cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hybrid MoM/FEM model of coupling to thin-wire structures in complex cavities

Electromagnetic coupling through a narrow-slot aperture to a region containing a thin-wire structure is computed as a characterization of electromagnetic compatibility and interference (EMC/EMI) issues. Results are presented for coupling through a narrow slot to multiple, thin, straight segments of wire in a cavity. The slot has width and depth and the wires have arbitrary position and orientation within the coupled region. By varying the wires/slot geometries the interaction of the respective resonance structures is examined. Results for a coupled half-space as well as results for a complex cavity enclosure containing multiple thin-wire scatterers are presented. The objective of this work is to compute coupling through a narrow slot to a complex cavity containing thin-wire scatterers with arbitrary position and orientation within the cavity, accounting for slot depth, wall losses, and dielectrics in the slot region. Previously, results have been presented that were limited to half-space coupling. The full wires/slot/cavity coupling is now incorporated into the model.
32-bit cyclic redundancy codes for Internet applications

Standardized 32-bit cyclic redundancy codes provide fewer bits of guaranteed error detection than they could, achieving a Hamming Distance (HD) of only 4 for maximum-length Ethernet messages, whereas HD=6 is possible. Although research has revealed improved codes, exploring the entire design space has previously been computationally intractable, even for special-purpose hardware. Moreover, no CRC polynomial has yet been found that satisfies an emerging need to attain both HD=6 for 12K bit messages and HD=4 for message lengths beyond 64 Kbits. This paper presents results from the first exhaustive search of the 32-bit CRC design space. Results from previous research are validated and extended to include identifying all polynomials achieving a better HD than the IEEE 802.3 CRC-32 polynomial. A new class of polynomials is identified that provides HD=6 up to nearly 16K bit and HD=4 up to 114K bit message lengths, providing the best achievable design point that maximizes error detection for both legacy and new applications, including potentially iSCSI and application-implemented error checks.
Hyalohyphomycosis masquerading as squamous cell carcinoma.

A case of primary cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis in a healthy individual is presented. The initial clinial impression was kerato-acanthoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Upon excision, the lesion proved to be an example of cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis due to an unidentified, non-pigmented fungal organism. The lesion was completely excised, and the patient was treated with saturated solution of potassium iodide. To date, there has been no evidence of recurrence. The clinical, histologic and mycologic aspects of hyalophyphomycosis are discussed.
The spin structure of the effective quark Hamiltonian and the hyperfine splittings of charmonium

Abstract We provide a simple classical derivation on the spin dependent part of the effective quark Hamiltonian. We suggest that the large S-state hyperfine splitting can be resolved by interpreting that the quark confinement potential is mainly due to an effective scalar exchange.
Binding of native, glucosamine-labeled, luteinizing hormone to Leydig cells.

A method for obtaining pituitary glycoprotein hormones labeled either in the protein backbone or in the carbohydrate moiety, by incubation of pituitary slices in the presence of radioactive leucine or glucosamine, has been developed. This report describes the subsequent purification of the “native” labeled luteinizing hormone from the incubation medium and its use in binding studies with testicular tissue. The purified radioactive luteinizing hormone specifically bound to Leydig cells could be displaced with excess human chorionic gonadotropin, but was unaffected by excess follicle stimulating hormone. Binding data indicated that Kd = 5.2 × 10−9m and approximately 6 × 104 binding sites per cell.
Proposal for manipulating and detecting spin and orbital States of trapped electrons on helium using cavity quantum electrodynamics.

We propose a hybrid architecture in which an on-chip high finesse superconducting cavity is coupled to the lateral motion and spin state of a single electron trapped on the surface of superfluid helium. We estimate the motional coherence times to exceed $15\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$, while energy will be coherently exchanged with the cavity photons in less than 10 ns for charge states and faster than $1\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ for spin states, making the system attractive for quantum information processing and strong coupling cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments. The cavity is used for nondestructive readout and as a quantum bus mediating interactions between distant electrons or an electron and a superconducting qubit.
Quantum field theory based on birefringent modified Maxwell theory

In the current paper the properties of a birefringent Lorentz-violating extension of quantum electrodynamics is considered. The theory results from coupling modified Maxwell theory, which is a CPT-even Lorentz-violating extension of the photon sector, to a Dirac theory of standard spin-1/2 particles. It is then restricted to a special birefringent case with one nonzero Lorentz-violating coefficient. The modified dispersion laws of electromagnetic waves are obtained plus their phase and group velocities are considered. After deriving the photon propagator and the polarization vectors for a special momentum configuration we prove both unitarity at tree-level and microcausality for the quantum field theory based on this Lorentz-violating modification. These analytical proofs are done for a spatial momentum with two vanishing components and the proof of unitarity is supported by numerical investigations in case all components are nonvanishing. The upshot is that the theory is well-behaved within the framework of our assumptions where there is a possible issue for negative Lorentz-violating coefficients. The paper shall provide a basis for the future analysis of alternative birefringent quantum field theories.
Phosphorus dynamics in hypereutrophic lake sediments

Abstract The sediments of two hypereutrophic lakes (Stone Lake, Michigan and Lake Charles East, Indiana) were studied to determine phosphorus sorption and release tendencies as they vary seasonally. Techniques used were chemical extractions of phosphorus forms from core fractions and the incubation of undisturbed cores in the laboratory under ambient conditions of temperature and dissolved oxygen. The uptake of phosphorus during aerobic periods was found to be in accord with previously observed trends in that the amount sorbed was proportional to overlying phosphorus concentration supporting an adsorption type of model. Phosphorus was given off during anoxic periods, however, the specific release rates could not be correlated with the gradient of interstitial phosphorus to overlying phosphorus concentrations as reported by others. Rather, release rates were closely correlated with average interstitial phosphorus concentrations. A diffusion model is presented, applicable to systems similar to those studied, in which soluble interstitial phosphorus varies from a greatly elevated concentration in close proximity to sediment particle surfaces to levels approaching those of overlying phosphorus.
Statistical analysis of small-area data based on independence, spatial, non-hierarchical, and hierarchical models

Data associated with spatially contiguous small areas may be modeled via regression on covariates, with error terms that are either independent or are spatially dependent according to which areas are neighbors of each other. But the data may have extra components of variability due to measurement error, which a careful statistical analysis should filter out. The combination of these possibilities leads to four models, three of which are special cases of the fourth: the spatial hierarchical model. A number of new results are developed for the analysis of small-area data: estimation of the measurement-error variance; diagnostics to determine which model fits and predicts better; and a sensitivity analysis to compare an empirical-Bayesian analysis to a Bayesian analysis. A small-area dataset of doctors' prescription amounts per consultation is fitted to all four types of models and used to illustrate the spatial methodology.
Recombinant activated factor VII for trauma patients

SUMMARY The use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in trauma patients is an exciting application because hemorrhage and coagulopathy play prominent roles both in the syndrome of severe hemorrhagic shock and in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Anecdotal use of rFVIIa in non-hemophilic trauma patients extends back to 1999, and experience at individual institutions is now in the hundreds of cases. Efficacy in controlling traumatic coagulopathy approaches 80%, with long-term survival of about half of the patients treated. There have been few reports of inappropriate thrombotic events in trauma patients. A single prospective randomized study of rFVIIa in victims of hemorrhagic shock has been completed, with some favorable results. Further trials in hemorrhagic shock are underway in both European and American trauma centers, while a trial in TBI patients will begin within the coming year.
EFFECT OF COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION OF GROUND‐ AND COVER‐COAT ENAMELS ON THERMAL‐SHOCK AND IMPACT RESISTANCE

Four antimony cover-coat enamels, four fluoride cover-coat enamels, and four ground-coat enamels were formulated to give varying coefficients of expansion. The calculated values were 250, 275, 300, and 325 × 10–7. The observed coefficients of expansion are included in the paper. The enamels were applied to standard 2-quart pudding pans and were tested for thermal shock and impact resistance using the standard methods of the Enameled Utensil Manufacturers’Council. The results show that thermal-shock resistance is controlled chiefly by the coefficient of expansion of the ground-coat and cover-coat enamels. The best results were obtained by using a cover-coat enamel with a low coefficient of expansion and a ground coat with a high coefficient of expansion. No conclusive evidence was found to indicate any effect of the coefficient of expansion of the ground- and cover-coat enamels on impact resistance. The solubility resistance and reflectance curves for the enamels are also included.
The Influence of Expectancy in Subliminal Perception Experiments

The relationship between belief in subliminal perception and the out-come of subliminal perception was examined. One hundred thirty-seven college students listened to a tape of a contemporary jazz composition. Although the music did not contain a subliminal message, the subjects who had reported belief in subliminal perception reported significantly greater mood changes while they listened to the tape than the nonbelieving subjects did. Also, the believers reported hearing a nonexistent subliminal message significantly more often than the nonbelievers did
Technology-Shaping Effects of E-Collaboration Technologies: Bugs and Features

Recently, Orlikowski and Iacono (2001) called for increased theorizing of the information technology (IT) artifact. Both authors have made important contributions to what they refer to as the â€œensembleâ€ view of technology. By contrast, the â€œtoolâ€ view has remained noticeably underdeveloped. The goal of this essay is to begin articulating such a tool view for research on e-collaboration technologies. Referred to here as â€œthe technology-shaping perspective,â€ this view eschews technological determinism but nevertheless looks for broad patterns of probabilistic effects that can be attributed to technologyâ€™s material features. In brief, the technology-shaping perspective holds that technologies pose problems for users who want to use them to accomplish particular goals; the solutions users create for those problems during recurrent use may exhibit certain regularities across different contexts. Consequently, small differences in the features of apparently similar tools could be associated with big differences in usage patterns and social outcomes. The claim is that conducting future research on a technology-shaping agenda could yield cumulative results that are less â€œdisappointingâ€ than many scholars find group decision support systems (GSS) research, the largest single body of work on e-collaboration technologies.
Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the estrogenic attenuation of cannabinoid-induced changes in energy homeostasis

Since estradiol attenuates cannabinoid-induced increases in energy intake, energy expenditure, and transmission at proopiomelanocortin (POMC) synapses in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), we tested the hypothesis that neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays an integral role. To this end, whole animal experiments were carried out in gonadectomized female guinea pigs. Estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 μg sc) decreased incremental food intake as well as O2 consumption, CO2 production, and metabolic heat production as early as 2 h postadministration. This was associated with increased phosphorylation of nNOS (pnNOS), as evidenced by an elevated ratio of pnNOS to nNOS in the ARC. Administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (3 μg icv) into the third ventricle evoked hyperphagia as early as 1 h postadministration, which was blocked by EB and restored by the nonselective NOS inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME; 100 μg icv) when the latter was combined with the st...
Salivary Morbidity and Quality of Life following Radioactive Iodine for Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer:

ObjectiveDetermine the prevalence of sialadenitis in a group of patients treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) for well-differentiated thyroid cancer and assess whether RAI treatment is associated ...
Hypoallergenic formulas: optimal choices for treatment versus prevention.

Objectives To provide information on certain formulas that are relevant to allergy practice, focusing on their protein source and allergenicity, and to provide recommendations for selecting an optimal formula, taking into consideration efficacy, safety, palatability, and cost. Data Sources A literature search using the PubMed database for the following keywords: hypoallergenic formulas, infant formulas, hydrolysate formulas, elemental formulas , and amino acids formulas . Study Selection Information was derived from pertinent original studies and selected reviews, including recent Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, published in the English-language literature. Results For a formula to be considered hypoallergenic, it should be well tolerated by at least 90% of individuals who are allergic to the parent protein from which that formula has been derived. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas (EHFs), derived from bovine casein or whey, are tolerated by approximately 95% of cow's milk allergic individuals. Elemental formulas are prepared from synthesized free amino acids and are well tolerated practically by all individuals, including those who are allergic to EHFs. Partially hydrolyzed whey formula (PHWFs) cause allergy in one-third to half of milk allergic individuals and are not considered hypoallergenic. Both EHFs and PHWFs seem to be equally effective in reducing the risk of development of allergy in infants of atopic families. Conclusion The EHFs and amino acids formulas, but not the partially hydrolyzed formulas, are optimal for milk allergic individuals. All 3 types of formulas are useful for prevention. The cost and palatability should be considered in deciding which formula to use.
The active dynamic interview and the supportive relationship

Abstract This article explores interview techniques that utilize psychodynamic understanding of the patient early in patient contact and examines the nature of the support that emanates from such interventions. These interventions not only increase communication and permit accumulation of richer and more pertinent material but establish a supportive bond between patient and physician based upon communicated understanding. In particular, interventions are described that utilize confrontation, the support of self-esteem, the alleviation of guilt and special approaches for the paranoid and non-motivated patient. The concept of the therapeutic stance based upon utilization of a latent transference paradigm is described. The article ends with a consideration of difficulties in teaching these techniques.
The role of palatability in the food intake response of rats fed high-protein diets

Abstract Male albino rats, trained to eat over a 3-h period, reduced their food intake from 0·38 ± 0·04 g of a low-protein diet to 0·14 ± 0·03 g of a high-protein diet, within 1 min following diet presentation. Since this occurred before the metabolic effects of a high-protein diet should be seen, we suggest that, although neophobia could play a role, poor initial palatability may be a significant factor in this early depression in food intake. To differentiate initial palatability from responses to metabolic feedback, we designed a feeding paradigm using positive or negative taste cues and a 6-h feeding period. Pre-treatment with a 6% casein diet containing 0·15% quinine HCl resulted in near equal consumption of a 75% casein and a 6% casein unadulterated diet during the first 30 min after introduction of the diets. Later, the rate of consumption of the high-protein diet was lower than of the lower-protein diet, likely the result of post-absorptive factors. We suggest that prevention of the early reduction in food intake due to initial palatability may facilitate study of post-absorptive response(s) to high-protein diets.
Effect of leucine-isoleucine and valine antagonism and comparison with the effect of ethionine on rat liver regeneration.

Abstract Significantly less liver tissue, protein, and DNA were regenerated 4 days after partial hepatectomy in rats fed a high leucine diet than by an ad libitum control group receiving isoleucine and valine with the excess of leucine. The rate of regeneration was, however, similarly depressed in a pair-fed control group. Thus excess leucine did not interfere with protein and DNA regeneration above and beyond the depressing effect on food intake. Rats fed the high leucine diet without additional isoleucine and valine regenerated significantly more RNA, and their livers contained significantly more of this nucleic acid 2 and 4 days after partial hepatectomy than did those of the pair-fed control group receiving isoleucine and valine with the excess leucine. The RNA content of the group receiving excess leucine alone decreased to normal 10 days after the operation. In male, partially hepatectomized rats, ethionine interfered with liver protein, DNA, and RNA regeneration more than would be expected from the depression it caused in food intake.
Comparison of container-grown Pinus taeda L. seedlings raised outdoors and in a growth chamber in sunlight

Two annual crops of container-grown loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings raised outdoors differed from those grown inside a covered chamber with a clear top. After a 90-day growth period, outside-grown container seedlings had shorter heights, smaller root collar diameters, and lower root, stem, foliage, shoot, and total dry weights than chamber-grown seedlings. Fall-planted, outside-grown seedlings raised the first year had up to 10% higher field survival than those from the chamber. However, chamber-grown container seedlings that survived retained their initial height and diameter advantages following one complete growing season. Fall-planted seedlings raised the second year showed no differences due to growth treatments when favorable weather for seedling growth occurred after field-planting. Container-grown seedlings raised outdoors during the summer months are well suited for fall-outplanting.
Determination of Miniemulsion Droplet Size via Soap Titration

The application of the well-known soap titration method, originally developed to determine the size of latex particles, to the characterization of the average droplet size of octadecyl methacrylate (ODMA) and styrene (St) miniemulsions was investigated. Control experiments were first performed using individual monodisperse polystyrene latexes of known size and then mixtures of these to create broad (multimodal) distributions. The surfactant (soap) titration method was applied to determine the effect of the particle size distribution on the accuracy of the method. The average particle sizes (Dvs, volume−surface average diameter) obtained were in good agreement with both the experimental (capillary hydrodynamic fractionation, CHDF) and calculated particle sizes. Next, the droplet size of ODMA miniemulsions (with and without hexadecane as costabilizer) was characterized by both soap titration and CHDF. The two measurements were found to be in good agreement, proving the viability of the technique in sizing e...
Sorption heat engines: Simple inanimate negative entropy generators

Abstract The name ‘sorption heat engines’ (SHE) is proposed for simple negative entropy generators that are driven by thermal cycling and work on alternating adsorption and desorption. These generators are not in general explicitly recognized as heat engines. Their mechanism is applicable to the fields of engineering, physics, chemistry, geology, and biology, in particular the origin of life. Four kinds of SHEs are distinguished depending on the occurrence of changes in the adsorbent or adsorbate during the thermal cycle.
Regulation of Sertoli cell transferrin and sulfated glycoprotein-2 messenger ribonucleic acid levels during the restoration of spermatogenesis in the adult hypophysectomized rat.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the levels of sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2) and/or transferrin mRNA in Sertoli cells responds to testosterone in the adult rat testis and, if so, to distinguish between the effects of testosterone and those of changing populations of germ cells. To this end we have examined changes in the steady state levels of these two mRNAs in relationship to changes in intratesticular testosterone concentration and germ cell numbers after treatment of adult hypophysectomized rats with testosterone. Hypophysectomy for 4 weeks caused intratesticular testosterone concentrations to become reduced from 50 to 3 ng/ml and caused significant reductions in the numbers of testicular spermatozoa (undetectable), round spermatids (nearly undetectable), and pachytene spermatocytes (12% of normal). Intratesticular testosterone concentrations rose to 30 ng/ml within 3 days after implantation of testosterone-containing polydimethylsiloxane capsules into the hypophysectomized rats. T...
Race and Class in Colonial Latin America: A Critique

The relationship of society to economy and the interplay of economic realities and social ideology remain central concerns in Latin American history. It is for this reason that the recent article by John K. Chance and William B. Taylor is so important. Nevertheless we believe that there are serious methodological flaws in their study which detract from the value of their results. The statistical errors they have committed and the measures we propose to overcome them should be of interest to all those concerned with the analysis of social systems. We therefore offer our criticisms and suggestions as part of an ongoing dialogue with social historians. Chance and Taylor limit their analysis to one city at a single point in time-Antequera, Oaxaca, in 1792-but the implications of their findings and indeed the extrapolations from the data are used to suggest wider application for their model. The thrust of their argument is that, rather than a rigid system of estates based on color and juridicial definition, a system of socioeconomic groups reflecting the increasing "capitalist oriented economic class system" had emerged in Oaxaca by the late eighteenth century (p. 456). While we find ourselves in agreement with the broad direction of change they suggest, we believe that they have made conceptual and methodological errors that impair the validity and usefulness of their analysis. Their revisionary stance has overdrawn the neglect of class in the historiography of colonial Latin America, as is evidenced in works cited by the authors themselves.' In addition, a definition of class
Centrifuge Modeling of Soil-Structure Interaction in Energy Foundations

AbstractThis study presents a centrifuge modeling approach to characterize the transient thermomechanical response of energy foundations during heating-cooling cycles to provide data for calibration and validation of soil-structure interaction models. This study focuses on the response of a scale-model energy foundation installed in an unsaturated silt layer with end-bearing boundary conditions. The foundation response was assessed using embedded strain gauges and thermocouples. Other variables monitored include foundation head displacements, soil surface displacements, and changes in temperature and volumetric water content in the unsaturated silt at different depths and radial locations. Measurements during the initial heating process indicate that the thermal axial stress is greater near the toe of the foundation as a result of the restraint associated with mobilization of side shear resistance along the length of the foundation. The thermal axial strains were close to the free-expansion thermal strain...
Superconducting energy gap in semiconducting GeTe

Tunneling measurements were made on thin films (700–1400 A) of GeTe to determine the dependence of the superconducting energy gap on carrier concentration. Temperatures as low as ∼25 mK were used and perpendicular magnetic fields were applied to measure the critical fields. The energy gap Δ was found to vary from 30 to 42 µeV for carrier concentrations from 1.5 to 2.4 × 1021 / cm3.
Dissociation of I2in O2(1Δ)-I atom transfer lasers

Abstract The dissociation of I 2 in the O 2 ( 1 Δ)-I atom transfer laser is shown to result from collisions with a species other than O 2 ( 1 Σ). The interaction of O 2 ( 1 Δ) with low-lying electronic states of I 2 is discussed.
Drug-induced sleep endoscopy

To review the literature on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and summarize the key aspects of this procedure, which is performed for patients with sleep-disordered breathing who are being considered for surgical treatment. DISE provides a way to view multiple levels of the airway during drug-induced sleep in order to determine the anatomical location, severity, and pattern of collapse. It is a practical method of upper airway evaluation that is relatively inexpensive, time efficient, and does not involve radiation exposure. DISE, however, has not been compared to other methods of upper airway assessment in head-to-head evaluation, thereby making interstudy comparisons difficult. DISE has been shown to be safe, influential in the surgical decision-making process, and effective in improving outcomes from airway surgery. DISE is a viable option preceding surgical airway treatment; however, further study and standardization is needed to improve training and interpretation.
Complexities in creole continua

Abstract Linguistic variation in Caribbean English post-Creole continua is not simply a product of decreolization, nor are all differences between post-Creole continua products of differential decreolization. There are at least two additional processes which create complexities in post-Creole continua. First, social pressure to avoid the creole (basilect) stimulates variation within a continuum which is unrelated to the acquisition of standard forms, but which still permits speakers to avoid the use of basilectal forms. The denasalization of the vowel in the past tense marker MEN is one such process. Second, different paths taken in creolization account for some differences between continua. An example of a widespread, but not universal, creolization process is the development of a mood marker from the infinitivizing complementizer. In some communities this development has not occurred at all; in others infinitivizer-mood marker appears in matrix clauses and even in embedded clauses.
A Case Study on Educating Engineers for Geographically-Dispersed Design Teams

The mantra of industry today is to design products and processes using collaborative design teams. While the potential benefits of such a design philosophy are numerous and significant, many organizations find themselves falling short in the implementation. Sometimes these shortcomings are due to cultural and technical difficulties in the organization, but too frequently they are due to a lack of knowledge as to how to collaborate effectively. Described herein is an educational initiative by Syracuse and Cornell Universities to together teach collaborative design methodologies through a common two-semester, senior-level engineering design course. In the course, not only are the lectures taught to the two cohorts of students using at-a-distance technologies, but the students are teamed in cross-university teams to execute a series of 6-week design challenges, from preliminary through detailed thermal-structural design of the external skins of seconds-generation reusable launch vehicles. An Advanced Interactive Discovery Environment (AIDE), which is a computer-based infrastructure specifically designed for this course, is used to support both synchronous and asynchronous communications amongst the team members and with the faculty. Extensive surveys of the students, together with faculty observations, indicate that proper use of collaboration tools can facilitate effective geographically-dispersed design teams, making them as successful as local design teams.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Is the Development Debate of the 1990s to Resonate as a Fanfare for Community

(1992). Is the Development Debate of the 1990s to Resonate as a Fanfare for Community? Journal of the American Planning Association: Vol. 58, No. 4, pp. 514-516.
Inference for Mixtures of Finite Polya Tree Models

Mixtures of Polya tree models provide a flexible alternative when a parametric model may only hold approximately. I provide computational strategies for obtaining full semiparametric inference for mixtures of finite Polya tree models given a standard parameterization, including models that would be troublesome to fit using Dirichlet process mixtures. Recommendations are put forth on choosing the level of a finite Polya tree, and model comparison is discussed. Several examples demonstrate the utility of finite Polya tree modeling, including data fit to generalized linear mixed models and several survival models.
Illness-induced hyperalgesia is mediated by spinal neuropeptides and excitatory amino acids

The spinal cord dorsal horn contains neural mechanisms which can greatly facilitate pain. We have recently shown that 'illness'-inducing agents, such as intraperitoneally administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS; bacterial endotoxin), can produce prolonged hyperalgesia. This hyperalgesic state is mediated at the level of the spinal cord via activation of the NMDA-nitric oxide cascade. However, prolonged neuronal depolarization is required before such a cascade can occur. The present series of experiments were aimed at identifying spinal neurotransmitters which might be responsible for creating such a depolarized state. These studies show that LPS hyperalgesia is mediated at the level of the spinal cord by substance P, cholecystokinin and excitatory amino acids acting at non-NMDA sites. No apparent role for serotonin or kappa opiate receptors was found.
Higher dosage of the epidermal growth factor receptor mutant allele in lung adenocarcinoma correlates with younger age, stage IV at presentation, and poorer survival.

Introduction The clinical significance of epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) mutant allele specific imbalance (MASI) in lung adenocarcinomas is unknown. Methods EGFR MASI was characterized by sequencing electropherograms (SEs) and EGFR fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 96 prospectively tested lung adenocarcinoma patients with a median follow-up of 20 months (all cases were EGFR mutation-positive). Results In 25 cases, the mutant allele (MA) peak was higher than the wild-type allele (WA) peak, indicating the presence of EGFR MASI (25/96, 26%). The adenocarcinomas with EGFR MASI had a 4.4-fold higher average EGFR /Chromosome Enumeration Probe 7 ratio than carcinomas without MASI (7.9 ± 3.8 versus 1.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.01). A high degree of correlation between the MA/WA ratio (SE) and the EGFR /CEP7 ratio (FISH) (ρ = 0.757, p = 0.003) validated the quantitative nature of SE. Amplification was the most common mechanism of EGFR MASI (13/21, 62%). EGFR MASI was more commonly associated with exon 19 mutations than with exon 21 mutations (19/53, 36%, versus 6/43, 14%, p = 0.015, odds ratio [OR] = 3.4) and in patients younger than 65 years (17/46, 37%, versus 8/50, 16%, p = 0.019, OR=3.1). Patients with EGFR MASI presented with stage IV disease more frequently ( p = 0.01, OR=3.5) and had a poorer disease-specific survival rate ( p = 0.021, 54% versus 83% at 31 months). Conclusions EGFR MASI in lung adenocarcinomas can be assessed based on SE and can be used to identify younger patients with more aggressive disease.
Behind the Numbers: Talking Politics with Foreign‐born Chinese Americans

This paper discusses results of in-depth follow-up interviews conducted with selected individuals of Chinese descent residing in Los Angeles and San Francisco who were previously chosen at random to participate in the 2000 and 2001 Pilot National Asian American Political Survey. A total of 15 male and female informants who had migrated from Taiwan, mainland China, and Hong Kong were interviewed in Mandarin Chinese. They were asked to compare the performance of the US Government with that of the government in their respective ethnic homeland. They were also asked to explain their reasons for supporting a certain US political party, ideology, and type of candidate. In addition, they commented on the state of political participation or the lack of it among Chinese Americans. Finally, they explained the complexity of their ethnic self-identification and experiences of racial discrimination. Their responses were interpreted within the context of the historical formation of the Chinese American community as well as the summary results of the mass opinion survey. The results help dispel myths about Chinese Americans being politically indifferent and irrational. They help illuminate the possible relationships among ethnic identity, homeland politics, and political participation in the host land. They also provide exciting insights into improving the survey instrument for a majority immigrant and non-Anglophone population.
Practical limitations of high-Q multi-ring optical filters

We study the performance of integrated multi-ring optical filters in the presence of fabrication and power induced resonant frequency mismatch (RFM) among the microrings particularly in the context of silicon-on-insulator technology.
Use of Scales to Assess Summer Growth of Resident Cutthroat Trout in Margaret Lake, Alaska

Abstract The opening of a fish ladder in 1990 enabled migration of anadromous fishes into Margaret Lake, Alaska, dramatically changing the environment for its resident cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki. Cutthroat trout summer growth was inferred from scales collected in the fall from 1989 to 1997 by measuring the distance between the scale edge and the last annuli. Bias in scale aging was estimated at less than 0.5 years for cutthroat trout scales, and precision (the coefficient of variation of multiple agings of the same scale) was estimated at 10%. Distances between adjacent annuli were not significantly different when multiple scales were measured from the same fish. When scale distances were extrapolated into body length growth, summer growth rates ranged from 0.44 to 1.09 mm/d. Summer scale growth for age-2 fish was significantly higher than at ages 3–5, and these four age-classes did not exhibit the same growth pattern over the years of the study. Summer scale growth, highest in 1996 and 1997, the...
Selectivity and Residual Damage of Colloidal Silica Chemi-Mechanical Polishing of Silicon Carbide

The selectivity, material removal rate, and the residual subsurface damage of colloidal silica (CS) chemi-mechanical polishing (CMP) of silicon carbide substrates was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and plan view transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Silica CMP, in most process conditions, was selective. In the damage region surrounding remnant scratches, the vertical material removal rate exceeded the planar material removal rate, which resulted in an enhancement of the scratches over the duration of the polishing process. The material removal rate was low, about 20 nm / hr. In addition, the selectivity leads to a slow removal of residual subsurface damage from mechanical polishing. The silica CMP polished surface exhibits significant subsurface damage observed by plan view TEM even after prolonged polishing of 16 hours.
The use of underloaded C(18) solid-phase extraction plates increases reproducibility of analysis of tryptic peptides from unfractionated human plasma

Bottom-up proteomics requires the digestion of proteins into peptides by processes that use salts for denaturing and buffering purposes. These salts need to be removed prior to mass spectrometry analysis to reduce ion suppression; solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a commonly used strategy. There are many commercially available SPE sorbent types and sizes, which are generally provided with manufacturer recommendations for use, including protein loading capacity. We found that these general suggestions were often not ideal, and our data suggest that context-specific evaluation of sorbent type and amount can improve reproducibility. Specifically, the universal Oasis HLB sorbent provided better retention of the more hydrophilic peptides than the traditional C(18) reversed-phase SPE, but it did so at the expense of an increased loss of the more hydrophobic peptides. We found that increasing the amount of the C(18) sorbent beyond the manufacturer's guidelines decreased breakthrough (i.e., increased retention) of 12 hydrophilic, identifiable peptides without loss of hydrophobic peptides. This procedure was robust in a 96-well plate format.
Dislocation activity in single crystal Hgl2

An etchant of 5% alcohol in trichloroethylene (TCE) allows greater resolution of dislocation etch pits in vapour-grown single crystals of Hgl2 than the “traditional” alcohol etches. The improved etchant has made possible the identification of etch pits, on the (001) faces of single-crystal Hgl2, that are associated with dislocations on {100}-type slip planes. The evidence for this conclusion includes (a) the geometric and crystallographic features of the etch pits, (b) the manner in which they are induced by deformation, and (c) their regularity in passing through the crystal, perpendicular to the (001) plane.
Weather Modification by Carbon Dust Absorption of Solar Energy.

Abstract Growing global population pressures and predicted future food and energy shortages dictate that man fully explore his potential use of solar energy. This paper investigates the possibility of beneficial weather modification through artificial solar energy absorption. A variety of physical ideas related to artificial heat sources on different scales of motion are considered. Interest is concentrated on the feasibility of mesoscale (∼100–300 km) weather modification through solar energy absorption by carbon aerosol particles of size ∼0.1 μm or less. Particles of this size maximize solar energy absorption per unit mass. It is hypothesized that significant beneficial influences can be derived through judicious exploitation of the solar absorption potential of carbon black dust. There is an especially high potential for this in the boundary layer over tropical oceans and in the formation of cirrus clouds and the consequent alteration of the tropospheric IR energy budget. If dispersed in sizes ≤0.1 μm,...
Effects of low-pass filtering on acoustic analysis of voice.

Summary Objective/Hypothesis Low-pass filtering is often applied to eliminate effects of environmental noise when preparing voice recordings for acoustic analysis. This study tested the effects of low-pass filter cutoff frequency on the results of acoustic voice analysis, with a particular interest in the effects of low cutoff frequencies on nonlinear dynamic parameters. Study Design A crossover randomized controlled trial was performed using voice recordings of sustained vowel phonation obtained from the Disordered Voice Database . Methods A second-order Butterworth filter was applied to the voices at cutoff frequencies ranging from 5000 to 40Hz. Percent jitter, percent shimmer, fundamental frequency ( F 0 ), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), correlation dimension ( D 2 ), and second-order entropy ( K 2 ) were calculated for each signal. Results Traditional acoustic parameters were validly measured at cutoff frequencies as low as 300Hz. The SNR and percent shimmer were improved by cutoff frequencies of 300Hz or higher; F 0 and percent jitter were unaffected by filtering at these frequencies. D 2 and K 2 were measured stably for signals filtered at cutoff frequencies as low as 100Hz. Conclusion To ensure accuracy in acoustic voice analysis, setting the cutoff frequency of a low-pass filter at least one octave above the F 0 (minimum of 300Hz) is recommended. Nonlinear dynamic measures of D 2 and K 2 proved more robust and maintained accuracy at lower frequencies.
Exact U ( 1 ) symmetric cosmologies with local mixmaster dynamics

By applying a standard solution generating technique, we transform an arbitrary vacuum Mixmaster solution on ${S}^{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathbf{R}$ to a new solution which is spatially inhomogeneous. We thereby obtain a family of exact, spatially inhomogeneous, vacuum spacetimes which exhibit Belinskii-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz oscillatory behavior. The solutions are constructed explicitly by performing the transformations on numerically generated, homogeneous Mixmaster solutions. Their behavior is found to be qualitatively like that seen in previous numerical simulations of generic $U(1)$ symmetric cosmological spacetimes on ${T}^{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathbf{R}.$
How low can you go? Chronic hypoglycemia versus normal glucose homeostasis.

Background Set point errors in glucose homeostasis that result in chronic, mild hyperglycemia in the setting of maturity onset diabetes of the young have been described. Similar set point errors may exist that result in chronic, asymptomatic glucopenia. Case A healthy 39-year-old female was referred for evaluation of chronic, persistent, and asymptomatic glucopenia that persisted over the prior several years with a record of numerous random plasma glucose concentrations between 35 and 45 mg/dL. She denied ethanol intake and family history of hypoglycemia or diabetes. She was not taking any medications known to cause hypoglycemia, and a urine sulfonylurea screen was negative. Fasting insulin and C-peptide levels were not elevated, and pancreatic imaging studies were normal. We hypothesized that this patient possessed an error in glucose metabolism that resulted in chronic, asymptomatic glucopenia. Results In a series of clinical studies, we demonstrated a nadir plasma glucose concentration of 35 mg/dL in the absence of symptoms during a 60-hour fast. C-peptide secretion was appropriately suppressed during symptomatic hypoglycemia with exogenous insulin infusion, and counterregulatory hormone secretion was intact during insulin-induced symptomatic hypoglycemia. Finally, the patient demonstrated an incremental increase in insulin concentration in response to minimal increases in plasma glucose during a sequential, stepped infusion of 10% dextrose. Conclusions We conclude that this patient exhibits features of a set point error in glucose homeostasis that manifests as chronic, asymptomatic glucopenia. Although the mechanism for this condition remains to be elucidated, such set point errors do exist and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic hypoglycemia.
The development of the organ of Corti in the mouse.

Phase contrast and electron microscopy was used to study the maturation of the organ of Corti in mice. The hair cells, supporting cells, and afferent nerves and nerve endings can be identified at birth among the rows of columnar cells that constitute the mouse organ of Corti at birth. Intercellular fluid spaces develop by the 6th day as these cells separate to progress towards the architecture of an adult organ of Corti. Not until the 10th day after birth can efferent nerve endings be identified. Correlating our findings with the studies of the development of auditory function reported by Alford & Ruben (1963), we have concluded that all major structures are well-developed before auditory responses can be elicited. Efferent innervation is the last major event before the organ of Corti begins to function.
Mapping the Protein Domain Structures of the Respiratory Mucins: a mucin proteome coverage study

Mucin genes encode a family of the largest expressed proteins in the human genome. The proteins are highly substituted with O-linked oligosaccharides that greatly restrict access to the peptide backbones. The genomic organization of the N-terminal, O-glycosylated, and C-terminal regions of most of the mucins has been established and is available in the sequence databases. However, much less is known about the fate of their exposed protein regions after translation and secretion, and to date, detailed proteomic studies complementary to the genomic studies are rather limited. Using mucins isolated from cultured human airway epithelial cell secretions, trypsin digestion, and mass spectrometry, we investigated the proteome coverage of the mucins responsible for the maintenance and protection of the airway epithelia. Excluding the heavily glycosylated mucin domains, up to 85% coverage of the N-terminal region of the gel-forming mucins MUC5B and MUC5AC was achieved, and up to 60% of the C-terminal regions were ...
Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase modulators: a patent review (2006 - 2010)

Introduction: Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS, also known as farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS)) is one of the key enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway and as such is widely expressed. FPPS modulators, specifically FPPS inhibitors, are useful in treating a number of diseases, including bone-related disorders characterized by excessive bone resorption, for example, osteoporosis, cancer metathesis to bone and infectious diseases caused by certain parasites. Areas covered: This review covers structures and applications of novel FPPS modulators described in the patent literature from 2006 to 2010. Patents disclosing new formulations and uses of existing FPPS inhibitors are also reviewed. Thirty-three patents retrieved from the USPTO, EP and WIPO databases are examined with the goal of defining current trends in drug discovery related to FPPS inhibition, and its therapeutic effects. Expert opinion: Bisphosphonates (BPs) continue to dominate in this area, although other types of modulators are mak...
Triple positive solutions and dependence on higher order derivatives

Abstract In this paper, we consider the Lidstone boundary value problem, y (2 m ) ( t ) = f ( y ( t ),…, y (2 j ) ( t ),… y (2( m − 1)) ( t )), 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, y (2 i ) (0) = 0 = y (2 i ) (1), 0 ≤ i ≤ m − 1, where (−1) m f > 0. Growth conditions are imposed on f and inequalities involving an associated Green's function are employed which enable us to apply the Leggett–Williams Fixed Point Theorem to cones in ordered Banach spaces. This in turn yields the existence of at least three positive symmetric concave solutions. The emphasis here is that f depends on higher order derivatives.