cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reevaluating Curricular Objectives Using Students' Perceived Needs: The Case of Three Language Programs

: Investigating students' needs in three foreign language departments in a liberal arts college setting, the present study aims to find (1)similarities and differences in language needs among students enrolled in Spanish, French, and German, and (2)the extent to which students' perceived needs match the mission the departments have defined for their respective language programs. Student needs encompass a variety of aspects, including their motivations to study the language, their perceptions of language skills, and their anticipated uses of the language. Results from this study suggest that there are indeed similarities and differences in students' perceived needs across languages. The similarities include students' emotional ties to the languages, their interest in acquiring communicative skills, and their plans in terms of using the languages for career purposes. Students, however differ in both their perceptions of the language requirement and in the ways in which they use languages outside of the classroom. An interesting finding is that students use French and German more often with native speakers than Spanish students do. Based on the results of this study, several practical recommendations me made. These include improving the content of language courses, emphasizing the role of culture in language teaching, and linking language study to career preparation.
Efficient method for resisting humidity into MBDCG holograms

The investigation has revealed the reason which the environmental stability of methylene blue sensitized dichromated gelatin (MBDCG) holograms can only by improved by coating some polymer solutions. An efficient method of resisting humidity into MBDCG holograms is reported in this paper. The method used the viscid liquid of pure polystyrene of low degree of polymerization as coating materials. Based on this coating, the diffraction efficiency of coated MBDCG holograms exposed to high humidity environment is not observed significant changes during observation.
Development of a Coulometric Method for Assessing the Concentration of Ambient Levels of CO2/Air in Compressed Gas Mixtures.

The coulometric method presented here is a reliable method for the direct analysis of CO2/air cylinder gas mixtures. It is based on Faraday's laws of electrolysis and therefore no external standardization is required. A series of CO2/air cylinder gas mixtures ranging in concentration from 300 to 375 µmol/mol (ppm) were analyzed and the results compared to those results obtained by non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analysis with traceability to gravimetric standards. The coulometric method is rapid, sensitive, precise, and with the proper experimental controls, will yield accurate results.
Prediction of Helicopter Maneuver Loads Using a Fluid-Structure Analysis

A fluid-structure analysis framework that couples computational fluid dynamics and computational structural dynamics is constructed to study the aeromechanics of a helicopter rotor system under maneuvering-flight conditions. The computational fluid dynamics approach consists of the solution of unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the near field of the rotor coupled with the dynamics of trailed vortex wake that is computed using a free-vortex method. The computational structural dynamics approach uses a multibody finite element method to model the rotor hub and blades. The analysis framework is used to study the utility tactical transport aerial system pull-up maneuver of the UH-60A helicopter. Results shown illustrate the correlation of predicted performance, aerodynamic and structural dynamic loading, with measured flight-test data. The normal load factor and the peak-to-peak structural and aerodynamic loading show good correlation with flight-test data, indicating that the analysis framework is suitable for preliminary design purposes. Important phenomena such as advancing-blade transonic effects and retreating blade flow separation are predicted satisfactorily. However, deficiencies are noted in the accurate prediction of stall onset, reattachment, and shock-induced separation.
The geometry of the Hill equation and of the Neumann system

Let there be given a finite-gap operator L = d$^{2}$/dx$^{2}$ + q and its Baker function $\psi $(x, p), which is analytic for p on a certain hyperelliptic curve C. It is shown that a sequence of Backlund transformations maps C to a projective space. This embedding can be interpreted as a matrix representation of the Hill equation by the Neumann system of constrained harmonic oscillators. The image curve, C$^{\prime}$, lies on a rational ruled surface; the structure of this surface is explained by use of ideas due to Burchnall & Chaundy (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 118, 557-583 (1928)). Baker functions and Backlund transformations are then used to define a (many-to-many) correspondence between effective divisors on the curve C and points lying on a quadric, or in the intersection of two or more quadrics. This relates the theory of the Hill equation to earlier work of Knorrer, Moser and Reid. It is then shown that the Kummer image of the Jacobian of C can be realized as a hypersurface in the space of momentum variables of the Neumann system. Further projects, such as extensions to non-hyperelliptic curves, are outlined.
Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment of Cotton: Root Morphological Characteristics

The response of plants to rising global CO{sub 2} concentration is of critical research interest but one neglected aspect is its effect on roots. Root morphological changes in cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)`Delta Pine 77`] were examined in a 2-yr field study. The test crop was grown under two water regimes (wet, 100% of evapotranspiration [ET] replaced and dry, 75% [1990] and 67% [1991] of ET replaced) and two atmospheric CO{sub 2} concentrations (ambient = 370 {mu}mol mol{sup -1} and free-air CO{sub 2} enrichment [FACE] = 550 {mu}mol mol{sup -1}). A FACE technique that allows for CO{sub 2} exposure under field conditions with minimal alteration of plant microclimate was used. Excavated root systems were partitioned into taproot and lateral roots at two growth phases (vegetative and reproductive) Vertical root-pulling resistance was determined at the second sampling; this measure was higher because of CO{sub 2} enrichment but was unaffected by water stress. Water stress affected root variables only at the second sampling; water stress reduced taproot variables more than lateral variables. The larger diameter taproots seen at all sample dates under FACE exhibited large increases in dry weight and volume. FACE often increased lateral root number and lateral dry weights were highermore » at all sample dates. The development of more robust taproot systems in CO{sub 2}-enriched environments may allow for greater carbohydrate storage for utilization during periods such as boll filling and to ensure root growth for continued exploration of the soil profile to meet nutrient and water demands during peak demand periods. 32 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Havana: Autobiography of a City – By Alfredo José Estrada

This author joins hundreds of travelers who over the years have penned their impressions of Cuba and its capital city of Havana. A cursory “subject heading” search of the online catalog of the Unit...
Effects of antidiuretic hormone on the collecting duct

One can imagine the consternation that swept the residents of the Cambrian sea when it was announced that some of them would be chosen to emerge on dry land. They had enjoyed their easy equilibrium with their environment, without a thought about water balance. Now all this would change. Their features were groundless. Planning for this moment had started long ago. New structures would be combined with old hormones to create thirst. Skin and bladder would serve to conserve water in amphibia, and a new, exquisitely designed countercurrent system would come into being for mammals. Vasopressin, which had been transmitting primitive messages in prehistoric brains for millions of years, would be chosen to mediate the new signal for water conservation. The response of the target organs would be prompt, making use of cyclic AMP and vesicular fusion, old and reliable mechanisms. All of this would be done without the help of the NIH, and the gifted group of scientists, Dr. Berliner among them, who would later understand and explain these principles of water conservation.
Convertible bonds as backdoor equity financing

Abstract This paper argues that corporations may use convertible bonds as an indirect way to get equity into their capital structures when adverse-selection problems make a conventional stock issue unattractive. Unlike other theories of convertible bond issuance, the model here highlights: 1) the importance of call provisions on convertibles and 2) the significance of costs of financial distress to the information content of a convertible issue.
The impact of online learning on students’ course outcomes: Evidence from a large community and technical college system

Abstract Using a large administrative dataset from a statewide system including 34 community and technical colleges, the authors employed an instrumental variable technique to estimate the impact of online versus face-to-face course delivery on student course performance. The travel distance between each student's home and college campus served as an instrument for the likelihood of enrolling in an online section of a given course. In addition, college-by-course fixed effects controlled for within- and between-course selection bias. Analyses yield robust negative estimates for online learning in terms of both course persistence and course grade, contradicting the notion that there is no significant difference between online and face-to-face student outcomes—at least within the community college setting. Accordingly, both two-year and four-year colleges may wish to focus on evaluating and improving the quality of online coursework before engaging in further expansions of online learning.
Coupled RANS/LES for SOFIA Cavity Acoustic Prediction

A fast but accurate approach is described for the determination of the aero-acoustic properties of a large cavity at subsonic flight speeds. This approach employs a detachededdy simulation model in the free-shear layer at the cavity opening and the surrounding boundary layer, but assumes inviscid flow in the cavity and in the far field. The reduced gridding requirements in the cavity, in particular, lead to dramatic improvements in the time required for the computation. Results of these computations are validated against wind-tunnel data. This approach will permit significantly more flight test points to be evaluated computationally in support of the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy flight-test program being carried out at NASA s Dryden Flight Research Center.
Dual echo bSSFP for real-time positive contrast of passive nitinol guidewires in MRI-guided cardiovascular interventions

Background MRI-guidance of cardiovascular catheterization procedures potentially offers an ionizing radiation-free alternative to X-Ray guidance. Imaging methods allowing visualization of commercially available passive guidewires would facilitate MRI-guided interventions. Previous work has demonstrated that positive contrast of paramagnetic materials, such as nitinol, can be generated with dephased echo sequences [1,2]. Here, we demonstrate a dual echo bSSFP sequence producing a wire image and an anatomical reference image in one TR, with variable flip angle for reduced SAR.
Optical valvulotomy for urethral valves using a hook-blade cold knife

Abstract Endoscopic disruption of urethral valves remains a mainstay of the pediatric urologic armamentarium. We describe transurethral optical valvulotomy using a hook-blade cold knife as a safer alternative to valve resection using a wire loop electrode. This technique offers precise control of the resection process and freedom from inadvertent injury to the urethra or sphincter due to a “hot” electrode.
Carcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats of N-nitroso-N-alkylcarbamate esters.

Summary Nitrosocarbaryl, nitroso- N -methylurethane and nitroso- N -ethylurethane were administered by gavage in olive oil solution to groups of 12 female Sprague—Dawley rats. The dose was 0.2 ml of 0.11 M solution once a week for 10 weeks, a total dose of 0.22 mmol. The rats given nitrosocarbaryl survived longer, but had as high an incidence of tumors (75%) as did rats given nitrosomethylurethane. Most of the tumors induced were invasive squamous carcinomas of the stomach. Nitrosoethylurethane appeared to be a little more potent than nitrosomethylurethane; all 12 animals in this group had squamous stomach tumors at death. A higher total dose of nitrosocarbaryl, 1.3 mmol, given to male rats twice weekly for 20 weeks did not produce a higher incidence of stomach tumors than did the lower dose in females, although the males died earlier with tumors.
Constraints on Higgs couplings from axionatics

Abstract The dependence of the axion mass on the number and coupling of the Higgs bosoms is emphasized. In particular, by requiring a unification of Yukuwa and gauge couplings, the axion mass can be enhanced by a factor of the W-bosom mass over a light quark mass. We present a Higgs extension of the Weinberg-Salam model in which this idea is realized. We discuss the limitations of current algebra techniques for deducing axion properties.
Trapeziometacarpal subluxation predisposes to incident trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (OA): the Framingham study

Summary Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpo-metacarpal joint is a common condition that can lead to substantial pain, instability, deformity, and loss of motion. It has been hypothesized that instability of the trapeziometacarpal joint combined with strenuous use can potentially lead to OA. However, as yet there have been no longitudinal evaluations to determine if this hypothesis is true. We examined the relation of radial subluxation to the risk of radiographic OA at trapeziometacarpal joint. Methods We conducted a nested case–control study. We restricted our evaluation of cases to subjects with no radiographic trapeziometacarpal OA at baseline (1967). We defined incident trapeziometacarpal OA as the development of a modified Kellgren and Lawrence grade≥2 in that joint at a later examination (1992–1993). Radial subluxation of the base of the first metacarpal off the trapezium and the amount of the base of the first metacarpal covering the articulating surface of the trapezium were measured using a digital calculation caliper. We examined the relation of gender-specific quartile groups of radial subluxation to the risk of trapeziometacarpal OA using a conditional logistic regression model. Results We assessed 203 men and 431 women. After adjusting for age, handedness, number of other joints with OA, and grip strength, the odds ratios for the risk of trapeziometacarpal OA in men were 1.0, 1.8, 2.7, and 3.1 from the lowest quartile of radial subluxation to the highest quartile, respectively ( P for trend=0.015). There was no significant relationship between radial subluxation quartiles and incident trapeziometacarpal OA in women. Conclusion This study provides evidence that radial subluxation predisposes to subsequent OA of the trapeziometacarpal joint in men.
Abstract 2029: Identification of novel tumor suppressor microRNAs implicated in epithelial ovarian cancer from the 19q13.41 non-coding RNA cluster

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women. Our objective was to identify key genetic events important for the pathogenesis of this lethal disease. Methods: Levels of microRNA (miRNA) expression were examined in specimens of primary papillary serous carcinomas, normal ovary and distal fallopian tube using Next Generation Sequencing and a custom expression array. Chromosomal gains and losses were also examined by CGH. SYBR Green reagents were used to measure relative expression of target gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR. Functional impact of altered miRNA expression was tested using standard MTT and Caspase 3/7 assays to measure proliferation and apoptosis (Promega). Key outcome demographics were coded and correlated with miRNA and gene expression by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: A total of 140 miRNAs were differentially expressed when papillary serous ovarian cancers were compared to either fimbrae of normal fallopian or normal ovary. Of these, 36 miRNAs were found to correlate with either overall survival, disease free interval (DFI) or platinum sensitivity. Nineteen (19) of these clinically significant miRNAs mapped to single primate-specific genomic locus located at 19q13.41. This locus spanned 125 Kb of non-coding DNA and encoded a total of 44 miRNAs, most all of which showed significant copy number variation in papillary serous ovarian cancers (n = 178) and showed copy losses in the majority of tumors. Using established algorithms for target prediction, we found that this miRNA cluster collectively targeted more than 2800 distinct genes. Key loci included gene products implicated in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Snail, Slug) as well as both the G1-S and G2-M cell cycle checkpoints (MYCN and Wee1). Transfection of established ovarian cancer cell lines with individual 19q13.41 miRNAs significantly reduced expression of Snail, Slug, Wee1, resulting in altered proliferation and apoptosis. Conclusions: Altered expression of 19q13.41 cluster miRNAs correlate with significant clinical outcomes for women with papillary serous ovarian cancers. These miRNAs appear to play a key role in regulating the expression of gene products critical for the ongoing proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer. Future work will focus on dissecting the role of individual 19q13.41 miRNAs in ovarian and other cancers as well as validating the novel nanoparticle-based strategies we have developed for therapeutic miRNA delivery. Supported by NIH TCGA and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2029.
Psychiatric complications after liver transplantation.

One hundred twenty-six liver and 2 combined liver/kidney transplants were included in data analysis. In 101 patients the primary immunosuppression was tacrolimus (TAC) and in 27 it was cyclosporine (CsA). A total of 32 psychiatric complications were seen in 27 patients (21%). There were 22 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 47 (range 21 to 65). In 21 (62.8%) cases the onset was within the first 3 months. Types of complications included depression, 14 (44%); insomnia, 5 (16%); anxiety, 4 (13%); psychosis, 3 (9%); drug seeking behavior, 2 (6%); conduct changes, 2 (6%); mood swings, 1 (3%); and anorexia 1 (3%). Although 11 out of 63 patients with hepatitis C as the etiology of liver disease developed depression (17.4%), the number of patients developing depression was 3 out of 65 (4.6%) in the group of patients whose etiology was not hepatitis C (P .02). Twenty-two out of 101 patients (21.7%) receiving TAC and 5 out of 27 (18.5%) patients receiving CsA as the primary immunosuppressant developed psychiatric complications (P .7). CONCLUSIONS
Fractional Cut: Improved Recursive Bisection Placement

In this paper, we present improvements to recursive bisection based placement. In contrast to prior work, our horizontal cut lines are not restricted to row boundaries; this avoids a "narrow region" problem. To support these new cut line positions, a dynamic programming based legalization algorithm has been developed. The combination of these has improved the stability and lowered the wire lengths produced by our Feng Shui placement tool. On benchmarks derived from industry partitioning examples, our results are close to those of the annealing based tool Dragon, while taking only a fraction of the run time. On synthetic benchmarks, our wire lengths are nearly 23% better than those of Dragon. For both benchmark suites, our results are substantially better than those of the recursive bisection based tool Capo and the analytic placement tool Kraftwerk.
Selection of features and evaluation of visual measurements during robotic visual servoing tasks

This paper presents some of the computer vision techniques that were employed in order to automatically select features, measure features' displacements, and evaluate measurements during robotic visual servoing tasks. We experimented with a lot of different techniques, but the most robust proved to be the Sum-of-Squared Differences (SSD) optical flow technique. In addition, several techniques for the evaluation of the measurements are presented. One important characteristic of these techniques is that they can also be used for the selection of features for tracking in conjunction with several numerical criteria that guarantee the robustness of the servoing. These techniques are important aspects of our work since they can be used either on-line or off-line. An extension of the SSD measure to color images is presented and the results from the application of these techniques to real images are discussed. Finally, the derivation of depth maps through the controlled motion of the handeye system is outlined and the important role of the automatic feature selection algorithm in the accurate computation of the depth-related parameters is highlighted.
Separation and stability studies of a convergent-divergent nozzle

Operation of a convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzle at low-pressure ratios can cause the internal flow to separate and possibly be unstable. A test program was performed using a 1.2 area ratio scale model nozzle to determine the nature of the flowfield. Secondary flows of 0 and 2% were introduced into the nozzle. Results of these tests are as follows: 1) High response pressure transducer readings internally along the nozzle lip provided no indication of a moving shock, either axially or circumferentially. Pressure fluctuations were greatest at a location near the point of separation. The maximum amplitude was small, 3.5% of the total pressure. 2) Hysteresis tests were run with the possibility of their uncovering a clue as to unstable separation in a more elastic model. No hysteresis was observed. 3) Secondary flows had little effect on the maximum amplitude of the pressure fluctuation. Its main influence was to move the shock system slightly upstream in the nozzle.
Dimensional Description of Cyclic Macromolecules

Cyclic structures are often used to model and simulate long chain molecules due to the simplification of no chain-end effects. Many technically important and biologically relevant molecules are cyclics. Further, ring polymers display dramatic viscosity enhancement when blended with linear polymers in the melt. It has been proposed that cyclic melts may display a topologically driven coil collapse at high molecular weights reminiscent of cyclic DNA. Despite the structural simplicity and importance of cyclics a quantitative analytic distinction between cyclics and linear chains in the melt or in solution has been elusive since both linear and cyclic macromolecules display similar disordered, fractal struc- tures. A dimensional analysis of cyclic polymers and its use to describe scattering data from cyclic macromolecules is presented. The validity of the new approach to describe cyclic structures is demon- strated using experimental data, and the Casassa form factor, previously used for cyclic polymers, is critically revisited. The scaling model is also used to quantify cyclic coil collapse in simulations from the literature.
Localization of theta alloantigens in mouse brain by immunofluorescence and cytotoxic inhibition

Summary The indirect fluorescent antibody and the cytotoxic inhibition techniques were used to localize theta alloantigens in adult mouse brain. The procedure was validated critically by genetic specification of brain tissue and antiserum, as well as by the standard immunologic blocking and deletion tests. Reactive sites were demonstrated in white matter tracts such as corpus callosum, internal capsule, penetrating tracts of the caudate/putamen, fimbria of the hippocampal formation and central white matter at the cerebellar folia. In addition reactive sites were demonstrated in cells of various sizes from the cerebral gray matter. Both the white and gray matter localizations were confirmed by cytotoxic inhibition tests.
A new gas feed system to an ion source for the cyclotron

Abstract A new type of gas feed system, controlled by a piezoelectric valve, has been installed and operated with the ion source in the cyclotron. This simple system, without a mechanically driven motor, has a much faster response time and provides more precise control of the gas flow.
MPC for reducing energy storage requirement of wind power systems

This paper discusses using the battery energy storage system (BESS) to mitigate wind power intermittency, so that wind power can be dispatchable on an hourly basis like fossil fuel power plants. In particular, model predictive control (MPC) is used to control the charge and discharge of BESS to compensate for wind power forecast errors and minimize operation costs to the wind farm owner. A ramp rate penalty on wind power scheduling is included in the optimization to make the optimal control trajectory smoother, while the performance is kept intact. Numerical simulations with a one-year long wind power dataset show that MPC controller is much more effective in reducing the operation cost to the wind farm owner than the heuristic control algorithm or conventional reserves, in that BESS with a much smaller capacity will be suffice to achieve the same cost reduction.
Plastid Sedimentation Kinetics in Roots of Wild-Type and Starch-Deficient Mutants of Arabidopsis

Sedimentation and movement of plastids in columella cells of the root cap were measured in seedlings of wild-type, a reduced starch mutant, and a starchless mutant of Arabidopsis. To assay for sedimentation, we used both linear measurements and the change of angle from the cell center as indices in vertical and reoriented plants with the aid of computer-assisted image analysis. Seedlings were fixed at short periods after reorientation, and plastid sedimentation correlated with starch content in the three strains of Arabidopsis. Amyloplasts of wild-type seedlings showed the greatest sedimentation, whereas plastids of the starchless mutant showed no significant sedimentation in the vertically grown and reoriented seedlings. Because previous research has shown that a full complement of starch is needed for full gravitropic sensitivity, this study correlates increased sensitivity with plastid sedimentation. However, although plastid sedimentation contributed to gravisensitivity, it was not required, because the gravitropic starchless mutant had plastids that did not sediment. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to measure plastid sedimentation in Arabidopsis roots after reorientation of seedlings. Taken together, the results of this study are consistent with the classic plastid-based and protoplast-based models of graviperception and suggest that multiple systems of perception exist in plant cells.
Hierarchical distributed simulations

Running simulations in a distributed manner by decentralizing the advancement of clock potentially allows significant speedup. However, because time may not advance at the same rate in the target system and the testbed system, deadlocks that do not occur in the target system can occur during distributed simulation. Previous approaches to deadlock resolution incur either high computation overhead through centralized coordination or high communication overhead through a fully distributed solution. Hierarchical decentralized algorithms that take advantage of the locality of these deadlocks are presented. Overheads associated with time advancement are computed analytically, so that appropriate clustering policies can be designed. >
Perinatal maternal and neonatal behaviour in the captive reticulated giraffe

A captive reticulated giraffe was observed constantly for three weeks prior to, and periodically for 90 days subsequent to, the birth of her calf. Extensive observations were made of the birth sequence, feeding, drinking, sleeping and one instance of an infant distress call, as well as observations of the initiation of maternal behaviour (including licking, nursing, placentophagia, and what appeared to be helping the calf to stand, guiding the calf's movements, and attempts to respond to the calf's distress call).
Radiometric detection of spread-spectrum signals in noise of uncertain power

The standard analysis of the radiometric detectability of a spread-spectrum signal assumes a background of stationary, white Gaussian noise whose power spectral density can be measured very accurately. This assumption yields a fairly high probability of interception, even for signals of short duration. By explicitly considering the effect of uncertain knowledge of the noise power density, it is demonstrated that detection of these signals by a wideband radiometer can be considerably more difficult in practice than is indicated by the standard result. Worst-case performance bounds are provided as a function of input signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), time-bandwidth (TW) product and peak-to-peak noise uncertainty. The results are illustrated graphically for a number of situations of interest. It is also shown that asymptotically, as the TW product becomes large, the SNR required for detection becomes a function of noise uncertainty only and is independent of the detection parameters and the observation interval. >
Circadian Phase, Sleepiness, and Light Exposure Assessment in Night Workers With and Without Shift Work Disorder

Most night workers are unable to adjust their circadian rhythms to the atypical hours of sleep and wake. Between 10% and 30% of shiftworkers report symptoms of excessive sleepiness and/or insomnia consistent with a diagnosis of shift work disorder (SWD). Difficulties in attaining appropriate shifts in circadian phase, in response to night work, may explain why some individuals develop SWD. In the present study, it was hypothesized that disturbances of sleep and wakefulness in shiftworkers are related to the degree of mismatch between their endogenous circadian rhythms and the night-work schedule of sleep during the day and wake activities at night. Five asymptomatic night workers (ANWs) (3 females; [mean ± SD] age: 39.2 ± 12.5 yrs; mean yrs on shift = 9.3) and five night workers meeting diagnostic criteria (International Classification of Sleep Disorders [ICSD]-2) for SWD (3 females; age: 35.6 ± 8.6 yrs; mean years on shift = 8.4) participated. All participants were admitted to the sleep center at 16:00 h...
Diffraction synthesis of dual-reflector antennas considering array feed, blockage, and near-field effect

A diffraction synthesis technique for reflector shaping based on orthogonal global surface expansion and optimization techniques was presented by Y. Rahmat-Samii and J. Mumford (1989). The key step is to parameterize the antenna system under investigation, and determine the optimum values of these parameters using an optimization algorithm. A diffraction analysis computer program is used to compute the radiated fields in the course of optimizing an object (cost) function defined by the computed and the desired field quantities. An important feature of this optimization approach is that no more approximations than those assumed in the analysis are required. This implies that, in contrast to the geometrical optics (GO) synthesis methods, diffraction phenomena, near-field effect, and blockage effect can be taken into account automatically. In the present work, typical results on the application of this versatile diffraction synthesis technique to dual-reflector antennas fed by a single point source or array horn feeds are presented. >
Early Italy and the colonization of Western Europe

Abstract The early phases of human occupation in Italy are considered in the context of discussions on the chronology and patterns of hominid dispersal out of Africa and into Western Europe. This paper is therefore a synthesis and an evaluation of new data on three, interrelated topics: (a) the question of direct contacts between Italy and North Africa in the Lower and Middle Pleistocene through the Sicilian Channel; (b) the evidence for the successive dispersal in Western Europe of two different technical traditions; and (c) the nature and chronology of the earliest human occupation of Italy. Interpretations of bifaces and biface industries are discussed, as they are an important aspect of Out of Africa models. Hominid presence in Italy is documented at the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene, their route of entry apparently not through Sicily but from the north. In contrast to the `Ubeidiya and Gesher Benot Ya'aqov assemblages in Israel, the earliest-dated biface assemblages in Italy — with a preliminary date at about 640±70 ka — show no specific characteristics that would tie them to the African Acheulean. Evidence for a precedence of core-and-flake over handaxe industries is ambiguous; their interpretation as designating different groups of hominids lacks a sound archaeological basis. Since faunal exchanges with continental Europe are documented throughout the Pleistocene, the hypothesis of multiple episodes of human migration into Italy should be considered; however, we can neither support it or refute it because the archaeological assemblages do not inform us on specific migration events.
Sleep and medical disorders.

Sleep disturbance is a common problem in many medical disorders. Impairment of sleep may worsen symptoms in these disorders or even worsen the prognosis. Sleep quality may be reduced in many ways. The total sleep time may be reduced or brief awakenings from sleep (arousals) may be frequent and prevent sleep from being restorative. Frequent arousals can also reduce the amount of stage 3 and 4 or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Primary sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, may adversely affect patients with medical disorders [1–4]. Because obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common (2% to 4% or more) in medical patients, the internist taking care of patients with medical problems should be well aware of the impact of sleep apnea on these disorders. One study of mortality in sleep apnea patients found an increased risk for death in men 30–35 years of age [3]. This highlights the importance of early intervention. Because nearly every medical disorder has an interaction with sleep, space limitations mandate that only selected topics can be addressed. This article reviews the effects of sleep and sleep disorders on selected medical disorders including hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux (GER), renal disease, infectious diseases, selected endocrine disorders, and the fibromyalgia syndrome. Cardiovascular disease
Antifungal serum concentration monitoring: an update

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are occurring with increasing incidence and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the relationship between the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of antifungals is essential to optimize the potential for favourable clinical and microbiological outcomes while minimizing risks of treatment-related toxicity. Antifungal serum concentrations may aid in the determination of appropriate dosing in select circumstances. The polyene and echinocandin classes of antifungals lack sufficient data to justify serum concentration monitoring in routine clinical practice. In contrast, serum concentration monitoring of flucytosine may help to reduce the risk of treatment-related haematological toxicity. Determination of itraconazole serum concentrations is advised in situations where the drug is used for prolonged periods to treat serious IFIs (such as invasive aspergillosis or histoplasmosis) because of variability in absorption following oral administration (most notable for the capsule formulation). The use of serum concentration monitoring during therapy with the extended-spectrum triazoles (i.e. voriconazole and posaconazole) is still evolving, due primarily to inter-patient variability in drug exposure combined with sparse data regarding relationships with efficacy (posaconazole) and both safety and efficacy (voriconazole).
Glenoid Diameter Is an Inaccurate Method for Percent Glenoid Bone Loss Quantification: Analysis and Techniques for Improved Accuracy

Purpose To compare diameter-based glenoid bone loss quantification with a true geometric calculation for the area of a circular segment. Methods By use of Maxima 12.01.0 mathematics modeling software (Macysma, Boston, MA), the diameter-based glenoid bone loss equation (% Bone loss = [Defect width ( w )/Inferior glenoid circle diameter ( D )] × 100%) was compared with a true geometric calculation for the area of a circular segment of the glenoid (Wolfram Research, Champaign, IL) rearranged in terms of w and D : Percent bone loss = (100/2π) (2 × arccos [1 − 2 ( w / D )] − sin {2 × arccos [1 − 2 ( w / D )]}). Percent error was calculated by taking the difference between the diameter equation and the true geometric calculation at varying true glenoid defect widths ( w ) (0% to 50% of diameter). Results The commonly used diameter equation overestimated true glenoid bone loss at all values of w except at 0% and 50% of the diameter. The mean overestimation error was 3.9% ± 1.9% (range, 0.0% to 5.8%), with the maximum error occurring when w was 20% of the diameter: At this value, w / D × 100% (diameter equation) predicts 20% bone loss when true bone loss is actually 14.2%. Conclusions Diameter-based glenoid bone loss quantification overestimates true glenoid bone loss, with the maximum error occurring when theorized bone loss is 20%. To address situations for which a diameter-based bone loss quantification method must be performed or to improve the accuracy of surface-area calculations in previous diameter-based bone loss estimations, a corrective factor can be applied. Clinicians quantifying glenoid loss to make treatment decisions should be aware of the measurement methods used in the biomechanical studies on which they are basing their surgical decisions. Clinical Relevance Diameter-based glenoid bone loss quantification overestimates true glenoid bone loss, with the maximum error occurring when theorized bone loss is 20%, a commonly used threshold for bone grafting.
Solutions of self-differential functional equations.

AbstractThe system of functional diﬀerential equations (1) has a continuouslydiﬀerentiable solution for every value of the parameter a. The boundaryvalues and a are related with d(2 − a) = c(2 + a). When a ∈ S whereS =˘2 2n+1 : n = 1,2,3,...¯,the system (1) has inﬁnitely many solutions with boundary values c = 0and d = 0. For all other values of a, the system (1) has a unique solution.8>> >:F 0 ( x) = aF(2 ) if 0 ≤12F 0 (x) = aF(2 − 2x) if12≤ x ≤ 1F(0) = c,F(1) = d.(1) 1 Introduction. A function f : [a,b] → R is self-diﬀerential if [a,b] can be subdivided into aﬁnite number of sub-intervals, and on each sub-interval the derivative of f isequal to f by the graph transformed by an aﬃne map. The case to be studiedhere is (1), where [0,1] is decomposed into0,12and12,1, and the aﬃnetransformed images of F are aF(2x) and aF(2−2x).In [4] Fabius showed that the distribution function F 2 of the random vari-able U =P ∞n=1 2 −n U n , where U 1 ,U 2 ,... are independent random variablesuniformly distributed on [0,1], is the solution of (1) for a value of the param-eter a = 2 and boundary values c = 0 and d = 1. The function F
Influence of vitamin B12 and cocultures on the growth of Dehalococcoides isolates in defined medium.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Dehalococcoides play a key role in the complete detoxification of chloroethenes as these organisms are the only microbes known to be capable of dechlorination beyond dichloroethenes to vinyl chloride (VC) and ethene. However, Dehalococcoides strains usually grow slowly with a doubling time of 1 to 2 days and have complex nutritional requirements. Here we describe the growth of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes 195 in a defined mineral salts medium, improved growth of strain 195 when the medium was amended with high concentrations of vitamin B12, and a strategy for maintaining Dehalococcoides strains on lactate by growing them in consortia. Although strain 195 could grow in defined medium spiked with 0.5 mM trichloroethene (TCE) and 0.001 mg/liter vitamin B12, the TCE dechlorination and cellular growth rates doubled when the vitamin B12 concentration was increased 25-fold to 0.025 mg/liter. In addition, the final ratios of ethene to VC increased when the higher vitamin concentration was used, which reflected the key role that cobalamin plays in dechlorination reactions. No further improvement in dechlorination or growth was observed when the vitamin B12 concentration was increased to more than 0.025 mg/liter. In defined consortia containing strain 195 along with Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and/or Acetobacterium woodii and containing lactate as the electron donor, tetrachloroethene (0.4 mM) was completely dechlorinated to VC and ethene and there was concomitant growth of Dehalococcoides cells. In the cultures that also contained D. desulfuricans and/or A. woodii, strain 195 cells grew to densities that were 1.5 times greater than the densities obtained when the isolate was grown alone. The ratio of ethene to VC was highest in the presence of A. woodii, an organism that generates cobalamin de novo during metabolism. These findings demonstrate that the growth of D. ethenogenes strain 195 in defined medium can be optimized by providing high concentrations of vitamin B12 and that this strain can be grown to higher densities in cocultures with fermenters that convert lactate to generate the required hydrogen and acetate and that may enhance the availability of vitamin B12.
Intra-amniotic administration of 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2α for the induction of midtrimester abortion

Abstract To determine the practicability of administering 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F 2α -tromethamine (15(S)-15-Me-PGF 2α ) intra-amniotically for the induction of midtrimester abortion, initially 2.5 mg. of 15(S)-15-Me-PGF 2α was administered to 20 physically healthy gravid women, and was repeated after 24 hours in those patients who had not aborted. Within 24 hours, 65 per cent aborted, and, within 36 hours, 95 per cent aborted. Although 67 per cent experienced emesis, no serious complications occurred. This abortion rate is similar to that obtained with the recommended dose schedule of the dosage of prostaglandin F 2α approved by the Food and Drug Administration and those reported with intra-amniotic administration of either hypertonic saline or urea when augmented with high, continuous, intravenous infusions of oxytocin. While the study intra-amniotic dose schedule appeared to be practicable, large, comparative studies will be necessary to determine the most satisfactory dose schedule and whether this method is more acceptable than other available methods.
Single Daily Doses of Tobramycin in Therapy of Urinary Tract Infections

Results of therapy with tobramycin for infections caused by susceptible pathogens have been impressive. The usual multiple dose regimen is aimed at maintenance of the serum concentration of tobramycin above the minimal inhibitory concentration of the causative pathogen throughout the course of therapy. Evidence is accumulating, however, that the urinary concentration of antibiotics may be of greater importance than the serum concentration in the treatment of urinary tract infections. This concept has been supported by results of studies with nitrofurantoin, naladixic acid, tetracycline, and, more recently, gentamicin. The present study of 90 patients with urinary tract infections treated with a single intramuscular daily dose of tobramycin resulted in round-the-clock urinary levels of tobramycin that exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration of the offending pathogen. The clinical and bacteriologic response to therapy was excellent, and no oto- or nephrotoxicity occurred. This regimen frequently allows for therapy on an outpatient basis, fewer painful injections for the patient, and the saving of nursing time and expensive supplies.
The situation of radiation oncology practice training programs and their graduates in 1998.

Abstract Purpose: To keep the profession apprised of current trends in the job market, the American College of Radiology (ACR) studied the employment situation of 1998 radiation oncology graduates and the status and plans of radiation oncology training programs in the United States. Methods and Materials: In April–May 1998, and again in a December 1998–January 1999 follow-up, the ACR surveyed all radiation oncology residency directors in the U.S. about the employment situation of their 1998 residency and fellowship graduates as well as changes in their programs. Eighty-five percent (71/84) of those surveyed responded. We compare current findings with similar 1997 and earlier surveys and report statistically significant differences ( p ≤ 0.05). Results: By 6 months after graduation, there were no graduating residents or fellows who had not secured a position, although the status of two was unknown. At that time, about 93% of all graduates had secured positions that directors said reasonably matched graduates' training and personal goals. Program directors reported that accomplished and planned changes in their programs will reduce the annual number of residency graduates by about one-fifth since 1993. However, the number of beginning residency positions offered in 1998 was 149, up from 116 in 1997 and only a few percent below the 1993 level. By the December 1998–January 1999 follow-up, fill rates for offered training positions were 94% for residencies and 80% for fellowships, figures that are similar to those reported for past years. Directors' perceptions of the job market are much more positive. For example, only 11% of residency directors viewed the market as more difficult this year than typical of recent years, as against 48% in 1997 and 82% in 1996. Conclusion: Unemployment continues to be low, and another, "softer" indicator, the job market perceptions of residency program directors, continues to improve. Possibly as a result, plans for program reductions are evaporating.
Active sensing via movement shapes spatiotemporal patterns of sensory feedback

Previous work has shown that animals alter their locomotor behavior to increase sensing volumes. However, an animal’s own movement also determines the spatial and temporal dynamics of sensory feedback. Because each sensory modality has unique spatiotemporal properties, movement has differential and potentially independent effects on each sensory system. Here we show that weakly electric fish dramatically adjust their locomotor behavior in relation to changes of modality-specific information in a task in which increasing sensory volume is irrelevant. We varied sensory information during a refuge-tracking task by changing illumination (vision) and conductivity (electroreception). The gain between refuge movement stimuli and fish tracking responses was functionally identical across all sensory conditions. However, there was a significant increase in the tracking error in the dark (no visual cues). This was a result of spontaneous whole-body oscillations (0.1 to 1 Hz) produced by the fish. These movements were costly: in the dark, fish swam over three times further when tracking and produced more net positive mechanical work. The magnitudes of these oscillations increased as electrosensory salience was degraded via increases in conductivity. In addition, tail bending (1.5 to 2.35 Hz), which has been reported to enhance electrosensory perception, occurred only during trials in the dark. These data show that both categories of movements – whole-body oscillations and tail bends – actively shape the spatiotemporal dynamics of electrosensory feedback.