cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Bull of Phalaris: Atrocity in the Canon

While political theory occasionally resembles a protracted discussion about violence, the same cannot be said for atrocity. Where something recognizable as atrocity does crop up in canonical texts, it tends to be characterized as a fundamentally extra-political phenomenon. The canon promotes a tautology: atrocity is extra-political and properly political violence is not atrocious. To begin my discussion of atrocity, I first consider the figure of the tyrant and tyrannical violence in Western political thought as a possible proxy issue for early thinking about transgressive violence. Of the many disquisitions on tyranny, Seneca’s distinction between ordinary cruelty and what he calls “bestial savagery” establishes the basis for a theory of atrocity, but it does not go far enough. I then survey canonical discussions of transgressive violence up to the present, emphasizing the recurring theme of non-instrumentality. Finally, I present a tentative formulation of atrocity that underscores its political nature.
The complete functional characterisation of the terpene synthase family in tomato

Analysis of the updated reference tomato genome found 34 full-length TPS genes and 18 TPS pseudogenes. Biochemical analysis has now identified the catalytic activities of all enzymes encoded by the 34 TPS genes: one isoprene synthase, 10 exclusively or predominantly monoterpene synthases, 17 sesquiterpene synthases and six diterpene synthases. Among the monoterpene and sesquiterpene and diterpene synthases, some use trans-prenyl diphosphates, some use cis-prenyl diphosphates and some use both. The isoprene synthase is cytosolic; six monoterpene synthases are plastidic, and four are cytosolic; the sesquiterpene synthases are almost all cytosolic, with the exception of one found in the mitochondria; and three diterpene synthases are found in the plastids, one in the cytosol and two in the mitochondria. New trans-prenyltransferases (TPTs) were characterised; together with previously characterised TPTs and cis-prenyltransferases (CPTs), tomato plants can make all cis and trans C10 , C15 and C20 prenyl diphosphates. Every type of plant tissue examined expresses some TPS genes and some TPTs and CPTs. Phylogenetic comparison of the TPS genes from tomato and Arabidopsis shows expansions in each clade of the TPS gene family in each lineage (and inferred losses), accompanied by changes in subcellular localisations and substrate specificities.
A FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR GEOMETRICALLY NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF MULTI-LAYERED COMPOSITE SHELLS

ABSTRACT This paper presents a multi-director and shear-deformable finite element formulation for geometrically nonlinear analysis of thick layered composite shells. The underlying variational formulation is based on an assumed strain method. The displacement field is continuous across the finite element layers through the composite thickness, whereas the rotation field is only layer-wise continuous and is assumed discontinuous across the discrete layers. From a kinematical viewpoint displacements and rotations are assumed finite while the strains are infinitesimal. The proposed model is then cast in a co-rotational framework which is derived consistently from the updated Lagrangian framework. The close relationship between the co-rotational procedure and its underlying updated Lagrangian procedure is presented to highlight the cost reduction for large and complicated geometric configurations. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed element.
Burden of respiratory viral infection in persons with human immunodeficiency virus

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of respiratory viral infections (RVI) in persons living with HIV (PLH) admitted with a respiratory complaint using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and primer-independent next-generation sequencing (NGS). Of 82 subjects, respiratory viruses were the most common pathogen identified in 27 (33%), followed by fungus and bacteria in 8 (10%) and 4 (5%) subjects, respectively. Among subjects with RVI, 11 (41%) required ICU admission and 16 (59%) required mechanical ventilation. The proportion of respiratory viruses identified, and the associated complicated hospital course highlights the significant role that RVIs play in the lung health of PLH.
E-161 A novel angiographic method to measure arterial blood flow rates using contrast reflux

Introduction Several methods of extracting arterial blood flow rates from angiography have been attempted over the past decades.1 2 However, catheter-based contrast injections in arteries can cause substantial disturbances to the baseline blood flow,3 which has limited the utilization of these methods in the clinical setting. Contrast reflux, which is the movement of contrast proximal to the catheter tip is frequently observed during antegrade angiography. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between baseline hemodynamics and contrast reflux. Methods A silicone replica of a complete circle of Willis was connected to a pulsatile flow pump (Vascular Simulations, Stony Brook, NY). Contrast injections (n=144) were performed in both the right carotid and right vertebral arteries under varying blood flow and injection conditions with high-speed (15 FPS) image acquisition. Reflux length was measured as the distance from the tip of the catheter to the most proximal point of contrast reflux. The reflux length was normalized by the vessel diameter at the catheter tip location and plotted against the ratio of the Reynolds number (a common fluid dynamics parameter) of blood flow to Reynolds number of contrast injection (figure 1). An appropriate equation was chosen to fit the data and the estimated mean blood flow from curve-fitting was compared to the true, measured blood flow. Mean blood flow was also estimated using the conventional Transit-Time method1 and the flow estimation errors between the new and conventional methods were statistically compared. Results The relationship between the Reynolds number ratio and reflux length could be described by a sigmoidal equation (figure 1, R­2=0.64). The Reflux method showed a lower error (22.8 ± 20.4%) as compared to the conventional Transit-Time method (31.7 ± 39.7%), but without statistical significance (p=0.27). Conclusion The novel Reflux method presented in this study may have better accuracy and precision than conventional transit-time methods for estimating blood flow. Contrast reflux at the catheter tip is essentially an output of hemodynamic disturbances caused by catheter injections with baseline flow and injection parameters as input. Thus, as opposed to traditional methods, the Reflux method inherently relies on, and is robust against, these hemodynamic disturbances. Refinement of the technique is needed to improve the accuracy and precision for clinical use. References Shpilfoygel S, et al. Med. Phys 2000;27(9):2008–2023. Shaughnessy G, et al. Med Phys 2018;45(10):4510–4518. Kovarovic B, et al. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2018;9(2):226–239. Disclosures S. Marfoglio: 5; C; Vascular Simulations, Inc. 6; C; Vascular Simulations Inc. B. Kovarovic: None. D. Fiorella: 4; C; Vascular Simulations Inc. C. Sadasivan: 2; C; Vascular Simulations Inc. 4; C; Vascular Simulations Inc. 6; C; Vascular Simulations Inc.
The higher incision at upper part of lower uterine segment in caesarean section can decrease the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum.

Abstract Caesarean section rate and placenta accreta spectrum prevalence are in continuous increase during last years. Multiple hypotheses can explain the abnormal adherence of placenta trophoblast to the myometrium. By reviewing the surgical techniques used in caesarean section, we hypothesize that the higher uterine incision at upper part of lower segment could decrease the abnormal placentation in next pregnancies.
Supporting employee well-being: The case of independent restaurants

Employees who feel supported by their organizations and managers tend to have higher well-being and job satisfaction and lower turnover. High turnover is a challenge for the restaurant industry and...
Human innate lymphoid cell precursors express CD48 that modulates ILC differentiation through 2B4 signaling

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) develop from common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), which further differentiate into the common ILC progenitor (CILP) that can give rise to both ILCs and natural killer (NK) cells. Murine ILC intermediates have recently been characterized, but the human counterparts and their developmental trajectories have not yet been identified, largely due to the lack of homologous surface receptors in both organisms. Here, we show that human CILPs (CD34+CD117+α4β7+Lin-) acquire CD48 and CD52, which define NK progenitors (NKPs) and ILC precursors (ILCPs). Two distinct NK cell subsets were generated in vitro from CD34+CD117+α4β7+Lin-CD48-CD52+ and CD34+CD117+α4β7+Lin-CD48+CD52+ NKPs, respectively. Independent of NKPs, ILCPs exist in the CD34+CD117+α4β7+Lin-CD48+CD52+ subset and give rise to ILC1s, ILC2s, and NCR+ ILC3s, whereas CD34+CD117+α4β7+Lin-CD48+CD52- ILCPs give rise to a distinct subset of ILC3s that have lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi)-like properties. In addition, CD48-expressing CD34+CD117+α4β7+Lin- precursors give rise to tissue-associated ILCs in vivo. We also observed that the interaction of 2B4 with CD48 induced differentiation of ILC2s, and together, these findings show that expression of CD48 by human ILCPs modulates ILC differentiation.
Specific capacity investment in supply chains

Abstract In a supply chain composed of a supplier and a buyer, the supplier must make two decisions, buyer-specific capacity and cost-reduction investment for each unit of the installed specialized capacity, before demand uncertainties have been resolved. However, because capacity is not verifiable, the firms cannot commit to firm contract terms. Bearing the upfront investment cost, the supplier under-builds specific capacity and under-invests in the cost-reduction innovation, thereby lowering supply chain efficiency. A common arrangement is that the parties agree to some initial contract terms ex ante, and may renegotiate ex post. This paper investigates whether several common types of contract can induce the supplier to build specialized capacity and invest in cos-reduction innovation at the first-best levels, and how ex post renegotiation affects the results. Under quantity-only contracts, the supplier will over-invest in cost-reduction innovation but under-build specific capacity either with or without ex post renegotiation. Under price-only contracts, the supplier will under-invest in cost-reduction innovation but over-build specific capacity. Ex post renegotiation improves the channel profit and brings the supplier’s decisions closer to the firstbest, but its decisions remain suboptimal. However, there exist one quantity-plus-price initial agreement and a schedule of option contracts that yield the first-best decisions. The price/quantities do not change whether ex post renegotiation is permissible. However, channel efficiency and the firms’ profits improve when ex post renegotiation is permissible. Because of the flexibility of option contracts, the firms renegotiate only if the buyer exercises up options and wants to buy more ex post, while they renegotiate with certainty under the optimal quantity-plus-price initial contract.
Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy with the “sandwich” method for endometrial cancer: An institutional analysis

Introduction. Choice of adjuvant therapy for high risk endometrial cancers is controversial. The so-called “sandwich” regimen of pelvic external beam radiation administered between cycles of Carboplatin/Paclitaxel (CT-RT-CT) is commonly used in clinical practice but has not been evaluated in randomized endometrial cancer trials. There is relatively little published data regarding toxicity, patient tolerance, and efficacy of this regimen. Here, we report our institutional experience of CT-RT-CT for locally advanced endometrial cancer, focusing on toxicity and rates of compliance with study therapy. Material and methods. Medical records of consecutive patients treated for surgically staged endometrial cancer at a tertiary care academic medical center between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed. All patients received adjuvant CT-RT-CT. Progression-free and overall survival were recorded from the date of surgery. Toxicity data was obtained from patient medical records and graded according to Common Terminology for Adverse Events Criteria, version 3.0. Results. Thirty-eight patients with histologically proven stage I–IV endometrial cancer were included. Eighty-four percent of patients were able to complete all 6 planned cycles of chemotherapy and 92% completed at least 4 cycles. Cumulative incidence of grade 3–4 hematologic toxicity was 55%. Locoregional recurrence was the first site of failure in 2 patients (5.1%) while distant failure was the first site of recurrence in 8 patients (21%). Two year overall survival and progression-free survival were 76% and 77% respectively. Conclusion. Our results suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy with the “sandwich” regimen is associated with acceptable toxicity and satisfactory rates of completion of planned therapy.
The paradox of time

Time travel as a key feature of a game is great fun, from rewinding time in Prince of Persia to fighting alongside past selves in Super Time Force. And classic RPG Chrono Trigger is always worth revisiting, says Jacob Aron
Using Postsynthetic X-Type Ligand Exchange to Enhance CO2 Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks with Kuratowski-Type Building Units.

Postsynthetic modification methods have emerged as indispensable tools for tuning the properties and reactivity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In particular, postsynthetic X-type ligand exchange (PXLE) at metal building units has gained increasing attention as a means of immobilizing guest species, modulating the reactivity of framework metal ions, and introducing new functional groups. The reaction of a Zn-OH functionalized analogue of CFA-1 (1-OH, Zn(ZnOH)4(bibta)3, where bibta2- = 5,5'-bibenzotriazolate) with organic substrates containing mildly acidic E-H groups (E = C, O, N) results in the formation of Zn-E species and water as a byproduct. This Bronsted acid-base PXLE reaction is compatible with substrates with pKa(DMSO) values as high as 30 and offers a rapid and convenient means of introducing new functional groups at Kuratwoski-type metal nodes. Gas adsorption and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy experiments reveal that the anilide-exchanged MOFs 1-NHPh0.9 and 1-NHPh2.5 exhibit enhanced low-pressure CO2 adsorption compared to 1-OH as a result of a Zn-NHPh + CO2 ⇌ Zn-O2CNHPh chemisorption mechanism. The MFU-4l analogue 2-NHPh ([Zn5(OH)2.1(NHPh)1.9(btdd)3], where btdd2- = bis(1,2,3-triazolo)dibenzodioxin), shows a similar improvement in CO2 adsorption in comparison to the parent MOF containing only Zn-OH groups.
University presses and the impact of COVID-19

Abstract University presses occupy a distinctive field of publishing, heavily tied to the fortunes of the universities and colleges in which they are usually situated COVID-19 has catalysed their adoption of digital technologies;focused their commitments to social justice;and given new impetus to business models and formats that fully leverage the Internet, especially open access Economic pressures on higher education that seem set only to increase are also driving university presses to more interdependent approaches and an emphasis on the contributions of the university press network to knowledge infrastructure for the humanities and social sciences This article explores how university presses have reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular reference to the experiences of the University of Michigan Press It concludes that the diversity of types of university presses is one of the greatest strengths of this field of publishing and makes it resilient in a time of unprecedented change
A proof-carrying file system with revocable and use-once certificates

We present the design and implementation of a file system which allows authorizations dependent on revocable and use-once policy certificates. Authorizations require explicit proof objects, combining ideas from previous authorization logics and Girard's linear logic. Use-once certificates and revocations lists are maintained in a database that is consulted during file access. Experimental results demonstrate that the overhead of using the database is not significant in practice.
Solution conformation of the ferrichromes. A comparative proton magnetic resonance study of glycine- and serine-containing ferrichromes.

Abstract Ferrichrome, ferricrocin, ferrichrysin and ferrichrome A are ferric cyclohexapeptides whose general primary composition is represented by where the Res2,3 sites are occupied by glycyl or l -seryl residues and Orn1,2,3 stands for δ-N-acyl-δ-N-hydroxy- l -ornithyl. The latter provide the hydroxamate ligands which co-ordinate the metal ion. The 220 MHz proton magnetic resonance spectra of Al3+ and Ga3+ chelates of the four homologous peptides in aqueous and in deutero-dimethylsulfoxide solutions are reported and analyzed in terms of the molecular conformations. In both solvents the chemical shifts of the amide proton resonances and their temperature dependences are consistent with a structure containing two transannular hydrogen bonds, as in the Schwyzer model for cyclohexapeptides. The metal ion enforces the structure of the peptide backbone; thus, the reported conformational differences resulting from residue substitutions at sites 2 and 3, as well as from solvation effects, are virtually eliminated upon its binding. The chelates exhibit pronounced chemical shift differences among the amide NH's with markedly reduced temperature dependences for four of them. Gross amide hydrogendeuterium exchange kinetics in 2H2O indicates that these four amides have a highly diminished interaction with the solvent. The comparative spectra of the analogous chelates permits unequivocal assignments of all proton resonances to residues in the absolute sequence. The magnitude of the amide NHCaH spin-spin couplings yields estimates of the conformational φ dihedral angles. Aside from slight seryl side-chain solvation pressures, the proton magnetic resonance data for the chelates in solution are in good agreement with the static X-ray crystallographic model for ferrichrome A.
Transracial Adoption and Gentrification: An Essay on Race, Power, Family, and Community

In this article, Professor Perry ands common ground between the two seemingly disparate contexts of transracial adoption and gentriacation. Professor Perry argues that both transracial adoption and gentriacation represent contexts in which, in the future, there may be increasing competition for limited resources. In the former case, the limited resource is the healthy Black newborn. In the later, it is desirable, affordable housing in the centers of our cities. After explaining how a competition between Blacks and whites over Black newborns could arise, Professor Perry argues that in any such competition, Blacks will increasingly and themselves at a disadvantage stemming from the consequences of institutionalized racism. The article argues that there is a public discourse in both contexts that blames Blacks for the problems facing Black families and Black communities and valorizes whites who transracially adopt or move into inner-city neighborhoods undergoing gentriacation. Professor Perry urges increased government involvement to preserve Black families and to protect Blacks against the displacement that often results from gentriacation.
Augmentation of a navigation reference system with differential global positioning system pseudorange measurements

To quantify the performance of navigation systems, the US Air Force has used a baseline navigation system, the Completely Integrated Reference Instrumentation System (CIRIS), which obtains an accurate navigation solution by combining information from three major subsystems. Although the navigation solution produced by CIRIS is accurate, it will soon be inadequate as the standard against which future navigation systems can be tested. The authors propose an alternative to CIRIS, a hybrid Enhanced Navigation Reference System (ENRS) which takes advantage of a newer ring laser gyro strapdown inertial navigation system (INS), certain features of the current CIRIS, and certain features of differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) measurements. Analysis conducted using a Kalman filter development package known as the Multimode Simulation for Optimal Filter Evaluation (MSOFE) is presented. Both a large order baseline truth model for the ENRS and full- and reduced-order Kalman filters are developed. >
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AN OPTIMIZATION PROTOCOL FOR DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION: INTEGRATING FUNDAMENTAL THEORY, EXPERIMENTATION AND MODELING TOOLS

A protocol for identifying the preferred process conditions for directional solidification has been developed using the axial thermal gradient at the surface of the casting during solidification. Solidification modeling has been utilized to predict local thermal conditions during solidification for a broad range of geometrical configurations, alloy compositions and heat-extraction conditions. Three different mold configurations were evaluated for three alloy compositions using both conventional and high-gradient directional solidification processes. The high-gradient directional solidification process investigated was the Liquid Metal Cooling (LMC) process that utilizes a liquid-metal coolant in the cold zone of the directional-solidification furnace. Process conditions associated with the development of dendritic structure and solidification defects have been analyzed in detail for each configuration. Classical defect maps have been extended to consider the important effects of solid-liquid interface curvature. The utilization of the surface maximum axial thermal gradient as a means to identify preferred processing conditions is applicable to a range of solidification conditions, and accounts for changes in casting geometry, alloy composition or degree of heat-extraction. Experiments have been conducted to validate model predictions and improve the understanding of the role of solid-liquid interface curvature on dendrite-growth morphology. The optimization technique has been demonstrated for an atypical casting configuration and applied to a complex geometry, in which timedependent process conditions were required to maintain desired single-crystal growth.
Aristotle's Powers of Responsibility for Nature, by Stephan Millett

Much work in environmental ethics focuses on the notion of moral considerability: what things are entitled to the consideration of moral agents, and on what basis? Are all morally considerable enti...
Status Disparities in the Capital of Capital Punishment

Numerous studies have examined the influence of victim race on capital punishment, with a smaller number focused on victim gender. But death penalty scholars have largely ignored victim social status. Drawing on Black's (1976) multidimensional theoretical concept, the current research examines the impact of victim social status on the district attorney's decision to seek the death penalty and the jury's decision to impose a death sentence. The data include the population of cases indicted for capital murder in Harris County (Houston), Texas, from 1992 to 1999 (n = 504). The findings suggest that victim social status has a robust influence on the ultimate state sanction: Death was more likely to be sought and imposed on behalf of high-status victims who were integrated, sophisticated, conventional, and respectable. The research also has implications beyond capital punishment. Because victim social status has rarely been investigated in the broader sentencing literature, Black's concept provides a theoretical tool that could be used to address such an important omission.
Development of fine pitch solders joint interconnection technology for flip chip assembly

This paper presents the development of a new fine pitch (100 mum) solder-joint-based interconnection technology for flip chip assemblies. In contrast to existing flip chip technologies such as controlled collapse chip connection (C4) or solder alternatives like anisotropic conductive film (ACF), anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), or nonconductive paste (NCP), this method not only meets the requirements for fine pitch and high I/O density, but also provides a robust solder intermetallic (IMC) joint between die bumps and substrate bond fingers in flip chip assemblies. And perhaps even more importantly, this technology has a very low process cost. The fine pitch solder dots were pre-applied on printed circuit board (PCB) bond fingers through direct stencil printing and reflow. The stencil had apertures that were the same pitch as the die pads; thus, no redistribution layer on the die surface was necessary. Nonflow underfills were employed during flip chip assembly to bond the die on the PCB. During the die mounting process, the gold stud bump of die penetrated the oxidization layer of the solder dot. Then, when the solder dot was melted by bonder heat, it encompassed the gold bump and copper finger to form a robust intermetallic Au/Solder/Cu joint. The underfill also cured during the mounting process. Daisy chain boards with fine pitch bond fingers were constructed as a vehicle to evaluate the performance of this fine pitch interconnection technology. Both electrical tests and mechanical environment tests were performed. The initial evaluation results showed that this technology is viable in terms of its high electrical and mechanical performance and its low manufacturing cost
Integrating geophysical data in GIS for geothermal power prospecting

Geographic information system (GIS)–based resource assessment is an important and relatively inexpensive tool for identifying areas that are of interest for geothermal power production. Of particular interest is the under-exploited industry of co-produced fluids and low-temperature formation waters in oil- and gas-producing basins. Obtaining bottom-hole temperature (BHT) data is now free and easily accessible due to the efforts of the National Geothermal Data System (NGDS). Oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, and North Dakota contain formation waters of a temperature that is adequate for geothermal power production (90–150 °C) using existing binary power plant technology. While resource assessment gives a broad picture of the energy available in a basin, the problem remains of knowing where a power plant must go, and if it is economically feasible to do so in any given area. The Denver, Illinois, Michigan, and Williston sedimentary basins were evaluated using a play fairway analysis methodology to identify optimum locations for geothermal power production. These regions have been previously assessed for thermal energy in place, and geothermal gradients from that study, along with gravity anomaly information, magnetic intensity, and digital elevation models (DEMs) for slope analysis were incorporated into a geodatabase for map generation. Raster layers were created and then reclassified into nine classes each, with high geothermal gradient, low magnetic intensity, low Bouger anomaly, and low slope receiving the highest values. The layers were then weighted using a matrix weight assignment similar to that used in the Environmental Protection Agency’s DRASTIC water pollution model, and combined with the “Raster Algebra” tool in ArcGIS. Areas of greatest potential were identified and overlaid on a DEM layer. This shows locations where temperature will be highest at the shallowest depths in regions of soft sediments, refining the map creation process.
Protein and Gene Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms I and III in the Rat Penile Shaft

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) plays a key role in penile smooth muscle relaxation through the regulation of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a major neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system, and alteration of its activity has been implicated in erectile dysfunction. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to demonstrate and localize the NOS protein isoforms I and III in the normal rat penis, and 2) to identify and quantitate NOS I and III gene expression in the normal rat penis. The gene and protein product of NOS isoforms I and III are expressed in rat penile tissue. Protein expression of NOS I was confined primarily to neuronal tissue, while NOS III protein expression was identified primarily in both cavernosal smooth muscle and endothelium. The presence of both NOS I and III was confirmed in the penile shaft by Western blot. Quantitation of NOS I and III gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed NOS III to be more highly expressed than that of NOS I in the rat penile shaft. NOS I and III protein and gene products are both expressed in normal rat penile tissue. Protein expression is localized primarily to neuronal tissue for NOS I, whereas NOS III is localized primarily to cavernosal smooth muscle and endothelium. NOS III gene expression is greater than that of NOS I in the normal rat penile shaft. These findings support the possibility that penile erection is regulated by different NOS isoforms released from neural, endothelial, and smooth muscle sources.
Dosimetric benefits of hemigland stereotactic body radiotherapy for prostate cancer: implications for focal therapy

Objective:Compared with standard, whole-gland (WG) therapies for prostate cancer, focal approaches may provide equivalent oncologic outcomes with fewer adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to compare organ-at-risk (OAR) dosimetry between hemigland (HG) and WG stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plans.Methods:Volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy-based SBRT plans were designed to treat the left HG, right HG and WG in eight patients, using five fractions of 8 Gy. OARs of interest included the contralateral HG, rectum, urinary bladder, urethra, penile bulb and contralateral neurovascular bundle.Results:Rectal V80% (the percentage of a normal structure receiving a dose of 80%) and V90% were significantly lower with HG plans than with WG plans (median values of 4.4 vs 2.5 cm3 and 2.1 vs 1.1 cm3, respectively, p < 0.05 by Student's t-test). Bladder V50% was also reduced significantly in HG plans (32.3 vs 17.4 cm3, p < 0.05), with a trend towards reduction of V100% (3.4 vs 1.3 cm3, p = 0.09). Urethra...
Activity interventions for cognitive problems

Improvements in the medical management of childhood and adolescent cancer now yield remarkable survival rates. However, several studies have demonstrated that childhood cancer and associated life-saving treatments frequently culminate in long-term impairments in neurocognitive functions [1-4]. These impairments include deficits in information processing speed, attention, working memory, delayed recall, and executive functions. Not only are these neurocognitive impairments problematic, they are associated with limitations in important everyday activities such as self-care, education and work-related activities [3,5,6]. These everyday activities are critical to long-term independence and favorable quality of life [7]. The neurocognitive impairments and associated activity limitations that arise among survivors of childhood cancer are very similar to the long-term problems that arise after acquired brain injury. In fact, impairments in information processing speed, attention, memory and executive functions, as well as fluctuations in mood and emotional regulation, are the signature sequelae of mild acquired brain injury [8,9]. As in the case of individuals who survive childhood cancer, individuals with acquired brain injury experience significant limitations in their ability to perform everyday activities at home, school, and in the community [10,11]. Given the detrimental effects of neurocognitive impairments and their impact on everyday activities, neurological rehabilitation professionals have conducted several studies examining the efficacy of intervention approaches to address these critical problems. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the theoretical foundations and the current state of science examining activity interventions designed to address neurocognitive impairments and associated activity limitations. I will discuss the growing body of evidence examining activity interventions for survivors of childhood cancers, as well as lessons learned in neurological rehabilitation that may help inform future research and clinical practices.
A query generalizer for providing cooperative responses in an office document system

DOCPROS (DOCument PROcessing System) is an intelligent document processing and retrieval system [9,10,11,12,19]; it supports storing, extracting, classifying, categorizing, retrieving and browsing information from a variety of office documents. This article presents a portion of the retrieval subsystem of DOCPROS for dealing with user's empty answer queries. When processing of queries responds with an empty answer to the user, a query generalization mechanism is used to give the user a cooperative explanation for the empty answer. An efficient way is investigated for determining whether the empty answer is genuine and whether the original query reflects erroneous presuppositions, and therefore answering any failed query with a meaningful and cooperative response. It incorporates with a methodical approach to reducing the search space of generalized subqueries by analyzing the results of executing the query generalization and by efficiently applying the possible substitutions in a query to generate a small subset of relevant subqueries which are to be evaluated.
Multiple system atrophy

Although the precise definition of multiple system atrophy has been difficult, a recent consensus in diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy has been achieved. This should lead to progress in defining the underlying pathophysiology of the neuroendocrine, autonomic and motor deficits characteristic of multiple system atrophy. Hopefully, these developments will lead to effective treatment.
Developmental Regulation of TCRδ Locus Accessibility and Expression by the TCRδ Enhancer

Abstract We have used gene-targeted mutation to assess the role of the T cell receptor δ (TCRδ) enhancer (Eδ) in αβ and γδ T cell development. Mice lacking Eδ exhibited no defects in αβ T cell development but had a severe reduction in thymic and peripheral γδ T cells and decreased VDJδ rearrangements. Simultaneous deletion of both Eδ and the TCRα enhancer (Eα) demonstrated that residual TCRδ rearrangements were not driven by Eα, implicating additional elements in TCRδ locus accessibility. Surprisingly, while deletion of Eδ severely impaired germline TCRδ expression in double-negative thymocytes, absence of Eδ did not affect expression of mature δ transcripts in γδ T cells. We conclude that Eδ has an important role in TCRδ locus regulation at early, but not late, stages of γδ T cell development.
On the origin of anomalous EPR peaks observed in Mn12–Ac

Abstract We present a detailed investigation of the temperature and frequency dependence of the anomalous electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) transitions first observed in Mn 12 –Ac by Hill et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80 (1998) 2453]. The most dominant of these transitions manifest themselves as an extra series of EPR absorption peaks for spectra obtained with the DC field applied within the hard magnetic plane. Recent studies by Amigo et al. [Phys. Rev. B 65 (2002) 172403] have attributed these additional peaks to a strain-induced transverse quadratic anisotropy which gives rise to distinct Mn 12 –Ac site symmetries, each having a distinct EPR spectrum; on the basis of these measurements, it has been suggested that this transverse anisotropy is responsible for the tunneling in Mn 12 –Ac. Our temperature- and frequency-dependent measurements demonstrate unambiguously that these anomalous EPR absorptions vanish as the temperature tends to zero, thereby indicating that they correspond to transitions from an excited state of the molecule. We argue that this low-lying excited state corresponds to an S =9 multiplet having very similar zero-field crystal parameters to the S =10 state. These findings compare favorably with available neutron scattering data.
A New Modeling Method for Mechanical Friction Based on Data Mining

Modeling of friction force has been a challenging task in mechanical engineering. Traditional way, such as mathematical modeling approaches, was found quite difficult to achieve satisfactory performances due to some immanent nonlinearity and uncertainties in systems. This paper aims to develop fuzzy modeling techniques to characterize the friction dynamics. The proposed fuzzy modeling approach has two folds, that is, extraction of fuzzy rules using data mining techniques; setup of static model based on the fuzzy rules. The results obtained demonstrate that our proposed method in this paper has good potential in many mechanical systems with unknown nonlinear friction.
Psychologically rational choice: selection between alternatives in a multiple-equilibrium game

Choice is modeled by game theory through analyses of the structure of a game situation. However, at least some choices, such as those in games that have more than one rational solution, are difficult to address under standard game theory. We investigated choice in a simple multiple-equilibrium game, Wolf's Dilemma, and found that choice depends on both structural components of the game, such as the number of opponents, and non-structural components, such as judgments about opponents' likely choices. Significant effects of trial-to-trial sequence were identified. We conclude that game theoretic methods cannot deal with multiple and equilibrium games in the absence of a psychological understanding of choice, and that psychological measures are required to predict performance in such games.
Thymoma-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis (TAPE): diagnosis and treatment of a potentially fatal condition.

Up to 50% of patients with thymoma have paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes, the most common being myasthenia gravis. There are rare case reports of thymoma-associated paraneoplastic limbic or extralimbic encephalitis that can lead to progressive neurologic decline and death without treatment. We report a case of a malignant thymoma presenting as paraneoplastic encephalitis and review the clinical characteristics, treatments used, and outcome of 28 patients with this disorder published according to a PubMed and MEDLINE search (1950–2010).
Endartériectomie carotidienne et pontage coronaire simultanés : résultats en fonction de sous-groupes spécifiques

Nous avons etudie les resultats de la realisation synchrone d'une endarteriectomie carotidienne (EC) et d'un pontage aorto-coronaire (PAC) dans des groupes specifiques de malades ayant l'association de lesions vasculaires cerebrales et coronaires. Entre 1981 et 2003, 8.277 malades ayant un PAC dans notre institution avaient eu un examen non invasif a la recherche de lesions carotidiennes. Deux cent soixante-dix-sept malades (3,3%) ont ete trouves porteurs d'une stenose carotidienne serree (>70%). Cette population de malades a ete divisee en trois sous-groupes : le groupe A avait des lesions carotidiennes unilaterales (N=200), le groupe B avait des lesions carotidiennes bilaterales (N=55) et le groupe C avait une occlusion carotidienne controlaterale (N=22). Chez 29 malades (10,4%), les lesions carotidiennes etaient symptomatiques. Un PAC et une EC simultanes ont ete realises dans chacun des trois sous-groupes. Les malades du groupe B ont eu d'abord le traitement de la lesion la plus serree, rapidement suivi par une EC controlaterale. Les malades n'ayant eu qu'un PAC (N=8.000) ont servi de controle. La mortalite hospitaliere globale combinee quelque que soit l'etiologie a ete de 3,6% dans le groupe combine contre 1,7% chez les malades n'ayant eu qu'un PAC (p>0,1). La mortalite par accident vasculaire cerebral (AVC) et/ou infarctus du myocarde (IM) dans le groupe EC-PAC simultane a ete de 2,5%. Il y a eu 6 deces dans le groupe A (3%), deux dans le groupe B (3,6%) et deux dans le groupe C (9,1%). Un AVC precoce a complique l'evolution de quatre malades (2%) dans le groupe A, un malade (1,8%) dans le groupe B et trois malades (13,6%) dans le groupe C contre un taux d'AVC de 1,3% dans le groupe controle. Le taux global d'AVC dans le groupe combine a ete de 2,8%. Des antecedents d'AVC et un âge compris entre 70 et 80 ans etaient les facteurs predictifs les plus importants d'un AVC et d'un deces post-operatoire dans le groupe controle. La duree moyenne d'hospitalisation etait de 9 jours chez les malades ayant une intervention combinee versus 8,1 jours chez les malades n'ayant eu qu'un PAC. L'utilisation d'une intervention combinee chez les malades ayant des lesions carotidiennes et coronaires simultanees etait justifiee chez les malades etudies.
Effect of substrate orientation on the properties of the Si/PbS heterojunction

Abstract The effect of the silicon substrate orientation on the structural and interface properties of the Si/PbS heterojunction has been found to be substantial. In the case of Si (100) substrates the PbS film shows a preferred orientation in the [100] direction and a grain size of approximately 3500 A. For Si (111) substrates two preferred PbS orientations are found in the [220] and [311] directions. Calculations based on an interface bonding model indicate that the magnitude and polarity of the interface charge density are dependent on the silicon orientation. The bonding model in the case of the exact lattice match suggests that the presence of oxygen at the interface is the result of interaction with silicon dangling bonds. This conclusion is supported by Auger measurements of the interface oxygen concentrations as a function of silicon orientation.
Abdominal twitching due to inadequate stitching.

A 64-year-old male with a single-chamber ICD, implanted 3 months prior ( Panel A ), presented with sudden onset rhythmic abdominal twitching. Physical exam was notable for diaphragmatic contractions. …
Using an individual-based model to quantify scale transition in demographic rate functions: Deaths in a coral reef fish

Abstract Scientifically informed population management requires quantitatively accurate demographic rate functions that apply at the spatial scale at which populations are actually managed, but practical constraints confine most field measurements of such functions to small study plots. This paper employs an individual-based population growth model to extrapolate the death rate function in a well-studied coral reef fish, the bridled goby Coryphopterus glaucofraenum, from the scale of 2 m × 2 m coral reef “cells” at which it was measured to the larger scale of an entire coral reef. Density dependence in the whole-reef function actually proves stronger than in the local function because high goby density occasionally arises in local patches with few refuges from predators, producing very high mortality there. This IBM-based approach extends the reach of scale transition theory by examining considerably more realistic models than standard analytical methods can presently handle.
Volumetric properties of gas mixtures containing one or more polar components

A study has been made of the second virial coefficients of binary gas mixtures containing one or two polar components. Methods for calculating these coefficients are presented. The interaction coefficient Bij for a polar-polar interaction cannot be calculated with the Stockmayer potential with pure component parameters only; such calculations tend to underestimate the strong forces of attraction between dissimilar polar molecules. It is shown that the characteristic distance for the reduced dipole moment for two dissimilar polar molecules is less than the arithmetic average of the distance parameter of the similar molecules by an amount which can be related to the enthalpy of complex formation. When this corrected collision diameter is used in the Stockmayer potential, good results can be obtained for interaction coefficient Bij. In the case of a polar-nonpolar mixture the coefficient Bij depends on dispersion and on induction forces. Techniques are proposed for estimating these forces from pure component parameters, and it is shown that for accurate calculation of Bij it is necessary to correct for the displacement of the dipole from the center of the polar molecule. The paper concludes with some illustrations of how these ideas may be applied to typical chemical engineering problems.
Application of pyrometric interferometry to the in situ monitoring of In0.52Al0.48As, In0.53Ga0.47As, and quaternary alloy growth on InP substrates

The alloy system In 0.525 (Al x Ga 1-x ) 0.475 As, which is lattice-matched to InP, covers the technologically important wavelength range 0.8-1.6 μm, including the fiber optic communication wavelengths 1.3 and 1.55 μm. However, growth of these alloys on InP is complicated by the strong dependence of the lattice constant on In content, and would be improved by a convenient in situ method of growth monitoring. We consider the feasibility of extending the method of pyrometric interferometry (PI), whose utility is already established for Al x Ga 1-x As/GaAs, to In 0.52 Al 0.48 As, In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As, and general In 0.525 (Al x Ga 1-x ) 0.475 As growth on InP. We find that PI provides useful information about changes in the growth rate and/or composition. The method works best for high Al content films (e.g. In 0.52 Al 0.48 As) due to the larger band-gap, and requires about 0.8 μm or thicker film growth for greatest accuracy. PI sensitivity is shown to be greater to changes in the In flux versus the Al flux. We determined the effective refractive index of In 0.52 Al 0.48 As to be 3.515 for substrate temperature 500-550°C. The onset of In desorption as the substrate temperature is increased was also easily detected by PI.
On the Hughes conjecture

Let G be a group, p a prime and H,(G) the subgroup of G generated by the elements of order different from p. Hughes [12] conjectured that if G > H,(G) > 1, then 1 G: H,(G)1 = p. Wall [20] has constructed a finite 5-group G of exponent 25 such that 1 G: H,(G)/ = 25 and Cannon [5, p. 2031 states that he has a counterexample to the conjecture for p = 7. Nevertheless, the conjecture appears to be open for 2-generated groups and it is desirable to find conditions on G which guarantee that the conjecture is valid for G. A group G satisfying any of the nine conditions below is known to satisfy the Hughes conjecture:
The effect of aminations in graphite/PEEK composite plates on modal dynamic characteristics

Abstract A computationally efficient ‘plate type’ finite element model is developed to accurately predict the effect of delaminations on the modal dynamic characteristics of a laminated composite plate. The model is based on use of eight-noded shear deformable plate elements. To represent the delaminated region, stacks of elements are tied together only along their boundaries using a penalty parameter approach. Three AS4/PEEK composite plates, including intentionally formed delaminations, were fabricated. After inspection using infrared thermography verified the presence and location of the delaminations, vibration testing was performed with the plates simply supported on all four edges. The limited vibration test data was in reasonable agreement with the computational results. The results showed that the natural frequencies of the delaminated plates were lower than those of the non-delaminated plate. The differences were most apparent in the higher frequencies.
The use of subscale models to predict self-induced oscillations of flight vehicles

The suitability of utilizing subscale dynamic wind tunnel experiments to predict wing rock for slender aircraft is presented. As observed in experiments, both flight and wind tunnel, there is significant interaction of the forebody and leading-edge extension vortices. It is concluded that subscale models can be employed to predict high angle of attack dynamic behavior such as wing rock provided proper precautions are taken.