cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quadratic convergence in interval arithmetic, part II

The size of the error incurred by one operation in an interval arithmetic procedure depends on the extent to which the operands are dependent, i.e., depend on the same initial variables. In this part we will investigate the effect of such dependence. Our results are applied to prove the quadratic convergence of the “centered form” and of a method of Hansen and Smith for solving linear algebraic systems.
Transformation in recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors: Ki67 (MIB-1) and p53 immunohistochemistry demonstrates a possible molecular basis for the poor histopathologic prediction of clinical behavior.

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) behave unpredictably. Stage I patients suffer recurrences many years after treatment, and histopathologic evaluation of the primary GCT offers only a few clues. Grading, in particular, is largely ineffective. Ki67 (MIB-1) and p53 monoclonal antibodies (active on paraffin embedded tissues) provide insight into nuclear proliferation and control, respectively. In this study, the authors hypothesized that these molecular markers will help predict the clinical behavior of GCTs. Paraffin sections from 68 GCTs (arising in 56 patients: 53 primary and 15 recurrent) including 34 typical and 27 diffuse adult, and seven juvenile types were immunostained for Ki67 (MIB-1 clone; Immunotech, Westbrook, ME) and p53 (DO7 clone; Novacastra Laboratories, UK). The Ki67 proliferation index (Ki67PI = percentage immunoreactive on a count of at least 400 nuclei) ranges from 1 to 50% (mean, = 12.2%; median, 9.3%). Nineteen percent of GCTs exhibited focal p53 immunoreactivity; the number of GCTs and proportion of nuclei decorated were as follows: four, I (P 10% nuclei decorated in only one GCT) is controversial. Some investigators suggest that this represents overexpression of wild type p53 rather than p53 gene mutation. Primary GCTs exhibit a wide spectrum of proliferative activity, and the seven juvenile GCTs (the most proliferative type) demonstrated no recurrences in this study. Recurrent GCTs displayed a transformation of molecular markers to increased proliferative activity and overexpression of p53, fundamentally, by these markers, a different GCT than the primary one. These findings suggest a molecular basis for the lack of histopathologic predictors for recurrence. Factors other than proliferation of the primary GCT (which relates most closely to grading) either extrinsic to the neoplasm (host dependent) or as yet undetectable must determine malignant behavior.
The value of computed tomography in the management of bladder cancer

Abstract In an attempt to improve the radiotherapeutic management of patients with bladder carcinoma, we have added computed tomography (CT) scanning of the pelvis and abdomen to conventional evalution, including cystoscopy with bimanual examination under anesthesia. Sixty consecutive new patients were studied from July 1976 to November 1977. Operative findings were correlated with CT scans in 17 patients; 13 had exploration of the abdomen and pelvis at the time of ileal loop diversion and 3 at the time of segmental resection, before irradiation. Only periaortic node biopsy specimens were obtained in the 17th patient. The potential value of CT scanning was investigated in both groups. We conclude that CT scanning: (1) is of value in defining the extent of involvement in the bladder and perivesical tissues, in pelvic soft tissues and nodes, in periaortic nodes, and in fixation to bone; (2) provides for more accurate staging than was possible previously by non-invasive techniques; (3) allows for technically simpler display of multiple 2-dimensional computerized radiation therapy treatment plans, thus simulating 3-dimensional planning; (4) allows the tumor response to irradiation to be followed with time, facilitating surgical planning; and (5) permits detection of residual and recurrent tumor.
An optimization approach to robust nonlinear control design

Abstract A new procedure of robust control design is presented for nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainty and disturbance. This nonlinear optimization-based approach can design robust nonlinear controllers of widely different structures and arbitrary complexity. By taking the worst-case design approach, a minimax optimization problem is formulated. A number of state-of-the-art optimization procedures are explored as possible candidates for minimaximization. It is determined that the tools of non-smooth analysis and optimization are the most useful for the efficient solution of practical size worst-case design problems. Included in the paper are the significant details of a special two-tier structured minimax programming algorithm implemented in this work. The overall algorithm is used in solving two robust nonlinear control design problems. The controller designs produced by the minimax optimization algorithm are discussed and the performance of the controllers is studied by simulations.
Structure and flanking regions of soybean seed protein genes

We have characterized the structure and flanking region of genes representing two, coordinately expressed, soybean seed protein gene families. One family directs the synthesis of the major storage protean glycinin; the other encodes a 15.5 kd polypeptide of unknown function. DNA blot hybridization experiments showed approximately three, nonallelic genes in the glycinin family and two in the 15 kd protein family, and showed that these families are not selectively amplified or rearranged during embryogeny. R-loop and S1 nuclease mapping studies demonstrated no detectable introns in the 15 kd protein genes but at least one and possibly two in the glycinin genes. No interfamily clustering of these genes occurs within a 10-15 kb chromosomal domain. Nor are they contiguous to other genes expressed at moderate levels during embryogenesis. Each of them, however, is contiguous to a gene expressed at another developmental period in the leaf. These leaf genes encode rare class messages which constitute only 1 X 10(-5%) of the leaf mRNA, or about one molecule per cell. R-loop analysis of two leaf genes showed that one contains no detectable introns while the other possesses at least three. DNA gel blot studies showed that only one of the seed protein genomic clones contains an interspersed repetitive DNA element. Pairwise cross-hybridization studies did not detect any flanking sequences shared by the 15 kd protein, glycinin and leaf genes.
Carbon-supported FeMn and KFeMn clusters for the synthesis of C2C4 olefins from CO and H2: I. Chemisorption and catalytic behavior

Abstract Highly dispersed FeMn bimetallic particles were obtained on a high-surface-area amorphous carbon black support using FeMn and KFeMn carbonyl clusters. These catalysts were characterized by hydrogen adsorption and by CO chemisorption at 195 and 300 K, and their kinetic behavior for CO hydrogenation was studied at 1 atm in a differential, plug-flow microreactor. The K-promoted clusters with stoichiometries of KMnFe and KMnFe2 gave 85–90 wt% ethylene, propylene, and butene with methane as the only other detectable hydrocarbon product. The KFe3 cluster also had a high selectivity to olefins but showed somewhat more chain growth. The nonpromoted MnFe catalysts with Fe Mn = 2 , prepared from either stoichiometric mixed-metal carbonyl clusters or coimpregnation of the separate Fe and Mn carbonyl clusters, also had a high selectivity to light olefins; however, this selectivity was strongly dependent upon the pretreatment. The properties of the FeMn clusters without K is consistent with a proposed model in which a surface spinel, (Fel-yMny)3O4, plays a principal role in providing high selectivity to light olefins.
Some tests for detecting trends based on the modified Baumgartner-Weiíß-Schindler statistics

We propose a modified nonparametric Baumgartner-Weiis-Schindler test and investigate its use in testing for trends among K binomial populations. Exact conditional and unconditional approaches to p -value calculation are explored in conjunction with the statistic in addition to a similar test statistic proposed by Neuhauser (2006), the unconditional approaches considered including the maximization approach (Basu, 1977), the confidence interval approach (Berger and Boos, 1994), and the E + M approach (Lloyd, 2008). The procedures are compared with regard to actual Type I error and power and examples are provided. The conditional approach and the E + M approach performed well, with the E + M approach having an actual level much closer to the nominal level. The E + M approach and the conditional approach are generally more powerful than the other p -value calculation approaches in the scenarios considered. The power difference between the conditional approach and the E + M approach is often small in the balance case. However, in the unbalanced case, the power comparison between those two approaches based on our proposed test statistic show that the E + M approach has higher power than the conditional approach.
Genetic differentiation between the freshwater subspecies of Gasterosteus aculeatus in Southern California

Samples of Gasterosteus aculeatus microcephalus and the endangered G. aculeatus williamsoni were obtained from downstream and headwaters regions, respectively, of the Santa Clara River system in southern California and electrophoretically examined for the products of 45 loci, six of which were polymorphic. Significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were evident in genotypic distributions at four of the polymorphic loci indicating a severe restriction of gene flow within the drainage. The genetic distance between these two subspecies was calculated as D = 0.034 ± 0.029, a value comparable to that reported between G. aculeatus microcephalus and G. aculeatus aculeatus from different drainages in northern California.
Mechanics and energetics of nutritive sucking: a functional comparison of commercially available nipples.

The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanics of sucking for 48 term infants with four different nipple units: Gerber Newborn (Gerber Products Company, Fremont, Mich.), Playtex (Playtex Products, Westport, Conn.), Evenflo (Evenflo Products Co., Canton, Ga.), and Gerber NUK. At 24 hours after birth, infants were assigned randomly to one of the nipple units and were studied twice with that nipple unit. A customized data acquisition system was used to measure and record the following variables: intraoral suction, sucking frequency, work, power, milk flow, milk volume per suck, and oxygen saturation. Although no statistically significant differences among the nipple units were noted for intraoral suction, sucking frequency, power, and oxygen saturation, the data revealed that the Playtex nipple unit was accompanied by higher peak milk flow and greater volume of milk per suck ( p
Illusory localization of stimuli flashed in the dark before saccades

Abstract A photic stimulus flashed just before a saccade in the dark tends to be mislocalized in the direction of the saccade. This mislocalization is not only perceptual; it is also expressed by errors of ocular targeting. A particular situation arises if the point of light is flashed twice at the same place, the second time, just before a saccade. The point of light may appear at two different places even though neither the site of its retinal image nor the direction of gaze change between the flashes. Experiments were run on five human subjects, head fixed in the dark, with flashes repeated at the site of the saccade goal or at the initial point of fixation. In both cases, the test stimulus was mislocalized. However, its apparent displacement never produced the perception of a streak. Streak were reported only when there was an actual stimulus movement on the retina (e.g. by flashing the stimulus during the saccade). Mislocalization did not occur if the two flashes were not separated by a dark interval. This implies that, as long as a steady stimulus remains continually visible, there is no updating of the internal representation of eye position assumed to be used for stimulus localization.
CATERPILLERs, pyrin and hereditary immunological disorders

The newly described CATERPILLER family (also known as NOD-LRR or NACHT-LRR) is comprised of proteins with a nucleotide-binding domain and a leucine-rich region. This family has gained rapid prominence because of its demonstrated and anticipated roles in immunity, cell death and growth, and diseases. CATERPILLER proteins are structurally similar to a subgroup of plant-disease-resistance (R) proteins and to the apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1). They provide positive and negative signals for the control of immune and inflammatory responses, and might represent intracellular sensors of pathogen products. Most importantly, they are genetically linked to several human immunological disorders.
The Analysis of Participation in Small Groups Methodological and Conceptual Issues Related to Interdependence

Participation in small groups is a complex process, influenced by the competencies, abilities, and behavior of both self and other as well as by the dynamic nature of discussion and the static features of the task. Work on conceptualizing the complexity of participation as an interdependent phenomenon has stagnated, due in no small measure to the difficulty in modeling nonindependent outcome data. Recent developments in such modeling have not only given researchers new analytical tools but raised important theoretical and conceptual concerns regarding participation. Offered here are descriptions of three relatively new models designed to assist in research on interdependence—the social relations model, multilevel modeling, and the actor-partner interdependence model—especially in terms of the issues each raises regarding the nature of participation.
Additional spacecraft data sources contributing to the ISTP program

Abstract Descriptions of the most salient characteristics of several spacecraft and associated data relevant to the science objectives of the International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) program are given. An appendix uniformly describes all relevant spacecraft and lists URL's when available. The body of the paper gives further descriptive material concerning the subset of these spacecraft that have not been considered as “core” ISTP spacecraft. The core spacecraft are further described in the accompanying papers in this proceedings.
Interventions to reduce the sexual risk behaviour of injecting drug users

Abstract Reducing the risk of sexual HIV transmission by injecting drug users (IDUs) is important for controlling the HIV epidemic among all drug users and for controlling the larger epidemic. Over the past few years, several qualitative and meta-analyses reviews have been published. Most of these reviews involved numerous studies conducted in resource-rich countries, while a few covered the smaller number of studies undertaken in resource-constrained countries. In order to make greater strides in controlling the HIV epidemic, we assessed the generalisability of the results of the major studies and reviews for use in developing programmes in resource-constrained countries. We also discuss the implications for global research efforts and public health practice. The reviews show that IDUs in both resource-rich and resource-constrained countries have changed their sexual risk behaviours, reflecting rational and altruistic responses to a major health threat. Findings show that IDUs changed their sexual risk behaviour to avoid becoming infected with HIV and to avoid transmitting HIV to their sexual partners. Although the risk-reduction effect is moderate, it is important to implement programmes to reduce the sexual risk behaviour of IDUs in all countries. Providing evidence-based interventions is ethically responsible compared to providing no interventions. As interventions are implemented in different settings, it is important to bear in mind that stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS, or drug or condom use may limit an intervention's effectiveness. There is a need for research on adapting interventions to different cultural or national settings, and to develop and evaluate new interventions that may produce greater reductions in sexual risk behaviours.
The exciton-photon interaction and the exciton absorption lineshape in the spatially imhomogeneous wave model

Abstract The polariton and spatially inhomogeneous wave models are used to analyse the exciton-photon coupling contribution to the exciton absorption lineshape. This contribution must be known for determination of the exciton scattering time. The polarition model is shown to be inappropriate for the a-singlet exciton of naphthalene.
Interaction with an immersive virtual environment corrects users' distance estimates.

OBJECTIVE: Two experiments examined whether prior interaction within an immersive virtual environment (VE) enabled people to improve the accuracy of their distance judgments and whether an improved ability to estimate distance generalized to other means of estimating distances. BACKGROUND: Prior literature has consistently found that users of immersive VEs underestimate distances by approximately 50%. METHOD: In each of the two experiments, 16 participants viewed objects in an immersive VE and estimated their distance to them by means of blindfolded walking tasks before and after interacting with the VE. RESULTS: The interaction task significantly corrected users' underestimation bias to nearly veridical. Differences between pre- and post-interaction mean distance estimation accuracy were large (d = 4.63), and significant (p < .001), and they generalized across response task. CONCLUSION: This finding limits the generality of the underestimation effect in VEs and suggests that distance underestimation in VEs may not be a road block to the development of VE applications. APPLICATION: Potential or actual applications of this research include the improvement of VE systems requiring accurate spatial awareness. Language: en
Inactivating a Cellular Intrinsic Immune Defense Mediated by Daxx Is the Mechanism through Which the Human Cytomegalovirus pp71 Protein Stimulates Viral Immediate-Early Gene Expression

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) masterfully evades adaptive and innate immune responses, allowing infection to be maintained and periodically reactivated for the life of the host. Here we show that cells also possess an intrinsic immune defense against HCMV that is disarmed by the virus. In HCMV-infected cells, the promyelocytic leukemia nuclear body (PML-NB) protein Daxx silences viral immediate-early gene expression through the action of a histone deacetylase. However, this antiviral tactic is efficiently neutralized by the viral pp71 protein, which is incorporated into virions, delivered to cells upon infection, and mediates the proteasomal degradation of Daxx. This work demonstrates the mechanism through which pp71 activates viral immediate-early gene expression in HCMV-infected cells. Furthermore, it provides insight into how a PML-NB protein institutes an intrinsic immune defense against a DNA virus and how HCMV pp71 inactivates this defense.
Transition Metal Alloying and Phase Stability in the Mo-Si-B System

The effect of transition metal substitution for Mo on the phase stability and multi-phase microstructures in the Mo-Si-B ternary system has been examined. The metal-rich portion of the ternary Mo-Si-B system at equilibrium is comprised of thermally stable BCC Mo(ss) phase, a ternary-based Mo5SiB2 (T2 phase), binary-based metal-rich silicides (Mo3Si [the A15 phase] and Mo5Si3 [the T1 phase]) and borides (Mo2B and MoB phases). Systematic alloying with selected transition metals which are substitutional in both Mo(ss) and T2 phases such as Cr, V, Nb, W, Ti and Hf, has been performed to elucidate the roles of the substitution on the stability of the three phase fields of Mo(ss) + T2 + A15 and T2+ T1 + A15. The potential of the alloying effects on the microstructure design and control of the solidification pathways is further detailed.
Self-hydroxylation of taurine/α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase: evidence for more than one oxygen activation mechanism

2-Aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine)/α-ketoglutarate (αKG) dioxygenase (TauD) is a mononuclear non-heme iron enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of taurine to generate sulfite and aminoacetaldehyde in the presence of O2, αKG, and Fe(II). Fe(II)TauD complexed with αKG or succinate, the decarboxylated product of αKG, reacts with O2 in the absence of prime substrate to generate 550- and 720-nm chromophores, respectively, that are interconvertible by the addition or removal of bound bicarbonate and have resonance Raman features characteristic of an Fe(III)–catecholate complex. Mutagenesis studies suggest that both reactions result in the self-hydroxylation of the active-site residue Tyr73, and liquid chromatography nano-spray mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry evidence corroborates this result for the succinate reaction. Furthermore, isotope-labeling resonance Raman studies demonstrate that the oxygen atom incorporated into the tyrosyl residue derives from H218O and 18O2 for the αKG and succinate reactions, respectively, suggesting distinct mechanistic pathways. Whereas the αKG-dependent hydroxylation likely proceeds via an Fe(IV)=O intermediate that is known to be generated during substrate hydroxylation, we propose Fe(III)–OOH (or Fe(V)=O) as the oxygenating species in the succinate-dependent reaction. These results demonstrate the two oxygenating mechanisms available to enzymes with a 2-His-1-carboxylate triad, depending on whether the electron source donates one or two electrons.
Similarity search in ad hoc networks using semantic-based caching

Ad hoc networks build temporary wireless connections in environments where the stationary infrastructures are either destroyed or too expensive to construct. Most of the previous research in ad hoc networks focuses on routing protocols that adapt to the dynamic network topologies, and not much work has been done on data accessing. One important data accessing application is similarity search, which provides the foundation of content-based retrieval. Many traditional similarity search algorithms are based on centralized or flooding mechanisms, which are not effective in wireless ad hoc network environments due to the multiple limitations such as bandwidth and power. In this paper we tackle the problem of similarity search by using semantic-based caching to reflect the data content distribution in the network. The basic idea is analyzing the cached results of earlier queries and trying to resolve the later queries within a small collection of content-related mobile nodes. Based on a Hilbert space-filling curve, the data points in a multi-dimensional semantic space are described as a linear representation. These data points are further cached to facilitate query processing. Through extensive simulations, we show that our method can perform similarity search with improved performance in terms of search cost and response time
Feature selection and blind source separation in an EEG-based brain-computer interface

Most EEG-based BCI systems make use of well-studied patterns of brain activity. However, those systems involve tasks that indirectly map to simple binary commands such as "yes" or "no" or require many weeks of biofeedback training. We hypothesized that signal processing and machine learning methods can be used to discriminate EEG in a direct "yes"/"no" BCI from a single session. Blind source separation (BSS) and spectral transformations of the EEG produced a 180-dimensional feature space. We used a modified genetic algorithm (GA) wrapped around a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to search the space of feature subsets. The GA-based search found feature subsets that outperform full feature sets and random feature subsets. Also, BSS transformations of the EEG outperformed the original time series, particularly in conjunction with a subset search of both spaces. The results suggest that BSS and feature selection can be used to improve the performance of even a "direct," single-session BCI.
Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the wrist: Reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft

A case of spontaneous staphylococcus arthritis of the wrist with associated carpal and distal radius osteomyelitis is reported. Following sequential debridements and a 6-week course of parenteral antibiotics, an extensive defect was bridged with a vascularized fibular autograft to achieve a successful fusion. There was no donor site morbidity or recurrent infection. Follow-up radiographs 41 months later demonstrated complete incorporation and hypertrophy of the graft.
Josiah Royce’s Philosophy of Loyalty as Philanthropy

This article draws on philosophy and literature to explore philanthropy as an ethical act informed by a vision of a better world. Josiah Royce’s ideas on loyalty, which are exemplified in Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, demonstrate that communitarian ideals as well as individualism helped to shape our contemporary understanding of American philanthropy. Royce’s notion of loyalty, particularly its concept of the Absolute, to which we all belong and whose purpose we all fulfill by fulfilling our individual purposes, helps individuals and individual communities transcend their differences and find common cause. In addition, Royce’s ethical ideal of “loyalty to loyalty” is a mechanism by which individual and local concerns are united into a single universal cause that brings together not only all humanity but also the animal and natural worlds.
Feeding activities of slugs on Myxomycetes and macrofungi

molds have two stages that may develop into a large enough mass to serve as a potential food source for animals. The plasmodium is a soft, flattened sheet of acellular protoplasm capable of migrating, feeding, and growing up to several meters in length along the surface of decaying logs and leaf litter. Under ideal conditions fruiting bodies that develop from the plasmodial stage may form a single cushion shaped aethalium up to 74 cm across or thousands of individual sporangia less than 1 mm in diameter that may
Low-cost, Deterministic Quasi-periodic Photonic Structures for light trapping in thin film silicon solar cells

Light trapping has been an important issue for thin film silicon solar cells because of the low absorption coefficient in the near infrared range. In this paper, we present a photonic structure which combines anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) in the backside of thin film silicon. Simulation results show that this quasi-periodic AAO structure has a stronger light trapping effect than perfectly periodic diffractive gratings. As a proof of concept, we incorporated the backside structure into thick silicon PV cells. By comparing the measured photoconductance of silicon with different backside structures, the enhancement of light absorption near the band edge of silicon is demonstrated for our proposed light trapping structure.
Effect of mutations on the detection of translational signals based on a communications theory approach

Gene and regulatory sequence identification is the first step in the functional annotation of any genome. Identification and annotation of such elements in the genome is a fundamental challenge in genomics and computational biology. Since regulatory elements are often short and variable, their identification and discovery using computational algorithms is difficult. However, significant advances have been made in the computational methods for modeling and detection of DNA regulatory elements. This paper proposes a novel use of techniques and principles from communications engineering and coding theory for modeling, identification and analysis of genomic regulatory elements and biological sequences. The last 13 bases sequence in the 16S rRNA molecule was used as a test sequence and was detected using the proposed models. Results show that the proposed models are not only able to identify this regulatory element (RE) in the mRNA sequence, but also can help identify coding from noncoding regions. The models described in this work where used to study the effect of mutations in the last 13 bases sequence of the 16S rRNA molecule. The obtained results showed total agreement with published investigations on mutations which further certify the biological relevance of the proposed models.
Species coherence in the face of karyotype diversification in holocentric organisms: the case of a cytogenetically variable sedge (Carex scoparia, Cyperaceae).

†Background and Aims The sedge genus Carex, the most diversified angiosperm genus of the northern temperate zone, is renowned for its holocentric chromosomes and karyotype variability. The genus exhibits high variation in chromosome numbers both among and within species. Despite the possibility that this chromosome evolution may play a role in the high species diversity ofCarex, population-level patterns of molecular and cytogenetic differentiation in the genus have not been extensively studied. †Methods Microsatellite variation (11 loci, 461 individuals) and chromosomal diversity (82 individuals) were investigated in 22 Midwestern populations of the North American sedge Carex scoparia and two Northeastern populations. †KeyResults Among Midwestern populations, geographic distance is the most important predictor of genetic differentiation. Within populations, inbreeding is high and chromosome variation explains a significant component of genetic differentiation. Infrequent dispersal among populations separated by .100 km explains an important component of molecular genetic and cytogenetic diversity within populations. However, karyotype variation and correlation between genetic and chromosomal variation persist within populations even when putative migrants based on genetic data are excluded. †Conclusions These findings demonstrate dispersal and genetic connectivity among widespread populations that differ in chromosome numbers, explaining the phenomenon of genetic coherence in this karyotypically diverse sedge species. More generally, the study suggests that traditional sedge taxonomic boundaries demarcate good species even when those species encompass a high range of chromosomal diversity. This finding is important evidence as we work to document the limits and drivers of biodiversity in one of the world’s largest angiosperm genera.
Calculation of the impedance of a rectangular waveguide aperture in the presence of a loaded dipole antenna embedded in a generally lossy material

The use of a combined embedded modulated scattering technique, utilizing a PIN diode-loaded dipole probe, and near-field microwave nondestructive testing technique, utilizing an open-ended rectangular waveguide, has been investigated as a means for determining the complex dielectric constant in which the MST probe is embedded. For this, the formulation of the forward problem of calculating the modulated reflection coefficient, measured at the aperture of the waveguide, is presented here. This formulation is based upon the reciprocity theorem for two antennae, and utilizes the near-field radiation pattern of a rectangular waveguide aperture and current distribution along the length of a dipole antenna. This formulation is verified with measured values as a function of location, load impedance and surrounding media. Finally, potential improvements, considerations, and the use of an inversion routine are discussed.
Chronic tubo-ovarian abscess complicated by hepatic portal venous gas

44-year-old female with massive chronic tubo-ovarian abscess complicated by hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG). She presented to the emergency department of our hospital with a diffusely tender abdomen and 2 weeks history of frequent non-bloody loose stools. She had a relevant past medical history of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Abdominal computerized tomography revealed massive right abdomino-pelvic mass measuring 17.6 × 12.1 × 20 cm and diffuse HPVG. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, peritoneal lavage with antibiotics and treatment for septic shock. No similar case known to us has been reported in the literature previously.
Empirical assessment of a RGB-D sensor on motion capture and action recognition for construction worker monitoring

For construction management, data collection is a critical process for gathering and measuring information for the evaluation and control of ongoing project performances. Taking into account that construction involves a significant amount of manual work, worker monitoring can play a key role in analyzing operations and improving productivity and safety. However, time-consuming tasks involved in field observation have brought up the issue of implementing worker observation in daily management practice. In an effort to address the issue, this paper investigates the performances of a cost-effective and portable RGB-D sensor, based on recent research efforts extended from our previous study. The performance of an RGB-D sensor is evaluated in terms of (1) the 3D positions of the body parts tracked by the sensor, (2) the 3D rotation angles at joints, and (3) the impact of the RGB-D sensor’s accuracy on motion analysis. For the assessment, experimental studies were undertaken to collect motion capture datasets using an RGB-D sensor and a marker-based motion capture system, VICON, and to analyze errors as compared with the VICON used as the ground truth. As a test case, 25 trials of ascending and descending during ladder climbing were recorded simultaneously with both systems, and the resulting motion capture datasets (i.e., 3D skeleton models) were temporally and spatially synchronized for their comparison. Through the comparative assessment, we found a discrepancy of 10.7 cm in the tracked locations of body parts, and a difference of 16.2 degrees in rotation angles. However, motion detection results show that the inaccuracy of an RGB-D sensor does not have a considerable effect on action recognition in the experiment. This paper thus provides insight into the accuracy of an RGB-D sensor on motion capture in various measures and directions of further research for the improvement of accuracy.
Antioxidant reactions of green tea catechins and soy isoflavones.

Green tea, a popular beverage brewed from dried leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis) is distinguished by the presence of a group of polyphenols called flavanols or catechins (Graham, 1992). In recent years, the principal green tea catechins, i.e. (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) have been recognized to be effective protectants against certain forms of cancer (Katiyar et al., 1992; Yang et al., 1993). These protective effects often have been attributed to antioxidant actions (Jovanovic et al., 1994; Terao et al., 1994; Salah et al., 1995; Kondo et al., 1999). The potential role of soy products in cancer prevention also has received much attention in recent years. Epidemiological data indicate that consumption of soybean-containing diets is associated with a lower incidence of certain human cancers in Asian compared to Caucasian populations (King et al., 1980; Locke et al., 1980). Genistein is one of the two principal isoflavones found in soy (Murphy, 1982) and, like catechins, is thought to act in large part through its ability to scavenge oxidants involved in carcinogenesis (Wei et al., 1993).
Bed waves at the basin scale: implications for river management and restoration

An extensive literature about fluvial sediment waves, slugs or pulses has emerged in the past 20 years. The concept has been useful in many respects, but has been applied to diverse phenomena using a variety of definitions. Moreover, inferred linkages between channel-bed changes and sediment loads are often not justifiable. This paper reviews concepts of large fluvial sediment waves at scales extending to several tens of kilometres. It points out constraints on the inferences that can be made about sediment loads based on changes in channel-bed elevation at this scale where channel sediment interacts with storage in floodplain and terrace deposits. The type area of G. K. Gilbert's initial sediment-wave concept is re-examined to show that neither wave translation nor dispersion occurred in the simple manner commonly assumed. Channel aggradation and return to graded conditions provide an alternative theory explaining Gilbert's observed bed-elevation changes. Recognizing the evidence and implications of the former passage of a large-scale bed wave is essential to the accurate diagnosis of catchment conditions and the adoption of appropriate river restoration goals or methods. Sediment loads, water quality, channel morphologic stability and aquatic ecosystems often reflect changes in sediment storage long after the channel bed has returned to grade. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropsychological functioning in children with non-syndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate.

Objective: Evaluate neuropsychological functioning in children with non-syndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) through profile variance within type of cleft and comparisons to controls. Methods: Children ages 7 to 17 years participated; 66 had a diagnosis of NSCL/P and 87 were healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests of language, visual-perceptual, executive functioning, and memory skills were administered. Between- and within-group differences were assessed. Results: Within cleft types, children with NSCLP had an even profile with equal Verbal and Performance IQ (VIQ and PIQ, respectively). Children with non-syndromic cleft palate only (NSCP) had significantly lower VIQ than PIQ, while children with non-syndromic cleft lip only (NSCL) showed a nonsignificant trend for higher VIQ than PIQ. Overall, subjects with NSCL/P performed lower on measures of expressive language and verbal memory than controls. Conclusions: While deficits in verbal and memory skills for children with NSCL/P remain appa...
Origin of Quaternary Basalts from the Black Rock Desert Region, Utah

An evaluation has been made of the relative roles of fractional crystallization and crustal contamination in the genesis of basaltic magmas from the Black Rock Desert region in Utah. As a result, geochemical variations of these basalts have been defined as a function of their ages of eruption.
Factors Associated With Unmarried, Nonresident Fathers' Perceptions of Their Coparenting

Using a longitudinal sample of 522 biological, never-married, nonresident fathers from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this article examines the factors associated with fathers’ coparenting 36 months after a birth. Ordinary least squares regression models indicate never-married, nonresident fathers are less likely to perceive high coparental supportiveness if they have ever been incarcerated, if they have completed high school, if they have a greater number of children with the child’s mother, if the mother has lower levels of education, if they are not in a relationship with the focal child’s mother, if they have a new partner, and if they see their child more frequently. In contrast, more supportive coparental relationships are perceived among fathers with higher incomes, with higher education, who are employed, with a male child, and who provide informal support. This study provides continuing evidence that several aspects of nonresident men’s lives have important influences on their co...
Short-duration gamma-ray bursts with extended emission from protomagnetar spin-down

Evidence is growing for a class of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) characterized by an initial ∼0.1-1 s spike of hard radiation followed, after a ∼3-10 s lull in emission, by a softer period of extended emission lasting ∼10-100 s. In a few well-studied cases, these 'short GRBs with extended emission' show no evidence for a bright associated supernova (SN). We propose that these events are produced by the formation and early evolution of a highly magnetized, rapidly rotating neutron star (a 'protomagnetar') which is formed from the accretion-induced collapse (AIC) of a white dwarf (WD), the merger and collapse of a WD-WD binary or perhaps, the merger of a double neutron star binary. The initial emission spike is powered by accretion on to the protomagnetar from a small disc that is formed during the AIC or merger event. The extended emission is produced by a relativistic wind that extracts the rotational energy of the protomagnetar on a time-scale ∼ 10-100 s. The ∼ 10 s delay between the prompt and extended emission is the time required for the newly formed protomagnetar to cool sufficiently that the neutrino-heated wind from its surface becomes ultrarelativistic. Because a protomagnetar ejects little or no 56 Ni (< 10 -3 M ⊙ ), these events should not produce a bright SN-like transient. We model the extended emission from GRB060614 using spin-down calculations of a cooling protomagnetar, finding reasonable agreement with observations for a magnetar with an initial rotation period of ∼1 ms and a surface dipole field of ∼3 x 10 15 G. If GRBs are indeed produced by AIC or WD-WD mergers, they should occur within a mixture of both early- and late-type galaxies and should not produce strong gravitational wave emission. An additional consequence of our model is the existence of X-ray flashes unaccompanied by a bright SN and not associated with massive star formation.
Kinetic Effects of Non-Equilibrium Plasma on Partially Premixed Flame Extinction

A new plasma assisted combustion system was developed by integrating a counterflow burner with nano-second pulsed non-equilibrium discharge. The kinetic effects of plasma assisted fuel oxidization on the extinction of partially premixed methane flames was studied at 60 Torr by blending 2% CH4 into the oxidizer stream. The non-equilibrium discharge accelerated dramatically the fuel oxidation. The O production and the products of plasma assisted fuel oxidation were measured, respectively, by using two-photon absorption laserinduced fluorescence (TALIF) method, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer , and Gas Chromatography (GC). The product concentrations were used to validate an existing plasma assisted combustion kinetic model. The comparisons showed the kinetic model prediction was poor due to missing reaction pathways, such as those involving carbon formation, H2 excitation and dissociation, and interactions of excited species with hydrocarbon species. The path flux analysis determined that O was the critical species for kinetic modeling because it was generated by the discharge and dictated the oxidization process. The extinction strain rate measurements showed the non-equilibrium plasma discharge extended the extinction limit significantly. Strong emission from Ar* was observed at high plasma repetition rates and numerical modeling showed that Ar* contributed significantly to the enhancement of extinction limit.
Education and inequality in South Africa: Returns to schooling in the post-apartheid era

This paper utilizes a new data set to calculate both the private and social returns to schooling in South Africa. More specifically, it examines whether the returns for African and colored South Africans have improved since the initial 1990s post-apartheid era. During that time period, the returns for Africans and coloreds were higher than in previous decades, but the overall compensation structure still heavily favored whites. As of 2008, the inter-racial relationship between returns remained, with remuneration outcomes for Africans and coloreds continuing to lag behind white South Africans by more than 20 percent. Moreover, a large portion of the earnings differential—between 34 and 42 percent—was due to the labor market's lower valuation of African and colored workers’ productive characteristics. Overall, returns in the South African labor market are consistent with recent evidence on the pattern of returns in the developing world today, namely that returns for women are higher than for men and that returns to tertiary schooling are highest.
Bicarbonate enhances nitration and oxidation reactions in biological systems--role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

Bicarbonate anion (HCO 3 - ) is present at high concentration (25 mM) in biological fluids. At this HCO3 concentration, the carbon-di-oxide (CO2) concentration is estimated to be ca. 1.2 mM at physiological conditions. A major function of the HCO 3 - CO2 couple in biological systems is to regulate pH. Although HCO 3 - -mediated enhancement of luminol oxidation was reported several decades ago (Hodgson and Fridovich, 1976), only recently was the role of HCO 3 - recognized in biological oxidations (Denicola et al 1996; Ischiropoulos et al 1992; Lymar et al 1996; Singh et al 1998; Zhang et al 1997).
Robust control of realistic quantum gates

We consider a generic NOT gate in contact with the environment and design and implement a control scheme to eliminate decoherence. Simulations show efficiency and robustness under a broad range of realistic conditions.
Gender-Based Violence Against Men and Boys in Darfur The Gender-Genocide Nexus

Analyses of gender-based violence during mass conflict have typically focused on violence committed against women. Violence perpetrated against men has only recently been examined as gender-based violence in its own right. Using narratives from 1,136 Darfuri refugees, we analyze patterns of gender-based violence perpetrated against men and boys during the genocide in Darfur. We examine how this violence emasculates men and boys through four mechanisms: homosexualization, feminization, genital harm, and sex-selective killing. In line with an interactionist approach, we demonstrate how genocidal violence is gendered and argue that perpetrators committing gender-based violence perform masculinity in accordance with hegemonic gender norms in Sudan. We also show how gender-based violence enacts, reinforces, and creates meaning on multiple levels in a matrix of mutually reinforcing processes that we term the gender-genocide nexus. By extending the gender–violence link to the context of mass atrocity, this study...
Biology of the Ichneumonid Spilocryptus Extrematis Cresson (Hymenoptera)

In a recent study[1][1] of over three thousand Cecropian cocoons collected in the Chicago area in which particular attention was given to the hymenopterous parasites of Cecropia, the writer found the principal primary parasite to be Spilocryptus extrematis Cresson. Of all the cocoons studied, 22.8 per cent were infected with this ichneumonid. It appears to confine its activities quite largely to Cecropian larvae. The only case of infection by it, observed by the writer, other than of Cecropia was the parasitization of one larva of the saturnid moth Telea polyphemus Cr. Opportunity is here taken to present very briefly some of the facts in the biology of this insect which were discovered during the study. [1]: #fn-1
Recent Progress in SOI Materials and Devices for VLSI Applications

Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) technology [1-4] has been shown to have significant performance and fabrication advantages over conventional bulk processing for a wide variety of large scale CMOS IC applications. Advantages in radiation environments has generated significant interest in this technology from military and space science communities [5,6]. Possible advantages of SOI technology for low power, low voltage and high performance circuit applications is under serious consideration by several commercial IC manufacturers [7,8].