cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE‐D‐204B‐07: The Effect of Uterine Motion and Margins on Doses in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy of Cervical Cancer

Purpose: In cervical cancer, uterine motion can be large relative to cervix motion. Target vs normal tissue (NT) dose tradeoffs are quantified using published motion estimates and margins derived from standard formulas. Methods: 10 anonymized cervical cancer patients had prescription dose of 48.75Gy over 25 fractions. Plans were created with a uniform 1cm margin (PTVA), and a margin tapering from 2.4cm at the uterine fundus to 1cm at the cervix (PTVB). These were combined with motion model 1 (MM1) in which all structures moved normally with 3mm standard deviation (SD), and motion model 2 (MM2) in which the motion SD increased from 3mm at the cervix to 7.5mm at the fundus. 3mm SDs (1cm margins) are consistent with measured cervix motion, usually extrapolated to the entire PTV (upper vagina+cervix+uterus). 7.5mm SDs (2.4cm margins) are consistent with more recent uterine motion estimates. Plan evaluation utilized dose volume histograms (DVHs). Results: For MM2, PTVA gives inadequate dose to the fundus and CTV. The 95th percentile of fundus D98dose, denoted D98,95, drops from 49.8Gy in MM1 to 44.5Gy in MM2. Target dose is restored by using PTVB. However, NT volumes receiving doses of 30–50Gy increase by up to 11%. Half the increase can be attributed to the normal tissues' own motion moving them into the radiation field, the other half to the expanded margin in PTVB. Conclusions: For a uniform 1cm margin, larger uterine motion reduces fundus dose by about 5Gy and increases NT volumes receiving 30–50Gy by ∼5%, relative to plans where the uterus has cervix‐like motion. Use of a tapered margin (PTVB) can restore fundus and CTV dose, but will increase NT volumes receiving 30–50Gy by a further ∼5%. Use of percentile doses and DVHs is a useful method of evaluating the dosimetric effect of different motion scenarios.
Sexual Well-Being: A Comparison of U.S. Black and White Women in Heterosexual Relationships

In the United States, considerable attention has been directed to sexual behaviors of black and white adolescents, particularly age at first sexual experience and the prevalence of teenage pregnancies. More limited attention has been paid to comparing established sexual relationships in these two racial groups. In this study, we used a national probability sample to compare black (n = 251) and white (n = 544) American women, aged 20–65 years, who were in an established heterosexual relationship of at least 6 months duration. We focused on two aspects of their sexual well-being; how a woman evaluated (1) her sexual relationship and (2) her own sexuality. A range of possible determinants of sexual well-being, including demographic factors, physical and mental health, and aspects of the women’s recent sexual experiences, were also assessed using Telephone-Audio-Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (T-ACASI). We found no significant difference between black and white women in their evaluation of their sexual relationships nor in the independent variables that were correlated with this evaluation. Black women, however, evaluated their own sexuality more positively than white women. In examining the correlates of this evaluation, a woman’s rating of her own sexual attractiveness proved to be the strongest predictor, with black women rating themselves significantly more sexually attractive than did the white women. Overall, these findings were consistent with previous findings that, compared to white women, black women in the United States have higher self-esteem and tend towards more independence and individualism.
The geostrophic drag coefficient

A power-law formulation for the geostrophic drag coefficient in a neutral atmosphere is presented.
Response Surface Modeling Using Multivariate Orthogonal Functions

A nonlinear modeling technique was used to characterize response surfaces for non-dimensional longitudinal aerodynamic force and moment coefficients, based on wind tunnel data from a commercial jet transport model. Data were collected using two experimental procedures - one based on modem design of experiments (MDOE), and one using a classical one factor at a time (OFAT) approach. The nonlinear modeling technique used multivariate orthogonal functions generated from the independent variable data as modeling functions in a least squares context to characterize the response surfaces. Model terms were selected automatically using a prediction error metric. Prediction error bounds computed from the modeling data alone were found to be- a good measure of actual prediction error for prediction points within the inference space. Root-mean-square model fit error and prediction error were less than 4 percent of the mean response value in all cases. Efficacy and prediction performance of the response surface models identified from both MDOE and OFAT experiments were investigated.
Brief paper: A parametric programming approach to moving-horizon state estimation

We propose a solution to moving-horizon state estimation that incorporates inequality constraints in both a systematic and computationally efficient way, akin to Kalman filtering. The proposed method allows the on-line constrained optimization problem involved in moving-horizon state estimation to be solved offline, requiring only a look-up table and simple function evaluations for real-time implementation. The method is illustrated via simulations on a system that has been studied in literature.
Recursive relaxation identification of linear multivariable systems with its parallel algorithm

In this paper, we propose a new method for the identification of discrete-time linear multivariable systems. This method comprises three recursive computation schemes including two parameter estimate schemes for both state equation and observation equation, respectively, and the state estimate scheme via Kalman filtering. We call this method the recursive relaxation identification, abbreviated as RRI. Compared with the existing methods, the RRI algorithm has advantages of simplification, fast computation, and high efficiency, and is suitable for fast real-time on-line adaptive identification of linear multivariable systems.
An Extended Lewis/Stalnaker Semantics and the New Problem of Counterpossibles

Closest-possible-world analyses of counterfactuals suffer from what has been called the ‘problem of counterpossibles': some counterfactuals with metaphysically impossible antecedents seem plainly false, but the proposed analyses imply that they are all (vacuously) true. One alleged solution to this problem is the addition of impossible worlds. In this paper, I argue that the closest possible or impossible world analyses that have recently been suggested suffer from the ‘new problem of counterpossibles': the proposed analyses imply that some plainly true counterpossibles (viz., ‘counterlogicals') are false. After motivating and presenting the ‘new problem', I give reasons to think that the most plausible objection to my argument is not compelling. Philosophical Papers Vol.33(1) 2004: 35-66
A software architecture for rapid development and deployment of sensor testbeds

The research, design, and testing of chemical and biological (CB) detection systems can involve any number of different specialties. Whether fusing sensor data, statistically modeling physical processes, developing simulation software, or evaluating sensor technologies, researchers are aided by large repositories of data to accomplish and validate their work. In these cases, a sensor testbed can be deployed for long-term data collection to fill that need. Such data collection requires software that can run reliably for long periods of time, process and collect data coming from sensors (both CB and non-CB sensors in some testbeds), and monitor the status of the testbed components and infrastructure. If software doesn't already exist to collect and aggregate sensor data, the time and money spent on development and testing of this software detracts from actual data collection. To address the issue of rapidly developing software for long-term, data collection testbeds, the All-Purpose Interface for Testbed Environments (APITE) software architecture is introduced. The APITE architecture is a Python-based set of software tools designed to simplify and expedite the task of writing software for testbeds of sensors. The APITE architecture facilitates monitoring and maintenance alerts to maximize uptime, tiered or flat sensor collection, and triggered responses. These are all facilitated by the same underlying software mechanism. The underlying software mechanism, based on Finite State Automata, is intended to be largely transparent to the software developer. This paper will describe how the APITE architecture works, demonstrate its ease-of-use for researchers, and describe its potential use for critical infrastructure protection through tiered sensor collection and automated system responses.
Effect of Moderate Alcoholic Beverage Consumption on Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin Resistant, Nondiabetic individuals

Although moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with a decrease in plasma insulin concentrations, relatively few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of alcohol on insulin sensitivity, particularly in nondiabetic, insulin-resistant individuals. Because enhanced insulin sensitivity could contribute to the reported association between moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, we believed it is important to address this issue. Consequently, we evaluated the ability of moderate alcohol consumption to improve insulin sensitivity, as measured by determining the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test, in 20 nondiabetic, insulin-resistant individuals. Measurements were made of SSPG, glucose, insulin, and lipoprotein concentrations before and after consuming 30 g of alcohol for 8 weeks, either as vodka (n = 9) or red wine (n = 11). The SSPG concentrations (insulin resistance) decreased by approximately 8% in the total group (P = .08), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased by a mean of 0.09 mmol/L (P = .02). Trends were similar in individuals who consumed vodka or red wine. Men tended to have greater decline in SSPG and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with women. There were no other metabolic changes in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride concentrations. These data demonstrate that 8 weeks of moderate alcohol consumption had minimal impact on enhancing insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic, insulin-resistant individuals, raising questions as to the role, if any, of improved insulin sensitivity in the purported clinical benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption.
Nuclear power for surface effect vehicle and aircraft propulsion

Economic and safety factors of nuclear powered surface vehicles and aircraft in transoceanic commerce
Developmentally regulated lectin in embryonic chick muscle and a myogenic cell line

Abstract Soluble extracts of embryonic chick pectoral muscle and myoblast clone L6 agglutinated trypsin treated glutaraldehyde fixed rabbit erythrocytes. Agglutination activity was blocked by thiodigalactoside, lactose and related saccharides but not by many other saccharides. Agglutination activity of chick pectoral muscle extracts increased at least one order of magnitude between 8 and 16 days of chick embryo development, as the pectoral muscle differentiated. With L6 myoblasts there was a three-fold increase in activity of the extracts as the myoblasts fused to form multinucleated myotubes.
Malate dehydrogenase 2 confers docetaxel resistance via regulations of JNK signaling and oxidative metabolism.

BACKGROUND Resistance to chemotherapy represents a significant obstacle in prostate cancer therapeutics. Novel mechanistic understandings in cancer cell chemotherapeutic sensitivity and resistance can optimize treatment and improve patient outcome. Molecular alterations in the metabolic pathways are associated with cancer development; however, the role of these alterations in chemotherapy efficacy is largely unknown. METHODS In a bed-side to bench-side reverse translational approach, we used cDNA microarray and qRT-PCR to identify genes that are associated with biochemical relapse after chemotherapy. Further, we tested the function of these genes in cell proliferation, metabolism, and chemosensitivity in prostate cancer cell lines. RESULTS We report that the gene encoding mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2) is overexpressed in clinical prostate cancer specimens. Patients with MDH2 overexpression had a significantly shorter period of relapse-free survival (RFS) after undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying this clinical observation, we observed that MDH2 expression was elevated in prostate cancer cell lines compared to benign prostate epithelial cells. Stable knockdown of MDH2 via shRNA in prostate cancer cell lines decreased cell proliferation and increased docetaxel sensitivity. Further, MDH2 shRNA enhanced docetaxel-induced activations of JNK signaling and induced metabolic inefficiency. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data suggest a novel function for MDH2 in prostate cancer development and chemotherapy resistance, in which MDH2 regulates chemotherapy-induced signal transduction and oxidative metabolism. Prostate 73: 1028–1037, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Precision of a dry-chemistry method of lipid screening.

Summary Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare total capillary cholesterol values acquired using the Reflotron with a venous sample taken simultaneously, to determine if the Reflotron meets the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) for accuracy. Study design An announcement and a registration form for a cholesterol screening programme were distributed with employee payslips at a large southern university. Approximately 15 employees were scheduled for each screening date, with walk-ins allowed at the health assessment site as space allowed. Capillary and venous samples were collected from screening participants ( n =285). Methods Approximately 20 ml of blood was collected from each participant, after fasting for 12 h, using standardized venepuncture techniques in the antecubital vein in the bend of the elbow. In order to overcome technician error, two drops of blood (30 μl) were collected immediately from the previously drawn venous sample by drawing blood into the capillary tube from the opening in the top of the venous tube before centrifuging the venous sample, rather than ‘sticking’ the finger. Results A Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test of normality was calculated for total capillary cholesterol (KS=1.27, P =0.79) and total venous cholesterol (KS=0.99, P =0.28), which revealed insufficient evidence that the distributions were not normal. Participants' total capillary cholesterol values averaged 213.27 mg/dl [standard deviation (SD)=44.66 mg/dl)] when analysed on the Reflotron, and slightly higher (228.86 mg/dl, SD=40.50 mg/dl) for venepuncture. A paired t -test for variance between groups revealed significant differences in total capillary and total venous cholesterol values ( t =−41.93, P r 2 =0.94, P =0.01). Conclusions Although the Reflotron met most of the NCEP III guidelines for accuracy, the portable analyser provided clinically relevant underestimations of total cholesterol values, especially for the lower and upper values. Consequently, lipid values obtained using the Reflotron may be useful for screening, but the Reflotron should not be used as a diagnostic and management tool.
Phosphorylation Site Mutations in Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) Reduce or Eliminate Silencing Activity

HP1 is an essential heterochromatin-associated protein in Drosophila. HP1 has dosage-dependent effects on the silencing of euchromatic genes that are mislocalized to heterochromatin and is required for the normal expression of at least two heterochromatic genes. HP1 is multiply phosphorylated in vivo, and HP1 hyperphosphorylation is correlated with heterochromatin assembly during development. The purpose of this study was to test whether HP1 phosphorylation modifies biological activity and biochemical properties of HP1. To determine sites of HP1 phosphorylation in vivo and whether phosphorylation affects any biochemical properties of HP1, we expressed DrosophilaHP1 in lepidopteran cultured cells using a recombinant baculovirus vector. Phosphopeptides were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectroscopy; these peptides contain target sites for casein kinase II, protein tyrosine kinase, and PIM-1 kinase. Purified HP1 from bacterial (unphosphorylated) and lepidopteran (phosphorylated) cells has similar secondary structure. Phosphorylation has no effect on HP1 self-association but alters the DNA binding properties of HP1, suggesting that phosphorylation could differentially regulate HP1-dependent interactions. Serine-to-alanine and serine-to-glutamate substitutions at consensus protein kinase motifs resulted in reduction or loss of silencing activity of mutant HP1 in transgenic flies. These results suggest that dynamic phosphorylation/dephosphorylation regulates HP1 activity in heterochromatic silencing.
T-cell Proto-oncogene Rhombotin-2 Is a Complex Transcription Regulator Containing Multiple Activation and Repression Domains *

The LIM domain protein rhombotin-2 (RBTN-2/TTG-2/LMO2) is involved in many processes, including leukemogenesis and erythropoiesis. It is thought that the principle role of RBTN-2 in these processes is to regulate transcription. To examine the potential for RBTN-2 to modulate transcription, we constructed RBTN-2/GAL4 DNA-binding domain fusion proteins and measured their ability to activate transcription of a reporter gene construct. From these studies we identified a transcription activation domain within the NH2 terminus of RBTN-2. This activation domain was further localized within a proline-rich 19-amino acid region. A second activation domain of 11 amino acids was also identified. This domain was located within the COOH terminus of RBTN-2, and functioned in mammalian cells but not in yeast. Furthermore, the two LIM domains of RBTN-2 were shown to function as transcription repression domains. Each individual LIM domain acted as an independent transcription repression domain on a heterologous activation domain. However, in context of full-length RBTN-2, the LIM domains selectively repressed the NH2-terminal activation domain, but had no effect on the COOH-terminal domain. Overall, these results demonstrate that the T-cell oncogene RBTN-2 is a complex transcription factor possessing multiple transcription regulatory modules, including two activation domains and two repression domains.
Concern for pain in the pre-operative period- is the internet being used for information by patients?

Objectives This study was conducted to provide information regarding prevalence of pain, type of provider managing pain, and use of Internet for information regarding pain, among patients coming for presurgical anesthesia consultation at a major academic institution. Methods With IRB approval, patients were invited to participate in a voluntary and anonymous 14 question survey given to them when they presented for anesthesia consultation prior to their surgical procedure. The qualitative/categorical data were summarized by number (percentage [%]) and analyzed by Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. All data analyses were performed using the statistical software SAS, v9.2. Results A total of 1039 patients were asked to complete the survey and 670 patients returned their responses (response rate = 64.5%). 83% of patients had a history of prior surgery. 57% were concerned about postoperative pain. 30% of patients had chronic pain for more than 3 months pre-operatively. 16% of patients had looked online for information regarding pain. Pain physicians were involved in pain management only in 3.8% of these patients. Discussion Patients are presenting for surgery with significant pre-operative pain issues. Knowing this information pre-operatively will help healthcare personnel manage postsurgical pain more effectively. Patients are also using the Internet to obtain information regarding pain. As providers, there may be value to directing patients to reliable information online during consultation. As all physicians will eventually be managing chronic pain in their patients, pain education should be given priority in medical school curriculum.
Effect of aegirite concentrate on the properties of firebrick

We examined the possibility of obtaining a new refractory material based on chamotte containing additions of aegirite concentrate — a waste product from the processing of apatite-nepheline ores at the Apatit Production Association.
Identification and expression of deoxyribonuclease (DNase) I alternative transcripts in the rat

Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) I has been implicated in the induction of DNA fragmentation and cell death, however little is known about its regulation in vivo. In the present study, we describe that DNase I messenger RNA (mRNA) is alternatively spliced in rat kidney, and the activity of the DNase I correlates with the alternative splicing during the course of renal ischemia/reperfusion. Northern blot analysis with mRNA from control rat kidneys and kidneys subjected to ischemia/reperfusion in vivo yielded two bands of approximately 1.3 and 1.5 kb, suggesting the possibility of alternative splicing. However, prolonged reperfusion up to 16 h resulted in the predominant expression of 1.3 kb transcript. The disappearance of the 1.5 kDa band was associated with the increased DNase I activity in the kidney during ischemia/reperfusion. To study the alternative splicing of the DNase I mRNA, rat kidney cortex DNA complementary to RNA library was screened using rat DNase I probe. Twenty-one positive clones were obtained and were compared with the reported DNase I mRNA transcript cloned from rat parotid gland. All clones showed 100% homology with the reported DNase I coding sequence and part of 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), named exon 1a by us. Twelve out of 21 isolated clones had longer 5'-UTR than previously described, and DNase I pre-mRNA was alternatively spliced in this region. Six out of these 12 clones contained extra up to 153 bp in extreme 5' end, whereas, in six other clones, an internal 132 bp segment (exon 1b) of this additional sequence was absent, and only the extreme 5'UTR sequence (exon 1c) was found in these clones. The nucleotide analysis showed that alternating exon 1b has the possibility of a secondary structure with high internal homology and potential for at least one major stable stem-loop. Both newly identified segments, exons 1b and 1c, were also identified in genomic DNA. The long splice variant, containing exon 1b, is expressed only in the kidney among different tissues tested. Exon 1b inhibited translational activity of DNase I mRNA in vitro. Our data suggest that alternative splicing in 5'-UTR in the kidney may provide a prompt DNA-independent regulation of DNase I activity when DNA is damaged during ischemic injury.
Characterization and functional expression of a cDNA encoding egasyn (esterase-22): the endoplasmic reticulum-targeting protein of β-glucuronidase

Abstract Egasyn (esterase-22), a member of the nonspecific carboxylesterase multigene family (E.C. 3.1.1.1.), is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeting protein of β-glucuronidase. We utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the eventual isolation of murine egasyn cDNAs. PCR primers were based upon: (1) partial amino acid sequences derived from egasyn peptides and (2) a conserved active site region shared by carboxylesterases. The amino acid sequence deduced from the PCR product matched that obtained from egasyn protein. This product was utilized as a probe to screen a cDNA library. Two cDNAs whose composite sequence encoded an open reading frame of 562 amino acids were isolated. A message size of 1700–2000 bp was revealed by RNA blot hybridization analysis. S1 nuclease protection analyses detected mRNA in liver, kidney, lung, and submandibular gland, but not in spleen, brain, and testes. Genetic mapping confirmed the location of an egasyn cDNA fragment in cluster 1 of the esterase region on chromosome 8. Transfection of COS cells with the 2022-bp cDNA resulted in the expression of esterase activity, which comigrated on native gels with liver esterase-22. The features of the deduced amino acid sequence of the egasyn cDNA are compared with previously characterized carboxylesterases and with other lumenal ER proteins.
Active RC realisation of rational immittances

A modification of Sandberg's active-RC-synthesis procedure for arbitrary real rational immittances is presented, which results in a simpler circuit using a smaller number of passive elements.
Stability in detection of signals in noise

The topic of the paper is stable, or robust, detection of deterministic signals in noise, or the estimation of their amplitudes. The space of observations is an L2-space and the detectors or estimators are linear. For the case of one nominally known signal in nominally Gaussian noise, it is allowed that the actual underlying probability measure lies anywhere within distance ? of the nominal measure in the Prokhorov metric. An optimization problem is formulated and solved; its solution is a most stable detector according to a reasonable criterion for optimality for the class of perturbations mentioned. For the case of several nominally known signals in nominally known noise, the problem is recast as estimation of signal amplitudes. An optimization problem, similar to that for the one-signal case, is formulated and solved. The solution is a most stable estimator, by a criterion justified now only in an L2-context, without reference to probability measures.
Acquiring Applicable Common Sense Knowledge from the Web

In this paper, a framework for acquiring common sense knowledge from the Web is presented. Common sense knowledge includes information about the world that humans use in their everyday lives. To acquire this knowledge, relationships between nouns are retrieved by using search phrases with automatically filled constituents. Through empirical analysis of the acquired nouns over Word-Net, probabilities are produced for relationships between a concept and a word rather than between two words. A specific goal of our acquisition method is to acquire knowledge that can be successfully applied to NLP problems. We test the validity of the acquired knowledge by means of an application to the problem of word sense disambiguation. Results show that the knowledge can be used to improve the accuracy of a state of the art unsupervised disambiguation system.
Pressure effects on the lattice parameters and structure of Kh2Po4-type crystals

The effects of hydrostatic pressure (≤3 kbar) on the lattice parameters of KH2PO4-type crystals have been determined at 295°K from single crystal x-ray diffraction measurements. The axial compressibilities were calculated and compared with values obtained from elastic constant measurements. We have also measured the volume compression of KH2PO4 to 22 kbar using a piston displacement technique. The atomic positional parameters of KH2PO4 were examined at 1 bar and at 3 kbar from single crystal x-ray intensity measurements. Within experimental error, the atomic positions of the oxygen atoms, determined at 3 kbar, show no resultant pressure-induced rotation of the PO-34 groups. The implications of the results on the pressure dependence of the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric transitions in these crystals are discussed.
57Fe mössbauer spectroscopy of U6Fe

Abstract Samples of U 6 Fe were prepared by arc melting uranium and enriched 57 Fe. The samples display superconducting transitions which are sensitive to longterm exposure to air. Room temperature spectra of U 6 Fe typically display a majority site A (quadrupole splitting Δ = 0.749(3)mm s −1 , isomer shift δ = − 0.482(6)mm s −1 relative to copper and a minority site B ( Δ = 0.55(3) mm s −1 , δ = −0.12(3)mms −1 with the site intensity ratio I B I A typically 0.05 to 0.10. The I B I A intensity ratio increases upon air exposure of the samples. We have studied Mossbauer spectra as a function of temperature T in the range 15 K ⩽ T ⩽ 310K, paying particular attention to the T variation of the isomer shift and recoil-free fraction of the majority site A. The results indicate a softening of lattice vibrations of U 6 Fe at T ≲ 170 K.
A 0.5–6 GHz 25.6 dBm fully integrated digital power amplifier in 65-nm CMOS

This paper presents a 0.5-6 GHz fully-integrated Digital Power Amplifier (DPA) in 65 nm CMOS technology. Transformer-based class-E/F power amplifiers with zero-voltage switching are designed to achieve high power and high efficiency across a wide frequency band. A Single-Pole Triple-Throw (SP3T) switch featuring low insertion loss and high isolation is implemented to select the output of one of the three sub-band DPAs covering approximately 0.5-1.3 GHz, 1.3-3.2 GHz, and 3.2-6 GHz, respectively. Measurement results show a peak output power of 25.6-22.8 dBm with a peak drain efficiency of 34%-20% across 0.5-6 GHz.
Development of a Methodological Framework for the Self Reconfiguration of Automated Visual Inspection Systems

The lack of flexibility of the current automated visual inspection (AVI) systems to accommodate new products is one of the main problems faced by users of these systems. In this paper, the authors propose a framework that will facilitate the design of highly reconfigurable AVI systems possible. The proposed framework is based on five modules: the feature generation module (FGM), the feature selection module (FSM), the decision engine module (DEM), the performance assessment module (PAM), and the refinement and improvement module (RIM).
RF and Microwave Technologies in Japan [TCC Tidbits]

This summer, I had an opportunity to live in Japan for nearly two months. As a visitor from United States, I had numerous interesting impressions of how the RF and microwave technologies are used in Japan. While working for NTT Microsystem Integration Laboratories in Atsugi, a city located one hour west of Tokyo by train, I also traveled to many other places in Japan to visit research institutes and to explore Japanese culture. In addition to the Tokyo metro area, I traveled north to Sendai to visit Tohoku University where the Yagi-Uda Antenna was invented and traveled west to Kyoto with my family to visit those famous temples listed as World Heritage sites. I also visited JAXA (Japanese equivalent of NASA) not far away from Atsugi to see their latest technology and results of space exploration.
Investigation of the wear mechanism of carbon-fiberreinforced acetal☆

Abstract The friction and wear characteristics of acetal reinforced with 25 wt.% of randomly dispersed carbon fibers were investigated and compared with those of the base resin. The addition of carbon fibers to the polymer decreased the coefficient of friction and wear rate for the composite material sliding against a hardened and ground steel disk for extended periods of time. A number of surface topography parameters pertinent to the wear process, i.e. arithmetic average roughness, autocorrelation function, asperity density, tip radius of curvature, distribution of the radii of curvature and heights of asperity peaks, and ordinale heights, were calculated and evaluated for the sliding surface of the disk. The worn surfaces of filled and unfilled polymer pins were examined by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the probable wear mechanism for these materials. It was found that the wear of reinforced polymers proceeds by the pulling-out of the broken and worn fibers.
Bleeding and management of coagulopathy

Bleeding after cardiac surgery remains a significant problem, increasing both length of stay and mortality, and is caused by multiple factors including dilutional changes, ongoing fibrinolysis, and platelet dysfunction. The evaluation of coagulopathy is problematic because of the long turnaround time of standard coagulation tests. Algorithms involving point of care testing, including thromboelastography and thromboelastometry, have been published; all have the potential to reduce transfusion requirements. Massive transfusion coagulopathy that occurs in trauma can also be seen in complex aortic surgery and other massive bleeding patients and should prompt consideration of a transfusion protocol involving fixed ratios of fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. Pharmacologic agents such as antifibrinolytics are commonly administered, but a multimodal approach to management is important. Recombinant and purified coagulation products are being studied and provide clinicians specific agents to treat targeted deficiencies. A general multi-modal approach is required and recommendations are made for the management of bleeding and coagulopathy in cardiac surgical patients.
Requirement of NeuroD for Photoreceptor Formation in the Chick Retina

Photoreceptor cells of the vertebrate retina are a group of light-sensitive receptor neurons. During retinal neurogenesis photoreceptor cells arise from a pool of multipotent progenitors. How the photoreceptor’s fate is specified has been a long-standing question. Early studies suggested that lineage is not the primary deterministic factor in the vertebrate retina. Rather, the microenvironment signals multipotent progenitors to develop into the various retinal cell types, including photoreceptor cells.1–4 In addition, a concept has been put forth that the specification of photoreceptor cell fate is a postmitotic event4,5 and a photoreceptor precursor can be respecified to become a bipolar cell by ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF).6 During the past 10 years or so, a large body of information has been accumulated regarding extrinsic factors that may contribute to photoreceptor specification. These include cell–cell interactions,4 retinoic acid,7,8 growth factors,9,10 growth factor receptors,11,12 ligands of steroid–thyroid receptors,13 taurine,14 S-laminin,15 activin,16 and Hedgehog.17,18 Despite significant progress, however, our understanding of the control of the photoreceptor’s fate is still limited. It is now generally accepted that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors participate in the process (for recent reviews see Refs. 5,19), but the intrinsic factors underlying the photoreceptor’s fate remain elusive. Recent studies indicate that both Nrl, a gene encoding a leucine zipper transcription factor,20 and thyroid hormone receptor β221 play a role in subtype specification of photoreceptor cells. Studies from our laboratory suggest that determination of the photoreceptor cell’s fate, at least in the chick retina, may involve neuroD, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene homologous to the Drosophila proneural gene atonal.22,23 Retrovirus-driven neuroD expression in the developing chick retina results in an overproduction of photoreceptor cells.24 Furthermore, ectopic expression of neuroD in cultured RPE cells triggers RPE transdifferentiation into photoreceptor cells that express cone or rod opsin.24–26 These gain-of-function studies indicate that neuroD is sufficient to promote photoreceptor fate in the developing retina and in vitro in RPE cell culture. To examine whether neuroD is necessary for photoreceptor production during chick retinal development, we performed loss-of-function studies using Drosophila Engrailed (En)–mediated active repression, antisense oligonucleotides, and small interfering RNA (siRNA). We report that all three methods of attenuating the expression and function of neuroD resulted in photoreceptor deficiency, without a concomitant reduction in other retinal neurons. The photoreceptor deficits were noticeable at early developmental stages, suggesting that photoreceptor genesis may be affected by decreased neuroD expression and function.
Observations on the Use of Size Limits for Black Basses in Large Impoundments

Abstract There is a growing interest among fisheries managers and anglers in the use of size limits for management of black basses (Micropterus spp.) in large impoundments. Few published results are currently available to help managers determine if a size limit is needed, what size limit should be selected, and whether or not post-limit changes are due to the regulation. Decisions on size limits can be made more effectively if managers develop plans with clear-cut objectives; carefully consider the influence of bass recruitment, growth, and mortality; conduct well-designed studies; and communicate results. Future efforts should take into account the diversity of angler expectations. I believe that size limits will improve the quality of fishing for largemouth bass in many large impoundments if they are applied properly.
Management of desmoid tumors in patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the management of desmoid tumors in patients who have undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis and their outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of case notes was undertaken in a series of 196 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who had had an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Eleven patients were identified in whom desmoid tumor had developed (4 male; median age, 30 (range, 16–43) years). RESULTS: Desmoid tumors developed in the abdominal wall alone in 4 of 11 patients. Three enlarging tumors were resected with no subsequent recurrence. No patient received adjuvant treatment and pouch function remained stable at a median follow-up of eight years. Mesenteric desmoid tumors developed in seven patients; the pouch has been excised in two because of ischemia; two other patients have had defunctioning stomas created because of slow progression of their desmoid tumors. One patient had a single-lumen pouch excised and a new S-pouch inserted, with no subsequent recurrence of the desmoid tumor, and in two patients the mesenteric desmoid tumor has remained unchanged. All of these patients received long-term Clinoril® (sulindac, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA). Although there has been no significant deterioration in pouch function in patients in whom the pouch remainsin situ, the pouch function was significantly worse compared with a control group of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis in whom desmoid tumors did not develop. CONCLUSION: Desmoid tumors developed in 5.6 percent of 196 patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis. No patient with abdominal-wall desmoid tumor had a recurrence after local excision. By contrast, mesenteric desmoid tumors eventually resulted in pouch failure in four of seven affected patients.
Hostility and cardiovascular reactivity in women during self-disclosure

Hostility has been inconsistently related to cardiovascular reactivity in studies of women. In this study we examined hostility in college-age women in relation to cardiovascular reactivity and mood during self-disclosure of a distressing event to an unknown man. Women in the self-disclosure condition had greater systolic blood pressure, anxiety, and depressed mood than participants in the nondisclosure condition independent of their level of hostility. Hostile women in the self-disclosure condition reported greater anger postexperiment than women in the other three groups, and anger was related to diastolic blood pressure. Anxiety and depressed mood were related to systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure for low hostile women in the self-disclosure condition. Results suggest an interrelation of hostility with negative mood and reactivity that requires further study.
Ocular fluorescein phototoxicity

Fluorescein angiography is one of the most commonly used diagnostic techniques in modern ophthalmology. Prior to this study, recommendations on the phototoxicity of this technique were based on light levels alone (i.e., without fluorescein present). Using a rabbit model to demonstrate retinal damage, intravenous sodium fluorescein was found to reduce the amount of blue light needed to cause a phototoxic retinal lesion almost a log unit (from 1.6 to 0.2 W/cm2). Intravenous fluorescein also reduced the threshold for light damage to iris and cornea in the rabbit. The results suggest that blue light exposure should be minimized when sodium fluorescein is present in ocular tissue.
Analysis of 16S rDNA Sequences from Citrus Huanglongbing Bacteria Reveal a Different "Ca. Liberibacter" Strain Associated with Citrus Disease in São Paulo.

ABSTRACT Citrus huanglongbing (HLB, ex greening) is one of the most serious and destructive citrus diseases in the world. It is caused by a phloem-limited and nonculturable bacterium, “Candidatus Liberibacter”. The disease occurs in some Asian and African countries and recently has been reported in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal (r)DNA of the HLB bacteria from orchards in Sao Paulo revealed the presence of two distinct strains of “Ca. Liberibacter”. One of them, named LSg1 (Liberibacter sequence group 1), was 100% identical to strains from Japan (GenBank accessions AB038369 and AB008366), the Asian forms of the bacteria. The other, LSg2, is genetically distant from the Asian (96.1 to 96.3% identity) and African (95.8 to 96.1% identity) strains. Comparison of the 16S rDNA sequences from the LSg2 and the Asian strain revealed the presence of INDELs and point mutations. Specific primers designed for this Brazilian Liberibacter strain revealed that it is more widely distributed ...
A 250-MHz monolithic voltage-controlled oscillator with low temperature coefficient

A monolithic voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with dual-loop feedback, designed and fabricated in a 2- mu m oxide-isolated bipolar technology, is discussed. The VCO, consuming 220 mW from a single 5-V supply and occupying 2200 mil/sup 2/, achieves a -65 p.p.m./ degrees C temperature coefficient of frequency. It has a 5:1 frequency control range, and the maximum oscillation frequency is 250 MHz with better than a 2% voltage-to-frequency linearity. The modulation bandwidth of the VCO is greater than 12 MHz, and the power supply rejection ratio is 0.4%/V. >
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Strategic Policy Making in the South

This study uses historical data from the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) to examine the effect of strategic policy making on policy outcomes. Strategic policy making refers to the exploitation of futu...
Shifting the paradigm: Value in feminist critiques of economics

“Critique” of the Neoclassical paradigm in economics is a vital intellectual contribution in its own right. The prevailing wisdom and last word in economics, enforced by the socializing experiences of young would-be economists, is that if you can’t build a better theory immediately, without resources or access to debate and discussion, you have no right to criticize the existing paradigm, This requirement cuts off challenge and debate in economics, strongly deters the development of alternative theories, and leads to a weaker, less interesting economic science.
Electron-spin resonance studies of the bound iron-sulfur centers in Photosystem I. II. Correlation of P-700 triplet production with urea/ferricyanide inactivation of the iron-sulfur clusters.

Photosystem I charge separation in a subchloroplast particle isolated from spinach was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy following graduated inactivation of the bound iron-sulfur centers by urea-ferricyanide treatment. Previous work demonstrated a differential decrease in iron-sulfur centers A, B and X which indicated that center X serves as a branch point for parallel electron flow through centers A and B (Golbeck, J.H. and Warden, J.T. (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 681, 77-84). We now show that during inactivation the disappearance of iron-sulfur centers A, B, and X correlates with the appearance of a spin-polarized triplet ESR signal with [D] = 279 X 10(-4) cm-1 and [E] = 39 X 10(-4) cm-1. The triplet resonances titrate with a midpoint potential of +380 +/- 10 mV. Illumination of the inactivated particles results in the generation of an asymmetric ESR signal with g = 2.0031 and delta Hpp = 1.0 mT. Deconvolution of the P-700+ contribution to this composite resonance reveals the spectrum of the putative primary acceptor species A0, which is characterized by g = 2.0033 +/- 0.0004 and delta Hpp = 1.0 +/- 0.2 mT. The data presented in this report do not substantiate the participation of the electron acceptor A1 in PS I electron transport, following destruction of the iron-sulfur cluster corresponding to center X. We suggest that A1 is closely associated with center X and that this component is decoupled from the electron-transport path upon destruction of center X. The inability to photoreduce A1 in reaction centers lacking a functional center X may result from alteration of the reaction center tertiary structure by the urea-ferricyanide treatment or from displacement of A1 from its binding site.
Daily production and metabolic clearance of growth hormone in juvenile diabetes mellitus.

Daily production (PR) of human growth hormone (HGH) was calculated in patients with juvenile diabetes and control subjects by determining metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of131I HGH, at equilibrium, and mean endogenous HGH levels throughout a 24 h day. Half hourly sampling or a constant withdrawal pump were used to obtain an integrated mean endogenous HGH level. MCR (liters/day) was significantly reduced in all diabetic subjects both in absolute terms (96 ± 15 vs 274 ± 37) and relative to surface area (62 ± 8 vs 171 ± 21) (p < 0.01). Mean HGH levels were 8.4 ng/ml in the diabetics and 5.5 ng/ml in age matched controls. Daily HGH PR in the diabetic subjects (339 to 1365 μg/day) did not exceed values in the control subjects (1005–1426 μg/day). The results indicate that the elevated plasma HGH levels and increased HGH response to stimuli observed in diabetes, reflect reduced metabolic clearance, rather than increased pituitary secretion.
Heart failure in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function: Do digitalis glycosides have a role?

It is being increasingly appreciated that a substantial number of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have relatively preserved systolic function. Although these individuals appear to have a somewhat better prognosis than those with low ejection fractions, they experience significant symptoms and frequently require hospitalization. In these patients, CHF is often attributed to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, but this represents a potentially misleading over-simplification. In contrast to CHF associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, little is known about how to treat patients with preserved systolic function. Perhaps the major point of consensus has been that the use of digitalis glycosides is inappropriate in this group. Unexpectedly, however, in the recently completed Digitalis Investigators Group trial, a subgroup of nearly 1,000 patients with radionuclide ejection fractions ≥45% experienced a similar reduction in heart failure endpoints with digoxin therapy as patients with 25% to 44% ejection fractions. The purpose of this article is to review the diverse causes of CHF with preserved systolic function and to examine the potential mechanisms by which digoxin may be producing beneficial effect in this setting. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.