cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using bid data for the management of sequential, multi-unit, online auctions with uniformly distributed bidder valuations

Abstract Internet auctions for consumers’ goods are an increasingly popular selling venue. We have observed that many sellers, instead of offering their entire inventory in a single auction, split it into sequential auctions of smaller lots, thereby reducing the negative market impact of larger lots. Information technology also makes it possible to collect and analyze detailed bid data from online auctions. In this paper, we develop and test a new model of sequential online auctions to explore the potential benefits of using real bid data from earlier auctions to improve the management of future auctions. Assuming a typical truth-revealing auction model, we quantify the effect of the lot size on the closing price and derive a closed-form solution for the problem of allocating inventory across multiple auctions when bidder valuation distributions are known. We also develop a decision methodology for allocating inventory across multiple auctions that dynamically incorporates the results of previous auctions as feedback into the management of subsequent auctions, and updating the lot size and number of auctions. We demonstrate how information signals from previous auctions can be used to update the auctioneer’s beliefs about the customers’ valuation distribution, and then to significantly increase the seller’s profit potential. We use several examples to reveal the benefits of using detailed transaction data for the management of sequential, multi-unit, online auctions and we demonstrate how these benefits are influenced by the inventory holding costs, the number of bidders, and the dispersion of consumers’ valuations.
Evaluation of Drought Tolerance and Fertility Traits for Rice Maintainer Lines Extensively Used in China

By monitoring soil moisture using both soil moisture meter and soil sampling method, we evaluated the drought tolerance of maintainer lines at panicle stage. Results showed that: (1) the maintainer lines K22-B, Jin 23-B, and II-32-B were drought-insensitive at panicle stage, while Zhenshan 97-B, Zhong 9-B, and Xieqingzao-B were drought-sensitive; (2) the tested maintainer lines were more sensitive to drought stress at flowering stage (from pollen filling stage to spikelets filling stage) than at booting stage (from meiosis stage of pollen mother cell to pollen filling stage); (3) drought stress at booting stage mainly injured the spikelet fertility and there was a positive correlation between stress index and percentage of unfilled grains (r = 6988), and drought stress at flowering stage injured both the fertility and plumpness of spikelets, the percentage of unfilled grains and the percentage of non-fully filled grains exhibited a positive correlation with stress index (r = 0.7660 and r = 0.5230 respectively); (4) there was no correlation between drought tolerance at panicle stage and grain setting characteristics under normal condition.
Finite correlation time effects in nonequilibrium phase transitions: III. Multi-degree-of-freedom systems☆

Abstract We determine an approximate renormalized phase space evolution equation for an arbitrary multi-degree-of-freedom system externally driven by Gaussian parametric fluctuations having finite correlation times . Our method yields a second-order equation with a state- and time-dependent diffusion tensor. As a particular example we study a linear oscillator with a fluctuating frequency and a fluctuating driving force, both having a finite correlation time. We show that the finite correlation time of the frequency fluctuations has a stabilizing effect on the oscillator.
Orbital eccentricity driven temperature variation at Mercury's poles

[1] Due to Mercury's extremely small obliquity, variations in orbital eccentricity are likely to have been the dominant cause of changes in polar temperatures on Mercury throughout the bulk of its history. In the last 10 Myr, the eccentricity has varied between 0.1 and 0.3. Over the past 100 Myr, eccentricity extremes of nearly zero to greater than 0.4 have likely been reached. We calculate the temperature in the near-polar region (within 10° of the North Pole) as it varies in response to past eccentricities. These calculations show periods with dramatically different temperatures, diurnal amplitudes, and long period thermal cycles—all of which can have a dramatic effect on longitudinal variations in long-term subsurface ice stability. Given forthcoming topographic data, thermal models including long-term eccentricity can help constrain when past ice might have been delivered to Mercury.
Induction of chronic human immunodeficiency virus infection is blocked in vitro by a methylphosphonate oligodeoxynucleoside targeted to a U3 enhancer element.

Abstract Oligodeoxynucleosides with internucleoside methylphosphonate linkages complementary to regions within U3 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 were evaluated for their ability to block phorbol myristate acetate upregulation of virus in chronically infected promonocytic and T-lymphoblastoid cell lines. One such oligomer, targeted to an NF-kappa B enhancer element, inhibited phorbol myristate acetate induction of viral replication and tat-mediated trans activation of the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat. The effect of this construct is contrasted with classical antisense methylphosphonate-derivatized oligomers complementary to initiation codon and splice acceptor sites of human immunodeficiency virus structural and regulatory genes. Its activity suggests a novel application of the modified oligonucleotide strategy in the blockade of viral induction from latently infected cells.
Intelligent Agents Who Wear Your Face: Users' Reactions to the Virtual Self

The three-dimensional models used to embody intelligent agents are becoming increasingly realistic. We discuss two studies in which we embodied intelligently behaving virtual agents with photographically realistic models of human subjects' heads and faces. We then immersed those subjects with agents embodied with their virtual selves and compared their interactions and nonverbal behaviors to separate subjects who were immersed with agents embodied with virtual others. Subjects treated agents embodied with their virtual selves fundamentally differently than agents embodied with virtual others in regards to both measured nonverbal behaviors and questionnaire ratings. Implications for systems incorporating realistic embodied agents are discussed.
Sexuality, Lies, and Loss

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a model for understanding normative trauma in the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. The model argues that the experiences of LGB people include a number of normative experiences of interpersonal trauma and loss. The paper explores several paradigms for interpersonal traumatization that might apply to the lives of LGB people. This paper then explores how the experience of normative interpersonal trauma and loss might impact the LGB survivor of Criterion A trauma. Issues of countertransference for both LGB and heterosexual therapists are explored.
Measuring progress in toxic use and waste minimization

Polaroid's toxic use and waste reduction (TUWR) program is discussed. The goals of the program are to minimize the use of certain toxic materials, and to maximize the recycling of wastes that are generated. In the design of new processes and products. the contribution to corporate waste performance is evaluated as a factor of importance equal to cost and quality. Particular attention is given to the environmental accounting and reporting system, developed as a centralized database to support and measure progress achieved by TUWR. Freon 113 reduction is considered as an example. >
The Hierarchical Consequences of Reinvention

Political reorganizations like that of the National Performance Review in the United States fundamentally alter hierarchical relations within public agencies. This study includes a set of formal exercises to examine two logical consequences of reinvention: the increased likelihood of coordination failures, and the reduction in political leaders' hierarchical status in the organization. These effects are discussed in the context of a substantial change in the public organization of health services: the alteration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' structure. This study shows that reinvention fundamentally alters the power and status of political appointees, the standing of top leadership, and the likelihood of conflict resolution within the organization.
Rho-LIM Kinase Signaling Regulates Ecdysone-Induced Gene Expression and Morphogenesis during Drosophila Metamorphosis

The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone) is the key regulator of postembryonic developmental transitions in insects and controls metamorphosis by triggering the morphogenesis of adult tissues from larvae. The Rho GTPase, which mediates cell shape change and migration, is also an essential regulator of tissue morphogenesis during development. Rho activity can modulate gene expression, in part, by activating LIM kinase (LIMK) and consequently affecting actin-induced SRF transcriptional activity. We have established a link between Rho-LIMK-SRF signaling and the ecdysone-induced transcriptional response during Drosophila development. Specifically, we determined that the Rho GTPase, via LIMK, regulates the expression of several ecdysone-responsive genes, including those encoding the ecdysone receptor itself, a downstream transcription factor (Br-C), and Stubble, a transmembrane protease required for proper leg formation. Stubble and Br-C mutants exhibit strong genetic interactions with several Rho pathway components in the formation of adult structures, but not with Rac or Cdc42. In cultured SL2 cells, inhibition of Rho, F-actin assembly, or SRF blocks the transcriptional response to ecdysone. Together, these findings indicate a link between Rho-LIMK signaling and steroid hormone-induced gene expression in the context of metamorphosis and thereby establish a novel role for the Rho GTPase in development.
Relation of Two Perceptual Styles to Learning a Novel Motor Skill

Summary.-Whether specific perceptual styles are related in learning a novel motor skill was investigated. Using scores on the perceptual component of the Dunn, Dunn, and Price Learning Style Inventory, to determine perceptual style, 98 secondary school students were divided into two groups, kinesthetic/tactile and auditory/visual. No significant difference in skill was observed. Recent efforts to improve teaching and learning have focused on students' learning styles. This study was designed to provide information about the relation between two perceptual styles and learning a novel skill. Subjects were 42 freshmen in physical education enrolled in two secondary schools and qualified from a tested group of 98. The Dunn, Dunn, and Price (1978) Learning Style Inventory was administered to determine perceptual style, i.e., auditory/visual or kinesthetic/cactile. The auditory/visual group was composed of 22 students scoring 75% or higher on the auditory and visual components of the inventory and scoring 50% or below on the Kinesthetic and tactile components. The kinesthetic/taccile group was composed of 20 students scoring 75% or higher on the kinesthetic and tactile components and 50% or below on both the auditory and visual components. Students were asked to perform a novel motor skill, the tennis-ball basketbounce. Subjects stood behind the free throw line on a basketball court and attempted to bounce a tennis ball once on the floor and then into the basket. Based upon the success of each trial, points were awarded: zero points were awarded if the ball failed to make contact with the net, backboard, or rim and did not go into the basket; one point was awarded for hitting the backboard; two points for hitting the net; three points for hitting the backboard or rim but not going in; four points for hitting the backboard or rim and going in; and five points for going into the basket without touching rim or backboard. Subjects were introduced to the cask by viewing a specially prepared video tape in which the skill was demonstrated and the critical aspects of the technique verbally explained. The video was shown three times in the first five days of the study after which a multiple-choice quiz was given to estimate
Risk-informed pressurized water reactor vessel inspection interval extension

The methodology discussed in this paper provides a risk informed basis for decreasing the frequency of inspection for the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) reactor pressure vessel (RPV). The decrease in frequency is based on extending the interval between inspections from the current interval of 10 years to 20 years. Results of pilot studies on typical designs of PWR vessels show that the change in risk associated with extending the inspection interval by more than 10 years is within the guidelines specified in U.S. Regulatory Guide 1.174 for insignificant change in risk. The current requirements for inspection of reactor vessel pressure-containing welds have been in effect since the 1989 Edition of American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, supplemented by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Regulatory Guide 1.150, June 1981. The manner in which these examinations are conducted has recently been augmented by Appendix VIII of Section XI, 1996 Addenda, as implemented by the NRC in amendment to 10CFR50.55a effective November 22, 1999. This paper summarizes the insignificant change in risk results for the PWR pilot-plant studies, including the effects of fatigue crack growth and in-service inspection of postulated surface-breaking flaws. These results demonstrate that the proposed RPV inspection interval extension is a viable option for the industry.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The alignment of protein structures in three dimensions.

This article extends the use of dynamic programming algorithms in molecular sequence comparison to the alignment of the α-carbon (Cα-) coordinates of two protein structures in three dimensions. The algorithm is described in detail and is applied to the comparison of α-lactalbumin with both hen egg white lysozyme and T4 lysozyme. In the first case, the structures are similar, while the second comparison is between two distantly related molecules. References are made to the usual sequence alignments. A variety of complementary methods are introduced to display the results.
Methylpyridines: Vibrational assignments and an approximate force field

Molecular vibrational analysis of pyridine and its deuterium and methyl derivatives was carried out to establish consistent vibrational assignments for use in statistical thermodynamic calculations. A 46-parameter modified valence force field was determined. The average error between the 777 observed and calculated frequencies is 7.8 cm−1 or 0.98%.
The fractional Hall effect in multi-component systems

Abstract The fractional Hall effect is a consequence of the existence of incompressible states of a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas at certain fractional Landau level filling factors. In multicomponent systems a rich variety of novel incompressible states can be realized. It is now becoming possible to study these states in systems where the magnetic field is weak enough to allow partial spin polarization, or where two or more 2D electron layers are in close proximity. Some of the new issues in the physics of multi-component systems are discussed.
Uniqueness ofx/¦x¦ as a stable configuration in liquid crystals

We deduce the uniqueness ofx/¦x¦ as a stable configuration in liquid crystals for some range of the elastic constants, following an observation on the curvature of the integral curves along the optic axis and a careful study of F.-H. Lin’s proof ofx/¦x¦ as a stable harmonic map. Our study includes the harmonic case when all the elastic constants are equal.
In vitro inhibition by metabolic antagonists of incorporation of (32P)phosphate into the major phospholipids of swine coronary and pulmonary arteries.

Summary Incorporation of [ 32 P]phosphate into sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine of normal swine arteries was studied in vitro . Choline added to the media increased the specific activity in phosphatidyl choline, whereas ethanolamine had no significant effects. Addition of 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol in concentrations from 0.001–0.1 M inhibited incorporation of 32 P into all the phospholipid classes; phosphatidyl choline was affected to a somewhat greater extent than the others. Ratios of choline to aminomethylpropanol in the media of 1:1 and 10:1 resulted in partial reversal of the inhibition; the reversal was nearly complete at a ratio of 100:1. The pulmonary artery seemed to be somewhat less sensitive than the coronary artery to inhibition of net phospholipid synthesis by aminomethylpropanol. Addition of 3-amino-l-propanol, dimethylaminoisopropanol and triethanol-amine in concentrations of 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 M each resulted in inhibition of [ 32 P]-phosphate incorporation into the phospholipids of the coronary arteries; there was little evidence of specific inhibition of any of the individual phospholipid classes studied.
Corrigendum to ''A novel chemotype of kinase inhibitors: Discovery of 3,4-ring fused 7-azaindoles and deazapurines as potent JAK2 inhibitors" (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20 (2010) 153)

Corrigendum Corrigendum to ‘‘A novel chemotype of kinase inhibitors: Discovery of 3,4-ring fused 7-azaindoles and deazapurines as potent JAK2 inhibitors” [Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20 (2010) 153] Tiansheng Wang *, Mark W. Ledeboer *, John P. Duffy, Francesco G. Salituro , Albert C. Pierce, Harmon J. Zuccola, Eric Block, Dina Shlyakter, James K. Hogan, Youssef L. Bennani Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., 130 Waverly St., Cambridge, MA 02139-4242, United States
Inhibitor specificity of the placental microsomal oxidase system responsible for the aromatization of epitestosterone (17α-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one)

Abstract Human placental microsomes converted epitestosterone to estradiol-17α at rates of 23–48 pmol/min-mg protein with a Km of 113 μM. Activity was inhibited 70–90% by concentrations of CO, metyrapone, n -octylamine, 7,8-benzoflavone and 7-ethoxycoumarin which had no effect on the aromatization of 4-androstene-3,17-dione. Conversely, cyanide and azide were more effective inhibitors of the conversion of the latter androgen. A variety of neutral steroids inhibited the aromatization of epitestosterone with 19-norsteroids being particularly effective, but competitive effects could not be demonstrated. Both 17β-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one and 16α-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione caused a mixed inhibition. A number of phenolic steroids were also inhibitory with 16-oxo compounds being particulary effective. Inhibition by estrone was non-competitive (Ki = 16 μM). The aromatization of epitestosterone resembles placental microsomal oxidase activities against estrone and benzo [a]pyrene in its inhibitor specificity and epitestosterone may be the native substrate for an oxidase also active in the metabolism of aromatic xenobiotic chemicals.
Induction of MMP-9 mediated gelatinolytic activity in human monocytic cells by cell wall components of M. tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection induces the expression of host matrix metalloIproteinases (MMPs) capable of tissue degradation. We show that infection of mice with Mtb results in differential expression of MMPs in the lung. MMP-9 activity increased by week 1 post-infection, while MMP-2 activity increased after week 2. RT-PCR analysis for gene expression of gelatinases and their respective inhibitors showed: a small increase in MMP-9 by week 1, no change in TIMP-1 and MMP-2, and a significant decrease in TIMP-2 by week 4. The increase in MMP-2 could be due to a decrease in TIMP-2 expression. Addition of 4-aminophenylmercuric acid to lung extracts increased MMP-9 activity, suggesting that its regulation could be due to endogenous activation by proteases. In vitro, attenuated and virulent Mtb strains equally induced MMP-9 expression in U937 monocytes. The inducer of MMP-9 in Mtb was present in culture filtrates, and was active after paraformaldehyde fixation. LAM stimulated MMP-9 expression in THP-1 cells, but not U937 cells. However, LAM-free extracts also induced MMP-9 activity in THP-1 cells. Fractionation of Mtb extracts by chromatography revealed fractions of 17 and 156 kDa with MMP-9 inducing activity. In conclusion, LAM and other components of Mtb induce the expression of MMP-9.
Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy for Inverted Papillomas of the Paranasal Sinuses: Value of the Intraoperative Endoscopic Examination

Objective: The extent of paranasal sinus involvement by inverted papilloma and the degree of surgery are often determined before surgery by computer tomography (CT). The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative CT versus intraoperative endoscopic examination are unknown. Study Design: Prospective. Methods: Nineteen patients with inverted papilloma who underwent endoscopic medial maxillectomy were staged tomographically. Findings were compared with pathological and intraoperative endoscopic findings. Results: Twenty sides were evaluated. The overall sensitivity and specificity for the preoperative CT evaluation were 69% and 20%, respectively. For intraoperative endoscopic evaluation they were 69% and 68%, respectively. Excluding the sphenoid sinus, the overall sensitivity for CT scan and intraoperative endoscopic evaluation increased to 87%. Excluding the anterior ethmoids, the overall specificity for CT scan and intraoperative endoscopic evaluation increased to 25% and 79%, respectively. The overall cure rate was 94% (18 patients) with an average follow-up of 36 months (range, 16-80 mo). Conclusion: Intraoperative endoscopic examination is comparable in sensitivity but better in specificity than preoperative CT analysis for. differentiating between inverted papilloma and other disease. Both modalities of evaluation tend to overestimate the extent of disease (sensitivity). The presence of a normal intraoperative endoscopic examination may be a better way of determining the extent of mucosal removal during surgery. Endoscopic medial maxillectomy remains an effective surgical option for inverted papilloma removal.
How many samples are required? Evaluating a model for verification of carbon sequestration in a hybrid poplar buffer strip

A model is developed to predict annual and total above-ground carbon storage within a hybrid poplar stream buffer. The regression model predicts tree wet weight based upon circumference at breast-height (137 cm) with an r-square value of 0.9922. Carbon storage in above-ground biomass is estimated to be 3.57 to 3.71 metric tons per hectare, with a measured annual increment of 0.92 to 1.37 metric ton per hectare per year. The variability of carbon storage within this biological system, including soil organic matter, is explored, and the number of samples required to achieve a desired level of statistical certainty are predicted. As has been investigated previously for other biological systems (Garten and Wullschleger, 1999), the study shows that a prohibitively large number of samples must be taken in order to achieve high degrees of certainty about mean carbon storage values. The study also shows, however, that mean values with somewhat greater uncertainties can easily be achieved with much smaller sample sizes. Thus carbon sequestration verification might be accomplished cost-effectively if the degree of certainty required is not unrealistically high for highly variable natural systems.
Genetic control of Endosperm Balance Number (EBN): three additive loci in a threshold-like system

The genetic control of Endosperm Balance Number (EBN) was investigated by a complete diallel of four exceptional diploid Solanum commersonii-S. chacoense hybrids (1 1/2 EBN) and backcrosses to their species parents, S. commersonii (1 EBN) and S. chacoense (2 EBN). Crosses in which the female parent had a higher EBN value than the male, S. chacoense (2 EBN)XF1 (11/2 EBN) and F1 (11/2 EBN)X S. commersonii (1 EBN), produced viable seed to aborted seed ratios of 1∶1.1 and 1∶1.3, respectively, and had average to small sized viable seed. Crosses in which the female parent had a lower EBN value than the male, S. commersonii (1 EBN)XF1 (11/2 EBN) and F1 (11/2 EBN)XS. chacoense (2 EBN), produced viable seed to aborted seed ratios of 1 ∶ 7.9 and 1 ∶ 6.7, respectively, and had average to large sized viable seeds. The results of these crosses appear to be consistent with the relative EBN values of the male and female parent. A model is proposed for the system regulating endosperm development. The assumptions of this model are: (1) three unlinked loci control the system; (2) the loci are homozygous within a species; (3) the genes have additive effects and are of equal strength within a species; (4) the genes within S. chacoense have twice the effect with respect to endosperm regulation as those within S. commersonii; and (5) a slight excess maternal dosage will produce the qualitative effect of small but viable seed. This model, in which quantitative genes operate in a dosage dependent system bears many similarities to classical, threshold-type genetic models.
Thermal conductivity of Zn, Pr and Tb doped YBCO single crystals: Theory and experiment

The thermal conductivity K(T) vs temperature has been measured for (Y,Pr)Ba2Cu3O7, (Y,Tb)Ba2Cu3O7 and YBa2(Cu,Zn)3O7 single crystals from 10≤T≤280K. For YBa2Cu3O7(YBCO), a strong enhancement in K(T) is observed for T≤Tcwith a peak in K(T) at approximately T≈Tc/2 with a sharp change in slope of K(T) at Tc. These results are similar to those reported previously. For the selectively doped YBCO, the peak in K(T) is shifted to lower temperatures and occurs at T≈ 20K independent of Tc and the impurity concentration. In addition, the sharp change in slope of K(T) at Tc is not apparent for the doped crystals. These results are discussed along with a theoretical model for electronic conduction including both impurity and inelastic scattering from spin fluctuations.
The interaction of lodine with aryl methyl sulfides

Abstract Electronic spectral data for mixtures of iodine and aryl methyl sulfides in CCl 4 are reported. The mixtures exhibit two bands in the 290–360 mμ region, and under certain conditions a third band in the visible region. The two ultraviolet bands are attributed to the charge-transfer transition involving the two e 1 g nondegenerate orbitals into which the e 1 g orbital of benzene splits in unsymmetrically substituted benzenes. The intense color change which accompanies increased donor concentrations is explained by postulating the formation of an iodosulfonium ion.
Mutagenesis of Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein I (gI) Identifies a Cysteine Residue Critical for gE/gI Heterodimer Formation, gI Structure, and Virulence in Skin Cells

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the alphaherpesvirus that causes chicken pox (varicella) and shingles (zoster). The two VZV glycoproteins gE and gI form a heterodimer that mediates efficient cell-to-cell spread. Deletion of gI yields a small-plaque-phenotype virus, ΔgI virus, which is avirulent in human skin using the xenograft model of VZV pathogenesis. In the present study, 10 mutant viruses were generated to determine which residues were required for the typical function of gI. Three phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic domain of gI were not required for VZV virulence in vivo. Two deletion mutants mapped a gE binding region in gI to residues 105 to 125. A glycosylation site, N116, in this region did not affect virulence. Substitution of four cysteine residues highly conserved in the Alphaherpesvirinae established that C95 is required for gE/gI heterodimer formation. The C95A and Δ105-125 (with residues 105 to 125 deleted) viruses had small-plaque phenotypes with reduced replication kinetics in vitro similar to those of the ΔgI virus. The Δ105-125 virus was avirulent for human skin in vivo. In contrast, the C95A mutant replicated in vivo but with significantly reduced kinetics compared to those of the wild-type virus. In addition to abolished gE/gI heterodimer formation, gI from the C95A or the Δ105-125 mutant was not recognized by monoclonal antibodies that detect the canonical conformation of gI, demonstrating structural disruption of gI in these viruses. This alteration prevented gI incorporation into virus particles. Thus, residues C95 and 105 to 125 are critical for gI structure required for gE/gI heterodimer formation, virion incorporation, and ultimately, effective viral spread in human skin.
Proton beam radiotherapy versus three-dimensional conformal stereotactic body radiotherapy in primary peripheral, early-stage non-small-cell lung carcinoma: a comparative dosimetric analysis.

Purpose Proton radiotherapy (PT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have the capacity to optimize the therapeutic ratio. We analyzed the dosimetric differences between PT and SBRT in treating primary peripheral early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer. Methods and Materials Eight patients were simulated, planned, and treated with SBRT according to accepted techniques. SBRT treatments were retrospectively planned using heterogeneity corrections. PT treatment plans were generated using single-, two-, and three-field passively scattered and actively scanned proton beams. Calculated dose characteristics were compared. Results Comparable planning target volume (PTV) median minimum and maximum doses were observed between PT and SBRT plans. Higher median maximum doses 2 cm from the PTV were observed for PT, but higher median PTV doses were observed for SBRT. The total lung mean and V5 doses were significantly lower with actively scanned PT. The lung V13 and V20 were comparable. The dose to normal tissues was lower with PT except to skin and ribs. Although the maximum doses to skin and ribs were similar or higher with PT, the median doses to these structures were higher with SBRT. Passively scattered plans, compared with actively scanned plans, typically demonstrated higher doses to the PTV, lung, and organs at risk. Conclusions Single-, two-, or three-field passively or actively scanned proton therapy delivered comparable PTV dose with generally less dose to normal tissues in these hypothetic treatments. Actively scanned beam plans typically had more favorable dose characteristics to the target, lung, and other soft tissues compared with the passively scanned plans. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined.
Krishna's garden

On a scorching hot summer's day, Krishna finds that his garden is dying. By playing his music, he is able to get a a little cloud to help water his plants and the rest of the dry earth around him.
Effect of fluid flow on macrosegregation in axi-symmetric ingots

A combined theoretical and experimental study of steady-state fluid flow, heat flow and segregation in axi-symmetric ingot production is presented, with specific applications in continuous casting and ESR. The fluid flow-segregation model involves the coupling of convective heat and fluid flow in the fully liquid metal pool ahead of the liquidus isotherm to the interdendritic fluid flow responsible for macrosegregation in the “mushy” zone of ingots solidifying under axi-symmetric conditions. Experiments on low-temperature Sn-Pb alloys verify the solidification model.
The effect of flextime on absenteeism and turnover for male and female employees.

Abstract Interrole conflict resulting from the demands of work and family roles has become increasingly common over the past decade due to significant societal changes. Females are seen as more susceptible to this interrole conflict because maintaining the home is still perceived as primarily a woman's role. As such, females tend to have higher interrole conflict than males. Flextime may be instrumental in reducing work/family conflict because of the discretion it permits. In turn, the improved integration of conflicting roles is hypothesized to reduce absenteeism and turnover. Thus a longitudinal investigation of potential differences in absenteeism and turnover for females and males on-flextime and females and males not-on-flextime was conducted. Significant decreases in absenteeism but not turnover for females and males on-flextime were found. It was concluded that flextime, by reducing the need for absenteeism, has positive benefits for employees with interrole conflict problems (e.g., dual career families) and for the Organization.
Energy gap substructures in conductance measurements of MgB2-based Josephson junctions: beyond the two-gap model

Several theoretical analyses of the two superconducting energy gaps of magnesium diboride, and , predict substructures within each energy gap, rather than two pure numbers. Recent experiments have revealed similar structures. We report tunneling conductance data providing additional experimental evidence for these features. The absence of these features in c-axis tunneling, and a sharp peak in the subgap (associated with the counterelectrode material), support the conclusion that these features are intrinsic to MgB2. By demonstrating the inadequacy of a simple two-gap model in tting the data, we illustrate that some distinctions between theoretical models of energy gap substructures are experimentally accessible.
The rayleigh limit of charge revisited: light scattering from exploding droplets

Abstract Droplet fission associated with charged droplets has been re-examined to explore the issue of droplet fission prior to reaching the classical Rayleigh limit. Elastic scattering from an evaporating electrodynamically levitated droplet has been used to determine the coulombic charge and droplet size at the onset of droplet explosion. Since precise determination of the charge requires knowledge of the electric field in the levitator, computations of the a.c. and d.c. electric fields were performed as part of the study. The light-scattering data consist of angular scattering measurements and morphological resonance spectra made prior to and subsequent to droplet explosion. Water droplets containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant and 1-dodecanol droplets were used in the experiments. The aqueous solution droplets were 4–15 μm in diameter when they exploded, and the 1-dodecanol droplets were typically 10–20 μm in diameter. Both types of droplets fissioned at approximately 90% of the theoretical Rayleigh limit. In an attempt to determine if the external electric field led to this prior explosion, a second a.c. field (30–100 kHz) was superposed on the normal d.c. field and 60 Hz a.c. field used for electrodynamic trapping of the organic droplets. The external field was found to have no effect on the stability characteristics of the droplet.
Preferential glutamine uptake by cochlear hair cells: implications for the afferent cochlear transmitter

The cochlear uptake of amino acids which are putative neurotransmitters, or closely-related compounds, was examined autoradiographically in the gerbil. Hair cells showed no preferential uptake of most compounds tested. However, preferential accumulation of glutamine by cochlear hair cells was striking. Vestibular hair cells showed no affinity for this amino acid. Glutamine uptake by cochlear hair cells may play an important role in afferent synaptic transmission, by providing transmitter precursor and/or by clearing the synaptic cleft.
Experimental assessment of fractal scale similarity in turbulent flows. Part 2. Higher-dimensional intersections and non-fractal inclusions

Results from an earlier experimental assessment of fractal scale similarity in onedimensional spatial and temporal intersections in turbulent flows are here extended to two- and three-dimensional spatial intersections. Over 25000 two-dimensional (256#) intersections and nearly 40 three-dimensional (256$) intersections, collectively representing more than 2‐3 billion data points, were analysed using objective statistical methods to determine which intersections were as fractal as stochastically scale-similar fractal gauge sets having the same record length. Results for the geometry of Sc ( 1 scalar isosurfaces and the scalar dissipation support span the range of lengthscales between the scalar and viscous diusion scales k D and k m . The present study finds clear evidence for stochastic fractal scale similarity in the dissipation support. With increasing intersection dimension n, the data show a decrease in the fraction of intersections satisfying the criteria for fractal scale similarity, consistent with the presence of localized non-fractal inclusions. Local scale similarity analyses on threedimensional (64$) intersections directly show such intermittent non-fractal inclusions with characteristic lengthscale comparable to k m . These inclusions lead to failure of the relation among codimensions D n 3 Dfi(3fin) when applied to simple average dimensions, which has formed the basis for most previous assessments of fractal scalesimilarity. Unlike the dissipation support geometry, scalar isosurface geometries from the same data were found not to be as fractal as fractional Brownian motion gauge sets over the range of scales examined.
The role of interfacial heat and mechanical energy transfers in a liquid-metal MHD generator

Abstract A brief description of the two-phase liquid-metal MHD power generation cycle and its advantages is provided. The importance of good interfacial liquid to gas heat transfer is discussed, and data confirming that satisfactory heat transfer is indeed achieved in an experimental generator is presented. An expression for the effect of the velocity difference between the gas and the liquid on generator performance is derived. An ‘equivalent turbine’ efficiency is defined to characterize the generator as part of a heat engine and related to experimental data.
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles A single-chip digitally enhanced radio receiver for DBS satellite TV applications

A digital low-IF receiver for satellite TV applications was realized in 110 nm CMOS taking advantage of high speed and moderate resolution ADCs and high digital processing power available in nanometer CMOS. A discrete gain step signal path and a digital power level measurement together with a digital AGC loop implementation resulted in lower receiver area and power and a smaller noise figure penalty. Image rejection in excess of 50 dB was achieved by using a continuous digital I/Q mismatch correction engine that relaxes the matching requirements on the analog front-end and thus reduces the occupied die area. A dynamic digital clock frequency management algorithm was implemented to avoid receiver de-sensitization due to digitally coupled in-band spurs. SoC specifications include: 0.2 dB implementation loss, <1.3degrms integrated phase noise,<-50 dBc spurs, <0.2 s channel acquisition time, 1.2 W power dissipation from a dual 1.8/3.3 V supply and 1.8 x 4.8 mm2 die area.
Parkinson's disease, sleepiness and hypocretin/orexin.

Sir, Sleepiness and disrupted sleep substantially impair quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) (Arnulf et al. , 2000). The hypocretin/orexin neuropeptides stabilize wakefulness and sleep, and in two recent studies, Fronczek et al. (2007) and Thannickal et al. (2007) showed that patients with late-stage PD have a 38–45% loss of the hypothalamic hypocretin-producing neurons. These studies provide novel and important insights into the neuropathology of PD, but several questions remain about whether this partial loss of hypocretin neurons actually causes the sleep–wake disturbances of PD. First, are the sleep-related symptoms of PD consistent with a loss of hypocretin neurons? Narcolepsy is caused by a 90–95% loss of the hypocretin neurons and is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy (sudden loss …
PEDIATRIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY BY WORK RELATIVE VALUE UNITS: IS STUDY COMPLEXITY ADEQUATELY CAPTURED?

Adoption of resource-based relative value units (RVU) for physician reimbursement is the standard method for determining professional payment. RVUs are intended to determine compensation primarily on the “work” involved in performing various procedures. Present RVU assignment for pediatric
Large-area display system using Digital Light Processing

ABSTRACT Military requirements-driven design combined synergistically with extensive leverage of Commercial Off-the-Shelf(COTS) technology. The process yielded an affordable, ruggedized, 21" (diagonal) military airborne color display that caneasily be applied to other applications. The monitor provides a high-resolution 1280 x 1024 display with very wide viewingangles and meets various MIL-STD-8l0 environmental and stress requirements. The display uses a single 1280 x 1024Digital Micromirror Device (DMDTM) as a reflective image source. DMDs can be used to build high-resolution, lightweight,high luminance, large or compact display systems for military applications. The commercial availability of the underlyingdisplay technology will provide substantial cost leverage to the Defense community. This paper describes the designconstraints, performance, design, and status of the project.Keywords: Digital Light ProcessingTM, Digital Micromirror DeviceTM, large area display, airborne display, commandcenter display, Common Large Area Display Set (CLADS), C41.
Identification of the Subdomain in the Nuclear Receptor for the Hormonal Form of Vitamin D3, 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, Vitamin D Receptor, That Is Covalently Modified by an Affinity Labeling Reagent

Abstract Multiple physiological actions of the hormonal form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3), are mediated by a genomic pathway which is initiated by the highly specific recognition and binding by its cognate receptor (vitamin D receptor, VDR) in the target cells. Thus, knowledge of the three-dimensional geometries of the ligand, i.e., 1,25(OH)2D3, and the 1,25(OH)2D3-binding domain of VDR is crucial for a better understanding of diverse physiological roles of this hormone. Recently our laboratory has developed 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-3β-bromoacetate (1,25(OH)2D3-3-BE) as an affinity labeling reagent for covalently modifying the hormone binding domain of native VDRs from calf thymus and rat osteosarcoma cells and baculovirus-expressed recombinant human VDR (hVDR). In the present report, we report affinity labeling of the hormone binding domain of hVDR, expressed inEscherichia colias a glutathioneS-transferase fusion partner, site-specific cleavage of the affinity-labeled VDR with 3-bromo-3-methyl-2-(2-nitrophenylmercapto)-3H-indole, and identification of the C-terminal subdomain of human VDR containing the putative hormone binding site.
Hereditary deficiency of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase.

A 36-year-old white man was found to have low erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity. Plasma cholinesterase activity was normal. The propositus had mild anemia and moderate elliptocytosis, but was asymptomatic. A sister, brother, father, and nephew were hematologically normal, but had slightly subnormal red cell acetylcholinesterase activities. There was no exposure to organophosphates, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria was excluded. Mixing experiments failed to demonstrate the absence of an activator or the presence of an inhibitor. The propositus enzyme showed normal kinetics for the substrate and various inhibitors, normal thermostability, and electrophoretic migration. Major protein bands of the red cell membrane were normal by electrophoresis. Membrane cholesterol and phospholipid content were also normal. The mild anemia is presumably secondary to the presence of moderate elliptocytosis. The pattern of inheritance of the variant gene is unclear, but the propositus may be homozygous for the abnormal allele, and other family members may be heterozygous.
What’ll it be? Cocktail bartenders and the redefinition of service in the creative economy

Abstract While service industries have expanded to accommodate the needs of creative professionals in postindustrial cities, some professions within these industries have transformed into respectable occupations with enormous creative potential and intrinsic rewards. Using cocktail bartenders as a case, this article examines how this transformation occurs and the role of creativity in service work in creative economies. Through an ethnographic analysis of their practices and understanding of their work, I show how cocktail bartenders add creativity to the manual labor of bartending by engaging in “craft production” that is based on the historical principles of “mixology.” They use their aesthetical understandings of alcohol production and consumption to redefine the service aspect of their work. They see making drinks not as a passive act of service but as an active interpersonal exchange that provides customers with a unique sensory experience. The case of cocktail bartenders reveals how occupational niches are formed within the service industry.
Using hierarchical location names for scalable routing and rendezvous in wireless sensor networks

Until practical ad-hoc localisation systems are developed, early deployments of wireless sensor networks will manually configure location information in network nodes in order to assign spatial context to sensor readings. In this paper, we argue that such deployments will use hierarchical location names (for example, a node in a habitat monitoring network might be said to be node number N in cluster C of region R), rather than positions in a two- or three-dimensional coordinate system. We show that these hierarchical location names can be used to design a scalable routing system called HLR. HLR provides a variety of primitives including unicast, scoped anycast and broadcast, as well as various forms of scalable rendezvous. These primitives can be used to implement most of the data-centric routing and storage schemes proposed in the literature; these schemes currently need precise position information and geographic routing in order to scale well. We evaluate HLR using simulations as well as an implementation on the Mica-2 motes.
Direction-of-arrival estimation using distributed arrays: A canonical coordinates perspective with limited array size and sample support

This work provides a canonical coordinates perspective for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation using two distributed sensor arrays. A new method for estimating the DOA of multiple far-field narrow-band sources is proposed. Distinct from existing asymptotic results for canonical correlation analysis (CCA) in such an application, our special interest lies in the realistic limited array size and sample support evaluation. And our proposed objective function does not need asymptotic assumption on array size. Reformulating the task of DOA estimation as a maximization problem under the canonical coordinates framework, we reveal the fact that the bearing information of the sources is embedded in the filtering matrices for generating the canonical coefficients. By properly making use of these filtering matrices we are able to reconstruct the steering vectors of the arrays, thus obtain the DOA estimation of the sources using distributed arrays.