cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Pattern Recognition Using Gaussian Copula

Statistical pattern recognition has attracted great interest due to its applicability and to the advances in technology and computing. Significant research has been done in areas such as automatic character recognition, medical diagnostics, and data mining. The classical discrimination rule for pattern recognition assumes normality. However, in real life this assumption is often questionable. In some situations, the pattern vector is a mixture of discrete and continuous random variables. In this article, we use copula densities to model class conditional distribution for pattern recognition with Bayes’ decision rule. These types of densities are useful when the marginal densities of a pattern vector are not normally distributed. Those models are also useful for mixed pattern vectors. We also did simulations to compare the performance of the copula-based classifier with classical normal distribution based model and the independent-assumption-based model.
Identification of retention levers using a survey of engineering freshman attitudes at Oregon State University

Student retention is an ongoing issue for most engineering programmes in the United States. Although engineering continues to be regarded as a promising profession, many students beginning in an engineering programme will not successfully complete their engineering studies. In an attempt to understand student perceptions of issues that relate to retention, a research project was undertaken at Oregon State University. The current paper provides a description of a survey that was developed to help decision makers understand student concerns related to retention. The development of the survey is described along with previous research supporting the survey construction. Analyses of data from the initial administration of the survey are provided to illustrate how the survey can be used to develop programme-level recommendations.
The effect of exogenous melatonin administration on gonadotropin and prolactin patterns in ovariectomized estradiol-treated heifers exposed to increasing photoperiod

Abstract Eight nulliparous Angus and Angus crossbred heifers, which had been ovariectomized and treated with estradiol-17β (E 2 ) S.Q. implants for 6 months, were used to determine the effects of exogenous melatonin on serum gonadotropin and prolactin concentrations. Melatonin (15 mg) or corn oil (vehicle) was administered as a single i.m. injection at 1600 h daily for 12 weeks (March 19 to June 4, 1982). Blood samples taken weekly via jugular venipuncture at approximately 1100 h were assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and E 2 . At 4-week intervals, animals were fitted with indwelling jugular cannulae at 1100 h and samples were taken for 4 h at 15-min intervals. These samples were used to estimate pulsatile patterns of LH, FSH and prolactin. On the day of the first 15-min sampling, additional blood samples were collected at 30 min intervals from 1500 to 2200 h to determine the acute effect of melatonin injection on concentrations of LH, FSH and prolactin. Melatonin did not affect concentrations of FSH collected at weekly intervals (P=0.03) but tended to inhibit the decrease in concentrations of LH seen in the heifers treated with vehicle (P=0.12). There was a melatonin × time interaction for FSH (P=0.04) and a tendency for this interaction for LH (P=0.11). Circulating concentrations of prolactin were not different between treatment groups (P=0.83) nor was there a melatonin × time interaction (P=0.03). Estradiol was higher in the melatonin treated group (P=0.03) (15.58 ± 4.17 versus 8.25 ± 1.25 pg/ml) (X ± SEM) and the melatonin × time interaction was significant (P=0.001). There was a tendency for a melatonin × time interaction for FSH pulse frequency (P=0.10). Prolactin pulse duration tended to decrease in response to melatonin treatment (P=0.14) (15.92 ± 9.29 versus 11.04 ± 4.57 min). These data do not support the hypothesis that melatonin decreases prolactin concentrations in cattle and indicates that other factors must mediate photoperiod regulation of this hormone. However, the interpretation of these data is less clear concerning the hypothesis that melatonin may maintain elevated concentrations of gonadotropins in the presence of increasing photoperiod. Concentrations of FSH appeared to be more affected by melatonin than LH; consistent with previous observations that FSH may be more affected than LH by changes in photoperiod (2). But neither LH or FSH concentrations were clearly shown to be consistantly elevated in the melatonin treatment group.
Scheduling Problems With Generalized Due Dates

Abstract We define a new class of scheduling problems, for which due dates are specified in terms of the position in which a job appears in an ordered sequence, rather than by that job's identity. This problem class appears rich both in applications and in theoretical issues. For many traditional scheduling problems there exists an equivalent problem within the new class. We examine the algorithmic complexity of several of these problems, and attempt to provide an efficient solution technique, or alternatively to demonstrate that such a technique is highly unlikely to exist. In two cases, the complexity of the problem being discussed remains open.
Functional Disability, Cognitive Impairment, and Depression After Hospitalization for Pneumonia

Abstract Objective The study objective was to examine whether hospitalization for pneumonia is associated with functional decline, cognitive impairment, and depression, and to compare this impairment with that seen after known disabling conditions, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Methods We used data from a prospective cohort of 1434 adults aged more than 50 years who survived 1711 hospitalizations for pneumonia, myocardial infarction, or stroke drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2010). Main outcome measures included the number of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living requiring assistance and the presence of cognitive impairment and substantial depressive symptoms. Results Hospitalization for pneumonia was associated with 1.01 new impairments in Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.32) among patients without baseline functional impairment and 0.99 new impairments in Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (95% CI, 0.57-1.41) among those with mild-to-moderate baseline limitations, as well as moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.60-3.79) and substantial depressive symptoms (odds ratio, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06-2.51). Patients without baseline functional impairment who survived pneumonia hospitalization had more subsequent impairments in Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living than those who survived myocardial infarction hospitalization. There were no significant differences in subsequent moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment or substantial depressive symptoms between patients who survived myocardial infarction or stroke and those who survived pneumonia. Conclusions Hospitalization for pneumonia in older adults is associated with subsequent functional and cognitive impairment. Improved pneumonia prevention and interventions to ameliorate adverse sequelae during and after hospitalization may improve outcomes.
Virtual Mission Systems for Multi-Disciplinary Engineering System Design

To ensure the science return while minimizing the cost and risk of a mission, a lifecycle-wide concurrent engineering design process must be established.
Soybean peptide lunasin suppresses in vitro and in vivo 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced tumorigenesis.

: Lunasin is a novel peptide identified in soybean and other seeds. This study evaluated the anti-tumorigenic effects of lunasin on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 3-methylcholanthrene-treated (MCA) fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. Lunasin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cancerous foci formation in these 2 chemical carcinogens-treated cells. An in vivo SENCAR mouse model induced with DMBA was used to study the mammary cancer preventive properties of dietary lunasin contained in soy protein. Tumor incidence was 67% and 50%, and the tumor generation was 1.88 ± 0.48 and 1.17 ± 0.17, respectively, for the mice fed control diet and experimental diet obtained after AIN-93G supplementation with lunasin-enriched soy protein concentrate (containing 0.23% lunasin). However, no effects were observed in mice fed AIN-93G supplemented with soy protein concentrate (containing 0.15% lunasin). The data provided illustrate the anticancer potential of lunasin both in vitro and in vivo and supports the recommendation of soy protein as a dietary component that may aid in the prevention of mammary cancer. Practical Application: Daily intake of lunasin-enriched soy protein is introduced as a promising strategy to prevent chemical carcinogens-induced mammary tumors.
Comparison of circadian susceptibility to LiCl-induced taste aversion learning between preweanling and adult rats

Abstract Preweaning rats (18 days old) exhibited a definite circadian susceptibility to a LiCl-induced conditioned taste aversion with maximal susceptibility at the time just preceding light offset. Using the same procedure adults conditioned more readily during the light than the dark but appeared to be equally susceptible at all points examined in their light phase. Similiar dose-response conditioning curves were generated at each time of testing for both ages suggesting that the subjects' perceived intensity of LiCl's effects was not rhythmically altered.
From coin cells to 400 mAh pouch cells: Enhancing performance of high-capacity lithium-ion cells via modifications in electrode constitution and fabrication

Abstract In this article we describe efforts to improve performance and cycle life of cells containing Li1.2Ni0.15Mn0.55Co0.1O2-based positive and graphite-based negative electrodes. Initial work to identify high-performing materials, compositions, fabrication variables, and cycling conditions is conducted in coin cells. The resulting information is then used for the preparation of double-sided electrodes, assembly of pouch cells, and electrochemical testing. We report the cycling performance of cells with electrodes prepared under various conditions. Our data indicate that cells with positive electrodes containing 92 wt.% Li1.2Ni0.15Mn0.55Co0.1O2, 4 wt.% carbons (no graphite), and 4 wt.% PVdF (92–4–4) show ∼20% capacity fade after 1000 cycles in the 2.5–4.4 V range, significantly better than our baseline cells that show the same fade after only 450 cycles. Our analyses indicate that the major contributors to cell energy fade are capacity loss and impedance rise. Therefore incorporating approaches that minimize capacity fade and impedance rise, such as electrode coatings and electrolyte additives, can significantly enhance calendar and cycle life of this promising cell chemistry.
Regulation of immature cartilage growth by IGF-I, TGF-β1, BMP-7, and PDGF-AB: role of metabolic balance between fixed charge and collagen network

Cartilage growth may involve alterations in the balance between the swelling tendency of proteoglycans and the restraining function of the collagen network. Growth factors, including IGF-I, TGF-β1, BMP-7, and PDGF-AB, regulate chondrocyte metabolism and, consequently, may regulate cartilage growth. Immature bovine articular cartilage explants from the superficial and middle zones were incubated for 13 days in basal medium or medium supplemented with serum, IGF-I, TGF-β1, BMP-7, or PDGF-AB. Variations in tissue size, accumulation of proteoglycan and collagen, and tensile properties were assessed. The inclusion of serum, IGF-I, or BMP-7 resulted in expansive tissue growth, stimulation of proteoglycan deposition but not of collagen, and a diminution of tensile integrity. The regulation of cartilage metabolism by TGF-β1 resulted in tissue homeostasis, with maintenance of size, composition, and function. Incubation in basal medium or with PDGF-AB resulted in small volumetric and compositional changes, but a marked decrease in tensile integrity. These results demonstrate that the phenotype of cartilage growth, and the associated balance between proteoglycan content and integrity of the collagen network, is regulated differentially by certain growth factors.
From Monopoly to Intellectual Property: Music Piracy and the Remaking of American Copyright, 1909–1971

In the last decade, intellectual property has been the subject of renewed political debate and scholarly engagement in the United States. Americans have divided over issues ranging from online piracy of music to the digitization of books by Google, while movements such as Copyleft and Creative Commons have emerged to challenge what they see as overly restrictive property rights. !e commotion around copyright reflects a real change in the way visual or audio cultural goods have been produced and enjoyed in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As technologies such as magnetic recording and the Internet made it easier to copy and distribute works, lawmakers responded by strengthening the power of copyright and expanding its scope to cover new kinds of expression.1 But copyright reform was more than a reaction to changing technologies. Lawmakers had to weigh competing definitions of the public good and ideas about the purpose of copyright to determine how citizens should be permitted to use cultural works. Music offers a key barometer of changing attitudes toward property rights, as song and sound have sparked legal wrangling from the days of the wax cylinder to the era of the mixtape. Americans have argued for decades over how—and whether—sound recordings could and should be protected by copyright. !e passage of the 1971 Sound Recording Act opened the way to a series of wide-ranging reforms: Congress lengthened copyright terms in 1976 and 1998, banned the rental of sound recordings in 1984, and criminalized efforts to circumvent antipiracy mechanisms on media such as compact discs; in 2001 the Supreme Court ruled against networks that permitted the exchange of digitally compressed audio files without the permission of copyright owners. Such laws and rulings reflect a broad consensus that federal protection for recordings is not only appropriate but also essential to the health of the U.S. economy. !is article examines how such a consensus emerged in the twentieth-century United States, as the pleas of business for greater protection eclipsed traditional concerns about the monopoly power of copyright. It uses the story of music piracy to trace the arc of American political thought about copyright, showing how jurists and lawmakers gradually accepted a new rationale for property
Generation of chemical potentials by analysis of phase diagrams, part I

Abstract A method is presented for the determination of the thermodynamic properties of alloys without recourse to either tedious experimentation or a theoretical model. requiring only the phase equilibria data of the system plus the melting temperatures, entropies, and heat capacities of the pure components. The method involves a series expansion of a function of the chemical potential in both composition and temperature. A specific system, the AgAu phase diagram, is treated, and the resukts for various orders of the expansion are compared with the experimental thermodynamic data. Remarkable agreement is shown in all cases.
Stock-market impact of the International Cricket Council's decision to reallocate 2011 World Cup matches

This paper analyses stock-market reactions in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh after Pakistan was stripped of hosting duties for the 2011 Cricket World Cup matches. It advances the literature by providing an analysis of a unique situation where a country was stripped of the right to host matches of a major sporting event. Pakistan's matches were redistributed among fellow host countries India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Analysing both regular and abnormal returns, I find an overall positive stock-market reaction in all these countries, albeit due to different reasons. There are negative reputational effects for Pakistan and positive reputational effects for India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Further, the returns are negatively correlated with the number of matches awarded. The results suggest positive reputation effects associated with hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup matches, but a negative marginal impact of each additional match hosted.
Decontamination of aflatoxin B1-contaminated corn by ammonium persulphate during fermentation

The decontamination of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 )-contaminated corn, which is required if the corn is to be suitable for alternative use, by an ammoniation-fermentation integrated process was studied. This process could be used for the production of fuel ethanol from aflatoxin-containing corn. Different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 1.5 and 2.0% w/w) of ammonium persulphate were tested in the detoxification of AFB 1 -contaminated corn during fermentation. In order to increase the decontamination of corn, 0.5 and 1.0% (w/w) azodicarbonamide, benzoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide were tested. Peroxides were added at three different stages of the fermentation process: liquefaction, saccharification and fermentation. Levels of AFB 1 and ethanol were determined after each fermentation process. Treated corn was tested for mutagenic potential using the Ames test with TA100 tester strain and pure AFB 1 as positive control. Addition of 2.0% (wlw) ammonium persulphate caused the highest level of decontamination without affecting ethanol production. Addition of peroxides did not significantly (P Pour reduire les couts de production d'ethanol combustible, cette etude evalue la decontamination de mais contamine par des aflatoxines avec du persulfate d'ammonium pendant le procede de fermentation et les effets de 3 peroxydes sur la production d'ethanol et les teneurs en aflatoxines B 1 . L'addition de 2% (poids/poids) de persulfate d'ammonium seul ou de 1% de persulfate et 0,5% de peroxyde benzoyl permettent la plus forte decontamination sans affecter la production d'ethanol.
Effects of Altered Levels of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase and Irradiation on Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Female Mice

Purpose Altered levels of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) and cranial irradiation have been shown to affect hippocampal neurogenesis. However, previous studies were only conducted in male mice, and it was not clear if there was a difference between males and females. Therefore, female mice were studied and the results compared with those generated in male mice from an earlier study. Methods and Materials Female wild-type, EC-SOD-null (KO), and EC-SOD bigenic mice with neuronal-specific expression of EC-SOD (OE) were subjected to a single dose of 5-Gy gamma rays to the head at 8 weeks of age. Progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and long-term survival of newborn neurons were determined. Results Similar to results from male mice, EC-SOD deficiency and irradiation both resulted in significant reductions in mature newborn neurons in female mice. EC-SOD deficiency reduced long-term survival of newborn neurons whereas irradiation reduced progenitor cell proliferation. Overexpression of EC-SOD corrected the negative impacts from EC-SOD deficiency and irradiation and normalized the production of newborn neurons in OE mice. Expression of neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 were significantly reduced by irradiation in wild-type mice, but the levels were not changed in KO and OE mice even though both cohorts started out with a lower baseline level. Conclusion In terms of hippocampal neurogenesis, EC-SOD deficiency and irradiation have the same overall effects in males and females at the age the studies were conducted.
N-Substituted 9β-Methyl-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)morphans Are Opioid Receptor Pure Antagonists

The inhibition of radioligand binding and [35S]GTPgammaS functional assay data for N-methyl- and N-phenethyl-9beta-methyl-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)morphans (5b and 5c) show that these compounds are pure antagonists at the micro, delta, and kappa opioid receptors. Since 5b and 5c have the 5-(3-hydroxyphenyl) group locked in a conformation comparable to an equatorial group of a piperidine chair conformation, this information provides very strong evidence that opioid antagonists can interact with opioid receptors in this conformation. In addition, it suggests that the trans-3, 4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine class of antagonist operates via a phenyl equatorial piperidine chair conformation. Importantly, the close relationship between the 4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidines and 5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)morphan antagonists shows that the latter class of compound provides a rigid platform on which to build a novel series of opioid antagonists.
Emergency medicine and injury prevention: meeting at the intersection

Abstract Emergency medicine (EM) physicians need little convincing that injury prevention is a public health priority. Clinical experience alone creates a clear appreciation for the impact that injuries have on children and their families. The role of the EM physician is evolving from primary responsibility for the acute care of injuries to a more expanded prevention role including education, research and advocacy. Many emergency department (ED)-based injury prevention projects have been developed and individual EM physicians have emerged as leaders in the field of injury prevention. However, challenges remain. Development of effective interventions which can realistically be implemented in a busy ED are lacking. Expansion of the role of the emergency health care provider outside the hospital, in the community, has great potential for success. The goal of this paper is to discuss the current status of primary injury prevention within emergency medicine, barriers that exist and areas of opportunity.
GONADAL FUNCTION AFTER BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION (BMT) FOR ACUTE LEUKEMIA: THE IMPACT OF HYPERFRACTIONATED TOTAL BODY IRRADIATION (TBI) BEFORE PUBERTY

There is only limited information on gonadal function after bone marrow transplant (BMT) during childhood. The existing data is based primarily on the use of single dose or fractionated total body irradiation (TBI). In the present study, we evaluated gonadal function in 33 patients (18 females, 15 males with ALL, n = 18 and AML, n=15), treated with hyperlractionaled TBI before puberty. Median age at diagnosis was 4.8 years (0.4-11.2 yrs), median age at BMT was 7.3 years (3.8-11.5 yrs) and median age at last evaluation of gonadal function was 17.1 years (9.3-22 yrs). Transplant cytoreduction consisted of hyperfractionated TBI (125 cGy TID for total dose of 1375 to 1500 cGy) and 120 mg/kg of Cytoxan; male patients received an additional 400 cGy testicular boost. Fifteen of 33 patients had received cranial irradiation as part of previous treatment of their underlying disease (1000-2400 cGy) but none of the males had received testicular irradiation. Five of 15 boys had elevated baseline LH, 9 of 15 had elevated baseline FSH, and 2 of 15 had elevated LH and low testosterone requiring testosterone treatment to complete pubertal development. Fourteen of 18 females had elevated baseline levels of LH and/or FSH; nevertheless, 8 females experienced spontaneous menarche at a mean age of 12.7 years (9.4-15.8 yrs). All 8 patients including 4 with elevated LH/FSH have regular menses. One female presented with precocious puberty. Eight of 18 females have required hormone replacement therapy. In conclusion, our data suggests hyperfractionated TBI results in preservation of Leydig cell function in males, while the incidence of germ cell dysfunction in males and ovarian failure in females appears to be similar to that reported after single dose or fractionated TBI.
Error saturation in Gaussian radial basis functions on a finite interval

Radial basis function (RBF) interpolation is a ''meshless'' strategy with great promise for adaptive approximation. One restriction is ''error saturation'' which occurs for many types of RBFs including Gaussian RBFs of the form @f(x;@a,h)=exp([email protected]^2(x/h)^2): in the limit h->0 for fixed @a, the error does not converge to zero, but rather to E"S(@a). Previous studies have theoretically determined the saturation error for Gaussian RBF on an infinite, uniform interval and for the same with a single point omitted. (The gap enormously increases E"S(@a).) We show experimentally that the saturation error on the unit interval, [email protected]?[-1,1], is about 0.06exp(-0.47/@a^2)@[email protected]?"~ - huge compared to the O([email protected]/@a^2)exp([email protected]^2/[[email protected]^2]) saturation error for a grid with one point omitted. We show that the reason the saturation is so large on a finite interval is that it is equivalent to an infinite grid which is uniform except for a gap of many points. The saturation error can be avoided by choosing @[email protected]?1, the ''flat limit'', but the condition number of the interpolation matrix explodes as O(exp(@p^2/[[email protected]^2])). The best strategy is to choose the largest @a which yields an acceptably small saturation error: If the user chooses an error tolerance @d, then @a"o"p"t"i"m"u"m(@d)=1/-2log(@d/0.06).
Hydrocarbon formation in the pyrolytic decomposition of methacrylate copolymers

A series of methyl methacrylate (MMA)–methacrylic acid (MAA) copolymers containing up to 50% methacrylic acid and the respective homopolymers were reproducibly pyrolyzed at 900°C and the fragments identified by gas chromatography (GC) or GC–mass spectroscopy. It was shown that PMMA and the MMA portions of blocky or random copolymers yielded 99% MMA, while a large portion (50–60%) of the MAA broke down to give a wide variety of hydrocarbons via decarboxylation and/or anhydride formation. Both unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as the minor products of the MMA decomposition, support free-radical processes for these decompositions. It was also shown that the copolymers readily complex oxygenated solvents (which did not affect decomposition) and metal ions (which markedly affected the products).
Irreversible behavior of interacting systems. II. Fluctuations in equilibrium

The mathematical techniques of the previous paper are used to calculate the fluctuations of the order parameter for large, finite Kac ring models and their subsystems. It is shown that the fluctuations have a characteristic frequency even in the thermodynamic limit. This indicates that a prepared state far from equilibrium does not behave like a large fluctuation. A simplified version of the Fourier spectrum of the fluctuations is also presented which contains all the general features of finite Kac models and is more amenable to analysis.
Neural correlates of emotion regulation in psychopathology

What can psychopathology and its treatment tell us about cognitive emotional interactions? Standard approaches to interactions between emotion and cognition often adopt a variant of the idea that cognitive processes, subserved by dorsal and lateral cortical circuits, exert control and regulation of ventral, limbic brain areas associated with emotional expression and experience. However, it is becoming clear from studies on depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), that a binary, opponent theory of cognitive emotion interaction (CEI) and the dorsal-ventral model of neurocircuitry do not fully describe the data. We summarize recent research to suggest that networks of direct and indirect pathways exist by which cognition can regulate pathological emotion, and the inter-relationships of specific nodes within the networks need to be characterized.
The overshoot phenomenon in step-and-shoot IMRT delivery.

The control loop in the Varian DMLC system (V4.8) requires 65 msec to monitor and halt the irradiation of a segment, causing an overshoot effect: the segment ends on a fractional monitor unit larger than that planned. As a result, the actual MU delivered may differ from that planned. In general, for step-and-shoot treatments, the first segment receives more, the last receives less, and intermediate segments vary. The overshoot for each segment (MU) is small, approximately 0.6 MU at 600 MU/min. Our IMRT planning system (Corvus) produces plans often having more than 20 of the segments with less than 1 MU/segment. Such segments may be skipped if the MU exceeds the segments planned MU. Furthermore, QA filming often requires reducing the total MU by a factor of 46, increasing the potential for dosimetric error. This study measured MU over a range of MU/min and MU/segment. At >5 MU/segment, the MU was stable, corresponding to a delay of 62 msec. MU became larger and more variable at <1 MU/segment. The behavior was modeled in a computer program that predicted the change in delivered MU/segment and total change in delivered MU to each beamlet. Beams were analyzed for patients receiving 5 field prostate or 9 field head and neck treatments. At 400 MU/min, 28 and 16, respectively, of the planned segments were skipped. For QA filming, up to 75 of the segments were skipped. The cumulative error averaged <0.1 MU/beamlet, but individual beamlets had errors exceeding 200. The effect is most significant for low dose regions. Recommendations are given for deciding when to treat or do QA studies with lower MU/min. In general, treatments are not significantly affected, but QA films taken at reduced MU may be improved if irradiated at lowered MU/min. 2001 American College of Medical Physics.
Luck, opportunity and disability

This paper argues that luck egalitarianism, especially in the guise of equality of opportunity for welfare, is in tension with the ideal of fair equality of opportunity in three ways. First, equal opportunity for welfare is compatible with a caste system in employment that is inconsistent with open competition for positions. Second, luck egalitarianism does not support hiring on the basis of qualifications. Third, amending luck egalitarianism to repair this problem requires abandoning fair access to qualifications. Insofar as luck egalitarianism cannot support fair equality of opportunity, it cannot do justice to the claims of the disabled. Indeed, in the absence of fair equality of opportunity, disabled people are likely to be marginalized.
Displacement-length scaling and fault linkage

Abstract Large fault systems often result from the linkage of smaller faults. This produces an increase in fault length, but a deviation from the simple displacement pattern observed for individual faults. Here we examine the displacement distribution along a ~7 km long normal fault system composed of overlapping segments, and numerous small splays and non-intersecting subparallel faults. The absence of appreciable sedimentation or erosion associated with this young (
Ototoxicity of carboplatin delivered locally in a monkey brainstem.

Ototoxicity is a common side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy. Intratumoral drug delivery theoretically could reduce the ototoxic effects of systemic drug infusions. However, local delivery to central nervous system (CNS) tumors might promote ototoxicity through drug release into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This report describes an examination of the cytoarchitecture of vestibular cells of cynomolgus monkeys that had chronic brainstem infusions with the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of carboplatin. The brainstems of adult monkeys were infused for 30 days at 0.42 μl/h with 0.025 to 0.25 mg/kg (MTD) of carboplatin. The vestibular sensory epithelia of eight drug-treated animals were isolated for microscopic examination of vestibular hair cells and support cells. Local infusions produced chronic elevated CSF levels of platinum, neurological symptoms, and radiographic evidence of pontine injury. Histology revealed significant cell damage at the infusion sites. Microscopic examinations of vestibular support ...
System-on-Chip based Doppler radar occupancy sensor

System-on-Chip (SoC) based Doppler radar occupancy sensor is developed through non contact detection of respiratory signals. The radio was developed using off the shelf low power RF CC2530 SoC chip by Texas Instruments. In order to save power, the transmitter sends signal intermittently at 2.405 GHz. Reflected pulses are demodulated, and the baseband signals are processed to recover periodic motion. The system was tested both with mechanical target and a human subject. In both cases Doppler radar detected periodic motion closely matched the actual motion, and it has been shown that an SoC based system can be used for subject detection.
Marital dissolution by sex of the petitioner: a test of the man-child affiliative bond.

Abstract The problems in disentangling the tabula rasa explanations, as opposed to the biocultural explanations, in the understanding and prediction of human behavior are deep, real, and difficult. This study tested two conflicting sets of predictions concerning divorce patterns in the United States: a socioeconomic set and a biocultural set. The socioeconomic perspective predicts that the addition of one or more children to a marriage would increase the husband's (as compared with the wife's) motivation to petition for a divorce. The biocultural perspective posits that a man-to-child affiliative bond would add to a man's adherence to his child(ren) and, in turn, would lower his motivation (as compared with the woman's) to petition for a divorce. The biocultural perspective was supported in this study.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for persistent lower urinary tract symptoms after prior benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery.

Objective To evaluate comparative safety and outcomes in patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) with and without previous transurethral prostate surgery. Methods We identified 37 patients who underwent HoLEP for persistent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after previous transurethral prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (group I). Patients were then matched according to preoperative transrectal ultrasound prostate size to 74 patients without prior surgery who underwent HoLEP (group II). A retrospective chart review was performed. Results In group I, no patients had previously undergone HoLEP, and 9 (24%) had undergone >1 surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There were no significant differences in age, preoperative mean urinary flow, or preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value between groups I and II. There were no significant differences in perioperative parameters, including resected tissue weight (61.7 vs 63.9 grams, P = .83) or enucleation rate (1.32 vs 1.36 g/min, P = .76). There was no significant difference in mean catheterization time or length of hospital stay. Postoperative peak flow (23.4 vs 26.9 mL/sec, P = .14) and post-void residual (PVR, 50.9 vs 50.3 mL, P = .61) were improved and similar between groups. American Urological Association Symptom Indices (AUASIs) were improved in both groups, although the primary group was significantly lower (7.52 vs 5.21, P = .0060). There was no significant difference in adverse events. All patients were urinating at last follow-up (mean 18.4 and 15.1 months, P = .16). Conclusion HoLEP is safe and effective at relieving persistent LUTS after failed previous BPH surgery. Outcomes similar to those of a primary HoLEP procedure can be expected.
SOME THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF DESTINATION CHOICE AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO PRODUCTION-CONSTRAINED GRAVITY MODELS

Aspects of destination choice which concern relationships between destinations are explored in the context of a production-constrained gravity model. It is shown that, if competition exists between destinations or, alternatively, if agglomeration effects are present, the gravity model is misspecified and estimated distance-decay parameters obtained from the model are related to spatial structure.
The Effects of Sample Treatment and Diagenesis on the Isotopic Integrity of Carbonate in Biogenic Hydroxylapatite

The study of the isotopic composition of structural carbonate in fossil vertebrate hydroxylapatite has been hampered by uncertainty concerning sample treatment and arguments about the susceptibility of this material to diagenetic alteration. Our investigation of sample treatment reveals that some methods commonly used to remove organic matter and secondary minerals induce significant isotopic offsets, particularly for oxygen isotopes in bone and dentin. Treatment with dilute sodium hypochlorite, to oxidize organic matter, followed by leaching with very dilute or acetate-buffered acetic acid, to dissolve secondary mineral contaminants, is recommended. Using this protocol, we explore the isotopic fidelity of different carbon- and oxygen-bearing components from individual fossil skeletons of Holocene humans and late Pleistocene mastodons and mammoths. Enamel hydroxylapatite yields reliable results, with low within-group isotopic variability and values that match those expected from well-preserved collagen from the same individual. In contrast, isotopic values from bone and dentin hydroxylapatite are more variable within groups of samples, and many specimens do not produce isotopic values consistent with those expected from collagen or enamel from the same individual. These results suggest that bone and dentin are unreliable source materials for isotopic analysis of structural carbonate, even for relatively young, mid-Holocene to Pleistocene specimens.
Tree nuts and the lipid profile: a review of clinical studies

Tree nuts have a fatty acid profile that favourably affects blood lipids and lipoproteins. They are low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fatty acids and are rich sources of other nutrients. An extensive database consistently shows total and LDL cholesterol-lowering effects of diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in unsaturated fat provided by a variety of tree nuts. Collectively, a summary of studies conducted to date shows that tree nuts reduce LDL cholesterol by 3-19 % compared with Western and lower-fat diets. Nuts also contain many nutrients and bioactive compounds that appear to contribute to the favourable effects on lipids and lipoproteins--these include plant sterols, dietary fibre and antioxidants. Because of their unique nutrient profile, nuts can be part of a diet that features multiple heart-healthy foods resulting in a cholesterol lowering response that surpasses that of cholesterol-lowering diets typically used to reduce CVD risk.
Photolytic cyclopentadienyl ligand exchange between dicyclopentadienylzirconium dichloride and related systems.

Abstract Irradition of benzene solutions of zirconocene dichloride and zirconocene- d10 dichloride with 313 nm light leads to the formation of zirconocene-d5 dichloride with a quantum yield of 0.021 mol/Ei. The equilibrium constant is 2.8 Zirconocene dichloride exchanges a cyclopentadienyl ligand photolytically with bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride with the constant equal to 2.3.
Predictors of DSM and Fagerstrom-defined nicotine dependence in African American and Puerto Rican young adults.

This study examined the psychosocial predictors of nicotine dependence, as defined by a variant of the criteria employed in theDSM-IV—specifically that of the University of Michigan Composite International Diagnostic Interview (UM-CIDI)—and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The study was conducted with a community sample of African American and Puerto Rican young adults (N = 475; mean age = 26). Data was collected at four time points, between the years 1990–2003. Predictor variables included physiologically-based psychosocial (i.e., depressive symptoms and family problems with smoking) as well as social-behavioral psychosocial (i.e., rebelliousness and partner’s problems with smoking) predictors of nicotine dependence. Using multiple regression analyses, UM-CIDI-defined dependence was predicted by each of the four psychosocial variables, while FTND-defined dependence was predicted only by the social-behavioral variables. These findings bear out the disparate dimensions of nicotine dependence each measure taps. Research and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
The Uses of Practitioner Research and Status Issues in Educational Research: Reply to Gary Anderson

In calling for practitioner research, Anderson highlights a number of important issues but, as Metz and Page demonstrate in their response, the questions he raises have few straightforward or unequivocal answers. Metz and Page agree that because efforts to study and improve educational practice too often impose abstract findings on schools and teachers, much may be gained from the development of a literature based in practice. They argue, however, that everything included under the umbrella of practitioner research should not be called research. They predict that calling for teachers to engage in activities labeled as research on a broad scale may produce as many unanticipated problems as it does benefits.
SoftCast: one-size-fits-all wireless video

The focus of this demonstration is the performance of streaming video over the mobile wireless channel. We compare two schemes: the standard approach to video which transmits H.264/AVC-encoded stream over 802.11-like PHY, and SoftCast -- a clean-slate design for wireless video where the source transmits one video stream that each receiver decodes to a video quality commensurate with its specific instantaneous channel quality.
Acute renal failure from multiple myeloma precipitated by ACE inhibitors

Renal failure in multiple myeloma can be precipitated during hemodynamic perturbances of renal blood flow, as seen secondary to volume depletion, radiocontrast dye, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. We report two cases of acute renal failure that developed suddenly after initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, both with biopsy-proven cast nephropathy. ACE inhibitors may contribute to the intratubular light chain cast formation and acute "myeloma kidney" in susceptible patients.
Effect of Local Variations in Public Services on Housing Production at the Fringe of a Growth-Controlled Multi-County Metropolitan Area

The influence of public services on suburban residential development has been taken for granted until recently when a few scholars have considered their importance in more detail in assessing housing production functions in such small areas as counties. This study examines this issue in more detail at the fringe of a four-county (two-state) SMSA facing the dilemma of centrifugal population movement versus rigid growth-containment policies. It is demonstrated by the results of this investigation that, contrary to some earlier notions, because of the non-restrictive influence of land relative to low density residential development, production functions for housing become largely explained by public services.
Corporate language and the law: avoiding liability in corporate communications

It is argued that, although corporate writers recognize the power of language as a marketing tool, they often fail to realize the legal implications of their words. Liability issues have become a prime concern in four areas where language plays a major part: investment information, goods and services marketing, safety information, and employee handbooks. It is concluded that understanding the legal problems attendant to these areas will allow corporate writers to better avoid language that risks litigation. >
A Practitioner's Perspective

Each scheme described in the first part of this volume has strengths and weaknesses, which are identified and discussed in this chapter.
Image formation from severely undersampled scalar infrared data sets

The author describes the formation of an image from no more than ten (and usually fewer) scalar sensor readings. An infrared (IR) signal source is assumed, placing unusual demands on signal estimation and image construction algorithms. An onion-growth image construction algorithm that generates a single binary image object consistent with sensor measurements is presented. It is so called because it identifies an approximate center of mass, or seed pixel, and then grows a series of concentric circles around the seed pixel. Synthetic object studies illustrate the effectiveness of the image construction algorithm and demonstrate that, image artifacts are suppressed or eliminated by using the largest possible sensor field of view. >
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass sectrometry of restriction enzyme-digested plasmid DNA using an active nafion substrate

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization using a 3-hydroxpicollinic acid matrix from an active Nafion substrate has been used for detection of restriction enzyme-degested double-stranded plasmid DNA using time-of- flight mass spectrometry. DNA strands of up to 267 base pairs were detected with minimal sample purification, although only as species corresponding to single-stranded DNA.
Receptor Binding and Biological Activity of Specifically Labeled [125I]- and [127I]Monoiodoinsulin Isomers in Isolated Rat Adipocytes*

The receptor binding characteristics and biological activity of single site monoiodinated insulin was investigated using isolated rat adipocytes. Pork insulin was iodinated by the lactoperoxidase method, and each of the four monoiodo derivatives (iodotyr-A14, iodotyr-A19, iodotyr-B16, and iodotyr-B26) was isolated by high performance liquid chromatography. Both radioactive 125I-labeled and nonradioactive 127I-labeled iodoinsulins were prepared. In competitive binding experiments in which each 125I-labeled iodoisomer competed for receptor binding at 15 C with its homologous 127I-labeled iodoisomer, the concentrations of homolog required for 50% inhibition of tracer binding were 1.67 +/- 0.06, 2.14 +/- 0.23, and 2.35 +/- 0.27 X 10(-9) M for the B26, A14, and B16 iodoisomers, respectively (mean +/- SEM; n = 3). Scatchard analysis of the homologous competition curves using a two-site model indicated that there was no difference in the total number of specific sites to which each isomer could bind or in their affinity for binding to the low affinity site. However, a significantly (P less than 0.05) higher affinity for (B26)iodoinsulin binding to the high affinity site was observed compared to either the (A14)- or (B16)iodoisomers (Kd values of 1.09 +/- 0.18, 2.09 +/- 0.40, and 2.24 +/- 0.15 X 10(-9) M for B26, A14, and B16, respectively). Degradation of the isomers by adipocytes incubated at 37 C occurred at a rate proportional to their receptor binding affinity. The biological activity of iodoinsulins was also evaluated, based on the ability either to stimulate glucose oxidation or to exert an antilipolytic effect. The 127I-labeled (B26)iodoisomer exhibited the greatest potency in both assays compared to either (A14)- or (B16)iodoinsulins, consistent with its higher apparent affinity for receptor binding. The receptor-binding activity and biological potency of unmodified native insulin and 127I-labeled (A14)-iodoinsulin were directly compared. Identical results were obtained for each in both types of assay, suggesting that (A14)iodoinsulin is a valid tracer for insulin with isolated adipocytes. We conclude that in isolated rat adipocytes, (B26)iodoinsulin has greater activity than either unlabeled insulin or the other iodinated derivatives. (A14)Iodoinsulin is indistinguishable from native insulin; (B16)iodoinsulin has slightly reduced activity, while that of (A19)iodoinsulin is considerably reduced.