cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology: A single institution study over 20 years

Objective The profile of women with gynecologic malignancies treated with pelvic exenteration has changed since the initial description of this procedure. We sought to evaluate our experience with pelvic exenteration over the last 20 years.
Fading Channel Capacity and Passive Sonar Performance Bounds

Passive sonar algorithms attempt to estimate the location of a sound source from pressure observations at a hydrophone array and knowledge of the acoustic environment. Traditionally, the mean squared error (MSE) of these position estimates has been the performance metric of interest, and performance bounds set lower limits on the MSE. Information theory provides an alternative perspective on passive sonar performance. In this approach, the search volume is partitioned into disjoint cells, each of which has an a priori probability of containing the source. The sonar algorithm then estimates which partition cell contains the unknown source based on the array observations. The goal is to minimize the probability of error (Pepsi) in making this assignment. A necessary condition to achieve arbitrarily small Pepsi is that the mutual information between the actual and estimated cell containing the source must exceed the entropy of the cells computed from the a priori probabilities. For a fixed size search region, this necessary condition implies a lower bound on the cell size which can achieve arbitrarily small Pepsi. If the average source level is known, but not the individual source levels, the mutual information is bounded by the capacity of a fading channel. The cell sizes satisfying the necessary condition for arbitrarily small Pepsi for the fading channel model are substantially larger than those for the case when the source level is known. The resulting performance bound is evaluated for a typical coastal shallow water environment
Quality of life issues among women with physical disabilities or breast cancer

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess quality of life (QOL) and life satisfaction among women with physical disabilities or breast cancer, and to identify factors predictive of QOL and life satisfaction for women and men. QOL and life satisfaction differences were examined between women and men with physical disabilities and cancer, and between women with traumatic and chronic physical conditions. Design: A cross-sectional design employing several QOL and life satisfaction measures was used. Sample: Two hundred sixteen outpatient subjects (99 women, 117 men) with physical disabilities or cancer were studied. Instruments: The Health Status Questionnaire-Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Results: Women with traumatic conditions (amputation, spinal cord injury) reported poorer physical functioning and well-being, whereas women in the chronic (postpolio, breast cancer) group reported poorer health status. No significant gender differences were found with respect to QOL or life satisfaction. Whereas functional and emotional well-being were the strongest predictors of overall QOL for both men and women, self-perceived general health significantly predicted QOL for women ( p p p p p 2 values of .77 and .76 for women and men, respectively. Among women with traumatic conditions, functional well-being best predicted QOL ( p Conclusion: QOL as measured by the impact of illness on an individual is best predicted by physical and functional well-being. Satisfaction with one's life was best predicted by functional ability. Although functional and physical ability were the best predictors for both QOL and life satisfaction, social functioning made significant and substantive contributions to these constructs. Spinal cord injury had the most impact on physical functioning, whereas prostate cancer had the least. Psychosocial functioning was most affected by amputation and least affected by prostate cancer.
School Change and Teacher Knowledge: A Reciprocal Relationship

This article provides a review of the special edzucation service delivery system and compares the teacher know/edge required in this system wits types of knowledge discussedby Cochran-Smith and Lytle (1999), specifcally knowledge for practice, knowledge in practice, and knowledge ofpractice. We suggest that al! three types of knowledge are usefiul, important, and lead to different outcomes for learners with and without disabilities. We conclude this article with a description oya professional development school in which the three facets of teacher knowledge are usedfor a comprehensive school change initiative.
Application of the improved endochronic theory of plasticity to loading with multi-axial strain-path

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to extend the applicability of the improved endochronic theory of plasticity to describing mechanical behavior of materials subjected to multi-axial loading. The simplest case of which, i.e., the axial-torsional loading, is considered. It has been shown that the theoretical results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data found in the literature.
Asymptotic equivalence of the harrell-davis median estimator and the sample median

This paper presents an asymptotic equivalence result with a sharp rate of convergence forthe sample median and the Harrell-Davis median estimator. The consequences of this result are discussed.
Aquatic pollution increases the relative success of invasive species

Although individual ecosystems vary greatly in the degree to which they have been invaded by exotic species, it has remained difficult to isolate mechanisms influencing invader success. One largely anecdotal observation is that polluted or degraded areas will accumulate more invaders than less-impacted sites. However, the role of abiotic factors alone in influencing invisibility has been difficult to isolate, often because the supply of potential invaders is confounded with conditions thought to increase vulnerability to invasion. Here, we conducted a field experiment to test how the assemblages of exotic versus native marine invertebrates changed during community assembly under different exposure levels of a common pollutant, copper. The experiment was conducted by deploying fouling panels in a Randomized Block Design in San Francisco Bay. Panels were periodically removed, placed into buckets with differing copper concentrations, and returned to the field after 3 days. This design allowed propagule availability to the plates to be statistically independent of short-term copper exposure. The results demonstrate that copper caused significant differences in community structure. Average native species richness was significantly affected by copper exposure, but average exotic richness was not. The total native species pool within treatments exhibited a greater than 40% decline within increasing copper, while the exotic species pool did not change significantly. These results confirm that anthropogenic alteration of abiotic factors influences invader success, indicating that management strategies to reduce invader impacts should include both efforts to improve environmental conditions as well as reduce invader supply.
Tin Oxide Nanowires, Nanoribbons, and Nanotubes

Nanowires, sandwiched nanoribbons, and nanotubes of SnO2 are synthesized using elevated temperature synthesis techniques, and their structures are characterized in detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition to the normal rutile structured SnO2, it has been possible to form an orthorhombic superlattice-like structure in the present study. The orthorhombic structure can form in a thin nanowire, coexist with the normal rutile structured SnO2 in a sandwiched nanoribbon, or occur in the form of nanotubes. This result is distinct from that for bulk SnO2 where pressures in excess of 150 kbar are required to form the orthorhombic form. The orientation relationship between the orthorhombic SnO2 and the rutile structured SnO2 is determined to be [001]o || [102]t and (100)o || (010)t for the nanowires and sandwiched nanoribbons, and [001]o || [3 ]t and (110)o || (451)t for the nanotubes. Although the growth direction of the rutile structured SnO2 nanowires i...
The board and strategy: Venture capital and high technology

Abstract In the area of strategy formulation, the part played by the board of directors in high technology firms operating with funds provided by venture capital organizations has not been investigated before. This exploratory study, although based on a limited sample, looks at some of the fundamental issues and contrasts the involvement of the board in firms of this kind with very limited involvement of the board in small conventional firms and in large publicly-held corporations. The relative power of management and the board of directors is of great importance. In contrast with the small conventional firm and the large corporation, in both of which the Chief Executive Officer is usually in firm control of the board and generally does not look to the board for active involvement in strategy formulation, the high-technology firms funded by venture capital organizations are characterized by a board of directors that has high power relative to management. This power can be understood not only in terms of the “power of the purse” (high concentration of the ownership in hands external to management), but also in terms of the expertise of the venture capitalists and their access to important networks. The business plan which is a key element in obtaining initial funding is in effect a statement of strategy that is carefully scrutinized by the venture capitalists, some of whom will assume positions on the board of directors. The board is similarly involved in the revisions of business plans in conjunction with later rounds of funding. The study found that the board is typically small, with outsiders rather than management in control; further, at least some of the outside members were found to have a high degree of expertise and a close working relationship with management. Board meetings are frequent and deal actively with key issues and with the review of how the strategy is working and what changes in strategy may be required. Reviews of the business plan when a new round of funding is required or when major new product or marketing decisions are needed are examples of likely occasions for involvement of the board in strategy revisions. Further research should center on identifying the conditions under which board involvement can play a constructive role in the strategy process of these high technology companies. Some pertinent variables are suggested. The next step in research should be more structured and quantitative and should use a geographically dispersed sample, but field interviews will be of continuing value as a complement. For firms funded by venture capital organizations, the board of directors is a significant interface between the venture capitalists and the internal management group. The working relationship between inside and outside directors in this arena, in strategy formulation and in other major business decisions, is a matter of considerable practical importance.
Sodium - a geochemical indicator of emerald mineralization in the Cordillera Oriental, Colombia

Abstract Emerald-bearing deposits in the Cordillera Oriental are structurally controlled, localized at the intersection of two fault systems. At these intersections zones of intense fracturing affected by sodium and carbonate metasomatism host the emerald mineralization. Albitization, carbonatization and hydrothermal leaching of potassium and trace metals are characteristics of the metasomatically altered Cretaceous black shales which compose the emerald-bearing tectonic zones. Stream sediments collected in areas which have metasomatically altered shales in the drainage basin have a low K/Na ratio. It is possible to use this ratio, or the sodium content of the sediments, to locate areas worthy of further exploration.
Rats are sensitive to ambiguity

In the present study, we investigated response decisions made under conditions of incomplete information in rats. In Experiment 1, rats were trained on either a positive patterning (PP; A-, B-, AB+) or a negative patterning (NP; A+, B+, AB-) instrumental lever-press discrimination. Subjects that had learned an NP discrimination responded less to Cue A when Cue B was covered at test. The cover did not, however, affect test responses to Cue A in the PP condition. In Experiment 2, rats received concurrent training on both PP and NP discriminations. After concurrent training, responses to Cue A were different with B covered versus uncovered for both NP and PP discriminations. We discuss possible accounts for why exposure to a nonlinearly soluble discrimination (NP) may have affected sensitivity to cue ambiguity produced by the cover. These results have interesting implications for representational processes engaged in problem solving.
Adaptive competitive multiple controllers for systems with unknown general quadratic objectives

Motivated by the problems of unknown objectives in strategic bidding in the restructured electricity power markets, this paper investigates a class of competitive multiple controllers with unknown quadratic objectives including linear and cross terms in controls. We combine the concept of fictitious play with the technique of adaptive control to estimate multiple controller strategies. We also specify certain conditions and show both theoretically and numerically that the adaptation procedure converges.
Kinematic constraints for assisted single-arm manipulation

Of several possible forms of human-robot collaborative manipulation, we focus on the case where the human and the robot jointly manipulate a common load. In our formulation, the robot's role is to provide a constraint surface to guide the motion of the load. The value of this form of interaction, in terms of ergonomics, accuracy, or speed, depends on how humans make use of such constraints. We are studying natural single-arm manipulation of a load constrained to move along a guide rail. In this paper we present results of experiments showing that subjects apply significant forces against the rail, depending on the configuration of the arm and the orientation of the rail. These forces are unnecessary for the manipulation task, and we hypothesize that humans apply forces against the constraint to simplify the manipulation task.
X-ray photoelectron emission spectromicroscopic analysis of arborescent lycopsid cell wall composition and Carboniferous coal ball preservation

Abstract Two alternative processes complicate understanding of the biochemical origins and geochemical alteration of organic matter over geologic time: selective preservation of original biopolymers and in situ generation of new geopolymers. One of the best constrained potential sources of bio- and geochemical information about extinct fossil plants is frequently overlooked. Permineralized anatomically preserved plant fossils allow analysis of individual cell and tissue types that have an original biochemical composition already known from living plants. The original composition of more enigmatic fossils can be constrained by geochemical comparisons to tissues of better understood fossils from the same locality. This strategy is possible using synchrotron-based techniques for submicron-scale imaging with X-rays over a range of frequencies in order to provide information concerning the relative abundance of different organic bonds with X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy. In this study, X-ray PhotoElectron Emission spectroMicroscopy (X-PEEM) was used to analyze the tissues of Lepidodendron , one of the lycopsid trees that were canopy dominants of many Pennsylvanian coal swamp forests. Its periderm or bark—the single greatest biomass contributor to many Late Paleozoic coals—is found to have a greater aliphatic content and an overall greater density of organic matter than lignified wood. Because X-PEEM allows simultaneous analysis of organic matter and matrix calcite in fully mineralized fossils, this technique also has great potential for analysis of fossil preservation, including documentation of significant traces of organic matter entrained in the calcite crystal fabric that fills the cell lumens.
Human performance considerations for a Mars mission

If astronauts are expected to perform at peak levels on the Martian surface after 5 months of interplanetary travel, and resume normal, active lifestyles upon their return to earth after a total of 31 months of space exploration, a serious effort must be made toward keeping them healthy during each phase. Bone loss is one of the most difficult problems to prevent and recover from. The musculature and cardiovascular systems are significantly more resilient. This paper gives an overview of the human performance issues that must be addressed in planning and preparing for a successful human mission to Mars. Physiological and psychological effects and countermeasures are discussed, as well as crew capabilities and limitations. Human factors design recommendations are given, and crew working volume estimates are considered.
Finite element analysis of passive electromagnetic devices including lumped electrical circuit models

A methodology is presented for the development of electromagnetically-accurate models for multipart interconnect structures and, in general, passive electromagnetic devices that include embedded lumped elements. The proposed methodology utilizes a discrete state-space model for the electromagnetic device, generated through the application of the finite element method for the spatial discretization of Maxwell's curl equations. The incorporation of lumped resistors, inductors and capacitors is effected through the direct stamping of the state-space voltage-current relationship for these elements in the matrices of the generated state-space form of the discrete electromagnetic model. The conditions necessary for the discrete model to be passive are discussed. The proposed methodology is demonstrated and validated through its application for the generation of models for a system of two coupled microstrip lines.
Functional Fun in Statistics Teaching: Resources, Research and Recommendations.

This paper presents an overview of modalities that can be used to make learning statistics fun. Representative examples or points of departure in the literature are provided for no less than 20 modalities. Empirical evidence of effectiveness specific to statistics education is starting to emerge for some of these modalities — namely, humor, song, and cartoons. To reinforce their effectiveness as an intentional teaching tool, the authors offer practical implementation tips.
Direct Linearization of Continuous and Hybrid Dynamical Systems

Nonlinear equations of motion are often linearized, especially for stability analysis and control design applications. Traditionally, the full nonlinear equations are formed and then linearized about the desired equilibrium configuration using methods such as Taylor series expansions. However, it has been shown that the quadratic form of the Lagrangian function can be used to directly linearize the equations of motion for discrete dynamical systems. This procedure is extended to directly generate linearized equations of motion for both continuous and hybrid dynamical systems. The results presented require only velocity-level kinematics to form the Lagrangian and find equilibrium configuration(s) for the system. A set of selected partial derivatives of the Lagrangian are then computed and used to directly construct the linearized equations of motion about the equilibrium configuration of interest, without first generating the entire nonlinear equations of motion. Given an equilibrium configuration of interest, the directly constructed linearized equations of motion allow one to bypass first forming the full nonlinear governing equations for the system. Examples are presented to illustrate the method for both continuous and hybrid systems.
Künstliche Photosynthese für die Produktion von nachhaltigen Kraftstoffen und chemischen Produkten

Angesichts der Unvereinbarkeit eines zunehmenden Verbrauchs von Kraftstoffen und chemischen Produkten und einer nur endlichen Menge an Ressourcen versuchen wir Moglichkeiten zu finden, wie wir unsere Gesellschaft auf Dauer nachhaltig gestalten konnen. Die kunstliche Photosynthese nutzt das Sonnenlicht, um reichlich vorhandene Ressourcen in hochwertige Chemikalien umzuwandeln. Deshalb gilt sie als die aussichtsreichste Methode. Hier werden Entwicklungen und neueste Fortschritte sowie noch bestehende Herausforderungen fur ihre Schlusselprozesse, die photoelektrochemische Wasserspaltung und die elektrochemische CO2-Reduktion, beschrieben. Ein Uberblick uber die Fortschritte in der Katalyse, um den erneuerbaren Wasserstoff als Grundstoff fur die Produktion von Chemikalien einzusetzen, soll verdeutlichen, welche Rolle die kunstliche Photosynthese in einer nachhaltigen Chemie spielen wird.
Seedling emergence and early survival of Carduus spp. in three habitats with press and pulse disturbances1

Abstract Species may reach novel habitats through dispersal but nevertheless be restricted in their establishment at different life history stages by local conditions. However, disturbances may alter local conditions within a habitat and hence change establishment outcomes. We investigated the establishment of two non-native weeds of pastures and roadsides, Carduus nutans and Carduus acanthoides, in three contiguous habitats (abandoned pasture, forest edge, and forest) under three disturbance treatments: no disturbance, initial disturbance only (pulse disturbance; i.e., temporary), and initial disturbance with weeding (press disturbance; i.e., sustained). For both species, establishment was not limited by seedling emergence in any habitat, although emergence in the pasture and forest edge relied heavily on disturbance. Combined emergence and survival in the pasture and forest edge were also significantly increased by disturbance, but disturbance had no effect in the forest, where seedlings were unable to ...
Impaired NLRP3 Inflammasome Function in Elderly Mice during Influenza Infection Is Rescued by Treatment with Nigericin

The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the lung during influenza viral infection; however, the impact of aging on inflammasome function during influenza infection has not been examined. In this study, we show that elderly mice infected with a mouse-adapted strain of influenza produced lower levels of IL-1β during in vitro and in vivo infection. Dendritic cells from elderly mice exhibited decreased expression of ASC, NLRP3, and capase-1 but increased expression of pro–IL-1β, pro–IL-18, and pro–IL-33 compared with dendritic cells from young infected mice. Treatment with nigericin during influenza infection augmented IL-1β production, increased caspase-1 activity, and decreased morbidity and mortality in elderly mice. Our study demonstrates for the first time, to our knowledge, that during influenza viral infection, elderly mice have impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activity and that treatment with nigericin rescues NLRP3 activation in elderly hosts.
An attempt to create an ethic of transfer after conflict resolution in fractured communities: a modified formal grounded theory shaped by meta‐ethnography

A modified formal grounded theory on the ethic of transfer after conflict resolution has been established. There are two parts to this account. First a phenomenologically driven set of basic assumptions is deployed to shape the praxis. Then a meta-ethnographic synthesis is used to combine different approaches to conflict resolution in order to create another discrete interventional practice in ways that make us uneasy about each of the prior practices. The result is an interventional approach that allows practitioners of conflict resolution in fractured communities to begin their interventions with an understanding of the cultural habitus in the first instance, followed up with processes of transformation through psychopolitical dialogues and ending with grassroots projects that return the conflict-resolution project into the hands of the stakeholders whose cultural habitus was determined at the onset. Finally, psychopolitical dialogue with the select group of stakeholders ends with the choice of a number of grassroots projects that in turn generalize the results from small groups into the larger population. Such an ethic of transfer then starts with gatekeepers to sanction the psychopolitical dialogues and returns to the same gatekeepers who guide the selection of grassroots projects. The result is a recursive loop that treats the ethic of transfer of a conflict resolution project as part of an organic whole rather than an addendum. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bayesian Method for Evaluating and Discovering Disease Loci Associations

Background: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) typically involves examining representative SNPs in individuals from some population. A GWAS data set can concern a million SNPs and may soon concern billions. Researchers investigate the association of each SNP individually with a disease, and it is becoming increasingly commonplace to also analyze multi-SNP associations. Techniques for handling so many hypotheses include the Bonferroni correction and recently developed Bayesian methods. These methods can encounter problems. Most importantly, they are not applicable to a complex multilocus hypothesis which has several competing hypotheses rather than only a null hypothesis. A method that computes the posterior probability of complex hypotheses is a pressing need. Methodology/Findings: We introduce the Bayesian network posterior probability (BNPP) method which addresses the difficulties. The method represents the relationship between a disease and SNPs using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) model, and computes the likelihood of such models using a Bayesian network scoring criterion. The posterior probability of a hypothesis is computed based on the likelihoods of all competing hypotheses. The BNPP can not only be used to evaluate a hypothesis that has previously been discovered or suspected, but also to discover new disease loci associations. The results of experiments using simulated and real data sets are presented. Our results concerning simulated data sets indicate that the BNPP exhibits both better evaluation and discovery performance than does a p-value based method. For the real data sets, previous findings in the literature are confirmed and additional findings are found. Conclusions/Significance: We conclude that the BNPP resolves a pressing problem by providing a way to compute the posterior probability of complex multi-locus hypotheses. A researcher can use the BNPP to determine the expected utility of investigating a hypothesis further. Furthermore, we conclude that the BNPP is a promising method for discovering disease loci associations.
Echocardiographic Simulation of Pericardial Effusion by Ascites

Subcostal echocardiography in patients with tense ascites can reveal an echo-free space anterior to the heart which could be mistaken for a loculated anterior pericardial effusion or a pericardial cyst. The ascitic nature of the space can be recognized by the contours of the space, its relationship to the liver, and to the distinctive midline appearance of the falciform ligament of the peritoneum bisecting the space. Less frequently ascitic fluid inferior to the left ventricle, between it and an enlarged spleen, can mimic a posterior pericardial effusion, on M-mode and even long-axis 2-D echography, but the ascitic nature of the space is evident on the short-axis 2-D view.
Model-driven test generation for system level validation

Functional validation of System Level Models, such as those modeled with SystemC, is an important and complex problem. One of the problems in their functional validation is the test case generation with good coverage and higher potential to find faults in the design. We propose a coverage-directed test generation framework for system level design validation by combining the synchronous language ESTEREL, and its advanced verification capability, with C++ based system level language SystemC. The main contributions of this paper are (i) the integrated framework for model-driven development and validation of system-level designs with a combination of ESTEREL, and SystemC; and (ii) the test generation framework for generating test suites to satisfy traditional coverage metrics such as the statement and branch as well as a complex metric such as modified condition/decision coverage (MCDC) employed in the validation of safety-critical software systems. The framework also generates tests that attain functional coverage using properties specified in a temporal language and assertion-based verification (namely PSL). We demonstrate the methodology with a case study by developing and validating a critical power state machine component that is used for power management in embedded systems.
Phase Structure and Transport Properties of Dense Quark Matter

We provide a summary of our current knowledge of the phase structure of very dense quark matter. We concentrate on the question how the ground state at asymptotically high density -- color-flavor-locked (CFL) matter -- is modified as the density is lowered. We discuss the nature of the quasi-particle excitations, and present work on the transport properties of dense QCD matter.
Bistatic-Radar Techniques for Observing Long-Wavelength Directional Ocean-Wave Spectra

Bistatic-radar Bragg scattering of medium-to long-wavelength radio waves by ocean waves can be used as a means for observing directional ocean-wave spectra. Only moderate antenna directivity is required; areal and directional resolution are provided by high-resolution delay-Doppler processing of the radar echoes. Directional characteristics of long-wavelength (80-200 m) ocean waves have been observed using LORAN A transmission (1.85 MHz) and a receiver located 280 km from the transmitter. The received signals have been converted into a time-delay Doppler-frequency map and into a plot of normalized radar cross section ?0, as a function of directional ocean-wavenumber.
Improvements in Assays for Soil Populations, of Pythium ultimum and Macrophomina phaseolina

The method of Stanghellini and Hancock to enumerate Pythium ultimum Trow, populations in soil was modified by distributing 1 ml dilutions of soil containing the pathogen into 100–120, 2.5 mm diam. Wells made in 2% water agar in 9 × 15 mm Petri dishes. The modified method was more sensitive than the original method m which droplets or soil dilutions are placed on agar, it permitted the use of lower soil dilutions, and was rapidly performed. Sclerotia of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. (=M. phaseoli [Maubl.] Ashby) were recovered by flotation using 60% sucrose, collected by aspiration onto nylon filters, and surface-sterilized. The viable Sclerotia were enumerated by counting colonies growing on a selective medium. Efficiency of recovery was 95–97% of Sclerotia added to soil. Large numbers of samples could be processed rapidly by this method which utilized readily available materials, and gave higher counts than earlier methods, which involved only sieving or flotation.
Predation of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Pupae in Three Ecosystems Along the Southern Edge of Infestation

The predation potential of small mammals, in particular mice, Peromyscus spp., and invertebrates, was evaluated from 1992 to 1995 near the leading edge of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), spread into the southeastern United States. Two study sites were established in each of three geographic areas: the coastal plain, Piedmont, and mountains. All sites were mixed hardwood stands with varying amounts of oak, Quercus spp., and all were classified for gypsy moth susceptibility. Small mammal density was estimated using Sherman live-traps and pitfall traps within these 4.68-ha sites in early and late summer. Each site contained 75 trapping stations located on a 25-m grid. Predation was measured by offering freeze-dried gypsy moth pupae near trapping stations at four heights (0, 0.25, 1.0, and 2.0 m) on different tree boles. Pupal predation was monitored for three consecutive nights. Vertebrate predation was positively correlated with good mast production in the previous autumn. Predation data showed that when mice were at high densities they were the major source of pupal predation. However, within these southern sites, when densities of Peromyscus spp. were low, predation by invertebrates was occasionally greater than predation by vertebrates. These data suggest that in some years invertebrates may retard gypsy moth buildup when small mammals are scarce due to mast crop failures.
Effect of Warm-Up on the 440-Yard Dash

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if physical warm-up affects the running time of high school boys participating in the 440-yard dash. A secondary problem was to record injuries, if any, sustained during the experimental period. The study involved 50 pupils over a four-week period. Within the limitations of the study, the following results were apparent: (1) warm-up prior to performing the 440-yard dash did not significantly improve the time over running the same distance without a preliminary warm-up, and (2) no injuries were observed or reported during the testing period.
Inverse or Design Calculations for Non-Potential Flow in Turbomachinery Blade Passages

A new inverse or design calculation procedure has been devised for non-potential flow fields and has been applied to turbomachinery blade row design. This technique uses as input quantities the surface pressure distribution and geometric constraints and may be used for two- or three-dimensional flows as well as inviscid or viscous flows. If a geometry satisfying both the constraints and the pressure distribution cannot be found, a solution satisfying the constraints and a relaxed pressure distribution is found. Calculational examples are presented for inviscid supersonic compressor cascade designs and the extension to three-dimensional flows discussed.Copyright © 1981 by ASME
A Short Note on Universality of Some Quadratic Forms

In a paper by J. Deutsch [1], a quaternionic proof of the universality of seven quaternary quadratic forms was given. The proof relies on a construction very similar to that of Hurwitz quaternions, and its associated division algorithm. Of course, these results are evident, if one uses the Conway-Schneeberger Fifteen Theorem [2], as the author also mentioned, however it is interesting to give a direct proof for some specific quadratic forms based on simple argument. It is the purpose of this short note to prove five of the seven quadratic forms mentioned and proven by Deutsch, using the universality of the classical quadratic form associated to the celebrated Lagrange’s Theorem of Four Squares and Euler’s trick. Mathematics Subject Classification: 11A67, 11R52, 11E25
Democratic teacher education in elementary classrooms – Learning about, through, and for thick democracy

Abstract Social studies scholars consider the role that schools, and in particular teachers, play in preparing young students to be active participatory citizens in a democracy. Yet, the research on teachers learning to be democratic teachers overwhelmingly focuses on the social studies methods course rather than field experiences. This study examines how teacher candidates experienced, conceptualized, and enacted democratic education while immersed in a semester-long elementary field experience in a democratic classroom. In particular, this paper focuses on two case studies which represent the most clear, as well as disparate, conceptions and enactments of democratic education; one engaged in a critical examination of society through curriculum, while the other focused on the inculcation of particular discussion and deliberation skills necessary to be an engaged democrat. While each classroom afforded the teacher candidates a thick conception of democratic education that drew on critical curriculum and pedagogy, as well as democratic skills, the teacher candidates׳ lived experiences and prior conceptions of democracy shaded their learning and created missed learning opportunities. Classrooms as sites of knowledge about democratic education provide robust learning opportunities for teacher candidates; however, like any transformative learning experience, those opportunities need mediation to realize their full potential.
Ultrasound tomosynthesis: A new paradigm for quantitative imaging of the prostate

Biopsy under B-mode transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is the gold standard for prostate cancer diagnosis. However, B-mode US shows only the boundary of the prostate, therefore biopsy is performed in a blind fashion, resulting in many false negatives. Although MRI or TRUS-MRI fusion is more sensitive and specific, it may not be readily available across a broad population, and may be cost prohibitive. In this paper, a limited-angle transmission US methodology is proposed, here called US tomosynthesis (USTS), for prostate imaging. This enables quantitative imaging of the prostate, such as generation of a speed of sound (SOS) map, which theoretically may improve detection, localization, or characterization of cancerous prostate tissue. Prostate USTS can be enabled by adding an abdominal probe aligned with the transrectal probe by utilizing a robotic arm. In this paper, we elaborate proposed methodology; then develop a setup and a technique to enable ex vivo USTS imaging of human prostate immediately after prostatectomy. Custom hardware and software were developed and implemented. Mock ex vivo prostate and lesions were made by filling a mold cavity with water, and adding a plastisol lesion. The time of flights were picked using a proposed center of mass method and corrected manually. The SOS map with a difference expectation-maximization reconstruction performed most accurately, with 2.69 %, 0.23 %, 0.06 % bias in estimating the SOS of plastisol, water, and mold respectively. Although USTS methodology requires further ex vivo validation, USTS has the potential to open up a new window in quantitative low-cost US imaging of the prostate which may meet a public health need.
An efficient surface potential solution algorithm for compact MOSFET models

Surface potential-based compact MOSFET models intended for circuit simulations are becoming mainstream. A critical building block for developing such models is a fast and accurate solution of the implicit surface potential equation. Here, we present a robust algorithm for the surface potential solution, with efficiency comparable to recently proposed analytic approximations and without any compromise in accuracy.
Dramaturgy and Dominance

This chapter uses the perspective of dramaturgical social psychology, associated with the work of Erving Goffman, to examine the processes through which inequalities are created, reproduced, and resisted. We show how cognitive presuppositions, normative and procedural rules, rituals, and self-protective expressive behavior reflect and reinforce relations of domination and subordination. We examine several forms of resistance to inequality: identity work to counter stigma, creation of oppositional cultures and identity projects, disruptions of the interaction order, and self-narratives in social movements. We also propose that the utility of dramaturgy for analyzing inequality can be enhanced by attention to three phenomena: the body as a peremptory signifier, expressive habitus, and nets of accountability. Finally, we discuss affinities between dramaturgy and other social-psychological perspectives that are useful for understanding the interactional bases of inequality.
Total Neutron Cross Section of Carbon from 1 keV to 15 MeV

The total neutron cross section of carbon was measured over the energy range 1 keV to 15 MeV, using the U.S. National Bureau of Standards electron linear accelerator as a pulsed neutron source. Neu...
Real-Time Optimal Power Flow

Future power networks are expected to incorporate a large number of distributed energy resources, which introduce randomness and fluctuations as well as fast control capabilities. But traditional optimal power flow methods are only appropriate for applications that operate on a slow timescale. In this paper, we build on recent work to develop a real-time algorithm for AC optimal power flow, based on quasi-Newton methods. The algorithm uses second-order information to provide suboptimal solutions on a fast timescale, and can be shown to track the optimal power flow solution when the estimated second-order information is sufficiently accurate. We also give a specific implementation based on L-BFGS-B method, and show by simulation that the proposed algorithm has good performance and is computationally efficient.
EBV's plasmid replicon: an enigma in cis and trans.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a strikingly successful human parasite infecting more than 90% of humanity. It has adapted itself well to people; after primary infection, it usually remains latent for life and infrequently causes disease. The diseases it does cause, however, are often malignant. During latent infection, EBV maintains its duplex DNA extrachromosomally as a circular molecule in both nonproliferating and proliferating cells. The lytic phase of EBV’s life-cycle can only be initiated in cells formerly supporting its latent phase. During the lytic phase, the plasmid replicon is the initial template for amplification of viral DNA. EBV’s plasmid replicon is, therefore, an essential feature of both phases of EBV’s life-cycle. The elements of this viral plasmid have been studied both to understand their roles in the life-cycle of this human pathogen and to gain any insights they might provide into the synthesis and segregation of other viral and cellular replicons. Much has been learned about this plasmid replicon, but much about it remains obscure.
Neonatal outcomes among twins stratified by method of conception: secondary analysis of maternal fetal medicine (MFMU) network database

To investigate whether twin pregnancies conceived by different forms of fertility treatments are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes and to examine the difference in maternal and obstetrical characteristics between patients. Our study was a retrospective analysis of twin pregnancies conceived by fertility treatments from a prospectively collected database. Treatments were stratified into two groups: group 1 (ART) consisted of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and group 2 (non-ART) included intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovulation induction (OI). Composite neonatal morbidity included respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, leukomalacia, chronic lung disease, and death prior to discharge. There were 460 neonates in our study; among them, 67% (n = 310) were in group 1, and 33% (n = 150) in group 2. Group 1 patients were more likely to be older (p = 0.004), nulliparous (p = 0.01), delivered twins with lower birth weights (2278 g ± 605 vs. 2427 ± 519, p = 0.009), and had more deliveries < 32 weeks gestation (p = 0.001). In multivariable Poisson regression model, only neonatal intensive care unit admission rate was increased for group 1 twins (aRR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.003–1.60). After adjusting for confounders, twins conceived via ART compared to non-ART had similar neonatal outcomes. These data can help when counseling this patient population and assist in planning larger prospective cohorts.
Regulation of Calcium Slow Channels and Potassium Channels of Cardiac Muscle by Cyclic Nucleotides and Metabolism

Protein phosphorylations are a means whereby the force of contraction of the heart can be regulated, e.g., by phosphorylation of the contractile proteins, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane, and the sarcolemma. This article will focus on evidence that cyclic nucleotides regulate the Ca2+ influx into the myocardial cells during each cardiac cycle. This regulation is presumably mediated by phosphorylation(s) of the Ca2+ slow channel protein and/or of associated regulatory protein(s). Such phosphorylation increases the number of Ca2+ slow channels available for voltage activation during the action potential (AP), presumably by increasing the probability of their opening and increasing their mean open time. A greater density of open Ca2+ slow channels increases the inward Ca2+ slow current (Ca2+ influx) during the AP, and so increases the force of contraction. Excessive Ca2+ influx can lead to Ca2+ overload, arrhythmias, and cell necrosis, if the cells are metabolically incapable of handling the Ca2+.
Is Prostate Cancer a Good Candidate for Ion Beam Therapy

Organ-confined prostate cancer now constitutes one of the most commonly treated malignancies with ion beam therapy (IBT). Because of this, questions have been raised regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of such treatment. This chapter details the clinical results obtained with both proton and carbon ion therapy, discusses ongoing clinical trials, and seeks to place IBT in the context of other technological evolutions in radiation oncology.
Information for HFO-1234yf automotive plant and service shop implementation

HFO-1234yf is a new low global warming (GWP) refrigerant developed for automotive air conditioning systems, to replace HFC-134a which is being phased out in the European Union due to higher global warming potential [1]. HFO-1234yf is energy efficient, exhibits low toxicity, and can potentially be used in direct expansion automotive a/c systems with minimal design modifications [2]. Significant work has previously been completed to confirm the mild flammability characteristics of HFO-1234yf [3]. Industry-wide risk assessments, have found that HFO-1234yf can be safely used in mobile air-conditioning applications [4]. Automotive OEM manufacturers are preparing for HFO-1234yf product implementation at manufacturing site and potential implementation strategies are given. Concurrently, the industry will need to understand how HFO-1234yf can be implemented in service shops. It is therefore important to investigate potential leak scenarios that can occur during vehicle service. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to simulate a release of HFO-1234yf under various a/c line rupture scenarios. The refrigerant concentration was determined as function of distance (x,y and z directions) from the leak point during three different leak events. The information in this work will be useful for automotive plant and service shop implementation.
T-lymphocytes in leprosy lesions.

Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, has provided extraordinary possibilities for gaining insight into immunoregulatory mechanisms in man (Bloom 1986). The disease is not a single entity but rather presents a spectrum of clinical and histopathological manifestations that correlate extraordinarily well with cell-mediated immunity (Ridley and Jopling 1966). Patients at the tuberculoid end of the spectrum characteristically have few localized lesions, containing rare organisms, and mount a strong cell-mediated immune response that ultimately kills and clears the bacilli. At the other end of the spectrum, patients with the lepromatous form have numerous disseminated skin lesions containing enormously high numbers of acid-fast bacilli and show specific immunological unresponsiveness to antigens of M. leprae, in vivo and in vitro (Bloom and Mehra 1984). Antibodies to M. leprae are found throughout the spectrum, the highest levels occurring in the lepromatous disease, indicating that they are unlikely to play a major role in protection. On the other hand, there is a striking inverse correlation between level of cell-mediated immunity to antigens of M. leprae and the growth of the organism in the tissues. The selective and specific cell-mediated unresponsiveness at the lepromatous end of the spectrum to antigens of M. leprae, provides a unique opportunity for exploring mechanisms of tolerance in man (Bloom and Mehra 1984).