cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): Algorithms, Computations, and Geometry

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has matured but remains vibrant and relevant, in part, because its algorithms, computational experience, and geometry have a broad impact within and beyond the field. Algorithmic, computational, and geometric results in DEA allow us to solve larger problems faster; they also contribute to various other fields including computational geometry, statistics, and machine learning. This chapter reviews these topics from a historical viewpoint, as they currently stand, and as to how they will evolve in the future.
Investigating Barriers to Vaccination Among Durham County's Vulnerable Populations.

Background As antivaccination movements increase in the United States, underlying structural barriers to vaccination are often ignored. This study examines barriers to vaccination in an adult population to uncover factors leading to vaccination rates in underserved populations. Methods This study was approved by the Duke University Campus Institutional Review Board. Fifty-four patients at the Adult Immunizations Clinic of the Durham County Department of Public Health were interviewed throughout June and July 2019. Subjects were enrolled on a voluntary basis followed by oral consent. Eligible subjects included English-speaking adults receiving vaccines aged 19 or older. Anonymous and confidential interviews were conducted verbally. Results This study found that a large proportion of study participants were referred by their provider to receive vaccines at the health department. It was also found that having a provider appeared to lead to a decrease in vaccine hesitancy. Enhanced patient understanding of vaccines was not necessarily contributing to the apparent decrease in vaccine hesitancy. Patients who understood the importance of public health had the same rate of vaccine hesitancy as those who had no reason for receiving vaccines. Limitations External validity is limited due to small sample size. Conclusions Health care providers may play an essential role in reducing vaccine hesitancy. However, increases in vaccine uptake due to provider-level interventions may not necessarily be due to an enhanced understanding of vaccines or their importance to public health.
A Study of Endpoint-Constrained Nonlinear Tracking Filters

Development and performance of an endpoint-constrained (EPC) extended Kalman filter (EKF) was published by Haug and Ford, where the EPC EKF was shown to outperform similar non-EPC EKFs against highly maneuverable anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) trajectories. The purpose of this paper is to resolve two issues identified during the original study. The first issue is that EKFs may not offer superior performance when the target's motion is highly nonlinear. The second issue is that the EPC EKF performs poorly against the high diver trajectory, where the target does not satisfy the EPC until the dive begins. This paper presents a new filter which uses a modified version of the EPC and a multiple model algorithm to achieve superior performance against a larger set of ASCM trajectories than the EPC EKF.
The Association Between Preoperative Independent Ambulatory Status and Outcomes After Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repairs.

Structured Abstract Objective : Preoperative functional status is appreciated as a key determinant of decision-making when evaluating patients for complex elective surgeries. We used the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) to analyze the effect of being able to independently ambulate on outcomes after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs. Methods : We identified all patients who underwent elective or urgent open AAA repairs from January 2013 to August 2019 in the VQI registry. We recorded demographic variables, comorbidities, and operative factors such as approach, operative ischemia time, proximal clamp site, and presence of iliac aneurysms. Short-term and long-term outcomes included 30-day mortality, any perioperative complications, failure to rescue (defined as death after a complication), and one-year all-cause mortality. We dichotomized patients based on their ability to independently ambulate (Ambulatory) or inability to ambulate independently (Non-Ambulatory) and used both multivariable logistic regressions and cox-proportional hazards models to evaluate outcomes. Results : Of 5,371 patients, 328 (6.1%) could not ambulate independently and were more likely to be older (median age 69 vs 72), female (25% vs. 38%), and have greater comorbidities. Overall outcomes were: 4.3% for 30-day mortality, 38.7% for complications, 10.2% for failure-to-rescue, and 6.9% for one-year mortality. Univariate analysis showed higher rates of all adverse outcomes in non-ambulatory patients. On adjusted analysis, non-ambulatory patients had increased odds of complications by 46% (OR 1.46 [95%-CI 1.11-1.91]) and one-year mortality by 46% (HR 1.46 [95%-CI 1.06-1.99]), but not failure to rescue (OR 1.05 [95%-CI 0.67-1.62]) or 30-day mortality (OR 1.22 [95%-CI 0.82-1.81]). Increased hospital volume, age, and increased operative renal ischemia time were independently associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions : Non-ambulatory status was observed in a small percentage of patients undergoing open AAA repair but was associated with higher rates of post-operative complications and one-year mortality. Ambulatory capacity is one of the key determinants of outcomes following open AAA repair. In patients with poor ambulatory function, a conservative approach is highly recommended over invasive open surgical intervention.
Corrective Osteotomy—Phalangeal

The most common secondary phalangeal deformity in our experience results from a long oblique or spiral phalangeal diaphyseal fracture. Deformities may include shortening, rotation, angulation, and combinations of these. There may be compromised digital motion as a result of blocking of the proximal interphalangeal joint by the distal portion of the proximal fragment or as a result of tendon or capsular adhesions (Figs. 55-1 A-K).
The Cheat-Sheet: Efficient Coding Device or Indispensable Crutch?.

The effect of making cheat-sheets on later test performance was investigated from two theoretical perspectives: a coding hypothesis and a dependency hypothesis. Four conditions for making cheat-sheets were compared. Results indicated that when a cheat-sheet was made but unexpectedly not used during later testing, performance was significantly poorer than when a cheat was made and used, not made at all, or made but with the awareness that it could not be used during testing. Support was suggested for the dependency hypothesis, but qualifications were included which also lent some support for the coding hypothesis.
Backyard farming: a panacea for food security in Nigeria.

This paper looks at the profitability, productivity and technical efficiency of backyard farming in Ondo State, Nigeria for its policy implications. The study was carried out in two local government areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from primary sources using a set of structured questionnaire assisted with interview schedule. The multistage sampling technique was used. Data were analyzed using: descriptive statistics, net profit analysis and the stochastic frontier production function. The study revealed that backyard farming was profitable and improved consumption of essential nutrients at the family level and that; young and well educated people who took farming as secondary occupation were involved in backyard farming in the study area. The backyard farmers were relatively technically efficient with about 72 percent of them having Technical Efficiency (TE) above the mean TE of 0.875 for the study area. The study observed that educational level of the farmers, farming experience and location of farms led to decrease in TE. The TE of the backyard farmers would improve if more land is made available for this group of young farmers at locations quite close to their residential compounds and organizing training in basic farming operations for some well educated government workers who may invariably be interested in farming later in life and thus backyard farming would be a driving force in solving food security issue in Nigeria.
Abstract P136: Childhood BMI Associated With Low HDL-c Levels in Adolescence in a Chilean Cohort

Background: Global prevalence of childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Elevated body mass index (BMI) leads to a cascade of negative health outcomes including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, thus increasing risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some studies have documented an association between early childhood obesity and CVD risk factors. To date, studies have been primarily cross sectional and in European descent populations. Thus, the relationship between childhood obesity and later CVD risk is inadequately understood. To increase our understanding of this complex relationship, this study aims to assess the association between 5-year BMI and HDL-c levels at 17 years in a Chilean longitudinal cohort study. Methods: We used longitudinal data from the Santiago Longitudinal Cohort study. Participants were enrolled as infants between 1991 and 1996. As such, they have experienced Chile’s rapid modernization and dramatic changes in diet, activity, and environment. At 5 years, heigh...
Effects of Fuel Properties on Diesel Spray Characteristics

Several diesel injection systems were selected for evaluating the effects of fuel properties on diesel spray characteristics. Fuel properties that were examined were viscosity and specific gravity. The selected injection systems were operated on nine test fuels covering a broad range of viscosity and specific gravity. High-speed movies were taken of the fuels being injected into a high-pressure environment. Penetration and cone angle data were reduced from the movies and used as a basis for fuel to fuel comparisons. In addition, drop size distribution data were obtained for one injection system operating on four fuels with different viscosities. Fuel viscosity was found to have an effect on spray tip penetration. For a pintle-type nozzle as fuel viscosity increased, the tip penetration rate decreased. Tip penetration rate from a pressure time injection system was proportional to the fuel viscosity, in that as viscosity increased, tip penetration increased. For a unit injector, viscosity effects on spray tip penetration were not significant.
Evolution of high mutation rates in experimental populations of E. coli

Most mutations are likely to be deleterious, and so the spontaneous mutation rate is generally held at a very low value. Nonetheless, evolutionary theory predicts that high mutation rates can evolve under certain circumstances. Empirical observations have previously been limited to short-term studies of the fates of mutator strains deliberately introduced into laboratory populations of Escherichia coli, and to the effects of intense selective events on mutator frequencies in E. coli. Here we report the rise of spontaneously originated mutators in populations of E. coli undergoing long-term adaptation to a new environment. Our results corroborate computer simulations of mutator evolution in adapting clonal populations, and may help to explain observations that associate high mutation rates with emerging pathogens and with certain cancers.
Studies on schistosomiasis. XXII. Cross resistance in Schistosoma mansoni and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infections in albino mice.

Abstract Immunization by infective larvae of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and a challenge by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae resulted in a significantly lower recovery of worms when compared with the controls. The reciprocal of this experiment did not yield statistically significant results. Passive-hemagglutination tests utilized S. mansoni and N. brasiliensis antigens and mouse serum from S. mansoni and N. brasiliensis infected mice. Immunoelectrophoresis showed that these two helminth species shared at least one antigenic component.
Digital SLR Astrophotography

In the last few years, digital SLR cameras have taken the astrophotography world by storm. It is now easier to photograph the stars than ever before! They are compact and portable, flexible to adapt with different lenses and for telescope use, and above all DSLR cameras are easy and enjoyable to use. In this concise guide, experienced astrophotography expert Michael Covington outlines the simple, enduring basics that will enable you to get started, and help you get the most from your equipment. He covers a wide selection of equipment, simple and advanced projects, technical considerations and image processing techniques. Unlike other astrophotography books, this one focuses specifically on DSLR cameras, not astronomical CCDs, non-DSLR digital cameras, or film. This guide is ideal for astrophotographers who wish to develop their skills using DSLR cameras and as a friendly introduction to amateur astronomers or photographers curious about photographing the night sky.
Dislocation density reduction limited by inclusions in kerfless high-performance multicrystalline silicon

Abstract Kerfless high-performance multicrystalline silicon is an emerging material for photovoltaic applications that is characterized by having a smaller grains, and general lower average dislocation density than conventional ribbon multicrystalline silicon. Although a significant improvement over state-of-the-art, dislocation reduction at the crystal growth stage is not complete. Here we employ an annealing process previously tested in conventional ingot mc-Si to reduce dislocation clusters that remain after crystal growth. A sample is subjected to a 1390 °C annealing process for 24 h and its dislocation density reduction is evaluated. We employ infrared birefringence imaging to observe that despite achieving significant average dislocation density reduction, if inclusions are present in the sample, these may serve to nucleate new dislocations due to thermal strain. Corresponding authors: e-mail sergioc@alum.mit.edu; buonassisi@mit.edu, Fax: +1 617 324 1709 DOI 10.1002/pssr.201510239
Atmospheric correction for MASTER image data using localized modelled and observed meteorology and trace gases

Atmospheric correction for remote sensing-based studies typically does not use information from spatio-temporally resolved meteorological models. We assessed the effect of using observations and mesoscale weather and chemical transport models on multispectral retrievals of land and ocean properties. We performed two atmospheric corrections on image data acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) airborne simulator over Monterey Bay, California. One correction used local atmospheric profiles of meteorology and trace gases at overpass and the other used the 1976 US Standard default atmospheric profile in the MODTRAN4 radiative transfer model. We found only minor impacts from atmospheric correction in the Fluorescence Line Height index of ocean chlorophyll, but substantive differences in retrievals of surface temperature and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Improvements in sea surface temperature retr...
Physicians' values and physician-value neutrality.

For years articles have decried the lack of empathy in physicians' relationships with patients. In addition to being empathetic, physicians are called upon to assume the posture of “value neutrality,” i.e., not imposing one's values when dealing with patients. Empathy is clearly an expression of deeply held values; even the language used to define it is value-laden. Physicians are consistently called upon to exhibit traits which are expressions of their underlying values. However, if proponents of value-neutrality are to be taken literally one must not impose any of one's values on one's patients. But then one wonders how empathy could ever be expressed; further, it is hard to imagine what a truly “value neutral” physician would be like. It is time we recognize that any relationship between two persons requires the expression of values from both parties. These values help shape that relationship and define its further history. Physicians are not excluded from this process just because they consider themselves “professionals.” Divulging personal values to patients is both more honest and more in keeping with the concepts of justice, beneficence, non maleficence, and autonomy than to feign value-neutrality. A presentation of some type statement of values is timely and would give patients an idea of where a physician stands on a myriad of issues. Rather than being value-neutral, value “non-neutrality” seems a more right and reasonable posture for physicians to assume.
Composition of modern sand and Cretaceous sandstone derived from the Sierra Nevada, California, USA, with implications for Cenozoic and Mesozoic uplift and dissection

Abstract The California Sierra Nevada represents the roots of a primarily Cretaceous magmatic arc that is presently being dissected extensively in the south and to a lesser degree in the north, where it is covered by Cenozoic volcanic rocks. The Cenozoic magmatic arc built on top of the Cretaceous arc has been dissected concurrently with northward migration of the Mendocino triple junction, south of which the magmatic arc is inactive. A north-to-south transect from the modern Cascade arc along the Sierra Nevada, therefore, acts as a proxy for evolution from an active undissected magmatic arc to a transitional arc to a dissected arc to intensely uplifted basement. Discriminant analysis of Cascade and Sierra Nevada modern alluvial sand defines four compositional groups and clearly distinguishes volcaniclastic undissected-arc and plutoniclastic uplifted-basement end members. Two intermediate compositional groups are primarily volcaniplutoniclastic and metamorphiplutoniclastic. The former group represents Dickinson's (1985) “transitional arc;” the latter represents “dissected arc.” Sand composition in the southern Sierra Nevada reflects significant uplift, resulting from a combination of latest Cretaceous–Paleogene uplift and late Cenozoic Basin and Range extension (footwall uplift of the western rift shoulder), possibly enhanced by mantle–lithosphere delamination. High concentrations of quartz and feldspar, and near absence of aphanitic lithic fragments are typical of the southern Sierra Nevada and are characteristic of Dickinson's “basement uplift.” Cretaceous sandstone petrofacies of the Great Valley Group (GVG) of western California document dissection of the Cretaceous magmatic arc, as well as erosion of residual orogenic highlands (analogous to modern Taiwan) formed during latest Jurassic arc–continent collision (Nevadan orogeny). When Cretaceous petrofacies data are entered into the modern-sand discriminant analysis as unknowns, they are classified into the modern Cascade/Sierra Nevada groups and a group from Taiwan. The results confirm that the lowest GVG petrofacies represent erosion of the Nevadan suture belt and the undissected post-Nevadan arc. Increasing dissection of the arc occurred during the Cretaceous, but most samples represent “transitional arc,” indicating that even by the latest Cretaceous (Laramide) cessation of arc activity in California, dissection of the magmatic arc was less than what we see today in the central and southern Sierra Nevada. No Cretaceous samples have compositions equivalent to the “basement uplift” of the southern Sierra Nevada. The application of actualistic sand(stone) petrofacies in this study provides important constraints on models for the Cretaceous to modern history of the Sierra Nevada, as well as implications for arc evolution in general.
Animal models of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder under active investigation around the world. Despite this, determination of its genetic basis, role of the immune system in the disease pathophysiology and development of effective therapy, have been hampered severely by the absence of any spontaneous psoriatic skin disease in animals. Furthermore, until recently, validated animal models designed to create psoriasis were unavailable to investigative skin biologists and clinical scientists. However, there is at least one animal model which has been established and validated; it uses human skin engrafted on to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. In addition, there are several other rodent models which do not involve transplantation technology that share some (but not all) features in common with psoriasis. This review will summarise these available animal models and critique their relevance with respect to illuminating the immunogenetic basis of psoriasis and their value in screening novel treatments ...
Simultaneous Spectroscopy and Imaging of the Jovian Aurora with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope

Simultaneous ultraviolet spectra and images of the north polar aurora of Jupiter were obtained on 1995 March 9 with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This unique data set contains a well-calibrated flux measurement that includes all of the H2 Lyman and Werner band emission from 900 to 1650 A, as well as information about the spatial extent of the aurora. For these observations, we oriented the 10'' × 57'' slit of the HUT spectrograph parallel to the equator of Jupiter so that it was underfilled by the aurora and minimally contaminated by extraneous reflected solar light from low to mid latitudes. The aurora was imaged simultaneously using the HST Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2). Images were taken through a Wood's filter and also through a Wood's filter/CaF2 filter combination. These images have recorded the aurora in the light of atomic and molecular hydrogen with relatively low reflected solar contamination. The molecular hydrogen aurora is found to extend over 4.5 ± 0.5 × 10-10 sr, with an average brightness of 106 ± 12 kR integrated over the band of wavelengths from 900 to 1650 A, excluding H I λ1216. We measure a 13% larger emitting area (5.1 ± 0.5 × 10-10 sr) and significantly different morphology for the combined atomic and molecular hydrogen aurora (Lyα + H2), although these differences could be a result of time variability. Color ratios derived from the data indicate a total auroral energy deposition rate of 13 ergs s-1 cm-2 by 3-30 keV electrons. We find little evidence for ions as primary auroral particles in the HUT spectra. Our analysis places upper limits on sulfur ion emissions that are an order of magnitude lower than those from the IUE observations, and, therefore, the emissions could be entirely from the Io torus in the background of the planet.
Neural stem cell therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are one of the candidates for grafting in the realm of cell-based therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Because NSCs can produce neurons synthesizing the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and cells secreting multiple neurotrophic factors, NSC grafting therapy has promise for restraining seizures and easing cognitive dysfunction in TLE. For an expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV, eds) published by Oxford University Press (available on the National Library of Medicine Bookshelf [NCBI] at www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books).
R70-40 Module Clustering to Minimize Delay in Digital Networks

One of the most important tasks of a present day design automation system is the packaging of logic networks. Typically this process follows three steps:
Internet Use Among People with HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT The Internet offers people with HIV/AIDS timely information about treatment advances and supportive social contacts for this stigmatized disease, yet little is known about Internet use patterns among people with HIV/AIDS. This study of 120 persons with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. found approximately 19% used the Internet for HIV/AIDS-related purposes, much lower than the rate for general Internet use among the U.S. population. Lower incomes were associated with lower rates of use, echoing the “digital divide” found in the general population. Access from home was most common and information sought was primarily on medical treatments and medications. Possible reasons for low access rates, strategies for increasing access, and implications for other client groups are discussed.
The Development of the Lifestyle and Habits Questionnaire-Brief Version: Relationship to Quality of Life and Stress in College Students

The authors describe the development and preliminary evaluation of the Lifestyle and Habits Questionnaire-brief version (LHQ-B). Three hundred seventy-seven undergraduate students (ages 18–25) participated. Responses were collected through either a web-based or face-to-face survey. Data reductive procedures were used with a preexisting lifestyle inventory to create an abbreviated measure. The relationship between lifestyle domains and indicators of wellbeing (levels of stress and quality of life (QOL)) were also examined. Eight lifestyle domains, encompassing 42 items, were identified and found to have good psychometric properties. The resulting LHQ-B measure can be self-administered/scored and contains norm-referenced feedback. The domains of psychological health, physical health and exercise, and sense of purpose were the best predictors of QOL while psychological health, social concern, and the accident prevention domains predicted levels of stress. The results support the use of the LHQ-B in lifestyle research or as a self-administered measure promoting self-awareness of lifestyle behaviors/attitudes in young adults (18–25 years).
The effect of magnetic resonance imaging on stainless-steel Z-stent-based abdominal aortic prosthesis

Objective To assess the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on stainless-steel Z-stent–based abdominal aortic prostheses. Methods From June 1996 to December 2005, 550 patients underwent endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm at a single academic institution by using a stainless-steel Z-stent–based abdominal aortic prosthesis. Routine patient follow-up included computed tomography scans and abdominal plain films at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery and yearly thereafter. Although patients were specifically instructed not to undergo MRI, retrospective review identified 22 patients (4%) who underwent MRI after stent-graft implantation. Results Seventeen of 22 patients consented to have their records reviewed as part of this study and underwent MRI at a mean interval of 669 days (range, 3-2179 days) after stent-graft implantation. Eleven patients underwent implantation of Zenith bifurcated stent grafts, and six had custom-made uni-iliac stent grafts. These patients underwent a total of 20 MRI studies—10 of the brain/neck and 10 of the abdomen, pelvis, or spine. In all cases, the magnetic field strength was 1.5 T or less. No patient experienced any symptoms of abdominal or back pain during or after the MRI. Comparison of the pre- and post-MRI computed tomography scans (available in 15 of 17 patients) and abdominal radiographs showed no change in stent-graft structure, position, or function in any of these patients and no increase in abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter in any patient at an average of 899 days after MRI. Conclusions On the basis of this limited experience, MRI has no discernible effect on the structure, position, or function of stainless-steel Z-stent–based abdominal aortic prostheses.
[The tectum opticum; its connections in the cat and significance in man].

Die Verbindungen des Tectum opticum der Katze werden im einzelnen beschrieben und hierauf den Ergebnissen des Reiz- und Ausschaltungsexperimentes gegenubergestellt. Es ergibt sich dabei eine weitgehende Korrespondenz zwischen anatomischen und physiologischen Befunden. Trotz ahnlicher morphologischer Gestaltung hat das Tectum opticum beim Menschen seine Bedeutung als Organisator reflektorischer Blickbewegungen („visuelle Greifreflexe“) weitgehend verloren, scheint aber bei der Ausfuhrung optisch induzierter Blickbewegungen immer noch eine wenn auch untergeordnete Rolle zu spielen. Die Ansicht, das Tectum opticum sei nur fur gewisse vertikale, die Parabducensgegend aber fur alle horizontalen Blickbewegungen verantwortlich, wird abgelehnt.
Relationship between self-monitoring of diet and exercise change and subsequent risk factor changes in children and adults

Self-monitoring is often used in health behaviour change programs; but it is not known to what extent self-monitoring data are valid and useful in predicting changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Subjects included 72 Anglo adults, 68 Anglo children, 80 Mexican-American adults and 94 Mexican-American children. Subjects were families with fifth and sixth grade children who participated in an 18-session family-based diet and exercise change program designed to reduce CVD risk. During the intervention, each participant self-monitored diet and aerobic physical activity. Families were measured at baseline, 3, 12, and 24 months. For adults, self-monitored changes in diet correlated with changes in body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL 1 and 2 years later. Correlations between self-monitored diet and diet-related risk factor changes were not observed among children. Correlations between self-monitored exercise and subsequent risk factor changes were not observed among adults. For children, self monitored changes in aerobic physical activity correlated significantly with changes in VO2Max and HDL/LDL ratio 1 and 2 years later. Thus, this study provides some support for the predictive validity of diet self-monitoring in adults and exercise self-monitoring in children.
A Digitally-Controlled Seven-State X-Band SiGe Variable Gain Low Noise Amplifier

This work describes the design of a digitally- controlled seven-state variable gain low noise amplifier. The amplifier utilizes separately biased transistor cores to activate additional transistor area and change the amplifier gain. Variable gain low noise amplifiers enable greater dynamic range in RF receivers and provide amplitude control for phased-array systems. The amplifier was fabricated in a 180 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology platform featuring SiGe HBTs with an fT/fmax of 240/260 GHz. When all transistor cores are activated, the amplifier achieves 16.5 dB of gain and a noise figure of 1.6 dB at 10 GHz. A gain variation of 7 dB from the maximum to the minimum state is demonstrated. In addition, the noise figure, linearity, and gain all improve with increasing transistor area and power dissipation, indicating an optimum state can be selected to meet receiver requirements while minimizing power dissipation.
Jefferson's Unheavenly City: A Bicentennial Look*

The opportunity provided by the American Bicentennial for a re-examination of our political values is also an opportunity for a closer look at the political philosophy of Thomas Jefferson. Although Jefferson has been placed, with John Locke, in a "heavenly city of the eighteenth- century philosophers" who sought new defenses on behalf of medieval spiritualism and divine law, the present essay contends that Jefferson's epistemological commitments differed from Locke's, and that Jefferson's political theory was far more "modern" than Locke's with respect to the key notions of rights, property, and consent. Some of Jefferson's political conclusions differed from those of Locke either in degree, such as in the details of representation, or in kind, such as in regard to the ownership of property. IN THIS BICENTENNIAL PERIOD, with its withering of trust in government, fundamental questions are being raised as to rights and executive privilege, as to property and modern corporations, as to consent and participation, and even as to the applicability of 18th-century ideas to contemporary problems. One figure of the 18th century, Thomas Jefferson, anticipated many contemporary concerns regarding rights, property, and consent. Thus, his political philosophy is modern, not backward-looking, as it was claimed to be by Carl Becker (1), who placed Jefferson, along with John Locke, in a "heavenly city of the eighteenth-century philosophers" who sought new defenses on behalf of medieval spiritualism and divine law. In his "heavenly city" thesis, Becker, who tends to bracket Locke and Jefferson together in their epistemological perspectives (2), proceeds to demonstrate the relationship between Locke's concept of the mind as a blank tablet and his spiritualist conception of reason and the laws of nature. He then describes the familiar mind-body dualism in Locke's conception of man and shows the relationship between Locke's social ideas and his epistemological commitments. The present essay contends that Jefferson's epistemological commit-
Effects of deformable mirror/wavefront sensor separation in laser beam trains

This paper describes a wave optics end-to-end laser beam train model and applies it to an outgoing wavefront sensor (OWS) adaptive optical system. The model permits evaluation of complete beam trains by passing a complex field through each optical element as it occurs in the real beam train. The model has been used to evaluate the effects of the OWS imaging the primary mirror instead of the deformable mirror (DM). The results show that the imperfect imaging of the DM by the OWS that occurs as a result of the finite propagation distance from the DM to the OWS can influence the beam quality depending on spatial frequency content of the wavefront, propagation distance, and actuator spacing.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Problems, Relationship Stress, and Depression in Female Partners of Infertile Couples

ABSTRACT Introduction Infertility has been associated with anxiety, stress, and sexual problems in both men and women. Aim To assess quality of life, sexual health, and depression in the female partner of infertile couples. Methods Couples presenting for the evaluation of infertility at two tertiary care medical centers were invited to participate in a survey study. Main Outcome Measures Female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a modified Self‐Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) Questionnaire. Male partners completed the SEAR and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Both partners completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) for depression and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) for general quality of life. Demographic, fertility, and comorbidity information was recorded. Results One hundred and twenty‐one couples constitute the study population. Mean female and male age was 32 ± 5 and 35 ± 7 years, respectively. Most (92%) couples were married. Mean duration of relationship and marriage were 6.4 ± 3.9 and 3.8 ± 3.2 years, respectively. Mean duration of attempted conception was 24 ± 24 months. On CES‐D, 19% of women had moderate and 13% had severe depression. Women reported significantly worse SF‐36 Mental Health subscale scores (mean = 47.8, P r = 0.37, P r = −0.16, P Conclusion Depression and sexual dysfunction are prevalent in female partners of infertile couples. Female sexual function is positively correlated with male partner sexual function in this population. Nelson CJ, Shindel AW, Naughton CK, Ohebshalom M, and Mulhall JP. Prevalence and predictors of sexual problems, relationship stress, and depression in female partners of infertile couples. J Sex Med 2008;5:1907–1914.
Structure and strategy in concept learning.

Abstract Three stimulus sets varying in uncertainty and dimensional structure were designed in order to test the effect of these variables on concept attainment and to determine whether sensitivity to structure increases with age. Set A consisted of all the combinations of four binary dimensions; B of all the combinations of one binary with one eight-valued dimension, and set C of all the combinations of two binary dimensions. The S s, 108 boys at three grade levels, kindergarten, third and sixth, were required to respond to one two-valued dimension which was relevant to problem solution. Analyses yielded the predicted age by problem interaction with kindergartners finding sets A and B more difficult than set C, third graders finding set A more difficult than B and C, and the sixth graders performing equally well on all sets. The response of younger S s to stimulus uncertainty and of older S s to dimensional structure was interpreted to reflect age differences in the ability to classify and to change criteria for classifying a stimulus set.
Two-Dimensional Nonadiabatic Injection into a Supersonic Freestream

Turbulence and mean e ow measurements were acquired downstream of a normal, supersonic (Mach 1.6), twodimensional, slot injection into Mach 2.9 e ow (Re/m=16 £ 10 6).An adiabatic (Tti/Tt1 =1.0)and two nonadiabatic injection cases (Tti/Tt1 =1.11andTti/Tt1 =0.93)werestudied.Multiple-overheatcross-e lmanemometryandconventional mean e ow probes, as well as instantaneous schlieren photography, were utilized to study the turbulent mixing layer. The mean e ow data included the pitot, cone-static, and Mach number proe les. The measured turbulence data included Reynolds shear stresses and turbulence intensities (mass e ux and total temperature ). The e ow visualizations highlighted the physical phenomena of the e ow as well as the associated turbulent structure that existed in the mixing layer. The injection and wall temperature were found to have a strong ine uence on the near wall (the bottom-half of the mixing layer relative to the wall ) mean and statistical turbulent e ow properties.
Evaluation of National Research Council amino acid recommendations for large white turkeys

Two trials of identical experimental design were conducted to evaluate the NRC (1994) amino acid requirements for growing turkeys. Diets were formulated for 4-wk age intervals using intact ingredients and amino acid supplements to provide 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, and 120% of the suggested requirements. Formulation was done in a manner to minimize excess levels of as many essential amino acids as possible. Day-old male poults of a commercial Large White strain were grown to 20 wk on the test diets with body weight and feed conversion determined at intervals throughout the test; representative samples of birds were processed to determine carcass composition and parts yield. Results suggested that diets formulated to provide 105% of the suggested NRC requirements were needed to provide maximum body weight gain, feed conversion, and breast meat yield. Ambient temperatures in the present study frequently exceeded 27 C and may have contributed to the need for somewhat greater amino acid needs than the present NRC (1994) suggestions.
Importance of alignment between local DC magnetic field and an oscillating magnetic field in responses of brain tissue in vitro and in vivo.

The same underlying mechanism was initially considered to be responsible for the influence of the local geomagnetic field (LGF) in the in vitro chick-brain experiments of Blackman et al and the in vivo rat behavioral experiments of Thomas et al. However, subsequent work with the chick brain model showed that the effective LGF vector was effective only when there was a component orthogonal to the alternating field, while recently published results with an in vivo diatom model showed that a parallel orientation was required. A review of the exposure conditions in the rat behavioral experiments provides evidence that supports both the orthogonal and the parallel field components as potential bases for the phenomenon. Investigators who attempt to replicate the rat behavioral experiments must be aware of the conflicting exposure conditions that can be assumed to be operative, and design their experiments accordingly. Further testing is necessary to resolve the issue.
The challenges with brain death determination in adult patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background To identify a reliable method of performing apnea testing as part of brain death determination in adult patients who develop loss of brainstem reflexes while receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO provides extracirculatory support to patients in cardiorespiratory failure who would otherwise be expected to die. Many studies have reported brain death as a potential complication of adult ECMO, but none have cited how apnea testing was performed in these patients.
The cellular basis of Fundulus epiboly. Adhesivity of blastula and gastrula cells in culture.

Abstract The behavior of dissociated cells of blastula and early gastrula blastoderms of Fundulus heteroclitus was studied in cell culture. Blastula cells remain spheroid and lobopodial during the first 6 hours after culturing. Most early gastrula cells, on the other hand, flatten extensively on the glass substratum within an hour or two, indicating that they possess greater surface adhesivity. The correlation of cell flattening in vitro with the onset of epiboly supports the hypothesis that epiboly of the blastoderm is due in part to the activities of its individual constituent cells. Late blastula cells flatten more extensively with increased time in culture, when control eggs are beginning epiboly. This suggests that the process whereby cells increase in adhesivity within the blastoderm continues in culture. The results are discussed in relation to cell locomotion within the blastoderm and the mechanism of Fundulus epiboly, and a revised concept of epiboly is presented.
Molecular alterations in uterine serous carcinoma.

Abstract Objective Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is an aggressive endometrial cancer associated with poor prognosis despite comprehensive surgical staging and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Biologic targets have yet to be fully explored in this disease and research on such targets could lead to clinical trials utilizing a new class of therapeutics. Methods A MEDLINE search of molecular alterations in USC was performed and reviewed. Results Studies evaluating primary USC tumors for molecular alterations have focused on molecules such as the transmembrane receptor ERBB2 (HER-2), the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the recently characterized oncogene PIK3CA, which encodes the catalytic p110-alpha subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). In addition, claudin-3 and claudin-4 have recently been shown to be highly expressed in USC and have potential utilization as tumor markers and possible target proteins. Conclusions Since optimal treatment of uterine serous carcinoma remains unknown, novel therapeutic approaches need to be actively pursued. The molecular targets discussed warrant further investigation and suggest a potential role for therapeutic agents targeting HER-2 and EGFR, as well as downstream targets such as the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway in the treatment of uterine serous carcinoma.
The biological behavior of primary cerebral neuroblastoma: A reappraisal of the clincal course in a series of 70 cases

The outcome in 70 patients with primary cerebral neuroblastoma was evaluated in light of their age incidence, histological subtypes, and modes of treatment. In more than 80% of the patients, primary cerebral neuroblastoma occurred in the first decade, most often before the age 2 years (26%). Over half of the tumors were histologically of the classic variant, the remainder showing varying degrees of mesenchymal stromal response (desmoplastic or transitional variants). Patients with a tumor of the desmoplastic or transitional variant without ganglionic differentiation had a lower mean age at the time of diagnosis than those harboring a tumor of the classic variant. Age could not be correlated with the presence of ganglionic differentiation. The overall 3-year survival rate was 60%. At least 30% of patients have a 5-year postoperative survival. Elight patients survivied 7 years after diagnosis, and 3 for more than 10 years. The period of risk for tumor recurrence or death was a function of the initial age at diagnsis (Collin's law). Most deaths or fatal recurrences occurred within the first 3 years after operation. No corelation could be made between survival times and histological variant of the tumor or the presence of ganglionic differentiation. Our data do not indicate that, overall, postoperative irradiation with or without chemotherapy improved length of survival, but an occasional favorable clinical response to chemotherapy did occur. Because of the high incidence of local recurrence and the relative frequency of cerebrospinal metastasis, prophylactic whole brain and spinal irradiation is probably justified.
Killed by leukocytes that don't know when to leave

Patients with severe asthma accumulate inflammatory cells in their airway walls. Studies with MMP2-deficient mice now show that an inability of these cells to egress from the lung can be fatal.
Ethnic differences in post-menopausal plasma oestrogen levels: high oestrone levels in Japanese-American women despite low weight

Breast cancer incidence in Japanese-American women is approaching that of US Whites. We investigated whether this shift is paralleled by similar post-menopausal plasma hormone levels in the two ethnic groups. We also included African-American and Latina women to further our understanding of possible ethnic differences in oestrogen metabolism. We measured androstenedione (A), oestrone (E1) and oestradiol (E2) in 30 Japanese-American, 39 non-Latina White (‘White’), 66 African-American and 58 Latina women. The (age-adjusted) geometric mean E1 levels were 34 pg ml−1in Japanese-Americans, 28 pg ml−1in Whites, 35 pg ml−1in African-Americans and 31 pg ml−1in Latinas. After adjustment for body mass index, Japanese-Americans had the highest mean E1 value of all groups and this was statistically significantly greater than the value for Whites (Pt-test= 0.05). The geometric mean A concentrations were also highest in Japanese-Americans. There was little ethnic difference in E2 levels. In conclusion, post-menopausal plasma oestrogen levels in Japanese-American women are at least as high as those in Whites. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Oxidation of vanillin by cream xanthine oxidase and its inhibition by allopurinol

Es wird gezeigt, dass Vanillin durch Xanthinoxydase oxydiert und dass diese Reaktion durch Allopurinol gehemmt wird.
A differential magnetic permeability model for pulsed magnetic field calculations

Problems involving intense pulsed magnetic fields in soft ferromagnetic materials require the solution of nonlinear partial differential equations with a field-dependent relative differential permeability that must represent the major magnetic properties of the material over an extremely wide range of magnetic fields. With the assumption that hysteresis can be neglected, a simple mathematical model with two exponential terms is described in which four constants can be used to model the magnetic properties of interest in a given problem. The model is constrained to match the initial value, the maximum value, and the saturation flux density. The analysis presented here shows that there are limitations and that not all values of the magnetic properties can be accommodated simultaneously.
Performance improvement of organic thin film transistors by SiO2/pentacene interface modification using an electrostatically assembled PDDA monolayer

Pentacene-based organic thin film transistors have been fabricated with and without the presence of a modifying monolayer at the interface between the silicon dioxide insulator and the organic semiconductor. The monolayer consists of poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA), and is deposited by electrostatic self-assembly. The interface modification by the PDDA monolayer has resulted in improved device performance, including 33% higher effective hole mobility, 42% lower threshold voltage, about 50% lower subthreshold slope, and 100% higher on/off ratio. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) profiles reveal the morphology of pentacene is affected by the insertion of the PDDA monolayer. The presence of this monolayer appears to improve the interface characteristics of the deposited pentacene layer, resulting in better thin film transistors.