cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Gaussian-to-annular beam shaping by geometrical optics for optical trepanning

Laser drilling is very important in many industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics and materials processing. It can be used to produce critical components with novel hole geometry for advanced systems. Percussion drilling and trepanning are two laser drilling methods. In the conventional trepanning method, a laser beam in scanned along a circular or spiral orbit to remove material to achieve a desired hole shape. These orbits generally trace a circular path at the inner wall of the holes. This suggests that an annular beam can be used to accomplish trepanning, which we referred to as optical trepanning. The ray tracing technique of geometrical optics will be employed in this paper to design the necessary optics to transform a Gaussian laser beam into an annular beam of different intensity profiles. Such profiles include half Gaussian with maximum intensities at the inner and outer surfaces of the annulus, respectively, and full Gaussian with maximum intensity within the annulus.
Treatment of refractory urothelial carcinoma with alternating paclitaxel, methotrexate, cisplatin (TMP) and 5-fluorouracil, α-interferon, cisplatin (FAP)

Abstract We assessed the activity and safety of a biochemotherapy regimen in which courses of paclitaxel, methotrexate, and cisplatin were alternated with courses of 5-fluorouracil, α-interferon, and cisplatin in the treatment of refractory urothelial carcinoma. Forty patients were enrolled in the study. In the phase I portion, 15 patients were treated according to an escalating dosage regimen designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose. A total of 30 patients received treatment according to the maximum tolerated dose regimen: methotrexate (30 mg/m 2 ) given iv on days 1 and 22; paclitaxel (175 mg/m 2 ) given iv over 3 h on day 1; cisplatin (70 and 25 mg/m 2 ) administered iv on days 1 and 22, respectively; 5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m 2 ) given iv by continuous infusion daily for 5 days beginning on day 22; and α-interferon (4 mIU/m 2 ) given SC daily for 5 days simultaneously with the 5-fluorouracil infusions. The regimen was repeated at 42-day intervals. The 40 treated patients had an overall response rate of 43%, a complete response rate of 18%, and a median survival time of 44 weeks. Most of the toxic effects were hematologic: Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 30% of patients (12 patients) and Grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 20% (8 patients). Even though this alternating biochemotherapy regimen was active for patients with refractory urothelial carcinoma, its activity was not better than that of certain single cytotoxic agents. Furthermore, the complicated dosing schedule and toxic effects of the regimen precluded its routine use in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma.
Capital Structure and the Financial Development of the U.S. Sugar-Refining Industry, 1875–1905

In this article I develop a taxonomy of financial practices based on whether financial activity is intended to fund new capital investment or to create new financial structures to accommodate planned changes in the structure of an industry's existing capital stock. The taxonomy is then applied to the financial development of the U.S. sugar-refining industry between 1875 and 1905. The taxonomy provides an explanation of the rise of the large, widely held industrial corporation in the United States that is more consistent with the historical record than are the conventional “financial strain” or “asset liquidation” hypotheses.
The hydration of anions in nonaqueous media

A very simple isopiestic method based on that of S. Christian is used for measuring the salting-in of water into nonpolar, low-volatility solvents by tetraalkylammonium salts. The quantity of excess water which is dissolved in such solvents is directly proportional to the salt concentration and is sharply dependent on the nature of the anion but is nearly insensitive to that of the R4N+ cation. The hydration ratioH, which we define as the moles of excess solubilized water per mole of R4N+ X−, is directly relatable to the enthalpy of hydration of the anion X− in several solvents and in the gas phase. The quantityH is also correlated with many free-energy terms including those for the Hofmeister lyotropic series, for the ability of the anions to salt nonelectrolytes out of water, for the free-energy terms for separation of these ions by reverse osmosis membranes, and for their nucleophilicities. A surprising (but not unprecedented) feature of the hydration ratio is that it, rather than its logarithm, behaves as a free-energy term. It is proposed that all these properties have in common the free energy of hydration of the anions, and this notion is supported by a close correspondence between the anionic hydration ratio and their hydrogen-bonding energies with proton donors in aprotic solvents. The results support scattered observations by other workers that isolated water molecules do not have an unusual inherent affinity for anions. Accordingly, large anionic hydration energies in bulk aqueous media reflect extensive cooperative interactions in the solvent. Implications for nucleophilic activity in phase transfer catalysis and enzyme activity are mentioned.
Evidence that nervy, the Drosophila homolog of ETO/MTG8, promotes mechanosensory organ development by enhancing Notch signaling

In the imaginal tissue of developing fruit flies, achaete (ac) and scute (sc) expression defines a group of neurally-competent cells called the proneural cluster (PNC). From the PNC, a single cell, the sensory organ precursor (SOP), is selected as the adult mechanosensory organ precursor. The SOP expresses high levels of ac and sc and sends a strong Delta (Dl) signal, which activates the Notch (N) receptor in neighboring cells, preventing them from also adopting a neural fate. Previous work has determined how ac and sc expression in the PNC and SOP is regulated, but less is known about SOP-specific factors that promote SOP fate. Here, we describe the role of nervy (nvy), the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian proto-oncogene ETO, in mechanosensory organ formation. Nvy is specifically expressed in the SOP, where it interacts with the Ac and Sc DNA binding partner Daughterless (Da) and affects the expression of Ac and Sc targets. nvy loss- and gain-of-function experiments suggest that nvy reinforces, but is not absolutely required for, the SOP fate. We propose a model in which nvy acts downstream of ac and sc to promote the SOP fate by transiently strengthening the Dl signal emanating from the SOP.
Chromatin acidic proteins with high affinity for nucleohistone and DNA.

Abstract Isolation of acidic proteins with high affinity for DNA and/or nucleohistone, from rat liver chromatin, is described. It is rapid and avoids the use of harsh extraction conditions. The isolated proteins comprise less than 4% of the total nuclear proteins, and are distinct from the other major groups of nuclear proteins in their solubility properties and SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns. They bind to DNA 5 to 7 times more effectively than other nuclear acidic proteins.
The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic bases for the biopharmaceutical evaluation of drug biological availability in pharmaceutical formulations.

: The operational determination of the bioavailability of a vital drug from its pharmaceutical formulation by the extent and rate of its appearance in the blood and tissues of an intact biological organism is termed biopharmaceutics. Such bioavailability is a complex function of the physicochemical factors that determine its stability in the formulation and in the biological fluids; the rate of release of drug particles from, or disintegration of, the formulation matrix; the rate of dissolution of the dispersed drug particles as affected by the pH, volume, and agitation of the dissolution media; the solubility of the drug in the solvent; its transport to the absorption site; the pKa of the dissolved substance that determines the concentration of neutral species at the pH at the site; the partition of dissolved drug into the lipid-like membranes and the subsequent rate of diffusion into the body compartments. Pharmacokinetics determines the amounts of drug absorbed, the rate of absorption and release from the pharmaceutical formulation in the intact biological system. Experimental data may be obtained from amounts of drug and/or metabolites monitored in the urine, faeces and blood as functions of time. Total amounts excreted and areas under blood level-time curves with their defined limitations are one set of criteria of bioavailability. Rates of absorption, deduced from rates of change of blood level and excretion, form another set of criteria whose various limitations are also defined. Dissolution rate studies have limited a priori value in predicting bioavailability but may be useful in quality control procedures when correlated with biopharmaceutical data. Although many mathematical functions may be operationally useful in characterizing in vitro dissolution rates of drugs from dosage forms, the most valid presentation of data is the percentage og drug released at various time intervals.
1995: os direitos humanos em "Sursis"

Although the Vienna Conference of 1993 reaffirmed by consensus the universality of human rights and the legitimacy of international concern for them, some States have reinitiated the practice of labelling them as "Western", and of resorting to the traditional concept of sovereignty to avoid the monitoring of their internal situation. The revival of such attitudes within the UN Commission on Human Rights, together with the resistance shown by these same governments in association with others to accept at the Copenhagen Summit on Social Development conceptual advances already enshrined in the documents adopted at the Cairo Conference on Population and Development point to serious difficulties ahead in the international efforts to protect human rights.
Anomalous Magnetic Moment of the Electron, Muon, and Nucleon

The anomalous magnetic moment of the electron, $\frac{1}{2}(g\ensuremath{-}2)$, is computed using dispersion theory. The analytic continuation is made in the mass of one of the external electron lines and only the one-electron one-photon states are retained in the absorptive amplitude. In this way we relate $g\ensuremath{-}2$ to the Compton amplitude which has a known exact threshold behavior. Our approximation is an expansion in the low-energy behavior rather than a perturbation expansion in powers of 1/137, and we are able to show that a major contribution to $g\ensuremath{-}2$ comes from the low-mass region of the electron-photon system near the threshold of the absorptive amplitude. First, in a purely nonrelativistic calculation, we find that a major part of the $\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{2\ensuremath{\pi}}$ correction is accounted for by the Thomson limit. Further refining our calculation by including the exact residue of the pole terms in the Compton amplitude in accord with the low-energy theorem on Compton scattering, we find that electron-photon states below $2.5m{c}^{2}$ in the absorptive amplitude reproduce 90% of the $\frac{\ensuremath{-}0.328{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}}$ contribution and predict a value of $\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{+0.15{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{3}}{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{3}}$ for the sixth-order term. We also give a simple physical interpretation of the difference of the muon and electron $g\ensuremath{-}2$ values. Finally we calculate with this approach the anomalous magnetic moments of the proton and neutron, with the Kroll-Ruderman theorem on meson photoproduction providing the low-energy "anchor" in this case. Again retaining only the low-mass region of the absorptive amplitude, we obtain fair agreement with the magnitude and the isovector character of the moments, finding $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{P}\ensuremath{\approx}0.7(\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{expt}})$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{N}\ensuremath{\approx}0.9(\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{expt}})$.
Argentation high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of gibberelline esters

Abstract Pairs of gibberellins, differing from each other only by the presence or absence of a double bond, were separated in the form of their p -nitrobenzyl esters on a silver nitrate-impregnated silica column by high-pressure liquid chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry.
Epidemiologic implications of air pollutants in Houston, TX

The adverse health effects of high concentrations of ground-level air pollutants are well-known, but estimating exposure is difficult due to the sparseness of urban monitoring networks. This sparseness discourages the reservation of a portion of the monitoring stations for validation of interpolation techniques precisely when the risk of overfitting is greatest. In this study, we test a variety of simple spatial interpolation techniques for 8-h ozone with thousands of randomly selected subsets of data from two urban areas with monitoring stations sufficiently numerous to allow for true validation. Results indicate that ordinary kriging with only the range parameter calibrated in an exponential variogram is the generally superior method, and yields reliable confidence intervals. Based on this analysis, the temporal and spatial distributions of ambient ozone and particulate matter concentrations in Houston, TX metropolitan area during the summers of 2000-2010 were assessed. The epidemiologic implications were also examined through the analysis of children hospital's emergency room visits with focus on asthma exacerbation. The impact of demographic covariates in spatiotemporal assessments of associations of ambient air pollutant concentrations with health outcome was also examined.
Best linear composites with a specified structure

Least squares linear composites of predictors for estimating several criteria are derived, satisfying the restriction that the composites have an arbitrary specified intercorrelation matrix. These composites are compared with the usual unrestricted regression composites. An illustrative example is provided. The derivation depends on a general result, given in an appendix, about best-fitting orthonormal transformations.
Establishing Minimum Pressurization Temperature (MPT) for Heavy Wall Reactors in Hydroprocessing Units

A procedure was developed to establish the minimum pressurization temperature (MPT) for Cr-Mo reactor vessels greater than 2-inches thick in high temperature hydrogen service. The procedure is consistent with a Level 2 assessment as defined in Part 3 of API RP-579 and accommodates the potential effects of temper embrittlement and hydrogen assisted fracture. Temper embrittlement effects can be accounted for by use of typical fracture data for Cr-Mo steels of similar vintage as used in the construction of the reactor vessel in question or by using data from actual reactor heat samples exposed in the reactor over time. The potential for hydrogen assisted fracture can be evaluated for specific vessel situations by estimating residual hydrogen levels in the vessel steel after shutdown. At very low levels of hydrogen (2 ppm and lower) hydrogen assisted fracture should not be a concern. An envelope for the reactor operating temperature and hydrogen partial pressure conditions is defined below which hydrogen assisted cracking should not be a concern. It should be noted that a more detailed Level 3 assessment as defined in Part 3 of API RP-579 can be performed to further refine the assessment if more material toughness data, flaw size information and/or stress information is available on the vessel. This procedure has been used within our company to safely start-up and shutdown heavy wall Cr-Mo vessels.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Examining the Leaders of Creative Efforts: What Do They Do, and What Do They Think About?

Due to the rapidly changing economy, innovation is becoming more and more critical for the success and survival of many organizations. Although several factors shaping innovation (e.g., strategy, climate, etc.) have been examined in the literature, the leadership of innovation has received relatively less attention. In this article, we attempt to summarize the literature on the leadership of creative efforts focusing on critical leadership behaviours. We also explore a model of core leader functions tailored for creativity and innovation, as well as a model of innovation planning. The implications of these models for the leadership of innovation are discussed.
Empirical valence bond model of an SN2 reaction in polar and nonpolar solvents

A new model for the substitution nucleophilic reaction (SN2) in solution is described using the empirical valence bond (EVB) method. The model includes a generalization to three dimensions of a collinear gas phase EVB model developed by Mathis et al. [J. Mol. Liq. 61, 81 (1994)] and a parametrization of solute-solvent interactions of four different solvents (water, ethanol, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride). The model is used to compute (in these four solvents) reaction free energy profiles, reaction and solvent dynamics, a two-dimensional reaction/solvent free energy map, as well as a number of other properties that in the past have mostly been estimated.
A Novel Carbohydrate-Derived Side-Chain Polyether with Excellent Protein Resistance

A novel carbohydrate-derived side-chain polyether was synthesized as a new biomaterial by condensation polymerization of monomers derived from natural occurring carbohydrates. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy studies demonstrated that this side-chain polyether has excellent resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption. The protein resistant capability of the side-chain polyether is comparable to that of oligoethylene glycol, a main-chain polyether that is, to date, the best protein resistant material. In addition to the excellent biocompatibility, the new polymer also combines biodegradability and functionalizability. With these combined good properties, this side-chain polyether is envisioned as a new biomaterial for many potential biomedical applications.
The Last Mohicans of OR: OR, it Might Be in the “Genes”

The recent exchange of opinions among Byrd [Byrd, J., Jr. 1978. The value of queueing theory. Interfaces8 3 22--26.], Kolesar [Kolesar, P. 1979. A quick and dirty response to the quick and dirty crowd: Particularly to Jack Byrd's 'The value of queueing theory'. Interfaces9 2 77--82.], and Vazsonyi [Vazsonyi, A. 1979. To queue or not to queue: A rejoinder. Interfaces9 2 83--86.], although apparently significant and undoubtedly intense, deals only with the symptoms and not with the causes of a deeply felt crisis of identity emerging within the Operations Research and Management Sciences community. Queueing theory and its applications has played the role of an unfortunate scapegoat for the real issue: OR/MS is being challenged and its usefulness in modern society is questioned. One of the most serious and also most merciless challenges to OR/MS comes from one of its “founding fathers,” Russell Ackoff [Ackoff, R. L. 1979. The future of operational research is past. J. Oper. Res. Soc.30 2 93--104.]. It is the issue of OR/MS as a whole, not queueing theory, which should be debated on the pages of Interfaces. Ackoff declares: American Operations Research is dead even though it has yet to be buried.
The burden of uncontrolled hypertension: morbidity and mortality associated with disease progression.

Even small elevations above optimal blood pressure values (<120/80 mm Hg) increase the likelihood of developing hypertension (blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg) and incurring target organ damage. Until recently, the main emphasis in hypertension treatment had been lowering diastolic blood pressure; however, in the past decade, the important contributions of systolic hypertension, increased pulse pressure, and a blunted reduction in nocturnal blood pressure have been described. Primary hypertension arises from complex, interrelated pathologies. Among the contributors are genetic, environmental, metabolic, vascular, and endothelial factors. Signs of target organ damage herald a poorer prognosis and may present in the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, brain, or eyes. Later consequences include cardiac, cerebrovascular, vascular, and renal morbidities and death. The goal in treating hypertension is to prevent cardiovascular and renal complications. Thus, hypertensive patients with high-normal blood pressure values may benefit from intensive lifestyle interventions to further reduce blood pressure. This is particularly true in patients with additional cardiovascular risk factors. Because of the complex nature of hypertension, it is not surprising that single antihypertensive agents normalize blood pressure for less than a majority of hypertensive patients. Using combination antihypertensive therapy consisting of agents from two or more different antihypertensive drug classes not only increases the likelihood of achieving the target blood pressure goal, but also offers the potential for greater protection against target organ damage by targeting separate pathologic mechanisms.
Infrared-optical double-resonance measurements of hydrogen-bonding interactions in clusters involving aminophthalimides

Abstract We have used infrared spectroscopy in both the ground and excited electronic states to determine the structural geometries of hydrogen-bonded clusters involving aminophthalimide molecules. This provides a higher level of structural information than available through an inertial measurement such as rotational coherence spectroscopy. Clusters of interest include the two conformers each of the water n=1 cluster with 4-aminophthalimide (4AP) and 4-amino-N-methylphthalimide (4ANMP), which are shown to be attached by proton donation to different >CO groups. The corresponding n=1 water cluster of 3-aminophthalimide (3AP) is present as only a single conformer, consistently with the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Both 3AP/(H2O)1 and 4AP/(H2O)1 are found to form bridging structures between the imide N–H bond and an adjacent >CO group. On the other hand, the water dimer clusters of 4AP and 4ANMP bridge the NH2 and the adjacent >CO group. Pure dimers of the aminophthalimides have simple infrared spectra in the electronic ground states, which indicate symmetrical structures. The 4AP and 4ANMP dimers form a double hydrogen-bonded bridge across the 2,4 positions and their complex infrared spectra in the excited state show evidence of strong interactions, which may involve excited-state intermolecular double proton transfer. On the other hand, the 3AP dimer is doubly hydrogen bonded across the 1,7 positions, and appears to show evidence of excited-state single intramolecular proton transfer. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.
Organic growth – a taxonomic perspective

As the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions are finite, the principal way that a firm can expand is through organic growth. This paper has a comprehensive discussion on the subject of organic growth by taking a taxonomic approach. It first classifies the different routes to growth, followed by a categorisation of the various factors that could inhibit it. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the importance of the interaction of historical antecedents and the ability to exploit existing opportunities.
The proteolytic processing of amelogenin by enamel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-20) is controlled by mineral ions

Background Enamel synthesis is a highly dynamic process characterized by simultaneity of matrix secretion, assembly and processing during apatite mineralization. MMP-20 is the first protease to hydrolyze amelogenin, resulting in specific cleavage products that self-assemble into nanostructures at specific mineral compositions and pH. In this investigation, enzyme kinetics of MMP-20 proteolysis of recombinant full-length human amelogenin (rH174) under different mineral compositions is elucidated.
Superior cerebral protection with profound hypothermia during circulatory arrest.

Abstract The optimal temperature for cerebral protection during hypothermic circulatory arrest is not known. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that deeper levels of cerebral hypothermia ( p p
Sorption of solutes by poly(ethylene oxide): 3. Partial molar entropy and enthalpy in poly(ethylene oxide) solution with benzene

Abstract The partial molar entropy and enthalpy of benzene in poly(ethylene oxide) solution have been determined over concentration ranges from 0 to 20 wt% for temperatures from 70° to 150°C using the corresponding-states theory of Prigogine and Flory. These results show that both the partial molar entropy and enthalpy of benzene in poly(ethylene oxide) increase as the segment fraction of poly(ethylene oxide) increases and decrease as temperature increases. The partial molar enthalpy is positive from 70° to 150°C.
Control of ribonucleotide reductase in Synechococcus Sp., a unicellular cyanobacterium

Cells of Synechococcus sp., a rod-shaped, unicellular cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) can be readily snychronized by depriving the cells of carbon dioxide and light for a 12 h period. On resumption of growth, a portion of the population undergoes two sharply synchronized divisions. Ribonucleotide reductase activity was found to be maximal during the time of DNA synthesis in these cells. The peak of reductase activity could be abolished by adding inhibitors such a chloramphenicol to the culture, suggesting that the enzyme is induced at the gene level in the cyanobacteria. Additional properties of ribonucleotide reductase were investigated in Synechococcus cells made permeable by treatment with ether. Cytidine triphosphate reduction is absolutely dependent on adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12) and is subject to allosteric stimulation by deoxyadenosine triphosphate.
Statics and Dynamics of Vortex Matter with Competing Repulsive and Attractive Interactions

We numerically examine vortex matter with repulsive interactions at short range and attractive interactions at long range in the presence of periodic pinning arrays. Such competing vortex interactions are predicted to occur in multiband superconductors or type-I and type-II hybrid materials. For weak pinning, the vortices form cluster states, while for strong pinning, the vortices form uniform states in which flux is evenly distributed among the pinning sites. As a function of external drive, the weak pinning system exhibits clump depinning with no structure changes, while the strong pinning system depins into a disordered fluctuating state followed by a transition to a partially aligned stripe state. For weak pinning, there is a single peak in the differential conductivity, while for strong pinning there are two peaks, indicating that transport curves could be used to distinguish between vortex systems with purely repulsive interactions and those with additional long range attractive interactions.
The multiphoton ionization spectra of pyridine and pyrazine

Abstract The multiphoton ionization spectra of pyrazine and pyridine have been taken in their three-photon ionization regions. Two-photon resonant states were f
Chemical potential pinning near a van Hove singularity in the cuprates

The Fermi energy is shown to be pinned near a van Hove singularity for an extended doping range in the one-band and three-band Hubbard models as a consequence of filling dependent band renormalizations.
Latent Class Analysis: An Illustrative Application for Education in the Assessment of Resident Otoscopic Skills

Background.—There is no gold standard readily available in several components of the routine physical exam: one example is the otoscopic exam, where the gold standard is confirmation by tympanocentesis. Resident education does not typically include routine assessment by the gold standard, making estimates of trainee performance extremely difficult. This is one reason why the otoscopic examination is difficult to teach. Available techniques can assess diagnostic exams when there is no gold standard—one of these is latent class analysis. Methods.—We use latent class analysis, a form of regression analysis, to compare the ability of pediatric residents to diagnose effusion with pediatric otolaryngologists and tympanometry. We briefly outline the technique of how to complete latent class analysis and provide an operational plan to use the method to assess resident performance. Results.—The sensitivity and specificity of pediatric resident otoscopic examination to diagnose the presence of effusion was 72% and 84%, respectively. Pediatric otolaryngologist sensitivity and specificity was 91% and 82%; tympanometry had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity 76%. Our estimates of the performance of otolaryngologists and tympanometry to diagnose effusion were the same as previously reported when these diagnosticians have been compared with the gold standard of tympanocentesis. Conclusions.—Latent class analysis can help estimate otoscopic examination performance of residents. This technique can be incorporated into assessment in medical education.
Evaluation of AlN single-crystal grown by sublimation method

A1N single crystals with thicknesses from 3 μm to 4 mm were grown on SiC substrates by the sublimation method. Evaluations of crystalline quality were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and etch pit density (EPD) measurement. The FWHM of the XRD rocking curve for A1N (1010) reflection was as small as 26arcsec for the sample of 4mm thickness, and the dislocation density was estimated to be less than 10 6 cm -2 by EPD measurement in spite of the large lattice mismatch of 1% between A1N and SiC. TEM observation was conducted to investigate the mechanism of the improvement of the crystalline quality. We observed the significant reduction of dislocations above the interface, allowing growth of 3 μm -4 mm thick A1N with high crystalline quality. These results show that the commercial production of large-sized, high-quality substrates of A1N single crystal is possible using the sublimation technique.
Screening for cystic fibrosis: Feasibility of molecular genetic analysis of dried blood specimens

Direct genotypic analysis for the common Caucasian cystic fibrosis mutation (delta F508) was performed using dried blood specimens in a filter paper matrix (neonatal screening blotter). DNA was obtained from dried and liquid blood samples, amplified, and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Additionally, intact 4-mm-diameter punched discs from blotters containing dried blood specimen were used in the amplification reactions and analyzed by electrophoresis. The results agreed completely between these three sample types, demonstrating the feasibility of molecular genetic confirmation of the delta F508 mutation from the neonatal screening blotter among those with positive CF screening results. Such a program could reduce follow-up testing by at least 50% in a CF newborn screening program and would identify immediately those families who would benefit from carrier detection for the delta F508 allele.
On interpreting the photoelectron spectra of MgO

The (sup 2)Sigma(+) and (sup 2)Pi states of MgO(-) and the (sup 1)Sigma(+), (sup 1)Pi, and (sup 3)Pi states of MgO are studied using the averaged coupled-pair functional (ACPF) approach. The computed spectroscopic constants are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The computed Franck-Condon factors and photodetachment overlaps are compared with experiment.
Precision electroweak tests of the minimal and flipped SU(5) supergravity models.

We explore the one-loop electroweak radiative corrections in the minimal SU(5) and the no-scale flipped SU(5) supergravity models via explicit calculation of vacuum polarization contributions to the ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1,2,3}$ parameters. Experimentally, ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1,2,3}$ are obtained from a global fit to the CERN LEP observables, and $\frac{{M}_{W}}{{M}_{Z}}$ measurements. We include ${q}^{2}$-dependent effects which have been neglected in most previous "model-independent" analyses of this type. These effects induce a large systematic negative shift on ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1,2,3}$ for light chargino masses (${m}_{{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}70$ GeV). In agreement with previous general arguments we find that for increasingly large sparticle masses the heavy sector of both models rapidly decouples; i.e., the values for ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1,2,3}$ quickly become asymptotic to the standard model values with a light Higgs boson (${m}_{{H}_{\mathrm{SM}}}\ensuremath{\sim}100$ GeV). Specifically, at present the 90% C.L. upper limit on the top-quark mass is ${m}_{t}\ensuremath{\lesssim}175$ GeV in the no-scale flipped SU(5) supergravity model. These bounds can be strengthened for increasing chargino masses in the 50-100 GeV interval. In particular, for ${m}_{t}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}160$ GeV, the Fermilab Tevatron may be able to probe through gluino ($\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{g}$) and squark ($\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{q}$) production up to ${m}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{g}}\ensuremath{\approx}{m}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{q}}\ensuremath{\approx}250$ GeV, exploring at least half of the parameter space in this model.
Whole-genome association study identifies STK39 as a hypertension susceptibility gene

Hypertension places a major burden on individual and public health, but the genetic basis of this complex disorder is poorly understood. We conducted a genome-wide association study of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in Amish subjects and found strong association signals with common variants in a serine/threonine kinase gene, STK39. We confirmed this association in an independent Amish and 4 non-Amish Caucasian samples including the Diabetes Genetics Initiative, Framingham Heart Study, GenNet, and Hutterites (meta-analysis combining all studies: n = 7,125, P 0.09 and were associated with increases of 3.3/1.3 mm Hg in SBP/DBP, respectively, in the Amish subjects and with smaller but consistent effects across the non-Amish studies. Cell-based functional studies showed that STK39 interacts with WNK kinases and cation-chloride cotransporters, mutations in which cause monogenic forms of BP dysregulation. We demonstrate that in vivo, STK39 is expressed in the distal nephron, where it may interact with these proteins. Although none of the associated SNPs alter protein structure, we identified and experimentally confirmed a highly conserved intronic element with allele-specific in vitro transcription activity as a functional candidate for this association. Thus, variants in STK39 may influence BP by increasing STK39 expression and consequently altering renal Na+ excretion, thus unifying rare and common BP-regulating alleles in the same physiological pathway.
Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on Ethylene and Volatile Production by Summerred Apples Depends on Fruit Developmental Stage

Pre- and postclimacteric Summerred apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) were exposed for 12 h to a low concentration of atmospheric methyl jasmonate. Ethylene and volatile production were measured at harvest and through 15 days at 20 °C after treatment. Responses to methyl jasmonate treatment depended on the stage of fruit development. Methyl jasmonate stimulated ethylene, ester, alcohol, and acetic acid production in preclimacteric fruits, while little or no response was elicited from postclimacteric fruits. Ketone and aldehyde emissions were not affected by methyl jasmonate regardless of developmental stage. Keywords: Apple fruit; ripening; volatiles; methyl jasmonate
Response dynamics of 2D plasmons coupled with optical phonons in bulk and near an interface

Abstract We analyze both the local and nonlocal coupled mode dispersion relations for a degenerate 2D plasma interacting with both surface and bulk optical phonons. The coupled collective modes and their nonlocal shifts, are exhibited as functions of the distance z 0 of the 2D plasma sheet from the bounding surface of the host material. We also explicitly determine the excitation amplitudes (oscillator strengths) of the modes.
Investigating the boundaries and substance of humanitarian actors″ information environments

Humanitarian action organizations alleviate human suffering and prevent death. Understanding relief workers as information users and how they use (or choose not to use) information as part of a system could pay enormous dividends in human suffering reduced and lives saved. Understanding the lived experience of users “on the ground” avoids perilous mistakes, especially in humanitarian action where end users are of such utter importance in literally saving lives.
Theory and design of crystal oscillators immune to acceleration: present state of the art

Theoretical and experimental results on the acceleration sensitivity of quartz crystal oscillators were consolidated in Filler's benchmark review paper published in the May 1988 Special Issue on Frequency Control, Part II of the IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control. Since that time, a large body of additional work has been produced. This paper reviews those developments from the perspective of oscillator design. Areas of direct interest for oscillator design include equivalent circuit models, oscillator circuit interactions, and vibration compensation techniques, along with a clear and concise summary of tile state-of-the-art in low acceleration sensitivity resonator design.
1/f noise synthesis model in discrete-time for circuit simulation

Flicker noise, popularly known as 1/f noise is a commonly observed phenomenon in semiconductor devices. To incorporate 1/f noise in circuit simulations, models are required to synthesize such noise in discrete time. This paper proposes a model based on the fact that 1/f processes belong to the class of statistically self-similar random processes. The model generates 1/f noise in the time domain (TD) with a simple white noise input and is parameterized by a quantity whose value can be adjusted to reflect the desired 1/f parameter, that is, the slope of the 1/f spectrum. It thus differs from most of the earlier modeling approaches, which were confined to the spectral domain. To verify fit between the model and actual 1/f noise measurements, experiments were conducted using discrete devices such as a PIN photodiode at various bias conditions and sampling frequencies. The noise synthesized by the model was found to provide a good match to the measurements. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the proposed 1/f noise model can also be incorporated in circuit simulations as a noise current or noise voltage source, which was not feasible earlier with the conventional spectral domain representation. To validate the inclusion of 1/f noise in circuits as TD current or voltage, simulations were carried out on a CMOS ring oscillator and the clock jitter due to 1/f noise was investigated.
Regulation of inflammation and fibrosis by macrophages in lymphedema

Lymphedema, a common complication of cancer treatment, is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and adipose deposition. We have previously shown that macrophage infiltration is increased in mouse models of lymphedema. Because macrophages are regulators of lymphangiogenesis and fibrosis, this study aimed to determine the role of these cells in lymphedema using depletion experiments. Matched biopsy specimens of normal and lymphedema tissues were obtained from patients with unilateral upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema, and macrophage accumulation was assessed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, we used a mouse tail model of lymphedema to quantify macrophage accumulation and analyze outcomes of conditional macrophage depletion. Histological analysis of clinical lymphedema biopsies revealed significantly increased macrophage infiltration. Similarly, in the mouse tail model, lymphatic injury increased the number of macrophages and favored M2 differentiation. Chronic macrophage depletion u...
Acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs and cats: a review of clinical findings and pathophysiology

Objective: To review the clinical and pathophysiologic aspects of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in dogs and cats. Data sources: Data from human and veterinary literature were reviewed through Medline and CAB as well as manual search of references listed in articles pertaining to acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS. Human data synthesis: Since the term ARDS was first coined in 1967, there has been a abundance of literature pertaining to this devastating syndrome in human medicine. More complete understanding of the complex interactions between inflammatory cells, soluble mediators (e.g., tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, platelet activating factor) and the clinical patient has provided for timely recognition and mechanistically based protective strategies decreasing morbidity and mortality in human patients with ARDS. Veterinary data synthesis: Although little is known, ARDS is becoming a more commonly recognized sequela in small animals. Initial case reports and retrospective studies have provided basic clinical characterization of ARDS in dogs and cats. Additionally, information from experimental models has expanded our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms involved. It appears that the inflammatory processes and pathologic changes associated with ARDS are similar in dogs, cats, and humans. Conclusions: Unfortunately, current mortality rates for ARDS in small animals are close to 100%. As our capability to treat patients with advanced life-threatening disease increases, it is vital that we develop a familiarity with the pathogenesis of ARDS. Understanding the complex inflammatory interactions is essential for determining effective preventative and management strategies as well as designing novel therapies for veterinary patients.
On the Relevance of the Pidginization – Creolization Model for Second Language Learning

Otto Jespersen was one of the first linguists to perceive a common basis underlying all types of language acquisition and learning. Comparing pidgins, broken or approximative version of a target language, and child language, he commented: “…. in all these seemingly different cases the same mental factor is at work, namely, imperfect mastery of a language, which in its initial stage, in the child with its first language and in a grownup with a second language learnt by imperfect method, leads to a superficial knowledge of the most indispensable words, with a total disregard for grammar”. (1921, 233–4)
A prototype subcarrier system to transmit digital data over commercial AM radio

This paper describes modeling and simulation of candidate AM subcarrier systems to determine their relative performance. Based on the simulation results, a prototype system is designed that was successfully tested on the air. A data rate of 200 bits per second was achieved without introducing main channel audio distortion; the digital data was recovered in an automobile over 200 miles from the transmitter site well beyond the Continental Divide through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. For the simulation study, the primary goals were to determine the level of interference between the digital baseband spectrum and the main channel audio spectrum, and to identify effective subcarrier modulation schemes. In early systems, the phase shifts modulating the main carrier were limited to +/-15 degrees to avoid significant audio program distortion during AM detection. This paper explores the possibility of applying other digital modulation techniques including BPSK, QPSK, GMSK and QAM. Sample speech segments are used to create the AM portion of the composite signal. Effects of the secondary RBDS signal on the voice program output signal-to-noise ratio are assessed. Conversely, the effect of the AM sidebands on the RBDS bit-error rate is measured. Finally, a prototype system is described using off the shelf components to demonstrate this technology on the air. Low rate digital data is digitally modulated onto the main carrier of a commercial AM radio station. A conventional car radio is modified to extract the soft bit stream, which is subsequently processed in real time within a laptop computer hosting a DSP board. The performance of this system during field trials, transmitting from commercial AM station KTLK in Denver, Colorado, is summarised.
Pebble Shape Development on Tahiti-Nui: ABSTRACT

Abrasional shaping of basalt pebbles was studied in nine rivers and on 14 high- and low-energy beaches of Tahiti-Nui. Measurements were made on four size classes, ranging from 16 to 256 mm. Surf ranged from 10-ft combers at Punaauia to few-inch ripples at Point Venus. Roundness was measured by sharpest-corner/inscribed circle, adapted from Wentworth (1922); fluvial pebbles had mean roundness of .38 whereas beach pebbles averaged .45-.50 in low-energy areas, and .60 in high-energy areas. Maximum-projection sphericity (Sneed and Folk, 1958) averaged .68 for river pebbles, and .60 for beach pebbles. A new measure of oblateness-prolateness, OP = L/S (L-I/L-S - .50), is introduced; river pebbles averaged OP = +0.2 (neutral), and beaches OP = -1.7 (oblate), with greatest difference between the two environments shown by the smallest pebbles (16-32 mm). Using isotropic rock of uniform basaltic composition, there is no doubt that, on Tahiti, accumulations of beach pebbles distinctively have lower sphericity and more discoidal form compared with river pebbles. The above generalities are modified by some complicating factors. On some high-energy beaches consisting almost entirely of coarse gravel (e.g., Papenoo and Punaauia), large pebbles (128-256 mm) have lowest sphericity (.55) whereas small pebbles average .68; apparently the waves are so large that they can slide the large pebbles, but toss the small ones randomly. On some low-energy beaches (e.g., Maraa, Arue, Venus), the smallest pebbles (16-32 mm) are nearly coin-shaped (sph. = .54, OP = -5, strongly oblate) because they are able to be slid by the gentlest waves, whereas large pebbles relatively are immobile and do not achieve typical beach shapes (sph. = .67, OP = +1, weakly prolate). Thus the particular pebble size at which most extreme oblateness and lowest sphericity occur is a m asure of wave energy. Where pebbles are scattered on a dominantly sandy beach (Mahaiatea, Papeiha), abnormally great concentrations of low-sphericity discs occur. On sand beaches with gravel cusps (Taaone), discs are scarce in the gravel cusps but abundant in the sandy intervening zones. In a few areas discs tend to be thrown far back on the beach, and rods and equants accumulate at the beach foot. Despite the definite evidence of shape-sorting in some localities, the great increase of discs in the beach pebbles as a whole, compared with the river pebbles as a whole, must be the result of surf abrasion. The change in shape is accomplished within distances of a few feet to a few hundred feet of the river mouth. End_of_Article - Last_Page 525------------
Design and performance of a multistream MPEG-I system layer encoder-player set

Current efforts in the area of MPEG-I audio/video synchronization have been limited to single audio, single video applications. The MPEG-I specification includes provisions for the interleaving of up to 16 separate video streams with up to 32 distinct audio streams. This paper explores the possible uses of this capability as well as the design of a robust encoder and playback system. Perceived shortfalls within the specification are discussed including the usefulness of time stamps and the lack of sequence start and end codes within the audio stream format. We also describe our implementation of a software-only MPEG-I encoder/player set and describe its performance under various configurations.