Design for Learning: meeting the challenge of individual learning differences through a neurocognitive perspective

The traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to curriculum denies the vast individual differences in learning strengths, challenges, and interests. The focus of this article is a novel approach, called Universal Design for Learning, to addressing the challenge of individual learner differences. Cognitive science research suggests the joint action of three broad sets of neural networks in cognition and learning: one that recognizes patterns, one that plans and generates patterns, and one that determines which patterns are important. These networks, referred to in this paper as recognition, strategic, and affective networks, are subject to individual differences that impact how individual students learn. This paper describes these networks and how the Universal Design for Learning framework makes use of this networks-based perspective to structure the consideration of individual learner differences and guide the design of a flexible, technology-rich curriculum that provides rich options for meeting diverse student needs.
Existence of absolutely continuous invariant measures for higher-dimensional random maps

A random map is a discrete-time dynamical system in which one of a number of transformations is selected randomly and applied. The main result of this paper provides a sufficient condition of the existence of an absolutely continuous invariant measure for random maps on . Such random maps have application to the fractals that arise from iterated-function systems
A comparative study of static and profile-based heuristics for inlining

In this paper, we present a comparative study of static and profile-based heuristics for inlining. Our motivation for this study is to use the results to design the best inlining algorithm that we can for the Jalapeno dynamic optimizing compiler for Java [6]. We use a well-known approximation algorithm for the KNAPSACK problem as a common “meta-algorithm” for the inlining heuristics studied in this paper. We present performance results for an implementation of these inlining heuristics in the Jalapeno dynamic optimizing compiler. Our performance results show that the inlining heuristics studied in this paper can lead to significant speedups in execution time (up to 1.68x) even with modest limits on code size expansion (at most 10%).
Diaphragmatic rupture: Is management with biological mesh feasible?

INTRODUCTION Blunt diaphragmatic rupture is a rare event that may occur after traumatic injury. Due to its rarity and difficulty in diagnosing, delayed detection of diaphragmatic injuries can occur. Management involves repair of the diaphragmatic defect via trans-thoracic and/or trans-abdominal approaches. Most small repairs may be repaired primarily, larger defects have been historically repaired with mesh.
Experiment and analysis of two-photon absorption spectroscopy using a white-light continuum probe

We present an experimental technique along with the method of data analysis to give nondegenerate two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra. We use a femtosecond pump pulse and a white-light continuum (WLC) probe to rapidly generate the 2PA spectra of a variety of materials. In order to analyze data taken with this method, the spectral and temporal characteristics of the WLC must be known, along with the linear dispersion of the sample. This allows determination of the temporal walk-off of the pump and probe pulses as a function of frequency caused by group-velocity mismatch. Data correction can then be performed to obtain the nonlinear losses. We derive an analytical formula for the normalized nonlinear transmittance that is valid under quite general experimental parameters. We verify this on ZnS and use it for the determination of 2PA spectra of some organic compounds in solution. We also compare some of the data on organics with two-photon fluorescence data and find good agreement.
Utilization of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in extremely obese adolescents scheduled for bariatric surgery

Introduction Bariatric surgery has been shown to provide significant and durable weight loss in extremely obese adults and its application and outcomes in the adolescent population is the main focus of several on-going prospective studies in the Unites States and elsewhere. Pre-surgical cardiovascular (CV) screening in the adolescent population is warranted as extreme obesity is an independent predictor of numerous forms of cardiac disease and mortality and is often complicated by practical and technological issues.
A survey of the protective effects of some commercially available antioxidant supplements in genetically and chemically induced models of oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster.

Oxidative stress remains one of the most well studied, albeit somewhat contentious, causes of age-related changes in humans. Consequently, a large number of putative antioxidant compounds are freely available in myriad formulations that are often not tested for their efficacy or regulated for quality control. Following the development of a Drosophila model of oxidative-stress dependent aging (p38 MAP K (p38K) mutants) in our laboratory, we attempted to test the protective effect of some of these commonly available formulations against oxidative stress, in the p38K model. As environmental exposure to oxidizing toxins has been linked to a variety of human diseases, we also tested the efficacy of these supplements on chemically-induced models of oxidative stress (paraquat and hydrogen peroxide exposure). Our results suggest that when added as a dietary supplement, some of these over-the-counter compounds, notably containing acai extracts, confer significant protection for both the p38K-dependent genetic model as well as the toxin-induced model. These products were also remarkably effective at dampening stress-induced expression of the detoxifying enzyme GSTD1 and eliminating paraquat induced circadian rhythm deficits. Overall, our results suggest potential benefits of dietary supplementation with some of these compounds, especially under conditions of elevated oxidative stress. These findings should be assessed in the context of other studies that seek to identify active principles in these extracts, determine their effective dosage for human consumption and evaluate the safety of long-term prophylactic applications.
Sexual appetite and sexual drive: a reply.

A reply is made to a critique of the author's previous paper, centering about two major issues: (1) theoretical precision and objectivity and (2) contamination of theory with values. Response is also given to a variety of specific criticisms.
Unusual bone formation in the anterior rim of foramen magnum: cause, effect and treatment

A rare case of proatlas segmental abnormality resulting in a bony mass in the anterior rim of the foramen magnum is studied. Case report of a 19-year-old female showed a progressive weakness of all four limbs for about 3 years. When admitted she could not perform any useful activities by herself. Investigations revealed an unusual bone growth in the region of the anterior rim of foramen magnum that resulted in severe cord compression. The abnormal bone formation involved the lower end of clivus, the tip of the odontoid process and the posterior arch of the atlas. Dynamic imaging did not reveal any clear evidence of instability. Following transoral decompression and posterior fixation, the patient showed dramatic and lasting clinical recovery. Conclusions were drawn as follows. Anomalies of the most caudal part of the occipital sclerotomes due to the failure of proatlas segmentation can be the cause of an abnormal bone mass in the anterior rim of foramen magnum. Transoral decompression, followed by posterior atlantoaxial fixation, results in neurological recovery and provides lasting cure from the problem.
Improving the simulation model development process

This paper presents the results of a study undertaken in order to assess the process of simulation model development. The type of simulation addressed is that of nonliving systems. Hypotheses are tested about the effect of user involvement on several dimensions of the simulation model development process. These dimensions include model utility, effective problem diagnosis, and efficient model development. An exploratory analysis is also performed in order to refine the hypotheses and examine underlying, latent variables that may impact the development process. These findings provide a framework within which further theory testing and construction may be conducted. In addition, the methodology used in this study to examine latent variables is broadly applicable to other areas of inquiry.
Changes in Deep-Sea Ostracode Fauna from Eocene into Oligocene: ABSTRACT

A major change in deep-water oceanic circulation occurred near the end of the Eocene forming the present psychrosphere and basic two-level water-mass system. This event is especially felt in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean as shown by ostracods found in DSDP cores. Faunas traceable back to the Cretaceous rapidly evolved into the modern deep-sea faunas at this time. Several important ornate genera undergo diachronous changes suggesting that the flooding of the world ocean basins with colder waters happened in stages. The displacement of Tethyan water masses coming from the north by newly formed Antarctic bottom waters can be followed by changes in the ostracods. End_of_Article - Last_Page 422------------
Preexposure to conditioned and unconditioned stimuli in taste-aversion learning

Four groups of rats were compared on the acquisition of a sucrose (50 g/1) aversion produced by sucrose-apomorphine (20 mg/kg) pairings. One group was preexposed to sucrose, another group was preexposed to drug-induced illness, and a third group was preexposed both to sucrose and to drug-induced illness. A fourth group was not preexposed to taste or drug. Results showed that preexposure to either the sucrose or the drug attenuated the acquisition of a sucrose aversion. Preexposure to both sucrose and drug produced a greater deficit in aversion learning than preexposure to either alone. It was concluded that taste preexposure and drug preexposure effects have independent and additive influences on taste-aversion learning.
Cut Thy Neighbor: Cyclic Birth and Death of Recombination Hotspots via Genetic Conflict

Most recombination takes place in numerous, localized regions called hotspots. However, empirical evidence indicates that nascent hotspots are susceptible to removal due to biased gene conversion, so it is paradoxical that they should be so widespread. Previous modeling work has shown that hotspots can evolve due to genetic drift overpowering their intrinsic disadvantage. Here we synthesize recent theoretical and empirical results to show how natural selection can favor hotspots. We propose that hotspots are part of a cycle of antagonistic coevolution between two tightly linked chromosomal regions: an inducer region that initiates recombination during meiosis by cutting within a nearby region of DNA and the cut region itself, which can evolve to be resistant to cutting. Antagonistic coevolution between inducers and their cut sites is driven by recurrent episodes of Hill–Robertson interference, genetic hitchhiking, and biased gene conversion.
Maternal Involvement in Preschool Children's Education in Japan: Relation to Parenting Beliefs and Socioeconomic Status.

Abstract Studies conducted in the US consistently demonstrate that parenting self-efficacy and construction of the parent role are critical elements associated with parents’ involvement in their children's elementary school education. Less is known about the dynamics of parent involvement during the preschool period, or in nations outside the US. This study examined the relation of maternal beliefs and family SES to three dimensions of parent involvement in Japan: preschool selection strategies, engagement in reading at home, and involvement in activities at the preschool. Interview and questionnaire data were obtained from 108 Japanese mothers, all of whom had a child in the last year of preschool. Consistent with theory and findings in the US, parenting self-efficacy and family role construction were associated with Japanese mothers’ strategies for selecting preschools and frequency of engaging in home reading. Findings regarding family SES demonstrated a culturally specific pattern; mothers of higher SES background were more likely to access formal sources of information and to engage in daily home reading but less likely to participate at the school site.
SU-GG-T-76: An IMRT Planning Technique for Maintaining Tolerable Spinal Cord Dose with Unintened Field Overlaps at the Supraclavicular Junction Plane of Head and Neck Radiotherapy

Purpose: Head and neck cancers can be treated with an upper intensity modulation radiation therapy(IMRT) plan matched with a lower supraclavicular anterior field. A small spinal cord block is traditionally placed in the supraclavicular field to shield to protect the spinal cord from excess dose due to unintended field overlaps. This block can shield targeted tissue. This study describes a method that keeps the cord dose within tolerance and still delivers dose to targeted tissues. Method and Materials:Radiotherapy plans were created with 7 coplanar IMRT fields matched to the anterior supraclavicular field. IMRT optimization is then used to reduce the dose to levels that would result in tolerable spinal cord doses when field misalignments occur. A structure, named “cord junction”, was defined as the spinal cord that extends 2.1 cm superiorly and inferiorly to the junction plane. The IMRT plan was optimized junction cord tolerances of 5, 10, 20, and 45 Gy. Each of these plans were then summated with the supraclavicular field with field misalignments of 0, 2, 5, 10 and 20 mm. Results: As the overlap increases the maximum “junction cord” dose increases. Larger overlaps are tolerable when the junction cord was reduced. The 45 Gy junction cord limit is exceeded for overlaps of 2 mm (junction constraint of 45 Gy), 10 mm (junction constraint of 20 Gy or 10 Gy) and an over 20 mm overlap was tolerable when the cord junction constraint was 5 Gy. The planning target volume (PTV) coverage was maintained for each optimization with D95 values of 98%. Conclusion: This study has addressed a common concern among clinicians of the need to not shield areas of possible disease yet ensure a safe spinal cord dose in the case of small positional errors in the radiation beam.
A Closed-Form Method to Determine Vehicle Speed and Its Maximum Value

Two non-linear differential equations representing road load and power consumption are used to determine the maximum vehicle speed and speed-time history. These equations are expressed in terms of velocity by expanding the inertia force, air drag, rolling resistance, gravitational force and tyre tractive force. For simulation purpose, the parameters of Wright State's electric car are used. The results for Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), high power and low power cases are presented.
Are the External Galaxies Coming or Going

IN his lucid derivation of the relativistic Doppler effect, Le Floch1 makes perhaps too strong a statement when he says that “the redshift of the spectral lines of extragalactic nebulae … alone cannot be a proof of the expansion of the universe”. I believe that our acceptance of the receding radial velocity of external galaxies (that is, those outside the local group) is still correct even under the conditions pointed out by Le Floch; what is perhaps a better conclusion from the discussion he gives is that the magnitude of this recession may be overestimated.
Anisotropic margin expansions in 6 anatomic directions for oropharyngeal image guided radiation therapy.

Purpose The purpose of this work was to determine the expansions in 6 anatomic directions that produced optimal margins considering nonrigid setup errors and tissue deformation for patients receiving image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) of the oropharynx. Methods and Materials For 20 patients who had received IGRT to the head and neck, we deformably registered each patient's daily images acquired with a computed tomography (CT)-on-rails system to his or her planning CT. By use of the resulting vector fields, the positions of volume elements within the clinical target volume (CTV) (target voxels) or within a 1-cm shell surrounding the CTV (normal tissue voxels) on the planning CT were identified on each daily CT. We generated a total of 15,625 margins by dilating the CTV by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm in the posterior, anterior, lateral, medial, inferior, and superior directions. The optimal margins were those that minimized the relative volume of normal tissue voxels positioned within the margin while satisfying 1 of 4 geometric target coverage criteria and 1 of 3 population criteria. Results Each pair of geometric target coverage and population criteria resulted in a unique, anisotropic, optimal margin. The optimal margin expansions ranged in magnitude from 1 to 5 mm depending on the anatomic direction of the expansion and on the geometric target coverage and population criteria. Typically, the expansions were largest in the medial direction, were smallest in the lateral direction, and increased with the demand of the criteria. The anisotropic margin resulting from the optimal set of expansions always included less normal tissue than did any isotropic margin that satisfied the same pair of criteria. Conclusions We demonstrated the potential of anisotropic margins to reduce normal tissue exposure without compromising target coverage in IGRT to the head and neck.
Diffusion of hydrogen through platinum membranes at high pressures and temperatures

The diffusion of hydrogen through platinum membranes has been measured at 450, 500, 550 and 600 C at 2000 bar pressure, using the hydrogen sensor technique. Ag + AgCl + 3M HCl was the starting solution inside the platinum tube. Hydrogen diffuses out of the platinum tube into a system containing Fe2O3 + Fe3O4 + H2O; that is, a solution with a fixed hydrogen fugacity. After quench, the drop in hydrogen fugacity inside the platinum tube was calculated from measurements of pH and chloride molality. The hydrogen fugacity is initially roughly proportional to the square root of time. Diffusion constants were calculated from these data by numerical integration.
Treatment of NZB/W (“lupus”) mice with 15(S)-15 methyl PGE1

The F1 hybrid of New Zealand black and New Zealand white mice--the NZB/W mouse--spontaneously develops a disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus. Male NZB/W mice with established disease were treated with a stable derivative of prostaglandin E1, 15(S)-15 methyl PGE1 (4 micrograms twice daily) from 7 months of age. The pge analog prolonged survival of these mice: At 14 months 7 of 10 control mice had died, whereas 9 of 10 15(S)-15 methyl PGE1 treated mice remained alive. Thus a dose of 200 micrograms/Kg/day 14(S)-15 methyl PGE1 retards progression of murine lupus.
Outcomes of Endovascular versus Intravenous Thrombolytic Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Dialysis Patients

Background and Objectives: To compare the outcomes of IV thrombolytics (tissue plasminogen activator or tPA) with endovascular treatment (intra-arterial tPA ± mechanical thrombectomy) in dialysis patients who suffered from acute ischemic stroke. Study design: Observational study. Setting and Participants: Data analysis from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS 2005- 2010) including dialysis patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke, either treated with IV thrombolytics or endovascular treatment. Outcomes: Baseline characteristics, in-hospital complications, and discharge outcomes were compared between the two groups. We determined the effect of endovascular treatment on in-hospital mortality, disability at discharge, and post-thrombolytic intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) after adjusting for potential confounders using multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 2 313 dialysis patients with ischemic stroke, 1 398 (60%) received IV thrombolytics and 915 (40%) were treated with endovascular treatment. The in-hospital mortality rate and moderateto-severe disability were lower in dialysis patients receiving endovascular treatment (7.6% vs. 14.5% p = 0.04) and (30% vs. 52% p = <.0001), respectively. After adjusting for age, gender, and potential confounders, endovascular treatment was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) and moderate-to-severe disability (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.5). Conclusions: The odds of both in-hospital mortality and moderate to severe disability were lower with endovascular treatment in dialysis patients. Such data support the preferential use of endovascular treatment in this patient population.
Field Response to Selection in Alfalfa for Germination Rate and Seedling Vigor at Low Temperatures

Successful establishment of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stands in early spring may require emergence and seedling growth at soil temperatures below 10 degrees C. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate changes in emergence and seedling height after laboratory selection in six cultivars at suboptimal temperature for (i) early germination (EG), (ii) high seedling vigor (HSV), (iii) EG + HSV, or (iv) late germination and low seedling vigor (LG + LSV). Cycles (C) 0 to 2 were evaluated for emergence 8 d after planting, seedling height (SH) 27 d after planting, forage dry matter yield, and other agronomic traits in field trials at Ames and Nashua, IA, in early spring 1998. Emergence was improved in all selected populations at Ames but not at Nashua; HSV and EG + HSV selection were most effective at improving emergence. After two cycles, seedling height was increased 21% by HSV selection and 9% by EG selection; however, the response among cultivars was highly variable. Combined EG + HSV selection was less effective than HSV alone at increasing height. Selection for LG + LSV did not reduce seedling height in the field even though large decreases were previously observed in the laboratory. Most gain from selection was realized with C1, possibly because the variable seed production environment in the greenhouse may have limited more consistent responses in C2. Seedling height selection at suboptimal temperatures in the laboratory successfully improved seedling height in the field in some alfalfa populations without changing other agronomic characteristics.
Social and Psychological Determinants of Adaptation

Social and psychological frameworks used to explain adaptation are examined. Findings from a study of three ethnic groups, Irish, Italian, and Polish Americans, aged forty to eighty are presented t...
Memory search processes for words and pictures in elementary school children

Children in the fourth and sixth grades searched memory sets of two, three, or four items for the presence of a given word or picture probe. The memory sets were all of one form on any trial, being either words or easily nameable pictures, and the probe form was varied to match or mismatch the form of the memory items. Subjects responded more rapidly when the probe form and memory set form matched, an effect that did not interact with the number of memory set items. Presumably, stimulus form effects are limited to encoding processes which precede comparisons between the probe and memory set items. The comparison process itself appears to be independent of the form in which the probe is presented.
Application of a conjugate gradient FFT method to scattering from thin planar material plates

The backscatter cross section is calculated for thin material plates with finite electric permittivity, conductivity, and magnetic permeability illuminated by a plane wave. The plates are assumed to be planar with an arbitrary perimeter. The integral equations are formed and solved by a combined conjugate gradient-fast Fourier transform (CG-FFT) method. The CG-FFT method was tested for several geometrics and materials measured and computed backscatter results are compared for a perfectly conducting equilateral triangle plate, a square dielectric and magnetic plate, and a circular dielectric plate. The agreement between measured and computed data is generally good except toward edge-on incidence where several factors cause discrepancies. Accurate approximations to the geometry and far-field integrals become critical near edge-on incidence and, it is postulated that as the incidence angle approaches edge-on, the sampling interval and tolerance should be decreased. >
Dionysus as a Shaman and Wine as a Magical Drug

(1977). Dionysus as a Shaman and Wine as a Magical Drug. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 9, Drugs: History and Culture, pp. 187-192.
Gallium Nitride Nanowire Distributed Feedback Lasers

We have demonstrated single-mode lasing in a single gallium nitride nanowire using distributed feedback by external coupling to a dielectric grating. By adjusting the nanowire grating alignment we achieved a mode suppression ratio of 17dB.
Cloning and sequence analysis of the fermentative alcohol-dehydrogenase-encoding gene of Escherichia coli

Abstract A 6-kb fragment of DNA, which complemented defects in the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)-encoding gene (adhE) of Escherichia coli, was cloned into a multicopy vector. Both ADH and coenzyme-A-linked acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ACDH) activities were encoded by the plasmid, pHIL8. The adhE gene was identified as an open reading frame of 891 codons encoding an Mr 96 008 protein (minus the initiating methionine). Codon usage analysis indicates that adhE should be highly expressed. This gene shows no significant homology to any previously sequenced ADH-encoding gene.
Infants' memory for context: timing effects of postevent information.

Abstract How infants’ memories of the context or place where an event occurred are selectively distorted was studied in 6-month-olds, who kicked to activate a mobile in a distinctive context for 2 days and then saw that mobile in a different context for 2 min either 1 or 6 days later. Infants whose exposure delay was 1 day failed to recognize the mobile in either the original or the exposed context but did so in a completely novel one. Infants whose exposure delay was 6 days—after the details of the original context were forgotten—recognized the mobile in the exposed context and no other, and the mobile could reactivate the forgotten memory only in the exposed context and no other. In effect, the details of the exposed context appeared to have been substituted in memory for the original details that had been forgotten. Thus, when components of an event are encountered later in a new context, that new context may be falsely remembered as being where the event had actually occurred, and the original context may be forgotten altogether. This error is more likely when a memory is older and may underlie some of the inaccuracies of childrens’ and adults’ recollections of their prior experiences.
Some considerations on the modelling of oxide-induced fatigue crack closure using solutions for a rigid wedge inside a linear elastic crack

The formation of insoluble corrosion deposits within slowly growing cracks exposed to active environments can produce a mechanical wedging action which can either promote sustained-load cracking or retard cracking under cyclic loads. In the latter case, this wedging action has been shown to be particularly significant for fatigue cracks propagating at near-threshold levels. In such instances oxide deposits can accumulate near the crack tip to thicknesses some 20 times the naturally-occurring oxide thickness in ambient temperature moist air atmospheres due to a mechanism of ''fretting oxidation'' from the combined action of plasticity-induced crack closure and Mode II crack tip displacements characteristic of near-threshold crack extension. The result of such oxide deposits under cyclic loading is to promote crack tip blunting and more importantly to enhance crack closure through a mechanism which has become known as oxide-induced crack closure. This effect, however, is most relevant to fatigue cracks growing at near-threshold levels, at low load ratios, in lower strength materials, and of course in environments which promote the formation of corrosion deposits. Recently, attempts have been made to model the role of oxide-induced closure in suppressing rates of environmentally-influenced fatigue crack growth using stress intensity solutions for a rigid wedge insidemore » a linear elastic crack. The purpose of this note is to examine the significance and limitations of this approach in the light of recently available experimental information on near-threshold corrosion fatigue behavior.« less
ABCD-NL: Approximating Continuous non-linear dynamical systems using purely Boolean models for analog/mixed-signal verification

We present ABCD-NL, a technique that approximates non-linear analog circuits using purely Boolean models, to high accuracy. Given an analog/mixed-signal (AMS) system (e.g., a SPICE netlist), ABCD-NL produces a Boolean circuit representation (e.g., an And Inverter Graph, Finite State Machine, or Binary Decision Diagram) that captures the I/O behaviour of the given system, to near SPICE-level accuracy, without making any apriori simplifications. The Boolean models produced by ABCD-NL can be used for high-speed simulation and formal verification of AMS designs, by leveraging existing tools developed for Boolean/hybrid systems analysis (e.g., ABC [1]). We apply ABCD-NL to a number of SPICE-level AMS circuits, including data converters, charge pumps, comparators, non-linear signaling/communications sub-systems, etc. Also, we formally verify the throughput of an AMS signaling system - modelled in SPICE using 22nm BSIM4 transistors, Booleanized with high accuracy using ABCD-NL, and property-checked using ABC.
The vector of the tobacco epidemic: tobacco industry practices in low and middle-income countries.

Purpose To understand transnational tobacco companies’ (TTCs) practices in low and middle-income countries which serve to block tobacco-control policies and promote tobacco use.