cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congenital Pelger-Huët anomaly in a horse.

A 1.5-year-old male Arabian horse was referred to the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinic for an open deep laceration involving two thirds of the right trunk. The initial CBC results included an inflammatory leukogram, characterized by a marked degenerative left shift consisting of only immature band neutrophils (7500/microL, reference interval 0-100/microL) with toxic changes and no segmented neutrophils (0/microL, reference interval 2700-6700/microL). On abdominal ultrasonography, free abdominal fluid was found and collected for analysis. Abdominal fluid had a marked increase in total nucleated cells (40,600 cells/microL) consisting of 74% nondegenerate neutrophils that all were hyposegmented, with mature condensed chromatin. Re-evaluation of neutrophil morphology on the initial blood smear confirmed hyposegmentation and mature condensed chromatin, similar to that observed in cells in the abdominal fluid. A diagnosis of Pelger-Huet anomaly (PHA) was made in this colt. Congenital PHA was documented on the basis of persistent neutrophil hyposegmentation on serial blood smears, ruling out of acquired causes of PHA, and findings of similar neutrophil hyposegmentation on blood smears from the colt's sire and the sire's siblings. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of congenital PHA in a horse.
Quantitation of human Protein S in the plasma of normal and warfarin-treated individuals by radioimmunoassay

Protein S was purified from human plasma and used to raise monospecific antibodies. A double antibody equilibrium radioimmunoassay was constructed and met all the requirements for a sensitive, accurate and specific determination of Protein S. The sensitivity of the assay was between 8-250 ng of Protein S/ml and the coefficient of variation was 2-6% within assays and 13-19% between assays. Complement C4b-binding protein or Protein C did not effect the measurement of Protein S. Complete competition with parallel slopes of inhibition was seen among purified Protein S and plasma from normal and warfarin-treated individuals indicating immunochemical identity and validating the measurement of Protein S in plasma. The concentration of Protein S in normal plasma (n=24) was 23.4 +/- 4.42. micrograms/ml and in plasma from warfarin-treated individuals (n=24) was 12.6 +/- 3.92 micrograms/ml. Thus, a common feature of individuals undergoing warfarin therapy is the reduction of approximately 50% in the concentration of each of the vitamin K-dependent proteins.
How we hounded out the Neanderthals

Soon after humans arrived in Europe, Neanderthals died out. Was this because we had “living weapons”, asks Pat Shipman
Compositionally tuned lasers for remote sensing

NASA needs lasers that are capable of generating a specific preselected wavelength, have a small but useful tuning range, and are highly efficient. NASA Langley responded to this need by developing 2 compositionally tuned Nd laser materials that operate at a preselected wavelength, 0.94411 μm in this case. Although Nd:YAG was known to operate at 0.946 pm, it could not be tuned to 0.944 μm. In addition, the efficiency of Nd:YAG flash lamp pumped lasers operating at this wavelength was low. NASA Langley overcame these problems by analyzing and then utilizing nonstoichiometric garnet laser materials to compositionally tune the laser wavelength and a laser design to increase the efficiency. Implementing these ideas led to 2 compositionally tuned laser materials that operate at 0.94411 μm and a diode pumped, 0.946 μm Nd:YAG laser that operates in the TEM 00 mode with a normal mode, optical to optical slope efficiency of 0.28.
Closure of laparoscopic trocar sites using a spring-loaded needle

Closure of laparoscopic trocar sites can be difficult, particularly in the obese patient. We have begun using a spring-loaded needle to facilitate closure of these sites. We have found that the device allows for accurate suture placement, the potential of decreased closure time, reduced risk for trocar site dehiscence, and can be used in obtaining hemostasis of abdominal wall vessels.
Ecology and affective behavior: Selected results from a quantitative study among Efe foragers of northeast Zaire

This paper reports selected results of a quantitative study of the affective behaviour of the Efe, exchange-dependent hunter-gatherers of the Ituri forest in northeastern Zaire. Measures of the amount and kind of affective display were based on systematic, direct observation of the routine behavior of three Efe bands in residential settings (camps), using a new technique to characterize affect-laden behavior according to nonlinguistic information conveyed in the voice. Resulting data provide a direct measure of the affective milieu of a foraging people, providing an objective indicator of the subjective impact of social and ecological conditions, which are thought to affect quality of life. In this paper, measures of “camp mood” are used to explore the psychosocial impact of a 3-month period of acute food shortage that occurred in the Ituri Project study area in 1983. Contrary to expectation, rates of behaviors conveying pleasure did not exhibit significant change, whereas a 44% increase in expressions of displeasure and a 17% drop in use of complaint tones were observed during the period of hunger. This and other findings support the view that systematic, direct observation in natural habitats can increase our understanding, both of the functions of affective behavior, and of the affective dimension of quality of life.
Track “core” effects in heavy ion radiolysis

Abstract By assuming that HO.2 radical production in water and H2 production in benzene are 2 hit processes, and applying the concepts of track physics, we are able to obtain a parameteric fit to the yields of these reactions by heavy ion radiolysis from knowledge of the radial dose distribution about a heavy ion's path. We make no use of the concept of a track core, for no clearly definable track core appears in our calculations of the radial dose distribution. Instead we calculate an action cross section σ from the assumed 2 hit response to γ-rays. The cross section is calculated from two fitted parameters, E0, the γ-ray dose at which there is an average of 1 hit per target, and the target radius a0. From the cross section, the target radius and the stopping power we calculate the G value. While our model is not mechanistic, the assumed 2 hit process is consistent with hypotheses which have been offered as chemical models for these processes. Since a 2 hit process is more likely to take place in a high dose region, close to an ion's path, it may easily be attributed to a hypothetical track core in energy deposition, when indeed the response is a property of the detector.
Anti-Lu 11: another antibody defining a high-frequency antigen related to the Lutheran blood group system.

. An antibody, named anti-Lu 11, has been found that reacts with a high-frequency red-cell antigen related to the Lutheran blood group. The reacting antigen is absent from red cells that are Lu(a-b-) and is weakly active on the red cells of newborn infants.
Efficient search and hierarchical motion planning by dynamically maintaining single-source shortest paths trees

Hierarchical approximate cell decomposition is a popular approach to the geometric robot motion planning problem. In many cases, the search effort expended at a particular iteration can be greatly reduced by exploiting the work done during previous iterations. In this paper, we describe how this exploitation of past computation can be effected by the use of a dynamically maintained single-source shortest paths tree. We embed a single-source shortest paths tree in the connectivity graph of the approximate representation of the robot configuration space. This shortest paths tree records the most promising path to each vertex in the connectivity graph from the vertex corresponding to the robot's initial configuration. At each iteration, some vertex in the connectivity graph is replaced with a new set of vertices, corresponding to a more detailed representation of the configuration space. Our new, dynamic algorithm is then used to update the single-source shortest paths tree to reflect these changes to the underlying connectivity graph. >
Abnormal placentation: twenty-year analysis.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether the rate of abnormal placentation is increasing in conjunction with the cesarean rate and to evaluate incidence, risk factors, and outcomes. Study design Cases from 1982-2002 were identified by histopathologic or strong clinical criteria. Risk factors were assessed in a matched case-control study, and analyzed using conditional logistic regression models. Results There were 64,359 deliveries, with cesarean rates increasing from 12.5% (1982) to 23.5% (2002). The overall incidence of placenta accreta was 1 in 533. Significant risk factors for placenta accreta in our final analysis included advancing maternal age (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% CI 1.089-1.194, P P P Conclusion The rate of placenta accreta increased in conjunction with cesarean deliveries; the most important risk factors were previous cesarean delivery, previa, and advanced maternal age.
Reduced truck fuel consumption through aerodynamic design

Full-scale fuel consumption and drag tests were performed on a conventional cab-over-engine tractor-trailer combination and a version of the same vehicle with significant forebody modifications. The modified configuration had greatly increased radii on all front corners and edges of the tractor and a smooth fairing of the modified tractor top and sides extending to the trailer. Concurrent highway testing of the two configurations showed that the modified design used 20% to 24% less fuel than the baseline configuration at 88.5 km/hr (55 mph) with near-calm wind conditions. Coastdown test results showed that the modified configuration reduced the drag coefficient by 0.43 from the baseline value of 1.17 at 88.5 km/hr (55 mph) in calm wind conditions.
The electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram in children with severe bronchial asthma

Abstract In a group of 30 children with severe bronchial asthma, the vectorcardiogram was abnormal in all but one. An abnormal posterior orientation of the QRS loop was found in 27 patients, while 2 had right ventricular hypertrophy. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were less frequent.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders: Psychophysics and Prosthetics

Although vestibular disorders are common and often disabling, they remain difficult to diagnose and treat. For these reasons, considerable interest has been focused on developing new ways to identify peripheral and central vestibular abnormalities and on new therapeutic options that could benefit the numerous patients who remain symptomatic despite optimal therapy. In this review, I focus on the potential utility of psychophysical vestibular testing and vestibular prosthetics. The former offers a new diagnostic approach that may prove to be superior to the current tests in some circumstances; the latter may be a way to provide the brain with information about head motion that restores some elements of the information normally provided by the vestibular labyrinth.
Anisotropy of emittance of pyrolytic graphite at 10.6 μm

Abstract The infrared absorption anisotropy of two grades of pyrolytic graphite has been measured as a function of temperature at 10·6 μm by a technique which uses polarized CO2 laser radiation as a sensitive probe of optical anisotropy. From the results, the emittance anisotropy was deduced for the surface perpendicular to the basal planes of pyrolytic graphite in the temperature range from 1000 to 2100 K. In addition, upper limits for emissivities of both the A and C-face are calculated and shown to be in agreement with the free electron model for metallic substances.
Comparing the Benefits of Screening for Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer Using a Novel Natural History Model

To estimate the impact of early detection of cancer, knowledge of how quickly primary tumors grow and at what size they shed lethal metastases is critical. We developed a natural history model of cancer to estimate the probability of disease-specific cure as a function of tumor size, the tumor volume doubling time (TVDT), and disease-specific mortality reduction achievable by screening. The model was applied to non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), separately. Model parameter estimates were based on Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registry datasets and validated on screening trials. Compared to IDC, NSCLC is estimated to have a lower probability of disease-specific cure at the same detected tumor size, shed lethal metastases at smaller sizes (median: 19 mm for IDC versus 8 mm for NSCLC), have a TVDT that is almost half as long (median: 252 days for IDC versus 134 days for NSCLC). Consequently, NSCLC is associated with a lower mortality reduction from screening at the same screen detection threshold and screening interval. In summary, using a similar natural history model of cancer, we quantify the disease-specific curability attributable to screening for breast cancer, and separately lung cancer, in terms of the TVDT and onset of lethal metastases.
A morphological and immunohistological study of the human and rabbit appendix for comparison with the avian bursa

Diversification of the primary antibody repertoire occurs in young rabbit appendix. As a prelude to molecular investigation of whether human appendix has a similar role, we compared the lymphoid morphology and distribution of common B- and T-cell subsets in frozen and/or paraffin-embedded normal appendix specimens at various ages. IgA, IgM and IgG staining patterns were similar in frozen human and rabbit appendices. The elongated follicles of the young human and rabbit appendices regressed with age to resemble Peyer's patches. Although similar in morphology to the bursa, human and rabbit appendix follicles differ in that they do not involute completely with age and contain significant numbers of germinal center (GC) T cells although the number is low early in life. If the human appendix functions as a primary lymphoid organ, it may occur during the first few months of age when the GC T-cell density is low.
Low-dimensional dynamics for the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation

Abstract A method is presented which results in low-dimensional dynamical systems for situations in which low-dimensional attractors are known to exist. The method is based on the use of the Karhunen-Loeve procedure for the determination of an optimal basis and the subsequent use of the Galerkin procedure to generate the dynamical system. The method is applied to two problems for the Ginzburg-Landau equation for which large databases have been obtained. In each instance a dynamical system is generated which has roughly twice the number of degrees of freedom as the Hausdorff dimension of the exact case. It is also demonstrated that the approximations are robust in that they are accurate over a wide range of parameter space.
Rare earth magnetic ordering in exchange-coupled superconductors

Abstract Magnetic neutron diffraction measurements are reviewed for two families of superconductors where exchange interactions dominate the energetics of the magnetic system. One system is cuprates that contain Pr, which exhibit magnetic rare earth ordering temperatures that are an order-of-magnitude higher than for the other rare earths, and where f-electron hybridization effects destroy any chance for superconductivity. The second family of materials is the quaternary R Ni 2 B 2 C borocarbides. These materials have comparable magnetic and superconducting transition temperatures, and exhibit a rich variety of commensurate and incommensurate magnetic structures that coexist and compete with the superconducting state.
Corneal oxygen uptake: A review of polarographic techniques, applications, and variables

Factors that influence the polarographic measurement of the oxygen uptake of the cornea are reviewed. These factors include the technique, electrode assembly, oxygen reservoir, membrane material and thickness, oxygen tension of the corneal environment, duration of exposure to environmental conditions and time to application of the probe all influencing measured oxygen uptake rates. Subject factors include lid position, palpebral aperture size, blinking, corneal thickness, and corneal integrity. Contact lens wear influences corneal oxygen uptake, with lens material and design parameters influencing rates obtained both under static (without blinking) and dynamic (with blinking) conditions. Measurement of corneal oxygen uptake rates remains an excellent method to quantify the oxygen supply in contact lens systems that include the contact lens, the tears, and the cornea, in which oxygen flux is influenced by the thickness and diffusion characteristics of each component.
Ad-IRF-1 Induces Apoptosis in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

The nuclear transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) is a putative tumor suppressor, but the expression and function of IRF-1 in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) remain unknown. We hypothesized that IRF-1 expression was reduced or lost in EA and that restoration of IRF-1 would result in the apoptosis of EA cells in vitro and the inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Three EA cell lines were used to examine IRF-1 expression, IFN-γ responsiveness, and the effects of IRF-1 overexpression using a recombinant adenoviral vector (Ad-IRF-1). All three EA cell lines produced IRF-1 protein following IFN-γ stimulation, although IFN-γ did not induce cell death. In contrast, Ad-IRF-1 infection resulted in high levels of IRF-1 protein and triggered apoptosis in all three EA cell lines. Potential mechanisms for the differential response to IFN-γ versus Ad-IRF-1—such as modulation of c-Met or extracellular regulated kinase signaling, or altered expression of IRF-2, Fas, or survivin—were investigated, but none of these mechanisms can account for this observation. In vivo administration of IRF-1 in a murine model of EA modestly inhibited tumor growth, but did not lead to tumor regression. Strategies aimed at increasing or restoring IRF-1 expression may have therapeutic benefits in EA.
Muscle-powered mechanical blood pumps.

The evolution of mechanical blood pumps has been every bit as tortuous as McCarthy and Smith suggest in their Viewpoint “Mechanical Circulatory Support—a Long and Winding Road” (Bodybuilding: The Bionic Human, 8 Feb., p. [998][1]), and there will certainly be plenty of twists and turns in the
γ-Type Endorphins and Schizophrenia-Reply

—We certainly welcome the additional data provided here supporting the antipsychotic efficacy of DTγE. The authors report that their experience of late, contrary to the initial suspicions, suggests that this endorphin fragment is most efficacious in persons in early schizophrenia who have had short neuroleptic histories. Indeed, the patients we described who were given DTγE were schizophrenics with chronic but active (in no way residual) psychotic symptoms. All of these DTγE-treated patients had previously responded to standard-dose neuroleptic treatment, although they were untreated at the time of DTγE administration. The schizophrenic population defined by Verhoeven et al as responders to DTγE treatment, schizophrenics with psychotic symptoms and drug treatment of short duration, may fall into the newDSMIIIcategory of schizophreniform psychosis. Confirmation of these findings with DTγE, along with the new peptide fragment DEγE, from our and other research centers around the world would be ideal. We remain
Interpersonal relations between school children and their peers, parents, and teachers

This article describes the nature of school children's relationships with parents, peers, and teachers, and identifies some interpersonal and academic consequences of unhealthy relationships. Also described are trends of relationship development, tools for assessing relationships, and finally, some intervention techniques available to enhance relationship building. The article points to the following conclusions: Healthy relationships are characterized by mutually reinforcing exchanges that lead to socially desirable consequences; quantification of the prevalence of unhealthy relationships is difficult; students who exhibit unhealthy relationships are at significant risk for problems later in life, such as dropping out of school, criminality, and marital maladjustment; educators have a number of assessment tools and techniques available to assess and promote social skills acquisition; and cooperative learning environments offer the greatest promise to educators for promoting healthy relationship building among students.
Promoting Energy-Balance Behaviors Among Ethnically Diverse Adolescents: Overview and Baseline Findings of the Central Texas CATCH Middle School Project

The Central Texas Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) Middle School Project is a 3.5-year school-based project aimed at promoting physical activity (PA), healthy eating, and obesity prevention among public middle school students in Texas. This article describes the CATCH intervention model and presents baseline findings from spring 2009. CATCH comprises six core components: CATCH Team, CATCH PE, CATCH Classroom, CATCH Eat Smart Cafeteria, CATCH Family, and CATCH Social Marketing. A group randomized serial cross-sectional design is being employed to test the effect of three program support conditions (n = 10 schools each) on energy-balance behaviors: Basic (training and curriculum only), Basic Plus (training and curriculum plus CATCH facilitator support), and Basic Plus Social Marketing (all inputs plus social marketing component). The study sample is composed of a cross-sectional sample of eighth-grade students (primary outcome evaluation sample) and sixth- and seventh-grade students (PE process evaluation sample) who are selected and measured each year. At baseline, 37.9% of eight-grade students (n = 2,841; 13.9 years) were overweight/obese and 19.2% were obese. Eighth-grade students reported, on average, consuming sugar-sweetened beverages more than two times on the previous day and fruits and vegetables roughly three times on the previous day; only two of five school districts surpassed the recommended 50% cut-point for class time spent in moderate-and-vigorous PA as measured in classes of sixth- and seventh-grade students. Additional behavioral findings are reported. Body mass index and behaviors were comparable across conditions. Baseline findings underscore the need to promote student energy-balance behaviors.
Physiological Consequences of Loss of Allosteric Activation of Yeast NAD+-specific Isocitrate Dehydrogenase

Based on allosteric regulatory properties, NAD+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is believed to control flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle in vivo. To distinguish growth phenotypes associated with regulatory dysfunction of this enzyme in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we analyzed strains expressing well defined mutant forms of IDH or a non-allosteric bacterial NAD+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDHa). As previously reported, expression of mutant forms of IDH with severe catalytic defects but intact regulatory properties produced an inability to grow with acetate as the carbon source and a dramatic increase in the frequency of generation of petite colonies, phenotypes also exhibited by a strain (idh1Δidh2Δ) lacking IDH. Reduced growth rates on acetate medium were also observed with expression of enzymes with severe regulatory defects or of the bacterial IDHa enzyme, suggesting that allosteric regulation is also important for optimal growth on this carbon source. However, expression of IDHa produced no effect on petite frequency, suggesting that the intermediate petite frequencies observed for strains expressing regulatory mutant forms of IDH are likely to correlate with the slight reductions in catalytic efficiency observed for these enzymes. Finally, rates of increase in oxygen consumption were measured during culture shifts from medium with glucose to medium with ethanol as the carbon source. Strains expressing wild-type or catalytically deficient mutant forms of IDH exhibited rapid respiratory transitions, whereas strains expressing regulatory mutant forms of IDH or the bacterial IDHa enzyme exhibited much slower respiratory transitions. This suggests an important physiological role for allosteric activation of IDH during changes in environmental conditions.
New detector technologies and their impact on Raman spectroscopy

The latest generation of solid state detectors including Charged-Coupled Devices (CCD) and Charge-Injection Devices will be reviewed. Over the last several years, these detectors have contributed to major advances in Raman spectroscopy. Compact Raman systems using diode laser excitation, fiber-optic probes, and new generations of imaging spectrometers have been developed. New approaches for implementing very high throughput monochromators will be discussed, and their impact on the overall Raman system considered. Detection sensitivities obtained using these new optical geometries and array detector technologies are truly astounding. Even at an analyte concentration of a few ppm, a spectrum with several identifiable peaks can be obtained in a mater of seconds. This high sensitivity coupled with the ability of fiber optics to provide remote as well as in-situ sampling now make Raman a technique appropriate for many medical, environmental, and industrial applications. An overview of combining proper optical systems with currently available and soon to be introduced detectors will be presented. A variety of operating parameters for today's and tomorrow's arrays including readout noise, quantum efficiency, dark current, cosmic ray noise, and readout modes will be considered.
Abstract A62: Phosphorylation of Ser205 by the protein kinase CK2 persists on Pax3‐FOXO1, but not Pax3, throughout myogenic differentiation

The myogenic transcription factor Pax3 plays an essential role in early skeletal muscle development and is a key component in Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), a childhood solid muscle tumor. ARMS, which is associated with a four year survival rate of only 17%, is most commonly characterized by a t(2;13) chromosomal translocation resulting in the fusion of the 5′ Pax3 sequences to the 3′ FOXO1 sequences to encode the oncogenic fusion protein, Pax3‐FOXO1. Posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation are common mechanisms by which transcription factors are regulated. Consistent with this fact, we demonstrated in a previous report that Pax3 is phosphorylated on Ser205 in proliferating, but not differentiated, primary myoblasts. However, the kinase that mediates this phosphorylation event has yet to be identified. More recently it was demonstrated that Pax3‐FOXO1 is also phosphorylated at unidentified sites in non‐physiologically relevant cells. Despite this information, it is not known whether Pax3‐FOXO1 is phosphorylated at Ser205 or how the phosphorylation of the fusion protein changes during myogenic differentiation. In this report, we use standard in vitro kinase assays to identify CK2 (formerly termed “casein kinase II”) as the kinase responsible for phosphorylating Pax3 and Pax3‐FOXO1 at Ser205 in proliferating mouse primary myoblasts. Furthermore, we use standard Western blot analysis to demonstrate that in contrast to wild‐type Pax3, phosphorylation at Ser205 persists on Pax3‐throughout early myogenic differentiation. Finally, we use standard Western blot analysis to show that Pax3‐FOXO1 is phosphorylated at Ser205 in a variety of translocation‐containing ARMS cell lines. The results presented in this report not only suggest a possible mechanism by which the disregulation of Pax3‐FOXO1 may contribute to tumorigenesis, but also identifies a novel target for the development of therapies to be used for the treatment of ARMS. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A62.
The Role of Pretreatment PET/CT Parameters in Predicting Response After Lung Cancer Treatment

Table 3. When comparing Complete Response versus Partial Response, we found that only pretreatment size was significantly different between the two groups. Pretreatment SUVmean, SUVmax, ABVmean, and ABVmax were all not significant. Table 3. On multivariate analysis of imaging (Size, SUV, ABV) and treatment (total radiotherapy dose, dose per fraction, number of fractions, chemotherapy and time interval between initial and follow up imaging studies) parameters, with post treatment ABV max as the dependent variable, only size was significant. Multivariate Analysis Size P=0.019 SUVmax or SUVmean NS ABVmax or ABVmean NS Total Dose NS Dose per fraction NS Chemotherapy NS Time interval between imaging studies NS
β-Sheet topology and the relatedness of proteins

The topological connectivities of β-pleated sheets in the known protein structures are systematically surveyed for regularly occurring features. The many empirical restrictions found and the distribution of actually occurring topologies among the hypothetically possible ones suggest that striking topological similarities between different proteins can readily happen by chance.
Natural inflation in supergravity and beyond

Supergravity models of natural inflation and its generalizations are presented. These models are special examples of the class of supergravity models proposed in [R. Kallosh and A. Linde, J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys. 11 (2010) 011; R. Kallosh, A. Linde, and T. Rube, Phys. Rev. D 83, 043507 (2011)], which have a shift symmetric K\"ahler potential, superpotential linear in goldstino, and stable Minkowski vacua. We present a class of supergravity models with arbitrary potentials modulated by sinusoidal oscillations, similar to the potentials associated with axion monodromy models. We show that one can implement natural inflation in supergravity even in the models of a single axion field with axion parameters $O(1)$. We also discuss the irrational axion landscape in supergravity, which describes a potential with an infinite number of stable Minkowski and metastable dS minima.
Quantum noise, quantum measurement, and squeezing

This is the edited text of the Keynote Speech that Professor Haus had been invited to give at the Conference on Fluctuations and Noise in Photonics and Quantum Optics, held at Santa Fe, NM, on 1–4 June 2003. He introduces it as partly an overview, partly a retrospective, finishing with some remarks about the future, addressing the topics as he knew them best, from his own perspective. Sadly, Professor Haus died shortly before he was due to present this speech to conference delegates.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STYLES

This study explored the relationships of the stages of moral development [pre‐conventional (i.e., low stage), conventionals (ie., middle stage), and post‐conventionals (i.e., high stage)] to the styles of handling interpersonal conflict [integrating (i.e., problem solving), obliging (i.e., accommodating), dominating (i.e., competing), avoiding, and compromising] in organizations. A field study with a collegiate sample of employed business students (N = 443) shows that the post‐conventionals used more integrating and less dominating and avoiding styles than conventionals. The conventionals used more integrating and less dominating and avoiding styles than pre‐conventionals. The conventionals used more compromising style than post‐conventionals, but post‐conventionals used more compromising style than pre‐conventionals. There were no differences in obliging style across the three stages of moral development. Implications of the study for management, directions for future research, and limitations were discussed.
First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Divorce: A Perspective on the Process

This article discusses the process of dissolving marital relationships from an individual developmental perspective. The focus remains on divorce as currently practiced in the United States. A historical review of divorce as practiced in Western culture is included.
A stochastic multi-criteria decision analysis for sustainable biomass crop selection

We propose a stochastic analytical hierarchy process (SAHP) method.Sustainable biomass crop selection has economic, environmental, and social dimensions.Switchgrass is found to be the most sustainable crop type for biofuel production.Wheat and corn get high scores if economic factor is emphasized in decision making.The proposed SAHP model can utilize imprecise expert opinions in decision making. Selecting the most sustainable biomass crop type for biofuel production is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem involving various conflicting criteria. In this paper, we propose a unique stochastic analytical hierarchy process (AHP) that can handle uncertain information and identify weights of criteria in the MCDM problem. By utilizing the beta distribution and approximating its median, we convert various types of expert evaluations including imprecise values into crisp values. We ensure consistency in each evaluation matrix before aggregating expert judgments. We then demonstrate use of the model by applying it to sustainable biomass crop selection. In order to define a comprehensive list of the selection criteria, we utilize the existing literature and opinions of experts including farmers, government specialists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and faculty members in the areas of biomass and bioenergy. The evaluation model includes three main sustainability criteria defined as economic, environmental, and social aspects associated with a total of 16 sub-criteria. We apply the proposed model to biomass alternatives including switchgrass, Miscanthus, sugarcane, corn, and wheat in Kansas. Results show the weights of economic, environmental, and social aspects to be 0.59, 0.26, and 0.15, respectively. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the score of switchgrass increases if environmental criteria are emphasized. On the other hand, wheat and corn become more favorable than other alternatives if priority is given to economic factors. The most sustainable biomass sources in different regions can be determined by applying the presented selection hierarchy. The proposed stochastic AHP methodology can also be utilized for other complex multi-criteria decision-making problems with uncertain information and multiple stakeholders.
Spatial Moments of Continuous Transport Problems Computed on Grids

The method of moments is a well-known technique for determining exact expressions for spatial and angular moments of radiation distributions in infinite, homogeneous media. These moments can further be used to calculate other quantities of interest. We examine how the method of moments is altered when the underlying transport problem is spatially continuous but involves a grid and moments are computed on this grid instead of through integration over the entire domain. For the problem we consider, we employ both singular-eigenfunction and Fourier-transform approaches to show that when moments are evaluated in this manner (i) the flux-weighted average of x remains equal to the source-weighted average of x, but (ii) the flux-weighted average of (x−xa )2 is greater than the source-weighted average of (x−xa )2 by an additional error term, where x is the spatial variable and xa is an arbitrary point. We also demonstrate that the two resulting expressions for this error term are equivalent.
Determination of the Binding Affinity, Packing, and Conformation of Thiolate and Thione Ligands on Gold Nanoparticles

Determination of the ligand conformation on gold nanoparticle (AuNP) is of fundamental importance in nanoparticle research and applications. Using a combination of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), density function calculation, and normal Raman spectroscopy, the pH dependence of mercaptobenzimadazole (MBI) adsorption onto AuNP was systematically studied. Structures and conformations of MBI adsorbates on AuNP were determined together with their binding constants, and saturation packing densities were determined at three different pHs (1.4, 7.9, and 12.5). While MBI thione is the predominant tautomer in solution with a pH value lower than 10.3, MBI thiolate is the main adsorbate on AuNP surface in solution with pH > 2. MBI thiones dominate the AuNP surface only in solutions with pH < 2. While MBI thione has a higher saturation packing density (∼632 pmol/cm2) than MBI thiolate (∼540 pmol/cm2), its binding constant (2.14 × 106 M−1) is about five times smaller than that for MBI thiolate (10.12 × 106 ...
Understanding the Generalized Median Stable Matchings

Let I be a stable matching instance with N stable matchings. For each man m, order his (not necessarily distinct) N partners from his most preferred to his least preferred. Denote the ith woman in his sorted list as p i (m). Let α i consist of the man-woman pairs where each man m is matched to p i (m). Teo and Sethuraman proved this surprising result: for i=1 to N, not only is α i a matching, it is also stable. The α i ’s are called the generalized median stable matchings of I. Determining if these stable matchings can be computed efficiently is an open problem. In this paper, we present a new characterization of the generalized median stable matchings that provides interesting insights. It implies that the generalized median stable matchings in the middle—α (N+1)/2 when N is odd, α N/2 and α N/2+1 when N is even—are fair not only in a local sense but also in a global sense because they are also medians of the lattice of stable matchings. We then show that there are some families of SM instances for which computing an α i is easy but that the task is NP-hard in general. Finally, we also consider what it means to approximate a median stable matching and present results for this problem.
The role of radiation therapy in the management of primary central nervous system lymphoma

AbstractPrimary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Early studies of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) alone revealed a robust initial response but high rates of local recurrence with long-term follow-up. The addition of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-based chemotherapy improved the durability of disease control. However, delayed neurotoxicity emerged as an important complication, mainly in elderly patients. Therefore, researchers have investigated eliminating WBRT or reducing its dose. Multiple studies of chemotherapy alone have demonstrated inferior disease control. On the other hand, a phase III trial reported that WBRT may be deferred until relapse without compromising survival; however, this trial is fraught with flaws. A recent study of immunochemotherapy and dose-reduced WBRT demonstrated excellent outcomes. Currently, this regimen is being studied in a multi-institutional trial by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. WBRT maintains an import...
Divorce and Remarriage in Rural Malawi

The demographic study of nuptiality in African countries is not very developed and often of secondary interest in a discussion of the proximate determinants of fertility. This paper uses unusual marriage history data to examine divorce and remarriage in rural Malawi. Life table probabilities of divorce range from 40 to 65 percent and are among the highest on the continent. An investigation into the determinants of marital instability using proportional hazards models confirms the importance of kinship systems and female empowerment, but the mechanism underlying the high divorce rates in Malawi seems to be more complicated than that. This is, for example, illustrated in the effect of the polygyny variables. Marriage, divorce, and remarriage are further considered as empowering strategies that women deploy throughout their lives.
Risk and Protective Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Prolonged Grief, and Depression in Survivors of the Violent Death of a Loved One

The violent death of a loved one leaves survivors at increased risk for a host of negative outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and intense or prolonged grief. In the wake of increased interest in the phenomenology and course of these responses, there has been a corresponding interest in identifying specific predictors of psychological outcomes among survivors. However, most reviewers have focused primarily on predictors located within the individual survivor, such as coping style and trauma history. Externally located variables are equally important in identifying individuals at risk but have been relatively neglected in the literature. We review the three best-studied external predictor variables: cause of death, relationship of the mourner to the deceased, and social support. For each of these variables, we critically examine studies investigating its relationship to outcomes of violent death survivorship, offer conclusions based on available data, and suggest future direction...
Effect of reverse base current on bipolar and BiCMOS circuits

A detailed study on the effect of reverse base current (RBC) on the switching behavior of bipolar BiCMOS circuits utilizing advanced high-performance bipolar transistors is presented. It is shown that as the collector doping N/sub c/ is increased to overcome the Kirk effect (base stretching) during the switching transient, the avalanche-generated reverse base current in the collector-base junction may cause problems for bipolar output devices switching out of saturation. A basic bipolar inverter and various BiCMOS driver circuits were simulated based on measured avalanche multiplication factors from advanced bipolar transistors with various collector doping N/sub c/. In the case of the basic bipolar inverter, the reverse base current may prevent the switching device from being shut off completely during the on-to-off transition and a self-sustained state may result which reduces the output voltage swing. For the common-emitter (CE) BiCMOS driver, a similar self-sustained state may also occur with the added adverse effect of excessive leakage in standby. Design and scaling considerations are discussed. >
The use of diagnostic frequency continuous ultrasound to improve microcirculatory function after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective: Damage to the circulatory system resulting from ischemia–reperfusion injury (I/R injury) occurs during heart attacks and hemorrhagic shock. The authors report a method for mitigating microcirculatory injury, using diagnostic frequency continuous-mode ultrasound and how effects are influenced by nitric oxide production impairment.Methods: Five groups of hamsters were studied using the dorsal skin fold window chamber: (1) I/R; (2) I/R + ultrasound during ischemia; (3) I/R + ultrasound after ischemia; (4) I/R + Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME); and (5) I/R + l-NAME + ultrasound. Functional capillary density (FCD) and microvascular diameter, flow velocity, and flow were monitored. During the exposures 2.49 MHz continuous ultrasound was used.Results: Significant improvements in animals exposed to ultrasound after ischemia were found at 24 h of reperfusion in FCD, arteriolar diameter, and arteriolar and venular flow velocity and flow. Animals exposed to ultrasound during ischemia showed sign...
Misinterpretation of the Functional Severity of Coronary Stenosis Due To Variability in Arterial Wall Compliance

Effect of arterial wall compliance on the invasive coronary diagnostic parameters for various severities of coronary stenoses was assessed. The Mooney-Rivlin model was used to define the non-linear properties of the arterial wall and the plaque regions. The nonNewtonian viscosity of blood was modeled using the Carreau model. A finite element method was employed to solve the pulsatile fluid (blood)-structure (arterial wall) interaction (FSI) equations. Variability in the diagnostic parameter values can occur near the cut-off value due to change in compliance of stenotic arteries between the range of 84% and 89% area stenosis. This may lead to misdiagnosis and might wrongly lead to postponement of coronary intervention.
A longitudinal study of several potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms

Child maltreatment is a reliable predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, not all maltreated children develop PTSD symptoms, suggesting that additional mediating variables explain how certain maltreated children develop PTSD symptoms and others do not. The current study tested three potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent PTSD symptoms: (a) respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity, (b) cortisol reactivity, and (c) experiential avoidance, or the unwillingness to experience painful private events, such as thoughts and memories. Maltreated (n = 51) and nonmaltreated groups (n = 59) completed a stressor paradigm, a measure of experiential avoidance, and a semistructured interview of PTSD symptoms. One year later, participants were readministered the PTSD symptoms interview. Results of a multiple mediator model showed the set of potential mediators mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent PTSD symptoms. However, experiential avoidance was the only significant, specific indirect effect, demonstrating that maltreated children avoiding painful private events after the abuse were more likely to develop a range of PTSD symptoms 1 year later. These results highlight the importance of experiential avoidance in the development of PTSD symptoms for maltreated children, and implications for secondary prevention and clinical intervention models are discussed.
A review of quantitative genetic components of fitness in salmonids: implications for adaptation to future change.

Salmonine fishes are commonly subjected to strong, novel selective pressures due to anthropogenic activities and global climate change, often resulting in population extinction. Consequently, there is considerable interest in predicting the long-term evolutionary trajectories of extant populations. Knowledge of the genetic architecture of fitness traits is integral to making these predictions. We reviewed the published, peer-reviewed literature for estimates of heritability and genetic correlation for fitness traits in salmonine fishes with two broad goals in mind: summarization of published data and testing for differences among categorical variables (e.g., species, life history type, experimental conditions). Balanced coverage of variables was lacking and estimates for wild populations and behavioral traits were nearly absent. Distributions of heritability estimates were skewed toward low values and distributions of genetic correlations toward large, positive values, suggesting that significant potential for evolution of traits exists. Furthermore, experimental conditions had a direct effect on h2 estimates, and other variables had more complex effects on h2 and rG estimates, suggesting that available estimates may be insufficient for use in models to predict evolutionary change in wild populations. Given this and other inherent complicating factors, making accurate predictions of the evolutionary trajectories of salmonine fishes will be a difficult task.
13C NMR relaxation and conformational flexibility of the deoxyribose ring.

Abstract 13C T1's and NOE's have been measured for all protonated carbons of 2'-deoxy-D-ribose (2'-d-ribose), 2'-deoxyadenosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-dAMP), thymidine-3'-monophosphate (3'-TMP) and thymidine-5'-monophosphate (5'-TMP) in D2O solutions. In all of the deoxy sugars examined, NT1 values for C-2' are significantly larger than the values for the remaining carbons. This result is interpreted in terms of rapid puckering motion of C-2'. By contrast, NT1 values measured in ribose are found to be equal, within experimental error. The results are compared with analogous data obtained for the five membered pyrrolidine ring of proline and with results for DNA itself.