cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic coefficients for Gaussian radial basis function interpolants

Gaussian radial basis functions (RBFs) on an infinite interval with uniform grid pacing h are defined by @f(x;@a,h)=exp(-[@a^2/h^2]x^2). The only significant numerical parameter is @a, the inverse width of the RBF functions relative to h. In the limit @a->0, we demonstrate that the coefficients of the interpolant of a typical function f(x) grow proportionally to exp(@p^2/[4@a^2]). However, we also show that the approximation to the constant f(x)=1 is a Jacobian theta function whose coefficients do not blow up as @a->0. The subtle interplay between the complex-plane singularities of f(x) (the function being approximated) and the RBF inverse width parameter @a are analyzed. For @a~1/2, the size of the RBF coefficients and the condition number of the interpolation matrix are both no larger than O(10^4) and the error saturation is smaller than machine epsilon, so this @a is the center of a ''safe operating range'' for Gaussian RBFs.
The magnetic state of the lower ionosphere during Pioneer Venus entry phase

During the entry phase of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter, defined as that period at the end of mission in 1992 when the periapsis fell below 185 km, the magnetometer made repeated measurements throughout the post midnight ionosphere until about 0430 LT. In this region the magnetic field is generally stronger at comparable altitudes than it was earlier at times of higher solar activity. This increase combined with a decrease in electron density causes the ratio of the magnetic pressure to thermal pressure to approach unity at altitudes above 200 km, whereas it was much lower than unity at these altitudes during solar maximum. From 160-200 km the magnetic field pressure exceeds that of the ionospheric plasma quite unlike the usual conditions seen at the beginning of the mission. At lowest altitudes below 150 km, however, the field becomes weaker and hence no evidence for a planetary magnetic field is found.
Effect of cyclosporine on plasma endothelin levels in humans after cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Since the introduction of cyclosporine in 1980, the 1-year survival rate after cardiac transplantation is now in excess of 80%. 1 Despite the success experienced with cyclosporine, considerable morbidity remains associated with its use. Renal insufficiency characterized by renal vasoconstriction occurs frequently and limits the use of the drug. 2 Hypertension occurs in >90% of cyclosporine-treated cardiac transplant recipients. 3 In vitro cyclosporine damages endothelial cells, resulting in cell lysis and detachment. 4 Endothelin represents a newly recognized polypeptide produced by vascular endothelium. Exogenous administration of endothelin results in intense renal and systemic vasoconstriction. 5 Recently, investigators speculated that endothelin may mediate cyclosporine-induced hypertension and renal insufficiency. 6 Recent studies in the rat 7 using superpharmacologic doses of cyclosporine demonstrate cyclosporine-induced activation of plasma endothelin with an associated increase in renal vascular resistance. Administration of endothelin antisera reversed the renal vasoconstriction. The effect of clinically relevant doses of cyclosporine on the activation of circulating endothelin in humans has not been evaluated. The current study was designed to (1) investigate whether plasma endothelin is activated in cyclosporine- and non-cyclosporine-treated patients after cardiac transplantation, and (2) to determine if a correlation exists between plasma endothelin and systemic arterial pressure or serum creatinine after transplantation.
A note on the selection of control groups and control variables in comorbidity research.

Abstract Recently, investigators have become interested in "comorbidity" in eating disorders (EDs). However, it appears that many investigators fail to appreciate that demonstrating that ED patients have more of a given type of concomitant psychopathology than would be expected by chance requires the rejection of the following two null hupotheses: H 0 -1, Persons with EDs have no more symptomatology of the putatively comorbid condition than do persons without EDs; and H 0 -2, Persons with EDs have no more symptomatology of the putatively comorbid condition than they have other kinds of psychopathology not specific to ED. The choice of proper control group for testing H 0 -1 and the necessity of testing H 0 -2 are illustrated with simulated data. These same general issues apply to the assessment of comorbidity in other conditions, but the appropriate comparison group obviously changes according to the exact hypothesis being tested.
Diffuse ferroelectric phase transitions in cubically sabilized perovskites

Abstract Typical examples of ferroelectrics with diffuse phase transitions (relaxor ferroelectrics), like Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 are actually non transforming. The paraelectric phase is fully stablized against a ferroelectric phase transition in this case. A phase transition can be induced, however, by an electric field with appropriate orientation below the temperature of the dielectric constant maximum. The analogy with stress-induced martensitic phase transitions in metallic alloys is pointed out. Pecularities of the properties and of the polarization reversal of such systems are demonstrated. Actual diffuse ferroelectric phase transitions in disordered solid solutions and mixed compounds with a partially stabilized parent phase are compared with athermal martensitic transformations. With particular regard to technical ceramics based on PZT, the influence of interfaces between transformed regions and remnants of the parent phase which have to distinguished from domain walls, and of the reduced stability of t...
Use of aspirin and dipyridamole in children with platelet trapping syndromes.

serum at any t ime after ingestion, whereas griseofulvin was present in serum for at least four hours in all children who received the drug with milk; approximately two thirds of nonfasting patients who received 10 and 15 mg /kg doses, respectively, had concentrations greater than 1 #g/ml . A serum concentration of at least 1 ~zg/ml is believed to be necessary for cure of tinea capitis?' It was not possible to determine the half-life of griseofulvin in serum, because peak concentrations occurred at 4 to 6 hours after ingestion and the 24-hour value was thought to reflect, in part, drug that was redistributed from tissues (such as skin 3) to serum in the "washout" phase. Thus there were too few points from the peak value on the serum concentrat ion-t ime regression curve to calculate accurately the elimination half-life. Because griseofulvin is more consistently detected in serum for up to 24 hours after a 15 mg /kg dose, we recommend this daily dosage regimen for children with superficial fungal infections. The drug should be administered with whole milk or other food containing fat to ensure optimum bioavailability.
Namik Kemal's constitutional Ottomanism and non‐Muslims

Abstract The nineteenth century was a turning point in Muslim conceptualization of non‐Muslims in Islamic societies. This paper analyzes Namik Kemal's (1840–88) conceptualization of the role of non‐Muslims in Ottoman society. I argue that it stemmed from his reformist discourse, in particular, from his criticism of the ideology of absolutist Ottomanism, and gave rise to a variety of discursive tensions. Specifically, tension emerged in his attempt to reconcile the issue of egalitarianism with that of Islamic political and cultural unity. I link Kemal's ideas on the means and objectives of reforms, in particular, his thoughts on constitutional Ottomanism, to his views on the political role of non‐Muslims in the Ottoman state. The results should hopefully elucidate our understanding of the organizing principles of inclusion and exclusion of non‐Muslims in the Ottoman Empire.
A multiple window scan statistic for time series models

Abstract In this article we extend the results derived for scan statistics in Wang and Glaz (2014) for independent normal observations. We investigate the performance of two approximations for the distribution of fixed window scan statistics for time series models. An R algorithm for computing multivariate normal probabilities established in Genz and Bretz (2009) can be used along with proposed approximations to implement fixed window scan statistics for ARMA models. The accuracy of these approximations is investigated via simulation. Moreover, a multiple window scan statistic is defined for detecting a local change in the mean of a Gaussian white noise component in ARMA models, when the appropriate length of the scanning window is unknown. Based on the numerical results, for power comparisons of the scan statistics, we can conclude that when the window size of a local change is unknown, the multiple window scan statistic outperforms the fixed window scan statistics.
Priming Effects in Boreal Black Spruce Forest Soils: Quantitative Evaluation and Sensitivity Analysis

Laboratory studies show that introduction of fresh and easily decomposable organic carbon (OC) into soil-water systems can stimulate the decomposition of soil OC (SOC) via priming effects in temperate forests, shrublands, grasslands, and agro-ecosystems. However, priming effects are still not well understood in the field setting for temperate ecosystems and virtually nothing is known about priming effects (e.g., existence, frequency, and magnitude) in boreal ecosystems. In this study, a coupled dissolved OC (DOC) transport and microbial biomass dynamics model was developed to simultaneously simulate co-occurring hydrological, physical, and biological processes and their interactions in soil pore-water systems. The developed model was then used to examine the importance of priming effects in two black spruce forest soils, with and without underlying permafrost. Our simulations showed that priming effects were strongly controlled by the frequency and intensity of DOC input, with greater priming effects associated with greater DOC inputs. Sensitivity analyses indicated that priming effects were most sensitive to variations in the quality of SOC, followed by variations in microbial biomass dynamics (i.e., microbial death and maintenance respiration), highlighting the urgent need to better discern these key parameters in future experiments and to consider these dynamics in existing ecosystem models. Water movement carries DOC to deep soil layers that have high SOC stocks in boreal soils. Thus, greater priming effects were predicted for the site with favorable water movement than for the site with limited water flow, suggesting that priming effects might be accelerated for sites where permafrost degradation leads to the formation of dry thermokarst.
A follow up low frequency propagation experiment in Currituck Sound

An initial low frequency propagation experiment was conducted in September 2013 in which a Combustive Sound Source (CSS) generated transient acoustic signals in water depths of approximately 2.5 m [Costley et al. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 136, 2178 (2014)]. High amplitude signals were generated mid-water column and recorded with bottom mounted hydrophones at distances up to 200 m. A time harmonic, two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model under-predicted the magnitudes of the recorded pressure signals. A follow up experiment was conducted in October 2014. In addition to using the CSS and the bottom mounted hydrophones, a 4-element vertical line array was deployed. Measurements were made at source-receiver separations from approximately 10 m to 1000 m in 100 m increments. Additionally, acoustic properties of the sediment were obtained through in-situ measurements [McNeese et al. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 136, 2252 (2014)]. The results of the experiment, along with results of the finite element model using upda...
Primary ovarian insufficiency in adolescents: a case series

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by 4 to 6 months of amenorrhea and elevated serum FSH and LH in females less than 40 years. Ovarian insufficiency is uncommon in pediatrics and typically results from a chromosomal abnormality or treatment for malignancy. Idiopathic POI in which no apparent precipitant is identified is even rarer. After encountering three teens with idiopathic POI in recent months, we utilized an informatics-enabled search of the electronic medical records from our hospital to identify all cases of idiopathic POI presenting from 1998–2013. 15 girls (ages 14.4 to 17.9 years) met criteria for idiopathic POI. At diagnosis, breast development ranged from Tanner stage 1 to 5; 6 of 15 patients had secondary amenorrhea. All patients presented in the past 11 years and 13 of 15 in the past 5 years. In this first case series of POI from the United States, we observed a clustering at our institution in recent years. If an increased incidence of idiopathic POI is identified at other institutions, further investigation into potential environmental and genetic precipitants is warranted.
A yeast acts in (Cis) to inhibit meiotic gene conversion of adjacent sequences

Abstract The centromere of chromosome III CEN3 of yeast has been examined for its ability to inhibit meiotic recombination in adjacent sequences. The effect of the centromere was investigated when it was adjacent to both of the recombining sequences (homozygous) or adjacent to only one of the two recombining DNA segments (hemizygous). When homozygous, CEN3 exerts a bidirectional repression of crossing over and a strong inhibition of gene conversion. This suggests that CEN3 reduces the frequency of crossing over by interfering with the initiation of proximal recombination events. When hemizygous, CEN3 impairs the ability of adjacent sequences to act as the recipient of genetic information during gene conversion. These results support the idea that the initiating event in yeast meiotic recombination involves the recipient molecule.
A Longitudinal Study of Selected Characteristics of Children's Melodic Improvisations:

This study is an examination of the melodic improvisations of a group of children (N=62) for 3 years, from ages 7 through 9. Participants improvised as part of a class rondo for Orff instruments, in ABACADA form, in which the B, C, and D sections were 8-measure alto-xylophone improvisations in C pentatonic. Each participant improvised three melodies per year. A total of 558 improvisations were collected. Participants took the IMMA and a researcher-designed measure of mallet skill each year. Improvisations were examined for the presence of repeated and developed melodic motives, repeated and developed rhythmic motives, pulse adherence, phrases, and antecedent/consequent phrases. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures MANCOVA. Significant age effects emerged for repeated melodic and rhythmic motives, sense of pulse, and antecedent/consequent phrases. Post-hoc Tukey Pairwise Comparisons revealed significant differences between ages 7 and 8 in the presence of each of these characteristics. Significant d...
CRYOGENIC OPERATION OF SUBMILLIMETER QUASIOPTICAL MIXERS

We report here the first results obtained by cooling a submillimeter quasioptical mixer, utilizing a Schottky diode in a corner reflector mixer structure. Measurements have been carried out at a wavelength of 434 microns. The diode inverse slope parameter Vo at low current decreases by a factor of 3 upon cooling to 50 K while the minimum system noise temperature of 5600 K (SSB), including the IF contribution, demonstrates a reduction of approximately 40% from the ambient temperature value. We also report improved system noise temperatures at 184 μm and 119 μm wavelengths of 38000 K and 64000 K (SSB), respectively.
Calculating Radiological Images

We have been considering the question of calculating, conveniently but with precision, significant basic image quality indicators for mammography. As a result of this work, a number of questions have been addressed regarding both the philosophy and the practicability of such calculations. One way to make a prediction is to define a phantom, determine a primary photon fluence, obtain the scatter fluence from empirical correlations, define a target of interest and make a straightforward calculation. The other extreme is to define a phantom and target and do a complete Monte-Carlo calculation. The first is too approximate for making close calls between various system configurations. The second, although it can be very useful, tends to gather in one place the weaknesses of both experiments and theory. On one hand the Monte-Carlo calculations are unwieldy like experiments; on the other, like any theory they can only represent the physics that is included. It is always necessary to verify the calculation by experiments. For example, scatter radiation in mammography has a simple energy dependency but its angular distribution is quite complicated due to interference phenomena and also quite important. The first approach mentioned above would certainly miss the complication, as experiments have in the past. The Monte-Carlo calculations also miss the complication because, for practical reasons, their angular resolution is generally too low and in addition the appropriate physics is not included. We will describe our approach to the modelling of mammography. It is a combination of prediction techniques, based on variables chosen to be convenient for describing the physics, and experiments to verify uncertainties in the modelling. We will also discuss the point of greatest vulnerability of either calculations or experiments - the phantom. Our thesis is that all possible phantoms and targets can and should be treated in generalized combinations, which can be used to raise the level of usefulness of either experiments or predictions.
Cultural Identity in Tibetan Diasporas

Tibetan civilisation is over two millenniums old and, today, its struggles in diaspora open up a new chapter in Tibetan history. Diasporic Tibetans (e.g. in India and the USA) have made tremendous efforts over the last few decades to maintain their way of life. We focus on cultural identity in the Tibetan diasporas, with special attention focused on its historical construction as well as its two fundamental dimensions – Tibetan Buddhism and the language. Through this analysis, we aim to ferment a new scholarly interest in the survival of Tibetan culture among multilingual and multicultural scholars.
Phosphate uptake-independent signaling functions of the type III sodium-dependent phosphate transporter, PiT-1, in vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular calcification (VC) is prevalent in chronic kidney disease and elevated serum inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a recognized risk factor. The type III sodium-dependent phosphate transporter, PiT-1, is required for elevated Pi-induced osteochondrogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which PiT-1 promotes these processes is unclear. In the present study, we confirmed that the Pi concentration required to induce osteochondrogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of mouse VSMCs was well above that required for maximal Pi uptake, suggesting a signaling function of PiT-1 that was independent of Pi transport. Elevated Pi-induced signaling via ERK1/2 phosphorylation was abrogated in PiT-1 deficient VSMCs, but could be rescued by wild-type (WT) and a Pi transport-deficient PiT-1 mutant. Furthermore, both WT and transport-deficient PiT-1 mutants promoted osteochondrogenic differentiation as measured by decreased SM22α and increased osteopontin mRNA expression. Finally, compared to vector alone, expression of transport-deficient PiT-1 mutants promoted VSMC matrix mineralization, but not to the extent observed with PiT-1 WT. These data suggest that both Pi uptake-dependent and -independent functions of PiT-1 are important for VSMC processes mediating vascular calcification.
RIN1 orchestrates the activation of RAB5 GTPases and ABL tyrosine kinases to determine the fate of EGFR.

Stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) initiates RAS signaling simultaneously with EGFR internalization. Endocytosed EGFR is then either recycled or degraded. EGFR fate is determined in part by the RAS effector RIN1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RAB5 GTPases. EGFR degradation was slowed by RIN1 silencing, enhanced by RIN1 overexpression and accelerated by RIN1 localization to the plasma membrane. RIN1 also directly activates ABL tyrosine kinases, which regulate actin remodeling, a function not previously connected to endocytosis. We report that RIN1-RAB5 signaling favors EGFR downregulation over EGFR recycling, whereas RIN1-ABL signaling stabilizes EGFR and inhibits macropinocytosis. RIN1QM, a mutant that blocks ABL activation, caused EGF-stimulated membrane ruffling, actin remodeling, dextran uptake and EGFR degradation. An ABL kinase inhibitor phenocopied these effects in cells overexpressing RIN1. EGFR activation also promotes RIN1 interaction with BIN1, a membrane bending protein. These findings suggest that RIN1 orchestrates RAB5 activation, ABL kinase activation and BIN1 recruitment to determine EGFR fate.
Cancer: An unexpected addiction.

Both oncogenes and normal genes can mediate the development and progress of cancer. What used to separate their effects was cancer's dependence on, or 'addiction' to, oncogenes but not normal genes. Not any more.
Influences of catalyst configuration and catalyst loading on selectivities in reactions of diazoacetamides. Barrier to equilibrium between diastereomeric conformations.

Stereoelectronic factors present a barrier to equilibrium between diastereomeric conformations resulting in differences in selectivity as a function of catalyst configuration. The bis(trimethylsilyl)-methyl protective group is inert to insertion but directs carbon−hydrogen insertion with enhanced enantiocontrol.
Pediatric pancreatic pseudocyst: A case report and review of the literature

The differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and mass in children is complicated. An uncommon, but potentially life-threatening cause is pancreatic pseudocyst. The case of a 3-year-old male with a pancreatic pseudocyst is presented. All previously reported cases are reviewed.
Structure of additives in β″-alumina and zirconia superionic conductors

Abstract We report EXAFS studies on the local structures of Zn and Co additives used to stabilize β″-alumina and of Y and Zr in yttria stabilized zirconia. The additives in β″ replace Al in tetrahedrally coordinated sites and expand the M-O bonds about the site. In YSZ, the Y-O bonds are longer than the Zr-O bonds, and the oxygen vacancies are bound preferentially to Y.
Photoactivation ratios for specification of high-energy x-ray quality: part I, 15-40-MV x rays.

A sensitive and relatively simple method for obtaining an index of the spectral quality of x rays in the 4–15‐MV range is presented. The method is based upon the simultaneous production of 115mIn by inelastic scattering of x rays by an indium foil and the production of 116mIn by neutron capture, where the neutrons are obtained from the photodisintegration of deuterium. Since the cross sections for the production of 115mIn and 116mIn have markedly different energy response functions, the ratio of radioactivities is very sensitive to the incident x‐ray spectrum. Using a detector consisting of an indium foil sandwiched between two plastic bottles of D2O, photoactivation ratios (PAR) have been measured for 4‐, 6‐, and 10‐MV x rays. It is shown that the PAR method offers a sensitive and practical means for quality control of x‐ray spectra and comparison of high‐energy accelerators.
Fluid bed adsorption of carbon dioxide on immobilized polyethylenimine (PEI): Kinetic analysis and breakthrough behavior

Abstract The adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) by immobilized polyethylenimine (PEI) on mesoporous silica was investigated in a fluid bed. The tests were performed to determine breakthrough behavior with varying bed temperature, flow rates and feed concentrations. Experimental breakthrough curves were analyzed using a theoretical 1D model developed by Bohart and Adams. The results showed that Bohart–Adams model was suitable for the normal description of breakthrough curve for the temperature ranges of 40–90 °C. The maximum capacity increased with temperature up to 70 °C and then decreased. The adsorption rate constant exhibited a negative temperature dependence decreasing as the temperature increased. Parameters characteristic of a fluid bed adsorber were inferred from these breakthrough curves including the breakthrough time, saturation time, critical reactor length, and length of mass transfer zone LMTZ. These parameters can be used to design fluid bed adsorption system without resolving the mechanistic contributions of dispersion, mixing, and intraparticle diffusion.
Naturalistic evaluation of dialectical behavior therapy-oriented treatment for borderline personality disorder.

This article reports the results of a naturalistic investigation comparing the effectiveness of a dialectical behavior therapy-oriented treatment (DBT) with a client-centered therapy control condition (CCT) for borderline personality disorder patients (BPD). Twenty-four patients diagnosed with BPD were randomly assigned to either DBT or CCT. Blinded, independent rater evaluations and a battery of patient self-report measures were completed at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year during the course of treatment. Measures of suicide attempts and self-harm episodes were collected on a weekly basis. The number of psychiatric hospitalization days per 6-month period was also measured. Outcomes showed the DBT group improved more than the CCT group on most measures. The quality of the therapeutic alliance accounted for significant variance in patients' outcomes across both treatments.
Laser coupling to nuclei via collective electronic oscillations - A simple heuristic model study

Abstract The induction field coupling of laser-driven collective electronic oscillations has been proposed as an interlevel transfer mechanism for a gamma-ray laser. Using a heuristic classical model for the electron oscillations, we verify in the model six general features which we conjecture are valid for laser-induced collective oscillations: (1) enhancement of the electric field seen by the nucleus, (2) harmonic generation, (3) generation of higher multipoles, (4) odd (even) order multipoles couple to odd (even) harmonics, (5) there exists an optimum laser intensity for each multipole order and harmonic, and (6) for a given multipole order, the optimum intensity increases with harmonic number. We briefly discuss the relevance of these results to a proposed interlevel transfer experiment in 235U.
Mean-trajectory approximation for charge- and energy-transfer processes at surfaces.

We discuss electronic energy and charge-transfer processes at surfaces in terms of curve-crossing models. We suggest that at low kinetic energies the trajectory approximation should be replaced by a mean-trajectory approximation (MTA), in which the nuclear motion gets feedback from and adjusts to the curve-crossing dynamics. We discuss two derivations of MTA by using an eikonal approximation and a path-integral method. The effects of phonon or electron-hole pair excitations on the charge-transfer process are also incorporated.
Medical Malpractice in Michigan: An Economic Analysis

We analyzed the factors determining the amount of the recovery on claims based on medical malpractice. Our data set, which previously was not explored, consists of 20,428 claims arising within Michigan that were closed between 1978 and 1990. During this period, major changes were made in the law governing malpractice litigation. We determine the effect of these changes and of various other factors affecting medical malpractice claims. We analyze the effect of a statute that was designed to curtail "forum shopping" by attorneys for plaintiffs. This statute was initially successful in curbing such activity, but its effect seems to be diminishing. In addition, we compare mediation awards with settlement payments, and settlement payments with the expected value of claims in litigation. Evidence suggests that a mediation award is the mediation panel's estimate of a settlement payment appropriate for the case, and that cases are settled for substantially less than their expected value at trial.
The effects of the geothermal gradient on amino acid racemization

Abstract The “second region” of the kinetic curve for the racemization (epimerization) of isoleucine in foraminifera is defined from previously published data corrected for the thermal history experienced by the samples. These kinetic parameters are applied to racemization data from Deep Sea Drilling Project Sites 332A and 333 from the Deep Drill Valley, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and Site 148 from the Aves Ridge, in order to determine whether there are any observable effects due to the geothermal gradient. The data for Site 148 clearly show an increase of temperature with depth. The data for the two sites of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge do not show this clear relationship. When bottom water temperature variations are taken into consideration, the effects of the geothermal gradient become apparent. Since the degree of racemization is dependent upon both age and temperature, a knowledge of the age of a sample places constraints upon its thermal history, and hence on the heat flow at the location since deposition of the sample. The crude heat flow models thus developed are compatible with present geologic and geophysical information. It appears probable that detailed heat flow models may be developed by improving analytical precision.
Importance of conversion for results obtained with laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: The need for a conversion is a problem inherent in laparoscopic surgery. The present study points up the significance of conversion for the results obtained with laparoscopic colorectal surgery and identifies the risk factors that establish the need for conversion. METHOD: The study took the form of a multicentric, prospective, observational study within the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group. A total of 33 institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participated. The study period was 3.5 years. Cases were documented with the aid of a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Within the framework of the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group, a total of 1,658 patients were recruited to a multicenter study over a period of three and one-half years (from August 1, 1995 to February 1, 1999). The observed conversion rate was 5.2 percent (n=86). The patients requiring a conversion were significantly heavier (body mass index, 26.5vs. 24.9) than those undergoing pure laparoscopy. Resections of the rectum were associated with a higher risk for conversion (20.9vs. 13 percent). Intraoperative complications occurred significantly more frequently in the conversion group (27.9vs. 3.8 percent). The duration of the operation was significantly increased after conversion in a considerable proportion of the procedures performed. Postoperative morbidity (47.7vs. 26.1 percent), mortality (3.5vs. 1.5 percent), recovery time, and postoperative hospital stay were all negatively influenced by conversion, in part significantly. Institutions with experience of more than 100 laparoscopic colorectal procedures proved to have a significantly lower conversion rate than those with experience of fewer than 100 such interventions (4.3vs. 6.9 percent). CONCLUSION: Although, of itself, conversion is not considered to be a complication of laparoscopic surgery, it is true that the postoperative course after conversion is associated with appreciably poorer results in terms of morbidity, mortality, convalescence, blood transfusion requirement, and postoperative hospital stay. The importance of experience in laparoscopic surgery can be demonstrated on the basis of the conversion rates. Careful patient selection oriented to the experience of the surgeon is required if we are to keep the conversion, morbidity, and mortality rates of laparoscopic colorectal procedures as low as possible.
Printing optimization and thermal sintering study of silver nano-ink for InkJet printing of solar electrodes using an industrial printhead

We present a successful inkjet printing capability for solar electrodes with line widths below 100 μm. A Theologically tailored conductive silver nano-ink was created to meet the rheological requirement of industrial printheads (XAAR 1001). The jetting optimization for the printhead was done using a desktop R&D inkjet printer from PiXDRO (OTB Solar). Printer-integrated software allowed the optimization of droplet formation and droplet stability during the jetting process. Typical printing parameters such as greyscale, DPI variation, substrate heating, etc., were optimized to achieve high print quality. However, initial printing results showed poor line definition and inhomogeneous film thickness. To overcome this, we developed a multiple pass printing process that results in excellent line definition. We also performed statistical analysis to correlate the droplet size with printed feature size. The minimum feature size of -15 μm was achieved by jetting ~6 pi droplets. After printing, the films were sintered thermally to achieve metallization. Detailed TGA study showed that complete metallization was achieved at temperature 400°C. Adhesion tests performed using an ASTM standard tape test on printed pattern showed less than 5% of delamination or flaking. Finally, test prototypes of solar front electrodes were printed successfully on ITO and silicon substrates.
Discontinuous Finite Element Modeling of Grain Growth Behavior in Various Anisotropy of Surface Energy and Interface Mobility

In this paper, a discontinuous finite element solution to the phase-field equations for the microstructure evolution of polycrystalline material is presented. The mathematical formulation and numerical implementation are discussed. Numerical studies are conducted on the interactions between multiple grain seeds with different orientations during solidification. The discontinuous numerical scheme is validated by the results reported in literature. The combined impacts from free surface energy and interface mobility on the microstructure formation of interface are investigated using the presented model. Results show that the anisotropy of surface energy and mobility play dominant roles in the growth rate of grains with different orientation, and hence determine the final interface morphology of crystals.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
GPR88 reveals a discrete function of primary cilia as selective insulators of GPCR cross-talk.

A number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) localize to primary cilia but the functional significance of cilia to GPCR signaling remains incompletely understood. We investigated this question by focusing on the D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) and beta-2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR), closely related catecholamine receptors that signal by stimulating production of the diffusible second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) but differ in localization relative to cilia. D1Rs robustly concentrate on cilia of IMCD3 cells, as shown previously in other ciliated cell types, but disrupting cilia did not affect D1R surface expression or ability to mediate a concentration-dependent cAMP response. By developing a FRET-based biosensor suitable for resolving intra- from extra- ciliary cAMP changes, we found that the D1R-mediated cAMP response is not restricted to cilia and extends into the extra-ciliary cytoplasm. Conversely the B2AR, which we show here is effectively excluded from cilia, also generated a cAMP response in both ciliary and extra-ciliary compartments. We identified a distinct signaling effect of primary cilia through investigating GPR88, an orphan GPCR that is co-expressed with the D1R in brain, and which we show here is targeted to cilia similarly to the D1R. In ciliated cells, mutational activation of GPR88 strongly reduced the D1R-mediated cAMP response but did not affect the B2AR-mediated response. In marked contrast, in non-ciliated cells, GPR88 was distributed throughout the plasma membrane and inhibited the B2AR response. These results identify a discrete ‘insulating’ function of primary cilia in conferring selectivity on integrated catecholamine signaling through lateral segregation of receptors, and suggest a cellular activity of GPR88 that might underlie its effects on dopamine-dependent behaviors.
Ideas and Change in U.S. Foreign Aid: Inventing the Millennium Challenge Corporation

Recent scholarship on foreign policy change focuses on the role of ideas in altering policies and related governing institutions. While a welcome antidote to the previous preoccupation with static analysis, this research has yet to provide adequate understanding of whether and how ideas produce change in specific instances. This study seeks to narrow this gap by examining a recent program change in U.S. foreign aid policy: the creation in 2004 of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an independent agency designed to reward the world's most impoverished countries that had previously undertaken neoliberal economic reforms and democratic political reforms. The study identifies a convergence of widely shared principled and causal beliefs which, mediated through U.S. domestic structures, produced the most significant change in U.S. aid strategy and structures in nearly half a century. In melding societal theories that emphasize the role of transnational norm diffusion with theories of domestic politics, the study answers the call for multilevel explanations of foreign policy change. And by applying constructivist notions of ideas and discursive framing with rationalist conceptions of power and interests, the study further responds to the need for theoretical synthesis in the study of foreign policy.
Osseointegration and its role in management of hearing loss

Osseointegration is a biological process by which a structural connection is created between living bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant. This phenomenon has been used in a range of medical interventions. In 1977, Tjellstrom reported on osseointegrated bone-anchored hearing device as an alternative to conventional bone-conducting hearing aids, which were required to be worn on a headband or a pair of glasses. Since that time, there has been significant development in surgical technique and device technology for bone-anchored hearing devices. A review of the current literature was conducted to describe these advancements and provide an up-to-date summary of the usage of osseointegrated bone-anchored hearing device in the management of hearing loss.
gCap39 is a nuclear and cytoplasmic protein.

gCap39 is a newly identified member of the Ca2+- and polyphosphoinositidemodulated gelsolin family of actin binding proteins which is different from gelsolin in several important respects: it caps filament ends, it does not sever filaments, it binds reversibly to actin, it is phosphorylated in vivo, and it is also present in the nucleus. gCap39 and gelsolin coexist in a variety of cells. To better understand the roles of gCap39 and gelsolin, we have compared their relative amounts and intracellular distributions. We found that gCap39 is very abundant in macrophages (accounting for 0.6% of total macrophage proteins), and is present in 12-fold molar excess to gelsolin. Both proteins are highly induced during differentiation of the promyelocytic leukemia cell line into macrophages. gCap39 is less abundant in fibroblasts (0.04% total proteins) and is present in equal molar ratio to gelsolin. The two proteins are colocalized in the cytoplasm, but gCap39 is also found in the nucleus while gelsolin is not. Nuclear gCap39 redistributes throughout the cytoplasm during mitosis and is excluded from regions containing chromosomes. Our results demonstrate that gCap39 is a nuclear and cytoplasmic protein which has unique as well as common functions compared with gelsolin. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development and characterization of 21 microsatellite loci for the Pine Barrens treefrog (Hyla andersonii)

Twenty-one polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for the rare Pine Barrens treefrog (Hyla andersonii). This species is found in three disjunct regions of the eastern United States and is con- sidered threatened by each state in which it occurs. In order to elucidate population structure and identify possible declines in this treefrog we designed primers that amplify across all three regions. Loci were isolated from a genomic library enriched for a variety of repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 15, the observed het- erozygosity ranged from 0.17 to 0.93, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.38 to 0.95 using only 15 individuals. These microsatellite markers will address a deficiency of genetic data for H. andersonii by assessing differences among the three regions and describing popu- lation structure within each region in order to inform conservation efforts.
ROCK1 functions as a critical regulator of stress erythropoiesis and survival by regulating p53

Erythropoiesis is a dynamic, multistep process whereby hematopoietic stem cells differentiate toward a progressively committed erythroid lineage through intermediate progenitors. Although several downstream signaling molecules have been identified that regulate steady-state erythropoiesis, the major regulators under conditions of stress remain poorly defined. Rho kinases (ROCKs) belong to a family of serine/threonine kinases. Using gene-targeted ROCK1-deficient mice, we show that lack of ROCK1 in phenylhydrazine-induced oxidative stress model results in enhanced recovery from hemolytic anemia as well as enhanced splenic stress erythropoiesis compared with control mice. Deficiency of ROCK1 also results in enhanced survival, whereas wild-type mice die rapidly in response to stress. Enhanced survivability of ROCK1-deficient mice is associated with reduced level of reactive oxygen species. BM transplantation studies revealed that enhanced stress erythropoiesis in ROCK1-deficient mice is stem cell autonomous. We show that ROCK1 binds to p53 and regulates its stability and expression. In the absence of ROCK1, p53 phosphorylation and expression is significantly reduced. Our findings reveal that ROCK1 functions as a physiologic regulator of p53 under conditions of erythroid stress. These findings are expected to offer new perspectives on stress erythropoiesis and may provide a potential therapeutic target in human disease characterized by anemia.
Aircraft 4-D Constant Velocity Control System

A 4-D system for sequencing of aircraft in a traffic controlled environment is developed. A closedform approximation for determination of the constant airspeed necessary to fly a fixed ground path consisting of straight line and constant radius arc segments is shown to have accuracy of better than 0.1%. Heading and bank angle required on the turns are also computed. These calculations are used as commands to an aircraft and are periodically updated to provide for elimination of errors accumulated during flight. The concept is capable of being implemented over a broad spectrum of aircraft under active control from those with full RNAV autopilots, to those under radar vector control where commands are relayed verbally from a traffic controller. The system capability is demonstrated in a simulation of a modern transport aircraft with a typical autopilot and auto throttle, navigation information, and computer to process the command equations. Sequencing accuracies within a few seconds are obtained when the aircraft is subjected to combined unsteady winds (gusts) and errors in the knowledge of the steady wind conditions.
WHOLESALER: A Decision Support System for Wholesale Procurement and Distribution

Develops a decision‐making framework for the design and operation of a wholesaling system. Considers the new roles of wholesaling and proposes an optimization model to satisfy best the service requirements at the minimum cost. Using this model, a prototype decision‐support system is developed to build various scenarios and suitable models for these scenarios. A number of management reports are prepared to help managers negotiate prices or volumes, consolidate warehouses, select transport modes, and test the effectiveness of proposed service packages.
Spectral Time Moment Analysis of Microgel Deswelling. Effect of the Heating Rate

Microgel nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous solutions of neutral polymer hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) through the self-association of amphiphilic HPC molecules and the subsequent cross linking at room temperature. Dynamic Light Scattering was used to study the transport properties of HPC microgels below and above the volume phase transition. Highly nonexponential, multimodal microgel spectra were observed and successfully analyzed by spectral time moment analysis. This article expands earlier results and focuses on the effect of the heating rate on microgel deswelling. During the fast heating two identified microgel modes with apparent hydrodynamic radii (R H ) of 25-30 nm and 400-650 nm collapse into one mode with R H = 100-150 nm. This indicates the shrinkage of microgel size distribution and an apparent decrease in the radius of larger microgels. During the slow heating, however, both microgel-identified modes remain present above T c . Although equally represented below the transition, the dominance of larger microgels' mode increases almost two fold with rising temperature above 40°C. Moreover, R H for this mode increases from 250-300 nm to about 800-850 nm with a multi-step temperature change from 40 to 42.5°C, indicating the growth (and not shrinkage) of microgels. The second mode is represented by the temperature independent R H , but its contribution goes down from about 50% to less than 10%.
The RecA Protein: Structure and Function

(1990). The RecA Protein: Structure and Functio. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Vol. 25, No. 6, pp. 415-456.
When are phylogenetic analyses misled by convergence? A case study in Texas cave salamanders.

Convergence, i.e., similarity between organisms that is not the direct result of shared phylogenetic history (and that may instead result from independent adaptations to similar environments), is a fundamental issue that lies at the interface of systematics and evolutionary biology. Although convergence is often cited as an important problem in morphological phylogenetics, there have been few well-documented examples of strongly supported and misleading phylogenetic estimates that result from adaptive convergence in morphology. In this article, we propose criteria that can be used to infer whether or not a phylogenetic analysis has been misled by convergence. We then apply these criteria in a study of central Texas cave salamanders (genus Eurycea). Morphological characters (apparently related to cave-dwelling habitat use) support a clade uniting the species E. rathbuni and E. tridentifera, whereas mitochondrial DNA sequences and allozyme data show that these two species are not closely related. We suggest that a likely explanation for the paucity of examples of strongly misleading morphological convergence is that the conditions under which adaptive convergence is most likely to produce strongly misleading results are limited. Specifically, convergence is most likely to be problematic in groups (such as the central Texas Eurycea) in which most species are morphologically very similar and some of the species have invaded and adapted to a novel selective environment.
Lightning Protection of Distribution Capacitor Controllers

Basic recommendations are provided for enhancing the reliability of new and existing capacitor controller installations by optimizing their resistance to surges. The sources and types of surges commonly experienced by capacitor controllers are discussed with consideration given to circuit parameters that can influence the magnitude of surges reaching the controller. Different controller surge protection configurations are examined including providing auxiliary secondary-side surge protection. The discussion culminates with some basic surge protection recommendations to enhance the lightning performance of capacitor controllers