cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The aerosol measurement and processing system and applications to African studies

The Aerosol Measurement and Processing System (AMAPS) simplifies access to large satellite and ground-based aerosol data sets by allowing computationally expensive and I/O intensive operations to be performed by the systems that host the data sources and then returning the condensed results in a simple common format. This significantly reduces much of the overhead associated with data retrieval and storage, particularly for large and intrinsically complex data sets. AMAPS further facilitates data analysis by providing generalized algorithms that are consistently applied to different data sources in a manner transparent to the user. For example, common geolocation and collocation algorithms are available for multiple instruments, along with interpolation of geophysical retrievals, such as aerosol optical thickness (AOT), to common wavelengths. AMAPS also includes a common set of tools for data reduction, analysis, and plotting. In this paper, we describe the AMAPS system and demonstrate the application of the tool for aerosol studies tailored to the African continent and surrounding areas.
A comment on the measurements of the Verdet coefficient for inert gases

Abstract Experimental Faraday effect data of Ingersoll and Liebenberg for the inert gases helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon are re-evaluated. From the data for helium a direct calculation of the atomic polarizability at the zero frequency, density limit is obtained and compared with recent discussions. Anomalies exhibited by the neon data are discussed.
Adiposity facilitates increased strength capacity in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

Abstract Background Obesity is associated with relatively improved prognosis among heart failure (HF) patients. Mechanisms explaining this so-called "obesity paradox" have been unclear. We hypothesized that increased adiposity may contribute to increased strength capacity, and may thereby facilitate clinical benefits. Methods and results In a controlled, cross-sectional study, adults aged ≥50years with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) (LVEF ≤40%) were compared to age matched controls. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Aerobic (cardiopulmonary exercise testing), maximum strength (one repetition maximum [1RM]), and power (submaximal resistance/time) were assessed. 70 adults (31 HFREF, 39 controls; mean age 66.2±9.6years) were studied. Peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) (15.4±4.2 vs. 23.4±6.6ml O 2 ·kg −1 ·min −1 , p 2 ) body mass index (BMI), 1RM and fat mass were significantly greater than those with lower ( 2 ) BMIs. Correlations between 1RM and total fat (r=0.65, p Conclusion Increased adiposity correlates with relatively greater strength in HFREF patients which may explain some of the clinical benefits that result from obesity.
The children of immigrants’ diminishing perceptions of just and fair punishment

Perceptions of school rules and punishment practices, particularly for racial and ethnic minority youth, are related to educational progress, psychological well-being, and adult stability and success. What remains uncertain is how the fastest growing segment of the population in the USA, the children of immigrants, perceives the rules and punishment practices within their schools. This study utilizes data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 and incorporates multilevel analysis to examine the children of immigrants’ perceptions of the school rules and punishment practices, which indeed reveal imperative findings. First generation youth have increased perceptions of just and fair punishment practices within their schools; however, Black/African American and Latino American third-plus generation youth have diminished perceptions of just and fair punishment practices within their schools. The implications of the evident racial and ethnic, as well as generational, disparities in the perceptions of th...
Exploring discourse‐based assessment practice and its role in mathematics professional development

There is compelling evidence that teachers’ effective use of formative assessment practices improves student learning, yet many teachers have little knowledge of these practices. In this research note, we highlight our exploratory studies about discourse‐based formative assessment practices, an aspect of formative assessment whereby the teacher makes instructional decisions according to the students’ thinking during teaching. Research knowledge of such practice is wanting. We find ourselves in the unique position of studying discourse patterns in the mathematics classrooms of Tanzania, Taiwan and the US. These are three separate studies, where each researcher is asking questions appropriate to his or her own cultural circumstances regarding classroom discourse patterns. We also consider the value of teachers’ examination of their own discourse patterns as an essential feature in continuing professional development.
An integrated fine coal preparation technology: the GranuFlow Process

In order to alleviate the problems of fine coal handling and processing and to enhance the utilization of fines by utilities, US Department of Energy's (DOE's) Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC) developed and patented the GranuFlow Process. This paper summarizes recent test results of the GranuFlow Process with pilot-scale and plant-scale centrifuges in commercial plants. The main benefits of the GranuFlow Process are that it can potentially reduce the amount of waste coal that is stored in refuse impoundments, reduce the moisture content of the final clean coal product, improve handling by converting wet sticky fines to a granular, free-flowing material, prevent frozen coal problems in rail cars, and reduce the dustiness and fugitive dust losses during transportation and handling. Since Orimulsion is a low cost bitumen emulsion, this technology provides the coal industry with a cost-effective technology for fine coal processing.
Fertilization of Natural Lakes in Michigan

Abstract Inorganic fertilizer was applied to two state-owned lakes in northern Michigan, one a 4.3-acre trout lake and the other a 27.5-acre warm-water lake. Two nearby lakes were kept under observation as controls. Fertilizer brought about a plankton-algae bloom the first summer in the warm-water lake and produced a very heavy growth of filamentous algae the second summer. The trout lake responded much less to the added nutrients; the reading of a Secchi disk was at no time less than 8.2 feet. No appreciable oxygen depletion occurred during the winter following the first season of fertilization. Chemical analysis in February of the second winter showed severe oxygen depletion, with oxygen levels at less than 1 p.p.m. at all depths. An almost complete winterkill occurred in both fertilized lakes. No winterkill occurred in the control lakes.
A novel gravure printed impedance based flexible electrochemical sensor

A novel flexible electrochemical sensor was successfully gravure printed on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with silver (Ag) electrodes using Ag nanoparticle based ink. The sensor consisted of a circular working electrode with diameter of 1700 µm and a counter electrode with outer and inner diameter of 3900 µm and 2900 µm, respectively. The capability of the fabricated sensor for detecting very low concentrations of toxic chemicals was demonstrated. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) response of the printed sensor revealed a very high sensitivity at pico molar (pM) concentration levels of mercury sulfide (HgS), lead sulfide (PbS), D-proline and sarcosine.
Relationships between lake macrophyte cover and lake and landscape features

Abstract We examined the ability of lake and landscape features to predict a variety of macrophyte cover metrics using 54 north temperate lakes. We quantified submersed cover, emergent cover, floating leaf cover, Eurasian watermilfoil cover and total macrophyte cover. Measured lake features included lake physio-chemical and morphometric variables and landscape features included hydrologic, catchment and land use/cover variables. Univariate regression analyses demonstrated that these macrophyte cover metrics are predicted by a wide range of predictor variables, most commonly by: Secchi disk depth, maximum or mean depth, catchment morphometry, road density and the proportion of urban or agricultural land use/cover in the riparian zone or catchment (r2 = 0.06–0.46). Using a combination of lake and landscape features in multiple regressions, we were able to explain 29–55% of the variation in macrophyte cover metrics. Total macrophyte cover and submersed cover were related to Secchi disk depth and mean depth, whereas the remaining metrics were best predicted by including at least one land use/cover variable (road density, proportion local catchment agriculture land use/cover, proportion cumulative catchment urban land use/cover, or proportion riparian agriculture land use/cover). The two main conclusions from our research are: (1) that different macrophyte growth forms and species are predicted by a different suite of variables and thus should be examined separately, and (2) that anthropogenic landscape features may override patterns in natural landscape or local features and are important in predicting present-day macrophytes in lakes.
Quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation of 532 nm radiation in 25°-rotated, x-cut, near-stoichiometric, lithium tantalate fabricated by vapor transport equilibration

Quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation of 532 nm radiation in 25°-rotated, x-cut, near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate has been performed. Using a face-normal topology for frequency conversion applications allows scalable surface area to avoid surface and volume damage in high-power interactions. First-order, quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation was achieved using near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate fabricated by vapor transport equilibration. These crystals supported 1 J of 1064 nm radiation and generated 21 mJ of 532 nm radiation from a 7 ns, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser within a factor of 4.2 of expectation.
Chemical mapping of elemental sulfur on pyrite and arsenopyrite surfaces using near-infrared Raman imaging microscopy

Abstract Near-infrared Raman imaging microscopy (NIRIM) was used to produce chemical images of the distribution of elemental sulfur on oxidized pyrite and arsenopyrite surfaces. Analysis using Savitsky–Golay filtering permits an unambiguous identification of surface products even in the presence of broad background signals. Rather than forming a continuous, passivating layer at the mineral surface, the NIRIM images reveal that elemental sulfur forms in isolated patches on the order of tens of microns in diameter. The potential implications of this strongly heterogeneous distribution of chemical products for geochemical modeling of acid mine drainage (AMD) are discussed.
Familial association of breast/ovarian carcinoma

Twelve pedigrees which show clustering of breast/ovarian cancer among female relatives are analyzed from a medical-genetic standpoint. The significant linear decline in estimates of cumulative breast/ovarian cancer risk to females with diminishing genetic relationship to probands and index cases, plus the lack of excessive site-specific cancer risk to male relatives, supports a sex-limited genetic etiology. Breast/ovarian cancer typically occurred at an early age (x = 50.6 years) in these kindreds compared to the general population, which is another characteristic of hereditary cancer. Examples of apparent mother to daughter and father to daughter genetic transmission of proclivity for breast/ovarian carcinoma were prevalent in the 12 pedigrees. Excluding probands and index cases, the estimated cumulative risk of breast/ovarian cancer to female progeny of affected mothers was 46% for the age interval 20–80 years, suggesting that affected mothers in the pedigrees are transmitting a deleterious cancer-predisposing gene to one-half of their daughters. Eight sibships involving putative carrier males contain a total of 15 female progeny over age 20. Of these, six have manifested breast cancer and five have had ovarian cancer. These results underscore the need for physicians to be cognizant of both males and females as potential transmitters of cancer in this familial tumor association.
Differential Steroidogenic Enzyme Activities in Different Populations of Rat Ley dig Cells

Previous reports from this laboratory have described the presence of two distinct populations of Leydig cells (I and II) in the mature rat testis which differ in hCG-stimulated testosterone production. The present study examines differences in steroidogenic enzyme activity between the different Leydig cell populations;. In addition, we now report that population I may be further separated into two subpopulations (IA and IB) by centrifugation of dispersed testicular cells in a discontinuous Metrizamide gradient. The LH receptor number, as measured by radiolabeled hCG binding, was the same in all three populations (∼100 fmol/106 Leydig cells). hCG-stimulated testosterone production was highest in population II (253 ng/106 Leydig cells), while testosterone production in population IB (183 ng/106 Leydig cells) was markedly greater than that in population IA (51 ng/106 Leydig cells). The activities of the key steroidogenic enzymes,Δ 5-3Β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase, 17- hydroxylase, C17-C20 lyase, a...
Characteristic energy losses of 8 keV electrons in liquid In-Al and In-Bi alloys

Abstract Measurements have been made of the characteristic energy losses of 8 kev electrons in a series of liquid In-Al and In-Bi alloys in order to avoid the confusing effects of phase mixtures present in most similar studies of solid alloy systems. Loss spectra were measured in a reflection-type scattering geometry with total electron scattering angles of 15° and 70°. Two principal energy loss peaks, identified as being due to surface plasmon and to volume plasmon excitation, were found to vary as a function of alloy composition in each system. Deviations from the variation expected from a simple free-electron model could be interpreted in some cases in terms of an interband electronic transition occurring near the measured volume and surface energy-loss peaks. For bismuth-rich In-Bi alloys and for indiumrich In-Al alloys the transmission energy and oscillator strength could be estimated and shown as a function of composition.
Photoperiodism and the photic environment of the pitcher-plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii.

Wyeomyia smithii Coq. (Diptera: Culicidae) overwinters as a larva in a state of diapause which is initiated, maintained, and terminated by photoperiod. Both in the dawn and in the dusk, diapausing larvae are photoperiodically most sensitive to blue light (390-450 nm) with a shoulder in response in the bluegreen and green (480-540 nm) region of the spectrum. The saturation curves for response to blue light in the dusk has a steeper slope than for response to blue-green and green light in the dusk, suggesting two distinct pigments or pigment complexes underly photoperiodic response in W. smithii.The photic environment of W. smithii during twilight is rich in yellow-green light but sufficient light is available at 390-540 nm to trigger photoperiodic response early during morning civil twilight and to sustain response until late in evening civil twilight. Comparison of action spectra with spectra of available light indicates that the zenith angles of the sun which would result in 50% response are 95°48' and 94°52' in the dawn and dusk, respectively. Using these zenith angles to approximate daylength in nature provides a resonable prediction of development in the field.The flux density of photons necessary to elicit 50% development a 454 nm is about 9×107 photons/cm2 s in the dawn and 3×108 photons/cm2 s in the dusk. This high degree of sensitivity enables W. smithii to cue to the rapidly changing light intensity which occurs around the nautical-civil twilight transition. At the same time, the chromophore is not likely to be stimulated by the light of the full moon.
Frequency Modulated Excitation of a Two-Level Atom

We present a detailed experimental study of the frequency-modulated excitation of a two-level atom, using a microwave field to drive transitions between two Rydberg Stark states of potassium. In the absence of a modulation the interaction is the standard model of the Rabi problem, producing sinusoidal oscillations of the population between the two states. In the presence of a frequency modulation of the interacting field, however, the time evolution of the system is significantly modified, producing square wave oscillations of the population, sinusoidal oscillations at a different frequency, or even sinusoidal oscillations built up in a series of stair steps. The three responses described above are each found in a different regime for the frequency of the modulation with respect to the unmodulated Rabi frequency: the low-, high-, and intermediate-frequency regimes, respectively.
The prevalence and clinical associations of anticardiolipin antibodies in a large inception cohort of patients with connective tissue diseases

Purpose To determine the prevalence and clinical associations of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in a blinded, controlled study of patients with a variety of connective tissue diseases (CTD) using a standardized aCL testing system. Patients and methods Anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA) were measured by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the baseline serum samples of patients enrolled in a Cooperative Study of Systematic Rheumatic Diseases (CSSRD), National Institutes of Health (NIH) supported, 5-year inception-cohort, prospective study of early rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n=70), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n=70), scleroderma (PSS, n=45), myositis (PM/DM, n=36), and early undifferentiated connective tissue disease (EUCTD, n== 165). Diagnosis was based on standardized criteria and determined at the last study visit. A nested group of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SJ, n=44) was also defined. Serum from 200 blood donors (BB) served as controls. Additional patients with known antiphospholipid syndrome (APS, n=33) and ANCA-related renal vasculitis (ANCA, n=52) were also studied. Laboratory personnel were blinded to sample diagnostic group. Results The prevalence of either IgG or IgM aCL among each diagnostic group was RA 15.7%, SLE 15.76%, PSS 6.7%, PM/DM 8.3%, EUCTD 9.1%, SJ 6.8%, ANCA 3.8%, and BB controls 4.0%. Prevalence of aCL was significantly different for both the RA and SLE groups versus BB controls ( P Conclusions Based on results from this large CSSRD inception cohort, anticardiolipin antibodies are present in approximately 16% of patients with RA or SLE but are less common in patients with PSS, PM/DM, EUCTD, SJ, and ANCA vasculitis, where their prevalence approaches that in the normal population. Few consistent clinical associations can be found among patients with CTD who are aCL positive. The complete diagnostic and prognostic importance and specificity of these antibodies remains to be fully determined.
Utilization of phosphogypsum in portland cement industry

Abstract Disadvantages associated with the presence of impurities in phosphogypsum can be overcome when, instead of adding it directly to portland cement as a set-retarding additive, it is added to the raw mix before clinkering. Due to the mineralizing action of phosphogypsum, the clinker can be made at a substantially reduced temperature. Cements made by grinding a clinker containing 2 percent SO 3 derived from phosphogypsum did not need any further retardation and possessed high early strength characteristics.
Antarctic climate futures: how Terra incognita becomes Terra clima

The Antarctic has come to be considered a place of climate change, both in parallel to broader global understandings of anthropogenic climate change and in response to previous conceptions of the Antarctic as blank, empty, scientific or peaceful. This article shows how a place becomes irresistibly linked to a global discourse through concerted effort as well as technoscientific ways of thinking about nature. Further, this paper demonstrates how the apparently blank Antarctic becomes inscribed with and saturated by popular imaginations, as well as the ways Antarctic actors trouble, confound and are made to fall into line with the tropes of global climate catastrophe. To do this, the article reviews recent scientific research in the Antarctic as ways in which nature – including penguins, ice and flowering plants – inscribe their response to climate change on the continent, as well as some data that “confounds” the narrative of Antarctic warming, melting and collapsing. The article concludes with an analysis...
Cloning of the yeast ribosomal DNA repeat unit in SstI and HindIII lambda vectors using genetic and physical size selections.

Abstract The size of DNA fragments complementary to ribosomal RNA was determined in Sst I and Hin dIII restriction spectra from totally and partially cleaved yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) DNA. The results indicated that the yeast ribosomal RNA gene cluster consists of 9000 base-pair long tandemly repeated units. Three different repeating units, which are overlapping with respect to their sequences, were cloned as Sst I and Hin dIII fragments with λ vectors. The isolation of these clones was facilitated by genetic or physical preselection for those recombinant phage which contained DNA inserts in the expected size range. Both preselection methods gave about a 30-fold purification with respect to the λ-rDNA clones. A heteroduplex analysis of the clones obtained with a three-component Hin dIII vector showed that the center part of the λ genome carrying λ recombination and regulation genes (57 to 77% λ) can become inverted without apparent decrease of growth capacities.
Theory of Short-Range Order and Disorder in Tetrahedrally Bonded Semiconductors

Publisher Summary The chapter presents a study on theory of short-range order and disorder in tetrahedrally bonded semiconductors. The chapter presents discussion on tetrahedral crystalline and amorphous semiconductors and relationships between the two. A spectrum of research in this area is reviewed, which contains some of the most rapidly developing and fruitful research in the “amorphous semiconductor” area. The ideas and results have wide applications and ramifications. Emphasis has been put on theoretical methods which explore the short range order and disorder characteristics of amorphous solids. In particular, special attention is placed on methods involving complex crystalline and “cluster-Bethe lattice” models. These methods were “featured” and used as a structure to develop fundamental ideas and concepts. The chapter presents a discussion on the roles of short-range order (SRO), long-range order (LRO), short-range disorder (SRD), and long-range disorder (LRD). Short-range environment is the dominant feature reflected in the density of states and optical properties. Most models of amorphous solids usually fall into two general categories—namely, microcrystallite and random network.
Serum insulin but not leptin is associated with spontaneous and growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone-stimulated GH secretion in normal volunteers with and without weight loss.

Weight loss in humans is associated with elevated hypothalamic-pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion. This study evaluates the effects of weight loss on the hypothalamic-pituitary (GH-releasing hormone [GHRH]-GH) axis in 14 normal-weight (body mass index [BMI], 25+/-1 Kg/m2) subjects, of whom half had undergone a diet-induced weight loss of 14%+/-2% (mean+/-SEM). Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, oral glucose tolerance, leptin, and GH pulse patterns were determined in both groups after weight maintenance for 1 week. Of note, we tested the effects of recent weight loss (3 months) and not a recent dietary intake, since both groups ingested a normal calorie diet for 2 days in the Clinical Research Center (CRC) prestudy. Serum insulin (3.8+/-0.7 v 9.0+/-0.9 microU/mL, P < .01) and C-peptide (0.44+/-0.06 v 0.59+/-0.04 ng/mL, P < .05) were significantly lower in the weight loss group. Serum leptin was not different. Endogenous GH pulse height (11.9+/-4.8 v 1.3+/-0.1 microg/L, P < .05), area per GH pulse ([AUC] 57+/-28 v 6+/-1 microg/L, P < .05), and mean GH (3.91+/-0.76 v 0.85+/-0.16 microg/L, P < .01) were increased in the weight loss group. The serum insulin level was inversely associated with the mean GH concentration (r=-.678, P < .01) and GH pulse height (r=-.733, P < .01). In addition to spontaneous GH secretion, the GHRH-stimulated GH pulse height (41.8+/-18.1 v7.1+/-1.6 microg/L, P < .05) and AUC (161+/-35 v46+/-13 microg/L/min, P < .05) were also increased in the weight loss group. The insulin concentration was also inversely correlated with the GHRH-stimulated GH pulse height (r=-.718, P < .01). The leptin concentration was correlated with the BMI (r=.554, P < .05) and body fat (r=.744, P < .01), but not with GH secretion. In summary, even though these patients were on a normal calorie diet, a history of recent weight loss in young men and women of normal weight and health can be associated with a significant increase in spontaneous GH pulse height and GHRH-stimulated pulse height. Weight loss was also associated with a reduced serum insulin level. The observed increase in GH secretion may be secondary to the reduction in insulin or alterations of other factors acting at the site of the pituitary.
Adaptation of retinal dopamine neuron activity in light-adapted rats to darkness

Abstract The activity of the retinal dopamine neurons was studied in light-adapted rats exposed to darkness for periods ranging from 10 min to 15 h. Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accumulation, following inhibition of l -aromatic amino acid decar☐ylase with NSD-1015, was used as an index of dopamine neuronal activity. After only 10 min of darkness, DOPA accumulation had decreased to levels found in rats dark-adapted for 15 h.
Quantum description and properties of electrons emitted from pulsed nanotip electron sources

We present a quantum calculation of the electron degeneracy for electron sources. We explore quantum interference of electrons in the temporal and spatial domain and demonstrate how it can be utilized to characterize a pulsed electron source. We estimate effects of Coulomb repulsion on two-electron interference and show that currently available pulsed nanotip electron sources operate in the regime where the quantum nature of electrons can be made dominant.
Evaluation of elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol and antacid foam tablets on gastroesophageal reflux.

To ascertain how elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets affect gastroesophageal reflux, we used prolonged intraesophageal pH monitoring in 55 symptomatic patients. Acid exposure was separated into reflux frequency and esophageal acid clearance time and recorded during the day in the upright posture and recumbent at night. Values before and during each therapy were compared to physiologic reflux in 15 asymptomatic controls. Ten patients slept with the head of the bed elevated and had a 67% improvement in the acid clearance time (P<0.025); however, the frequency of reflux episodes remained unchanged. Twelve patients given 25 mg of bethanechol 4 times a day had a 50% decrease in recumbent acid exposure only (P<0.05), due to a trend towards decreased reflux episodes and acid clearance time. Bethanechol combined with head of bed elevation in 19 other patients decreased both reflux frequency (30%) and acid clearance time (53%, allP<0.05). Antacid foam tablets failed to significantly diminish acid exposure. Nocturnal reflux responded the best to those therapies tested.
Reduction of Dose Delivered to Organs at Risk in Prostate Cancer Patients via Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose To determine whether image guidance can improve the dose delivered to target organs and organs at risk (OARs) for prostate cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods and Materials Eight prostate cancer patients were treated with IMRT to 76 Gy at 2 Gy per fraction. Daily target localization was performed via alignment of three intraprostatic fiducials and weekly kV-cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The prostate and OARs were manually contoured on each CBCT by a single physician. Daily patient setup shifts were obtained by comparing alignment of skin tattoos with the treatment position based on fiducials. Treatment fields were retrospectively applied to CBCT scans. The dose distributions were calculated using actual treatment plans (an 8-mm PTV margin everywhere except for 6-mm posteriorly) with and without image guidance shifts. Furthermore, the feasibility of margin reduction was evaluated by reducing planning margins to 4 mm everywhere except for 3 mm posteriorly. Results For the eight treatment plans on the 56 CBCT scans, the average doses to 98% of the prostate (D98) were 102% (range, 99–104%) and 99% (range, 45–104%) with and without image guidance, respectively. Using margin reduction, the average D98s were 100% (range, 84–104%) and 92% (range, 40–104%) with and without image guidance, respectively. Conclusions Currently, margins used in IMRT plans are adequate to deliver a dose to the prostate with conventional patient positioning using skin tattoos or bony anatomy. The use of image guidance may facilitate significant reduction of planning margins. Future studies to assess the efficacy of decreasing margins and improvement of treatment-related toxicities are warranted.
Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students

Daytime sleepiness, sleep deprivation, and irregular sleep schedules are highly prevalent among college students, as 50% report daytime sleepiness and 70% attain insufficient sleep. The consequences of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness are especially problematic to college students and can result in lower grade point averages, increased risk of academic failure, compromised learning, impaired mood, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. This article reviews the current prevalence of sleepiness and sleep deprivation among college students, contributing factors for sleep deprivation, and the role of sleep in learning and memory. The impact of sleep and sleep disorders on academics, grade point average, driving, and mood will be examined. Most importantly, effective and viable interventions to decrease sleepiness and sleep deprivation through sleep education classes, online programs, encouragement of naps, and adjustment of class time will be reviewed. This paper highlights that addressing sleep issues, which are not often considered as a risk factor for depression and academic failure, should be encouraged. Promotion of university and college policies and class schedules that encourage healthy and adequate sleep could have a significant impact on the sleep, learning, and health of college students. Future research to investigate effective and feasible interventions, which disseminate both sleep knowledge and encouragement of healthy sleep habits to college students in a time and cost effective manner, is a priority.
Pressure-related feedback processes in the generation of pseudotachylytes

Pseudotachylyte formation is typically viewed as a self-limiting process. Quantitative models have demonstrated that frictional melting is possible at seismic slip rates, but once a thin film of melt forms on a seismic fault plane, the dramatic decrease in fault friction is thought to suppress further melting. Volumes of melt-generated pseudotachylyte observed in field studies, however, are in many cases substantially larger than the amounts of frictional melt predicted by theoretical models. This suggests that previously unrecognized physical processes may enhance melting during seismic slip. Localized decompression at dilational jogs may be one such phenomenon. Transient unloading could play two important roles in the dynamics of pseudotachylyte generation. First, by setting up significant fluid pressure gradients, it would lead to rapid migration of the melt to sites of low pressure, thereby reestablishing frictional contact across the fault surface and favoring further melt generation. Second, at significant depths, sudden depressurization might lead to in situ decompression melting.
The addition of pentafluorosulfur bromide to fluoroolefins II

Abstract This paper reports the preparation, properties, and structure of new SF 5 Br-fluoroolefin adducts. The extent and direction of SF 5 Br addition to fluoroolefins have been studied with seven fluoroolefins. Steric factors appear to be important for this addition.
Use of a hydro-pool system to recover horses after general anesthesia: 60 cases.

Objective— To report complications observed using a hydro-pool recovery system after general anesthesia in horses. Study design— Retrospective study. Animals— Sixty horses. Methods— Retrospective review of the medical records and quality of recovery from anesthesia of 60 horses that had surgical or diagnostic procedures under general anesthesia. Results— Mean total anesthesia time was 182 minutes (range, 25 to 390 minutes). Mean time in the hydro-pool was 108 minutes (range, 20 to 270 minutes). One horse that had bilateral rear limb extensor weakness while recovering in a padded recovery stall was moved to the hydro-pool and maintained for 12 hours. Ten horses developed some pulmonary edema; in 3 horses, the signs of pulmonary edema were severe; and 1 horse died from related complications. One horse developed septic arthritis of an operated stifle joint, and 2 horses developed incisional infections. Two horses incurred multiple skin abrasions on the distal aspect of their limbs during violent attempts to leave the pool. Conclusions— A hydro-pool system was useful for recovering horses from general anesthesia when difficult recoveries were anticipated because of the horse's injury, size, demeanor, duration of anesthesia, or risk of further injury. Recovery using the hydro-pool was more time and labor intensive than a standard stall recovery. Pulmonary edema that required treatment was a serious complication that occurred in 17% of the horses. Careful closure of the skin with cyanoacrylate glue and pressure from bandages were used to prevent postoperative incisional infections. Clinical relevance— A hydro-pool system is a useful method for recovering horses from general anesthesia when difficult recoveries are anticipated.
Dendritic cells at the host-pathogen interface

How DCs integrate information from pathogens, tissues, and innate leukocytes for the induction of immune responses was presented at the second International Conference on Dendritic Cells at the Host-Pathogen Interface.
Chitosan coated capillary with reversed electroosmotic flow in capillary electrophoresis for the separation of basic drugs and proteins

An enhanced surface coating method was developed for capillary electrophoresis (CE) using the natural polymer chitosan. The cationic property of chitosan at pH below 6.5 created a reversed electroosmotic flow (EOF) in the capillary. The EOF changed significantly with the run buffer pH at values below 4.0, with less pH dependency at values in the pH range of 4.0-5.5. The new coating exhibited good performance reproducibility. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of EOF was 0.77%. The EOF changed an average of 2.4% after 10 h normal use. The EOF started to change significantly after a constant electric field (300 v cm−1) had been applied for 20 h. This capillary with a reversed EOF can be used to reduce the solute-wall interaction problem for separations of basic analytes, for example, separations of positively charged proteins and basic drug enantiomers.
Global phylogeography of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and implications for tuberculosis product development

New tools for controlling tuberculosis are urgently needed. Despite our emerging understanding of the biogeography of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the implications for development of new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines is unknown. M tuberculosis has a clonal genetic population structure that is geographically constrained. Evidence suggests strain-specific differences in virulence and immunogenicity in light of this global phylogeography. We propose a strain selection framework, based on robust phylogenetic markers, which will allow for systematic and comprehensive evaluation of new tools for tuberculosis control.
Low levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 activity in selenium-deficient mouse liver affect c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and p53 phosphorylation on Ser-15 in pro-oxidant-induced aponecrosis

Low levels of hepatic selenium (Se)-dependent glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) activity have been shown to protect against oxidative liver injury in Se-deficient mice. The objective of the present study was to determine if the GPX1 protection was associated with phosphorylations of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p53 on Ser-15, two key signalling events in oxidative-stress-mediated cell death. Both Se-deficient GPX1 knockout (GPX1(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice ( n =64) were pretreated with an intraperitoneal injection of Se (as sodium selenite, 50 microg/kg body weight) 6 h before an intraperitoneal injection of paraquat (12.5 mg/kg). Liver aponecrosis, a mixed form of cell death sharing apoptosis and necrosis, was induced by paraquat in both groups of mice. However, its appearance was remarkably delayed and the severity was decreased by the repletion of hepatic GPX1 activity to <4% of the normal level by the Se injection in the WT mice, compared with that in the GPX1(-/-) mice. Consistently, the WT mice had lower levels of hepatic phospho-JNK, p53 and phospho-p53 (Ser-15) when compared with the GPX1(-/-) mice at 1-10 h after paraquat injection. Incubating liver homogenates with antibodies raised against JNK or phospho-JNK resulted in co-immunoprecipitation of phospho-p53 (Ser-15), and the amounts of the precipitated phospho-p53 were greater in the GPX1(-/-) mice when compared with that in the WT mice. The co-precipitated complex by the anti-phospho-JNK antibody was capable of phosphorylating intrinsic or extrinsic p53 on Ser-15. In conclusion, phospho-JNK may catalyse phosphorylation of p53 on Ser-15 in Se-deficient mouse liver under moderate oxidative stress, and attenuation of that cascade by low levels of GPX1 activity is associated with its protection against the pro-oxidant-induced liver aponecrosis.
Reflections on Race, Diversity, and the Crossroads of Multiculturalism

This article draws upon recent research on race and diversity, much of it conducted by the author and his collaborators on the American Mosaic Project at the University of Minnesota, to provide a c...
Getting to Work: Experimental Evidence on Job Search AndTransportation Costs

In urban areas job vacancies often exist but poor, minority residents tend to be concentrated in neighborhoods with limited geographic access to these jobs. Using a randomized field experiment with public transit subsidies, I test whether this spatial mismatch of workers from jobs causes poor labor market outcomes. Randomly selected clients of a non-pro t employment agency received a public transit subsidy to assist in applying to jobs and attending interviews with potential employers. I find evidence that the transit subsidies have a large, short-run effect in reducing unemployment durations with treatment causing the probability of finding employment within 40 days to increase by 9 percentage points, from 0.26 to 0.35. After 90 days, this difference narrows to a large but statistically insignificant 5 percentage points. I find weaker evidence that this decrease in unemployment duration results from more intense search behavior, with the transit subsidy group applying to more jobs and jobs further from home. To my knowledge, these results provide the first experimental confirmation that spatial mismatch of workers from jobs can cause adverse labor market outcomes for poor, urban individuals.
Distributed flow control using embedded sensor-actuator networks for the reduction of Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) events

This paper studies the distributed control of network flows using an embedded sensor-actuator network. We focus on the problem of reducing the frequency of combined sewer overflow (CSO) events in city sewer systems. This is an important environmental problem whose cost effective solution is of great interest across the world. Our approach embeds microprocessor controlled sensors and actuators directly into the sewer network. These embedded processors communicate with each other over a multi-hop communication network whose topology follows the topology of the sewer network. We use Pontryagin's maximum principle to develop a switching control where control decisions are made in a distributed manner. We present simulation results showing that the proposed method has the potential of greatly reducing the frequency of CSO events over existing passive thresholding strategies.
Differentiation of human bone marrow-derived cells into buccal epithelial cells in vivo: a molecular analytical study.

Summary Background Adult bone marrow-derived (BMD) cells could be used to repair damaged organs and tissues, but the intrinsic plasticity of these cells has been questioned by results of in-vitro studies suggesting that such cells might fuse with other cells giving the appearance of differentiation. We aimed to determine whether fusion events are important in vivo. Methods To test whether BMD cells can colonise an epithelial tissue and differentiate there without fusion, we did in-situ hybridisation with Y and X chromosome probes labelled with 35-sulphur or digoxigenin, or labelled fluorescently. We did immunohistochemistry with anticytokeratin 13 along with fluorescence in-situ hybridisation to identify Y-chromosome positive buccal epithelial cells in cheek scrapings obtained from five females who had received either a bone-marrow transplant or an allogeneic mobilised peripheral-blood progenitor-cell transplant (enriched in CD34+ cells) from male donors. Findings When examined 4–6 years after male-to-female marrow-cell transplantation, all female recipients had Y-chromosome-positive buccal cells (0·8–12·7%). In more than 9700 cells studied, we detected only one XXXY-positive cell (0·01%) and one XXY cell (0·01%), both of which could have arisen when an XY cell fused with an XX cell. Interpretation Male BMD cells migrate into the cheek and differentiate into epithelial cells, an occurrence that does not depend on fusion of BMD cells to recipient cells. This finding might be an example of transdifferentiation of haemopoietic or stromal progenitor cells. Plasticity of BMD cells could be useful in regenerative medicine.
Interactive virtual reality in simulations: exploring lag time

When coupling supercomputer simulations to "virtual reality" for real time interactive visualization, the critical performance metric is the end to end lag time in system response. Measuring the simulation, tracking, rendering, network, and synchronization components of lag time shows the feasibility of coupling supercomputers with virtual environments for some applications. For others, simulation time makes interactivity difficult. The article analyzes the components of lag for four applications that use virtual environments: Monte-a simple application to calculate /spl pi/ using a parallel Monte Carlo algorithm; Automotive Disk Brake-uses a parallel finite element code to allow users to design and analyze an automotive disk braking system under different conditions; BoilerMaker-lets users design and analyze the placement of pollution control system injectors in boilers and incinerators; Calvin (Collaborative Architectural Layout Via Immersive Navigation)-allows people at different sites to work collaboratively on the design and viewing of architectural spaces.
A fixed random walk Monte Carlo computation of potential inside two Conducting oblate spheroidal shells

This paper presents a fixed random walk Monte Carlo method for computing potential distribution within two conducting oblate spheroidal shells at different potential. An explicit finite difference method for solving Laplace's equation in oblate spheroidal coordinates systems for an axially symmetric geometry has been developed. This was used to determine the transition probabilities for the fixed random walk Monte Carlo method used. An ingenious strategy was created to overcome the singularity problems encountered in the oblate spheroid pole regions. The potential computation results obtained did fall in the same range with those obtained using finite difference method and exact solution.
Advanced sensor-simulation capability

This paper provides an overview of an advanced simulation capability currently in use for analyzing visible and infrared sensor systems. The software system, called VISTAS (VISIBLE/INFRARED SENSOR TRADES, ANALYSES, AND SIMULATIONS) combines classical image processing techniques with detailed sensor models to produce static and time dependent simulations of a variety of sensor systems including imaging, tracking, and point target detection systems. Systems modelled to date include space-based scanning line-array sensors as well as staring 2-dimensional array sensors which can be used for either imaging or point source detection.
Antibiotic Growth Promotion: Effects of Bacitracin and Oxytetracycline on Intestines and Selected Lymphoid Tissues of New Hampshire Cockerels

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE biological basis for the use of antibiotics in poultry feeds has been reviewed by Bird (1969). The effects of dietary antibiotics on the growth of various organs in the domestic fowl have been studied widely, cerning the influence of antibiotics on the weight of organs with the largest number of cells of the lymphocytic series. Jankovic and Mitrovic (1967) showed that antibody-producing cells are present in large numbers in the thymus, spleen, and small and large intestines, but not in the bursa of Fabricius. The bursa probably produces immature plasma cells for other lymphoid tissues (Woods and Linna, 1965), or produces hormones that stimulate the proliferation of plasma cells in distant sites in the bird (Isakovic and Jankovic, 1964). Glick (1968) found that feeding a combination of penicillin, oxytetracycline, and tylosin, or penicillin alone, did not interfere wth antibody production. However, feeding tylosin alone significantly reduced precipitin production.
Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns

We have come a long way in our ability to treat critical congenital heart conditions, which affect about 3 of every 1000 live births and account for 30% of all infant fatalities in the United States annually.1 Prenatal sonograms can often identify structural heart disease; however, the sensitivity of congenital heart disease (CHD) detection is highly variable, depending on operator expertise, gestational age, fetal position, and the type of cardiac defect. As a result, prenatal sonography will miss some patients with critical CHD and is known to miss many newborns with simple CHD. Newborns who might benefit from early treatment can often be identified in their first days of life through pulse oximetry screening—a painless, readily available noninvasive examination that is easy to incorporate into newborn assessments. This noninvasive test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen and pulse rate. The addition of pulse oximetry to fetal ultrasound and physical examination as a screening tool can reduce the chance of overlooking critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in newborns.2 Oxygen breathed in through the lungs attaches to the red blood cell protein hemoglobin. The newly oxygenated blood then circulates to the tissues. Arterial hemoglobin saturated with oxygen is bright red, and venous hemoglobin with less oxygen is darker. Pulse oximetry uses the principles of spectrophotometry and …