cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in modeled Arctic sea ice volume

[1] Uncertainty in the Pan-Arctic Ice-Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS) Arctic sea ice volume record is characterized. A range of observations and approaches, including in situ ice thickness measurements, ICESat retrieved ice thickness, and model sensitivity studies, yields a conservative estimate for October Arctic ice volume uncertainty of 1.35 × 103 km3 and an uncertainty of the ice volume trend over the 1979–2010 period of 1.0 × 103 km3 decade–1. A conservative estimate of the trend over this period is −2.8 × 103 km3 decade–1. PIOMAS ice thickness estimates agree well with ICESat ice thickness retrievals (<0.1 m mean difference) for the area for which submarine data are available, while difference outside this area are larger. PIOMAS spatial thickness patterns agree well with ICESat thickness estimates with pattern correlations of above 0.8. PIOMAS appears to overestimate thin ice thickness and underestimate thick ice, yielding a smaller downward trend than apparent in reconstructions from observations. PIOMAS ice volume uncertainties and trends are examined in the context of climate change attribution and the declaration of record minima. The distribution of 32 year trends in a preindustrial coupled model simulation shows no trends comparable to those seen in the PIOMAS retrospective, even when the trend uncertainty is accounted for. Attempts to label September minima as new record lows are sensitive to modeling error. However, the September 2010 ice volume anomaly did in fact exceed the previous 2007 minimum by a large enough margin to establish a statistically significant new record.
Radiolysis of liquid N-ethylacetamide☆

Abstract The γ-radiolysis of liquid N -ethylacetamide leads to formation of acetaldehyde and ethyl amine as major decomposition products. The mechanism of formation of these products is examined through use of added electron and radical scavengers such as RCl, RSH and Fe III. The results are consistent with a reaction scheme in which the radiation-induced steps involve the stoichiometries: A detailed reaction scheme for the intermediate processes is presented.
Temperature effects on ectotherm immune responses

Ectotherms are subjected to seasonal changes in temperature, a significant factor affecting their life processes and immune responses. Most teleost fishes, tropical anurans and reptiles can elicit immune responses over the entire range of their thermal tolerance limits. Their primary responses are temperature dependent with no apparent discrete temperature sensitive event. Temperature reductions from the species optima influence 1) response induction times, 2) levels of antibody produced, 3) times to reach peak antibody levels and to 4) reject allografts. Secondary or memory responses are temperature independent. These generalizations are also true for temperate amphibians and reptiles at non-hibernating temperatures. During hibernation however, primary and secondary responses cannot be elicited. This non-reactivity can be correlated with the decline in lymphocyte numbers and the thermal sensitivity of events occurring during the inductive and effector phases of immune responses.
Antitumour activity of 5-fluorouracil, verapamil and hyperthermia against human gastric adenocarcinoma cell (AGS) in vitro

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of verapamil (20 microM) and hyperthermia (42 degrees C) as modifiers of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), used at different concentrations, in inhibiting the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Combined verapamil and hyperthermia treatment showed a significant decrease in cell count when compared to control (72.2%), hyperthermia alone (68.4%), or verapamil alone (65%). At a high concentration of 5-FU (50 micrograms/ml), verapamil and hyperthermia had an additive growth inhibitory effect over a 4-day period when compared to control. A combination of 5-FU at low concentration (0.5 microgram/ml) with verapamil significantly suppressed growth by 31.2% in comparison to control--with this effect being independent of the duration of treatment. The modalities analysed in this study require further investigation and have potential for clinical applicability to gastric cancer therapy in the future.
Safety of Decanted Enteral Formula Hung for 12 Hours in a Pediatric Setting

Background: Enteral nutrition has been an accepted mode of pediatric care for more than 40 years. Early reports in the literature documented high levels of bacterial contamination in enteral formulas delivered to patients. Safety standards for formula administration have not been universally followed. Evidence demonstrates that increased manipulation of the delivery system contributes to bacterial contamination. Methods: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted with 30 pediatric patients. They received continuous enteral feedings using decanted formula over a minimum hang time of 12 hours. Formula was delivered according to current practice recommendations. Cultures were obtained and sent to the laboratory initially and every 4 hours. Results: Cultures from 30 patients (average age 6.4 years) were obtained at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 hours. Nasogastric, nasojejunal, gastrostomy, or gastrojejunostomy feeding tubes were used. Formulas administered were polymeric and peptide based. Of the 119 cultures ob...
Identification of a cytoskeleton-bound form of phospholemman with unique C-terminal immunoreactivity.

Phospholemman (PLM) is a 72-amino acid transmembrane protein thought to function in Na,K-ATPase regulation or assembly, similar to other members of the FXYD family of proteins. Unique to PLM among these regulatory proteins are sites for C-terminal phosphorylation by PKA and PKC, although a role for phosphorylation in PLM function remains unclear. To study PLM phosphorylation, we used PLM phosphopeptides to generate antibodies to specifically detect phosphorylated PLM. Peptide affinity chromatography isolated two populations of antibodies: one reacting with standard PLM, a collection of closely-spaced 15-kDa protein bands by SDS-PAGE. About 20% of PLM antibodies reacted specifically with a single distinct form of PLM. Levels of this second immunological form (PLM-b) were increased with overexpression of PLM cDNA, and also reacted with a monoclonal antibody against the PLM N-terminus. In complete contrast to standard PLM, however, PLM-b was quantitatively insoluble in nonionic detergents and was released from tight binding by colchicine. Antibodies to PLM-b were present in two different antisera raised to the phosphorylated C-terminal peptide (residues 57–70), but not in antiserum raised to the non-phosphorylated C-terminal peptide. Despite an apparent relationship between PLM-b and phosphorylated PLM, PLM-b levels were not affected by treatment of heart cells with isoproterenol. PLM-b appears to represent a cytoskeleton-attached detergent-insoluble form of PLM with distinctive C-terminal immunoreactivity that might have implications for PLM structure and function.
Direct Measurement of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Binding Kinetics, One Complex at a Time

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) is entirely responsible for the conversion of the viral RNA genome into double stranded DNA. Due to its essential role in virus replication, it is a primary target for drug development. In order to rationally modulate RT binding to its Template/Primer (T/P) substrate using novel inhibitory compounds, an accurate description of DNA-protein binding kinetics in the absence of ensemble averaging is crucial. We are therefore developing a robust single-molecule assay to directly measure the association/dissociation rates of protein-nucleic acid complexes at equilibrium. Utilizing this method in comparison with bulk methods, we describe in detail the effects of various known RT inhibitors (RTIs) as well as novel RTIs under development in our laboratory on the binding kinetics of individual RT-T/P complexes.
Inferring precipitation-anomaly gradients from tree rings

Abstract Long-term information on gradients in precipitation-anomaly over tens to hundreds of km is important to hydroclimatology for improved understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of moisture-delivery systems and runoff. Site-centered reconstructions of cool-season (Nov–Apr) precipitation at 36 Quercus douglasii tree-ring sites in the Central Valley of California, USA, are generated, regionalized, and evaluated for ability to track north–south gradients in precipitation-anomaly. Event series are constructed for overall-wet (W), overall-dry (D), wetter-to-north (W/D) and wetter-to-south (D/W) conditions, 1557–2001. Interesting features of the event series are clustering of W events in the 1780–1790s and a three-year run of D/W events in 1816–1818 (coincidentally following the eruption of Tambora in 1815). The most recent 25 years of the event series stand out for a high frequency of W and D events and low frequency of events associated with strong gradients in precipitation-anomaly. The five strongest W events in this period and seven of the nine W events since 1934 match El Nino years. Recent changes in the event series may be a Central-Valley footprint of a well-documented post-1976 change in the atmosphere-ocean climate system over the North Pacific. Similar studies may prove useful in other geographical areas where networks of tree-ring data sufficiently sensitive to precipitation are available.
An orthogonal design of experiment/exploratory data analysis for plutonium contamination

This paper describes a statistical-experimental design approach for identifying sources of Pu contamination in the radioactivity material analysis of dried shellfish at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Identification and elimination of sources of contamination were required for certifications of the radioactivity concentration of actinides in the proposed reference material. Sources of contamination included the fume hood, glassware, and reagents. The experimental design employed reduced number of required experiments by a factor of 100. The result is an orthogonal design of experiment (ODEX) and subsequent data was analyzed using Exploratory Date Analysis (EDA), which narrowed the 200+ experiments to a manageable 16. This design made it possible to identify the sources and interactions of sources of contamination in a timely and cost effective manner.
Battle for Births: The Fascist Pronatalist Campaign in Italy 1925 to 1938

The battle for births took place during the inter-war years of 1925 to 1938. The demographic campaign promoted fecundita, especially within the working class, by increasing welfare benefits, legislating tax breaks, making available better health care, and awarding highly public medals and recognition to those women who produced more than the state's target of five children per family. The regime associated motherhood, children, family, and virility with maintaining national greatness. In spite of all the mass propaganda, mobilization, and state incentives to increase the birthrate, the battle for births had failed by 1938. This article compares and contrasts key economic, regional, political, cultural, and religious explanations for the failure of Italian pronatalism. Although the battle for births failed to produce an overall increase in the Italian birth rates, it did succeed in other ways.
Acid-catalyzed rearrangements of 6-(p-tolyhydrazino)-2-thiouraeil

The action of acid on 6-(p-tolylhydrazino)-2-thiouracil gives appreciable amounts of the stable Fischer intermediate, 5-(2 -amino-5 -tolyl)-6-amino-2-thiouracil. This compound undergoes intramolecular cyclization at high temperatures, and represents the first reported isolation of a diamine intermediate derived from a Fischer-type indolization reaction.
Conceptual structure and computational organization of the 2008 performance assessment for the proposed high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Abstract Extensive work has been carried out by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the development of a proposed geologic repository at Yucca Mountain (YM), Nevada, for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. This presentation describes the overall conceptual structure and computational organization of the 2008 performance assessment (PA) for the proposed YM repository carried out by the DOE in support of a licensing application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The following topics are addressed: (i) regulatory background, (ii) the three basic entities underlying a PA, (iii) determination of expected, mean and median dose to the reasonably maximally exposed individual (RMEI) specified in the NRC regulations for the YM repository, (iv) the relationship between probability, sets and scenario classes, (v) scenario classes and the characterization of aleatory uncertainty, (vi) scenario classes and the determination of expected dose to the RMEI, (vii) analysis decomposition, (viii) disjoint and nondisjoint scenario classes, (ix) scenario classes and the NRC’s YM review plan, (x) characterization of epistemic uncertainty, and (xi) adequacy of Latin hypercube sample size used in the propagation of epistemic uncertainty. This article is part of a special issue of Reliability Engineering and System Safety devoted to the 2008 YM PA and is intended as an introduction to following articles in the issue that provide additional analysis details and specific analysis results.
Topological conjugacy, transitivity, and patterns

Abstract Let f denote a continuous map of the compact interval to itself. Suppose that f is topologically transitive. We show that if f exhibits a pattern and has the same topological entropy as the pattern, then f is topologically conjugate to the linearization of the pattern.
THE EFFECT OF INTRAPERITONEAL INJECTION OF POTASSIUM IODIDE ON THE PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF THE THYROID GLAND IN RATS

Loeb (1) has shown that oral or intraperitoneal administration of potassium iodide to guinea pigs does not prevent the compensatory hypertrophy which occurs after extirpation of the greater part of the thyroid gland. Gray and Loeb (9), Rabinovitch (2), McCordock (7), and Silberberg (3) have subsequently observed that the administration of potassium iodide orally or by intraperitoneal injections to normal guinea pigs for a certain length of time results in a very pronounced increase in the mitotic proliferation of the thyroid epithelium. It also leads to a slight increase in the size of the epithelium, to a slight softening of the colloid and to a marked increase in the number of phagocytes within the colloid. Marine (4) on the other hand maintains that the intraperitoneal injection of KI to guinea pigs previously subjected to partial thyroideetomy always prevents the onset of compensatory hypertrophy. Des Ligneris (5) had previously found that feeding KI in dogs causes an increase in the amount and hardne...
Preparation and Properties of Spinel Made by Vapor Transport and Diffusion in the System MgO‐AI2O3: II, In Hydrogen and Argon at Medium Pressures and in Vacuum

In a previous investigation it was found that a spinel layer was formed uniformly over the surface of sapphire when heated at 1500O to 1900°C in the presence of magnesia at 1 atm of hydrogen. Experiments of a similar nature were performed at reduced pressures (H2, 20 to 30 cm Hg; argon, 30 cm Hg; and in vacuum) in the same temperature range. Sapphire specimens were placed in enclosed periclase crucibles and on top of these crucibles, and the growth of spinel on the sapphire was examined. Enclosed specimens in vacuum gave the heaviest layer of spinel, equal to that obtained at 1 atm of hydrogen (21 mils at 1800°C in 6.4 hours).
Retrospective review of predisposing factors for intraoperative pressure ulcer development.

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the comorbidities and surgical factors involved in the genesis of intraoperative pressure ulcers. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Anesthesiology department of a university medical center. Measurements The charts of 222 patients with varying illness, who underwent an operation of at least two hours' duration, were analyzed retrospectively. Data on surgery type, case length, comorbidities, intraoperative surgical position, and area of ulceration were recorded. Main Results Risk factors for intraoperative pressure ulcer development include surgical times of 4 hours or longer; comorbidities affecting tissue perfusion (namely, diabetes, hypertension, and nonspecific cardiac issues); supine placement during surgery; and abdominal, noncardiac thoracic, and orthopedic operations. Regions of the body most at risk for ulceration include the coccygeal/sacral region, the buttocks, genitalia, and heels. Conclusions Pressure ulcers are a costly, debilitating, and avoidable complication of surgery.
Quantitation of mitral annular oscillations and longitudinal "ringing" of the left ventricle: a new window into longitudinal diastolic function.

For diastolic function (DF) quantification, transmitral flow velocity has been characterized in terms of the geometric features of a triangle (heights, widths, areas, durations) approximating the E...
A soft kinetic data structure for lesion border detection

Motivation: The medical imaging and image processing techniques, ranging from microscopic to macroscopic, has become one of the main components of diagnostic procedures to assist dermatologists in their medical decision-making processes. Computer-aided segmentation and border detection on dermoscopic images is one of the core components of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions for skin cancer. Automated assessment tools for dermoscopic images have become an important research field mainly because of inter-and intra-observer variations in human interpretations. In this study, a novel approach—graph spanner—for automatic border detection in dermoscopic images is proposed. In this approach, a proximity graph representation of dermoscopic images in order to detect regions and borders in skin lesion is presented. Results: Graph spanner approach is examined on a set of 100 dermoscopic images whose manually drawn borders by a dermatologist are used as the ground truth. Error rates, false positives and false negatives along with true positives and true negatives are quantified by digitally comparing results with manually determined borders from a dermatologist. The results show that the highest precision and recall rates obtained to determine lesion boundaries are 100%. However, accuracy of assessment averages out at 97.72% and borders errors' mean is 2.28% for whole dataset. Contact: skockara@uca.edu
Double patterning compliant logic design

Double patterning technology (DPT) is the only solution to enable the scaling for advanced technology nodes before EUV or any other advanced patterning techniques become available. In general, there are two major double patterning techniques: one is Litho-Etch-Litho-Etch (LELE), and the other is sidewall spacer technology, a Self-Aligned Double Patterning technique (SADP). While numerous papers have previously demonstrated these techniques on wafer process capabilities and processing costs, more study needs to be done in the context of standard cell design flow to enable their applications in mass production. In this paper, we will present the impact of DPT on logic designs, and give a thorough discussion on how to make DPT-compliant constructs, placement and routing using examples with Cadence's Encounter Digital Implementation System (EDI System).
Fatty acid components of fried foods and fats used for frying

Oxidation of fat is accelerated at temp as high as those used for frying. The extent of this oxida-tion has been studied by frying two kinds of foods (chicken or potatoes) in cottonseed oil and in lard. Fat samples, taken prior to use and follow-ing 5 and 10 hr of frying (both for chicken and potatoes) were esterified. Subsequent quantita-tive assays of methyl esters by gas chromatogra-phy showed that the linoleic acid content had decreased from 57-49% after cottonseed oil had been used 10 hr for frying. This decrease was present regardless of whether chicken or potatoes were fried. There was no change in the linoleic acid content of lard after chicken was fried, but a decrease from 11.3-5.8% was noted when pota-toes were fried for 10 hr.
DETERMINING A DEFINITE DIAGNOSIS OF PRIMARY IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIA BY MEDICAL RECORD REVIEW

The objective of this study is to establish a method to identify patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) utilizing administrative data from diverse data sources that would be appropriate for epidemiologic studies of ITP, regardless of patients' age and source of health care. Medical records of the Oklahoma University Medical Center, 1995–2004, were reviewed to document the accuracy of the administrative code ICD-9-CM 287.3 for identifying children and adults with ITP, using novel, explicit levels of evidence to identify patients with a definite diagnosis. The proportion of patients diagnosed by hematologists compared to non-hematologists and the proportion of patients diagnosed as outpatients compared to inpatients were determined. For children, age <16 years, 323 outpatient medical records were reviewed; 225 adult outpatient medical records were reviewed. The positive predictive value for the administrative code for identifying patients with a definite diagnosis of ITP by a hematologist was 0.72 in children and 0.69 in adults. In 98% of children and 92% of adults seen as outpatients, the definite diagnosis of ITP was established by a hematologist. One hundred eighteen child and 141 adult inpatient medical records were reviewed. In 95% of children and 83% of adults, the definite diagnosis of ITP by a hematologist was established as an outpatient. This study confirmed the previously reported positive predictive value for the administrative code for identifying patients with ITP. Additionally, it was determined that analysis of hematologists' outpatient administrative codes identified most children and adults with ITP. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GreenSlice: Enabling renewable energy powered cellular base stations using asynchronous delivery

Globally, there is a tremendous growth in mobile data traffic and mobile network operators (MNO) are investing heavily to expand and operate their networks to serve them. The operational expenditure incurred by MNOs are increasing much more compared to revenue from mobile data traffic, thereby decreasing their profit margins. One of the major components of operational expenditure is the cost of operating cellular base stations using grid power or diesel generators in the absence of grid power. MNOs in off-grid sites constantly rely on diesel generators to run base stations that is very expensive. At the same time, they also cause adverse environmental impact due to CO2 emission. While the economics of renewable energy are already favorable in remote off-grid areas, it has been quite challenging for operators to handle the unpredictability of renewable energy sources while meeting the user QoE. In this work, we present GreenSlice, an `energy-source' aware asynchronous content delivery mechanism that adapts delivery of bulk delay-tolerant content in periods of availability of renewable energy. In particular, given a set of heavy demands (such as downloads of videos, software updates etc.), we present a scheduling algorithm that balances the operator's energy cost and delay experienced by users. We use a novel adaptation of Lyapunov optimization framework to provide bounds on the content delivery time and resulting operational cost. Simulation studies show our mechanism reduces the energy cost by more than 33% compared to traditional schemes of using renewables and non-renewables without asynchronous content delivery, at the same time keeping the increase in delay negligible.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity in Item Analysis.

Described is an alternative algorithm for item analysis in which item discrimination indices have been defined for item distractors in addition to their traditional definition for the scored alternative. Also, the Campbell and Fiske concept of convergent and discriminant validity was reconceptualized from the test to the item level and proposed as an aid in interpretation of results of item analysis.
Interaction between microsomal enzymes of the house fly and the moulting hormones and some of their analogs

Larvae and adults of the house fly, Musca domestica, were treated with α- and β-ecdysone and with five structurally related analogs in a study of the specificity of their inductive action on microsomal oxidases and of their metabolism by microsomal enzymes. There was a positive correlation between the inducing activity of the analogs and their previously reported activity as growth inhibitors in the house fly. All of the steroids were metabolized by housefly microsomes. With each of the moulting hormone analogs one product of metabolism was detected by liquid chromatography but no products were seen when the two ecdysones were metabolized. There was no evidence of the microsomal conversion of α- to β-ecdysone.
Distributed multicast tree generation with dynamic group membership

As group applications have become more prevalent, efficient network utilization becomes a growing concern. Multicast transmission may use network bandwidth more efficiently than multiple point-to-point messages, however, creating optimal multicast trees is prohibitively expensive. For this reason, heuristic methods are generally employed. These heuristics are often based on a Steiner tree approach, which is known to produce multicast trees that achieve an efficient use of network resources. Many such algorithms, both centralized and distributed, have been proposed to generate 'good' multicast trees. Even these heuristics typically have significant execution times, however, so changes to the initial group of multicast participants during generation of the tree is likely. Furthermore, periodic rebuilding of multicast trees or sub-trees has been proposed to improve the efficiency of these trees as the group membership evolves. Changes in group membership are also possible during this rebuilding process. Existing algorithms, however, either do not support changes to the multicast group during building of the tree or they impose unrealistic restrictions, such as no overlapping modifications or regeneration of the tree after every change. These restrictions prevent the use of such algorithms in many situations, e.g.; networks with mobile hosts. To remedy this, we propose an efficient distributed algorithm that supports dynamic changes to the multicast group during tree building and allows concurrent join/leave operations. In this paper, we present the algorithm, a proof of correctness, and detailed simulation results.
Passive behaviors in Alzheimer' disease: A descriptive analysis:

Fifteen empirical studies investigating passive behaviors (PB) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) were examined. Results indicated that PB are distinct from depression; they tend to increase over the course of the disease; and they can be related to cognitive status and personality changes. Absence of theoretical frameworks, lack of an instrument specifically designed to measure PB in AD, and no clearly established operational concept capable of describing and unifying behaviors into a syndrome of passivity represent problem areas for researchers. Future research to determine whether PB are a “default” mechanism brought on by AD itself or the result of a need to isolate or withdraw in order to cope with multiple stressors is indicated. Antecedent behaviors, those associated with passivity itself as well as caregiver responses and interventions also warrant investigation.
The tail-flick inhibition induced b β-endorphin administered intrathecally is mediated by activation of κ- and μ-opioid receptors in the mouse

Abstract The inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by β-endorphin given i.c.v. has been demonstrated to be mediated by the stimulation of ϵ- but not μ-, δ- or κ-opioid receptors. β-Endorphin given i.t. also inhibited the tail-flick response. The present studies were designed to determine what types of opioid receptors in the spinal cord were involved in i.t. β-endorphin-induced tail-flick inhibition. Blockade of κ-opioid receptors by coadministration of nor-binaltorphimine or Win 44,441-3 with β-endorphin given i.t. dose dependently inhibited i.t. β-endorphin-induced inhibition of the tail-flick response. Blockade of μ-opioid receptors by i.t. coadministration of D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Try-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH 2 with β-endorphin blocked i.t. β-endorphin-induced inhibition of the tail-flick response. I.t. injection of δ-opioid receptors antagonists, ICI 174,864 and naltrindole, or ϵ-opioid receptor antagonist, β-endorphin-(1–27), did not affect inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by β-endorphin given i.t. Blockade of α 2 -adrenoceptors and 5-HT receptors by i.t. injection of yohimbine and methysergide, respectively, also did not affect inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by β-endorphin given i.t. The results indicate that the inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by β-endorphin given i.t. is mediated by the stimulation of κ- and μ-opioid receptors but not δ- and ϵ-opioid receptors, α 2 -adrenoceptors or 5-HT receptors.
PREDICTORS OF PEAK OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients have functional capacity impairment, which is due to left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, mitral regurgitation (MR) and LV dysfunction. Cardiopulmonary stress testing with echocardiography is used for symptom evaluation in HCM patients. We
Bearing errors in the VHF omnirange due to scattering from wires

Scattering from obstacles in the vicinity of a VHF omnirange can cause bearing errors in aircraft receivers. A general formula is developed for the bearing error due to an arbitrary scatterer in terms of its scattering radiation pattern. The theory is then applied to get specific results for a long horizontal wire. The current distribution on the wire, the scattered field, and the bearing error are computed by a transform method, and all integrals are evaluated asymptotically by the saddle point method. The final result clearly shows the dependence of the bearing error on all system parameters. The theoretical conclusions are all found to be consistent with the results of numerous experiments carried out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some results and speculations are presented for multiwire lines.
Ultrasound training for emergency physicians--a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES Bedside ultrasound examination by emergency physicians (EPs) is being integrated into clinical emergency practice, yet minimum training requirements have not been well defined or evaluated. This study evaluated the accuracy of EP ultrasonography following a 16-hour introductory ultrasound course. METHODS In phase I of the study, a condensed 16-hour emergency ultrasound curriculum based on Society for Academic Emergency Medicine guidelines was administered to emergency medicine houseofficers, attending staff, medical students, and physician assistants over two days. Lectures with syllabus material were used to cover the following ultrasound topics in eight hours: basic physics, pelvis, right upper quadrant, renal, aorta, trauma, and echo-cardiography. In addition, each student received eight hours of hands-on ultrasound instruction over the two-day period. All participants in this curriculum received a standardized pretest and posttest that included 24 emergency ultrasound images for interpretation. These images included positive, negative, and nondiagnostic scans in each of the above clinical categories. In phase II of the study, ultrasound examinations performed by postgraduate-year-2 (PGY2) houseofficers over a ten-month period were examined and the standardized test was readministered. RESULTS In phase I, a total of 80 health professionals underwent standardized training and testing. The mean +/- SD pretest score was 15.6 +/- 4.2, 95% CI = 14. 7 to 16.5 (65% of a maximum score of 24), and the mean +/- SD posttest score was 20.2 +/- 1.6, 95% CI = 19.8 to 20.6 (84%) (p < 0. 05). In phase II, a total of 1,138 examinations were performed by 18 PGY2 houseofficers. Sensitivity was 92.4% (95% CI = 89% to 95%), specificity was 96.1% (95% CI = 94% to 98%), and overall accuracy was 94.6% (95% CI = 93% to 96%). The follow-up ultrasound written test showed continued good performance (20.7 +/- 1.2, 95% CI = 20.0 to 21.4). CONCLUSIONS Emergency physicians can be taught focused ultrasonography with a high degree of accuracy, and a 16-hour course serves as a good introductory foundation.
Lineage tracing reveals the dynamic contribution of Hes1+ cells to the developing and adult pancreas

Notch signaling regulates numerous developmental processes, often acting either to promote one cell fate over another or else to inhibit differentiation altogether. In the embryonic pancreas, Notch and its target gene Hes1 are thought to inhibit endocrine and exocrine specification. Although differentiated cells appear to downregulate Hes1, it is unknown whether Hes1 expression marks multipotent progenitors, or else lineage-restricted precursors. Moreover, although rare cells of the adult pancreas express Hes1, it is unknown whether these represent a specialized progenitor-like population. To address these issues, we developed a mouse Hes1CreERT2 knock-in allele to inducibly mark Hes1+ cells and their descendants. We find that Hes1 expression in the early embryonic pancreas identifies multipotent, Notch-responsive progenitors, differentiation of which is blocked by activated Notch. In later embryogenesis, Hes1 marks exocrine-restricted progenitors, in which activated Notch promotes ductal differentiation. In the adult pancreas, Hes1 expression persists in rare differentiated cells, particularly terminal duct or centroacinar cells. Although we find that Hes1+ cells in the resting or injured pancreas do not behave as adult stem cells for insulin-producing beta (β)-cells, Hes1 expression does identify stem cells throughout the small and large intestine. Together, these studies clarify the roles of Notch and Hes1 in the developing and adult pancreas, and open new avenues to study Notch signaling in this and other tissues.
The orb-web: an energetic and behavioural estimator of a spider's dynamic foraging and reproductive strategies

Abstract Abstract. This field study analyses reasons behind the changing, nightly web dimensions of the orb-weaving spider Larinioides cornutus (Araneidae), thereby providing insight into this species' dynamic foraging strategies. The investigation contrasts with earlier studies which have generally assumed web parameters of individuals to remain constant, constrained by species-specific design patterns. Three web dimensions, area of the catching spiral, total thread length, and mean mesh size, were measured for webs built before and after experimentally supplemented prey consumption and egg production. Nightly variations in web dimensions suggest that hungry spiders invest more effort into foraging, while sated spiders re-allocate energy from continued foraging to egg production. These data demonstrate that the foraging plasticity of individual orb-weavers is greater than previously presumed. More generally, the data lend support to a seldom-tested tenet of optimal foraging theory: the direct relationship between foraging success and enhanced reproductive fitness.
The operative slip systems and strain hardening behaviour of β′-AgMg single crystals

The operative slip systems, and the strain hardening behaviour in tension of single crystals of β′-AgMg (CsCl structure) has been investigated in the temperature range from 25 to 298 °K; a few compressive experiments are also reported. It is shown that β′-AgMg crystals deform by slip on the {112} 〈111〉, {110} 〈111〉, {123} 〈111〉, {120} 〈001〉, and {110} 〈001〉 systems. The activation of dislocations of b = 〈111〉 and 〈001〉 depends on the crystal orientation, sense of the applied stress, and temperature. Comparison of the observed slip with those predicted from anisotropic elasticity theory suggests that factors other than dislocation energy and mobility must be considered in predicting the slip systems. The ordering energy and the separation width of a/2 〈111〉 partials and the asymmetry of the Peierls stress on {112} planes appear to play an important role. Crystals which exhibit a linear hardening region (stage II) of relatively low rate of strain hardening slip by the movement of dislocations of b = 〈111〉, while those exhibiting high rate of strain hardening slip by the movement of dislocations of b = 〈001〉 which do not disorder the lattice. Das wirkende Gleitsystem und das Druck–Verfestigungs-Verhalten von β′-AgMg (CsCl Struktur)-Einkristallen unter Spannung wurde im Temperaturbereich zwischen 25 und 298 °K untersucht. Zusatzlich wird uber einige Kompressions-Experimente an diesen Einkristallen berichtet. Es zeigt sich, das β′-AgMg-Kristalle sich durch Verschieben der {112} 〈111〉, {110} 〈111〉, {123} 〈111〉, {120} 〈001〉, und {110} 〈001〉 Systeme deformieren. Die Aktivierung der Versetzung b = 〈111〉 und 〈001〉 hangt von der Kristallorientierung, der Spannungsrichtung und der Temperatur ab. Vergleiche zwischen den experimentell beobachteten und den aus der anisotropen Elastizitatstheorie abgeleiteten Versetzungen lassen vermuten, das zusatzliche Faktoren zu der Versetzungsenergie und der Beweglichkeit in Betracht gezogen werden mussen, um die Verschiebung zu erklaren. Die Anordnungsenergie und die Trennungsbreite von a/2 〈111〉 Teilen und die Asymmetrie des Peierlsdrucks in der {112}-Ebene scheinen eine wichtige Rolle zu spielen. Kristalle mit einem linearem Hartebereich (Stufe II) mit relativ niedrigem Druckhartungsanteil gleiten beim Versetzen der Verschiebung mit b = 〈111〉, wahrend die mit hohem Druckhartungsanteil mit b = 〈001〉 gleiten, was nicht zu einer Gitterstorung fuhrt.
Liver cancer: Primary and metastatic disease

ANCER of the liver, whether primary or metastatic, profoundly affects an individual’s quality of life and survival. The disease is rarely detected early, it proliferates rapidly, and is associated with a 5-year survival rate of 3% overall, and 10% for resectable disease.‘,2 Primary and metastatic liver cancers differ biologically. The disease characteristics of each are discussed within this paper. The nursing management of the patient’s response to illness and treatment modalities is similar for both primary and metastatic disease. The nurse’s role centers on the patient’s level of knowledge during diagnostic and treatment phases, alterations in nutrition, coping, comfort, and protective mechanisms, as well as direct delivery of highly technical therapies.
Biomarkers and diagnostics in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) biomarkers have dramatically impacted the way HF patients are evaluated and managed. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are the gold standard biomarkers in determining the diagnosis and prognosis of HF, and studies on natriuretic peptide-guided HF management look promising. An array of additional biomarkers has emerged, each reflecting different pathophysiological processes in the development and progression of HF: myocardial insult, inflammation and remodeling. Novel biomarkers, such as mid-regional pro atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), mid-regional pro adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), highly sensitive troponins, soluble ST2 (sST2), growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 and Galectin-3, show potential in determining prognosis beyond the established natriuretic peptides, but their role in the clinical care of the patient is still partially defined and more studies are needed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heart failure pathogenesis and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Visibility of microcalcifications in CCD-based cone beam CT: A preliminary study

In this work, we investigated the visibility of microcalcifications in CCD-based cone beam CT (CBCT) breast imaging. A paraffin cylinder with a diameter of 135 mm and a thickness of 40 mm was used to simulate a 100% adipose breast. Calcium carbonate grains, ranging from 140-150 to 200-212 μm in size, were used to simulate the microcalcifications. Groups of 25 same size microcalcifications were arranged into 5 × 5 clusters. Each cluster was embedded at the center of a smaller (15 mm diameter) cylindrical paraffin phantom, which were inserted into a hole at the center of the breast phantom. The breast phantom with the simulated microcalcifications was scanned on a bench top experimental CCDbased cone beam CT system at various exposure levels with two CCD cameras: Hamamatsu's C4742-56-12ER and Dalsa 99-66-0000-00. 300 projection images were acquired over 360° and reconstructed with Feldkamp's backprojection algorithm using a ramp filter. The images were reviewed by 6 readers independently. The ratios of visible microcalcifications were recorded and averaged over all readers. These ratios were plotted as the function of measured image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for various scans. It was found that 94% visibility was achieved for 200-212 μm calcifications at an SNR of 48.2 while 50% visibility was achieved for 200-212, 180-200, 160-180, 150-160 and 140-150 μm calcifications at an SNR of 25.0, 35.3, 38.2, 42.2 and 64.4, respectively.
Nicholas of Cusa: A Sketch for a Biography – By Erich Meuthen

During the past fifty years, Nicholas of Cusa has emerged as one of the seminal figures of the late Middle Ages, notable not only for his profound and innovative writing on philosophy, theology, an...
Design of MOS networks in single-rail input logic for incompletely specified functions

If a logic gate in a logic network of MOS transistors expresses a negative function, which is a logic function that can be expressed as the complement of a disjunctive form of only noncomplemented variables, it is called a negative gate. An algorithm, DIMN, for the design of a MOS logic network with a minimum number of negative gates and irredundant connections among negative gates for a completely specified function was published by the authors in 1985. DIMN is extended here to the case of an incompletely specified function, and an example is given. >
Electrochemical treatment of mixed and hazardous waste

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and The University of New Mexico are jointly developing an electrochemical process for treating hazardous and radioactive wastes. The wastes treatable by the process include toxic metal solutions, cyanide solutions, and various organic wastes that may contain chlorinated organic compounds. The main component of the process is a stack of electrolytic cells with peripheral equipment such as a rectifier, feed system, tanks with feed and treated solutions, and a gas-venting system. During the treatment, toxic metals are deposited on the cathode, cyanides are oxidized on the anode, and organic compounds are anodically oxidized by direct or mediated electrooxidation, depending on their type. Bench scale experimental studies have confirmed the feasibility of applying electrochemical systems to processing of a great variety of hazardous and mixed wastes. The operating parameters have been defined for different waste compositions using surrogate wastes. Mixed wastes are currently treated at bench scale as part of the treatability study.
Microwave filter design using radial line stubs

The design of microwave filters using radial line stubs as reactive elements is investigated. To reduce the design complexity, a simplified model for radial line stub reactance versus frequency is first developed. This allows for an easy transition from the lowpass prototype to the desired planar circuit elements. The frequency-response characteristic of specific radial line stub filter is compared to ideal lumped-element equivalents, and also planar circuit realizations using more traditional straight transmission line elements. >
Gene Switching and the Stability of Odorant Receptor Gene Choice

Abstract Individual olfactory sensory neurons express only a single odorant receptor from a large family of genes, and this singularity is an essential feature in models of olfactory perception. We have devised a genetic strategy to examine the stability of receptor choice. We observe that immature olfactory sensory neurons that express a given odorant receptor can switch receptor expression, albeit at low frequency. Neurons that express a mutant receptor gene switch receptor transcription with significantly greater probability, suggesting that the expression of a functional odorant receptor elicits a feedback signal that terminates switching (Lewcock and Reed, 2004; Serizawa et al., 2003). This process of receptor gene switching assures that a neuron will ultimately express a functional receptor and that the choice of this receptor will remain stable for the life of the cell.
Transnational Entrepreneurs' Venture Internationalization Strategies: A Practice Theory Approach

How do entrepreneurs working across multiple countries leverage individual experiences and institutional environments to pursue international markets? This research utilizes Bourdieu's theory of pr...
Bacteroid formation in the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis

During the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis, bacteria enter the cells of host plants and differentiate into nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. Recent mutant screens and expression studies have revealed bacterial genes involved in the developmental pathway and demonstrate how the genetic requirements can vary from one host-microbe system to another. Whether bacteroids are terminally differentiated cells is an ongoing debate and new experimental systems are required to address this issue.
Waveform-agile sensing: opportunities and challenges

Continuing advances in device technologies are producing active sources that are increasingly agile in their waveform transmission capabilities. Additionally, modern receivers are generally designed to support adaptive processing. This combination presents rich opportunities for new sensing methodologies that exploit the agility of both transmitter and receiver to yield improved performance in such applications as detection, classification, and tracking. The paper outlines some of these opportunities and sketches some challenges entailed in realizing these opportunities and approaches being brought to bear on these challenges.
Analytical solution to the constant modulus factorization problem

Iterative constant modulus algorithms have been used to blindly separate and retrieve interfering constant modulus signals impinging on an antenna array. These algorithms have several well-known but basically unsolved deficiencies. In this paper, we present an algorithm to analytically compute the solution to the underlying constant modulus (CRI) factorization problem. With this new approach, if is possible to detect the number of CM signals present in the channel, and to retrieve all of them exactly, rejecting other, non-CM signals. Only a modest amount of samples are required. The algorithm is robust in the presence of noise, and is tested on real data, collected from an experimental set-up. >
Control of disseminated intravascular coagulation in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome using enoxaparin and recombinant activated factor VIIa: a case report

Introduction: Vascular malformation is associated with coagulopathies, especially when hemostasis is challenged. Case presentation: We present the case of an 11-year-old Hispanic girl with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome that developed disseminated intravascular coagulation after minor surgery, which was controlled by blood product transfusions and enoxaparin to address an ongoing consumptive coagulopathy. The patient, however, developed bacteremia and liver trauma that resulted in severe bleeding. To the best of our knowledge, we report here the first known instance of administering recombinant coagulation factor VIIa to control acute bleeding in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. Conclusions: This case illustrates the concept of enoxaparin maintenance to suppress an ongoing consumptive coagulopathy and the use of recombinant coagulation factor VIIa to control its potentially fatal severe bleeding episodes.