cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Test methods and response surface models for hot, humid air decontamination of materials contaminated with dirty spores of Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam.

Aims To develop test methods and evaluate survival of Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne or Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam on materials contaminated with dirty spore preparations after exposure to hot, humid air using response surface modelling. Methods and results Spores (>7 log10 ) were mixed with humic acid + spent sporulation medium (organic debris) or kaolin (dirt debris). Spore samples were then dried on five different test materials (wiring insulation, aircraft performance coating, anti-skid, polypropylene, and nylon). Inoculated materials were tested with 19 test combinations of temperature (55, 65, 75°C), relative humidity (70, 80, 90%) and time (1, 2, 3 days). The slowest spore inactivation kinetics was on nylon webbing and/or after addition of organic debris. Conclusions Hot, humid air effectively decontaminates materials contaminated with dirty Bacillus spore preparations; debris and material interactions create complex decontamination kinetic patterns; and B. thuringiensis Al Hakam is a realistic surrogate for B. anthracis. Significance and impact of the study Response surface models of hot, humid air decontamination were developed which may be used to select decontamination parameters for contamination scenarios including aircraft.
MUON STOPPING POWER AND RANGE TABLES 10 MeV–100 TeV

Abstract The mean stopping power for high-energy muons in matter can be described by 〈− dE / dx 〉= a ( E )+ b ( E ) E , where a ( E ) is the electronic stopping power and b ( E ) is the energy-scaled contribution from radiative processes—bremsstrahlung, pair production, and photonuclear interactions. a ( E ) and b ( E ) are both slowly varying functions of the muon energy E where radiative effects are important. Tables of these stopping power contributions and continuous-slowing-down-approximation ranges (which neglect multiple scattering and range straggling) are given for a selection of elements, compounds, mixtures, and biological materials for incident kinetic energies in the range of 10 MeV to 100 TeV. Tables of the contributions to b ( E ) are given for the same materials.
The return of convergence in the US states

We analyse convergence of per capita income across the US states for the period 1929–2011. We find that absolute convergence was in evidence early, but it broke down around 1978. It appears to have returned in 1990, although more weakly than before. We use two standard metrics to evaluate convergence: (1) σ-convergence, a reduction in the SD of state per capita income and (2) β-convergence, the fact that poor states grow faster than rich states.
Development of self-care skills and helping behaviors of adolescents in a group home through correspondence training

The present study used a do-report correspondence training procedure to develop self-care skills and helping behaviors among adolescents of a group home. Points were delivered contingent upon true reports about behaviors (self-care skills and helping behaviors) performed earlier. Two multiple-baseline designs (across behaviors and across groups) were employed. The results showed increased levels of self-care skills and helping behaviors (the corresponding nonverbal behaviors) during reinforcement of true reports, relative to baseline conditions. These levels were maintained during the introduction of a follow-up (maintenance) phase, in which subjects were exposed to similar procedures of correspondence training but with no reinforcement contingencies for truthful reports about prior behaviors.
Molecular Basis for Downregulation of C5a-Mediated Inflammation by IgG1 Immune Complexes in Allergy and Asthma

Allergy and asthma are triggered primarily by the binding of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE)–allergen complexes to their receptors, recognition of the allergens by antigen-presenting cells, and allergen presentation to the T cells. These events lead to mucus secretions, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, airway hyperresponsiveness, and nasal congestion. Complement 5a (C5a) has emerged as a central molecule that mediates these allergic reactions. Many allergens and allergen-specific IgG immune complexes (IgG-ICs) cause complement activation and C5a generation. C5a interaction with its receptor (C5aR) leads to the infiltration and activation of several immunologic cell types and the secretion of pathogenic inflammatory and proinflammatory mediators. However, IgG1-IC binding to the IgG inhibitory Fc gamma receptor (FcγRIIB) suppresses C5aR-mediated inflammatory signaling and, hence, may reduce the inflammatory immune responses through this FcγRIIB-mediated pathway. Reviews of the IgG1-IC interactions with C5a-mediated inflammatory immune responses suggest that IgG1-IC–C5a inhibitory therapy may reduce inflammation in allergic diseases.
Synthesis and x-ray crystallographic structural determination of the acetylene complex (η5−C5H5)2W2(CO)4(C2H2)

Abstract Reaction of photogenerated (η5−C5H5)2W2(CO)4 with acetylene at 25°C yields a complex of the formula (η5-C5H5)2W2(CO)4(C2H2). The crystal structure of the complex shows it to have a tetrahedrane-like W2C2 core. The C—C bond distance of the C2H2 unit is 1.33 A which is close to that of ethylene, considerably longer than the 1.20 A for acetylenes. The W—W distance is 2.987 A which is ∼0.25 A shorter than the W—W distance in (η5-C5H5)2W2(CO)6 but longer than that expected for (η5-C5H5)2W2(CO)4. By analogy to the parent (η5-C5H5)2M2(CO)6 species, the near-UV absorption in (η5-C5H5)2M2(CO)4(C2H2) is assigned to a σb → σ* transition. Owing to the shorter M—M bond in the C2H2 adducts, the σb → σ* absorption is at higher energy than in the (η5-C5H5)2M2(CO)6 complexes.
Trypsin activation of human and cat prorenin: a comparative study.

La prorenine peut etre convertie en renine par une proteolyse limitee avec de la trypsine. Dans la presente etude, nous avons compare les conditions d'activation de la prorenine ovarienne et renale chez l'humain a celles de la prorenine renale chez le chat, en utilisant soit de la trypsine en phase liquide, soit de la trypsine liee au sepharose (phase solide). De plus fortes concentrations de trypsine ont ete necessaires pour activer la proreninefeline que pour activer la prorenine humaine
Distribution of AËdes (Taeniorhynchus) Taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann). Aedes (Taeniorhynchus) Jacobinae, New Species.

In January, 1930, Shannon and Davis (1) found Aedes taeniorhynchus at Bomfim, in the interior of the State of Bahia, Brazil. This locality is fully 300 kilometers from the seacoast. It was thought at the time that the species might be breeding in certain ponds in the neighborhood. These ponds were said by nearby inhabitants to contain salty water. One that was examined rather thoroughly lay in a depression and was without outlet when the water was low. Seepage water at the margins undoubtedly leeched from the surrounding soil considerable amounts of mineral salts; the sodium chloride content, if any, was not determined. No larvae of Ae. taeniorhynchus were found at the time, although adults of this species were taken in the evening with animal bait.
Modeling the Actions of β-Adrenergic Signaling on Excitation—Contraction Coupling Processes

Activation of the beta-adrenergic (beta-AR) signaling pathway enhances cardiac function through protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation of target proteins involved in the process of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. Experimental studies of the effects of beta-AR stimulation on EC coupling have yielded complex results, including increased, decreased, or unchanged EC coupling gain. In this study, we extend a previously developed model of the canine ventricular myocyte describing local control of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca(2+)) release to include the effects of beta-AR stimulation. Incorporation of phosphorylation-dependent effects on model membrane currents and Ca(2+)-cycling proteins yields changes of action potential (AP) and Ca(2+) transients in agreement with those measured experimentally in response to the nonspecific beta-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO). The model reproduces experimentally observed alterations in EC coupling gain in response to beta-AR agonists and predicts the specific roles of L-type Ca(2+) channel (LCC) and SR Ca(2+) release channel phosphorylation in altering the amplitude and shape of the EC coupling gain function. The model also indicates that factors that promote mode 2 gating of LCCs, such as beta-AR stimulation or activation of the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), may increase the probability of occurrence of early after-depolarizations (EADs), due to the random, long-duration opening of LCC gating in mode 2.
Plastic scintillator for fission neutron detection

ABSTRACTThe difference in speed of fast neutrons (E2 MeV) and gamma rays has been investigated as a mechanism for distinguishing neutron and gamma interactions in plastic scintillators. Successive scattering of neutrons in a scintillatorresults in pulses that are broader than those from gamma rays because of the longer time interval (. 3ns) between scatterings.However, the experimentally observed pulse widths for these neutrons appear to be insufficiently different from those ofgamma rays to permit discrimination on a pulse-by-pulse basis. An alternate technique using scintillators separated by an airgap has also been investigated using time-of-flight measurements. For this configuration the efficiency for neutron detectionhas been measured along with the interference from gamma rays when sources emitting both neutrons and gamma rays arepresent.Keywords: Plastic scintillator, fission neutron, fast neutron 1. INTRODUCTION Neutrons emitted during the fission process typically have energies of 0.5 to 2 MeV. These "fast" neutrons are often detectedby first slowing them down to thermal energies where they can react more readily in certain detectors, such as gas-filled tubescontaining 3He or BF3. Slowing of the fast neutrons is generally achieved by using a hydrogenous moderating material, suchas polyethylene, where successive collisions between the neutron and hydrogen atoms efficiently transfer energy away fromthe neutron. However, the slowing-down process requires time, and the information on the original energy of the neutron, itsdirection of travel, and the time of emission is lost. For many applications the detection of "fast" neutrons that retain thisinformation is highly desirable.Plastic scintillators offer one method for detecting fast neutrons. However, gamma rays can also interact in the plasticscintillator, and in mixed neutron and gamma-ray radiation fields, distinguishing neutrons from gamma-rays becomes thepreeminent task. Our work on fast neutron detection with plastic scintillators uses the difference in speed with whichneutrons and gamma rays travel as a means for distinguishing the two types of radiation. The relatively slow speed of even
On the Nature of the Occluded Cell in the Stress Corrosion Cracking of AA 7075-T651—Effect of Potential, Composition, Morphology

Abstract The SCC of AA 7075-T651 has been investigated in various electrolytes at different applied potentials. The rate of crack growth in the precracked, double cantilever beam, specimen was meas...
Infrared Emission Spectra of Molten Salts

Infrared emission spectra of molten alkali metal nitrates and chlorates were recorded over the frequency interval from 50 to 3000 cm-1 employing a Fourier transform spectrometer. Emission spectra of molten mixtures of NaNO3 and NaClO3 also were measured, and the ν3 mode of NO3− ion was observed with solutions containing about 0.1 mole % NaNO3. Far infrared spectra of the melts revealed a broad band which progressively shifted to a lower frequency as the mass of the cation increased. The emission spectrum of each salt at a given temperature was recorded in fewer than 2 min and was of comparable or of better quality than previously reported infrared spectra.
Syntheses of Unique Bicyclophostones and Unexpected Difference in the Reaction of Lawesson's Reagent vs. P2S5 with Cis-Bicyclophostone (1)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to synthesize trans-l and determine the equilibriurr constant with cis-1. Oniy the synthesis1 and x-ray structure2 of the cis isomer have bcen reported. Four prior synthetic routes to make the vans isomer3 gave only cis product. For example, intrarmolecular ring closure of the cis or trains isomers of 4 (R= (CH2)3OH) with LiH or thermal closure of the cis or trans 4 (R= (CH2)2) gave only cis-1. Since both iosmers of 1,8-dioxabicyclo[4.4.0] decane are known and readily equilibrate (57% cis and 43% trans), the apparent inaccessibility of trans-1 attracted our attention. Thc preparation of trans-1 was achieved by treatment of cis-1 with Lawesson's reagent (LR) to provide cis-2. followed by oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid/trifluoroacetic acid to give a 5:1 mixture of cis:trans 1, respectively. An unexpected formation of the sulfur analogue of 1 was observed on treatment of cis-1 with P2S5/pyridine at reflux temperatures to give a 1.6:1 mixture of cis:trans 3, resp...
Improvement of the pH-solubility profile of sodium caseinate by using Ca2+-independent microbial transglutaminase with gelatin

Abstract Several mixtures composed of sodium caseinate and acid-gelatin were incubated with Ca2+-independent microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) of a variant of Streptoverticillium mobaraense. Formation of an e-(γ-Glu) Lys crosslink was observed in all MTGase-treated samples. Several MTGase-treated mixtures showed an improvement in solubility in the pH range 3–5.5 compared with sodium caScinate, mixtures of sodium caScinate and acid-gelatin incubated without MTGase, or mixtures of each MTGase-treated protein.
An argument against scalable cache coherency

Recently there has been considerable interest in cache coherency protocols in shared-memory multiprocessor systems, particularly in protocols which are scalable, i.e. efficient in very large systems. In this position paper, it will be argued that in most multiprocessor applications scalability---or for that matter, systemwide cache coherency itself---is unnecessary, no matter how large the system is. Since even an efficient protocol will be a significant inhibitor of performance, it is then argued that systems not be built with systemwide coherency. Instead, a concept of "local coherency" is proposed. In this approach, though the shared-memory paradigm is retained and the system is still assumed to consist of a very large number of processors, hardware support for accessing shared variables exists only within groups of processors. Accordingly, it is asserted that the main research in cache coherency protocols should concentrate on developing efficient protocols for small and medium numbers of caches rather than on scalability.
Bio-inspired synchronization of wireless sensor networks for acoustic event detection systems

Detection of events using a network of simple field sensors has gained interest due to its low cost and robustness. Sensor networks have been extensively analyzed recently in terms of stability, robustness, and efficiency. Time synchronization has proven to be critical in sensor fusion applications where time of arrival is a decision property, and thus an accurate common time reference is required. In this work, we analyze the dependence on time synchronization of an acoustic event detection system, and we present a bio-inspired synchronization algorithm for wireless sensor networks capable of providing the system with a common time reference to enable accurate detection.
Consumer information processing strategies in middle and late adulthood

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate the extent to which performance of a complex cognitive task of a type resembling that encountered in everyday life is maintained through adulthood. A total of 80 subjects participated; 20 in their thirties, 20 in their fifties, 20 in their sixties, and 20 in their seventies. Subjects were asked to make preference judgments with respect to 32 pocket-size notebooks of a sort they might encounter as consumers in a stationery or variety store. Independently, they were also asked to express their preferences with respect to each of the four dimensions on which the notebooks varied. With only minor differences across age groups, most subjects demonstrated the ability to integrate their individual dimension preferences into a complex preference judgment of an object embodying those dimensions, in a logically consistent manner.
Integrated Circuit Biosensors Using Living Whole-Cell Bioreporters

A low-power CMOS bioluminescent bioreporter integrated circuit (BBIC) is designed and fabricated for use in electronic/biological chemical sensing. The bioreporters are placed on a CMOS integrated circuit (IC) that detects bioluminescence, performs signal processing and produces a digital output pulse with a frequency that is proportional to the concentration of the target substance. The digital output pulse that contains the sensor information can then be transmitted to a remote location either wirelessly or via a data cable. The basic building blocks of the integrated circuit are the microluminometer and the transmitter. The microluminometer includes an integrated photodetector and a signal processor and is housed in a rugged inexpensive package that can be used in many remote applications in hazardous environmental monitoring. The total power consumption of the entire signal processing circuitry including the photodiodes is 3 mW from a 3.3-V power supply. This is lowered by a factor of 3 when compared to previous versions of the BBIC. In addition, it also integrates all features of detection, processing and data transmission into one small element. The bioreporter typically contains the luxCDABE reporter genes. The close proximity of the bioreporter and the sensing element eliminates the need for complex instrumentation to channel light from the bioreporters to the microluminometer. This paper presents an integrated CMOS microluminometer realized in 0.35-mum CMOS process and optimized for the detection of low-level bioluminescence as part of the BBIC. A flow-through test system was designed to expose the BBIC system composed of the microluminometer and the bioreporter Pseudomonas fluorescens 5RL to salicylate for determination of analytical benchmark data. The results obtained from the experiment are currently being used to study enclosures and micro-environment configurations for field-deployable BBICs for environmental monitoring
In vivo formation of hydroxyl radicals following intragastric administration of ferrous salt in rats

Abstract Accidental poisoning by oral iron preparations is a serious problem in young children. We investigated the formation of hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) in rats after intragastric instillation of ferrous sulfate. ⋅OH was detected via its reaction with intragastrically administered 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyrate to generate ethylene gas. Ascorbic acid is typically present in oral iron preparations in order to facilitate absorption by maintaining iron in the reduced state. However, ascorbate possesses two properties that can affect ⋅OH: recycling of oxidized iron to the ferrous state augments ⋅OH production, while ascorbate in high concentration scavenges ⋅OH. In experiments conducted in vitro, both actions were evident, depending upon the concentration of ascorbate. In parallel experiments conducted in vivo, the scavenging action of ascorbate was more prominent. Experiments in vitro with ⋅ OH-scavengers (dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol) and with the enzyme, catalase, confirmed both the presence of ⋅OH and its dependence upon generated hydrogen peroxide during the oxidation of ferrous salt by molecular oxygen. Hydroxyl radicals (and/or reactive higher oxidation states of iron) may play a role in tissue damage after accidental overdose of oral iron.
Nitric Oxide and Angiogenesis

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is a mediator of angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates the release of NO from cultured human umbilical venous endothelial cells and upregulates the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS).1,2⇓ Segments of rabbit thoracic aorta release NO in response to VEGF; preincubation with l-arginine increases basal and VEGF-stimulated NO release 2-fold.2 Similar results are observed when the angiogenic stimulus is transforming growth factor β or basic fibroblast growth factor.3–5⇓⇓ See p 2185 The release of NO by these factors plays a critical role in their angiogenic actions. In a 3D fibrin gel, human umbilical venous endothelial cells elaborate NO and form capillary-like structures when stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor or VEGF, effects that are blocked by the NOS antagonist Nw-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).6,7⇓ Similar effects have been observed in vitro using substance P or transforming growth factor β.8,9⇓ In the rabbit cornea model of angiogenesis, VEGF-induced angiogenesis is antagonized by L-NAME.10 Angiogenesis is attenuated when NO bioactivity is reduced. Capillary-like outgrowths sprout from segments of rabbit thoracic aorta or human coronary artery explanted into a collagen matrix. This ex vivo angiogenesis is inhibited by oxidized LDL cholesterol,11,12⇓ an agent also known to reduce NO bioactivity. In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, …
Globally convergent adaptive blind filters and blind equalisers for mixed-phase channels

A new approach is proposed for recursive estimation of the parameters of finite-impulse response and infinite-impulse-response nongaussian signals which are assumed to be generated by driving a finite-dimensional channel (system) by an IID nongaussian sequence. The problem is addressed in a blind setting, i.e. only the channel output is observed, not the input to it. The signal model is allowed to be nonminimum phase; hence the model is applicable to the problem of blind channel equalisation in data communication systems. The proposed recursive parameter estimator is shown to be globally convergent, i.e. the parameter estimator converges to the true model regardless of its initialisation. Therefore, the blind-equaliser design based on the estimated channel parameters is also globally convergent. The proposed parameter estimator is based on a two-model decomposition approach: a spectrally equivalent minimum-phase system in cascade with an allpass system. An illustrative computer-simulation example using a 16-QAM signal is presented where the proposed approach is compared with a Godard blind equaliser.
The effect of bilateral laminotomy versus laminectomy on the motion and stiffness of the human lumbar spine: a biomechanical comparison.

Study Design. A cadaveric simulation model of the lumbar spine was used to study the intervertebral motion characteristics of the lumbar spine after bilateral laminotomy and facet-sparing laminectomy. Objective. To assess differences in motion patterns and lumbar spine stiffness after bilateral laminotomy versus laminectomy. Summary of Background Data. Spondylolisthesis after facet-sparing laminectomy has been reported with a frequency of 8% to 31%. Bilateral laminotomies have been shown to be effective in decompressing the spine, without resection of the posterior osteo-ligamentous complex. We hypothesize that bilateral laminotomies induce significantly less iatrogenic hypermobility and less stiffness reduction than a traditional facet-sparing laminectomy in the lumbar spine. Methods. Six fresh frozen human cadaveric lumbar spines (L1-L5) were mounted into a spine motion simulator for testing. With physiologic follower preload, flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation moments were applied to the lumbar spine in 3 trials: (1) Intact lumbar spine—no surgery, (2) Lumbar spine after bilateral lumbar laminotomies at L2-L5, (3) Lumbar spine after full laminectomies at L2-L5. The lumbar spine kinematics were measured using a Vicon motion tracking system. Total and segmental range of motion and spine stiffness were recorded. Results. In flexion/extension, bilateral laminotomies resulted in an average increase in L2-L5 range of flexion/ extension motion of 14.3%, whereas a full laminectomy resulted in an increase of 32.0% (P < 0.05). Analysis per level demonstrated roughly twofold increase in motion with laminectomy compared with bilateral laminotomies (P< 0.05, at every treated level). Stiffness was decreased by an average of 11.8% after the 3-level-laminotomies and by 27.2% (P < 0.05) after the 3-level-laminectomy. Conclusion. These data demonstrate that bilateral laminotomies induce significantly less hypermobility and less stiffness reduction compared with a full laminectomy. The preservation of the central posterior osteoligamentous structures may provide a stabilizing effect in preventing postdecompression spondylolisthesis.
Evaluation of a Financial Literacy Test Using Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality (item difficulty and discriminability, construct validity, and reliability) of a financial literacy test that has been used to measure financial literacy in multiple countries. The test was analyzed based on Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory, specifically the Rasch model, with the goal of identifying areas of improvement. The findings from the two measurement frameworks were quite comparable and identified similar measurement problems. Steps to improve the financial literacy measure were recommended.
An Example of Managing the Knowledge Creation Process for a Small Work Group

This article introduces an example project to describe a knowledge creation process and a practical mechanism for capturing and disseminating knowledge in a small working group. The needs analysis, design process, development process, and performance environment phases are described for the knowledge creation process. As the practical mechanism, a knowledge base is used for capturing the expertise of individuals and making it available to other members of the group. The knowledge base grows as members of the group solve new problems and enter that expertise into the knowledge base. Productivity increases as members consult the knowledge base, adapt and use solutions that were developed by other members of the group. Finally, the limitations of the approach are described and future directions for research are discussed.
Hitting the ‘mark’: Interpreting lysine methylation in the context of active transcription

Abstract Histones and their posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in regulating DNA-templated processes. While some PTMs directly modulate chromatin architecture via charge effects, others rely on the action of reader or effector proteins that can recognize and bind the modification to fulfill distinct cellular outcomes. One PTM that has been well studied with regard to reader proteins is histone lysine methylation — a PTM linked to many DNA-templated processes including transcription, DNA replication and DNA repair. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how histone lysine methylation is read during the process of active transcription. We also describe how the interpretation of lysine methylation fits into a larger, more complex ‘code’ of histone PTMs to modulate chromatin structure and function. These insights take into account emerging concepts in the field in an effort to help facilitate future studies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Methylation: A Multifaceted Modification — looking at transcription and beyond.
Cloning and characterization of the NADH pyrophosphatases from Caenorhabditis elegans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, members of a Nudix hydrolase subfamily.

Abstract Two genes from Caenorhabditis elegans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, coding for enzymes homologous to the Nudix hydrolase family of nucleotide pyrophosphatases, have been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified enzymes are homodimers of 39.1 and 43.5 kDa, respectively, are activated by Mg2+ and Mn2+, and are 30 to 50 times more active on NADH than on NAD+. They both have a conserved array of amino acids downstream of the Nudix box first seen in the orthologous enzyme from E. coli which designates them as members of an NADH pyrophosphatase subfamily of the Nudix hydrolases.
Legislating Love: The Effect of Child Support and Welfare Policies on Father-child Contact*

Reducing non-marital childbearing and making nonresidential fathers take greater responsibility for their children were identified as goals of numerous policy changes since the 1980s. Child-support award rates for children born to unmarried parents have been quite low historically, leading lawmakers to focus on increasing both award and payment rates for this group. Nonmarital fathers are also much less likely to have contact with their children. Although evidence suggests that policy efforts increase child support awards and receipt, the link between child support policies, child support outcomes, and father-child contact has received less attention. This paper uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation on children born between 1985–1997 to investigate the relationship between child-support award and receipt and the amount of contact that fathers have with their non-residential children. Since it is likely that both of these behaviors are, in part, determined by unobservable characteristics of the father, we estimate an instrumental variables Tobit model. The model is identified by our assumption that child support policy variables can impact child support awards and payments, but father-child contact cannot be directly legislated. Our results suggest that there are unintended, but desirable effects of child support establishment and collection. Policies to collect child support not only increase financial resources to families, but through their impact on payments increase visitation and contact between these children and their fathers. The estimated impact of receiving child support on contact is more than 27 days per year.
–152.5 dB sensitivity high dynamic-range optical frequency-domain reflectometry

Optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) measurements with 60 dB dynamics on the 1.55 /spl mu/m Rayleigh backscattering signal with 2 cm spatial resolution and 10 m maximum range are presented. A sensitivity of -152.5 dB is demonstrated, representing the highest sensitivity reported to date using the OFDR technique. This sensitivity level was achieved with <3 min total acquisition time.
Strangeness in dense matter

Abstract This talk surveys the role of strangeness in the physics of dense matter, including the nature of the absolute ground state of matter, strange neutron stars, strangeness in the early universe, and strangeness as a probe of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Megachile ( Megachile ) montivaga (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) nesting in live thistle (Asteraceae: Cirsium)

Although Megachile Latreille (leafcutter bees) are well known for their diverse nesting habits, records of the genus nesting in live plants are rare. Here, we report the widespread Megachile ( Megachile ) montivaga Cresson nesting in live thistle ( Cirsium neomexicanum Gray), the first explicit record of this behavior in the Nearctic.
Inter- and intra-individual comparative study of two gadolinium-based agents: A pilot study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute adverse events rate and enhancement properties of gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem®) and gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance®) in a small-scale controlled double-blinded study, using inter- and intra-individual comparisons. Forty-one randomly selected patients were scanned with Dotarem®. The rate of adverse reactions, qualitative and quantitative image evaluation was performed vs. a control group of 46 patients who underwent MultiHance® over the same 1-month time period (population 1), and 27 patients who underwent both Dotarem® and MultiHance®-enhanced body MRI studies within an 18-month period (population 2). Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Only 1 mild acute adverse event (vomiting) was observed in population 1 (with Dotarem®). Blinded assessment of image quality was good for both agents in all patients. Population 1 showed significantly higher liver percentage enhancement with MultiHance® (p < 0.0001). There was a trend to higher pancreas-to-liver enhancement with Dotarem®, significant in population 2 (p = 0.0333). This small-scale multi-blinded study characterizes a strategy to objectively assess intravenous contrast agents, which may be an ideal method to evaluate whether a new contrast agent should be introduced for clinical use at any institution, and to re-evaluate the agent in standard use. Whenever available, intra-individual assessment may be ideal.
More on shellshort increment sequences

Previous results on the Frobenius problem and their use in bounding Shellsort's running time are reviewed. We have shown that upper bounds using complicated increment sequences can be proven using the standard Frobenius function argument. We conjecture that all upper bounds can be derived in the same manner and that the upper bound for O(log N) increment sequences cannot be improved.
Texting: the Third Client in the Room

Psychotherapists often encounter generational differences between themselves and their adolescent clients. Understanding these differences can enhance the communication, interventions, and trust between the therapist and adolescent client. The use of text messages in the lives of adolescents has increased. While there is emerging literature on the significance of texting for an adolescent’s feelings of connection with his/her peers, much less is known about the addition of this form of communication within counseling sessions. This paper uses one case of conjoint therapy with a father and daughter to explore these issues. The role of texting for the adolescent is explored, the role the texting inhabited in the sessions is discussed, and clinical significance of social media on psychotherapy are explored.
Chronic Homelessness Among Working-Age Adults: Personal Problems and Public Assistance

As rapid changes have occurred in the economic and cultural structures of society, some have found themselves more disadvantaged than others. The mismatch between income and the cost of housing means that some of the poor will inevitably become homeless. Given the economics of the situation, prevention of homelessness is a non-issue; more germane is the question of chronic homelessness. This paper takes the position that determining who is most likely to be chronically homeless is related to the cultural ideology of individualism and, more specifically, that the situations likely to create the greatest vulnerability are problems for which individuals are seen as personally responsible. The distress brought about by societal-level changes is manifested in the “personal” problems of individuals. The social welfare system, acting as a substitute for failed social institutions, recreates their failures by relying on a cultural ethos that blames individuals for occupying positions to which the society has relegated them.
Azethoxyl nitroxide spin labels. ESR studies involving thiourea crystals, model membrane systems and chromatophores, and chemical reduction with ascorbate and dithiothreitol.

Trans- and cis-azethoxyl nitroxides 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be trapped in the cavities of thiourea crystals. The presence of a single gauche conformation on either side of the pyrrolidine ring within the crystals was indicated by the ESR spectra. Rotation about the long molecular axis then corresponds approximately to y-axis motion of the nitroxide moiety. Proxyl nitroxides in which the nitroxide group is located on the penultimate carbon of long chain lipids can also be trapped and were shown to adopt the azethoxyl conformation in the thiourea crystals. The measured ΔA values (A| − A⊥) of oriented egg lecithin multilayers containing trans- and cis-azethoxyl nitroxides 1 and 2 were quite small, consistent with the unique orientation of the nitroxide principal axes with respect to the long axis of the molecule. The ΔA values for a series of lipids bearing a label near the terminus of the chain were very similar to that of 1, showing that the azethoxyl conformation is likely the predominant one in these labels in orienting systems. Computer simulations of the ESR spectra of 1 and 2 in egg lecithin vesicles provided values for molecular orientation and motion parameters consistent with those expected from a consideration of molecular models in the extended (all trans) conformation. Azethoxyl nitroxides have also proven useful in the investigation of motion restricted (boundary) lipid in a lipid-protein system. Thus, the values (69 ± 10%) for the amount of boundary lipid in the chromatophore membranes from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides as determined using trans- 2 and cis- 2 are in good agreement with values using 16-doxylstearic acid (64 ± 3%). The fact that all three labels show about the same fraction of boundary lipid in this system indicates that the lipid binding sites are relatively insensitive to the geometry of the lipid chain. Also, both 1 and s appear to be able to detect a third lipid environment not seen with the doxyl fatty acid. The apparent fluidity of this component lies between that of boundary and bilayer lipid. The unique orientation of the nitroxide principal axes with respect to the long molecular axis in azethoxyl nitroxides 1 and 2 allows detection of hindrance to rotation about the long molecular axis, in contrast to the analogous doxyl and proxyl fatty acids. Comparative reduction studies using ascorbate and dithiothreitol indicate that azethoxyl nitroxides are slightly more resistant toward reduction than proxyl nitroxides and much more resistant than doxyl nitroxides.
A computer graphics approach to investigating the architecture of icosahedral viruses.

Abstract Using a CDC 6600 computer and a graphics program “ARTIST” we have constructed models of a common virus infecting man—adenovirus. The virus particle is icosahedral in shape, and a rigid fiber projects from each vertex of the icosahedron. The program has enabled us to study rapidly both the three-dimensional packing and the influence of the fibers on the formation of viral aggregates inside infected cells. We have also been able to approximate the images obtained in electron micrographs of cleaved crystalline arrays of virus particles.
Reinforced random walk

Leta i,i≧1, be a sequence of nonnegative numbers. Difine a nearest neighbor random motion $$\overrightarrow X $$ =X 0,X 1, ... on the integers as follows. Initially the weight of each interval (i, i+1), i an integer, equals 1. If at timen an interval (i, i+1) has been crossed exactlyk times by the motion, its weight is $$1 + \sum\limits_{j = 1}^k {a_j } $$ . Given (X 0,X 1, ...,X n)=(i0, i1, ..., in), the probability thatX n+1 isi n−1 ori n+1 is proportional to the weights at timen of the intervals (i n−1,i n) and (i n,iin+1). We prove that $$\overrightarrow X $$ either visits all integers infinitely often a.s. or visits a finite number of integers, eventually oscillating between two adjacent integers, a.s., and that $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } $$ X n /n=0 a.s. For much more general reinforcement schemes we proveP ( $$\overrightarrow X $$ visits all integers infinitely often)+P ( $$\overrightarrow X $$ has finite range)=1.
Outcome Measures for Development of New Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis: Are We Making Progress and What Are the Next Steps?

Since the discovery of the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR) in 1989, rapid expansion in our understanding of the basic defect has afforded the cystic fibrosis (CF) community the opportunity to develop new therapies to correct the pathobiological consequences of absent or defective CFTR and to improve the lives of patients (1). Over the same time period, the number of multicenter clinical studies directed at correcting the secondary consequences of dysfunctional CFTR has rapidly increased, with 453 clinical studies identified by PubMed (www.pubmed.gov) that were published in 2006 compared with 19 studies published in 1990. Clinical trials have led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of two therapies (2, 3) for the treatment of CF lung disease (Pulmozyme and TOBI) and to the current evaluation of at least two new therapies in pivotal phase 3 studies (4, 5). In addition, dozens of potential therapies are making their way through earlier stages of the therapeutic pipeline. Although no approved therapies currently treat the underlying genetic defect, promising approaches to correct CFTR are currently in earlyphase trials (6–8). In spite of this enormous progress in both basic and clinical science, CF remains a challenging field for the development of new therapies. First, this illness falls within the orphan disease designation (www.rarediseases.org), with approximately 30,000 identified individuals in the United States (9), and thus a finite number of patients are available for clinical trials in any geographic location. Thus, the conduct of pivotal phase 3 trials requiring more than 500 patients often requires multinational participation, adding significant complexity and cost. Second, improved life span and stabilization of progression of lung disease, albeit encouraging, are resulting in an evolution of clinical end points. With median survival of almost 40 years, mortality is no longer a realistic outcome. A surrogatemeasure formortality, median FEV1 as a function of age, has also improved over the past two decades (9). This change makes it increasingly difficult to detect a meaningful treatment effect except in large studies of long duration (10). Thus, there is an increasing need to validate newoutcomemeasures and to improve the assessment of existing outcome measures. Beginning in the early 1990s, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) (Bethesda, MD) realized the need to develop clinical end points for therapeutic trials. A group of CF specialists and FDA representatives convened in 1992 to review the state of the art for outcome measures at that time (11). Eight key issues were
A Monte Carlo tool for combined photon and proton treatment planning verification

Photons and protons are usually used independently to treat cancer. However, at MGH patients can be treated with both photons and protons since both modalities are available on site. A combined therapy can be advantageous in cancer therapy due to the skin sparing ability of photons and the sharp Bragg peak fall-off for protons beyond the tumor. In the present work, we demonstrate how to implement a combined 3D MC toolkit for photon and proton (ph-pr) therapy, which can be used for verification of the treatment plan. The commissioning of a MC system for combined ph-pr involves initially the development of a MC model of both the photon and proton treatment heads. The MC dose tool was evaluated on a head and neck patient treated with both combined photon and proton beams. The combined ph-pr dose agreed with measurements in solid water phantom to within 3%mm. Comparison with commercial planning system pencil beam prediction agrees within 3% (except for air cavities and bone regions).
Self-replicating robots for lunar development

In this paper, the concept of self-replicating robots (SRRs) is reviewed, and the feasibility of a particular kind of minimalistic SRR is analyzed in the context of lunar resource development. The key issue that will determine the feasibility of this approach is whether or not an autonomous robotic factory can be devised such that it is light enough to be transported to the moon, yet complete in its ability to self-replicate with no other inputs than those resources available on the lunar surface. Self-replication leads to exponential growth, and would allow as few as one initial factory to spawn lunar production of materials and energy on a massive scale. Such capacity would dramatically impact man's ability to explore and colonize space and collect solar energy for terrestrial applications. Our concept of a self-replicating robotic factory consists of four subsystems: 1) multifunctional robots for digging and transportation of materials, and assembly of components during the replication process; 2) materials refining and casting facility; 3) solar energy conversion, storage and transmission; and 4) electromagnetic rail guns for long-distance transportation (for example, for sending materials to low-earth orbit (LEO), or transporting replicated factories to distal points on the moon). Each of these subsystems is described in the context of current technologies, with an emphasis on 1). We build on previous concepts for self-replicating systems, present a simple prototype that demonstrates active mechanical replication, and develop an analytical model of how the proliferation of such systems on the lunar surface would occur.
Current and emerging trends in Lynch syndrome identification in women with endometrial cancer.

Objective Lynch syndrome is a heritable, cancer susceptibility syndrome. This study aims to review current and emerging trends in the identification of Lynch syndrome in the endometrial cancer patient population.
Magnetic Structure of Manganese Chromite

Numerous attempts have been made to explain the anomalous magnetic properties of chromites and of mixed spinels containing chromium on the basis of the theoretical models of Neel and of Yafet and Kittel. Recent calculations by T. A. Kaplan and co-workers, using a classical Heisenberg model, have shown that over an appreciable range of the ratio of the BB to the AB interaction, the ground state is a ferrimagnetic spiral, i. e., a conical spin configuration in which the transverse components progress in spiral fashion along a fixed direction in the crystal. The object of the present study is to determine the suitability of the various proposed theoretical models in the case of manganese chromite, for which rather complex magnetic behavior has been observed by means of neutron diffraction. From diffraction patterns taken at room temperature, it is readily established that MnCr2O4 is a normal spinel with less than 1% of the Mn2+ ions present on B sites. The Curie temperature, as determined from diffraction data is ∼43 °K. Below this temperature the magnetic contributions to the fundamental spinel peaks arising from aligned spins increases as the temperature is lowered and is effectively saturated at about 20°K. At 18°K, additional sharp peaks appear at positions which cannot be indexed either on the original unit cell or on any reasonably enlarged cell. These extra reflections persist with unchanged intensities down to 4.2°K. No change in either the positions or intensities of the fundamental lines is observed in going through the transition. Above 18°K a broad, diffuse peak is present in the region where the principal extra lines develop. This diffuse peak decreases with increasing temperature, but is still observable above the Curie point. Application of a magnetic field along the neutron scattering vector decreases the magnetic contributions to the fundamentals, but increases the intensities of the extra reflections. Analysis of the data shows that while little difficulty is encountered in explaining the observed saturation moments, the Neel model and the Yafet-Kittel model fail to account for major qualitative features of the diffraction results. Agreement is not significantly improved by modifications of the Neel model in which reversed spins (either random or ordered) are introduced, or in which some of the spins remain paramagnetic even at low temperatures. On the other hand, all the qualitative aspects of the diffraction results can be explained in terms of the ferrimagnetic spiral model of Kaplan and co-workers. The theoretical calculations give reasonably good quantitative agreement with the positions and intensities of the extra lines as well as the intensities of the fundamentals, while retaining the expected values for the individual ionic moments and the macroscopic saturation moment. Although some discrepancies still remain, there is every reason to believe that these can be removed by further refinement of the theory and by the extension of experimental measurements to single crystals.