cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colloid transport through fractured and unfractured laboratory sand columns

Abstract We examined the effects of artificial fractures on colloidal transport in laboratory sand columns. Fractures were simulated by inserting small (0.2- or 1-mm-diam) tubes of controlled length and density into a sand column with dimensions 5-cm-diam by 65-cm-length. We injected 1-μm-diam fluorescent microspheres, bacteria, and colloidal organic matter into columns with tubes and columns without tubes. Breakthrough curves were analyzed using an equilibrium transport model to obtain values for percent retention, retardation, and dispersivity. Fractures significantly increased the amount of microsphere transport; 80–99% of the spheres were retained in experiments with tubes inserted compared to 99–100% without tubes. Bacteria used in this particular experiment had a lower percent retention (increased transport), 73% with tubes and 93% retention without tubes. Colloidal organic matter had 34% retention with tubes and 55% retention without tubes. Microspheres travelled faster than a conservative salt tracer (retardation factor The retention coefficient was determined by sectioning the column at the end of the experiment and counting the number of microspheres retained in sections along the column. The exponential retention rate for spheres was on the order of 0.1 cm−1, with no measurable variation between sand columns with and without tubes. This retention coefficient is needed for models to predict colloid transport. In addition to providing parameter values for models, these observations have implications for monitoring colloid transport in natural systems. It is necessary to consider the possibility of travel faster than a conservative tracer, irregular breakthrough curves, and irreversible retention when sampling for colloids.
Preclinical Considerations For Regulatory Submissions

“Rules ” on how to prepare and present preclinical data in regulatory submissions are well established. Issues/delays in achieving a product license for a new drug can be avoided through a knowledge of these rules and good communication with regulatory agencies. In addition, preclinical evaluation of data needs to be written in a well-balanced, scientific manner to highlight the safety profile of the new drug in terms of human use and any deficiencies in the testing program. However, despite available help, preclinical documentation within submissions can be deficient in a number of ways. This paper highlights necessary regulatory requirements within the preclinical summaries of dossiers and comments on areas of neglect along with new challenges for the preclinical expert as well as exploring ways of avoiding adverse regulatory agency comments.
Selective Recognition of Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Trisphosphate by a Synthetic Peptide

Abstract The present study takes a novel approach to explore the mode of action of phosphoinositide 3-kinase lipid products by identifying a synthetic peptide W-NG28-43 (WAAKIQASFRGHMARKK) that displays discriminative affinity with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3). This PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-binding peptide was discovered by a gel filtration-based binding assay and exhibits a high degree of stereochemical selectivity in phosphoinositide recognition. It forms a 1:1 complex with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 with Kd of 2 μM, but binds phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P2) with substantially lower affinity (5- and 40-fold, respectively) despite the largely shared structural motifs with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Other phospholipids examined, including phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylethanolamine, show low or negligible affinity with the peptide. Several lines of evidence indicate that this phosphoinositide-peptide interaction is not due to nonspecific electrostatic interactions or phospholipid aggregation, and requires a cooperative action among the hydrophobic and basic residues to exert the selective recognition. CD data suggest that the peptide acquires an ordered structure upon binding to PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Further, we demonstrate that PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 enhances the phosphorylation rate of this binding peptide by protein kinase C (PKC)-α in a dose-dependent manner. In view of the findings that this stimulatory effect is not noted with other PKC peptide substrates lacking affinity with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and that PKC-α is not susceptible to PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 activation, the activity enhancement is thought to result from the substrate-concentrating effect of the D-3 phosphoinositide, i.e. the presence of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 allows the peptide to bind to the same vesicles/micelles to which PKC is bound. Moreover, it is noteworthy that neurogranin, the full-length protein of W-NG28-43 and a relevant PKC substrate in the forebrain, binds PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 with high affinity. Taken together, it is plausible that, in addition to PKC activation, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 provides an alternative mechanism to regulate PKC activity in vivo by recruiting and concentrating its target proteins at the interface to facilitate the subsequent PKC phosphorylation.
Estimated Emission Reductions from California's Enhanced Smog Check Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that states evaluate the effectiveness of their vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs. This study demonstrates an evaluation approach that estimates mass emission reductions over time and includes the effect of I/M on vehicle deterioration. It includes a quantitative assessment of benefits from pre-inspection maintenance and repairs and accounts for the selection bias effect that occurs when intermittent high emitters are tested. We report estimates of one-cycle emission benefits of California's Enhanced Smog Check program, ca. 1999. Program benefits equivalent to metric tons per day of prevented emissions were calculated with a "bottom-up" approach that combined average per vehicle reductions in mass emission rates (g/gal) with average per vehicle activity, resolved by model year. Accelerated simulation mode test data from the statewide vehicle information database (VID) and from roadside Smog Check testing were used to determine 2-yr emission profiles of vehicles passing through Smog Check and infer emission profiles that would occur without Smog Check. The number of vehicles participating in Smog Check was also determined from the VID. We estimate that in 1999 Smog Check reduced tailpipe emissions of HC, CO, and NO(x) by 97, 1690, and 81 t/d, respectively. These correspond to 26, 34, and 14% of the HC, CO, and NO(x) that would have been emitted by vehicles in the absence of Smog Check. These estimates are highly sensitive to assumptions about vehicle deterioration in the absence of Smog Check. Considering the estimated uncertainty in these assumptions yields a range for calculated benefits: 46-128 t/d of HC, 860-2200 t/d of CO, and 60-91 t/d of NO(x). Repair of vehicles that failed an initial, official Smog Check appears to be the most important mechanism of emission reductions, but pre-inspection maintenance and repair also contributed substantially. Benefits from removal of nonpassing vehicles accounted for a small portion of total benefits. In 1999, more than 90% of all HC and CO benefits and over 80% of all NO(x) benefits were attributed to vehicles more than 10 years old, even though such vehicles represented only half of those tested in the program.
Heterometallic complexes derived from ruthenocene-functionalized dipyrromethenes

Abstract A new ligand based on a ruthenocene moiety appended by a diyrromethene (Rc-dpm) was synthesized. Two copper complexes, Cu(Rc-dpm)2 (3) and Cu(Rc-dpm)acac (4), and one cobalt complex, Co(Rc-dpm)3, 5, were prepared from the ligand. These complexes were characterized by a combination of UV–Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Copper(II) complex 3 was found to be coordinated by two dipyrromethene ligands in a distorted square planar environment around the copper while complex 4 had one dipyrromethene ligand and an acac coordinated in a nearly idealized square planar copper geometry. The cobalt(III) complex 5 has an octahedral geometry around the cobalt via the coordination of three dipyyromethene ligands.
Soluble and immobilized laccase as catalysts for the transformation of substituted phenols

Abstract The ability of a laccase from the fungus Rhizoctonia praticola to transform 15 phenolic substrates has been examined. Substrates tested included chlorophenols, methylphenols (cresols) and methoxyphenols. The amount of substrate removed was dependent on the substituent group and position of substitution. Virtually 100% of each of the methoxyphenols was transformed, whereas less than 10% of any of the chlorophenols was transformed. The Rhizoctonia laccase was immobilized by covalent coupling to Celite. Syringic acid and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol were completely removed by the immobilized enzyme both initially and after several repeated incubations. The addition of syringic acid enhanced the transformation of 2,4-dichlorophenol with free and immobilized laccase. There were no substantial differences in the relative activities of the free and immobilized enzyme.
Numerical Design and Analysis of a Certain White Bodywork

Develops a finite element model to analyze the dynamic/static sensitivities of a certain white bodywork, i.e., the sensitivities of its bodywork’s natural frequency, torsional stiffness and flexural rigidity and mass to the thickness of sheet to make the bodywork, thus finding out the main parts affecting greatly the dynamic and static characteristics of bodywork to optimize its structure design. According to the sizes of contribution the body mass will make to the natural frequency and torsional stiffness and flexural rigidity, an optimal conceptual design is given. This method provides an important reference for improving the dynamic performance of bodywork, lightening its weight and optimizing its design.
Decreasing Striatal 6-FDOPA Uptake with Increasing Duration of Cocaine Withdrawal

It has been hypothesized that a decrease in dopaminergic presynaptic activity during abstinence or withdrawal is related to relapse in cocaine-dependent subjects (Dackis and Gold 1985; Markou and Koob 1991). This study measured striatal 6-fluorodopa (6-FDOPA) uptake, an index of dopaminergic presynaptic activity, using positron emission tomography (PET) in 11 drug-free cocaine addicts compared to eight normal subjects. Middle abstinence cocaine addicts (n = 5, off cocaine 11-30 days) had significantly lower striatal 6-FDOPA uptake compared to normal controls or early abstinence cocaine addicts (n = 6, off cocaine 1-10 days). The cocaine-dependent subjects (n = 11) showed a significant negative correlation between days off cocaine and striatal 6-FDOPA uptake. The results suggest that during abstinence from cocaine there is a delayed decrease in dopamine terminal activity in the striatum.
A tool integration approach for architectural exploration of aircraft electric power systems

For emerging safety-critical systems, it is beneficial to cope with design validation, performance estimation, and design space exploration in early design stages. In this paper, we explore the architectural choices of an aircraft electric power system (EPS) controller using Ptolemy II and Metro II. The design is modeled in separate aspects: the functional aspect models the logics and behaviors that fulfill the functionality of the controller, and the architectural aspect models the behaviors of the platform that implements the controller. The co-design benefits from the rigorous Model of Computation (MoC) in Ptolemy II, which facilitates the analysis and validation of functional aspect, as well as the flexibility and expressiveness provided by Metro II, in which complex architectural models can be built with the flexibility of changing the mapping. Co-simulation integrates the functional model and the architectural model using Metro II semantics. By clearly separating the functional aspect and the architectural aspect, the performance can be estimated at an early design stage, and the architectural exploration can be done in a more efficient manner.We show the effectiveness and extensibility of our approach using experiments and results with example candidates for the aircraft EPS controller.
Fractional quantum Hall states in the low-Zeeman-energy limit.

We investigate the spectrum of interacting electrons at arbitrary filling factors in the limit of vanishing Zeeman splitting. The composite fermion theory successfully explains the low-energy spectrum provided the composite fermions are treated as hard core.
On Optimal Control of Linear Systems in the Presence of Multiplicative Noise

This correspondence considers the problem of optimal regulator design for discrete time linear systems subjected to white state-dependent and control-dependent noise in addition to additive white noise in the input and the observations. A pseudo-deterministic problem is first defined in which multiplicative and additive input disturbances are present, but noise-free measurements of the complete state vector are available. This problem is solved via discrete dynamic programing. Next is formulated the problem in which the number of measurements is less than that of the state variables and the measurements are contaminated with state-dependent noise. The inseparability of control and estimation is brought into focus, and an "enforced separation" solution is obtained via heuristic reasoning in which the control gains are shown to be the same as those in the pseudo-deterministic problem. An optimal linear state estimator is given in order to implement the controller.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC ACTH TREATMENT ON MATURATION OF INTACT FEMALE MICE.

In experiment I, 29-day-old brown female mice, caged in groups of 5 or 6, received 0, 1, 2, 4 or 8 U of ACTH-gel sc daily for 10 days. In experiment II, 26 singly caged 22- to 33(avg 25)-day-old brown female mice received 4 U of ACTH-gel/day sc for 21 days. Twenty-six sibling mice matched for age and sex served as controls. Mice were sacrificed 24 hr after the last injection. In I, preputial weight increased, adrenal weight increased linearly with increasing ACTH dose, and weights of thymus, spleen, ovaries and uterus decreased. Uterine weight was infantile at 8 U/day. Involution of adrenal X-zone and increased preputial weight were attributed to increased adrenal androgen secretion. At 2 or more units of ACTH corpora lutea were absent from all ovaries, there were no mature follicles, and follicular atresia was increased. Follicular atresia apparently accounted for the absence of corpora lutea and mature follicles. Vaginal and uterine histology reflected ovarian status. At 4 and 8 U, most vaginae were int...
Selection and characterization of resistance to Polymyxa betae, vector of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus, derived from wild sea beet

The plasmodiophoromycete Polymyxa betae is an obligate root parasite that transmits Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the cause of sugar beet rhizomania disease. Currently, control of this disease is achieved through the use of cultivars with monogenic (Rz1) partial resistance to the virus. To improve the level and durability of this resistance, sources of resistance to the virus vector, P. betae, were sought. Over 100 accessions of the wild sea beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima) from European coastal regions were evaluated for resistance in controlled environment tests. Quantification of P. betae biomass in seedling roots was achieved using recombinant antibodies raised to a glutathione-s-transferase expressed by the parasite in vivo. Several putative sources of resistance were identified and selected plants from these were hybridized with a male-sterile sugar beet breeding line possessing partial virus resistance (Rz1). Evaluation of F1 hybrid populations identified five in which P. betae resistance had been successfully transferred from accessions originating from Mediterranean, Adriatic and Baltic coasts. A resistant individual from one of these populations was backcrossed to the sugar beet parent to produce a BC1 population segregating for P. betae resistance. This population was also tested for resistance to BNYVV. Amplified fragment length polymorphism and single-nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to map resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) to linkage groups representing specific chromosomes. QTL for resistance to both P. betae and BNYVV were co-localized on chromosome IV in the BC1 population, indicating resistance to rhizomania conditioned by vector resistance. This resistance QTL (Pb1) was shown in the F1 population to reduce P. betae levels through interaction with a second QTL (Pb2) found on chromosome IX, a relationship confirmed by general linear model analysis. In the BC1 population, vector-derived resistance from wild sea beet combined additively with the Rz1 virus resistance gene from sugar beet to reduce BNYVV levels. With partial virus resistance already deployed in a number of high-yielding sugar beet cultivars, the simple Pb1/Pb2 two-gene system represents a valuable additional target for plant breeders.
Cellular organization of the guinea pig's cochlea.

The objective of the present work is to provide a clear anatomical foundation for interferometric experiments on the apical survi in the guinea pig's cochlea so that vibration data may be translated into actual physical displacements of identified cells in response to sound
Effects of three simultaneous demands on glucose transport, resting metabolism and morphology of laboratory mice.

In nature, animals must successfully respond to many simultaneous demands from their environment in order to survive and reproduce. We examined physiological and morphological responses of mice given three demands: intestinal parasite infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus followed by caloric restriction (70% of ad libitum food intake versus ad libitum for 10 days) and/or cold exposure (5°C vs. 23°C for 10 days). We found significant interactions between these demands as well as independent effects. Small intestine structure and function changed with demands in both independent and interactive ways. Body mass decreased during caloric restriction and this decrease was greater for cold-exposed than warm-exposed mice. In ad libitum fed mice, body mass did not change with either cold exposure or parasite infection but body composition (fat versus lean mass of whole body or organs) changed with both demands. Generally, organ masses decreased with caloric restriction (even after accounting for body mass effects) and increased with cold exposure and parasite infection whereas fat mass decreased with both caloric restriction and parasite infection. Mass adjusted resting metabolic rate (RMR) increased with cold exposure, decreased with caloric restriction but, unlike previous studies with laboratory mice, did not change with parasite infection. Our results demonstrate that the ability of mice to respond to a demand is influenced by other concurrent demands and that mice show phenotypic plasticity of morphological and physiological features ranging from the tissue level to the level of the whole organism when given three simultaneous demands.
Deuterium as a Tracer of Regional Ground-Water Flow, Southern Great Basin, Nevada and California

Hydrogeologic studies of the southern Great Basin differ widely in their conclusions about the origin of several groups of major springs discharging at valley level from Paleozoic carbonate rocks. Delineation of watersheds feeding these springs is complicated by interbasin movement of ground water through areally extensive and highly fractured Paleozoic carbonate rocks and by the structural complexity of, and sparse subsurface hydrogeologic data for, the carbonate aquifer. The mean, median, and standard deviation of the deuterium content of ground water at, and the number of samples collected from, four of these major discharge areas and one major recharge area (Spring Mountains–Sheep Range) are given below. The deuterium data are expressed in δ D units (permil deviations from SMOW); the number of samples is given in parentheses. Pahranagat Valley: −113, −113, 1, (9); Spring Mountains–Sheep Range: −102, −102, 3, (12); Ash Meadows: −106, −107, 3, (15); Death Valley: −109, −109, 1, (4); Muddy River: −100, −100, 1, (5). A nonparametric test (Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic) of the data for the first three areas indicates different deuterium populations at the 0.01 level of significance. The deuterium data indicate that Ash Meadows springs are fed by a mixture of recharge derived from the Spring Mountains–Sheep Range uplands, 30 to 60 mi east of the springs, with underflow from Pahranagat Valley and vicinity, 90 mi northeast of the springs. Mass balance considerations suggest that the underflow amounts to about 35 percent of the spring discharge. Underflow to Ash Meadows from Pahrump Valley, a source area proposed in the literature, is not supported by the data. The Death Valley springs may be fed, in part, by water derived from Ash Meadows. The Muddy River springs may originate as precipitation on the Spring Mountains–Sheep Range area. The suggested sources for the Ash Meadows and Death Valley springs are in agreement with sources previously identified by hydrogeologic and hydrochemical studies of the region. The source proposed for the Muddy River springs, however, is not supported by water-budget studies. A major assumption in utilization of deuterium as a natural tracer of regional ground-water flow is that the mean deuterium content of recharge to proposed source areas remained relatively constant during the residence time of water in the aquifer of interest. Available data are insufficient to test this assumption for the southern Great Basin region.
The influence of ETFs on the price discovery of gold, silver and oil

In this study we examine gold, silver and oil exchange traded funds (ETFs) and their relation to their respective futures instruments and underlying commodities by using intradaily data. We find that the gold, silver and oil ETFs closely track the performance of their underlying assets by using tracking error and pricing deviation metrics. It has been documented in the finance literature that price discovery occurs in the futures market. We test whether in recent times the existence of ETFs has changed the dominating role of the futures market in price discovery. We find that the availability of ETFs has shifted price discovery for gold and silver to the ETF market, while the oil market has price discovery occurring still predominantly in the futures market.
Verification of computer display pre-compensation for visual aberrations in an artificial eye

The possibility of pre-compensating images in a computer display according to the visual aberrations previously assessed in an optical system (e.g., the computer user's eye) has been confirmed for a simple "artificial eye". This device has been constructed from optical components, which include a plano-convex lens, an adjustable aperture, and a Charged-Couple Device (CCD) array that mimics the retina of a real eye. While the CCD array allows for the inspection of the image as it would form on the retina of a real eye, its specular reflection does not allow the resulting "artificial eye" to be measured appropriately in a wavefront analyzer (a necessary pre-requisite for the image precompensation process). Therefore, an alternative, interchangeable CCD array covered with gray paint (i.e., disabled) was also created to provide the diffuse reflectivity that is presumed in the operation of the wavefront analyzer. Experiments with this system show that the visual aberrations in a properly characterized optical system can, in fact, be precompensated by the methods proposed by Alonso et al., [1]. These same experiments, however, reveal the need to adjust the precompensation method according to the effective pupil diameter in the system during viewing.
Tracks of a Stilt-Like Bird from the Early Eocene Green River Formation of Utah: Possible Earliest Evidence of the Recurvirostridae (Charadriiformes)

Abstract. Three avian footprints from a well-known early Eocene fossil track locality in Utah appear to represent an otherwise unknown stilt-like bird, possibly referable to the Recurvirostridae. The bird that made these tracks had very long legs but relatively short toes and was probably somewhat smaller than modern stilts (Himantopus). There was a vestigial hind toe and the feet were webbed, but the webbing was reduced more than in Recurvirostra or Cladorhynchus, but not nearly as much as in Himantopus. This may constitute the oldest evidence yet found of a recurvirostid-like bird, although the family probably originated even earlier if it gave rise to flamingos (Phoenicopteridae), which were already in existence by the early and middle Eocene.
Assessment of publication bias in the reporting of EUS performance in staging rectal cancer.

Assessment of Publication Bias in the Reporting of EUS Performance in Staging Rectal Cancer
Radiation-Induced Heart Disease: A Clinical Update

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improvement in cancer therapy has led to increasing number of cancer survivors, some of whom may suffer from adverse cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy. Longterm followup is essential, as the cardiac complication may manifest years after completion of radiation therapy. In this paper, we have discussed the cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy.
Rapid decision threshold modulation by reward rate in a neural network

Optimal performance in two-alternative, free response decision-making tasks can be achieved by the drift-diffusion model of decision making - which can be implemented in a neural network - as long as the threshold parameter of that model can be adapted to different task conditions. Evidence exists that people seek to maximize reward in such tasks by modulating response thresholds. However, few models have been proposed for threshold adaptation, and none have been implemented using neurally plausible mechanisms. Here we propose a neural network that adapts thresholds in order to maximize reward rate. The model makes predictions regarding optimal performance and provides a benchmark against which actual performance can be compared, as well as testable predictions about the way in which reward rate may be encoded by neural mechanisms.
Design of human atherosclerosis studies by serial angiography.

Atherosclerosis has been studied by femoral angiography in men with myocardial infarction. Smoking history recorded at entry was the strongest variable asssociated with degree of atherosclerosis at the first angiogram. This correlation was significant at the 1% level in two out of three femoral segments. Fifty-four men had two angiograms; 28 of these men had one additional angiogram. Two variables recorded in the interval between angiograms were significantly correlated with atherosclerosis change in one femoral segment; α-lipoprotein level determined by electrophoresis (a negative correlation, p < 0.01) and maximum systolic blood pressure occurring during an exercise tolerance test (a positive correlation, p < 0.01). An estimate of angiographic atherosclerosis assessment error has been obtained (S.D. = 8.28; in a scale of 1–128) and used to calculate sample size for future clinical trials which employ this endpoint. Testing the effect of therapy on lesion change with angiography requires fewer study subjects observed for a shorter period than is necessary to test a commensurate effect on atherosclerosis-related morbidity or mortality rates. For example, an angiographic study with design features comparable to those of the Coronary Drug Project could require a 1-yr observation period and 132 subjects per test group.
Fabric smoothness evaluation using the wavelet domain independent mixture model and a landform classification technique

The overall quality of a fabric is dependent on a number of factors. Among these is the fabric’s tendency to wrinkle after home laundering - referred to as smoothness. Wrinkle grading is a subjective process involving human graders who compare fabric samples to replicas, representing various degrees of wrinkling. This process is also operator dependent, expensive, and it lacks the ability to adequately describe the many subtle differences that exist between grades. Therefore, the textile industry needs an automated system that can describe wrinkles on a fabric surface in an objective and repeatable manner. In this paper, we describe a computer vision system developed in a previous work and examine the effectiveness of new features extracted from the wavelet domain independent mixture model and a landform classification technique. Shown to be useful in texture classification, features from the wavelet domain independent mixture model are measured based on the two-population characteristic of the wavelet domain. The second technique uses topographical analysis methods originally developed for geographical landform classification that have been successfully applied to digital elevation models of the Earth’s surface. These new measurements, representing quantitative descriptions of the surface of a fabric in both the frequency and spatial domains, are compared to the existing industry grading standard using a fuzzy classifier. Results show a good correlation with technicians’ grades.
Preconditioning blocks cardiocyte apoptosis: role of KATP channels and PKC-ε

The aims of this study were to determine whether preconditioning blocks cardiocyte apoptosis and to determine the role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) channels and the protein kinase C e-is...
Guide to clinical use of electronic portal imaging

The Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID) provides localization quality images and computer-aided analysis, which should in principal, replace portal film imaging. Modern EPIDs deliver superior image quality and an array of analysis tools that improve clinical decision making. It has been demonstrated that the EPID can be a powerful tool in the reduction of treatment setup errors and the quality assurance and verification of complex treatments. However, in many radiation therapy clinics EPID technology is not in routine clinical use. This low utilization suggests that the capability and potential of the technology alone do not guarantee its full adoption. This paper addresses basic considerations required to facilitate clinical implementation of the EPID technology and gives specific examples of successful implementations. 2000 American College of Medical Physics.
The Distribution of Church of England Schools in the Diocese of Blackburn 1869 – 1994

L'article presente des donnees quantitatives concernant la carte scolaire et la demande d'ecoles de confession anglicane dans le Diocese de Blackburn en 1994, puis procede aux memes analyses pour les annees 1869, 1881, 1894, 1906, 1938 et par Doyenne pour les ecoles primaires et secondaires.
Modified cellular simultaneous recurrent networks with cellular particle swarm optimization

A cellular simultaneous recurrent network (CSRN) [1–11] is a neural network architecture that uses conventional simultaneous recurrent networks (SRNs), or cells in a cellular structure. The cellular structure adds complexity, so the training of CSRNs is far more challenging than that of conventional SRNs. Computer Go serves as an excellent test bed for CSRNs because of its clear-cut objective. For the training data, we developed an accurate theoretical foundation and game tree for the 2×2 game board. The conventional CSRN architecture suffers from the multi-valued function problem; our modified CSRN architecture overcomes the problem by employing ternary coding of the Go board's representation and a normalized input dimension reduction. We demonstrate a 2×2 game tree trained with the proposed CSRN architecture and the proposed cellular particle swarm optimization.
Harmonic surface acoustic waves on gallium nitride thin films

SAW devices operating at the fundamental frequency and the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th harmonics have been designed, fabricated, and measured. Devices were fabricated on GaN thin films on sapphire substrates, which were grown via metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Operating frequencies of 230, 962, 1338, 1720, and 2100 MHz were achieved with devices that had a fundamental wavelength, /spl lambda/0 = 20 /spl mu/m. Gigahertz operation is realized with relatively large interdigital transducers that do not require complicated submicrometer fabrication techniques. SAW devices fabricated on the GaN/sapphire bilayer have an anisotropic propagation when the wavelength is longer than the GaN film thickness. It is shown that for GaN thin films, where khGaN > 10 (k = 2/spl pi///spl lambda/ and hGaN = GaN film thickness), effects of the substrate on the SAW propagation are eliminated. Bulk mode suppression at harmonic operation is also demonstrated.
Bayesian quantile plots and statistical inference for nonlinear models in the two sample case with incomplete data

Let F and G be continuous life distribution functions and be the horizontal distance from F to G at x. Assume that F and G are chosen according to independent Dirichlet processes with parameters α and β, respectively. Let and be the Bayes estimators of F and G based on the right censored data from F and G and the weighted squared error loss function. In this article the weak convergence of is studied. This extends the results of Doksum (1974) to the case of right censored data.
Influence of Shocks on Transonic Flutter of Flexible Wings

A theoretical and computational analysis of the influence of shocks in transonic flutter phenomena is presented, by studying the interactions between the shocks and the elastic deformations of the wing during flutter. Shocks and the associated mixed subsonic-supersonic flow at the wing surface are shown to have a profound effect on the energy exchange between the wing and the airstream and hence on flutter stability. The counterintuitive flutter behavior of certain flexible swept wings with changes in dynamic pressure or density altitude can be explained in terms of the influence of the location and dynamics of the shocks on the stability of the wing. Classical sweepback theory based on linear aerodynamics fails in this case, and it predicts flutter boundary shifts in the opposite direction to what is observed in the present transonic flutter calculations. The role of shocks in generating multiple limit cycles, as observed in wind tunnel tests as well as in computational studies, are reexamined from a theoretical and computational perspective. Calculations are based on a time-accurate Eulerian-Lagrangian finite element scheme that fully accounts for both structural and aerodynamic nonlinearities arising from large deflections and large shock motion.
Increasing taxes as a strategy to reduce cigarette use and deaths: results of a simulation model.

smoking-related deaths, are mostly delayed because of Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a the larger effects on youth and the effects of smoking simulation model to predict the effects of taxes on the on health are cumulative. smoking rate and smoking-attributable deaths. This paper provides the results of a computer simulaMethods. The model projects the number of smokers tion of U.S. tax policies. The model examines the effect and smoking-related deaths from a baseline year for- of various tax increases on the prevalence of smoking ward. The effects of taxes of different sizes, indexed and on the number of smoking-attributable deaths. The and unindexed, and temporary vs sustained are mod- model traces the effects for separate cohorts and exameled. ines how outcomes of a tax increase depend on how it is Results. The model predicts that sustained tax in- implemented and the amount of time that the increase creases have the potential to substantially reduce the lasts. The model is empirically based, but assumptions number of smokers and the number of premature were made that go beyond the existing literature. As deaths, with the effects growing over time. Indexing such, the model helps determine gaps in our knowledge taxes to inflation stems erosion of the tax effect. of tax effects. Conclusions. Tax hikes have the ability to substantially affect smoking rates in the near term. These efMETHODS
Linkage relationships between alpl, eno1, gpi, pgd, and tgfb1 on porcine chromosome 6

Abstract A five-point linkage map has been established between the loci encoding liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), enolase 1-α(ENO1), glucose-phosphate isomerase (GPI), phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1) in swine. Linkage analysis was performed using the Meishan × Yorkshire three-generation reference pedigree at the University of Illinois (n = 91). Previously ENO1, GPI, PGD, and TGFB1 were mapped to porcine chromosome 6q by in situ hybridization but the linkage relations of TGFB1 and ENO1 with other loci in this group were not investigated. Based on mapping data from human chromosomes 1 and 19 and mouse chromosomes 4 and 7, it was postulated that ALPL should reside among or near these loci. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were identified for ALPL, ENO1, and TGFB1. GPI (EC 5.3.1.9) and PGD (Ec 1.1.1.44) phenotypes were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis of isozymes. Marker data were analyzed using the MLINK (two locus) and ILINK (multilocus) programs from LINKAGE (version 5.10). The most likely locus order between GPI-TGFB1-(PGD-ENO1)-ALPL with recombination rates of 0.049, 0.044, 0.000, and 0.156, respectively, could not be significantly determined. The maximum five-point lod score was the same to four decimal places irrespective of the order of ENO1 and PGD. This indicates that ENO1 and PGD are very closely linked and that ALPL is located telomeric to the established linkage group on pig chromosome 6.
On-Chip Optical Manipulation of Biomolecule Arrays with Nm Resolution

Optical trapping is a powerful manipulation and measurement technique widely employed in biological and materials sciences. Miniaturizing these instruments onto optofluidic platforms holds promise for high throughput lab-on-chip applications. However, a persistent challenge with existing optofluidic devices has been controlled and precise manipulation of trapped particles. Here we report a new class of on-chip optical trapping devices. Using on-chip optical interference functionalities, an array of ultra-stable, three-dimensional optical traps is formed by the evanescent field at the anti-nodes of a standing-wave in a nanophotonic waveguide. By employing the thermo-optic effect via integrated electric microheaters, the traps can be repositioned at high speed (∼ 30 kHz) with nanometer precision. Using this device, we demonstrate trapping, sorting, and transport of particles, as well as manipulation of individual DNA molecules. Such a controllable trapping device has the potential for high-throughput precision measurements on chip.
Enhanced Immunocompetence by Garlic: Role in Bladder Cancer and Other Malignancies

Of the many beneficial actions of garlic, inhibition of the growth of cancer is perhaps the most remarkable. Our previous animal studies demonstrated that aged garlic extract was highly effective, and unlike the approved immunotherapy for human bladder cancer, bacillus Calmette--Guerin (BCG), garlic was effective when added to the diet. To elucidate the mechanism of this antitumor effect, the literature describing antitumor and immune-enhancing effects of garlic is reviewed. Garlic can detoxify carcinogens by stimulation of cytochrome P(450) enzymes, antioxidant activity or sulfur compound binding. Studies demonstrate a direct toxic effect of garlic to sarcoma and gastric, colon, bladder and prostate cancer cells in tissue culture, but these effects cannot explain the inhibition of growth of transplanted cancer in animal models. The most likely explanation of this effect is immune stimulation. Comparison of the effects of garlic to BCG immunotherapy reveals many similarities. Both stimulate proliferation of lymphocytes and macrophage phagocytosis, induce the infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes in transplanted tumors, induce splenic hypertrophy, stimulate release of interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, enhance natural killer cell, killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell activity. These activities represent effective stimulation of the immune response. Studies suggest that garlic may be useful in preventing the suppression of immune response that is associated with increased risk of malignancy. Data suggest that maintenance of immune stimulation can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Clinical trials should be initiated to test the hypothesis that the immune stimulation and other beneficial effects of garlic are able to reduce the incidence of cancer.
LXA4, aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4, and their analogs selectively downregulate PMN azurophilic degranulation

The eicosanoid lipoxin A4(LXA4) is biosynthesized in vivo by cells present at inflammatory sites and appears to be an endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator. Further, in the presence of aspirin, the...
Na+ and K+ Concentrations, Extra- and Intracellular Voltages, and the Effect of TTX in Hypoxic Rat Hippocampal Slices

Severe hypoxia causes rapid depolarization of CA1 neurons and glial cells that resembles spreading depression (SD). In brain slices in vitro, the SD-like depolarization and the associated irreversi...
Lymphocytes from pregnant women express human chorionic gonadotropin/luteinizing hormone receptor gene

Previous studies have indicated that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has immunoregulatory properties and alters the functions of human lymphocytes. However, it has not been determined whether the gene encoding the receptors for hCG/luteinizing hormone (LH) is expressed in human lymphocytes. Total peripheral mononuclear lymphocytes isolated from blood samples of pregnant women by Ficoll-Paque gradient centrifugation contained mRNA transcripts encoding the hCG/LH receptors and a 50 kDa receptor protein which can bind 125I-hCG. T-Lymphocytes isolated from total mononuclear cell fractions also contained these receptor mRNA transcripts as well as the receptor protein. The levels of receptor transcripts and receptor protein are lower in lymphocytes than in ovarian tissue. These findings suggest that the immunoregulatory actions of hCG are probably mediated by specific receptors in T-lymphocytes from pregnant women.
Symplectic symmetry in the nuclear shell model

The nature of the general two-particle interaction which is compatible with symplectic symmetry in the jj coupling shell model is investigated. The essential result is that, to within an additive constant and an additive multiple of T2, the interaction should have the form of a sum of scalar products of single-particle tensors which have odd rank in the single-particle j space. An example of an interaction satisfying these conditions is a central interaction with σ1·σ2 exchange nature. The condition for good symplectic symmetry is expressed also as a set of linear constraints on the two-particle energies, again as constraints on the particle-hole energies and finally in terms of the relationship between the particle-particle and particle-hole spectra. When we deal with identical particles only, the conditions for good symplectic symmetry (or seniority) are greatly relaxed and in particular are satisfied for a short-range (δ-function) interaction, as shown earlier by Racah and Talmi.
Robust control synthesis of elastic structures based on variable structure control combined with optimal interpolation technique

A variable structure control technique combined with an operator spline for bilinear systems is investigated to control the moving elastic structure for purposes of achieving high performance tracking and precision pointing of a fast moving flexible structure (such as the agile motion of a robot manipulator with flexible links or the slewing maneuvers of a large space structure). The control torque applied to the structure is based on estimates of the structure parameters and on upper bounds of the model errors. It is shown through a simulated example how the chattering behavior of the controller, which involves high actuator activity, is avoided at the expense of tolerating a known tracking error in such a way that the closed loop dynamics in the boundary layer is approximated by the response of a critically damped oscillator with designer-selected bandwidth. A tradeoff is then to be set by the designer by taking into account the main requirements of a given task and the hardware available that is capable of achieving it. >
Dopamine and serotonin inhibition of neurite elongation of different identified neurons

This study demonstrates that a second classical neurotransmitter, dopamine, can act to suppress regenerative neurite outgrowth. Single identified neurons were dissected from two central ganglia of the snail Helisoma, and growth cone motility was studied as neurites regenerated in cell culture. Both dopamine and serotonin inhibited growth cone motility and elongation of neurites. Outgrowth inhibition ranged from sustained arrest to a similar but transient response. The effects of dopamine and serotonin are neuron-selective. Specific neurons affected by dopamine and serotonin represent distinct sets. One neuron was found that responds to both agents. The implications of neurotransmitter regulation of the dynamics of neuronal morphology are discussed.
Generational Replacement, Ethnic Change, and Partisan Support in Israel

A time-series cohort analysis of Israeli election surveys conducted between 1969 and 1984 is used to estimate the impact of generational replacement and ethnic change on the balance of partisan forces. The analysis demonstrates that two closely related long-term changes made a major contribution to the decline of the Labor Alignment: the growing number of Jews of Asian and African origins, a change that resulted from generational replacement, and the replacement of voters who entered the electorate during a period of dominance by Mapai (Israel Workers' Party) with voters who entered the electorate after Herut (Freedom Party) began to emerge as a major political challenge.
Frequency selectivity in laterally coupled semiconductor laser arrays

A longitudinal-mode analysis of a system of laterally coupled waveguided resonators is presented in the coupled-mode approximation. It is shown that variations in the mirror reflectivity of the individual channels result in coupling between the supermodes of the structure. This may lead to mode suppression by modulation of the threshold gain of different Fabry-Perot modes.
Course development in interdisciplinary controls and mechatronics

As the future of engineering education emphasizes more interdisciplinary work, one logical starting point for this evolution is for faculty from different academic departments to work together. Engineering educators cannot ignore the real worldpsilas shifting focus to interdisciplinary engineering, and they should adapt as well. Similar to the total engineering process as a team effort, the engineering education process also benefits from excellent communications among a diversity of team members. This paper highlights a classical dynamical modeling and controls course with students from two different disciplines: electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Faculties from both departments teach every semester. Sections are assigned to individual instructors but all activities are planned jointly. Course administration is the role of a course director and this role alternates between the two departments each semester. Responsibilities throughout the semester are shared between the instructors. This organizational structure is important, allowing the interdisciplinary faculty team to synchronize their efforts, each contributing their individual strengths and resources to promote student learning and faculty development. The approach is being applied to the development of a new course, Mechatronics. This paper provides details that illustrate the structure and benefits of this interdisciplinary administrative model.