cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic Modeling Constraints on the South African Super Plume

Tomographic studies of the structure of the lower mantle beneath South Africa reveal large-scale low velocities above the core-mantle boundary. Predicted SKS delay patterns (up to 3 s) for some of these models fit observations (Kaapvaal Array data) quite well except for magnitude level, explaining less than one-half the observed anomaly. Moreover, the sharpness in travel-time offsets and waveform complications require that nearly vertical walls separate the anomalous structure from the normal preliminary reference Earth model (PREM) mantle. We present numerous record sections along with 2D and 3D synthetics displaying multipathing of arrivals (S_(d') SKS, SKKS, S, and ScS), based on a large-scale 3D structure. This kidney-shaped structure has one apex beneath the Indian Ocean (Kerguelen) and the other extending beneath the Mid-Atlantic (Cape Verde). The structure is about 1200 km wide beneath South Africa and extends upward to at least 1000 km through the lower mantle, similar to Grand's model but with an average uniform velocity decrease of about 3% relative to PREM. We have not found any evidences for ultra-low-velocity zones (ULVZ) beneath the main structure but ample evidence at some locations near the edges. We also analyzed Pd and the differentials between PcP travel times and P travel times (PcP-P) along the same great circle paths from the same events. The P-velocity is not very anomalous, perhaps -0.5%. The sharpness of the lateral boundaries (walls) and the large contrast in P and S velocities can be used in arguments for a thermochemical origin.
Do Hearing Protectors Protect Hearing

Background We examined the association between self-reported hearing protection use at work and incidence of hearing shifts over a 5-year period. Methods Audiometric data from 19,911 workers were analyzed. Two hearing shift measures—OSHA standard threshold shift (OSTS) and high-frequency threshold shift (HFTS)—were used to identify incident shifts in hearing between workers' 2005 and 2009 audiograms. Adjusted odds ratios were generated using multivariable logistic regression with multi-level modeling. Results The odds ratio for hearing shift for workers who reported never versus always wearing hearing protection was nonsignificant for OSTS (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.92–1.64) and marginally significant for HFTS (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00–1.59). A significant linear trend towards increased risk of HFTS with decreased use of hearing protection was observed (P = 0.02). Conclusion The study raises concern about the effectiveness of hearing protection as a substitute for noise control to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1001–1010, 2014. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Say 'trouble's gone': chronic illness and employability in job training programmes.

Abstract The concept of biographical disruption has unique relevance for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups who participate in entry-level job training programmes. In these programmes trainees often suffer from various forms of chronic illness and must arrange these illnesses into a picture of employability. In this article I use ethnographic data and narrative analysis to examine closely two trainees� illness-related experiences, expressions and talk, and find that their ability to present their illnesses in ways that are consistent with programmatic goals is strongly influenced by family support, responsibilities and roles, as well as particular aspects of illness, like the interpretability of symptoms. I also find that the concept of biographical disruption has a curious traction in the world of job training, particularly among job training programme staff who would like to see trainees mobilise a variety of resources to help manage their illness. However, for trainees, many of whom have lived with chronic illness for years, the concept of biographical disruption may be more limited as a tool for understanding the experiences of illness. A more meaningful disruptive force in the lives of trainees appears to be the programme itself and the strategies for dealing with illness that programme staff may extend.
Role of Meaning in the Prediction of Depressive Symptoms Among Trauma‐Exposed and Nontrauma‐Exposed Emerging Adults

Objectives This study investigated the role of searching for meaning, finding meaning, trauma exposure, and their interaction in the prediction of depressive symptoms among trauma-exposed and nontrauma-exposed emerging adults. Method Eight thousand seven hundred and eighty-four college students (73% female; mean age of 19.8 years) completed self-report measures. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the three-way interaction in the prediction of depressive symptoms. Results Searching for and finding meaning as well as the three-way interaction significantly contributed to the prediction of depression. Specifically, searching for meaning was associated with increased symptoms, irrespective of meaning levels among nontrauma-exposed and low frequency trauma-exposed emerging adults. Among high frequency trauma-exposed individuals, an increase in the search-by-find meaning interaction predicted fewer symptoms. Conclusions The findings suggest that searching for and finding meaning are important mechanisms in the prediction of depression among emerging adults facing daily stressors and traumatic events. Clinical implications are discussed.
Diauxic metabolism in the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha during repeated transients in system dilution rate

Abstract Metabolic responses of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha to system dilution rate changes were studied under conditions of a constant nutrient feed mixture of 4 g l−1 methanol:1 g l−1 glucose. A 3-h symmetrical square wave of nutrient flow rate affected shifts in reactor dilution rate of 0.20 to 0.35 h−1; cycling the yeast culture between two conditions that would, at steady-state operating conditions, maximize either methanol-oxidizing enzymes (D = 0.20 h−1) or glucose-oxidizing enzymes (D = 0.35 h−1). Intracellular enzyme concentrations and specific activities of methanol oxidase, hexokinase, and methanol catalase were determined along with specific messenger RNA coding for methanol oxidase expression, and (by 35S-labeling) the qualitative amounts of monomeric and octomeric methanol oxidase present in the yeast cells during shifts in system dilution rate. Results indicate methanol oxidase activity, during shifts from low to high dilution rate, is limited not at the transcription level but rather during the posttranslational step, in the polymerization of methanol oxidase monomers and subsequent inability to bind flavin adenine dinucleotide. Transient studies indicate the formation of active octomeric methanol oxidase occurs at a rate with a half-life between 20 and 30 min.
Energy geo-storage — analysis and geomechanical implications

The increasing energy demand, the mismatch between generation and load, and the growing use of renewable energy accentuate the need for energy storage. In this context, energy geo-storage provides various alternatives, the use of which depends on the quality of surplus energy. In terms of power and energy capacity, large mechanical energy storage systems such as Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) and Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) are cost-effective and suitable for centralized power generation. In contrast, sensible and latent heat storage are appropriate for distributed applications when excess heat is involved. Energy density estimations highlight the advantages of compressed air over elevated water, and latent heat over sensible heat storage. From a geotechnical standpoint, the operation of geo-storage systems exerts complex effective stress, temperature, wet-dry, and freeze-thaw cycles. Although these excitations may not cause monotonic failure, they lead to ratcheting or shakedown behavior, both of which must be carefully analyzed to ensure the proper long-term cyclic response of energy geo-storage systems.
Adiabatic charged particle motion in rapidly rotating magnetospheres

Some aspects of adiabatic drift theory are investigated in the regime where the E x B drift velocity is comparable with or larger than the gyro velocity. Particles undergo five drifts in addition to the E x B gradient, and line curvature drifts have three more terms in the parallel equation of motion. The case of the rapidly rotating rigid magnetic field configuration is found to be an exception due to the corotating particle with a nearly periodic motion. The guiding center drift velocity and parallel differential equation of motion are obtained, and the drift velocity in the rotating frame is found to consist of the expected field gradient and line curvature drift, plus centrifugal and coriolis force induced drifts. It is shown that the second invariant is conserved in the rotating frame by the four drifts, so that a particle slowly drifts around on its drift shell and returns to its original field line. Thus, there is no long term energy change, and any energy change is periodic on the bounce and drift time scale.
A geometric drift inequality for a reflected fractional Brownian motion process on the positive orthant

We study a d-dimensional reflected fractional Brownian motion (RFBM) process on the positive orthant S = R+d, with drift r0 ∈ Rd and Hurst parameter H ∈ (½, 1). Under a natural stability condition on the drift vector r0 and reflection directions, we establish a geometric drift towards a compact set for the 1-skeleton chain Z of the RFBM process Z; that is, there exist β, b ∈ (0, ∞) and a compact set C ⊂ S such that ΔV(x):= Ex[V(Z(1))] - V(x) ≤ -βV(x) + b1C(x), x ∈ S, for an exponentially growing Lyapunov function V : S → [1, ∞). For a wide class of Markov processes, such a drift inequality is known as a necessary and sufficient condition for exponential ergodicity. Indeed, similar drift inequalities have been established for reflected processes driven by standard Brownian motions, and our result can be viewed as their fractional Brownian motion counterpart. We also establish that the return times to the set C itself are geometrically bounded. Motivation for this study is that RFBM appears as a limiting workload process for fluid queueing network models fed by a large number of heavy-tailed ON/OFF sources in heavy traffic.
The crystal structure of the monoclinic form of Mn(CO)4(NH2CH3)(CONHCH3)

Abstract The crystal structure of the monoclinic from of Mn(CO)4(NH2CH3)(CONHCH3) has been determined using X-Ray diffraction techniques. The space group is P21/n with four molecules per unit cell and lattice constants a = 10.79, b = 15.98, c = 6.28 A, and β = 97.3°. The conventional discrepancy index R = 0.098 for 467 reflections. The molecule is essentially octahedral virtually identical to that found in the tetragonal form. In both crystalline forms pairs of molecules are held together by two weak hydrogen bonds. The packing of these pairs seems to be unrelated in the two structures. However, the energies of the two forms must be similar as both forms grow simultaneously.
Differences in amine storage in rat heart and brain.

Abstract 1 The characteristics of storage of amphetamine-releasable amine in rat heart and brain were studied in vitro with labelled and unlabelled metaraminol ([3H]-MA and MA). 2 In one series of experiments, heart and brain slices were incubated with [3H]-MA prior or subsequent to incubation with the same concentration of MA. 3 When brain slices, thus treated, were subjected successively to field stimulation and to amphetamine, it was found that the ratio of [3H]-MA release by field stimulation to release by amphetamine was dependent upon the order in which brain tissue was exposed to [3H]-MA and MA. 4 With heart slices, on the other hand, the field stimulation/amphetamine ratio of [3H]-MA release remained the same whether the tissue was exposed to [3H]-MA before or after MA. 5 The (+)-isomer of amphetamine released three to four times more [3H]-MA from brain slices than did the (-)-isomer, while the isomers were equipotent with regard to [3H]-MA release from heart slices. 6 Amphetamine-induced [3H]-MA release from heart slices was unaffected by the presence of α-methyl-p-tyrosine, while release from brain slices was inhibited. 7 On the basis of the foregoing results it appears that amine storage differs in brain and heart, with brain exhibiting more than one functional amine pool.
THE CHILD SOLDIER: THE QUESTION OF SELF-DEFENSE

The question of whether or when to engage child soldiers on the battlefield is morally compelling in its inherent contradiction. Just war theory and the principle of non-combatant immunity draw dis...
'A beautiful show of strength': weight loss and the fat activist self.

This article explores the disciplinary and productive effects of late 20th-century/early 21st-century discourse around the obesity epidemic. For my purposes, both the Fat Activist and Weight Loss S...
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Navigation Using Aerial Ladar Data

In this paper, we investigate the use of overhead high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) data for enhancing the performances of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in vegetated terrains. Data were col...
Is there limiting similarity in the phenology of fleshy fruits

Abstract Question: Is there evidence for limiting similarity in the timing of fruit production by a bird-dispersed plant community? Is the rate of fruit removal in each plant species inversely related to fruit availability in other species? Can simple measurements of fruit phenologies (i.e. temporal changes in fruit availability) obscure important fruit attributes that influence their removal by birds? Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Periods of fruit availability were measured in ten woody angiosperm species for two years. In the second year, the fate of individual fruits was quantified to disentangle dates of fruit maturation, removal and mortality from measurements of availability. Results: Null model analyses of fruit availability distributions showed no evidence for limiting similarity. However, fruit removal rates of most plant species were correlated with their relative abundance in the community, indicating fruits were removed more rapidly when other fruits were less ...
ABNORMALITIES IN THE AXONAL CYTOSKELETON INDUCED BY A CONNEXIN32 MUTATION IN NERVE XENOGRAFTS

The X-linked form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy is associated with mutations in the connexin32 (Cx32) gene. The functional role of Cx32 in Schwann cells and the relationship of these mutations to the progressive axonal loss and distal limb weakness seen in this disease have not been elucidated. To investigate the local influence of Schwann cells bearing the Cx32 gene defect on axonal cytoskeleton and the myelination process, the nerve xenograft model was used to transfer a Cx32 missense mutation (Glu102Gly) from human to an in vivo myelination system in nude mice. Twelve nerve grafts from two family members with Cx32 mutations and 17 grafts from three healthy individuals were generated by end-to-end anastomosis of approximately 6-mm sural nerve fascicles into the cut ends of the sciatic nerve in nude mice. Specimens were examined at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Ultrastructural morphometric analysis showed Schwann cells with Cx32 mutation have a profound effect on the nude mice axons, resulting in an increase in neurofilament density, a depletion of microtubules associated with fragmentation of smooth axonal reticulum, and increased vesicles and mitochondria. At 16 weeks, axonal enlargement was evident within the proximal part of the graft; axonal atrophy, degeneration, and fiber loss were seen in distal-graft and host segments. The myelination process was not affected. We conclude that Cx32 mutation impairs a modulatory function of Schwann cells on axons, resulting in profound cytoskeletal alterations leading to distal axonal degeneration. These observations emphasize the role of impaired Schwann cell-axon interactions in the pathogenesis of hereditary neuropathies.
The Living City Survival Kit: a portrait of the architect as a young man

This article discusses an image published on the occasion of the Living City exhibition held at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, in 1963. The image, here referred to as Living City Survival Kit, is ascribed to Warren Chalk, and it was produced within the milieu of the Archigram group. In a manner akin to Pop Art, the image represents the modernization of everyday life. Unlike Pop Art, it is about architecture; and unlike traditional architectural images, this image contains no buildings. Instead, the image draws attention to the invisible complement of architecture – how it is used, and how it shapes the experience of the user. The architect, it appears, can no longer impose legitimate order, nor claim genderless, objective distance from the subject of architecture. The image is ultimately concerned with the construction of the architect himself, to the point that it can be read as a self-portrait.
Catalysis, Not Leapfrog: An Institutionalist Argument for a Limited Role of ICTs in India's Development

In response to the impressive performance of information and computer technologies (ICTs) in India in the corporate and the development sector, and relying upon a variety of optimistic estimates, the Indian government has set its sights on the ICT sector not only as a vehicle to ‘leapfrog’ the nation into the forefront of the global knowledge economy, but also as a facilitator of internal development initiatives. This paper takes a more sober view of the possibilities of ICTs as agents of national economic transformation. It argues for a more limited and grounded view of the potential of ICTs. The paper contends that ICTs work best when integrated within an existing matrix of institutionally led programmes of growth and welfare. The metaphor of ‘catalysis’ perhaps is more apt to describe the role of ICTs in India's economic transformation. A catalyst plays more of an accelerating role in a reaction than a transformative one, and its success is predicated upon the reaction being already underway. Likewise, ICTs can enhance already existing trajectories of economic development, rather than generate them, or ‘leapfrog’ developmental stages.
Piecewise nonlinear image registration using DCT basis functions

The deformation field in nonlinear image registration is usually modeled by a global model. Such models are often faced with the problem that a locally complex deformation cannot be accurately modeled by simply increasing degrees of freedom (DOF). In addition, highly complex models require additional regularization which is usually ineffective when applied globally. Registering locally corresponding regions addresses this problem in a divide and conquer strategy. In this paper we propose a piecewise image registration approach using Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) basis functions for a nonlinear model. The contributions of this paper are three-folds. First, we develop a multi-level piecewise registration framework that extends the concept of piecewise linear registration and works with any nonlinear deformation model. This framework is then applied to nonlinear DCT registration. Second, we show how adaptive model complexity and regularization could be applied for local piece registration, thus accounting for higher variability. Third, we show how the proposed piecewise DCT can overcome the fundamental problem of a large curvature matrix inversion in global DCT when using high degrees of freedoms. The proposed approach can be viewed as an extension of global DCT registration where the overall model complexity is increased while achieving effective local regularization. Experimental evaluation results provide comparison of the proposed approach to piecewise linear registration using an affine transformation model and a global nonlinear registration using DCT model. Preliminary results show that the proposed approach achieves improved performance.
Comparison of photosynthetic characteristics in cultivated and wild offspring of the invasive Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne.)

In most plant invasions, morphological and ecological characteristics are often examined to understand which might facilitate invasive spread, but ecophysiology may also be important to consider. This was examined in Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne.), a popular ornamental tree from Asia that is sold throughout the United States and which has spread following hybridization among cultivar and rootstock genotypes. To determine the impact of ecophysiology on invasiveness in this species, we examined the photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency (WUE) in two generations of offspring grown under differing levels of stress over time. Individuals originating from seed of known cultivars (F1 or ‘early generation hybrids’) or from wild individuals (F2 or ‘advanced generation hybrids’) were measured in four sampling periods: 6-month-old saplings, 3-year-old Root-Bound saplings with no fertilization, the same saplings after transplantation into larger pots, and then after the saplings had experienced a period of water and nutrient stress. Ecophysiology differed significantly between the two generations, but the direction and magnitude of significance varied within the Root-Bound sampling period. Advanced generation hybrids exhibited greater photosynthetic and transpiration rates as well as stomatal conductance in the Root-Bound sampling period. In contrast, WUE was lower in the advanced generation hybrids in the Initial and Root-Bound sampling periods. Although P. calleryana exhibited moderate and comparable photosynthetic characteristics relative to other deciduous species, invasive spread in this species may be influenced by other traits, such as abundant seed production. Consequently, photosynthetic characteristics may not be the sole source of invasiveness in this species.
Aligned, coexisting liquid and solid regions in laser-annealed Si

Aligned liquid and solid stripes are observed under continuous-wave laser illumination of Si films. For normally incident light, the stripes have a periodicity equal to the laser wavelength and are aligned perpendicular to the laser polarization. The dependence of the stripe spacing versus incident angle is also probed. Examination of the surface after cooling shows the presence of surface ripples with the same wavelength. Thus it is proposed that the liquid and solid Si stripes are the precursors of the ripples. It is suggested that aligned liquid-solid regions are obtainable for certain conditions for pulsed laser annealing of silicon.
Electronic transitions in hydrated indole: A MD INDO/S study

Abstract Absorption shifts were simulated for hydrated indole by a combination of molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations. The one-electron interaction terms were evaluated within the INDO/S-CISD method for a sequence of 2500 kinematic frames generated by molecular dynamics simulation of one indole surrounded by 233 water molecules. Transition energies and state electric dipole moments vary over a range of 1040 cm−1 and 2.2 D for S1←0 and show an overall slight red-shift and increase in the state moment moduli, in general agreement with absorption data.
Pcia Theory in Field Practice: World Vision's Pursuit of Peace Impact and Programming Quality Across Sectors

This article provides a critical reflection of World Vision's field practice with Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) related frameworks drawing from experiences in Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. It particularly discusses the value-added of PCIA and its contribution to programming quality. The article examines the uptake of PCIA findings to inform design, monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the importance of ‘influencing’ as an approach as well as the ‘integrative power’ of relationship and relationship-building. The article examines important challenges associated with the application of the conventional logical framework. It also discusses promising practices that derive from PCIA, including being informed by complex adaptive systems theories and the importance of community participation and engagement in PCIA processes. It concludes with a discussion of implications for effective PCIA micro- (project) and meso- (programme) level usability. The article suggests that minimum standards...
Pion in the holographic model with 5D Yang-Mills fields

We study the pion in the holographic model of Hirn and Sanz which contains two Yang-Mills fields defined in the background of the sliced AdS space. The infrared boundary conditions imposed on these fields generate the spontaneous breaking of the chiral symmetry down to its vector subgroup. Within the framework of this model, we get an analytic expression for the pion form factor and a compact result for its radius. We also extend the holographic model to include the Chern-Simons term which is required to reproduce the appropriate axial anomaly of QCD. As a result, we calculate the anomalous form factor of the pion and predict its Q{sup 2} slope for the kinematics when one of the photons is almost on shell. We also observe that the anomalous form factor with one real and one virtual photon is given by the same analytic expression as the electromagnetic form factor of a charged pion. One of the advantages of the present model is that it does not require an infrared boundary counterterm to correctly reproduce the anomaly of QCD.
Emotional Closeness and Physical Distance between Friends: Implications for Elderly Women Living in Age-Segregated and Age-Integrated Settings.

The author discusses the need for a better theoretical understanding of friendship in order for its role in the lives of elderly people to be understood. The applicability to friendship of Simmel's approach to the study of social relationships is outlined. From this perspective, types of friendship are determined by the physical distance separating friends and the emotional closeness bringing them together. The data consist of seventy in-depth interviews of senior, unmarried women in a middle-class community bordering on Chicago. Qualitative data are reported to support quantitative analyses. There were positive relationships between emotional closeness and physical distance, duration and emotional closeness, and frequency of interaction and proximity. The author describes the implications for elderly women of the tendency for their close, old friends to be physically separated from them and their neighbors to be casual friends, but constant companions. The author discusses the effects of the age-density of residential context and life history on the types of friends the women had.
Is There Still a Role for Double-Contrast Barium Enema Examination?

The role of double-contrast barium enema examination (DCBE) in screening for colorectal carcinoma has evolved considerably in recent years. This review will discuss the current indications for DCBE and contrast fluoroscopy of the colon and the anticipated future role of these studies.
Acculturation, Acculturative Stress, Religiosity and Psychological Adjustment among Muslim Arab American Adolescents

Whether born in the United States or being immigrants, Arab American youth may experience challenges related to maintaining their heritage culture’s traditions and values and the degree to which they participate in mainstream American tra4 Anisa Goforth, Evelyn Oka, Frederick Leong, and Daniel Denis ditions. The goals of this research study were to see how acculturation, acculturative stress, and religiosity were associated with psychological adjustment among Muslim Arab American adolescents. One hundred twentyeight Arab American adolescents (ages 11–21) completed measures of demographic characteristics, acculturation, acculturative stress, religiosity, and social desirability. Age, gender, religiosity, and length of time in the U.S. were found to significantly predict heritage cultural orientation but not mainstream cultural orientation. Moreover, acculturation and acculturative stress significantly predicted psychological problems but not overall competence. The implications of the study address how practitioners may consider religion, acculturation, and related stressors when working with Muslim Arab American adolescents.
A Simple Method for the Design of Optimal Damper Configurations in MDOF Structures

Abstract Existing methods for the design of optimal configurations of supplemental dampers are usually not simple enough to be used routinely and typically lead to different damper sizes at virtual...
Associations between migraine and cardiovascular disease

Migraine is a common chronic, intermittent headache disorder that in some patients is accompanied by neurological symptoms, particularly visual symptoms, known as migraine aura. Several population-based studies have linked migraine, and particularly migraine with aura, with increased risk of ischemic stroke. Recent prospective data suggest an association between migraine with aura and any ischemic vascular events, including coronary heart disease. The precise biological mechanism by which migraine with aura may increase the risk of vascular events is currently unknown and likely complex. Potential mechanisms involve shared risk factors, inter-relationships between migraine and vascular pathologies, migraine treatments, as well as genetic components. This review aims to summarize the epidemiologic evidence linking migraine with ischemic vascular events, discuss potential mechanisms and to outline potential consequences.
Inhibition of Intestinal Epithelial Apoptosis Improves Survival in a Murine Model of Radiation Combined Injury

World conditions place large populations at risk from ionizing radiation (IR) from detonation of dirty bombs or nuclear devices. In a subgroup of patients, ionizing radiation exposure would be followed by a secondary infection. The effects of radiation combined injury are potentially more lethal than either insult in isolation. The purpose of this study was to determine mechanisms of mortality and possible therapeutic targets in radiation combined injury. Mice were exposed to IR with 2.5 Gray (Gy) followed four days later by intratracheal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While either IR or MRSA alone yielded 100% survival, animals with radiation combined injury had 53% survival (p = 0.01). Compared to IR or MRSA alone, mice with radiation combined injury had increased gut apoptosis, local and systemic bacterial burden, decreased splenic CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, B cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells, and increased BAL and systemic IL-6 and G-CSF. In contrast, radiation combined injury did not alter lymphocyte apoptosis, pulmonary injury, or intestinal proliferation compared to IR or MRSA alone. In light of the synergistic increase in gut apoptosis following radiation combined injury, transgenic mice that overexpress Bcl-2 in their intestine and wild type mice were subjected to IR followed by MRSA. Bcl-2 mice had decreased gut apoptosis and improved survival compared to WT mice (92% vs. 42%; p<0.01). These data demonstrate that radiation combined injury results in significantly higher mortality than could be predicted based upon either IR or MRSA infection alone, and that preventing gut apoptosis may be a potential therapeutic target.
A comparison of stages IB1 and IB2 cervical cancers treated with radical hysterectomy. Is size the real difference

Objective. To compare stages IB1 and IB2 cervical cancers treated with radical hysterectomy (RH) and to define predictors of nodal status and recurrence. Methods. Patients with stage IB cervical cancers undergoing RH between 1990 and 2000 were evaluated and clinicopathological variables were abstracted. The perioperative complication rate, estimated blood loss (EBL), and OR time were also tabulated. Variables were analyzed using X 2 and t tests. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated by Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed via stepwise logistic regression. Cox-proportional hazards were used to identify independent predictors of recurrence. Results. RH was performed on 109 stage IB1 and 86 stage IB2 patients. Mean age, EBL, and perioperative complication rates were similar. Overall, 38 patients (14 IB1 vs. 24 IB2) had positive nodes ( P = 0.01) including 9 patients with positive para-aortic nodes (2 IB1 and 7 IB2). Parametrial involvement (PI) and outer 2/3 depth of invasion (DOI) were significantly more common in the IB2 tumors as well. Patients with IB2 disease received adjuvant radiation more frequently than IB1 patients (52% vs. 37%, P = 0.04). Univariate predictors of nodal status included lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI) ( P = 0.001), DOI ( P = 0.011), PI ( P = 0.001), and stage ( P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified only LVSI (OR 6.4, CI 2.4–17, P = 0. 0002) and PI (OR 8, CI 3.1–20, P = 0. 0001) as independent predictors of positive nodes. With a median follow-up of 35 months, estimates of DFS revealed tumor size ( P = 0.008), nodal status ( P = 0.0004), LVSI ( P = 0.002), PI ( P = 0.004), and DOI ( P = 0.0004) as significant univariate predictors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, grade, histology, and adjuvant radiation were not associated with recurrence. The significant independent predictors of DFS were LVSI (ROR 5.7, CI 2–16, P = 0.0064) and outer 2/3 DOI (OR 5.8, CI 2–20, P = 0.0029). Neither tumor size nor nodal status was a significant predictor of DFS. Conclusions. The prognosis in stage IB cervical cancer seems to be most influenced by presence of LVSI and DOI and not by tumor size as the staging criteria would suggest. These factors are best determined pathologically after radical hysterectomy. This report contains the largest comparison of IB1 and IB2 patients managed by RH. Tumor size failed to predict recurrence or nodal status when stratified by LVSI, DOI, and PI. Treatment decisions based on tumor size alone should be reconsidered.
Optimality of Myopic Sensing in Multichannel Opportunistic Access

This paper considers opportunistic communication over multiple channels where the state (ldquogoodrdquo or ldquobadrdquo) of each channel evolves as independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Markov processes. A user, with limited channel sensing capability, chooses one channel to sense and decides whether to use the channel (based on the sensing result) in each time slot. A reward is obtained whenever the user senses and accesses a ldquogoodrdquo channel. The objective is to design a channel selection policy that maximizes the expected total (discounted or average) reward accrued over a finite or infinite horizon. This problem can be cast as a partially observed Markov decision process (POMDP) or a restless multiarmed bandit process, to which optimal solutions are often intractable. This paper shows that a myopic policy that maximizes the immediate one-step reward is optimal when the state transitions are positively correlated over time. When the state transitions are negatively correlated, we show that the same policy is optimal when the number of channels is limited to two or three, while presenting a counterexample for the case of four channels. This result finds applications in opportunistic transmission scheduling in a fading environment, cognitive radio networks for spectrum overlay, and resource-constrained jamming and antijamming.
Urea inhibits the Na-K pump in human erythrocytes.

Recent studies have established that urea alters the activity of several volume-sensitive cation transport pathways. However, it has remained unclear whether urea has any effect on transport pathways that are not volume-sensitive. We examined the effect of urea on Na-K pump in the human erythrocytes. In cells from nine subjects, 500 mm urea inhibited 52 ± 10% of the pump activity measured as the ouabain-sensitive (OS) K influx. Urea inhibited the OS K influx reversibly, in a concentration-dependent manner. [3H] oubain binding, a measure of the number of Na-K pump sites remained unchanged with urea. Urea decreased the Vmax for ouabain-sensitive K influx, but did not alter the apparent Km for external K. Furthermore, urea did not alter the apparent Km for intracellular Na. The ion turnover per pump site was decreased in the presence of urea. Thus, physiologically relevant urea concentration inhibit the Na-K pump in human erythrocyte. The inhibition of the Na-K pump by urea suggests that the effects of urea may not be limited to volume-sensitive transporters, but may be more widespread.
Energy transfer rate constants for the SO(A 3Π) state

Abstract Second-order energy transfer rate constants have been determined for quenching of SO(A), vibrational energy transfer in SO(A, ν′=1→ν′=0), and for spin-orbit energy transfer in SO(A, ν′=0, 1) with the bath gases He, Ar, and SF 6 . A simple zeroth-order kinetic model has been assumed in order to calculate the value of rate constants from the experimental data.
Policy termination: uncovering the ideological dimension

deLeon and others assert that progress in policy termination research requires an emphasis on political-ideological reasons for termination. One obstacle to pursuing this line of inquiry is that cases of successful policy termination are relatively rare. As a useful alternative, one could examine cases in which ideology has apparently prevented a strongly indicated policy termination. An example is the Israeli Labor government's decision to bail out Israel's failing kibbutzim (collectives) despite severe budget pressures and the near-certainty that some kibbutzim will still not become self-supporting. Labor will not terminate its policy of support because, although the kibbutzim's direct political power is diminished, they retain substantial moral authority as past nation- builders and as embodiments of Labor's socialist/humanist ideals. Anomalous non-terminations such as this should offer rich possibilities for policy termination research.
Determining and navigating institutional culture

Purpose – This column seeks to address library personnel issues. This particular installment discusses the challenges of determining an organization's culture and the culture of any parent or supporting organizations. It also discusses some strategies for navigating organizational culture.Design/methodology/approach – The column is based on the author's substantial experience dealing with personnel matters in academic, public, and special libraries, including hiring for all types of positions. It is personal opinion, based on lengthy experience.Findings – This article discusses the challenges inherent in learning about an organization's culture and the culture of any parent or supporting organizations. It also discusses a variety of strategies for navigating organizational culture, in order to foster success.Originality/value – The column is intended to help people to deal with all types of personnel issues overall; this specific column is intended to help librarians deal with the challenges of determinin...
Towards using eye-tracking data to develop visual-search observers for x-ray breast imaging

Visual-search (VS) model observers have the potential to provide reliable predictions of human-observer performance in detection-localization tasks. The purpose of this work was to examine some characteristics of human gaze on breast images with the goal of informing the design of our VS observers. Using a helmet-mounted eye- tracking system, we recording the movement of gaze from human observers as they searched for masses in sets of 2D digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images. The masses in this study were of a single profile. The DBT images were extracted from image volumes reconstructed with filtered back-projection and penalized maximum- likelihood methods. Fixation times associated with observer points of interest (POIs) were computed from the observer data. The fixation times were then compared to sets of morphological feature values extracted from the images. These features, extracted as cross-correlations involving the mass profile and the test image, included the matched filter (MF), gradient MF, and Laplacian MF. For this initial investigation, we computed correlation coefficients between the fixation times and the feature values.
PHOTOMETRIC MASS RATIOS OF ECLIPSING BINARY STARS

Following a brief history of measurement of eclipsing binary mass ratios from light curves, we show that photometric mass ratios for overcontact and semi-detached binaries are reliable because the relative stellar radii, R/a, are accurately measured and not, as commonly claimed, because of information in the light variation outside eclipse. We explore the accuracy of photometric mass ratios by solving synthetic data of typical precisions for a semi-detached and an overcontact binary for orbital inclinations from 89° down into the partial eclipse range.
Cross-cultural aspects of bereavement. II: Ethnic and cultural variations in the development of bereavement practices.

Despite a growing interest in bereavement in cross-cultural perspective, few reports have described a comparative analysis of bereavement. By examining the social contexts in the transformations of Western bereavement practices, structures common to bereavement in a range of cultures can be identified. The paper compares the contemporary bereavement practices of several ethnic and cultural groups in North America: Blacks; ethnic Chinese; Southeast Asian refugees; Haitians; Italians; Greeks; and Spanish-speaking groups. Consideration is given to the state of widowhood in different cultural systems. The impact of modernization among traditional societies demonstrates that even though Western technologies are incorporated into the procedures followed by these modernizing societies, the deep cultural code remains intact.
A compilation of amino acid analyses of proteins - XVI. Residues per molecule - 13.

Abstract A compilation of the amino acid analyses as residues per molecular weight of 164 proteins is presented. In addition the molecular weight, amide distribution as glutamine and asparagine residues and carbohydrate content is also provided.
Altered osteoblast gluconeogenesis in X-linked hypophosphatemic mice is associated with a depressed intracellular pH

We have studied gluconeogenesis and intracellular pH levels in normal (+/Y) and X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp/Y) mice. Compared with +/Y littermates, Hyp/Y mouse osteoblasts showed a higher rate of glucose production from fructose (10-fold), glutamine, and malate, but no significant difference when α-ketoglutarate was used as substrate. The activities of the pentose cycle enzymes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, were not different in the two osteoblast preparations. Examination of intracellular pH (pHi) using the double excitation of the pH-sensitive dye 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF-AM) revealed a significantly lower pHi in Hyp/Y mouse osteoblasts compared with +/Y mouse osteoblasts (7.01±0.03 n=10 versus 7.15±0.04 n=8, respectively; P<0.05). These results show for the first time that osteoblasts are capable of glucose production and that glucose production is altered in the Hyp/Y mouse osteoblast. As altered gluconeogenesis has been associated with reduced intracellular pH in other systems, a similar mechanism may be operative in the Hyp/Y mouse osteoblast. The observed defects may be intrinsic to the Hyp phenotype as the alterations in intracellular pH and gluconeogenesis persisted in vitro, or they may represent impressed memory from the in vivo state and the presumed circulating factor that influences phosphate transport.
Reliability Prediction Methods: A Survey and Selection for Mechanical Design-For-Reliability

There are many reliability prediction methods applicable to mechanical systems design. This paper specifically discusses the methods of probability or failure rate generation for reliability prediction. The paper consists of three parts. The first part is to survey the methods. We survey five most frequently used failure probability generation methods: statistical frequency and modeling method, similarity and comparative assessment method, physics based failure modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, and expert elicitation. We discuss the technical rationale and scientific foundation of each method and illustrate them with application examples. The second part is to evaluate and compare the methods. We identify the following attributes for evaluating and ranking the methods: the closeness of the method to the design; the validity and fidelity of the prediction results; the extensiveness of the analysis effort involved and data needs; the applicability of the methods at different product life cycle stages; and the limitations and cautions of using the prediction results to assist design-for-reliability. The third part is to establish a selection framework from applicable methods based on the ranking result of the second part, to assist practical use of the methods for mechanical design-for-reliability.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Bunching near transition in the BNL AGS

The proton driver for the muon collider must produce short pulses of protons in order to facilitate muon cooling and operation with polarized beams. In order to test methods of producing these bunches, we have operated the alternating-gradient synchrotron near transition and studied procedures which involved moving the transition energy ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{t}$ to the beam energy. We were able to produce stable bunches of $3--5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}$ protons with rms widths of $\ensuremath{\sigma}=2.0--2.7\mathrm{ns}$ for longitudinal bunch areas of $1.5\mathrm{eV}\mathrm{s}$, in addition to making measurements of the lowest two orders of the momentum compaction factor.
Quantum-limited optical phase detection at the 10(-10)-rad level.

Interferometric detection of gravitational waves at a level of astrophysical interest is expected to require measurement of optical phase differences of ≤10-10 rad. A fundamental limit to the phase sensing is the statistics of photon detection—Poisson statistics for light in a coherent state. We have built a laboratory-scale interferometer to achieve and investigate the phase detection sensitivity required for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. With 70 W of circulating power, we have obtained a phase sensitivity of 1.28×10-10 rad/Hz at frequencies above 600 Hz, limited by quantum noise. Below 600 Hz, excess noise above the quantum limit is seen, and we present our investigations into the sources of this excess. Compared with the results of previous such experiments, the phase sensitivity over the full 100-Hz–10-kHz band of interest has been improved by factors of up to 100, with a factor-of-2.5 improvement in the quantum-limited level.
Antithrombin III concentrate in the acute phase of thermal injury

Abstract Background: Thermal injury disrupts homeostasis by inducing subclinical disseminated intravascular coagulation, fibrinolysis, and an acquired deficiency of Antithrombin III (ATIII), a natural anticoagulant. As a result, thermally injured patients have a high incidence of hypercoagulability and thrombosis. Objective: ATIII (Human) concentrate was given to a thermally injured patient to evaluate safety, and dosage requirements in this setting. Design: The patient was a 40 yr old male with a 68% total burn surface area, right femoral comminuted fracture, and C5–C6 subluxation sustained in a vehicular crash. He received nine infusions of AT III (H) concentrate (100–50 u/kg) within the first four days of injury. Result: The ATIII plasma level increased from 45% on admission (normal=100±20%) to 120±25% in the next four days. During the 64 day hospitalization, there were 11 grafting procedures with an estimated blood loss (EBL)/procedure: 1140 cc; and EBL/grafted surface area ratio: 0.6 cc/cm 2 . The average time to healing of the meshed autograft was 6.4 days. Conclusion: ATIII (H) concentrate can be safely utilized in the acute phase of thermal injury: no excessive bleeding or prolongation of wound healing was documented..