cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conceptual Design of an eVTOL Air Shuttle for Rapid Intercity Transport

This paper proposes an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for transportation between cities separated by a short distance (<200 miles). The aircraft will carry 10 passengers and is meant to replace shuttle buses as a faster and more direct form of transportation. An iterative optimization method of developing aero-propulsive parameters for the air shuttle is proposed and demonstrated. Results of the optimization are analyzed to determine developments in enabling technology that are necessary for increasing the feasibility of this new form of transportation.
Differences in body mass index based on self-reported versus measured data from women veterans.

Objective The objective was to compare differences in body mass index (BMI) calculated with self-reported versus clinically measured pre-conception data from women veterans in California. Methods Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and California state birth certificate data were used to develop a cohort of women who gave birth from 2007-2012 and had VHA data available to calculate BMI (N = 1,326 mothers, 1,473 births). Weighted Kappa statistics assessed concordance between self-reported and measured BMI. A linear mixed-effects model with maximum likelihood estimation, adjusted for mother as a random effect, assessed correlates of differences in BMI. Results Mean BMI was in the overweight range based on self-reported (26.2 kg/m2, SD: 5.2) and measured (26.8 kg/m2, SD: 5.2) data. Weighted Kappa statistics indicated good agreement between self-reported and measured BMI (0.73, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.76). Compared to the normal weight group, groups with overweight or obesity were significantly more likely to have lower BMIs when calculated using self-reported versus measured heights and weights, in unadjusted and adjusted models. The finding was pronounced for class 3 obesity, which was associated with a BMI underestimation of 6.4 kg/m2. Conclusions Epidemiologic research that guides the clinical care of pregnant women should account for potential under-estimation of BMI in heavier women, and perform direct measurement where feasible.
A Levelset-Based Sharp-Interface Modified Ghost Fluid Method for High-Speed Multiphase Flows and Multi-Material Hypervelocity Impact

Multi-material compressible flows are ubiquitous in industrial, defense, and environmental applications. The widely varied range of applications encompasses high-speed multiphase combustion in solid-propellant rocket motors, high-speed manufacturing processes, target–munition interactions, geological impact, and many more. Major challenges in modeling such systems lie in preserving the material interface definition while simultaneously satisfying the interfacial boundary conditions accurately. In this chapter, a levelset-based sharp-interface method is described for general classes of multi-material compressible flows problems. In this framework, the interface definition is retained sharply, while interfacial jump conditions are prescribed through a high-accuracy modified ghost fluid method. The application of the framework is demonstrated for several multi-material flow problems such as shock–particle interactions, shock–droplet interaction, shock-induced void collapse in energetic materials, and shock compaction of metallic powders. The chapter will describe the levelset-based framework for high-speed multiphase flows and shows its application to a broad spectrum of problems of engineering interest.
Substrain specific behavioral responses in male C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice to a shortened 21-hour day and high-fat diet.

Altered circadian rhythms have negative consequences on health and behavior. Emerging evidence suggests genetics influences the physiological and behavioral responses to circadian disruption. We in...
Preparation and structural properties of Cu-Zn-Al-oxides: a comparative study between the hydrodynamic-cavitational and classical route

Series of Cu-Zn-Al oxides have been prepared using a mixture of aqueous Na2CO3 and NaOH solutions for precipitation to investigate the influence of these agents on the formation of the precipitates and, subsequently, on the structure of the oxides. Two synthesis routes are applied, one classical in a well stirred beaker and a second one using a cavitational device. Differences in phase compositions, crystallite sizes and strain are observed for the calcined materials. One further series was performed varying solvent, precipitation agents and pH. The controlled production of crystallite sizes in a range from 5 to 10 nm and the insertion of strain into the material have been verified. The cavitational preparation route offers new fundamental insights in the formation of this important mixed oxide system and favours investigations in direction of the design of nanoscopic materials. The results are discussed in terms of cavitational effects and compared to results obtained from classical experiments.
A Crossover Cohort of Direct Anterior vs Posterolateral Approach in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: What Does the Patient Prefer?

Abstract Background The utilization of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to markedly increase. Despite proposed advantages, there are limited data regarding outcomes of staged bilateral THA via 2 different approaches in the same patient. The purpose of this study was to elucidate patient perspective on the THA approach in a crossover cohort of patients who underwent consecutive THAs via the posterolateral approach (PLA) followed by a contralateral DAA. Methods A retrospective chart review and telephone interview were performed on 37 patients who underwent both THA approaches by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2019. Perioperative outcomes, complications/reoperations, and the patient-preferred approach were collected. The mean clinical follow-up was 105 and 44 months after PLA and DAA, respectively. Results After DAA THA, patients demonstrated lower postoperative day 1 visual analog scale pain scores (1.8 vs 2.9, P = .016) and ambulation (239 feet vs 31 feet, P Conclusion In the same patient direct comparison, the DAA for THA may lead to less pain and improved ambulation in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, most patients prefer the DAA and believe it is easier to recover from than the PLA.
Alcohol type and ideal cardiovascular health among adults of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Abstract Background Light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with favorable cardiovascular health (CVH). However, the association between alcohol type and ideal CVH has not been well-established. We examined the relationship between alcohol type and ideal CVH as measured by the American Heart Association’s seven CVH metrics. Methods We analyzed data from 6,389 men and women aged 45−84 years from a multi-ethnic cohort free of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol type (wine, beer and liquor) was categorized as never, former, 0 but drink other alcohol types, >0 but 2 drinks/day. A CVH score ranging from 0 to 14 points was created from the seven CVH metrics (Inadequate score, 0–8; average, 9–10; optimal, 11–14). We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between alcohol type and CVH, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, health insurance, field site and total calorie intake. Results The mean (SD) age of participants was 62 (10) years and 53 % were women. Participants who consumed 1−2 drinks/day of wine had higher odds of optimal CVH scores compared to those who never drank wine [adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) 1.64 (1.12−2.40)]. In comparison to participants who never drank beer, those who consumed >2 drinks/day of beer had lower odds of optimal CVH scores [0.31 (0.14−0.69)]. Additionally, those who consumed >2 drinks/day of liquor had lower odds of optimal scores compared to those who never drank liquor [0.32 (0.16−0.65)]. Conclusion Moderate consumption of wine was associated with favorable CVH. However, heavy consumption of beer or liquor was associated with poorer CVH.
EIT-based third-harmonic generation using all-dielectric metasurfaces modulated by phase-change materials

We numerically design an EIT-based amorphous silicon metasurface controlled with a GST-based Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity to establish a unique multi-level third harmonic generation switch with a maximum modulation depth of ~70 dB at the resonant band.
Inflammatory biomarker relationships with helper T cell GPR15 expression and cannabis and tobacco smoking.

Abstract Objective Smoking is associated with numerous inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The goal of this study was to examine whether increased expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 15 (GPR15) on helper T cells in smokers could predispose to these conditions through its relationship with inflammatory biomarkers. Methods We used flow cytometric measurement of GPR15+CD3+CD4+ helper T cells and serum assays for C-reactive protein (CRP) and 17 cytokines drawn from peripheral blood samples from a cohort of n = 62 primarily African American young adults (aged 27–35 years). These variables were examined cross-sectionally in conjunction with serum biomarkers of tobacco (cotinine) and cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol) use and lifestyle factors potentially impacting immune function in correlational analyses and linear regression models. Results Tobacco and cannabis smoking were strongly associated with increased GPR15 expression on helper T cells (p Conclusions Increased expression of GPR15 by helper T cells in smokers may mediate some of the relationship between smoking and a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu. Better understanding of this relationship may help uncover how smoking increases the risk of inflammatory diseases.
The challenge of achieving greater generalization in phonological treatment of Aphasia

Background: Stimulus selection is important to anomia treatment because similarity between trained and untrained words in the mental lexicon may influence treatment generalization. We focused on ph...
12 Unnecessary Men: The Case for Eliminating Jury Trials in Drunk Driving Cases

Over the last few decades, states have imposed tougher punishments on drunk drivers. This Article argues that increasing punishments is counterproductive. If legislatures are seeking to hold guilty offenders accountable and deter drunk driving, they should keep punishments low and instead abolish the right to jury trials. Under the petty offense doctrine, the Supreme Court has authorized states to abolish jury trials when defendants face a maximum sentence of six months’ incarceration. Social science evidence has long demonstrated that judges are more likely to convict than juries, particularly in drunk driving cases. And researchers have found that the certainty of punishment, not the severity of punishment, is the key factor in maximizing deterrence. Thus, by keeping maximum sentences for most drunk drivers at six months or less, states could abolish jury trials, thereby raising conviction rates and improving general deterrence. Additionally, bench trials would be far more efficient because the greater certainty of conviction would give defendants an incentive to plead guilty rather than taking their cases to trial. When trials do occur, they would be much faster because lawyers would not have to select juries or present detailed background testimony to already knowledgeable judges. At present, only a handful of states have eliminated jury trials for drunk drivers. This Article outlines the specific steps that states should take to abolish jury trials and thereby increase convictions, maximize general deterrence, and more efficiently handle one of the most common crimes in the United States.
Development and validation of assays for the quantification of β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine in human plasma and β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine-triphosphate in peripheral blood mononuclear cell lysates.

Abstract The novel antiviral prodrug molnupiravir is under evaluation for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Molnupiravir is converted to β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC), which is the primary form found in systemic circulation. β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine-triphosphate (NHCtp) is the bioactive anabolite produced intracellularly. Sensitive and accurate bioanalytical methods are required to characterize NHC and NHCtp pharmacokinetics in clinical trials. Human K2EDTA plasma or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lysates were spiked with NHC (plasma) or NHCtp (PBMC), respectively. Following the addition of isotopically-labeled internal standards and sample extraction via protein precipitation or lysate dilution, respectively, samples were subjected to liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Methods were validated in accordance with FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation recommendations. NHC can be quantified in plasma with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 1 ng/mL; the primary linearity of the assay is 1–5000 ng/mL. Assay precision and accuracy were ≤ 6.40% and ≤ ± 6.37%, respectively. NHC is unstable in whole blood and has limited stability in plasma at room temperature. The calibration range for NHCtp in PBMC lysates is 1–1500 pmol/sample, and the assay has an LLOQ of 1 pmol/sample. Assay precision and accuracy were ≤ 11.8% and ≤± 11.2%. Ion suppression was observed for both analytes; isotopically-labeled internal standards showed comparable ion suppression, resulting in negligible (
Characterization of acetolactate synthase resistance in common sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

In 1996, a common sunflower population near Howard, South Dakota was suspected to be cross-resistant to imazethapyr and chlorimuron. Whole plant acetolactate synthase (ALS) assays confirmed ALS-inhibitor resistance in the Howard biotype. The I30 values indicated the resistant population required 39 and 9 times more imazethapyr and chlorimuron, respectively, to obtain the same level of enzyme inhibition compared with the sensitive biotype. Herbicide dose response data supported the whole plant enzyme assay data; control (> 90%) was not achieved with less than a 4X application rate of chlorimuron. Control with imazethapyr was not achieved even with a 16X rate. Chlorimuron and imazethapyr controlled 70% and 95% of the population, respectively, when a 4X rate of each herbicide was applied separately. Differences in 14C-herbicide absorption were observed, suggesting 1 Graduate Research Assistant, Professor, and Professor, respectively, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, and Professor, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691.
Chronic activation with a staphylococcal superantigen drives the expansion of CD4, CD8 double negative T cells and promotes multiorgan inflammation mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus in HLA class II transgenic mice. (HUM7P.306)

CD4 and CD8 coreceptors play an important role in the development and maturation of αβ TCR+ T cells. However, T cells lacking CD4 and CD8 (double negative T or DNT cells) are present in the periphery and are significantly expanded in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome. The antigens that cause expansion of these DNT cells are unknown. As T cell activation by superantigens does not require coreceptors, we hypothesized that superantigens could activate DNT cells and contribute to autoimmunity. HLA-DQ8 and HLA-DR3 transgenic mice lacking both CD4 and CD8 were generated by intercrossing CD4 and CD8 single knockout mice. The CD4.CD8 double knockout (DKO) mice harbored a diverse repertoire of DNT cells in the periphery, albeit at reduced numbers compared to wild type (WT) mice. DNT cells from DKO mice responded robustly to the superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, but not to HLA restricted conventional antigens. Implantation of mini-osmotic pumps delivering 10 or 50 μg of SEB continuously over 7 or 28 days induced a lupus-like disease in WT as well as DKO DR3 and DQ8 mice. However, the immunopathology was significantly more pronounced in DKO mice. Immunostaining revealed extensive infiltration of multiple organs including lungs, liver and kidneys with CD3+ T cells in DKO mice. Overall, our study unraveled the role of CD4 and CD8 coreceptors in T cell development/function and the role of superantigens and DNT cells in the pathogenesis of lupus.
Cost-effective water quality assessment through the integration of monitoring data and modeling results

[1] Sparse monitoring data and error inherent in water quality models make the identification of waters not meeting regulatory standards uncertain. Additional monitoring can be implemented to reduce this uncertainty, but it is often expensive. These costs are currently a major concern, since developing total maximum daily loads, as mandated by the Clean Water Act, will require assessing tens of thousands of water bodies across the United States. This work uses the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method of modern geostatistics to integrate water quality monitoring data together with model predictions to provide improved estimates of water quality in a cost-effective manner. This information includes estimates of uncertainty and can be used to aid probabilistic-based decisions concerning the status of a water (i.e., impaired or not impaired) and the level of monitoring needed to characterize the water for regulatory purposes. This approach is applied to the Catawba River reservoir system in western North Carolina as a means of estimating seasonal chlorophyll a concentration. Mean concentration and confidence intervals for chlorophyll a are estimated for 66 reservoir segments over an 11-year period (726 values) based on 219 measured seasonal averages and 54 model predictions. Although the model predictions had a high degree of uncertainty, integration of modeling results via BME methods reduced the uncertainty associated with chlorophyll estimates compared with estimates made solely with information from monitoring efforts. Probabilistic predictions of future chlorophyll levels on one reservoir are used to illustrate the cost savings that can be achieved by less extensive and rigorous monitoring methods within the BME framework. While BME methods have been applied in several environmental contexts, employing these methods as a means of integrating monitoring and modeling results, as well as application of this approach to the assessment of surface water monitoring networks, represent unexplored areas of research.
Optical tests of 200mm MWIR polarizer wafers: methodology and results

Wiregrid polarizers are commonly employed as optical components in polarization sensitive imaging systems in the infrared waveband. Achieving acceptable performance from wiregrid polarizers typically requires small feature sizes and small periods, large aspect ratios, and subtle control over duty cycle. In many cases, the metrics mentioned above can be realized with manufacturing techniques developed in the semiconductor industry. However, metrology techniques commonly utilized in the semiconductor industry are not necessarily conducive to measuring the effective performance across a large substrate. These techniques typically allow testing or inspection of only very small scale representations of the subwavelength features on the wiregrid polarizers. These techniques - for example the scanning electron micrograph, or SEM - may also damage the wiregrid polarizer. In this paper we present a non-destructive optical imaging method for measuring the performance of the entire infrared wiregrid polarizer produced on a 200mm substrate. This test method allows the users to see large scale errors present during the fabrication process that may not be visible with other metrology techniques. In addition, this technique directly correlates polarizer performance to manufacturing errors.
Regional Snowfall Distributions Associated with ENSO: Implications for Seasonal Forecasting

Regional changes in early, middle, and late winter total snowfall distributions are identified over the continental United States in association with warm and cold phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The analysis is primarily motivated by a desire to improve winter season climate forecasts. Original interest in snowfall associated with ENSO was provided by requests for skiing forecasts during the 1997 ENSO warm phase. Geographic regions with internally similar ENSO warm, cold, and neutral phase snowfall distributions are identified using a composite technique. The composites reveal three early winter, five midwinter, and three late winter regions with shifts in the upper-, middle, and lower-quartile seasonal snowfall. The quartile shifts revealed by the composite technique are important for forecasting applications; however, snowfall impact studies rely more on the absolute magnitude of the change in snowfall at individual stations. Potential impacts of the shifts in snowfall distributions ...
Exocrine function following the whipple operation as assessed by stool elastase

What impact does pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have on exocrine function? Does the pancreatic anastomosis remain patent? When stool elastase became available for testing in November 2001, we began preoperative assessment and then increasingly employed postoperative measurements. From December 2001 until March 2006, 182 patients underwent PD by the same surgeon. Preoperative stool elastase was measured in 138 (76%) patients and was repeated postoperatively at 3 +/- 1 month, 12 +/- 2 months, and 24 +/- 3 months. At the same time periods, an abdominal CT scan was used to assess patency of the pancreatic anastomosis as implied by pancreatic duct dilation in the remnant (dilation = duct >3 mm or, if duct dilated preoperatively, then duct that failed to decrease in size). All cases were reconstructed with duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy. Stool elastase was expressed as normal (>200 microg/gram stool), moderately reduced (100-200 microg/gram), or severely reduced ( 78%; P < or = 0.001). As compared with preoperative values, the percent of cases with reduced elastase levels at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively was 48%, 73%, and 50%, respectively. The CT scans at the time of the 69 stool elastase measurements after PD showed pancreatic duct dilation in the pancreatic remnant in 9 of 69 (9%) stools but was not more frequent in the group with decreased elastase. Based on cases elastase, one third of patients about to have PD will have exocrine insufficiency, an observation most common among the patients with pancreatic cancer (68%). Stool elastase levels are further depressed in the majority of cases after PD from parenchymal loss because we could not implicate an occluded pancreatic anastomosis. These results suggest that, after PD, exocrine supplementation should be given to all patients with pancreatic cancer, especially those with impending adjuvant therapy. To further improve the long-term results after PD, each surgeon should assess the effect of their own type of pancreaticoenteric technique on exocrine function.
American Public Administration: Are We Prepared for the Challenges?

This essay discusses whether public administration as a field is sufficiently prepared for challenges such as globalization and informatization. It suggests that we have much work to do in building more relevant theories and developing more powerful languages and tools.
Severe group A streptococcal infection and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Purpose: To review the literature on group A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, (STSS). Data source: Medline and EMBASE searches were conducted using the key words group A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, alone and in combination with anesthesia; and septic shock, combined with anesthesia. Medline was also searched using key words intravenous immunoglobulin, (IVIG) and group A streptococcus, (GAS); and group A streptococcus and antibiotic therapy. Other references were included in this review if they addressed the history, microbiology, pathophysiology, incidence, mortality, presentation and management of invasive GAS infections. Relevant references from the papers reviewed were also considered. Articles on the foregoing topics were included regardless of study design. Non-English language studies were excluded. Literature on the efficacy of IVIG and optimal antibiotic therapy was specifically searched. Principal findings: Reports of invasive GAS infections have recently increased. Invasive GAS infection is associated with a toxic shock syndrome, (STSS), in 8 – 14% of cases. The STSS characteristically results in shock and multi-organ failure soon after the onset of symptoms, and is associated with a mortality of 33 – 81%. Many of these patients will require extensive soft tissue debridement or amputation in the operating room, on an emergency basis. The extent of tissue debridement required is often underestimated before skin incision. Conclusions: Management of STSS requires volume resuscitation, vasopressor/inotrope infusion, antibiotic therapy and supportive care in an intensive care unit, usually including mechanical ventilation. Intravenous immunoglobulin infusion has been recommended. Further studies are needed to define the role of IVIG in STSS management and to determine optimal anesthetic management of patients with septic shock.
A behavioral and polygraphic study of sleep in the shrews Suncus murinus, Blarina brevicauda, and Cryptotis parva.

An earlier study suggested that the greater short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda, may not sleep. Since the existence of nonsleeping mammals would have important implications for theories of sleep, the question of sleep in Blarina was reinvestigated. The musk shrew (Suncus murinus) and the lesser short-tailed shrew (Cryptotis parva) were also studied. Suncus was studied behaviorally and by chronically recorded electrocorticogram, neck electromyogram, electrocardiogram, and respiration. Four waking—sleep states were distinguished: waking, drowsy, slow-wave sleep (SWS), and paradoxical sleep (PS). Mean hours per day of these states were 8.1, 3.1, 10.8, and 2.0, respectively. It was not possible to obtain polygraphic recordings in Blarina and Cryptotis, but 24-hr behavioral observations strongly suggested that both species exhibit SWS and PS, amounting respectively to 12.6 and 2.3 hr/day in Blarina and 7.7 and 1.4 hr/day in Cryptotis. We conclude that these species of shrews definitely sleep. Regression analysis indicates that their sleep amounts are within normal limits for mammals of their body weight and way of life.
Open distributed processing

Abstract Open Distributed Processing (ODP) relates to the development, use and management of applications distributed across networks of computer systems. It extends and incorporates work already performed independently in the fields of communications (OSI) and computing. ODP is intended to meet the following technical goals: • portability of applications in a distributed environment • interworking between conformant systems • distribution transparency in conformant systems As a result, ODP is being developed in the form of an architectural framework, or reference model, scheduled for initial release as a Draft International Standard (DIS) in 1993. This paper demonstrates the business need for ODP, provides an overview of the technology and discusses the technical drivers and market forces co-existing with its development.
SU‐E‐T‐229: Machine Learning Methods for Knowledge Based Treatment Planning of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of the dose prediction models constructed with machine learning techniques, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for the prediction of dose volume histogram (DVH) of organs-at-risk (OAR) in IMRT, compared to the model constructed by stepwise multiple regression (MR), and to investigate the number of prior plans required for the models to produce reliable predictions. Methods: IMRT plans from 102 prostate cases were randomly divided into two datasets for training and testing, respectively. The testing dataset contains a fixed number of 20 cases, while the number of cases in the training dataset varied from 5 to 80. Models were constructed with SVM, ANN, or MR to formulate the dependence of the OAR DVH on patient anatomical features including the Distance to Target Histogram (DTH), PTV and OAR volumes and their overlap, among other volumetric or spatial information. The D50 (Dose value at 50% volume) and the mean square of difference between D50 of clinical and predicted DVH were calculated for each modeling technique at each specific training dataset number. Results: The mean square of difference of D50 between clinical and predicted DVH decreases with the number of cases in the training dataset, and reaches stable beyond 30 for MR. With the 80 case training dataset, for the bladder model, the SVM predicted 70% D50 values within 10% error and the ANN predicted 85%, compared to 85% with multiple regression. For the rectum model, the numbers are SVM 80%, ANN 70%, and MR 85%. Conclusion: The machine learning techniques SVM and ANN are comparable to MR for producing OAR DVH prediction of the prostate cancer. The minimal number of training cases is around 30. Partially supported by NIH/NCI under grant #R21CA161389 and a master research grant by Varian Medical System.
Drug Resistance and Pseudoresistance: An Unintended Consequence of Enteric Coating Aspirin

Background—Low dose aspirin reduces the secondary incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. Drug resistance to aspirin might result in treatment failure. Despite this concern, no clear definition of aspirin resistance has emerged, and estimates of its incidence have varied remarkably. We aimed to determine the commonality of a mechanistically consistent, stable, and specific phenotype of true pharmacological resistance to aspirin—such as might be explained by genetic causes. Methods and Results—Healthy volunteers (n=400) were screened for their response to a single oral dose of 325-mg immediate release or enteric coated aspirin. Response parameters reflected the activity of the molecular target of aspirin, cyclooxygenase-1. Individuals who appeared aspirin resistant on 1 occasion underwent repeat testing, and if still resistant were exposed to low-dose enteric coated aspirin (81 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg) for 1 week each. Variable absorption caused a high frequency of apparent resistance to a single...
Scintillations on the Small Diameter Radio Sources

IRREGULARITIES in the solar wind appear to be responsible for the rapid scintillations on the radiation from small diameter radio sources1, and for some of the fine structure on Jovian decametric bursts2. At the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory the irregularities as well as the sources are being examined by their scintillations. Early results of this programme have been reported by Cohen and Drake3. The purpose of this communication is merely to report that the scintillation phenomenon has been seen over an extended range of frequencies and positions, and that it is very strong and persistent.
Estimating population size by genotyping faeces

Population size is a fundamental biological parameter that is difficult to estimate. By genotyping coyote (Canis latrans) faeces systematically collected in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, California, we exemplify a general, non-invasive method to census large mammals. Four steps are involved in the estimation. First, presumed coyote faeces are collected along paths or roadways where coyotes, like most carnivores, often defaecate and mark territorial boundaries. Second, DNA is extracted from the faeces and species identity and sex is determined by mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome typing. Third, hypervariable microsatellite loci are typed from the faeces. Lastly, rarefaction analysis is used to estimate population size from faecal genotypes. This method readily provides a point count estimate of population size and sex ratio. Additionally, we show that home range use paternity and kinship can be inferred from the distribution and relatedness patterns of faecal genotypes.
The Role of Competitiveness at Social Tasks: Can Indirect Cues Enhance Performance?

Recent research has shown that competitiveness is related to performance. However, gaps remain in the literature on the effects of competitiveness on task performance across different performance settings. A review of relevant literature from sport, social, and personality psychology suggested that performance in several contexts—individual, coactive, and conjunctive task demands—would be affected both by trait interpersonal competitiveness and by competitiveness manipulated through subliminal priming. Both factors (task demands and competitiveness) were manipulated in a 2 × 3 experimental design and individual task effort was assessed. Results from the current investigation showed that such priming influenced effort at a coactive persistence task. Results also partially replicated past research on group motivation gains (Hertel, Kerr, & Messe, 1999; Kohler, 1926, 1927). Implications for group and individual performance in social, athletic, and work domains are discussed.
GROWTH AND NUTRITION OF WATER MOLDS IN THE SUBGENUS EUALLOMYCES. II. OPTIMAL COMPOSITION OF THE MINIMAL MEDIUM

THE FOLLOWING PAPER presents the second phase of a series of studies (Machlis, 1953a) designed to increase our knowledge of the nutrition of water molds in the subgenus Euallomyces and, thereby, to permit more effective use of these fungi in the investigation of certain basic biological problems (Emerson, 1941, 1950; Emerson and Wilson, 1949; Wilson, 1952). The first paper in this series (Machlis, 1953a) showed that a number of representative strains of Euallomyces could grow in a medium which was simpler than any previously recommended solutions (Ingraham, 1951; Yaw and Cutter, 1951). This simplified medium was developed by modifying the one described by Ingraham (1951) as follows: (a) the unspecific growth factor requirement, glutamic acid, was omitted; (b) the glucose concentration was increased from 0.3 to 0.5 per cent; (c) MgS04 and (NH4) 2S04 were replaced with MgCl2 and (NH4) 2HP04 with a concomitant decrease in K112P04 so as to maintain the P04 level at its original value; and (d) nominal amounts of trace elements were added. The resulting solution, called Medium A (table 1, column 1) made possible growth, which, with respect to rate, maximum yield, and lag period, equalled or bettered that possible in the unmodified solution. In the continuation of this study of nutrition the answers to two questions were sought. In view of the changes made to obtain growth in the simplified medium, was it possible by still other modifications of Medium A, but not including the addition of new organic compounds, to enhance further the growth of Euallomyces? Secondly, is Medium A a "minimal" medium? METHODS AND MATERIALS.-The methods and the m,aterials are described in detail in the first paper of this series (Machlis, 1953a). The test organism, maintained on yeast-starch agar slants, was Allomyces javanicus var. macrogynus, strain Burma iDa. Liquid cultures were inoculated with mitospores or, occasionally, with zygotes. Medium A and subsequent modifications of it were prepared in at least two steps. The entire medium with the exception of glucose was dispensed into 125 ml. Erlenmeyer flasks and autoclaved. To these sterile flasks, previously autoclaved glucose solution was
Large-extinction-ratio, wide-optical-bandwidth field-induced guide/antiguide modulator

We demonstrate here a large-extinction-ratio wide-optical bandwidth field-induced guide/antiguide intensity modulator. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the device, which is fabricated from a GaAs/AlGaAs double heterostructure by forming a central waveguide electrode between two antiguide electrodes on the surface. A proton ion implantation, followed by annealing, was carried out in the areas surrounding the electrodes to make them semi-insulating. Spatial mode filters were formed at the ends of the modulator.
Low cycle fatique behavior of metal-coated silica fibers

Abstract Aluminium-coated silica fiber waveguides have been cycled at a mean stress of 270, 000 psi without failure in 100, 000 cycles. In general, these fibers follow Coffin's empirical law for low cycle fatigue in metals.
Computing the selection gradient and evolutionary response of an infinite-dimensional trait

Following the results developed in a previous paper, an equation describing the evolutionary response to selection is extended from finite- to infinite-dimensional traits. The selection gradient and evolutionary response are then computed for a large class of infinite-dimensional traits of broad biological interest. In this framework, traits are modeled as Gaussian processes, and reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces constitute a primary tool.
Studies on the trehalose-phosphate synthase of Mycobacterium smegmatis: binding of heparin to the enzyme.

Abstract The trehalose-phosphate synthase of Mycobacterium smegmatis was purified to apparent homogeneity by chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose, on Sephadex G-200 in 1 M KC1 and on heparin-Sepharose 4B. The enzyme gave one band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two bands of about equal intensity with estimated molecular weights of 45,000 and 90,000 upon gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The purified enzyme could utilize ADP-glucose, GDP-glucose, and UDP-glucose as glycosyl donors and was greatly stimulated by polyanions such as heparin, especially when UDP-glucose was used as substrate. Heparin did not alter the K m for any of the substrates (i.e., GDP-glucose, UDP-glucose, glucose 6-phosphate) but it did increase the V , especially when UDP-glucose was the glucosyl donor. Enzyme activity was stimulated by the detergents Tween-80 and Triton X-100, but deoxycholate and SDS were markedly inhibitory. Using a gel filtration system to measure binding, [ 3 H]heparin was found to bind to the synthase and this binding was proportional to the concentration of heparin and of synthase. Binding of [ 3 H]heparin was strongly inhibited by adding equal amounts of unlabeled heparin, but the inhibition by other glycosaminoglycans required 10-fold or greater amounts (by weight) over the amount of [ 3 H]heparin. High concentrations (5 × 10 −3 m or higher) of some salts also inhibited binding, as did polycations such as poly lysine. Basic amino acids in the synthase molecule were modified by chemical reaction with ethoxyformic anhydride (for histidines), acetic anhydride (for lysines), or cyclohexanedione (for arginines). All of these treatments resulted in a considerable loss of binding capacity, indicating that these amino acids are involved in binding heparin and/or are necessary to maintain the synthase in the proper conformation for binding heparin.
Diffraction effects on diffusive bistable optical arrays and optical memory

Abstract Bistable responses of Fabry–Perot cavities and all-optical arrays, in the presence of weak diffraction and strong diffusion, are studied both analytically and numerically. The model is a pair of nonlinear Schrodinger equations coupled through a diffusion equation. The numerical computations are based on a split-step method with three distinct characteristics. This bistable nonlinear system, with strong diffusion and weak diffraction, behaves very differently than dispersive bistability with Kerr nonlinearity. Nevertheless, focusing nonlinearity can improve its response characteristics significantly. For example, it is found that hysteresis loops are much wider when nonlinearity is self-focusing than when nonlinearity is self-defocusing. For self-defocusing nonlinearity, strong diffraction can close a hysteresis loop completely. Because of strong diffusion, refractive index distributions are smoothed versions of intensity distributions. This weakens the nonlinear behavior of the system. By approximating the refractive index by a constant, the model is reduced to a discrete map. This reduction incorporates diffraction into a nonlinear response function, allowing diffractive effects to be studied analytically, and shown to agree well with more extensive numerical simulations. Optical arrays are also studied numerically. Because of weaker diffractive crosstalk and a wider “operation gap” between “on” bits and “off” bits, an array with focusing nonlinearity allows finer packing than with self-defocusing nonlinearity. Using the reduced map, optimal packing densities of optical arrays are estimated.
Comparison of imaging characteristics of multiple-beam equalization and storage phosphor direct digitizer radiographic systems

The imaging characteristics of two chest radiographic equipment, Advanced Multiple Beam Equalization Radiography (AMBER) and Konica Direct Digitizer [using a storage phosphor (SP) plate] systems have been compared. The variables affecting image quality and the computer display/reading systems used are detailed. Utilizing specially designed wedge, geometric, and anthropomorphic phantoms, studies were conducted on: exposure and energy response of detectors; nodule detectability; different exposure techniques; various look- up tables (LUTs), gray scale displays and laser printers. Methods for scatter estimation and reduction were investigated. It is concluded that AMBER with screen-film and equalization techniques provides better nodule detectability than SP plates. However, SP plates have other advantages such as flexibility in the selection of exposure techniques, image processing features, and excellent sensitivity when combined with optimum reader operating modes. The equalization feature of AMBER provides better nodule detectability under the denser regions of the chest. Results of diagnostic accuracy are demonstrated with nodule detectability plots and analysis of images obtained with phantoms.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
HETEROLYSIS OF PYROSULFURYL HALIDES WITH HEXAFLUOROACETONE HALOGENOIDOHYDRIN SALTS, PREPARATION OF HALOGENOIDOHYDRIN CHLOROSULFATES

Das Hexafluorpropoxid (I) reagiert mit Pyrosulfurylchlorid (ebenso mit S205 CIF, schlechtere Ausbeute) unter Bildung des Chlorsulfats (II).
Government Corruption and the Entry Strategies of Multinationals

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) often encounter government corruption when operating in host countries; however, in the international management literature, it is typically assumed that government officials pursue national interests rather than their own. We introduce a two-dimensional framework to further the understanding of public sector corruption and identify its implications for MNEs. Using an institutional perspective, we examine how the pervasiveness and arbitrariness of corruption can affect an MNE's organizational legitimacy and strategic decision making. We apply our analysis to the mode of entry decision.
Benchmarks for mobile database access

While trying to evaluate the Cedar system in our paper, "Improving Mobile Database Access Over Wide-Area Networks Without Degrading Consistency" [1], we were struck by the absence of database benchmarks available for mobile platforms. With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices that provide access to remote data sources, we believe that a benchmark for mobile database access would be very valuable to system researchers. In response, we developed MobileSales, a benchmark that borrows heavily from TPC-App [2], the industry standard benchmark designed to model an online distributor system.In this presentation, I will first discuss the properties of a good benchmark and the benefits of reusing or adapting available benchmarks and constructing new ones. I will then describe MobileSales and explain how a few simple tweaks adapted a server benchmark for mobile clients. This has the advantage of retaining the workload, queries, datasets, and read/write ratios of a publicly available and well understood benchmark. I will also talk about the workload used, how it can be modified for different settings, and how it is representative of various usage scenarios such as traveling sales-people and customer relationship management. Finally, I will discuss other possible applications, workloads, and traces that might be useful for the evaluation of mobile data access.
Extending the interrogation: Life span, life course, and the constitution of human aging

Abstract Life span development and the life course perspective deal with disparate explananda (outcomes), but share common explanantia (explanatory strategies). Both approaches originated by introducing into the subject matter of age an innovative and sometimes courageous emphasis on context, inspired by discoveries of cohort differences and historical variations in patterns of aging. Despite these promising beginnings four decades ago, key aspects of the relation between lifespan/life course and context remain largely undeveloped, because of an undue reliance on traditional paradigmatic assumptions in both traditions, which we here call the positivist–functionalist (in the following called PF) model. What remains yet underdeveloped and in need of extended interrogation are the fundamental bases of human development and human social relations. These bases include two dialectically interrelated dynamics that are elements of a social-constitutive (SC) model, which recognizes that (1) individual development and agency are not just influenced, but constituted by lived experience in a specific social context, and (2) social systems are constituted only through agentic human action. This paper identifies theoretical resources that can be used to further this inquiry, and illustrates the value of such resources by showing how they can be used to illuminate the problems of agency, linked lives, and questions of the relationship between lifespan/life course and evolutionary thought.
Effects of Estrogen and Progesterone on Serum and Pituitary Prolactin Levels in Ovariectomized Rats

Serum and anterior pituitary (AP) prolactin levels from mature ovariectomized rats were assayed after injection with daily doses of 0.1–500 ng estradiol benzoate (EB) or 0.5–10 mg progesterone for 6 days. Doses of 0.1, 1 or 5 μg EB increased serum prolactin concentration 2-, 3- and 10-fold, respectively, over ovariectomized controls, and doses of 10–500 μg EB evoked smaller increases in serum and AP prolactin levels. AP prolactin concentration and content were increased 3- to 4-fold. Doses of 0.5, 1 or 4 mg progesterone partially inhibited the increase in serum prolactin levels evoked by 1 μg EB, but only the inhibition by 4 mg progesterone was significant. A daily dose of 4 mg progesterone injected alone appeared to have no effect on serum and AP prolactin levels, but a 10 mg dose significantly increased prolactin secretion. These results indicate that low doses of estrogen are more effective than high doses for increasing AP and serum prolactin levels, and provide no evidence that large doses of estroge...