cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conception of the Anabaptists

Who is an Anabaptist? There seems to be a certain amount of confusion with regard to this term and its conception, and a lack of objectivity is still here and there to be met. Emotional prejudices, misleading tradition, insufficient research material, and a mixture of different groups and attitudes prevented church history scholars almost to the present time from reaching a just judgment of these Christian radicals in Europe of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. To find out the right place of Anabaptism in history it might be useful to begin with some negative statements.
International summer course in geobiology gives emerging field a boost

Educators are always concerned with the quality of graduate courses and the fate of their graduate students. When my father wrote Graduate Education in the United States [Berelson, 1960], graduate students learned from lectures, lab, and technical assignments; they learned from one-on-one tutoring, from their fellow students, and they learned by taking on challenging research topics and producing and presenting justifiable results. That educational style hasn't changed. But in the 1950s and 1960s, there was no interdisciplinary graduate course taught on Catalina Island in which students and instructors mingled during kayak trips, mountain hikes, and during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Bilateral nephroblastomatosis and Klippel trenaunay syndrome

An infant with Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS), a disorder of embryonic development characterized by hemangiomas and hypertrophy of lower extremities, had bilateral nephroblastomatosis diagnosed at 1 year of age. Although the natural course of these tumors is uncertain, lesions of this kind have been suggested as the source of Wilms' tumor. In addition, foci of primitive cells suggested malignant potential. The more extensively involved kidney was removed and the contralateral lesion was treated by irradiation, actinomycin D, and vincristine, resulting in disappearance of the lesions 6 months later. The association of nephroblastic tumors with soft tissue growth disorders is extended to include KTS, and the possible relationship of nephroblastomatosis to Wilms' tumor is discussed.
Self-phase modulation and nonlinear loss in silicon nanophotonic wires near the mid-infrared two-photon absorption edge

We report an experimental study of picosecond pulse propagation through a 4-mm-long Si nanophotonic wire with normal dispersion, at excitation wavelengths from 1775 to 2250 nm. This wavelength range crosses the mid-infrared two-photon absorption edge of Si at ~2200 nm. Significant reduction in nonlinear loss due to two-photon absorption is measured as excitation wavelengths approach 2200 nm. At high input power, self-phase modulation is clearly demonstrated by the development of power-dependant spectral fringes. Asymmetry and blue-shift in the appearance of the spectral fringes at 1775 nm versus 2200 nm is further shown to originate from a strong reduction in the intra-pulse density of two-photon absorption-generated free carriers and the associated free-carrier dispersion. Analysis of experimental data and comparison with numerical simulations illustrates that the two-photon absorption coefficient βTPA obtained here from nanophotonic wire measurements is in reasonable agreement with prior measurements of bulk silicon crystals, and that bulk Si values of the nonlinear refractive index n2 can be confidently incorporated in the modeling of pulse propagation in deeply-scaled waveguide structures.
Secretion of progesterone, estradiol-17β, PGE, PGF2α, and pregnancy-specific protein B by 90-day intact and ovariectomized pregnant ewes☆ ☆

Ninety-day pregnant ewes were either laparotomized, ovaries left in situ or bilaterally ovariectomized, and a jugular venous catheter and an inferior vena cava catheter via the saphenous vein were installed. Seven days later, placenta slices were collected and incubated in vitro for 4 h. Secretions of progesterone, PGE, estradiol-17beta and pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) in vitro by placenta from ovariectomized ewes were increased (P or = 0.05). Ovariectomy decreased (P or = 0.05) in intact ewes over the 162-h sampling period. Ovariectomy increased (P or = 0.05). Increases in PGE occurred before the increase in progesterone. Concentrations of PSPB in inferior vena cava plasma of ovariectomized pregnant ewes increased (P or = 0.05). PSPB increased before PGE and progesterone. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta in jugular venous plasma of ovariectomized pregnant ewes increased (P or = 0.05). Increases in estradiol-17beta occurred before increases in PSPB. It is concluded that these data support the hypothesis that estradiol-17beta may control placental secretion of PSPB; PSPB may regulate placental secretion of PGE; and PGE may regulate placental secretion of progesterone.
Acute zolpidem administration produces pharmacodynamic and receptor occupancy changes at similar doses.

Zolpidem is chemically unrelated to classical benzodiazepines but has demonstrated relatively high affinity binding to the α1 GABAA receptor. To assess pharmacodynamic and neurochemical effects of zolpidem, open-field behavior, pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold and benzodiazepine receptor binding in vitro were evaluated in the same animal following a single dose of zolpidem. Zolpidem (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg), lorazepam (2 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally in male CD-1 mice. Behavioral activity, assessed by three open-field parameters, was decreased following the two highest doses of zolpidem (5 and 10 mg/kg), and reached significance at the 10 mg/kg dose. Locomotor activity was also decreased significantly by lorazepam as expected. Pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold was increased with the administration of 2 and 10 mg/kg zolpidem as well as with lorazepam. Apparent affinity (KD) of [3H]flunitrazepam, a non-selective ligand, for the benzodiazepine receptor in cortical membrane preparations was not significantly changed, while receptor number (Bmax) was decreased at all doses of zolpidem, reaching significance at the 10 mg/kg dose. These results confirm that the behavioral effects of zolpidem are similar to those of classical benzodiazepines. In addition, zolpidem had no significant effect on the affinity of the benzodiazepine receptor for [3H]flunitrazepam, but did decrease the density of receptor binding sites.
Literature search improvement project.

Abstract This paper describes an ongoing improvement effort directed at increasing the quality of mediated searches at the Sladen Library and Center for Health Information Resources. The project is the result of an analysis of literature statistics for mediated searching for 1997. The improvement project utilizes Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act or PDCA cycle. Henry Ford Health System encourages use of the PDCA methodology for improvement projects. A key component of this improvement effort was the introduction of a productivity standard that each searcher is required to meet. The library has global productivity goals, but this is the first time that individual searchers have been held to a quantitative performance standard. The outcome of the Literature Search Improvement Project has been favorable.
Neutrino nucleosynthesis in supernovae: Shell model predictions

Abstract Almost all of the 3 · 10 53 ergs liberated in a core collapse supernova is radiated as neutrinos by the cooling neutron star. I will argue that these neutrinos interact with nuclei in the ejected shells of the supernovae to produce new elements. It appears that this nucleosynthesis mechanism is responsible for the galactic abundances of 7 Li, 11 B, 19 F. 138 La, and 180 Ta, and contributes significantly to the abundances of about 15 other light nuclei. I discuss shell model predictions for the charged and neutral current allowed and first-forbidden responses of the parent nuclei, as well as the spallation processes that produce the new elements.
Isoform-specific localization of voltage-gated K+ channels to distinct lipid raft populations. Targeting of Kv1.5 to caveolae.

The precise subcellular localization of ion channels is often necessary to ensure rapid and efficient integration of both intracellular and extracellular signaling events. Recently, we have identified lipid raft association as a novel mechanism for the subcellular sorting of specific voltage-gated K+channels to regions of the membrane rich in signaling complexes. Here, we demonstrate isoform-specific targeting of voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels to distinct lipid raft populations with the finding that Kv1.5 specifically targets to caveolae. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 exist in distinct raft domains: 1) channel/raft association shows differential sensitivity to increasing concentrations of Triton X-100; 2) unlike Kv2.1, Kv1.5 colocalizes with caveolin on the cell surface and redistributes with caveolin following microtubule disruption; and 3) immunoisolation of caveolae copurifies Kv1.5 channel. Both depletion of cellular cholesterol and inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis alter Kv1.5 channel function by inducing a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. The differential targeting of Kv channel subtypes to caveolar and noncaveolar rafts within a single membrane represents a unique mechanism of compartmentalization, which may permit isoform-specific modulation of K+ channel function.
Performance Measurement of Dynamic Structure DEVS for Large-Scale Cellular Space Models

Dynamic structure Discrete Event System Specification (DSDEVS) is an advanced modeling formalism that allows DEVS models and their couplings to be dynamically changed. The modeling power and advantages of DSDEVS have been well studied, however, the performance aspect is generally overlooked. This paper provides a comprehensive performance measurement of DSDEVS for a large-scale cellular space model. We consider the modeling and simulation layers for performance analysis, and carry out performance measurement based on a token ring model and a fire spread model. The results show that DS modeling can improve simulation performance for large-scale cellular space models, due to the fact that it makes the simulation focus only on those active models, and thus is more efficient than when the entire cellular space is loaded. On the other hand, the DS overhead cannot be ignored and can become significant and even dominant when a large number of cells are dynamically added/deleted.
Seizure Scores Predict Compromised Neurological Outcome after Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy 1272

Seizure Scores Predict Compromised Neurological Outcome after Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy 1272
Polyion‐Sensitive Polymeric Membrane‐Based Pulstrode as a Potentiometric Detector in Liquid Chromatography

Potentiometric polyion-sensitive polymeric membrane electrodes are capable of detecting a wide variety of polyionic macromolecules. Herein, we utilize this lack of selectivity to report the first application of this sensor technology as a detector in liquid chromatography (LC). A reversible polycation pulstrode based on tridodecylmethylammonium-dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate doped within a polymeric membrane is employed as the LC detector. Poly-arginines/protamine mixtures are separated by cation-exchange/affinity chromatography on an immobilized heparin column, with eluted polycation peptide bands clearly observed via the pulstrode detector. The LC-pulstrode system is further applied to follow the production of different polycation peptides derived from thermolysin catalyzed protamine digestion.
A comparison of objective and subjective measures of clinical competence.

The purpose of this study was to determine if objective performance measures from a simulated patient practical examination were related to faculty subjective assessments of surgery students' performance. Another purpose was to determine if those students performing well on a simulated patient practical examination were the same students awarded honor ratings by faculty. Faculty ratings of students (n = 72) on history taking ability, physical exam skills, problem identification, use of investigations, problem integration, patient management, and patient relations skills were correlated with objective measures on these same criteria achieved on a practical exam employing three simulated patient cases. Correlations were also calculated to study the relationship between practical exam scores and honor rating recipients. Results indicated significant relationships between faculty subjective ratings and practical exam outcomes on all practical examination skills except physical exam skills and patient management skills. Findings also indicated the performance of honor students on the practical examination was significantly better than non-honor students on two skills: history-taking and patient relations. The implications of these research findings are discussed
Modern Antenna Designs using Nature Inspired Optimization Techniques: Let Darwin and the bees help designing your Multi band MIMO antennas

Recent MIMO applications have noticeably magnified the importance of multi antennas. Antenna engineers are therefore constantly challenged with the temptation to search for optimum designs. In recent years, evolutionary optimization (EO) techniques are finding growing applications to the design of electromagnetic systems of increasing complexity. Among various EO's, nature inspired techniques such as genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) have attracted considerable attention. GA utilizes an optimization methodology which allows a global search of the cost surface via the mechanism of the statistical random processes dictated by the Darwinian evolutionary concept. PSO is a robust stochastic evolutionary computation technique based on the movement and intelligence of swarms of bees looking for the most fertile feeding location. This invited paper will focus on an engineering introduction to GA and PSO, and demonstrate potential applications of GAs and PSO's to a variety of antenna designs applicable to personal communication antennas such as wideband and multiband antennas, MIMO antennas for laptops and handheld devices, implanted antennas, wearable antennas, etc
Role of DNA regions flanking the tryptophan promoter of Escherichia coli II. Insertion of lac operator fragments

To examine the effect of introducing protein-binding sites around a promoter upon expression from that promoter, a series of altered tryptophan promoter plasmids have been constructed. In these derivatives of pKO-1 (a galK-expression, promoter-assay vector), the trp promoter has been introduced into the vector, such that the galK expression is dependent on the trp promoter. Unique restriction sites have been introduced adjacent to the trp promoter for the insertion of other DNA fragments. The DNA-binding site (a lac operator (lacO) fragment of 33 bp) for the lactose repressor was inserted into the trp promoter-pKO plasmids at various defined locations from -52 to +58 relative to the start site of transcription. Strains bearing tryptophan promoter-lactose operator plasmid derivatives were assayed for galactokinase activity in Escherichia coli C600 and JM103 (a lacIQ strain) to observe the effect of lac repressor binding and removal. In those plasmids where the lac repressor was downstream from the promoter, expression was diminished by the presence of the lactose repressor and galactokinase activity could be induced by addition of IPTG. An analogous lac promoter plasmid was repressed over 90%, and the plasmid containing the lacO fragment at +2 exhibited up to 80% repression; 40-50% repression was observed when the lacO was placed at positions +27 and +58. Placement of the lacO at the upstream locations -39 and -52 produced lower repression. To examine the effects of more than one operator surrounding the promoter, plasmids were constructed that had a lacO at -39 or -52 and, in addition, had an operator downstream.+2
Online motion planning for tethered robots in extreme terrain

Several potentially important science targets have been observed in extreme terrains (steep or vertical slopes, possibly covered in loose soil or granular media) on other planets. Robots which can access these extreme terrains will likely use tethers to provide climbing and stabilizing force. To prevent tether entanglement during descent and subsequent ascent through such terrain, a motion planning procedure is needed. Abad-Manterola, Nesnas, and Burdick [1] previously presented such a motion planner for the case in which the geometry of the terrain is known a priori with high precision. Their algorithm finds ascent/descent paths of fixed homotopy, which minimizes the likelihood of tether entanglement. This paper presents an extension of the algorithm to the case where the terrain is poorly known prior to the start of the descent. In particular, we develop new results for how the discovery of previously unknown obstacles modifies the homotopy classes underlying the motion planning problem. We also present a planning algorithm which takes the modified homotopy into account. An example illustrates the methodology.
The end point of the ventral visual stream: face and non-face perceptual deficits following unilateral anterior temporal lobe damage

While it has been claimed that the ventral visual stream ends in the inferior aspects of the anterior temporal lobe (ATL), little is known about whether this region is important for visual perception. Here the performance of two patients with unilateral ATL damage was assessed across four visual perception tasks that parametrically varied stimulus similarity. Patients performed normally on difficult judgments of circle size or face age but were impaired on face identity and dot pattern matching tasks. Portions of the ATL, most likely the ventral surface, may have a functional role in visual perception tasks requiring detailed configural processing, most commonly used to discern facial identity.
The Relations among Maternal Depressive Disorder, Maternal Expressed Emotion, and Toddler Behavior Problems and Attachment

Direct and indirect relations among maternal depression, maternal Expressed Emotion (EE: Self- and Child-Criticism), child internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and child attachment were examined. Participants were mothers with depression (n = 130) and comparison mothers (n = 68) and their toddlers (M age = 20 mo.; 53% male). Assessments included the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (maternal depression); the Five Minute Speech Sample (EE); the Child Behavior Checklist (toddler behavior problems); the Strange Situation (child attachment). Direct relations were significant linking: 1) maternal depression with both EE and child functioning; 2) Child-Criticism with child internalizing and externalizing symptoms; 3) Self-Criticism with child attachment. Significant indirect relations were found linking maternal depression with: 1) child externalizing behaviors via Child-Criticism; 2) child internalizing behaviors via Self- and Child-Criticism; and 3) child attachment via Self-Criticism. Findings are consistent with a conceptual model in which maternal EE mediates relations between maternal depression and toddler socio-emotional functioning.
Protection du niobium contre l'oxydation

A dessein de proteger les alliages de niobium contre l'oxydation a haute temperature, differents types de revetements a base de siliciure ont ete elabores. Dans ce rapport, il est discute de questions generales concernant les proprietes requises et, en particulier, des problemes que posent la fragilite des couches protectrices et l'apparition de fissures. Une description y est faite de la structure et de l'endurance de differents revetements qui assurent une protection au niveau des fissures par l'association de la couche de siliciure poreux a une phase mobile autoreparatrice incorporee dans les pores. Il s'agit des systemes suivants : — siliciure Nb(Ti)Si 2 — alliage metallique Sn-Al — siliciure MoSi 2 — verre de borosilicate — siliciure Cr, Fe, Nb - oxyde plastique forme par le siliciure lui-meme pendant l'oxydation — siliciure Cr, Ti, Nb - alliage metallique Sn-Al. Ce dernier systeme de protection est decrit en detail ; il se distingue : — par une fabrication selon une methode « slurry » qui permet la realisation du revetement sur des alliages de niobium de differentes compositions, dimensions et formes, — par une faculte de guerison, a temperatures elevees, des fissures dans la couche de siliciure grâce a l'action de Sn-Al liquide. Dans ce texte sont decrits egalement : — le procede de fabrication de la couche de siliciure par projection d'une poudre de siliciure de chrome-titane et fusion du depot a temperatures elevees, — l'impregnation par traitement dans un bain de Sn-Al, — les resultats obtenus lors de differents tests d'oxydation, y compris des tests d'impact et de choc thermique. Il s'agit particulierement de l'influence de la rapidite des changements de temperature sur l'endurance du revetement dans les tests cycliques. — les modifications du revetement par oxydation et diffusion, qui affectent le pouvoir de protection du revetement.
Prevalence of Physical and Sexual Assault and Mental Health Disorders in Older Women: Findings From a Nationally Representative Sample

Objectives This study presents prevalence and characteristics of physical and sexual assaults, and their relationship to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mood and anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample of older women . Design and Setting Face-to-face interviews conducted with adult participants from wave 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions . Participants A total of 3,354 community-residing women of age 65 years and older . Measurement Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, current mood and anxiety disorders . Results Almost 14% of participants reported a history of physical or sexual assault or both during their lifetimes. Assaults were often repeated rather than isolated events. Although the majority of participants did not identify interpersonal violence as their "worst" traumatic event, those who experienced interpersonal violence were generally more likely than those without such history to meet the criteria for past-year and lifetime PTSDs, depression, and anxiety . Conclusions Some women who have been physically or sexually assaulted decades earlier continue to report significant levels of mood and anxiety disorders into late adulthood. Several ways to increase the identification and treatment of older female trauma survivors by healthcare providers are suggested.
Frequency dependence of Q in Earth's upper mantle inferred from continuous spectra of body waves

Q0(f/f0) a and applied a grid search to determine the best fit a and Q0. The inferred frequency dependence (0.2 < a < 0.4) in most regions is consistent with laboratory data on solid olivine but not on partially molten olivine-rich rocks except those data for deep events. Close agreement between seismological and laboratory observations on frequency dependence of Q suggests that physical mechanisms of seismic wave attenuation are common and therefore laboratory data can be used to infer the physical state of Earth’s upper mantle from seismic wave attenuation. INDEX TERMS: 5144 Physical Properties of Rocks: Wave attenuation; 7218 Seismology: Lithosphere and upper mantle; 8162 Tectonophysics: Rheology—mantle. Citation: Shito, A., S. Karato, and J. Park (2004), Frequency dependence of Q in Earth’s upper mantle inferred from continuous spectra of body waves, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L12603,
America's Original GI Town: Park Forest, Illinois

At the close of World War II, Americans became increasingly concerned about the problem of housing for returning veterans, relocated defense workers, and their families. Designs such as the garden city that dated from the turn of the twentieth century or earlier were prominent once again, as planners saw a renewed need for ready-made communities. One such community-among the first and, perhaps, most representative-was Park Forest, Illinois, a privately built and publicly managed town twenty-six miles south of Chicago. In this book, Gregory Randall presents the history of the planning, design, construction, and growth of Park Forest. He shows how planners-who dubbed the new community a "GI town"-drew on lessons learned from English garden cities and New Deal greenbelt towns to cope with America's emerging peacetime housing crisis. He also shows how this new town changed community planning throughout the United States, including its effects on community development up to the present.
Studying the effect of similarity in online task-focused interactions

Although the Internet provides powerful tools for social interactions, many tasks-for example, information-seeking-are undertaken as solitary activities. Information seekers are unaware of the invisible crowd traveling in parallel to their course through the information landscape. Social navigation systems attempt to make the invisible crowd visible, while social recommender systems try to introduce people directly. However, it is not clear whether users desire or will respond to social cues indicating the presence of other people when they are focused on a task. To investigate this issue, we created an online game-playing task and paired subjects to perform the task based on their responses to a short survey about demographics and interests. We studied how these factors influence task outcomes, the interaction process, and attitudes towards one's partner. We found that demographic similarity affected how people interact with each other, even though this information was not explicit, while similarities or differences in task-relevant interests did not. Our findings suggest guidelines for developing social recommender systems and show the need for further research into conditions that will help such systems succeed.
Quantum sensing using Type II InAs/GaSb superlattice for infrared detection

Abstract Large, regular arrays of bulk GaSb and InAs/GaSb Type II superlattice pillars have been fabricated by electron beam lithography and dry etching. A 2.5 keV electron beam lithography system and metal evaporation are used to form the Au mask on superlattice and bulk substrates. Dry etching of these materials has been developed with BCl 3 :Ar, CH 4 :H 2 :Ar and cyclic CH 4 :H 2 :Ar/O 2 plasmas. Etch temperatures were varied from 20 to 150 °C. The diameter of the superlattice pillars was below 50 nm with regular 200 nm spacing. Bulk GaSb pillars were etched with diameters below 20 nm. Areas of dense nanopillars as large as 500 μm×500 μm were fabricated. The best height/diameter aspect ratio was approximately 10:1. To date, these are the smallest diameter III–V superlattice pillar structures reported, and the first nanopillars in the InAs/GaSb material system. The basic theory of these devices and surface passivation with SiO 2 and Si 3 N 4 thin films has also been discussed.
Resource-Dependent Giving-Up Time of the Predatory Mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis

We examined the effect of prey (Tetranychus urticae) egg density on leaving rate of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, from leaf disks using predators with different feeding experiences and levels of external volatile cues related to their prey. Predators stayed longer on disks with prey eggs than on those without prey eggs. However, at each prey egg density predators stayed longer in the absence of prey-related volatiles from an external source. Starved predators stayed longer in a prey patch than those that had not experienced starvation. At each prey density, starved P. persimilis consumed a greater proportion of prey eggs than satiated predators. The total prey consumption of starved predators appears to be related to their longer residence time on source disks compared to satiated predators and also the per capita consumption rate was greater for starved predators compared to satiated predators.
Buying time: Franchising hazardous and nuclear waste cleanup

This paper describes a private franchise approach to long-term custodial care, monitoring and eventual cleanup of hazardous and nuclear waste sites. The franchise concept could be applied to Superfund sites, decommissioning commercial reactors and safeguarding their wastes and to Department of Energy sites. Privatization would reduce costs by enforcing efficient operations and capital investments during the containment period, by providing incentives for successful innovation and by sustaining containment until the cleanup`s net benefits exceed its costs. The franchise system would also permit local governments and citizens to demand and pay for more risk reduction than provided by the federal government. In principle, they would have the option of taking over site management. The major political drawback of the idea is that it requires society to be explicit about what it is willing to pay for now to protect current and future generations. Hazardous waste sites are enduring legacies of energy development. Abandoned mines, closed refineries, underground storage tanks and nuclear facilities have often become threats to human health and water quality. The policy of the United States government is that such sites should quickly be made nonpolluting and safe for unrestricted use. That is, the policy of the United Statesmore » is prompt cleanup. Orphaned commercial hazardous waste sites are addressed by the US Environmental Protection Agency`s Superfund program. 17 refs., 2 tabs.« less
APPLICATION OF FAULT TREE ANALYSIS TO ROUTE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

Abstract The reliability and availability of a dynamic route guidance system (RGS) using a fault tree is analyzed and a mathematical model of its failute is presented. The proper functioning of the system is dependent on many components including navigation system, surveillance system, communication system, hardware and software. Failure on the part of these elements may affect the reliability of the system. This study presents the application of fault tree analysis to model failure mechanisms of the system. Qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed on the fault tree. The analysis includes the determination of cut sets, system unavailability, system reliability, and importance of subsystem components. Graphs are presented for illustrating the availability and reliability of the subsystems of RGS. The reliability and availability of RGS can be determined from these graphs.
Effects of turbulence on species mass fractions in methane/air jet flames

It is important that combustion models capture the effects of turbulent mixing on reaction zone structure in non-premixed and partially premixed flames. A more complete understanding of the response of species mass fractions to turbulent mixing is needed to improve predictive capabilities, particularly with regard to combustion intermediates and minor species. Using the combination of Raman scattering. Rayleigh scattering, and laser-induced fluorescence, simultaneous measurements of CO, OH, H2, and NO are obtained along with the major species, temperature, and mixture fraction in a series of six piloted methane/air jet flames. Flame conditions vary from laminar to turbulent with significant localized extinction. Two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (TPLIF) is used to determine instantaneous CO concentrations, providing an improvement over Raman scattering measurements of CO in methane flames. Conditional probability density functions (cpdf's) of species mass fractions in the six flames are compared. Significant changes are observed in the mass fraction cpdf's of several species. Results for H2O, CO2, H2, and OH are consistent with the concept that turbulent transport becomes dominant over molecular diffusion within the range of Reynolds numbers and axial locations considered in these experiments. The cpdf's of CO mass fraction are broadened in the turbulent flames relative to the laminar flame. However, there is not an increase in the maximum conditional mean value of the CO mass fraction as suggested by some previously reported measurements in methane flames. The cpdf's of NO mass fraction at a given streamwise location in the turbulent flames show NO levels decreasing significantly as jet velocity increases.
Assessment of Freeway Traffic Parameters Leading to Lane-Change Related Collisions

This study aims at 'predicting' the occurrence of lane-change related freeway crashes using the traffic surveillance data collected from a pair of dual loop detectors. The approach adopted here involves developing classification models using the historical crash data and corresponding information on real-time traffic parameters obtained from loop detectors. The historical crash and loop detector data to calibrate the neural network models (corresponding to crash and non-crash cases to set up a binary classification problem) were collected from the Interstate-4 corridor in Orlando (FL) metropolitan area. Through a careful examination of crash data, it was concluded that all sideswipe collisions and the angle crashes that occur on the inner lanes (left most and center lanes) of the freeway may be attributed to lane-changing maneuvers. These crashes are referred to as lane-change related crashes in this study. The factors explored as independent variables include the parameters formulated to capture the overall measure of lane-changing and between-lane variations of speed, volume and occupancy at the station located upstream of crash locations. Classification tree based variable selection procedure showed that average speeds upstream and downstream of crash location, difference in occupancy on adjacent lanes and standard deviation of volume and speed downstream of the crash location were found to be significantly associated with the binary variable (crash versus non-crash). The classification models based on data mining approach achieved satisfactory classification accuracy over the validation dataset. The results indicate that these models may be applied for identifying real-time traffic conditions prone to lane-change related crashes.
Head-scatter factors in rectangular photon fields.

Head‐scatter factors were measured for a range of field sizes of rectangular shape from a linear accelerator that provides 6 and 25 MV photon beams. For a given field length and width, exchange of the inner and outer collimator pairs produces differences in the head‐scatter factor of up to about 2% and 3% in open and wedged fields, respectively. Dependence on elongation deviates by up to 2% from that given by the equivalent squares. Such effects can easily be taken into account by using head‐scatter data that have been directly measured in rectangular fields or by applying empirical corrections to values for square or equivalent square fields.
Ice particle concentrations and precipitation development in small polar maritime cumuliform clouds

Increases in the concentrations of ice particles, as well as precipitation development, can proceed very rapidly in even quite small maritime cumuliform clouds. In the upper portions of these clouds, ice particle concentrations can increase from 100 per litre in ∼10 minutes, even when cloud tops are warmer than −12°C. Just prior to the onset of the high ice particle concentrations in the upper regions of these clouds, a few liquid and frozen drizzle drops appear; these are followed almost immediately by high concentrations of largely vapour-grown ice crystals. Subsequently, the ice particle concentrations gradually decline as the ice particles grow, aggregate and fall out. Crystal habits and sizes indicate that nearly all of the ice crystals encountered in the upper regions of the clouds form close to those regions. Prior to the formation of high ice particle concentrations, the clouds generally contained, near cloud top, droplets >30μm diameter in concentrations >1cm−3, and often drizzle drops (100–400μm diameter) in concentrations >1 per litre. For maritime and continental cumuliform clouds with widths D ≥ 3km, the breadth of the droplet spectrum near the cloud top is a better predictor of the maximum ice particle concentrations that will develop in this region than is cloud-top temperature. Exceptions to the general picture described above are the very narrow (D 30μm are present in concentrations >1cm−3 and drizzle drops are often present in concentrations >1 per litre. Several proposed mechanisms for the formation of high ice particle concentrations in clouds are discussed in the light of these field observations. In a detailed case-study, ice particle concentrations produced by the ejection of ice splinters during riming were calculated to be about an order of magnitude less than the ice particle concentrations measured in the upper regions of the wider maritime clouds. The freezing of evaporating drops by contact nucleation could be responsible for the frozen drops that precede the high concentrations of vapour-grown ice crystals. The latter could be produced in localized regions of unexpectedly high supersaturation that may be produced when drops begin to grow by collisions. This explanation is consistent with several of our findings concerning the conditions under which high concentrations of vapour-grown crystals appear almost spontaneously in maritime clouds. Similarities between these natural crystals, and the conditions under which they appear, and those produced artificially by dry-ice seeding and by aircraft flying through supercooled clouds are discussed.
Comparative natural killer cell activities of thymic, bursal, splenic and intestinal intraepithelial lymphogytes of chickens

The natural killer (NK) cell activities of spleen, thymus, bursa, peripheral blood and gut intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) from FP and SC chickens were investigated in 4-hr and 16-hr 51Cr release assays. Target cells were 4 different tumor cell lines derived from either an avian leukosis tumor transplant (LSCC-RP9, LSCC-RP12) or from Marek's disease lymphomas (MDCC-MSB-1, MCDD-CU36). Great variability in cytotoxic potential was observed among NK cells of different lymphoid organs. NK cell cytotoxicity varied depending upon the type of effector cells, type of target cells, the ratio of effector to target cells, and the age and genetic background of chickens. Substantial levels of NK cell activity were detected in spleen and gut IEL of SC chickens in a 4-hr assay. In contrast, the NK cytotoxicity in gut IEL of FP chickens was not detectable until 16 hr after incubation. The ranges of target cell specificity demonstrated by IEL, spleen, thymus and bursa NK cells were similar to one another and, in general, the level of cytotoxicity increased with incubation time. Thymus and bursa NK cell activity of both SC and FP chickens was not detectable in a 4-hr assay but substantial NK cell activity was demonstrated in a 16-hr assay. The results of the present study demonstrate that various lymphoid organs of chickens, such as spleen, thymus, bursa, and gut intraepithelium, contain subpopulations of cells that can mediate spontaneous cytotoxicity.
The effect of selection for residual feed intake on general behavioral activity and the occurrence of lesions in Yorkshire gilts

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of selection for improved residual feed intake on behavior, activity, and lesion scores in gilts in their home pen. A total of 192 gilts were used, 96 from a line that had been selected for decreased residual feed intake over 5 generations (LRFI) and 96 from a randomly bred control line. Gilts were housed in 12 pens (16 gilts/pen; 0.82 m(2)/gilt) containing 8 gilts from each line in a conventional grow-finish unit. Twelve hours of video footage were collected on the day of placement and then every 4 wk for 3 more observational periods. Video was scored using a 10-min instantaneous scan sampling technique for 4 postures (standing, lying, sitting, and locomotion) and 1 behavior (at drinker). Categories of active (standing, locomotion, and at drinker) and inactive (sitting and lying) were also created. Lesion scores were collected 24 h after behavior collection had begun. The body of a gilt was divided into 4 regions, with each region receiving a score of 0 (0 lesions) to 3 (5+ lesions). All statistical analyses used Proc Mixed of SAS. Data were analyzed separately for the day of placement and the subsequent 3 rounds. General activity was summarized on a percentage basis by each posture and behavior and subjected to an arcsine square root transformation to normalize data and stabilize variance. Analysis was performed on each behavior and posture. Lesion scores for each region of the body were analyzed as repeated measures. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between genetic lines for all postures and the behavior at drinker on the day of placement. However, over subsequent rounds it was observed that LRFI gilts spent less (P = 0.03) time standing, more time sitting (P = 0.05), and were less active (P = 0.03) overall. Gilts from the LRFI line had decreased (P 0.05) differences between the genetic lines. In conclusion, on the day of placement there were no postural, behavior, or general activity differences between genetic lines, but LRFI gilts had decreased lesion scores. Behavioral differences were observed between genetic lines over subsequent rounds, with LRFI gilts becoming less active, but there were no differences in lesion scores.
Inhibitor-resistant type I receptors reveal specific requirements for TGF-β signaling in vivo

Abstract Activin/nodal-like TGF−β superfamily ligands signal through the type I receptors Alk4, Alk5, and Alk7, and are responsible for mediating a number of essential processes in development. SB-431542, a chemical inhibitor of activin/nodal signaling, acts by specifically interfering with type I receptors. Here, we use inhibitor-resistant mutant receptors to examine the efficacy and specificity of SB-431542 in Xenopus and zebrafish embryos. Treatment with SB-431542 eliminates Smad2 phosphorylation in vivo and generates a phenotype very similar to those observed in genetic mutants in the nodal signaling pathway. Inhibitor-resistant Alk4 efficiently rescues Smad2 signaling, developmental phenotype, and marker gene expression after inhibitor treatment. This system was used to examine type I receptor specificity for several activin/nodal ligands. We find that Alk4 can efficiently rescue signaling by a wide range of ligands, while Alk7 can only weakly rescue signaling by the same ligands. In whole embryos, nodal signaling during gastrulation can be rescued with Alk4, but not Alk7, while Alk5 can only mediate signaling by ligands expressed later in development. The combination of the ALK inhibitor SB-431542 with inhibitor-resistant ALKs provides a powerful set of tools for examining nodal/activin signaling during embryogenesis.
Retrospective review of gynecologic oncology patients with therapy-induced neutropenic fever.

Abstract We reviewed the course and outcome of gynecologic oncology patients with neutropenic fever (NF), and identified low-risk patients who might be candidates for outpatient management. Charts from patients with the discharge diagnosis of NF from 1990 to 1994 were reviewed for variables related to the febrile neutropenic episode. Outcome was evaluated in terms of the duration of neutropenia, length of hospital stay, NF treatment result, incidence of positive blood cultures, dose reduction in the subsequent course of chemotherapy, and death. Statistical associations between variables and outcome parameters were examined by the Student t test and χ 2 or Fisher's exact tests as indicated. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression was done to determine independent significance of variables. Forty-five episodes of NF were identified involving 40 patients. The median duration of neutropenia following the diagnosis of NF was 2.5 days. The source of fever was unexplained by exam or cultures in 25/45 (56%) episodes. There were two (4%) deaths. In 16/45 episodes, patients had been treated with at least one prior regimen of chemotherapy (median, eight courses). Episodes of NF in patients receiving second-line chemotherapy were associated with a prolonged time of neutropenia (>3 days, P = 0.058); however, this did not translate into increased hospital stay, treatment failure, or death. Thirteen of 45 (29%) NF episodes developed in patients while already hospitalized for medical or surgical conditions. In this group, cultures were positive in 64% of cases. The remaining 32 NF episodes developed in patients while at home. Patients who developed outpatient NF (ONF) had positive cultures in 23% of cases ( P = 0.08) and had a median hospital stay of 4 days. No patient with ONF who remained hemodynamically stable during the first 12 hr of admission suffered serious morbidity. In a multivariate analysis, only bacteremia approached statistical significance in predicting a longer hospital stay ( P = 0.07), and no variable studied was predictive of prolonged NF in the ONF group. Our retrospective analysis indicates that patients with ONF who remain stable during the initial 12 hr of hospitalization might safely be discharged home with appropriate antiobiotics. Prospective study of outpatient management of NF is required to confirm these findings.
Ring model for local radio communications

A ring model with adaptive retransmission strategies is introduced for local radio communications without power control to alleviate the long packet delay suffered by users located far from the base station. In this ring model, users in different rings employ separate retransmission strategies based upon the capture probability of their packets and adaptively change their retransmission strategies as they move from ring to ring. The retransmission delay allocated to users in a ring farther from the base station is shorter than that allocated to those in a ring closer to the base station in order to achieve approximately the same average packet delay throughout the network. The case of a ring model with approximately equal ring throughput is analyzed. >
Comparative Anticonvulsant Activity and Neurotoxicity of 4-Amino-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) benzamide and Prototype Antiepileptic Drugs in Mice and Rats

The anticonvulsant and toxic properties of 4-amino-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)benzamide, (ADD 75073), were compared with phenytoin (PHT), phenobarbital (PB), ethosuximide (ESM), and valproate (VPA). These compounds were evaluated in mice and rats using well-standardized anticonvulsant test procedures. The results indicate that ADD 75073 is a very potent anticonvulsant in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model. The compound was effective in nontoxic doses following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration in mice and oral administration in both mice and rats. In mice, the i.p. administration of ADD 75073 resulted in an ED50 value of 2.6 mg/kg as compared with a value of 9.5 mg/kg for phenytoin (PHT) in the same assay. Compound ADD 75073 was ineffective in nontoxic doses against all other seizure models examined in this study, and thus has a pharmacologic profile similar to that of PHT.
Factoring into coprimes in essentially linear time

Let S be a finite set of positive integers. A "coprime base for S" means a set P of positive integers such that (1) each element of P is coprime to every other element of P and (2) each element of S is a product of powers of elements of P. There is a natural coprime base for S. This paper introduces an algorithm that computes the natural coprime base for S in essentially linear time. The best previous result was a quadratic-time algorithm of Bach, Driscoll, and Shallit. This paper also shows how to factor S into elements of P in essentially linear time. The algorithms use solely multiplication, exact division, gcd, and equality testing, so they apply to any free commutative monoid with fast algorithms for those four operations; for example, given a finite set S of monic polynomials over a finite field, the algorithms factor S into coprimes in essentially linear time. These algorithms can be used as a substitute for prime factorization in many applications.