cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mobile ad-hoc network routing protocols: methodologies and applications

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a wireless network that uses multi-hop peer-to-peer routing instead of static network infrastructure to provide network connectivity. MANETs have applications in rapidly deployed and dynamic military and civilian systems. The network topology in a MANET usually changes with time. Therefore, there are new challenges for routing protocols in MANETs since traditional routing protocols may not be suitable for MANETs. For example, some assumptions used by these protocols are not valid in MANETs or some protocols cannot efficiently handle topology changes. Researchers are designing new MANET routing protocols and comparing and improving existing MANET routing protocols before any routing protocols are standardized using simulations. However, the simulation results from different research groups are not consistent with each other. This is because of a lack of consistency in MANET routing protocol models and application environments, including networking and user traffic profiles. Therefore, the simulation scenarios are not equitable for all protocols and conclusions cannot be generalized. Furthermore, it is difficult for one to choose a proper routing protocol for a given MANET application. According to the aforementioned issues, my Ph.D. research focuses on MANET routing protocols. Specifically, my contributions include the characterization of different routing protocols using a novel systematic relay node set (RNS) framework, design of a new routing protocol for MANETs, a study of node mobility, including a quantitative study of link lifetime in a MANET and an adaptive interval scheme based on a novel neighbor stability criterion, improvements of a widely-used network simulator and corresponding protocol implementations, design and development of a novel emulation test bed, evaluation of MANET routing protocols through simulations, verification of our routing protocol using emulation, and development of guidelines for one to choose proper MANET routing protocols for particular MANET applications. Our study shows that reactive protocols do not always have low control overhead, as people tend to think. The control overhead for reactive protocols is more sensitive to the traffic load, in terms of the number of traffic flows, and mobility, in terms of link connectivity change rates, than other protocols. Therefore, reactive protocols may only be suitable for MANETs with small number of traffic loads and small link connectivity change rates. We also demonstrated that it is feasible to maintain full network topology in a MANET with low control overhead. This dissertation summarizes all the aforementioned methodologies and corresponding applications we developed concerning MANET routing protocols.
Inheritance of plasma apolipoprotein B levels in families of patients undergoing coronary arteriography at an early age.

An elevated plasma level of apolipoprotein B (apoB), the major protein of low density lipoproteins, is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. This study tested the hypothesis, suggested by previous studies, that the apoB level is strongly influenced by a major gene. The study population included 832 family members of 116 subjects who had undergone elective coronary arteriography at an early age. The apoB level was adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking (R2 = 20 %). ApoB levels revealed strong familial aggregation with correlations among spouses of 0.23, parent-offspring of 0.16, and siblings of 0.21. Regressive models were used to examine inter-individual variation in adjusted apoB levels. In the total sample, familial aggregation of the apoB level was consistent with two models: (1) a major gene model and (2) a polygenic model with a mixture of non-transmitted “types.” Comparison of these two models in each family showed that 57 families supported the first model over the second. Segregation analysis in these 57 families conclusively favored a major gene model with codominant transmission. Genotypic means were 124, 164, and 208 mg/dl with relative frequencies of 45 %, 44 %, and 11 %. Linkage studies in these families can be used to clarify the molecular basis of apoB regulation. However, in the whole population the genetic control of apoB levels may be quite complex. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Field displacement effects in dielectric and ferrite loaded waveguides

A transverse electric field detector is described and some of its limitations are discussed. Using this detector, the field pattern in rectangular waveguide has been measured for varying slab positions, thickness, and dielectric constant. Field distributions for a slab against a side wall have been computed and compare favorably with experiment. Widely varying patterns are achieved even when only a single mode is propagating. The result of mixing two or more modes is also pictured. Similar patterns are round in ferrite loaded waveguides for which the applied magnetic field is an additional variable. The effect of varying the parameters, especially with regard to the nonreciprocal nature of the field patterns, is discussed.
Human systems modeling: assessing technology effects on human performance through trade space development and evaluation

Constructive simulation provides an exploratory environment for performance -- effectiveness tradeoffs. However, technology trade spaces comprise many potential experiments, each containing a large sample space of experimental outcomes. Exploration of this entire space is an intractably large problem. We describe a methodology that focuses analysts only on regions of the trade space holding the most promise for effective analyses. Our methodology uses an iterative process to define the trade space, develop system and operator descriptions, parameterize the trade space and analyze performance against requirements. Each step is briefly described through the use of a notional attack aircraft crew system example. Four vectors through the trade space are identified to guide definition of specific issues modeled within the Combat Automation Requirements Testbed (CART) environment. CART constructive simulations serve a critical role by allowing rapid development and testing of alternative technologies in each area of interest.
Biochemical characterization of fibrillar collagen from the mutable spine ligament of the sea-urchin Eucidaris tribuloides

Abstract Collagen was extracted by pepsin-digestion of the spine ligaments of the sea-urchin Eucidaris tribuloides . The collagen resembled vertebrate type I collagen in its α-chain composition and solubility characteristics. Its amino acid composition had both differences and similarities when compared with vertebrate type I and other echinoderm collagens. The collagen formed SLS-crystallites and native-banded fibrils under appropriate conditions.
A simplified axiomatic approach to ambiguity aversion

This paper takes the Anscombe-Aumann framework with horse and roulette lotteries, and applies the Savage axioms to the horse lotteries and the von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms to the roulette lotteries. The resulting representation of preferences yields a subjective probability measure over states and two utility functions, one governing risk attitudes and one governing ambiguity attitudes. The model is able to accommodate the Ellsberg paradox and preferences for reductions in ambiguity.
MondoA, a Novel Basic Helix-Loop-Helix–Leucine Zipper Transcriptional Activator That Constitutes a Positive Branch of a Max-Like Network

Max is a common dimerization partner for a family of transcription factors (Myc, Mad [or Mxi]), and Mnt [or Rox] proteins) that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. We recently characterized a novel Max-like protein, Mlx, which interacts with Mad1 and Mad4. Here we describe the cloning and functional characterization of a new family of basic helix-loop-helix–leucine zipper heterodimeric partners for Mlx termed the Mondo family. MondoA forms homodimers weakly and does not interact with Max or members of the Myc or Mad families. MondoA and Mlx associate in vivo, and surprisingly, they are localized primarily to the cytoplasm of cultured mammalian cells. Treatment of cells with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B results in the nuclear accumulation of MondoA and Mlx, demonstrating that they shuttle between the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments rather than having exclusively cytoplasmic localization. MondoA preferentially forms heterodimers with Mlx, and this heterocomplex can bind to, and activate transcription from, CACGTG E-boxes when targeted to the nucleus via a heterologous nuclear localization signal. The amino termini of the Mondo proteins are highly conserved among family members and contain separable and autonomous cytoplasmic localization and transcription activation domains. Therefore, Mlx can mediate transcriptional repression in conjunction with the Mad family and can mediate transcriptional activation via the Mondo family. We propose that Mlx, like Max, functions as the center of a transcription factor network.
Prediction of artifact peak intensity in linked scans for dissociations occurring in the first field-free region of sector mass spectrometers

Linked scans are commonly used on double-focusing mass spectrometers to obtain tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra. The appearance of artifact peaks in linked scan MS/MS spectra from dissociations occurring in the first field-free region are a result of poor parent ion resolution, and they often can complicate the interpretation of the MS/MS spectra. The kinetic energy release associated with dissociation of ions of similar m/z to the “selected” parent ion is the main factor in determining the intensity of artifact peaks. A means of predicting the intensities of these artifact peaks in product ion and constant neutral loss scans is presented here. The method requires straightforward calculations based on Lacey-Macdonaldion intensity diagrams. The exact calculations require knowledge of the kinetic energy release of a particular dissociation, the kinetic energy spread of the main beam, and the parent ion and product ion mass-to-charge ratios. Adequate predictions, however, can be made by assuming a general kinetic energy release for any given reaction and a typical instrument energy resolution. Theoretical predictions are in good agreement with experimental data obtained from the product ion scans of unlabeled and isotopically labeled tirilazad and unlabeled and labeled leucine enkephalin methyl ester. There is also excellent agreement between experiment and theory in the constant neutral loss scans of rubidium bromide clusters.
On the rationalizability of observed consumers’ choices when preferences depend on budget sets: comment

In a recent article, Bilancini (J Econ 102:275–286, 2011) demonstrates that assuming either price-dependent preferences or preferences that depend on the choices of other individuals can render the theory of revealed preference effectively unusable. Some readers might be tempted to infer that economists had better avoid such assumptions. In this note, we argue against that conclusion in favor of a less categorical and more pragmatic approach. In several domains, we identify fundamental weaknesses in revealed preference theory and argue that in those domains, nontraditional assumptions about preferences significantly enhance our ability to explain and predict behavior.
Developmental changes in the cochlear hair cell mechanotransducer channel and their regulation by transmembrane channel-like proteins.

Vibration of the stereociliary bundles activates calcium-permeable mechanotransducer (MT) channels to initiate sound detection in cochlear hair cells. Different regions of the cochlea respond preferentially to different acoustic frequencies, with variation in the unitary conductance of the MT channels contributing to this tonotopic organization. Although the molecular identity of the MT channel remains uncertain, two members of the transmembrane channel–like family, Tmc1 and Tmc2, are crucial to hair cell mechanotransduction. We measured MT channel current amplitude and Ca2+ permeability along the cochlea’s longitudinal (tonotopic) axis during postnatal development of wild-type mice and mice lacking Tmc1 (Tmc1−/−) or Tmc2 (Tmc2−/−). In wild-type mice older than postnatal day (P) 4, MT current amplitude increased ∼1.5-fold from cochlear apex to base in outer hair cells (OHCs) but showed little change in inner hair cells (IHCs), a pattern apparent in mutant mice during the first postnatal week. After P7, the OHC MT current in Tmc1−/− (dn) mice declined to zero, consistent with their deafness phenotype. In wild-type mice before P6, the relative Ca2+ permeability, PCa, of the OHC MT channel decreased from cochlear apex to base. This gradient in PCa was not apparent in IHCs and disappeared after P7 in OHCs. In Tmc1−/− mice, PCa in basal OHCs was larger than that in wild-type mice (to equal that of apical OHCs), whereas in Tmc2−/−, PCa in apical and basal OHCs and IHCs was decreased compared with that in wild-type mice. We postulate that differences in Ca2+ permeability reflect different subunit compositions of the MT channel determined by expression of Tmc1 and Tmc2, with the latter conferring higher PCa in IHCs and immature apical OHCs. Changes in PCa with maturation are consistent with a developmental decrease in abundance of Tmc2 in OHCs but not in IHCs.
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AN IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT FROM GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI

A component in extracts of Group A streptococci suppresses antibody formation in mice against heterologous erythrocyte and protein antigens. Large doses are not toxic and repeated injection does not change its effectiveness. It is most effective when injected 1 or 2 days before antigen and it is not suppressive when given after antigen. The active factor occurs as a large polydisperse complex and activity can be increased 10- to 25-fold by filtration through Sepharose 2B. Both direct (γM) and indirect (γG) antibody-forming cells are suppressed in primary and secondary responses. Injection before a primary response does not reduce memory cell development. It increases rather than depresses the "background" antibody-forming cells to sheep erythrocytes, and is equally effective if injected intraperitoneally or intravenously. Ribonuclease increases activity while deoxyribonuclease has no effect. Proteases destroy immunosuppressive action.
Situational constraints through the cognitive looking glass: A reinterpretation of the relationship between situations and performance judgments

Abstract This article argues that cognitive models of performance judgment may help to explain the relationships between situational constraints and subjective measures of performance, such as ratings. A cognitive decision model is proposed to show how cognitive and attributional processes can result in the attenuation of correlations between measures of constraints and performance by predicting when supervisors are likely to (1) perceive constraints in their subordinates' situations and (2) discount the effects of those constraints on subordinates' performance. Hypotheses are offered for testing.
Late-glacial and postglacial sedimentation in Lake Superior based on seismic-reflection profiles

Seismic reflection profiles (3.5 kHz) were obtained along more than 3500 km of shiptrack in Lake Superior within the last 2 yr. The acoustic character of profiles is categorized as: (I) a single, strong reflector at the lake floor, (II) a thick, acoustically transparent layer overlying a strong reflector, and (III) relatively thick sediment with internal acoustic reflectors. These profiles, in conjunction with sediment cores from the area, reveal that varved glacial-lacustrine sediment settled out preferentially in a trough between Isle Royale and the north shore, and to a lesser extent in other topographic depressions; bottom currents generated by storm waves prevent clay accumulation on till or bedrock in the open lake wherever the bottom is shallower than 100 m; bottom currents prevent deposition or erode bottom sediment in certain deep-water (> 200 m) valleys; and lacustrine sediment is disturbed by creep or slumping off Grand Portage, Minnesota, and by other processes such as dewatering in many other areas. These factors complicate sedimentation in Lake Superior, and must be considered when investigating any aspect of the lake sediment.
Improving Anti-Smoking Education: Profiling the Ex-Smoker

Youth experimentation with smoking is commonplace. Most anti-smoking efforts have focused on studying smokers and/or nonsmokers. Less attention has been directed at a significantly large group-ex-smokers. The purpose of this study is to present a profile of the ex-smoker in comparison to his/her smoking or never smoking counterparts. Knowledge about the ex-smoker group could enhance anti-smoking efforts. Data were collected from 5,393 central Illinois school age youth in grades 7–12. Data were analyzed by grade and sex. A variety of attitudinal, behavioral intention, and behavior questions about smoking were developed. Results clearly indicated that the ex-smoker group has a significantly different profile than youths who reported being a smoker or never smoker. Variables where differences were noted included close friends smoke, mother smokes, father smokes, mother would be upset, father would be upset, no one would be upset, best male friend upset, best female friend upset, and that smoking is a health ...
Real-time particle sizing by a computer-controlled transmittance photometer

Le facteur de transmission d'une suspension de particules est mesure en fonction de γ, le demi angle d'acceptance du photodetecteur axial
An experimental evaluation of the effects of using training sentences to aide young children's word recall

Using a task that is similar to real-world early reading of environmental print, this study explored how two encoding conditions impacted young children's ability to remember names associated with symbols. Sixty-five children from prekindergarten (n = 20), kindergarten (n = 20), and first grade (n = 25) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Both groups heard 15 words accompanied by 15 black-and-white line drawings, but the experimental group also heard training sentences. Results indicated that the experimental group had significantly poorer recall accuracy for the symbol names when compared with the control group. Older children in both groups were found to be more effective than younger children at the symbol naming task. Practical applications and theoretical implications are discussed.
A retrovirus vector expressing the putative mammary oncogene int-1 causes partial transformation of a mammary epithelial cell line

In mammary tumors induced by the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), the int-1 gene is frequently activated by adjacent proviral insertions and is thereby strongly implicated in tumorigenesis. To seek a direct biological effect of int-1 that would validate its proposed role as an oncogene, we constructed a retrovirus vector containing the gene and examined its effects on tissue culture cells. Expression of int-1 in a mammary epithelial cell line caused striking morphological changes, unrestricted growth at high cell density, and focus formation on a monolayer, although the cells were not tumorigenic in vivo. This partial transformation induced by int-1 was not observed in cells infected by an otherwise identical virus bearing a frameshift mutation in the gene. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that int-1 plays a functional role in MMTV-induced mammary tumorigenesis.
Histone Methylases MLL1 and MLL3 Coordinate with Estrogen Receptors in Estrogen-Mediated HOXB9 Expression

Homeobox gene HOXB9 is a critical player in development of mammary gland and sternum and in regulation of renin which is closely linked with blood pressure control. Our studies demonstrated that HOXB9 gene is transcriptionally regulated by estrogen (E2). HOXB9 promoter contains several estrogen-response elements (ERE). Reporter assay based experiments demonstrated that HOXB9 promoter EREs are estrogen responsive. Estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ are essential for E2-mediated transcriptional activation of HOXB9. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that ERs bind to HOXB9 EREs as a function of E2. Similarly, histone methylases MLL1 and MLL3 also bind to HOXB9 EREs and play a critical role in E2-mediated transcriptional activation of HOXB9. Overall, our studies demonstrated that HOXB9 is an E2-responsive gene and ERs coordinate with MLL1 and MLL3 in E2-mediated transcriptional regulation of HOXB9.
Cost of a 5-year lung cancer survivor: symptomatic tumour identification vs proactive computed tomography screening.

Our objective was to analyse the cost effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer in terms of the cost per long-term survivor, which has not been evaluated to date. Estimations were computed based on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries covering years 1999–2003. The design framework of our model allowed for the incorporation of multiple values taken from the epidemiological and clinical literature to be utilised for cost inputs, scope of patients screened, diagnostic staging, and survival percentages applied separately to two cohorts: age 40–79 and 60–79 years. This enabled the analysis of over 1400 scenarios, each containing a unique set of input values, for which the estimated cost per 5-year survivor (CP5YS) was compared between the symptom-detected and proactive screening approaches. Estimated CP5YS were higher for the symptom-detected approach in all 729 scenarios analysed for the cohort ages 60–79 years, ranging from approximately $5800 to $116 700 increased cost per 5-year survivor (CP5YS). For the cohort ages 40–79 years, 75% of the 729 scenarios analysed showed increased CP5YS for the symptom-detected approach ranging from $5700 to $110 000 increased CP5YS. Total costs and total 5-year survivors were higher for the proactive screening method for all scenarios analysed across both cohorts with increases ranging from 50–256% and 98–309%, respectively. The predicted increase in long-term survival with CT screening and the potential for better utilisation of health-care dollars in terms of CP5YS, particularly when screening patients over the age of 60 years, are critically important considerations in directing effective future lung cancer management strategy.
Effects of flexible fiberoptic endoscopy on pharyngeal swallow physiology.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the presence of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope in the pharynx affects swallow physiology. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fourteen individuals with normal swallow function, 23 to 83 years of age, completed a videofluoroscopic swallow study with and without a 3.5 mm flexible fiberoptic endoscope maintained in the "high" position, ie, below the velopharyngeal port and above the epiglottis. Each study was analyzed for three swallow duration measures, number of swallows necessary to clear the bolus, and penetration-aspiration scale scores. RESULTS: No significant (P > 0.05) main effects for condition were found for swallow duration, penetration-aspiration scale scores and number of swallows to clear the bolus. CONCLUSION: The presence of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope in the pharynx during swallowing did not significantly affect pharyngeal swallow physiology in the patients studied, but we cannot exclude a false-negative conclusion because of low statistical power.
Resection of Apical Lung Tumors in High-Risk Patients Using Partial Sternotomy

Surgical management of patients with compromised lung function remains a challenge. We describe a technique that uses a partial sternotomy to manage high-risk patients with clinical stage 1 apical lung tumors. In our experience with four patients we found this method to be effective, quick, safe, and with good short term outcome.
Fibroblast–myocyte connections in the heart

m o e s t Five years ago, a viewpoint paper in this journal discussed the potential relevance of myocyte–nonmyocyte interaction for heart rhythm. At the time, the expression cardiac nonmyocyte” was largely seen to be equivalent to broblast, and heart-rhythm relevant interaction was conidered mainly in terms of electrotonic coupling between eterotypic cells, which—if present in vivo—was thought to orm 3 principal configurations worthy of consideration:
Initial postbifurcation behavior of a one-hinged circular arch

Abstract Herein, the initial postbuckling behavior of one-hinged, symmetric, elastic, circular arches of uniform cross section, subjected to an external gas pressure load, is investigated on the basis of a highly accurate nonlinear theory of thin curved beams with arbitrarily large in-plane deflections, by means of an asymptotic (perturbation) method. The final result is presented in the form of a formula as well as in tabular form.
Cervical Disc Rupture Causing Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

A case of vertebrobasilar transient ischemia and posterior cerebral infarction caused by a ruptured cervical disc is reported. The causes of extrinsic vertebral artery compression are reviewed.
Fractionation and molecular-weight determination of large polypeptides by gel filtration in guanidiniun chloride

Abstract A Sepharose CL-2B column equilibrated with 6 m guanidinium chloride has been used to fractionate peptides ranging in size from 68,000 to 300,000 daltons and to generate a standard curve for the estimation of the molecular weights of proteins within this range. The utility of this chromatography system for the fractionation of even larger polypeptides is demonstrated by the estimation of the apparent molecular weight of the crosslinked yeast fatty acid synthetase polypeptides in the 106 molecular-weight range and its separation from its noncrosslinked components of 210,000 daltons.
Application of pulse detonation technology for boiler slag removal

Pulse detonation technology for removing slag and fouling deposits in coal-fired utility power plant boilers offers great potential. This technology offers a potentially convenient, inexpensive, yet efficient way for on-line slag removal. This paper presents a feasibility study that includes both Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and laboratory experiments. CFD simulations provided visual and quantitative data to study the potential mechanisms for removal of slag. Mechanisms included direct impact, flow scrubbing, wave reflection and negative velocity impact on the back side of the tubes. Several experiments were carried out to verify the potential of the pulse detonation technology. Experiments were done using a pulse detonation engine and heat exchanger tubes with different types of slag placed in different orientations on the tubes. Tubes were placed at various distances from the detonation tube and in different configurations. The results present a strong case for the application of this technology for online slag removal. It is especially effective for removal of slag on the back sides of the tubes where other traditional methods are not very successful. A preliminary cost analysis indicated that the technology can be paid for within the first year itself and provide substantial savings in the subsequent years.
HEALTH PROBLEMS OF LATE ADOLESCENCE

Late adolescents in the 18- to 24-year-old age group, which parallels the traditional college years, represent a unique subpopulation in transition between youth and adulthood. Usually considered to be a healthy group, serious injuries are not uncommon in this physically active period that is marked by new-found freedoms and participation in high-risk behaviors. Many chronic medical problems also begin during this time. A few health problems, such as eating disorders, are actually unique to this population. When the potential for lives and for productivity lost are taken into account, young people are at even greater financial risk from catastrophic medical events than are older patients; yet, people in the 18- to 24-year-old age group are the most likely to be without health insurance. The need for more effective prevention programs for late adolescents is obvious, but to be successful, the programs must consider each risk factor both individually and in the context of their high-risk behaviors.
Uniform convergence on weakly compact subsets

Abstract Using a theorem of Kadets, we construct on an arbitrary infinite dimensional Banach space X equipped with the weak topology a sequence of real-valued continuous functions convergent uniformly on weakly compact subsets to a discontinuous limit.
Is there any unity to the Trans-Caspian Region? The economic relations between Central Asia and the Caucasus

Since the disappearance of the Soviet Union, the three states of South Caucasus or Trans-Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia) and the five of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan) have played up their role as intermediaries between Europe and Asia and have tried to constitute the Caspian as an entity. This new Trans-Caspian road obeys political and economic logics as the states of the South Caucasus along with those of Central Asia are interested in bypassing Russia and developing their bilateral relations to acquire new markets in Europe and in Asia. Despite the existence of sometimes divergent, sometimes convergent interests, and the non-negligible political and economic risks, none of the states of the South Caucasus, nor those of Central Asia, want to undermine the dynamic of Trans-Caspian rapprochement.
Conversion to Organic Farming in the Continental United States: A Geographically Weighted Regression Analysis

Organic agriculture has expanded greatly over the past decades, but the rate of conversion has not been evenly distributed across the United States. Measures of spatial concentration such as local Moran's I show that the highest rates of conversion are clustered in the Western United States, especially California, Washington, and Oregon, but also on the East Coast in New England. The influence of several variables on the spatial distribution of organic conversion is first explored through ordinary least squares regression analysis and then through a more localized technique called geographically weighted regression (GWR). Of the analyzed factors, share of existing organic farms, prevalence of full-time operators, and average farm size were found to be significant determinants of organic agriculture conversion rates. Furthermore, results show that spatial dependence is highly influential on the distribution of farms that are converting to organic production, suggesting the existence of relevant agglomerati...
Gas turbines for power generation and other applications

This article describes two gas turbines designed for power generation. Also, a number of other possibilities for gas turbine use are presented to indicate the wide field to which the present units are adapted and to show the general present state of development.
Religious and Spiritual Issues: Family Therapy Approaches with Military Families Coping with Deployment

Exploring religious and spiritual issues in family therapy has become more commonplace over the past decade (Walsh, Spiritual resources in family therapy, 2009), but understanding how religion and spirituality evolve within military families is unclear. Further, the stressors that family members face in the midst of a deployment are paramount, for which many individuals use a variety of coping skills. In this paper we explore these links further by reviewing the scant literature focused on military families and religious and spiritual coping. This literature review is followed by a description of strategies to understand family members’ religious and spiritual lives related to family functioning and military deployment. Finally, strategies to enhance family functioning through both an integration of secular, religious, and spiritual pathways in a family therapy setting are discussed.
Demographic costs of Chaoborus-induced phenotypic plasticity in Daphnia pulex.

It has been proposed that morphological defenses against predation have demographic costs. We measured the cost of a predator-induced morphological defense, using predaceous phantom midge larvae Chaoborus americanus (Insecta, Diptera) and the prey species Daphnia pulex (Crustacea, Cladocera). The induced defense is a neck tooth (and other pleiotropic structures) developed in juvenile D. pulex in the presence of C. americanus. Laboratory life table experiments, in the absence of predation, indicated the population growth rate of typical D. pulex was 11% to 39% greater than that of D. pulex exposed to C. americanus extract, or C. americanus-conditioned water. The reduction in population growth rate was most frequently associated with an increase in the time between birth and first reproduction. Induced individuals required twenty more hours at 23°C, and twenty five more hours at 20°C, to develop to the age of first reproduction. Under limiting food conditions age-specific survivorship and the number of offspring produced per female by the induced form were reduced relative to the typical form. As a result, the difference in population growth rates among forms was greater at the low food level as indicated by a highly significant food by form interaction effect. In addition to neck teeth and lowered reproductive rates, the offspring of induced form individuals had significantly longer tail-spines (7.2–7.5%), and primiparous adults from the induction treatment were significantly shorter than controls (3–8%).
Strategies for targeting the androgen receptor axis in prostate cancer.

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays a critical role in prostate cancer cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Therapeutic strategies targeting the androgen receptor have been developed for the treatment of metastatic hormone-naive prostate cancer; however, despite effective targeting recent studies have demonstrated that during progression to a castrate-resistant phenotype there is restoration of AR target gene expression. On the basis of this observation, second-generation therapeutics have been developed to target AR in the castrate-resistant setting resulting in a survival benefit. In this review we will discuss the mechanisms promoting AR signaling and the development of second-generation therapeutics targeting AR in castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
At least three minimal quasi-kernels

If D is a digraph, then K ? V ( D ) is a quasi-kernel of D if K is independent and for each y ? V ( D ) - K there is x ? K such that the directed distance from y to x is less than three. Note that any independent superset of a quasi-kernel is a quasi-kernel. Jacob and Meyniel have given a sufficient condition for a digraph to have at least three quasi-kernels, however these quasi-kernels need not be minimal. We give sufficient conditions for a digraph to have at least three minimal quasi-kernels.
Spectral Imaging and Electrochemical Study on the Response Mechanism of Ionophore-Based Polymeric Membrane Amperometric pH Sensors

The response features of amperometric ionophore-based chemical sensors were evaluated in regular ion-selective membranes, poly(vinyl chloride) plasticized with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether, with a H+-selective chromoionophore as model ionophore. Direct imaging experiments upon discrete applied voltage pulses revealed that the diffusion coefficients in such membranes are very similar to that found in membranes under zero current conditions, at about 10−8 cm2 s−1. In the potential range that defines the limiting current, it was found by these imaging experiments that the ionophore is saturated at the membrane surface, as expected. The observed concentration profiles could be well described with established diffusion theory. At more extreme potentials, the observed diffusion profiles were different, and could be explained by the extraction of additional, uncomplexed hydrogen ions into the membrane phase. The results were correlated to the amperometric response behavior of the same electrodes. At the limiting current, Cottrell fits were performed, and similar diffusion coefficients were found as in the imaging experiments. The pH-dependent normal pulse voltammetric responses were analyzed in terms of their half wave potential, and found to show a Nernstian pH response, suggesting that they function in close analogy to their potentiometric counterparts. The breakdown of Nernstian pH response at low pH is explained by extraction of electrolyte into the membrane under these conditions, which renders the interface non-polarizable and leads to loss of voltammetric features. The results adequately support the previously published response mechanism of such ionophore-based amperometric sensors, including the origin of the limiting current, the capability of such membranes to be responsive to ion activities, the requirement of applying baseline potentials between pulses, and the reason for the altered selectivity at extreme potentials.
Is Diurodrilus an annelid

Interstitial marine meiofaunal worms of the genus Diurodrilus have always been considered part of Annelida, either as basal or derived, though generally with reference to Dinophilidae. New evidence shows that Diurodrilus has a unique anatomy, and lacks key annelid features, possibly even segmentation. We assessed the systematic position of Diurodrilus among other protostome animals via light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy studies of anatomy, focusing on musculature, the nervous system, as well as molecular sequence data. We show that there is little morphological or molecular evidence to support a relationship with Dinophilidae or any other annelids. Diurodrilus has some similarities to Micrognathozoa, though the latter shows complex jaws. On the basis of the configuration of the nervous system and the cuticle we regard Diurodrilus to belong to Spiralia, possibly close to Annelida; however, until further evidence is acquired it should be regarded as incertae sedis in this large animal clade. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Role of Medio-Dorsal Frontal and Posterior Parietal Neurons during Auditory Detection Performance in Rats

To further characterize the role of frontal and parietal cortices in rat cognition, we recorded action potentials simultaneously from multiple sites in the medio-dorsal frontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex of rats while they performed a two-choice auditory detection task. We quantified neural correlates of task performance, including response movements, perception of a target tone, and the differentiation between stimuli with distinct features (different pitches or durations). A minority of units—15% in frontal cortex, 23% in parietal cortex—significantly distinguished hit trials (successful detections, response movement to the right) from correct rejection trials (correct leftward response to the absence of the target tone). Estimating the contribution of movement-related activity to these responses suggested that more than half of these units were likely signaling correct perception of the auditory target, rather than merely movement direction. In addition, we found a smaller and mostly not overlapping population of units that differentiated stimuli based on task-irrelevant details. The detection-related spiking responses we observed suggest that correlates of perception in the rat are sparsely represented among neurons in the rat's frontal-parietal network, without being concentrated preferentially in frontal or parietal areas.
Adrenocortical insufficiency is not a problem in preterm infants treated with antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole

Aim Fluconazole prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections is a cornerstone of neonatal care, but in vitro studies have shown that it inhibits corticosteroid production. This study assessed whether preterm infants demonstrated an association between fluconazole administration, and its duration, and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency. Methods We compared two groups who were treated before and after we introduced the use of fluconazole to our neonatal intensive care unit. Infants with a gestational age of ≤27 weeks or with a birth weight of ≤750 g were considered for the retrospective analysis. In order to assess whether the duration of prophylaxis was related to adrenocortical insufficiency, regression models were performed in all preterm infants in the fluconazole group. Results The fluconazole group (n = 37) and nonfluconazole group (n = 41) were compared. No differences were found in the percentage of infants with symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, such as hypotension or need of vasopressor therapy. The incidence of hypotension and the use of vasopressor therapy were not related to duration of fluconazole prophylaxis. Conclusion Fluconazole and it duration were not associated with the incidence of symptoms related to adrenocortical insufficiency. Further prospective trials are needed to better define the relationship between fluconazole and adrenocortical insufficiency.
Pain-related changes in the brain: diagnostic and therapeutic potentials

Emerging evidence suggests that chronic pain is a disease that can alter brain function. Imaging studies have demonstrated structural remapping and functional reorganization of brain circuits under various pain conditions. In parallel, preclinical models have demonstrated that chronic pain causes long-term neuroplasticity. For example, thalamo–cortical oscillations are dysregulated and neurons in the sensory thalamus undergo ectopic firing linked to misexpression of membrane ion channels. In theory, physiological changes at the single-unit, multi-unit, and circuitry levels can be used as predictors of pain, and possibly to guide targeted neuromodulation of specific brain regions for therapeutic purposes. Therefore, multidisciplinary research into the mechanisms of pain-related phenomena in the brain may offer insights into novel approaches for the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of persistent pain.
IS BIOPSY OF THE CONTRALATERAL TESTIS NECESSARY IN PATIENTS WITH GERM CELL TUMORS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Carcinoma in situ is present in the contralateral tests in up to 5% of patients with a primary germ cell tumor and will progress in the majority of cases to a second primary invasive cancer. We address the question of whether the other testis should be biopsied in patients with testis tumors.Materials and Methods: The literature on carcinoma in situ of the testis from 1972 to the present was critically evaluated in an attempt to address the issue of carcinoma in situ in the opposite testis.Results: Carcinoma in situ of the opposite testis in patients with a primary germ cell tumor is easily diagnosed by biopsy and cured by orchiectomy or radiation. The problem is that biopsy is unnecessary in the majority of patients, and treatment of carcinoma in situ may have undesirable physical and emotional consequences. The rare patient who has an asynchronous second primary cancer can be cured with current treatment regimens.Conclusions: We do not advocate nor does the literature support routine bi...
Distribution of Crest Amplitudes in Severe Seas With Breaking

A theoretical model is presented for the probability distribution of wave crest amplitudes in severe seas states with wave breaking. As the severity of a sea state increases, nonlinearities cause an increase in the amplitudes of the largest wave crests with a subsequent modification of the distribution of wave crest amplitudes from the linear Rayleigh theory. In this paper, a theory for the probabilities of these nonlinear crest amplitudes is first reviewed based on earlier work. The further limitations on these nonlinear crest amplitudes by wave breaking are then considered. As a result, a theoretical model is presented to account for both: (1) the nonlinear increase in the highest wave crests, and (2) the selective reduction of some fraction of these high crests due to wave breaking. This model is then verified using several sets of laboratory data for severe breaking seas having approximate JONSWAP wave spectra.
Double-Electron-Capture Cross Sections for Incident Protons in the Energy Range 75 to 250 keV

The double-electron-capture cross sections were measured for protons in the energy range from 75 to 250 keV incident upon the target gases ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, He, Ar, Kr, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O. A power law extrapolation of the present results for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and He joins smoothly with previously measured cross sections at higher- and lower-impact energies; however, wide discrepancies exist between measured and calculated cross section values. For the heavier target gases, a power law extrapolation of the present results is in disagreement with previous measurements. This disagreement is attributed to the power law being inappropriate at energies where electron capture from inner electron shells is possible.
Two-choice probability learning: Test of a finite markov chain and linear operator model☆

Abstract Human subjects were trained in the noncontingent binary choice situation under one of two levels of event probability (π = .6, .8) and payoff (0c, 1c). These data were used to evaluate the ability of the Reinforcement-Extinction (R-E) Model and the Weak-Strong (W-S) Conditioning Model to describe marginal and first-order response-event dependencies throughout learning and second-order response-event dependencies and run curves during the last 100 trials. Both models described asymptotic statistics about equally well with largest discrepancies being in the fit-to-run curves. Generally, poorer preasymptotic fits were attributed to too rapid a rate of approach of the predicted statistics to their asymptotic values. Parameter estimates for both models varied with π and payoff throughout learning. From these estimates it was inferred that learning occurs on correct and incorrect trials; correct trials appeared more important in the R-E model while incorrect trials assumed major importance for the W-S model, especially prior to overshooting.
Recognition and Significance of Intraventricular Block due to Myocardial Infarction (Peri-infarction Block)

Evidence of peri-infarction block was found in 39% of the electrocardiograms of 1,938 patients with definite evidence of myocardial infarction. It most commonly occurred acutely or within several days following infarction and was more common with recurrent infarction. Peri-infarction block infrequently disappeared and was associated with higher values for serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and a greater mortality in the first year following myocardial infarction. There was no autopsy correlation of peri-infarction block and ventricular aneurysmal formation. The term "peri-infarction block" is appropriate only when abnormal intraventricular conduction occurs in association with definite electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction.
Monotherapy options in the management of metastatic breast cancer.

Abstract Anthracyclines and taxanes are the most active agents in the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Among the options following clinical resistance to anthracycline and/or taxane treatment, the most widely used cytotoxic agents are the vinca alkaloid vinorelbine, the fluoropyrimidine capecitabine, and the nucleoside analogue gemcitabine. No direct comparisons of these agents have been reported in single-agent treatment or in single-agent versus combination treatment. Review of data from phase II trials in metastatic breast cancer indicates that the agents produce comparable response rates and are well tolerated. Review of the relatively smaller amount of data on effects in exclusively anthracycline- or anthracycline-taxane-refractory patient groups yields a similar conclusion. Given the absence of definitive comparisons of these agents, and any marked survival difference on informal comparison, treatment decisions should be aimed at maximizing patient benefit by considering the overall benefit of treatment in relation to the potential harm. A similar approach should be applied when considering use of combinations of these agents versus single-agent treatment. Semin Oncol 30 (suppl 3):6-10. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.