cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODELING THE ROTATIONAL EVOLUTION OF YOUNG T TAURI STARS

Measurements of rotational periods of pre-main-sequence stars in several young (~1 Myr) open clusters reveal a uniform trend. Stars with masses below 0.25 M☉ show a bimodal period distribution with fast and slow rotators clustered around 2 and 8 day periods, respectively, while the period distribution of low-mass stars lacks the slow-rotating component. In one popular interpretation of this observational result, the slow rotators are identified as "disk-locked" stars whose periods are fixed to the orbital periods at the inner edge of the accretion disk; the fast rotators are assumed to be stars that have lost their connection to the disk. We argue that this scenario can account for observations if the mass accretion rate in the disk declines with time. We construct a simple model for the period evolution in T Tauri stars (TTSs) that includes realistic prescriptions for the mass accretion rate, radius evolution, and transition between strong and weak accretion disk coupling. Using this model to simulate the cluster period distribution, we can qualitatively reproduce the observed results, but only if the accretion is allowed to continue after the disk and star are no longer locked. When the contribution from accretion is ignored, the unlocked stars tend to rotate slower than the locked population. Our model predicts a very strong mass segregation between the two peaks in the bimodal distribution, with lower mass stars and higher mass stars being the fast and slow rotators, respectively. This effect is not readily apparent in the data, although some of the discrepancy might be due to the uncertainties associated with measurements of stellar masses. Improved observational constraints on TTS masses could help support or rule out our prediction that the rotational periods of TTSs with masses above 0.25 M☉ are dependent on stellar mass.
Role of Salt Tectonics in Structural History of Western Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

The discovery through the JOIDES drilling program that the Sigsbee Knolls and domes represent intrusive salt bodies has made it necessary to review many old concepts concerning the structural evolution of the Gulf of Mexico. The debate concerning the physiography of the Gulf during the time of salt deposition is now more heated than ever. It has been suggested that, during this time, the Gulf was an ocean basin, a shallow sea, a landmass, or an ocean that had risen to shallow depths above a rising convection cell. Any one of these hypotheses must be able to explain the presence of salt, at least under part of the central basin, if it is to be considered seriously. The possibility that thick salt beds can be deposited at oceanic depths has been questioned. Although at firs thought this may discount a hypothesis that places the Gulf basin at great depth during Triassic-Jurassic time, the structure of the bordering continental slopes of the western Gulf suggests an alternate hypothesis: the Gulf is an oceanic basin along the western margins of which great amounts of salt accumulated. This salt migrated toward the basin. The distribution of salt diapirs throughout the area of subsurface salt is controlled mainly by sediment thickness and the distribution of massive carbonate sequences. The change from simple ridge structure to diapir swarms, south to north along the eastern coast of Mexico, indicates the influence of the sedimentary cover. The abrupt termination of the diapirs on the southeast in the Bay of Campeche and the position of the Sigsbee Knolls and domes indicate the important (negative?) role played by the carbonate platforms in the distribution of salt diapirs. End_of_Article - Last_Page 206------------
Female Residency and Courtship intensity in a Territorial Lizard, Holbrookia propinqua

In the territorial iguanid lizard Holbrookia propinqua territory-holding males were found to court nonresident females more intensely than coresident females. Resident males also attempted to force copulation more frequently with nonresident females. These results indicate that males can operationally distinguish resident from nonresident females and suggest that males may recognize individual females. The selective forces underlying differential responses to resident and nonresident females presumably are related to differences in expected mating opportunities.
Spaceflight experiments with Arabidopsis starch-deficient mutants support a statolith-based model for graviperception

Abstract In order to help resolve some of the controversy associated with ground-based research that has supported the starch-statolith theory of gravity perception in plants, we performed spaceflight experiments with Arabidopsis in Biorack during the January 1997 and May 1997 missions of the Space Shuttle. Seedlings of wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis, two reduced-starch strains, and a starchless mutant were grown in microgravity and then were given either a 30, 60, or 90 minute gravity stimulus on a centrifuge. By the 90 min 1-g stimulus, the WT exhibited the greatest magnitude of curvature and the starchless mutant exhibited the smallest curvature while the two reduced starch mutants had an intermediate magnitude of curvature. In addition, space-grown plants had two structural features that distinguished them from the controls: a greater number of root hairs and an anomalous hypocotyl hook structure. However, the morphological changes observed in the flight seedlings are likely to be due to the effects of ethylene present in the spacecraft. (Additional ground-based studies demonstrated that this level of ethylene did not significantly affect gravitropism nor did it affect the relative gravitropic sensitivity among the four strains.) Nevertheless, this experiment on gravitropism was performed the “right way” in that brief gravitational stimuli were provided, and the seedlings were allowed to express the response without further gravity stimuli. Our spaceflight results support previous ground-based studies of these and other mutants since increasing amounts of starch correlated positively with increasing sensitivity to gravity.
Activated Alleles of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe gpa2+ Gα Gene Identify Residues Involved in GDP-GTP Exchange

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe glucose/cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway includes the Gpa2-Git5-Git11 heterotrimeric G protein, whose Gpa2 Gα subunit directly binds to and activates adenylate cyclase in response to signaling from the Git3 G protein-coupled receptor. To study intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of Gpa2, we developed a plasmid-based screen to identify mutationally activated gpa2 alleles that bypass the loss of the Git5-Git11 Gβγ dimer to repress transcription of the glucose-regulated fbp1+ gene. Fifteen independently isolated mutations alter 11 different Gpa2 residues, with all but one conferring a receptor-independent activated phenotype upon integration into the gpa2+ chromosomal locus. Biochemical characterization of three activated Gpa2 proteins demonstrated an increased GDP-GTP exchange rate that would explain the mechanism of activation. Interestingly, the amino acid altered in the Gpa2(V90A) exchange rate mutant protein is in a region of Gpa2 with no obvious role in Gα function, thus extending our understanding of Gα protein structure-function relationships.
Insulin Therapy in Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Excerpt To the editor: To prepare for a recent housestaff conference I had to review the subject of insulin therapy in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. I am concerned that the comparison bet...
Regional, but not total, body composition changes in overweight and obese adults consuming a higher protein, energy-restricted diet are sex specific

Secondary analyses of data from 2 studies were used to assess the effects of protein intake and sex on diet-induced changes in body composition. The primary hypothesis was that the changes of body composition via energy restriction (ie, lean body mass [LBM], fat mass [FM], and bone) would be sex and diet specific. For 12 weeks, 43 male (study 1) and 45 female (study 2) overweight and obese adults consumed an energy-deficit diet (750 kcal/d less than energy needs) containing either 0.8 (normal protein [NP], 21 men and 23 women) or 1.4 g protein∙kg(-1)∙d(-1) (high protein [HP], 22 men and 22 women). Body composition measurements were performed at preintervention and postintervention. Over time, all research participants lost weight, LBM, and FM. Independent of protein intake, the men lost more LBM in the trunk (-0.9 vs -0.5 kg) and less in the legs (-1.5 vs -1.1 kg) compared with the women (P < .05). Independent of sex, the HP group lost less LBM in the trunk and legs than the NP group. These sex and protein intake responses resulted in the NP men losing the most LBM in the legs and the NP women losing the most LBM in the trunk. Over time, men lost more FM (-5.0 vs -3.9 kg) from the trunk and less from legs (-1.7 vs -2.1 kg) than women (P < .05), which resulted in a greater decrease of the android-to-gynoid fat ratio for the men. Protein intake did not influence these sex-specific responses or have any independent effects on changes in FM. In addition, protein intake did not influence bone mineral density responses over time; bone mineral density was reduced in women, but not in men. These findings indicate that higher protein intake during weight loss promotes the retention of LBM in both the trunk and legs despite the sex-specific changes in these body regions.
Time-Dependent Center-of-Gravity Metric Determines Key Dynamical Features of Doorway-Mediated Intersystem Crossing

Traditional statistical models provide only a phenomenological description of intersystem crossing, the spin−orbit-induced mixing of optically bright and dark excited electronic states with differe...
An algorithm for the on-line computation of fourier spectra

An on-line method to compute the spectra associated with the Fourier transform M of a data sequence is developed, whereM and N are finite positive integers. This method provides a simple means of generating time-frequency-amplitude plots of Fourier power and phase spectra. Such plots may be used to display Fourier spectra for pedagogical purposes, and in the general area of the classification of transient waveforms whose durations are unknown. An illustrative example is included.
Sorting the mail: a study of categorization and deliberative processing

This study examines how two information-processing theories in consumer research, categorization and deliberative processing, apply to mail-sorting behavior. Experimental subjects were exposed to a mail envelope that was consistent with, or discrepant from, their existing cognitive categories to stimulate different processing behavior across groups. Expertise in direct mail was also examined for its effects on several measures of cognitive response. The data indicate that both types of processing are evident and that expertise plays a different role in mail sorting than previously expected.
Revealing the transient states of rapid solidification in aluminum thin films using ultrafast in situ transmission electron microscopy

Using high time resolution transmission electron microscopy, we have observed rapid solidification dynamics in 80 nm thick Al thin films after pulsed laser melting. The nanometer spatial and 15 nanosecond temporal resolution of the dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory allowed us to study the morphology and dynamics of the transformation front moving at speed of 0.1–10 m/s during rapid solidification. Additionally, we used an automated orientation imaging system in the TEM for the post-mortem analysis of grain orientations of the solidified microstructure near the position of the solid liquid interface at the start of solidification.
Evaluation of transplantation sites and mandibular bone on the development of neonatal hamster teeth

Abstract Of six sites for the transplantation of newborn hamster half-mandibles into adults evaluated for the best location for growth and development of the mandibular teeth, subcutaneous tissue of the ear was the most favourable; cheek pouch and kidney were less so. Subcutaneous tissue of the back, uterine horn lumen and testis were unfavourable. First molars without bone and with various amounts of bone grafted into the ear showed that successful transplantation was inversely proportional to the amount of bone transplanted. Continued growth and development was proportional to the rate of initial vascularization of the graft; survival was dependent on the developmental stage of the tooth at grafting.
MEASUREMENTS OF THE LIFETIMES OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE PIONS.

The experiment described here compares the lifetimes of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ by measuring the fraction of surviving pions at several positions along a 1000-cm (one-half lifetime) decay path. The result of the measurement, $\frac{\ensuremath{\tau}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})}{\ensuremath{\tau}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}})=1.00055\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00071}$, is consistent with the $\mathrm{CPT}$ theorem, which predicts that a particle and its antiparticle have equal lifetimes. The beam polarity was alternated frequently between positive and negative particles, and many precautions were taken to ensure that the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ beams were identical in their spatial and momentum distributions. Most of the running time was spent investigating possible sources of systematic bias which might make the lifetimes appear to be different, and a number of these systematic errors were found and eliminated. Using a time-of-flight determination of the pion velocity, we obtain a value of the charged-pion lifetime $\ensuremath{\tau}=26.02\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$ nsec. The good agreement between this value for pions in flight and the result of independent measurements with pions at rest provides the most precise verification of time dilation. In the model of Lundberg and R\'edei this comparison sets an upper limit on a fundamental length of 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ cm. The velocities of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ beams were compared by time of flight and the momenta by use of a magnetic spectrometer. Together the measurements determine $\frac{m({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})}{m({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}})}=1.0002\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0005$.
Self-guided Langevin dynamics simulation method

This work presents a self-guided Langevin dynamics simulation method. The guiding force is calculated as a local average of the friction forces during a self-guided Langevin dynamics simulation. Three parameters, the local average time, tL, the guiding factor, k, and the collision frequency, c, control a self-guided Langevin dynamics simulation. It is demonstrated through three model systems that this simulation method has an enhanced conformational search ability while has little alteration in conformational distribution when the guiding factor is chosen within the limit of kc < 1 ps � 1 . This method is well suited for simulation studies where extensive conformational searching is required. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Highly conducting and transparent tin-doped CdO thin films for optoelectronic applications

Abstract Highly conducting and transparent thin films of tin-doped cadmium oxide were deposited on quartz substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. The effect of growth temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties was studied. These films are highly transparent (78–89%) in visible region, and transmittance of the films depends on growth temperature. It is observed that resistivity increases with growth temperature after attaining minimum at 150 °C, while carrier concentration continuously decreases with temperature. The lowest resistivity of 1.96 × 10− 5 Ω cm and carrier concentration of 5.52 × 1021 cm3 is observed for the film grown at 150 °C. These highly conducting and transparent tin-doped CdO thin films grown via pulsed laser deposition could be an excellent candidate for future optoelectronic applications.
Treatment methods for extravasations of chemotherapeutic agents: A comparative study

A rat model was used to compare early surgical intervention with injectable and topical antidotes with regard to their effectiveness in preventing cutaneous ulcers that were caused by intradermal injections of vesicant chemotherapeutic agents. The (animals) rats received bilateral flank injections of doxorubicin, vincristine, actinomycin D, mitomycin C, or carmustine (BCNU) in concentrations that were comparable to concentrations used for human patients; after the injections they underwent debridement at various intervals or received immediate applications of selected antidotes. Many "antidotes" which were frequently used, were not effective in limiting the size of the ulcer and in producing rapid healing of ulcers that were caused by experimental vesicant extravasations. Early surgical debridement was the most effective method of decreasing vesicant ulcer size and facilitating rapid ulcer healing of all the interventions tested.
A note on stabilizing the Benjamin Feir instability

In a recent paper, Segur et al. ( J. Fluid Mech . vol. 539, p. 229, 2005, hereafter referred to as ${\cal S}$ showed, based on a damped version of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS), that any amount of dissipation (of a certain type) stabilizes the Benjamin–Feir instability of a modulated Stokes wave train. Their theoretical predictions are confirmed by laboratory experiments for waves of small or moderate amplitude, but not for waves of large amplitude or with relatively large perturbations. ${\cal S}$ left open questions regarding the validity of their theoretical results for these large-amplitude waves, and possibly the validity of the NLS assumptions of weak nonlinearity and narrow-bandedness. We investigate these issues using direct simulations of the primitive equations, incorporating constant and wavenumber-dependent dissipation models. For small or moderate amplitudes, our full simulations agree with the theory and experiments of ${\cal S}$ . For large amplitudes, we find that it is primarily the form of the dissipation model, rather than the assumptions of NLS, that is responsible for the failure of ${\cal S}$ 's theoretical predictions. Indeed, with an appropriate wavenumber-dependent dissipation model, both the full simulations and NLS obtain the correct evolution behaviour for large-amplitude waves. Finally, using direct and NLS simulations, we confirm the general conclusion of ${\cal S}$ for stabilization of the Benjamin–Feir instability over long-time wave train evolution.
Abuse history and premenstrual symptomatology: assessing the mediating role of perceived stress.

ABSTRACT The present study assessed the interrelationships among abuse history (Abuse), perceived stress (Stress), and premenstrual symptom severity reports (PMSR) among female college students (N = 91, 18–25 years old), and determined if Stress mediated the relationship between Abuse and PMSR. Abuse history was noted by 44% of women in this sample, including sexual (25%), physical (11%), or both sexual and physical (8%) abuse. Importantly, results showed significant positive relationships between Abuse, Stress, and PMSR, suggesting Abuse affects psychological and physical aspects of women's health. Overall, women rated PMSR affect symptoms highest, and abused women rated pain and water retention higher than non-abused women. Stress did not fully mediate the relationship between Abuse and PMSR in this study, but accounted for 24% of the variance between these variables. The health implications of these findings are discussed.
Measurements of the intermediate field magnetization of a random exchange heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain, quinolinium(TCNQ) 2

Abstract Measurements of the relative magnetization (M) and linewidth (ΔH 1 2 ) of quinolinium(TCNQ)2 are reported using ESR at 9.5 GHz over the temperature range 0.054–4.2 K. The experiment was performed in a dilution refrigerator using an unconventional microwave technique. Throughout the entire temperature range, M fits the behavior expected of a random exchange Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain on the basis of the ECP or Bulaevskii models using an exponent α = 0.81 ± .03. The linewidth has a slow, logarithmic divergence with decreasing temperature similar to that reported earlier for low frequency measurements.
Characterization of a Novel Methanol Dehydrogenase in Representatives of Burkholderiales : Implications for Environmental Detection of Methylotrophy and Evidence for Convergent Evolution

Some members of Burkholderiales are able to grow on methanol but lack the genes (mxaFI) responsible for the well-characterized two-subunit pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent quinoprotein methanol dehydrogenase that is widespread in methylotrophic Proteobacteria. Here, we characterized novel, mono-subunit enzymes responsible for methanol oxidation in four strains, Methyloversatilis universalis FAM5, Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1, and unclassified Burkholderiales strains RZ18-153 and FAM1. The enzyme from M. universalis FAM5 was partially purified and subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of fight peptide mass fingerprinting. The resulting peptide spectrum was used to identify a gene candidate in the genome of M. petroleiphilum PM1 (mdh2) predicted to encode a type I alcohol dehydrogenase related to the characterized methanol dehydrogenase large subunits but at less than 35% amino acid identity. Homologs of mdh2 were amplified from M. universalis FAM5 and strains RZ18-153 and FAM1, and mutants lacking mdh2 were generated in three of the organisms. These mutants lost their ability to grow on methanol and ethanol, demonstrating that mdh2 is responsible for oxidation of both substrates. Our findings have implications for environmental detection of methylotrophy and indicate that this ability is widespread beyond populations possessing mxaF, the gene traditionally used as a genetic marker for environmental detection of methanol-oxidizing capability. Our findings also have implications for understanding the evolution of methanol oxidation, suggesting a convergence toward the enzymatic function for methanol oxidation in MxaF and Mdh2-type proteins.
On the behavior of threshold models over finite networks

We study a model for cascade effects over finite networks based on a deterministic binary linear threshold model. Our starting point is a networked coordination game where each agent's payoff is the sum of the payoffs coming from pairwise interaction with each of the neighbors. We first establish that the best response dynamics in this networked game is equivalent to the linear threshold dynamics with heterogeneous thresholds over the agents. While the previous literature has studied such linear threshold models under the assumption that each agent may change actions at most once, a study of best response dynamics in such networked games necessitates an analysis that allows for multiple switches in actions. In this paper, we develop such an analysis. We establish that agent behavior cycles among different actions in the limit, we characterize the length of such limit cycles, and reveal bounds on the time steps required to reach them. We finally propose a measure of network resilience that captures the nature of the involved dynamics. We prove bounds and investigate the resilience of different network structures under this measure.
Open pore description of mechanical properties of ceramics

A dependence of Young's modulus of elasticity on open porosity in ceramics is derived from an open-porosity model, which in the literature, is applied to salinity conductivity and fluid permeability in rocks. A random distribution of grain and pore size is assumed. The relation developed,E(p)=E o(1−"p)m, whereE is the modulus of elasticity of the porous ceramic,E o is the theoretical elastic modulus,p is the porosity andm is an exponent dependent on the tortuosity of the structure of the ceramic, adequately describes the dependence of the modulus of elasticity on porosity. The model is applied to the experimental data from several ceramics such as alumina, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, uranium oxide, rare-earth oxides, and YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconductor, and the value ofm is obtained for each case. We have shown thatm has a value of nearly 2 for sintered ceramics, unless sintering aids or hot pressing have been used during fabrication of the ceramic. Such additional procedures approximately double the magnitude ofm.
Sequence-Variable Mosaics: Composites of Recurrent Transposition Characterizing the Genomes of Phylogenetically Diverse Phytoplasmas

Phytoplasmas are cell wall–less prokaryotes characterized by small, AT-rich genomes that encode capabilities for obligate, transkingdom parasitism and pathogenicity in plants and insect vectors. Inability to isolate and characterize phytoplasmas in pure culture has led to adoption of the ‘Candidatus species’ convention to refer to distinct phytoplasma lineages. In this study, we provide evidence that multiple, sequence-variable mosaics (SVMs) of clustered genes and repetitive extragenic palindromes are characteristic features of phytoplasma genome architecture in phylogenetically diverse species. The findings suggest that the origin of SVMs was an ancient event in evolution of the phytoplasma clade, while current forms of SVMs are results of dramatic and more recent events. Sequence diversity of hypervariable regions indicated rapid evolution possibly involving capture of mobile elements recurrently targeted to SVMs. Multiple events of targeted mobile element attack, recombination, and rearrangement conce...
Effects of Ammonium and Potassium Ions on Some Physiological and Biochemical Processes of Excised Cucumber Cotyledons

Incubation of excised cucumber cotyledons (Cucumis sativus L.) with NH4Cl solutions exceeding 0.001 M inhibited their greening, fresh weight increases, and incorporation of 14C-leucine into insoluble N compounds. The absorption of 14C-leucine during incubation and retention of moisture by the excised cotyledons after incubation were greatly diminished by the NH4Cl treatments. Treatment with KCl solutions of the same concentrations as the NH4Cl stimulated the greening, fresh weight increases, and the absorption and incorporation of 14C-leucine. Desiccation of cotyledons stored at 5°C for 10 days was inhibited by dilute KCl solutions. The toxicity of NH4Cl was alleviated by KCl solutions at low concentrations.
Effect of a fluvalinate-resistance-associated sodium channel mutation from varroa mites on cockroach sodium channel sensitivity to fluvalinate, a pyrethroid insecticide

Fluvalinate is a pyrethroid insecticide that is widely used in the control of the varroa mite (Varroa destructor), an ecto-parasite of the honeybee. Previously we identified four fluvalinate-resistance-associated mutations in the sodium channel gene of the varroa mite. One of the mutations caused a leucine (L) to proline (P) change at 1770 in the linker connecting domains III and IV of the sodium channel. Interestingly, at the position corresponding to the L to P mutation, all known insect (including honeybee) sodium channel proteins already naturally contain a P residue (e.g., P1577 in the cockroach sodium channel BgNa(v)). To determine whether insect sodium channels are less sensitive to fluvalinate than arachnid sodium channels, we replaced P1577 with an L in a BgNa(v) variant (BgNa(v)1-1) and examined the sensitivity of the recombinant channel to fluvalinate. The P1577L substitution did not alter the gating properties of the BgNa(v)1-1 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. However, the BgNa(v)1-1(P1577L) channel was five-fold more sensitive to fluvalinate compared with the BgNa(v)1-1 channel. These results not only implicate the L to P mutation in fluvalinate resistance in varroa mites, but also suggest a possible contribution of L1770 to the higher sensitivity of varroa mites to fluvalinate than their insect hosts.
Sunrise and Moonrise at Stonehenge

A FEW years ago Hawkins1–3 demonstrated that Stonehenge had more astronomical significance than previously recognized, but serious criticisms have been raised against parts of his theory. In particular, Atkinson4,5 has challenged Hawkins's basic proposition that the Heel Stone indicated the direction of sunrise on midsummer morning. In this report I offer an improvement to Hawkins's theory, which accommodates this objection, and at the same time I propose an explanation of why the Heel Stone was asymmetrically situated, south of the centre line of the Avenue (see Fig. 1).
Modeling size effect in the SMA response: a gradient theory

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) show size effect in their response. The critical stresses, for instance, for the start of martensite and austenite transformations are reported to increase in some SMA wires for diameters below 100 μm. Simulation of such a behavior cannot be achieved using conventional theories that lack an intrinsic length scale in their constitutive modeling. To enable the size effect, a thermodynamically consistent constitutive model is developed, that in addition to conventional internal variables of martensitic volume fraction and transformation strain, contains the spatial gradient of martensitic volume fraction as an internal variable. The developed theory is simplified for 1D cases and analytical solutions for pure bending of SMA beams are presented. The gradient model captures the size effect in the response of the studied SMA structures.
SU-FF-J-88: Intra-Fraction Prostate Motion and Margin Calculations for Prostate Radiotherapy Using Electronic Portal Imaging, Implanted Fiducials and Four Localization Methods

Purpose: This study presents the margins required for prostate EBRT if daily localization is based on skin marks, daily gold seed localization with a fixed threshold for correction, daily gold seed localization with no threshold, and daily bony anatomy alignment. The extent of intra‐fraction motion of the prostate is also presented. Method & Materials: Fiducial markers were placed in the prostate and their position was determined based on CT. Skin marks established initial localization (84 patients). The second localization method (40 patients), used orthogonal pretreatment electronic portal images to visually match the markers. If the 3D offset exceeded 5mm, the patient was shifted. The no threshold result was taken as the subset of the patient fractions where shifts occurred in method 2 (40 patients, average of 21 fractions). The final localization technique was bony anatomy match (67 patients). Through‐treatment EPIs were taken to document the prostate position during treatment; they were used to determine the margin for the fiducial localization and intra‐fractional analysis. Intra‐fractional analysis on 40 patients was accomplished by comparing the position of a particular seed between opposing treatment fields. Results: Margins for tattoo localization: Left‐Right 5.1mm, Inf‐Sup 5.8mm and Ant‐Post 8.4mm. Margins for the EPID with fiducials: Left‐Right 3.4mm (2.9mm with no threshold), Inf‐Sup 3.3mm (2.7mm with no threshold) and Ant‐Post 3.3mm (2.8mm with no threshold). Bony anatomy margins: Left‐Right 2.6mm, Inf‐Sup 7.3mm and Ant‐Post 8.9mm. Margins intra‐fraction motion: Left‐Right 2.1mm, Inf‐Sup 2.8mm and Ant‐Post 3.0mm. Conclusion: EPID localization allows a drastic (∼60%) margin reduction when compared to tattoo localization. Except for the Left‐Right, localizing on the bony anatomy leads to worse margins then tattoo setup. A significant intra‐fractional prostate motion exists which is a limiting factor on margin reduction. Conflict of Interest: Partial funding provided by Varian Medical Systems.
Evaluating rotary drum air classification of shredded solid waste

Abstract Resource recovery is the modern solution to solid waste disposal. Since municipal solid waste typically consists of up to 80% light combustible materials by weight, it is essential that a recovery system be able to separate and market maximum amounts of this portion of the waste stream. The primary market for the light fraction appears to be as a supplemental fuel in power plants. To be considered an acceptable fuel source, the light fraction must have a low ash content and a high heating value.
Comparing Mean Efficiency and Productivity Scores from Small Samples: A Bootstrap Methodology

This paper provides a bootstrap methodology for constructing confidence intervals for means of DEA and econometrically estimated efficiency scores, Malmquist productivity indices, and other similar measures in small samples. The procedure is nonparametric since no distributional assumptions are required. An empirical example is provided.
Synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and photochemistry of cyano-bridged mixed-valence coordination compounds containing two different types of intervalent charge-transfer bands

Abstract The tetranuclear and pentanuclear mixed-valence coordination compounds Na[(NC) 5 Fe II -μ(CN)-Pt IV (NH 3 ) 4 -μ(NC)-Fe II (CN) 4 -μ(CN)-Ru III (NH 3 ) 5 ], or FePtFeRu, and [Ru III (NH 3 ) 5 -μ(NC)-Fe II (CN) 4 -μ(CN)-Pt IV (NH 3 ) 4 -μ(NC)-Fe II (CN) 4 -μ(CN)-Ru III (NH 3 ) 5 ](OSO 2 CF 3 ) 2 , or RuFePtFeRu, were synthesized and characterized by IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Both molecules exhibit Fe II → Pt IV intervalent charge transfer (IVCT) absorptions in the 400–450 nm range and Fe II → Ru III transition(s) between 750 and 950 nm. The energies, intensities, and half-widths of these transitions correspond well with those of model compounds. The cyclic voltammogram of FePtFeRu between 0.00 and 0.90 V versus SCE exhibits two quasi-reversible Fe waves at 0.56 and 0.74 V versus SCE, while that for RuFePtFeRu has only one Fe redox event at 0.72 V versus SCE. When the potential of the working electrode is scanned negative of −0.38 V versus SCE, however, both complexes undergo an ECE (electrochemical–chemical–electrochemical) mechanism whereby the electrochemical reduction of Ru(III) is followed by a double electron transfer to reduce Pt(IV) to Pt(II). Upon reduction to Pt(II), the cyanide bridges break and the complexes dissociate into smaller fragments. Irradiation of the Fe II → Pt IV IVCT transition in both compounds leads to a photolysis solution that contains dissociated Fe(II)–Ru(III) as one of its products. Irradiation of the Fe II → Ru III IVCT transition yields a similar UV–Vis spectrum, suggesting that the same intermediate is common to both photolysis mechanisms. The implications of this research within the larger context of multiple electron transfer are also discussed.
Magnitude estimation of anxiety

Twenty-six males rated and estimated magnitudes of anxiety experienced during a stress condition. The findings suggest that the direct method of magnitude estimation is an appropriate scaling procedure for the measurement of transitory anxiety. Taylor MAS scores were not related to anxiety levels expressed on either category or estimation scales. The method of direct estimation of anxiety may serve as a corollary to other measures of transitory anxiety and prove useful in behavioral therapy settings.
Designing an adaptive learning module to teach software testing

Adaptive learning systems aim to precisely tailor education and training to the individual needs of learners. Such systems use an internal model of a user's current knowledge to adjust the navigational affordances and presentation order of material. The user model is incrementally built and updated as the user demonstrates mastery by completing exercises and tests. Designing courses that are delivered adaptively involves addressing many complexities. This paper describes experiences designing the first adaptive module in a series intended to teach software testing skills. Experiences in using the first module and a preliminary evaluation of its effectiveness are presented.
Complements or Competitors? The African Standby Force, the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises, and the Future of Rapid Reaction Forces in Africa

ABSTRACTIn May 2013 the African Union proposed the creation of an institutional framework for a new continental rapid-response force called the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises. While the creation of the rapid-response force has offered hope as an antidote to the recent continental inaction in the face of insurgencies in places like Mali in 2013, it has undergone critical scrutiny because it seemingly duplicates—and thus arguably draws resources away from—a similar mechanism, the African Standby Force, which has been in development by the African Union and regional communities since 2003. A contemporary debate is thus emerging: Certain observers favor the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises’ new, ad-hoc, slim, and voluntary approach to collective security, while others argue that the African Standby Force’s preexisting—though underdeveloped—regionally based, comprehensive, and institutionalized framework should receive top priority. This article offers overviews of both inst...
Modifying effects of supplemental selenium and sulfur on cadmium toxicity in rats

Interactions among dietary supplements of selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and sulfur (S), and their effects on Cd toxicity in the cardiovascular system were explored in rats. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a Torula yeast-based diet in a 23 factorial design, which provided two levels each of supplemental Se (0 and 0.5 ppm-mg/kg diet—as Na2SeO3), and S (0 and 2% as K2SO2). Supplemental Cd (0 and 25 ppm-mg/L as Cd (C2H3O2)2 · 2H2O) was added to drinking water. Supplemental Cd induced cardiac hypertrophy only in rats not supplemented with Se. Selenium supplementation enhanced growth more markedly in Cd-fed rats than in rats not receiving Cd. Renal Cd content was increased by Cd feeding, but there was no significant effect of Cd feeding on hemoglobin or blood pressure. Supplemental Cd did not influence Se-GSH-Px activity in heart or kidney cytosol. Interactions between Se and Cd were not altered by S supplementation. These results suggest 1) that hypertension is not associated with increased kidney accumulation of Cd,per se; 2) a supplement of 0.5 ppm Se as selenite is sufficient to protect against Cd-induced reductions in Se-GSH-Px activity in heart and kidney cytosol; and 3) increased S intake does not compromise Se's protective effect against certain manifestations of Cd toxicity.
Coupled channel equation for potentials with a Coulomb singularity

Abstract A method for solving the coupled channel equation for potentials with a Coulomb singularity is presented: At small r , where the Coulomb term is dominant, the solution is expressed by using the variation of constants method in terms of the Coulomb functions F l and G l . At large r , where the Coulomb potential is no longer important, one returns to the usual variable phase method which expresses the solution in terms of Bessel functions and Neumann functions. Furthermore, the use of an interpolation scheme for the energy dependence considerably reduces the amount of computation. The advantages of this approach when used in conjunction with the point group symmetry are illustrated by using a realistic potential taken from a full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) calculation for Cu.
Obstructive sleep apnea and related disorders.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is by far the single most common disorder seen at sleep centers and is responsible for more mortality and morbidity than any other sleep disorder. 100 Although OSAS was identified more than 3 decades ago, the majority of physicians have had no formal training in recognizing or treating the condition. Furthermore, new information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of obstructed breathing during sleep is emerging faster than older concepts can be disseminated. The result is that most patients with treatable sleep-related breathing disorders currently remain undiagnosed. OSAS is defined as repetitive episodes of complete (in apneas) or partial (in hypopneas) upper airway obstruction during sleep; their resulting symptoms, including either excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or insomnia; and often other features, such as loud snoring or a dry mouth on awakening. 4 Polysomnography, which usually is required to confirm the presence of OSAS or to assess its severity, demonstrates the apneic events, arterial oxygen desaturation, and disturbed sleep architecture. The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) or other tests can help to demonstrate abnormal daytime sleep tendency or to evaluate response to therapy. 3 This article first summarizes the history of OSAS briefly and then focuses on current, clinically relevant knowledge regarding OSAS. Recent advances in the understanding of conditions related to OSAS and the array of treatment options for patients with these disorders are highlighted also.
The Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone Protein GRP94 Is Required for Maintaining Hematopoietic Stem Cell Interactions with the Adult Bone Marrow Niche

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis in the adult bone marrow (BM) is regulated by both intrinsic gene expression products and interactions with extrinsic factors in the HSC niche. GRP94, an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, has been reported to be essential for the expression of specific integrins and to selectively regulate early T and B lymphopoiesis. In GRP94 deficient BM chimeras, multipotent hematopoietic progenitors persisted and even increased, however, the mechanism is not well understood. Here we employed a conditional knockout (KO) strategy to acutely eliminate GRP94 in the hematopoietic system. We observed an increase in HSCs and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors in the Grp94 KO BM, correlating with an increased number of colony forming units. Cell cycle analysis revealed that a loss of quiescence and an increase in proliferation led to an increase in Grp94 KO HSCs. This expansion of the HSC pool can be attributed to the impaired interaction of HSCs with the niche, evidenced by enhanced HSC mobilization and severely compromised homing and lodging ability of primitive hematopoietic cells. Transplanting wild-type (WT) hematopoietic cells into a GRP94 null microenvironment yielded a normal hematology profile and comparable numbers of HSCs as compared to WT control, suggesting that GRP94 in HSCs, but not niche cells, is required for maintaining HSC homeostasis. Investigating this, we further determined that there was a near complete loss of integrin α4 expression on the cell surface of Grp94 KO HSCs, which showed impaired binding with fibronectin, an extracellular matrix molecule known to play a role in mediating HSC-niche interactions. Furthermore, the Grp94 KO mice displayed altered myeloid and lymphoid differentiation. Collectively, our studies establish GRP94 as a novel cell intrinsic factor required to maintain the interaction of HSCs with their niche, and thus regulate their physiology.
Family factors affect clinician attitudes in pediatric end-of-life decision making: a randomized vignette study.

Abstract Context Conflicts between families and clinicians in pediatric end-of-life (EOL) care cause distress for providers, dissatisfaction for patients' families, and potential suffering for terminally ill children. Objectives We hypothesized that family factors might influence clinician decision making in these circumstances. Methods We presented vignettes concerning difficult EOL decision making, randomized for religious objection to therapy withdrawal and perceived level of family involvement, to clinicians working in three Children's Hospital intensive care units. Additionally, attitudes about EOL care were assessed. Results Three hundred sixty-four respondents completed the questionnaire, for an overall response rate of 54%. Respondents receiving the "involved family" vignette were more likely to agree to continue medical care indefinitely ( P P =0.05). Respondents who thought that a fear of being sued affected decisions were less likely to pursue unilateral withdrawal (odds ratio 0.8, 95% CI=0.6–0.9). Those who felt personal distress as a result of difficult EOL decision making, thought they often provided "futile" care, or those who felt EOL care was effectively addressed at the institution were less likely to want to defer to the parents' wishes (range of odds ratios 0.7–1). Conclusion In this randomized vignette study, we have shown that family factors, particularly how involved a family seems to be in a child's life, affect what clinicians think is ethically appropriate in challenging EOL cases. Knowledge of how a family's degree of involvement may affect clinicians should be helpful to the clinical ethics consultants and offer some degree of insight to the clinicians themselves.
Remarks on space-time codes including a new lower bound and an improved code

This article presents a new asymptotically exact lower bound on pairwise error probability of a space-time code as well as an example code that outperforms the comparable orthogonal-design-based space-time (ODST) code. Also contained in the article are an exact expression for pairwise error probability (PEP), signal design guidelines, and some observations relating to the reception of ODST codes.
Chemical-induced, nonlethal, developmental model of dissecting aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND: A chemical-induced, nonlethal, dissecting aortic aneurysm (DAA) is described following in utero exposure to semicarbazide, an inhibitor of the vascular enzyme semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rat dams were given semicarbazide (0.096 – 49.000 mg/kg/day) by IP injection on gestation days (GDs) 14 –20, a period of rapid aortic development. Newborn rats (day 1) were killed and their thoracic organs were removed en bloc for near-serial cross sections and routine histopathology, Movat stain for elastin, and immunohistochemistry to differentiate cells involved in the evolution of the DAA. In subsequent experiments, pups from treated dams (0.096 – 6.125 mg/kg/day) were allowed to survive for 7 or 28 days. RESULTS: DAA occurred in nearly 100% of the rats at all doses except the lowest tested (1.530, 0.096 mg/kg/day). Dissections frequently extended to the carotids and, less frequently, to the abdominal aorta. Remodeling of vascular lesions proceeded by organization of collections of blood in vascular media (the “false lumen”), proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, fibrosis, and formation of irregular frayed elastic lamellae in healed vascular media. Biochemical quantitation and Western blot analysis of main extracellular matrix proteins on GD 20 showed no overt difference in expression of collagen type I, fibrillin-1, or elastin. CONCLUSION: This developmental model provides investigators an opportunity to explore the pathologic mechanisms of DAA and to examine the potential long-term effects of vascular remodeling of DAA. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:29 –38, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.