cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An equal-radius constellation with improved PTMER for optical wireless communications

The signal constellations used in optical communication systems with intensity modulation are different than those in radio frequency communication systems. In this paper, we propose a four-symbol constellation called C4, in which three symbols have the equal radius. We investigate its symbol probability rate (SER), and compare with another popularly used four-symbol constellation. The result shows that the average SER profiles of two constellations are quite close, while C4 has a much smaller peak-to-mean-electrical-energy-ratio (PTMER).
Painlevé analysis and normal forms theory

Nonlinear vector fields have two important types of singularities: the fixed points in phase space and the time singularities in the complex plane. The first singularities are locally analyzed via normal form theory, whereas the second ones are studied by the Painleve analysis. In this paper, normal form theory is used to describe the solutions around their complex-time singularities. To do so, a transformation mapping the local series around the singularities to the local series around a fixed point of a new system is introduced. Regular normal form theory is then used in this new system. It is shown that a vector field has the Painleve property only if the associated system is locally linearizable around its fixed points, a problem analogous to the classical problem of the center. Moreover, the connection between partial and complete integrability and the structure of local series around both types of singularities are established. A new proof of the convergence of the local Psi-series is given and an explicit method to prove the existence of finite time blow-up manifold in phase space is presented.
Elucidating the structure-dependent photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6: a synthesis guided investigation

Polycrystalline microspheres and single-crystalline microplates of Bi2WO6 have been synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Herein, these materials are evaluated as photocatalysts for the visible light mediated degradation of rhodamine B, a model pollutant, and the results compared to those obtained with Bi2WO6 prepared by traditional methods. The microplates, which displayed the best crystallinity and highest surface area, were anticipated to facilitate the greatest rate of dye photodegradation. However, the polycrystalline microspheres outperformed both the Bi2WO6 microplates and traditional samples. To understand the origin of this result, the local and macroscale structures of the Bi2WO6 samples were comprehensively characterized by spectroscopy techniques (diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) as well as electron microscopy and diffraction. This analysis found that the enhanced performance of the Bi2WO6 microspheres results from the expression of a hydrophilic surface, a low concentration of point defects, and a moderate surface area. This finding highlights the significant role synthesis plays in imparting structure and functionality to solid materials.
Binaural phase differences and binaural auditory adaptation

In order to determine the relationship between binaural phase localization and auditory adaptation, subjects were asked to perform a series of phase-based localization tasks, as well as an SDLB adaptation task. A binaurally presented 400 Hz tone was used for midplane localization tasks, and adaptation balances. The tone was presented monaurally during adaptation after binaural localization and the SDLB pre-test. Following 7 min exposure, subjects readjusted phase to centre the binaural stimulus in the midline, and then adjusted intensity to determine dB of adaptation. No consistent or statistically significant change in phase settings occurred. There was a significant decline in the balance intensity as a function of adaptation. A further re-establishment of the midline by phase manipulation also showed no localization effect. For the stimulus values used in the present study, there was no inter-effect of binaural phase localization, and SDLB auditory adaptation.
Coercion and undue influence in decisions to participate in psychiatric research – methodological issues

We are currently developing and testing an instrument that can potentially open up voluntariness to further study and reasoned policy-making. To substantiate the necessity and usefulness of efforts to protect the voluntariness of consent requires a valid and reliable way of assessing such voluntariness. Relatedly, e.g., the development of just such an instrument has opened up research on decisional competence, permitting more informed policy discussions. Presently, no reliable and valid measure of voluntariness exists. A few studies have examined, sometimes based on as a little as a single question, subjects' perceptions of whether they felt free to make participation decisions or would face sanctions for refusal. Yet no two studies have used the same methods, or reliable and valid instruments. Challenges arise in developing a measure: subjects' experiences and perceptions may not fully correlate with objective independent assessments, and constructs (e.g., "pressures") can be hard to operationalize. We are conducting open-ended interviews with researchers and subjects to identify reasons subjects offer for participation, determinants that may shape their choices (e.g., offers, pressures, and threats), and variations across populations. We are then drafting an instrument to assess determinants of subjects' decisions, and will be piloting it, demonstrating reliability and validity with subjects in clinical trials in 3 areas: substance abuse, HIV, and metastatic cancer, determining test-retest reliability, and convergent validity using 2 existing measures. We will discuss results from initial interviews with recruiters that suggest that, e.g., monetary and other incentives, rather than 'altruism,' play major roles in subjects' decisions. To begin to explore these issues in these ways can potentially contribute substantially to understanding the issues involved.
The decomposition of ammonia on the flat (111) and stepped (557) platinum crystal surfaces

Abstract Ammonia adsorption, desorption and decomposition to H2 and N2 has been studied on the flat (111) and stepped (557) single crystal faces of platinum using molecular beam surface scattering techniques. Both surfaces show significant adsorption with sticking coefficients on the order of unity. The stepped (557) surface is 16 times more reactive for decomposition of ammonia to N2 and H2 than the flat (111) surface. Kinetic parameters have been determined for the ammonia desorption process from the Pt(111) surface. The mechanism of ammonia decomposition on the (557) face of platinum has been investigated.
Eye-Tracking Measures Reveal How Changes in the Design of Aided AAC Displays Influence the Efficiency of Locating Symbols by School-Age Children Without Disabilities

Purpose Many individuals with communication impairments use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems involving letters, words, or line drawings that rely on the visual modalit...
Applications of genetic algorithms in process planning: tool sequence selection for 2.5-axis pocket machining

Tool sequence selection is an important activity in process-planning for milling and has great bearing on the cost of machining. Currently, it is accomplished manually without consideration of cost factors a priori. Typically, a large tool is selected to quickly generate the rough shape and a smaller clearing tool is used to generate the net-shape. In this paper, we present a new systematic method to select the optimal sequence of tool(s), to machine a 2.5-axis pocket given pocket geometry, a database of cutting tools, cutting parameters, and tool holder geometry. Algorithms have been developed to calculate the geometric constructs such as accessible areas, and pocket decomposition, while considering tool holders. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) formulation is used to find the optimal tool sequence. Two types of selection mechanisms namely “Elitist selection” and “Roulette method” are tested. It is found that the Elitist method converges much faster than the Roulette method. The proposed method is compared to a shortest-path graph formulation that was developed previously by the authors. It is found that the GA formulation generates near optimal solutions while reducing computation by up to 30% as compared to the graph formulation.
Percolation in an interactive cluster-growth model.

Interactions are included in the standard model of site percolation by specifying two numbers, ${p}_{0}$ and ${p}_{1}$, which are the probabilities of occupying a site on a lattice if none or at least one of the neighboring sites are occupied, respectively. This is expected to be a better description of systems where interactions between neighbors can either enhance or deter site occupation. Monte Carlo methods are used to simulate the irreversible growth of clusters starting from an empty two-dimensional square lattice, and continuing through the percolation threshold. The value of the percolation threshold ${p}_{c}$ and other properties of the system depend on the parameter r=${p}_{1}$/${p}_{0}$. For r=1, the system corresponds to random percolation. As r\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}, compact Eden clusters are produced, which link together to form larger, fractal clusters. As r\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0, neighboring sites become less easily occupied, resulting in checked ``domains'' separated by antiphase boundaries. Several quantities are analyzed to determine the critical exponents \ensuremath{\nu}, \ensuremath{\gamma}, and \ensuremath{\beta}, including the threshold distribution width, the mean cluster size, and the infinite cluster size. For all finite values of r, the data are found to be consistent with the exponents of random percolation.
Framework for efficient processing of content-based fuzzy Cartesian queries

It has become increasingly important for multimedia databases to provide capabilities for content-based retrieval of multi-modal data at multiple abstraction levels for various decision support applications. These decision support applications commonly require the evaluation of fuzzy spatial or temporal Cartesian product of objects that have been retrieved based on their similarity to the target object in terms of color, shape, or texture features. In this paper, we propose an enhanced sequential query processing algorithm to process fuzzy Cartesian queries. This algorithm extend the Viterbi that has been well known in wireless communication area and Fagin's algorithm to evaluate combinations of candidate objects that satisfy the fuzzy Cartesian query. To retrieve the top K combinations from a fuzzy Cartesian product of M simple objects with each of which has L candidates, the computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is O(ML(log(L) + √LK + K 2 log(K))). This compares very favorably with respect to O(L M ) required by the brute force evaluation or O(KML 2 (C + log(K))) required by the previously proposed SPROC algorithm to retrieve the Cartesian product of M simple objects.
Diversity of effective treatments of panic attacks: what do they have in common?

By comparing efficacious psychological therapies of different kinds, inferences about common effective treatment mechanisms can be made. We selected six therapies for review on the basis of the diversity of their theoretical rationales and evidence for superior efficacy: psychoanalytic psychotherapy, hypercapnic breathing training, hypocapnic breathing training, reprocessing with and without eye-movement desensitization, muscle relaxation, and cognitive behavior therapy. The likely common element of all these therapies is that they reduce the immediate expectancy of a panic attack, disrupting the vicious circle of fearing fear. Modifying expectation is usually regarded as a placebo mechanism in psychotherapy, but may be a specific treatment mechanism for panic. The fact that this is seldom the rationale communicated to the patient creates a moral dilemma: Is it ethical for therapists to mislead patients to help them? Pragmatic justification of a successful practice is a way out of this dilemma. Therapies should be evaluated that deal with expectations directly by promoting positive thinking or by fostering non-expectancy. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunomodulation following chemotherapy.

In the last decade, immunomodulation has emerged as a mode of therapy capable of mediating the regression of cancer in some patients. This article reviews our experience with immunomodulation following transplant and non-transplant chemotherapy. We used interferon and cyclosporine A following conventional chemotherapy in a non-transplant setting for a B 16 melanoma in a murine model. This combination generated cells with MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity. We have also used immunotherapy in the transplant setting with IL-2 activated PBSC in patients with breast cancer. Of the 28 patients treated, 20 developed GVHD and the average time to reconstitution was 12 days (comparable to a control group). This article also raises the possibility of extending immunomodulation to breast cancer patients in the nontransplant setting to induce an antitumor immune response following cytoreductive chemotherapy.
Equations for the vibration of a slewing flexible spacecraft

The derivation of the equations describing the vibration of a flexible spacecraft is presented in the context of a perturbation method permitting a maneuver strategy independent of the vibration control. A straightforward open-loop minimum-time rotational maneuver strategy is developed for the spacecraft regarded as a rigid body. Actuator dynamics are considered in the formulation. A maneuver force distribution is developed which excites the least amount of elastic deformation of the flexible parts of the spacecraft. An efficient technique for simulating structural vibrations during a maneuver is presented. Numerical results demonstrate the maneuver strategy and highlight the vibration caused by rotational maneuvers.
Reconsidering Zeus' Order: The Reconciliation of Apollo and Hermes

This paper argues that the Homeric Hymn to Hermes explores competing ways of approaching the world through the figures of Hermes and Apollo. Apollo’s reliance on the established world, partially marked by the knowledge of eἰδέναι, is insufficient in understanding Hermes, who aligns himself with the flexible capacity of νόος. Whereas Apollo eliminates his rivals in order to establish himself permanently, Hermes exploits unexplored potentials in order to create space alongside the established gods in the Olympian order. Ultimately, the newly forged friendship of Apollo and Hermes helps us understand the nature of Zeus more fully.
Accuracy and precision of fishery and demographic estimates from a spatial tag-recovery model when inter-regional movements are treated as fixed

Abstract We used stochastic simulations to evaluate accuracy and precision of parameter estimates from spatial tag-recovery models under different combinations of high- and low-reward tagging levels, allocations of tags to different age groups, and patterns in age-specific natural mortalities. Our evaluations were based on Lake Erie walleye (Sander vitreus), which exhibit complex spatial structuring and support economically important recreational and commercial fisheries. In conducting our evaluations, we assumed inter-regional movements of tagged individuals could be treated as fixed (i.e., known) values. Accuracy and precision of parameter estimates generally stabilized at the mid-range tagging levels that were evaluated, suggesting limited gains would result from tagging more fish. Tag-allocation designs did not have large influences on accuracies of fishing mortalities, selectivities, and reporting rates, but accuracies of natural mortality estimates were sensitive to different designs. A skewed tag-allocation design most often had the best level of accuracy for age-5 and older natural mortalities, whereas proportional and balanced designs most often had the best level of accuracy for age-2 and 3 and age-4 natural mortalities, respectively. Results were far from being consistent, however, with other allocation designs sometimes exhibiting better performance under different factor-level combinations. These same tag-allocation designs resulted in the best precision for natural mortalities for these same age groups and in this regard results were consistent (i.e., did not vary by factor-level combinations). Our simulations help to understand how accuracy and precision of estimates from spatial tag-recovery models can vary with different design features of tagging studies and should provide beneficial insight for designing tagging studies for spatially structured fish populations.
Scombroid Poisoning: Prompt Resolution of Symptoms with Cimetidine

Ingestion of tainted fish of the tuna class may result in the toxic erythema and histamine overload of scombroid poisoning. We report four cases in which prompt resolution of symptoms was achieved by administration of intravenous cimetidine, with minimal side effects. A search of the literature failed to locate previous reports of the efficacy of cimetidine in the treatment of this syndrome.
Low-Dimensional Nanoparticle Clustering in Polymer Micelles and Their Transverse Relaxivity Rates

One- or two-dimensional arrays of iron oxide nanoparticles were formed in colloidal assemblies of amphiphilic polymers. Electron tomography imaging revealed that nanoparticles are arranged into one-dimensional strings in magneto-micelles or two-dimensional sheets in magneto-core/shell assemblies. The distinct directional assembly behavior was attributed to the interparticle interaction relative to the nanoparticle–polymer interaction, which was modulated by varying the cosolvent used for the solution phase self-assembly. Magneto-core/shell assemblies with varying structural parameters were formed with a range of different sized as-synthesized nanoparticles. The transverse magnetic relaxivity rates (r2) of a series of different assemblies were determined to examine the effect of nanoparticle arrangement on the magnetic relaxivity for their potential applications in MRI. The results indicated that the assembly structure of nanoparticles in polymer micelles significantly affects the r2 of surrounding water, ...
Singular behaviour near an interface crack tip of power law hardening materials using The Finite Element Iterative Method

The Finite Element Iterative Method (FEIM) is extended to the analysis of asymptotic fields of materials with non-linear behaviour. It is used in the investigation of the asymptotic field of an interfacial crack of power law hardening materials. The material is assumed to deform according to the total deformation theory of plasticity. The results of the analysis provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the asymptotic field can be cast in the form of the HRR-singularity multiplied by a function of the product form. This function can be written as a series of oscillatory functions, similar to those encountered in an elastic field, each of which is valid over a substantial range of the process zone. The real part of these terms depends on the loading mode, process zone size as well as material properties; it is, however, very small compared to the HRR-singularity. The imaginary part which gives the phase shift is much smaller than the elastic value and is a weak function of the hardening power and the size of the process zone of interest; it eventually vanished at extremely small distances.
An illustration of the quest genre as spiritual metaphor in adventure travel narratives

Abstract Adventure travel narratives are often written within a quest genre. The quest as genre is a romantic narrative that follows a pattern of sequential steps: the call to journey, preparation, the journey, and returning home. This paper proposes that the quests in which adventure travellers embark upon are spiritual in nature. Therefore, the quest genre is a metaphorical vehicle for narrating a spiritual journey. The term “spiritual,” in this context, refers to connecting to something outside of oneself. The purpose of this paper is to describe adventure travel as spiritual questing and to illustrate this idea with three popular adventure travel narratives. It is important to understand the common themes and constructions within adventure travel narratives because of their ability to frame travel expectations and influence various factors in the travel and tourism industry (trip choice, travel mode, destination choice, and intention to travel).
FAMILIAL PATTERNS OF NARCOLEPSY

Familial patterns of narcolepsy were investigated in a clinic population of 334 unrelated narcoleptic patients. 40% of probands had at least 1 family member with an isolated daytime sleepiness complaint and 6% had a positive family history of narcolepsy. Multicase families were rare; only two families were found with 3 or more affected relatives. Family members often shared the same HLA-DR2 haplotype as the proband but did not have narcolepsy. However, the risk of disease for first-degree relatives was six to eighteen times greater than that for unrelated individuals. Although most patients were HLA-DR2+, 2 new HLA-DR2- individuals were found. The data predict that as many as 9% of unrelated North-American white patients with narcolepsy will be DR2-. Analysis of these and other data indicates that although strongly associated with disease, the HLA-DR2 haplotype is neither sufficient nor necessary for the development of narcolepsy.
The molecular systematics of some agar- and carrageenan-containing marine red algae based on rbcL sequence analysis

A hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships inferred by parsimony analysis of plastid-encoded rbcL sequences is presented for red algae containing agar- and carrageenan-like phycocolloids; rbcL encodes the large subunit of ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Previous studies have shown that Floridean families that contain sulfated galactans as cell wall components are resolved as a monophyletic clade sister to the agarophyte order Ahnfeltiales. Families that have been identified as containing kappa-type carrageenans, often in addition to lambda-type carrageenans, are resolved in three clades: (1) a complex containing the families Solieriaceae, Cystocloniaceae, Hypneaceae, Caulacanthaceae, Tichocarpaceae, Furcellariaceae, and the genera Turnerella and Opuntiella; (2) the Gigartinaceae and Phyllophoraceae, and (3) the genus Endocladia. Except for Tichocarpus and Endocladia, these are all members of the Gigartinales sensu Kylin (1956). Most of the families previously placed in the Cryptonemiales by Kylin appear to contain only lambda-type carrageenans. These fall into two groups, one that clusters with typical carrageenophyte- and the other with typical agarophyte-taxa. The first of these includes the families Polyideaceae, Kallymeniaceae, Dumontiaceae, and Rhizophyllidaceae. The second includes the type family of the Cryptonemiales, the Halymeniaceae, which is divisible into two well-supported clades, one of which possesses special lambda-like carrageenans, the aeodans, and the Schizymeniaceae, a recently created family containing two former gigartinalean genera. The agarophyte orders Gelidiales, Gracilariales and Ceramiales are well resolved as monophyletic clades, but their topological positions are poorly resolved. The Gelidiales and Ceramiales are associated, but the Gracilariales is included in a clade that contains families belonging to the Rhodymeniales, a possible agarophyte order. Finally, two groups that may contain lambda-like carrageenans, the Plocamiales and the Sarcodiaceae, are resolved as separate clades.
Total Oxidation of Carbon-Monoxide and Methane over Transition Metal Fluorite Oxide Composite Catalysts: II. Catalyst Characterization and Reaction-Kinetics

Abstract Cu-Ce-O and Au-Ce-O catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, and STEM. Copper in small amounts showed a strong tendency to associate with cerium oxide, When the cerium oxide surface was saturated with copper, excess copper formed bulk copper oxide particles. The cuprous(+1) oxidation state was identified by XPS for the copper clusters distributed in cerium oxide, while gold in the Au-Ce-O catalyst was in the form of metallic particles distributed in the cerium oxide matrix. The reaction kinetics of CO and methane oxidation over the Cu-Ce-O catalysts were measured at a partial pressure of CO or oxygen from 0.001 to 0.06 bar, at a partial pressure of methane from 0.001 to 0.03 bar, and at temperatures ranging from 40 to 200°C for CO oxidation and from 400 to 550°C for methane oxidation. The oxidation rates of CO and methane over the Cu-Ce-O catalysts were expressed as kKRPnO/(1 + KRPR), where PR denotes the partial pressure of CO or methane and PO is the partial pressure of oxygen. CO oxidation kinetics over the Au-Ce-O catalyst were described by kP0.3COP0.18O. The kinetic results were interpreted with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism and in terms of a synergistic effect resulting from the interaction of the two kinds of materials.
Evoked potential augmenting and reducing: The methodological and theoretical significance of new electrophysiological observations

Buchsbaum's (1976) evoked potential (EP) procedure reveals differences in the slope of P100-N140 amplitude changes with variation of stimulus luminance. Subjects are classed 'augmenters' or 'reducers', respectively, if their slopes are positive or negative. Psychological correlates of this slope index have been reported and it has distinguished psychiatric patient populations from healthy subjects. Data are presented which indicate that the augmenting-reducing slope differences are due to an early slow-wave. For augmenters, the major slow-wave deflection is of positive polarity. At the highest luminance, with a correspondingly shorter latency, the slow-wave increases the positive-going P100 deflection. At the lowest luminance, with a longer latency, it reduces the negative-going N140 deflection. This results in positive slopes. For reducers, the major slow-wave deflection is of negative polarity. This influences the measured P100 and N140 amplitudes in a manner opposite to that described for augmenters and results in negative slopes. Since these findings provide new insights concerning the nature of the Buchsbaum augmenting-reducing phenomenon, they have methodological and theoretical implications. It is concluded that the Buchsbaum procedure is an effective measure of slow-wave differences but that the reducing effect is difficult to explain in terms of Pavlov's concept of protective inhibition. An alternative 'opponent-process' explanation is offered.
Simultaneous shield insertion and net ordering for capacitive and inductive coupling minimization

In this article, we first show that existing net ordering formulations to minimize noise are no longer sufficient with the presence of inductive noise, and shield insertion is needed to minimize inductive noise. Using a Keff model as the figure of merit for inductive coupling, we then formulate two simultaneous shield insertion and net ordering (SINO) problems: the optimal SINO/NF problem to find a minimal area SINO solution that is free of capacitive and inductive noise, and the optimal SINO/NB problem to find a minimal area SINO solution that is free of capacitive noise and is under the given inductive noise bound. We reveal that both optimal SINO problems are NP-hard, and propose effective approximate algorithms for the two problems. Experiments show that our SINO/NB algorithm uses from 51p to 82p fewer shields compared to uniform shield insertion and net ordering (US + NO), and uses from 4p to 47p fewer shields compared to separated net ordering and shield insertion (NO + SI). Furthermore, the SINO/NB solutions under practical noise bounds use from 38p to 61p fewer shields compared to SINO/NF solutions, and use up to 36p fewer shields compared to the theoretical lower bound for optimal SINO/NF solutions. Moreover, we show that the Keff model has a high fidelity versus the noise voltage computed using accurate RLC circuit models and SPICE simulations. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first work that presents an in-depth study on the automatic layout optimization of multiple nets to minimize both capacitive and inductive noise.
Control topologies for deep space formation flying spacecraft

A deep space satellite formation can be specified in terms of the relative satellite positions and absolute satellite orientations. Redundancy in the relative position specification generates a family of control topologies with equivalent stability and reference tracking performance. We give a characterization of this equivalence and show that there exists a control topology which achieves a global tracking objective using only local controllers. This local relative topology can be implemented without requiring communication between the formation spacecraft.
Pathophysiology and disease progression of atrial fibrillation: Importance of achieving and maintaining sinus rhythm

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a progressive disease in which arrhythmia-induced remodeling facilitates evolution from paroxysmal AF to persistent and permanent AF. Changes in electrical, structural, and contractile properties of cardiac tissue that are thought to underlie AF maintenance and progression are reviewed. Also examined is the negative impact of AF on clinical outcomes, as well as the potential benefits of restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm. Because of the limited efficacy and adverse effects of current antiarrhythmics, new antiarrhythmic drugs need to be developed that provide safer and more effective rhythm control in AF.
THE PERSISTENCE OF BOVINE γ-GLOBULIN INJECTED AS AN ANTIGEN INTO RABBITS A COMPARISON WITH ITS PREVIOUSLY STUDIED PERSISTENCE IN MICE

A sensitive biological test has been used to detect the persistence of minute traces of a foreign protein, bovine γ-globulin, in the blood and livers of rabbits intravenously injected with it, as an antigen. At various intervals after injecting these rabbits (donors) serum or liver tissue was transferred from them to the peritoneal cavities of normal or unilaterally adrenalectomized mice (recipients) with the aim of rendering the latter hypersensitive to the antigen that might be persisting in the transferred materials; a state of affairs detectable, 2 days later, by the appearance of signs of reversed passive anaphylaxis when the recipient mice were intravenously challenged with a strong anti-bovine γ-globulin rabbit serum. The protein persisted in the blood of the donor rabbits, in readily demonstrable amounts for 1 month, and in the blood of one animal, in minute traces, or as long as 6 weeks. It was detectable in the livers for 8 weeks. The persistence of bovine γ-globulin in rabbits, which form circulating antibodies to it well, is not as long as that in mice, which form antibodies to it poorly, since in previous work with the mouse the antigen was found (1) in the blood after 8 weeks and in the liver for 14 weeks. Nevertheless the antigen persists in the rabbit much longer than is generally supposed. Indeed it can be found in the liver all through the period in which circulating antibody is demonstrable in the blood. Explanations for the phenomenon have been suggested. Its significance in relation to the mechanisms of antibody formation is obvious.
Single-Phase Permanent-Magnet Motor Analysis

A unified theoretical approach is presented for the calculation of the performance of the single-phase capacitor-start permanent-magnet (PM) ac line-start motor. The earlier work of Chang and of Finch and Lawrenson on capacitor reluctance motors is extended. As far as possible, a common set of reference frame transformations for steady-state, transient, and asynchronous performance is also provided, permitting the use of all the theory developed for the analysis of the balanced polyphase PM motor. A new approximate technique is given for estimating the average asynchronous torque/speed curve from computed acceleration curves.
Reconnoitering Combatant Moral Equality

This essay scouts the conception of combatant moral equality in the preceding papers by Dan Zupan and Jeff McMahan, and especially in the recent interchange between McMahan and Michael Walzer. With McMahan, I deride the idea that aggressor combatants have some moral right to kill, but, unlike him, I deride the idea of such a legal right. I accept only a presumption of blamelessness, and argue that Zupan actually agrees. Combatant moral equality, I argue, has import only for conscientious objection, and (contra McMahan and Walzer) not for our war conventions or just war theory. Walzer is criticized for over-emphasizing our collective responses to war conduct and slighting our personal, extra-political responses.
Mitogenicity of Brain Axolemma Membranes and Soluble Factors for Dorsal Root Ganglion Schwann Cells

Previous studies in this laboratory have shown that membranes derived from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurites are mitogenic for cultured Schwann cells derived from the same source [Salzer et al (1980): J Cell Biol 84:767-778]. Improved procedures are described for preparing Schwann cells derived from dorsal root ganglia that are highly responsive to various mitogens. Under these conditions, the cells respond not only to the neurite mitogen but also to pituitary extracts, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and cholera toxin that have been shown previously to be good mitogens for Schwann cells derived from sciatic nerve [Raff et al (1978): Cell 15:813-822], thus reconciling discrepancies in the response of these different Schwann cell preparations to mitogens. Searching for a source of membranes more suitable for biochemical characterization of the neurite mitogen, we found that bovine brain axolemma, prepared by the method of DeVries et al [(1977):Brain Res 147:339-352] is highly mitogenic for Schwann cells. The mitotic index of Schwann cells was increased by the addition of axolemma from 0.5%-2% to 30%-50% during 24-h incubation with [3H]thymidine. Half maximal effect was obtained at about 0.4 microgram axolemma protein per microwell containing 2-4 X 10(3) cells. The axolemma mitogen appears to be an integral membrane protein that remains bound to the membrane under various ionic conditions but can be extracted in a partially active form with deoxycholate. Like the DRG neurite mitogen, the mitogenic activity of axolemma was abolished by trypsin treatment. Unlike the neurite preparation, however, the mitogenic activity of axolemma was only partially inactivated by heat treatment (60%-70% inactivation). A significant difference between the mitogenic activity of axolemma membranes and neurite membranes is the fact that axolemma membranes fail to stimulate Schwann cell proliferation in a defined, serum-free medium (N-2), whereas neurites show significant mitogenic activity in this medium. These findings indicate a possible difference between DRG neurites and brain axolemma either in the mitogen itself or surface components responsible for recognition between the membranes and the cells.
Thermally stabilized combustion

Thermally stabilized combustion has a number of unique characteristics which permit the generation of steam or other forms of process energy from the heat of combustion of a gaseous or clean liquid fuel in remarkably compact, integrated apparatus while truly minimizing the concentrations of NOx, CO and unburnt fuel in the effluent. These characteristics, which have been identified by a long-range program of research, are described and the advantages and limitations of this process are discussed.
Innate Stat3-mediated induction of the antimicrobial protein Reg3γ is required for host defense against MRSA pneumonia

Pulmonary Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections are a public health concern and a major complication of hyper-IgE syndrome, caused by mutations in STAT3. In contrast to previous findings of skin infection, we observed that clearance of SA from the lung did not require T, B, or NK cells but did require Stat3 activation. Immunohistochemistry showed robust Stat3 phosphorylation in the lung epithelium. We identified that a critical Stat3 target gene in lung epithelium is Reg3g (regenerating islet-derived 3 γ), a gene which is highly expressed in gastrointestinal epithelium but whose role in pulmonary host defense is uncharacterized. Stat3 regulated Reg3g transcription through direct binding at the Reg3g promoter region. Recombinant Reg3γ bound to SA and had both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Stat3 inhibition in vivo reduced Reg3g transcripts in the lung, and more importantly, recombinant Reg3γ rescued mice from defective SA clearance. These findings reveal an antibacterial function for lung epithelium through Stat3-mediated induction of Reg3γ.
The Arms Trade and the Incidence of Political Violence in Sub-saharan Africa, 1967-97

The role of the weapons trade has often been ignored in the study of conflict. This article presents empirical research that strongly supports a broad conceptualization of armed conflict in Africa and addresses a critical gap in the literature on the arms trade and war. Using multivariate binomial logistic regression, it finds that arms transfers are significant and positive predictors of increased probability of war. The models, which also include posited conflict-related domestic political, economic, military, and cultural variables, explain 90% of the cases and two-thirds of the war cases, thus making a further contribution to the understanding of conflict dynamics and correlates. In addition to arms transfers, six other variables - semi-democracy, regime transitions, military spending, cumulative previous conflict, and ethno-political groupings - correctly predict war incidence, while economic development exhibits the expected negative relationship; two other factors - repression and colonial legacy - contrary to expectations, are also negatively related. The analysis and findings, while not asserting explicit causal links between arms transfers and the incidence of political violence, support the view that weapons acquisitions are virtually necessary as ingredients in the recipe for war, and that meaningful restraint by suppliers and recipients alike is needed to break the nexus between arms and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tough and fully recoverable hydrogels

In natural cartilage, collagen fibers form the extracellular matrix, while aggrecan entangles with these fibers and provides cartilage with its osmotic properties, which are critical to resist cyclic compressive loads. In this paper, a hydrogel was fabricated via the entanglement of a bio-inspired nanostructure (chondroitin sulfate-coated vinyl silica nanoparticles, CS-SNP) within an agar/poly(acrylamide) double network hydrogel. The highly charged chondroitin sulfate groups provide additional compression resistance within the macromolecular chains, while the solid silica cores anchor these entanglements. The presence of the CS-SNP not only improved the compressive modulus, compressive strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue resistance of this hydrogel, but also ensured the full recovery of all these properties after thermal heating. This tough, fully recoverable, and robust hydrogel is a promising material for applications with strong mechanical requirements.
A new approach to computational turbulence modeling

We present a new approach to Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD using adaptive stabilized Galerkin finite element methods with duality based a posteriori error control for chosen output quantities of interest. We address the basic question of computability in CFD: For a given flow, what quantity is computable to what tole rance to what cost? We focus on incompressible Newtonian flow with medium to large Rey nolds numbers involving both laminar and turbulent flow features. We estimate a poste riori the output of the computed solution with the output based on the exact solution to the Navier-Stokes equations, thus circumventing introducing and modeling Reynolds stresses in averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Our basic tool is a representation formula for th e error in the quantity of interest in terms of a space-time integral of the residual of a computed solution multiplied by weights related to derivatives of the solution of an associa ted dual problem with data connected to the output. We use the error representation formula to derive an a posterori error estimate combining residuals with computed dual weights, which is used for mesh adaptivity in space-time with the objective of satisfying a give n error tolerance with minimal computational effort. We show in concrete examples that outputs such as mean values in time of drag and lift of turbulent flow around a bluff body are c omputable on a PC with a tolerance of a few percent using a few hundred thousand mesh points in space. We refer to our methodology as Adaptive DNS/LES, where automatically by adaptivity certain features of the flow are resolved in a Direct Numerical Simulation DNS , while certain other small scale turbulent features are left unresolved in a Large Eddy Simulation LES . The stabilization of the Galerkin method giving a weighted least square control of the residual acts as the subgrid model in the LES. The a posteriori error estimate takes into account both the error from discretization and the error from the subgrid model. We pay particular attention to the stability of the dual solution from (i) perturbations repla cing the exact convection velocity by a computed velocity, and (ii) computational solution of the dual problem, which are the crucial aspects entering by avoiding using averaged Navier-Stokes equations including Reynolds stresses. A crucial observation is that the contri bution from subgrid modeling in the a posteriori error estimation is small, making it possib le to simulate aspects of turbulent flow without accurate modeling of Reynolds stresses.
Control of Moulting and Metamorphosis in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca Sexta (L.): Growth of the Last-Instar Larva and the Decision to Pupate

The dynamics of growth and the timing of release of the brain's prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) in final instar larvae of Manduca sexta are consistent with the following hypothesis. When a 5th-stage larva reaches a critical weight of about 5 g an unidentified process is initiated which requires 24 h to be completed. At the completion of this process the brain is rendered competent to release PTTH. The actual release of PTTH is gated by the photoperiod and occurs when the gate opens during the very next photophase.
Vibrational control of linear time lag systems with no restrictions on the delay size

It is shown that vibrational stabilization can be effective for linear systems with large delays. Theorems are given that define the procedures for the search for the stabilizing vibrations. Robust oscillatory stabilization insensitive to the delay size is also shown to take place for some classes of systems. The results are supported by numerical examples. >
Maitake beta-glucan promotes recovery of leukocytes and myeloid cell function in peripheral blood from paclitaxel hematotoxicity

Bone marrow myelotoxicity is a major limitation of chemotherapy. While granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment is effective, alternative approaches to support hematopoietic recovery are sought. We previously found that a beta-glucan extract from maitake mushroom Grifola frondosa (MBG) enhanced colony forming unit-granulocyte monocyte (CFU-GM) activity of mouse bone marrow and human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), stimulated G-CSF production and spared HPC from doxorubicin toxicity in vitro. This investigation assessed the effects of MBG on leukocyte recovery and granulocyte/monocyte function in vivo after dose intensive paclitaxel (Ptx) in a normal mouse. After a cumulative dose of Ptx (90–120 mg/kg) given to B6D2F1mice, daily oral MBG (4 or 6 mg/kg), intravenous G-CSF (80 µg/kg) or Ptx alone were compared for effects on the dynamics of leukocyte recovery in blood, CFU-GM activity in bone marrow and spleen, and granulocyte/monocyte production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Leukocyte counts declined less in Ptx + MBG mice compared to Ptx-alone (p = 0.024) or Ptx + G-CSF treatment (p = 0.031). Lymphocyte levels were higher after Ptx + MBG but not Ptx + G-CSF treatment compared to Ptx alone (p < 0.01). MBG increased CFU-GM activity in bone marrow and spleen (p < 0.001, p = 0.002) 2 days after Ptx. After two additional days (Ptx post-day 4), MBG restored granulocyte/monocyte ROS response to normal levels compared to Ptx-alone and increased ROS response compared to Ptx-alone or Ptx + G-CSF (p < 0.01, both). The studies indicate that oral MBG promoted maturation of HPC to become functionally active myeloid cells and enhanced peripheral blood leukocyte recovery after chemotoxic bone marrow injury.
Optic nerve sarcoidosis. Report of a case.

An unusual case of bilateral optic nerve involvement occurred in a young Negro woman with documented sarcoidosis. A brief review of the various forms of optic nerve sarcoidosis is presented with particular emphasis on optic nerve infiltration.
Impact of logic module routing flexibility on the routability of antifuse-based channelled FPGA architectures

In an antifuse based FPGA, a macro can be implemented by configuring a logic module in multiple ways. The paper evaluates the impact of the flexibility offered by these multiple layout views on the 3 main components of routability : netlength, freeway usage end maximum channel congestion. The paper presents placement and routing techniques that use the routing flexibility to enhance the routability. The paper proposes a quantitative measure of the routing flexibility and shows how it has been used to develop a routing flexibility driven synthesis approach. >
Cutaneous postocclusive reactive hyperemia monitored by Laser Doppler Flux metering and skin temperature

Abstract The initial Laser Doppler Flux (LDF) values and skin temperature in the first, third, and fifth finger were evaluated as well as the postocclusion reactive hyperemia (PORH) response to a 4-min suprasystolic compression. The mean values varied from 276.5 to 335.3 mV while the skin temperature ranged from 32.5 to 34.2°. The LDF-monitored PORH response was very reproducible with an average increase of 144.7 ± 63.6 mV (from an initial LDF value of 327.1 ± 134 mV). Four different time-related indices were analyzed: t 2 recovery = 6.0 ± 5.5 sec ; t recovery ( time to reach the initial value ) = 16.7 ± 11.5 sec ; t max ( peak of overshoot ) = 48.2 ± 20.6 sec and t 2 overshoot (time to reach 50% of the t max on the downslope ) = 97.4 ± 31.8 sec . The simultaneously monitored skin temperature changes lagged significantly behind the LDF changes probably due to the large heat capacitance of the tissue. It is expected that the described results obtained from 20 normal subjects will serve as a basis for future clinical studies involving skin perfusion disorders.
BREEDING BIOLOGY AND SUCCESS OF A REINTRODUCED POPULATION OF THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED PUAIOHI (MYADESTES PALMERI)

Abstract The ultimate success of reintroduction programs for endangered species depends on the ability of reintroduced animals to breed in the wild. We studied the nesting success and breeding biology of a reintroduced population of Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. Thirty-four captive-bred Puaiohi were released into the Alaka'i Swamp in 1999-2001 and monitored using radiotelemetry. Ten females and two males paired with wild and other released birds, including one polygynous trio. From March to September, 31 nests were built. Mean clutch size was 2.0 eggs, daily nest survival was 0.97 ± 0.01 (mean ± SE) and overall nest success was 0.40 ± 0.02. We confirmed predation, most probably by rats (Rattus spp.), as the greatest cause of nest failure, occurring at 38% of active nests with known fates, and causing the death of two nesting adult females. Ground-based rodent control proved ineffective at protecting nest attempts. Successful nests fledged an average of 1.4 young each (n = 10...