cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer learning for tandem ASR feature extraction

Tandem automatic speech recognition (ASR), in which one or an ensemble of multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs) is used to provide a non-linear transform of the acoustic parameters, has become a standard technique in a number of state-of-the-art systems. In this paper, we examine the question of how to transfer learning from out-of-domain data to new tasks. Our primary focus is to develop tandem features for recognition of speech from the meetings domain. We show that adapting MLPs originally trained on conversational telephone speech leads to lower word error rates than training MLPs solely on the target data. Multitask learning, in which a single MLP is trained to perform a secondary task (in this case a speech enhancement mapping from farfield to nearfield signals) is also shown to be advantageous. We also present recognition experiments on broadcast news data which suggest that structure learned from English speech can be adapted toMandarin Chinese. The performance of tandem MLPs trained on 440 hours of Mandarin speech with a random initialization was achieved by adapted MLPs using about 97 hours of data in the target language.
Data-Adaptive Detection of a Weak Signal

Motivated by a form of the likelihood-ratio-tesf statistic for detection of a rank-one Gaussian signal in colored Gaussian noise, we apply our earlier technique for estimation of a low-rank signal to the problem of estimating and subtracting the waveform of a strong sinusoidal interference prior to detection of a weak sinusoidal signal. We consider the difficult case in which samples of data are taken over a short interval of time or space and the frequencies of the sinusoidal signal and sinusoidal interference are more closely spaced than the reciprocal of the extent of the aperture. The method can be applied to cases of nonsinusoidal and/or random signals and interference. The most important assumption is that when the samples of the interference are arranged in matrix form the matrix is approximately of low rank in the sense that, with high probability, the interference-only matrix can be well approximated by a matrix of low rank.
A new definition of atomic charges based on a variational principle for the electrostatic potential energy

A unique definition of atomic charges in molecules is presented based on a variational principle involving the electrostatic potential energy. The method requires only the electron density as input, and does not rely on an arbitrary set of fitting points as do conventional electrostatic potential fitting procedures. The dipole moments and electrostatic potentials calculated from atomic charges obtained from this method agree well with those from self‐consistent‐field calculations. The new method also provides a spherical‐atom potential model that may be useful in future generation molecular simulation force fields.
Some consequences of banks' LDC loans: A note

The realized returns on LDC loans made prior to 1980 and hypothetically sold at (below par) secondary market prices in either 1986, when a secondary market first began, or, say, in 1989 are moderately positive. The realized risk-adjusted returns to investors on a portfolio of large LDC lending bank stocks are unmistakenly lower than the return on a broad market index, though they are not significantly so. Similarly, although the difference is not statistically significant, the average realized return on LDC lending banks' stocks is well below that of a portfolio of non-LDC lending banks. The article concludes that while shareholders suffered economic losses as a result of LDC lending activity, these losses were not quantitatively large.
Membrane-derived fluorinated radicals detected by electron spin resonance in UV-irradiated Nafion and Dow ionomers: effect of counterions and H2O2.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was used to detect and identify radicals formed by UV irradiation of Nafion and Dow perfluorinated membranes partially or fully neutralized by Cu(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III). This method allowed the monitoring of ESR signals from the paramagnetic counterions together with the appearance of membrane-derived radical species. The most surprising aspect of this study was the formation of membrane-derived radical species only in the neutralized membranes, and even in the absence of H2O2 in the case of Nafion/Cu(II) and Nafion/Fe(III). In Nafion/Cu(II), ESR spectra from radicals exhibiting hyperfine interactions with three equivalent 19F nuclei (the “quartet”) and with four equivalent 19F nuclei (the “quintet”) were detected. In Nafion/Fe(II) exposed to H2O2 solutions, the formation of Fe(III) was detected. Upon UV irradiation, strong signals from the chain-end radical ROCF2CF2• were detected first, followed by the appearance, upon annealing above 200 K, of the quartet si...
Calcium channel blockers as potential therapeutics for obesity-associated autophagy defects and fatty liver pathologies.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), typically associated with overnutrition and obesity, is one of the most common liver diseases both in the US and worldwide. During obesity and NAFLD, lipotoxic injuries to hepatocytes can provoke formation of protein inclusions consisting of SQSTM1/p62 and ubiquitinated proteins. It has been suggested that autophagy deregulation during obesity contributes to protein inclusion formation and progression of other liver pathologies including insulin resistance, steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To examine how lipotoxicity and obesity affect autophagy, we established an in vitro system where cultured HepG2 cells exhibit prominent accumulation of SQSTM1 and ubiquitinated proteins in insoluble inclusion bodies upon treatment with saturated fatty acids. Using this system and a mouse model of obesity, we have determined that obesity induces chronic elevation of cytosolic calcium levels in hepatocytes, which interferes with the fusion between autophagosomes and...
Improved optical filter responses in cascaded InGaAsP/InP microdisk resonators

Cascaded InGaAsP/InP microdisk resonators as optical filters are fabricated by deep dry-etching. Compared with single microdisk resonators, these higher-order filters show steeper rolloffs and flatter passbands. The bandwidth ratios of 15 to 3 dB for the single, three and five cascaded microdisk resonator filters are ~2.4, 1.4 and 1.2.
Mitochondria control calcium entry at the immunological synapse

Best known for their role as “cellular powerhouses,” mitochondria do much more than simply provide energy to eukaryotic cells. As integral components of multiple signaling cascades, mitochondria regulate metabolism, the cell cycle, and apoptosis (1). Moreover, these tiny organelles play a major role in controlling Ca2+ signals throughout the cell (2). The concentration of free intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), the most commonly utilized second messenger in nucleated cells, is maintained at a low level in the cytosol of resting cells. Sharp, transient elevations in [Ca2+]i are used by signaling pathways to control such diverse events as oocyte fertilization, cell cycle entry, apoptosis, and lymphocyte activation. Using a sophisticated series of ion transporters and pores, mitochondria are capable of buffering cytosolic calcium and shaping and tuning calcium signals for diverse purposes (3). Through continuous reshaping and transport, mitochondria are distributed to specific cellular domains where they can carry out defined functions. The work of Quintana et al. (4) in a recent issue of PNAS provides compelling evidence that mitochondria are recruited to the immunological synapse, where they reduce local accumulation of Ca2+ so as to maintain the robust influx of Ca2+ across plasma membrane channels needed to activate downstream signaling components. The findings of this study argue that mitochondria are an essential component of the signaling complex at the immunological synapse.
Changes to Snowpack Energy State from Spring Storm Events, Columbia River Headwaters, Montana

AbstractThe generation and release of meltwater during the spring snowmelt season can be delayed because of spring storm episodes with snow accumulation and/or sustained subfreezing temperatures. The delayed release of snowmelt often extends beyond the particular storm event because of changes to the internal state of energy in the snowpack that prevents transmission of meltwater. Following a storm, two energy deficits internal to the snowpack must be overcome before surface melt can drain and exit the snowpack: 1) cold content created by heat lost during the episode must be removed and 2) dry pore space must be filled with liquid water to residual saturation. This study investigates the role of these two processes in spring snowmelt following past storm episodes in western Montana. The analysis addresses ~10 yr of historical snowpack and air temperature data from 33 stations in the Columbia River headwaters. Results indicate that the addition of pore space has a greater impact on delaying snowmelt than d...
Genetics of Leukocyte Telomere Length and its Role in Atherosclerosis

Humans display a large inter-individual variation in leukocyte telomere length (LTL), which is influenced by heredity, sex, race/ethnicity, paternal age at conception and environmental exposures. LTL dynamics (birth LTL and its age-dependent attrition thereafter) mirror telomere dynamics in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). LTL at birth is evidently a major determinant of LTL throughout the human lifespan, such that individuals endowed with short (or long) LTL at birth probably have short (or long) LTL later in life. Therefore, the associations of short LTL with atherosclerosis and with diminished survival in the elderly may relate to short birth LTL, accelerated age-dependent LTL attrition, or both. The mechanisms underlying these associations are still not well understood, but they stem in part from genetic factors in control of telomere maintenance and the rate of HSC replication.
Should the United States contain China

In fall 1995, the Clinton administration committed to President Jiang Zemin not to contain China. While a good decision, the administration's rationale indcates that the decision may have been made for the wrong reasons. In choosing not to contain China, the administration may have emasculaed its foreign policy options toward China, especially as China increasingly engages in belligerent foreign policies. An analysis of the decision, and an alternative paradigm for the decision‐making process, is offered in this article.
Performance-Based Quality Specifications: The Relationship Between Process Critical Control Parameters, Critical Quality Attributes, and Clinical Performance

The quality of pharmaceutical products is currently evaluated through a series of tests that do not explicitly communicate the clinical consequences of product variability. A previously published risk simulation platform was used to generate quantitative estimates of inefficacy and toxicity for 288 uniform lots of extended-release theophylline tablets displaying various levels of content uniformity and dissolution variability. These data were used to evaluate the univariate specifications utilized in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and . Simulation revealed that the specifications are too lenient for content uniformity, both in terms of inefficacy and toxicity, whereas the criteria for dissolution testing are too strict for inefficacy and inaccurate for toxicity. The USP tests also failed to pinpoint the clinical interaction between content uniformity and dissolution variability. Additionally, the simulation platform was used to define the underlying relationship between product quality attributes and clinical performance. Here, content uniformity and Weibull dissolution time constants were used as inputs to the design spaces, which were conditioned on quantitative estimates of inefficacy and toxicity. This methodology enhances the information content of the design space by omitting quality surrogates (e.g., dissolution, moisture content) that are utilized in current design space practices.
Electron population analysis. Gross atomic charges in molecules

Abstract A definition of “gross atomic population” is proposed in which the arbitrary division of individual overlap terms is not needed. The proposed definition is applied to LiH, BH, HF, and H 2 O.
Experimental evidence establishing an upper limit to the activation barrier for the butterfly bending of the double bond in anti-sesquinorbornene.

Abstract Low temperature 13 C NMR and theoretical results are presented which imply that in the groundstate of anti-sesquinorbornene the double bond is either pyramidal with a very low barrier to inversion or planar.
Structural Variations and Phenotypic Switching of Mycoplasmal Antigens

It is becoming apparent that a high rate of variability of surface structures is a ubiquitous property among mycoplasmas. The present study demonstrates how variations in the size of the V-1 antigen (a major surface antigen of Mycoplasma pulmonis thought to be associated with virulence) are reflected by phenotypic differences (cytadherence) that may play a role in virulence of the organism. Furthermore, a similar antigen is described for the human pathogen Ureaplasma urealyticum, and data are presented on the analysis of clinical isolates that demonstrate the potential for variation in the size of this antigen in vivo
Silicone Rubber Distal Ulnar Replacement Arthroplasty

We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients who underwent resection of the distal ulna with implantation of a silicone rubber ulnar head prosthesis (45 wrists). Two prostheses were used: the original Swanson prosthesis, and a prosthesis of our own design. Follow-up X-rays showed migration or breakage of 63% of the prostheses. No statistically significant correlation existed between the quality of functional outcome and the integrity of the prostheses. There was no significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative range of motion for the entire group or between patients with broken or intact prostheses. Histological confirmation of silicone synovitis was documented in one patient who required implant removal. We suggest that destabilization and breakage of prostheses result from fatigue failure secondary to the torque generated at the distal radio-ulnar joint during repeated pronation and supination. Use of a silicone rubber ulnar head prosthesis following distal ulna resection is not recommended.
Spall strength and Hugoniot elastic limit of a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass under planar shock compression

Results are presented on the shock response of a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass (BMG), Zr41.25Ti13.75Ni10Cu12.5Be22.5, subjected to planar impact loading. An 82.5-mm bore single-stage gas-gun facility at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, was used to conduct the shock experiments. The particle velocity profiles, measured at the back (free) surface of the target plate by using the velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR), were analyzed to (i) better understand the structure of shock waves in BMG subjected to planar shock compression, (ii) estimate residual spall strength of the BMG after different levels of shock compression, and (iii) obtain the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of the material. The spall strength was found to decrease moderately with increasing levels of the applied normal impact stress. The spall strength at a shock-induced stress of 4.4 GPa was 3.5 GPa while the spall strengths at shock-induced stresses of 5.1, 6.0, and 7.0 GPa were 2.72, 2.35, and 2.33 GPa, respectively. The HEL was estimated to be 6.15 GPa.
Computational prediction of grain size during rapid laser surface modification of Al–O ceramic

The aim of this letter is to present a model including the fundamental non-equilibrium effects to predict the microstructure evolution during the rapid solidification of laser surface modified Al–O ceramic system to understand grain growth and the physical process involved during the treatment. The obtained data is then compared with the actual measurements from micrographs. This approach is novel compared to other work in the similar field which have looked at the process only at the macroscopic level that included the extractions of macroscopic features such as melt depth and width. Such study is important as laser surface modification can be extended to dressing of alumina grinding wheel material, a part of the Al–O ceramic system. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Glutathione Reductase: Stimulation in Normal Subjects by Riboflavin Supplementation

Glutathione reductase of hemolyzates from clinically normal subjects is activated by the addition of flavin-adenine dinucleotide. One-half maximum stimulation could be achieved by approximately 0.02 micromolar flavin-adenine dinucleotide; prior addition of adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, or adenosine mnonophosphate prevented activation. Stimulation of glutathione reductase activity of red cells of normal subjects occurred when they were given 5 milligrams of riboflavin daily for 8 days. The degree of stimulation in vitro by flavin-adenine dinucleotide and in vivo by riboflavin was inversely proportional to dietary intake of riboflavin. The variety of clinical disorders which have been associated with glutathione reductase deficiency may have, as a common denominator, abnormalities in flavin-adenine dinucleotide formation.
AIDECS: An AI-based, distributed environmental control system for self-sustaining habitats

Abstract The work described here derives from the implementation of intelligent control for a Bioregenerative Closed Ecological Life Support System. The AI-Based, Distributed Environment Control System (AIDECS) will be capable of supporting, in an integrated fashion, all activities ranging from planning of agricultural activities at the highest level to real-time control of environmental conditions at the lowest level. This paper describes the AIDECS subsystem that deals with control over two widely different time scales: (1) that of scheduling crop planting and harvesting over the extended horizon needed to ensure maintenance of the CO2/O2 and other gas balances (typically involving units of weeks, months and years), and (2) tha of controlling environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity to be properly correlated with crop requirements and external weather conditions (typically involving units of hours and days).
Effects of hydration on mitral valve prolapse

We investigated the effect of hydration on mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Ten subjects with documented diagnosis of MVP were studied before and after oral hydration with 1 L of fluid. Increased weight and cardiac output were present after hydration. Results showed that all 10 subjects with diagnosis of MVP before hydration continued to have MVP after hydration; however, subtle changes were detected, especially on auscultation. Seven of 9 subjects (with cardiac examination recorded before and after hydration) had auscultatory findings of MVP before hydration. No detectable auscultatory change after hydration was present in one subject; in six subjects a loss of either a click or a murmur was detected after hydration. All subjects had echocardiographically detected MVP before hydration; evidence of MVP on two-dimensional or M-mode examination persisted after hydration in all 10 subjects. Minor changes in the echocardiographic examination (M-mode n = 2, Doppler n = 1) were detected in three subjects. Thus we found that hydration of subjects with MVP did not alter the overall diagnosis; however, changes occurred, especially on auscultation. This suggests that alterations in hydration may affect auscultatory expression of MVP and could explain, in part, the variable auscultatory findings in patients with MVP.
Stochastic analysis for interconnect channels

This paper presents an efficient way to characterize the channel properties due to uncertainties. Sparse grid based stochastic collocation method is applied to the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method for analyzing transmission line structure. Both geometry and signal clock uncertainties are considered in the simulation. The statistical result indicates the good estimation for signal behaviors through a channel.
Compact polymeric four-wavelength multiplexers based on cascaded step-size MMI for 1G/10G hybrid TDM-PON applications

A novel polymeric four-wavelength multiplexer based on a new design concept of cascaded step-size multimode interferometer (CSS-MMI) is first presented. It can be fabricated by using planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology and is highly compatible with both current 1-Gbps and future 10Gbps optical transceivers for applications in next-generation 1-Gbps and 10-Gbps coexisting time-division-multiplexed passive optical network (TDM-PON). By combining two types of proposed CSS-MMI 1×2 wavelength splitters, a compact 1.5cm-long four-wavelength multiplexer is realized without requiring complicated design and tedious calculation. In addition, the upstream wavelength channel at 1310 nm has 0.18 dB low insertion loss and three downstream wavelength channels at 1490 nm, 1550 nm and 1590 nm exhibit insertion losses of 1.21 dB, 1.34 dB and 1.02 dB, respectively, with their extinction ratios ranging from 11.71 dB to 32.07 dB.
Subtype-specific control of P2X receptor channel signaling by ATP and Mg2+

The identity and forms of activating ligands for ion channels are fundamental to their physiological roles in rapid electrical signaling. P2X receptor channels are ATP-activated cation channels that serve important roles in sensory signaling and inflammation, yet the active forms of the nucleotide are unknown. In physiological solutions, ATP is ionized and primarily found in complex with Mg2+. Here we investigated the active forms of ATP and found that the action of MgATP2− and ATP4− differs between subtypes of P2X receptors. The slowly desensitizing P2X2 receptor can be activated by free ATP, but MgATP2− promotes opening with very low efficacy. In contrast, both free ATP and MgATP2− robustly open the rapidly desensitizing P2X3 subtype. A further distinction between these two subtypes is the ability of Mg2+ to regulate P2X3 through a distinct allosteric mechanism. Importantly, heteromeric P2X2/3 channels present in sensory neurons exhibit a hybrid phenotype, characterized by robust activation by MgATP2− and weak regulation by Mg2+. These results reveal the existence of two classes of homomeric P2X receptors with differential sensitivity to MgATP2− and regulation by Mg2+, and demonstrate that both restraining mechanisms can be disengaged in heteromeric channels to form fast and sensitive ATP signaling pathways in sensory neurons.
Islam, Patriarchy, and Feminism in the Middle East

The study of women in the Middle East, now well into its second decade, has produced an impressive corpus of papers and periodical articles. For purely pratical reasons, this review focuses on writings in English, in a selective rather than allinclusive manner. The analysis of women in the Middle East has not always been undertaken with reference to Islam, but a significant body of works, influenced partly by the Islamic resurgence, coincident with the rise of the study of women as a separate field, does have reference to Islam. The reader interested in other aspects of recent journal literature may refer to Margot Bradan, "Women and Production in the Middle East and North Africa," (Trends in History, II, 3, 1982, 59-88).
Improved high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of debrisoquine and 4-hydroxydebrisoquine in human urine following direct injection

Abstract A sensitive and specific reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic assay was developed for the determination of debrisoquine and 4-hydroxydebrisoquine in urine. The urine samples were directly injected following an ether clean-up step which eliminated interference. Separation of the analytes was achieved using a mobile phase consisting ofacetonitrile-methanol-0.02 M heptane sulfonic acid (pH 3.0) (6:37:57) and a μBondapak C 18 analytical column. The assay utilizes fluorescence detection at 208 nm (ex) and 562 (em). The within-day and between-day coefficients of variation wered10% for both components and accuracy was within 12%. The method is suitable for pharmacogenetic studies utilizing debrisoquine.
The thermodynamics of the γ- and δ-hydrides and deuterides of CaNi5

The thermodynamics of CaNi5Hx and CaNi5Dx were investigated for 4.0x < 6.9. Confirmation that the γ single-phase region actually consists of two similar structurally related phases, γ′ and γ″, was obtained. Enthalpies of the hydrides and deuterides, and pressure hystereses of the (β + γ′), (γ′ + γ″), and (γ″ + δ) two-phase regions are detailed. The reverse isotope effect, hysteresis, enthalpy, and entropy considerations are discussed and the assumption that hydrides and deuterides have similar bonding is questioned.
Na+/H+ antiporters

Na+/H+ antiports or exchange reactions have been found widely, if not ubiquitously, in prokaryotic and eukaryotic membranes. In any given experimental system, the multiplicity of ion conductance pathways and the absence of specific inhibitors complicate efforts to establish that the antiport observed actually results from the activity of a specific secondary porter which catalyzes coupled exchanged of the two ions. Nevertheless, a large body of evidence suggests that at least some prokaryotes possess a delta psi-dependent, mutable Na+/H+ antiporter which catalyzes Na+ extrusion in exchange for H+; in other bacterial species, the antiporter my function electroneutrally, at least at some external pH values. The bacterial Na+/H+ antiporter constitutes a critical limb of Na+ circulation, functioning to maintain a delta mu Na+ for use by Na+-coupled bioenergetic processes. The prokaryotic antiporter is also involved in pH homeostasis in the alkaline pH range. Studies of mutant strains that are deficient in Na+/H+ antiporter activity also indicate the existence of a relationship, e.g., a common subunit or regulatory factor, between the Na+/H+ antiporter and Na+/solute symporters in several bacterial species. In eukaryotes, an electroneutral, amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ antiport has been found in a wide variety of cell and tissue types. Generally, the normal direction of the antiport appears to be that of Na+ uptake and H+ extrusion. The activity is thus implicated as part of a complex system for Na+ circulation, e.g., in transepithelial transport, and might have some role in acidification in the renal proximal tubule. In many experimental systems, the Na+/H+ antiport appears to influence intracellular pH. In addition to a role in general pH homeostasis, such Na+-dependent changes in intracellular pH could be part of the early events in a variety of differentiating and proliferative systems. Reconstitution and structural studies, as well as detailed analysis of gene loci and products which affect the antiport activity, are in their very early stages. These studies will be important in further clarification of the precise structural nature and role(s) of the Na+/H+ antiporters. In neither prokaryotes nor eukaryotes systems is there yet incontrovertible evidence that a specific protein carrier, that catalyzes Na+/H+ antiport, is actually responsible for any of the multitude of effects attributed to such antiporters. The Na+-H+ exchange might turn out to be side reactions of other porters or the additive effects of several conductance pathways; or, as appears most likely in at least some bacteria and in renal tissue, the antiporter may be a discrete, complex carr
EPA checks community wells for pesticides

The Environmental Protection Agency began testing about 600 community water well systems for pesticides in July. The testing is part of a 2-year survey of private and community wells throughout the United States designed to identify the extent of pesticide residues in drinking water wells nationwide. Testing on more than 750 private wells began in April. EPA began the study by examining pesticide use and vulnerability of acquifers for every county in the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. Armed with a map of average scores of vulnerability of counties, the study's organizers selected a representative group of counties but weighted the selection toward areas of higher vulnerability and pesticide use. Once the counties were selected, vulnerability within counties was ranked and individual wells were selected. Scientists will be analyzing the water samples from the wells for more than 100 commonly used pesticides in addition to a number of pesticide metabolites, nitrites, and nitrates.
Women's studies: Sinking and swimming in the mainstream

Abstract After the necessary background pages, this article becomes a series of warnings about integration efforts that replace rather then supplement Women's Studies.
Development of a Plane Strain Tensile Geometry to Assess Shear Fracture in Dual Phase Steels

A geometrically modified sample capable of generating a triaxial stress state when tested on a standard uniaxial tensile frame was developed to replicate shear fractures observed during stretch bend tests and industrial sheet stamping operations. Seven commercially produced dual phase (DP) steels were tested using the geometrically modified sample, and the modified sample successfully produced shear fractures on a unique shear plane for all steels. For each steel, void densities were determined, based on metallographic analyses, as a function of imposed displacement. Microstructural properties of ferrite and martensite grain size, martensite volume fraction (MVF), retained austenite content, Vickers hardness, average nanoindentation hardness, average ferrite and martensite constituent hardness, and tensile properties were obtained in order to evaluate potential correlations with void data. A linear correlation was observed between Vickers hardness and the average nanoindentation hardness, verifying the ability of nanoindentation to produce data consistent with more traditional hardness measurement techniques. A linear relationship was observed between the number of voids present at 90% failure displacement and the martensite/ferrite hardness ratio, indicating that a decrease in relative hardness difference in a microstructure can suppress void formation, and potentially extend formability limits. The void population appeared independent of MVF, grain size, and tensile properties suggesting that constituent hardness may be a dominant parameter when considering suppression of void nucleation in DP steels.
Induction of lactation by two techniques: success rate, milk composition, estrogen and progesterone in serum and milk, and ovarian effects.

Induction of lactation was attempted in 12 heifers and 12 cows with estradiol benzoate (.011 mg/kg body weight per day) subcutaneous for 10 days or that plus progesterone (.1 mg + .25 mg/kg body weight per day) for 7 days. Milking commenced on day 20 for those treated with the mixture and on day 11 for the others. Lactations were induced (minimum of 4.5 kg of milk/day) in five of six heifers and two of six cows by the mixture and in six of six heifers and three of six cows for estradiol benzoate. Milk production was 44% of herdmates in the 16 induced lactations. Cows on the single treatment had lower production than the other three groups. Ovarian status, cycling, cystic, or static, was affected adversely in 5 of 16 animals induced successfully. Two of the 16, both heifers, carried calves to term following induction. The transition to normal composition of milk was slower for single than double treatment. Lactose increased slowly to normal over the 1st wk of milking while protein decreased slowly. Estrogen and progesterone in milk of induced cows were approximately twice as concentrated as in normal postparturient cows, probably because milk production was halved.
Exposure to Family Violence and Attachment Styles as Predictors of Dating Violence Perpetration Among Men and Women A Mediational Model

This study examined a multiple mediator model explaining how sibling perpetration and one's attachment style mediate the relation between parent-to-child victimization and dating violence perpetration. A sample of undergraduate students (n = 392 women, n = 89 men) completed measures of the aforementioned variables on an Internet survey. For men, path analyses found no mediation; parent-to-child victimization had a direct association with dating violence perpetration, no association was found between sibling perpetration and dating violence perpetration, and attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance, was positively associated with dating violence perpetration for men. For women, the hypothesized mediation model was supported; parent-to-child victimization had a direct association with dating violence perpetration, and sibling perpetration and attachment anxiety served as mediating variables. Attachment avoidance was not associated with dating violence perpetration for women. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Air kerma based dosimetry calibration for the Leksell Gamma Knife.

No accepted official protocol exists for the dosimetry of the Leksell Gamma Knife® (GK) stereotactic radiosurgery device. Establishment of a dosimetry protocol has been complicated by the unique partial-hemisphere arrangement of 201 individual Co 60 beams simultaneously focused on the treatment volume and by the rigid geometry of the GK unit itself. This article proposes an air kerma based dosimetry protocol using either an in-air or in-acrylic phantom measurement to determine the absorbed dose rate of fields of the 18 mm helmet of a GK unit. A small-volume air ionization chamber was used to make measurements at the physical isocenter of three GK units. The absorbed dose rate to water was determined using a modified version of the AAPM Task Group 21 protocol designed for use with Co 60 -based teletherapy machines. This experimentally determined absorbed dose rate was compared to the treatment planning system (TPS) absorbed dose rate. The TPS used with the GK unit is Leksell GammaPlan™. The TPS absorbed dose rate at the time of treatment is the absorbed dose rate determined by the physicist at the time of machine commissioning decay corrected to the treatment date. The TPS absorbed dose rate is defined as absorbed dose rate to water at the isocenter of a water phantom with a radius of 8 cm . Measurements were performed on model B and C Gamma Knife units. The absorbed dose rate to water for the 18 mm helmet determined using air-kerma based calculations is consistently between 1.5% and 2.9% higher than the absorbed dose rate provided by the TPS. These air kerma based measurements allow GK dosimetry to be performed with an established dosimetry protocol and without complications arising from the use of and possible variations in solid phantom material. Measurements were also made with the same ionization chamber in a spherical acrylic phantom for comparison. This methodology will allow further development of calibration methods appropriate for the smaller fields of GK units to be compared to a well established standard.
Toxicogenomics: Principles and Applications. Hisham K. Hamadeh and Cynthia A. Afshari. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 361 pp., $64.95, hardcover. ISBN 0-417-43417-5.

Collaborative research in various fields of medicine has led to the creation of new disciplines such as pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics. Many of the individuals involved in these fields, as well as the authors, coauthors, and editors of this book, are from pharmaceutical and governmental organizations. Clinical laboratorians …
Regular orbits of nilpotent subgroups of solvable linear groups

Abstract We settle a conjecture of Walter Carlip (1994) [2, Conjecture 1.3] . Suppose that G is a finite solvable group, V is a finite faithful F G -module over a field of characteristic p and assume O p ( G ) = 1 . Let H be a nilpotent subgroup of G. Assume that H involves no wreath product Z r ≀ Z r for r = 2 or r a Mersenne prime, then H has at least one regular orbit on V.
Expression patterns of β‐amyloid precursor protein (β‐APP) in neural and nonneural human tissues from alzheimer's disease and control subjects

Both neural and nonneural human tissues from patients with or without Alzheimer's disease (AD) were surveyed to detect the presence of the beta-amyloid protein and its precursors. This was accomplished using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to epitopes in the 695 amino acid long beta-APP (i.e., beta-APP695), as well as in related beta-APPs. Immunoreactivity in beta-APP in brain was prominent in senile plaques, extraneuronal tangles, and neurons. Outside the brain, beta-APP staining was seen in neurons and satellite glial cells of the dorsal root, enteric and trigeminal ganglia, the adeno- and neurohypophysis, megakaryocytes, and adrenal gland in samples from patients with AD and those without AD. Western blots of neocortex revealed three major proteins with apparent molecular masses of 105, 115, and 125 kDa in the insoluble membrane-associated fractions, while two broad bands with a molecular weight centered at about 100 and 120 kDa were detected in soluble fractions. In addition, the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as cardiac muscle revealed prominent immunobands in membrane-associated fractions. Notably, other nonneural tissues were devoid of beta-APP immunoreactivity. Thus, the beta-APPs are detectable only in a limited number of nonneural tissues. Taken together, these data suggest that beta-APPs produced in the brain are sources of beta-APP peptides that accumulate as senile plaques in AD.
The effects of p-chlorophenylalanine on behavior: III. facilitation of brightness discrimination in satiated rats

Abstract Rats, maintained with food and water available ad lib. , learned a brightness discrimination with saccharin as the reward. Half of the subjects were injected every third day with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) in Steroid Suspending Vehicle and half with the vehicle only. Facilitation of learning by PCPA was found. In a second experiment, no differences were found in acceptance of successively more concentrated solutions of quinine hydrochloride between water deprived rats injected with PCPA, and those injected with the vihicle only. It was concluded that facilitation of brightness discrimination by PCPA is not dependent upon the use of water deprived subjects, and occurs under conditions of both moderately high and low motivation.
Deposition of diamond coatings on particles in a microwave plasma-enhanced fluidized bed reactor

Diamond growth on non-diamond particles in a fluidized bed reactor by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) is reported. Si and SiO2 powders are used as seed particles without pretreatment, and a 0.5–2.0% CH4 in H2 mixture with addition of 0–3% O2 is used as the fluidizing gas as well as the carbon source. SEM images show that good quality diamond is deposited on Si and SiO2 particles after 8 h at 9 Torr with flow rates of 160 seem of 2.0% CH4 in H2 and 3 sccm of O2.
Simplifying minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy with the inversion approach: Lessons learned from the first 20 cases

Hypothesis The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy can be simplified and performed safely and effectively by using a novel esophageal inversion technique. Design Case series describing technique, initial experience, and learning curve with laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy. Setting Tertiary care university hospital and veteran's hospital. Patients Twenty consecutive patients with high-grade dysplasia (n = 16) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 4). Intervention Laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy, a totally laparoscopic approach to transhiatal esophagectomy that incorporates distal to proximal inversion to improve mediastinal exposure and ease of dissection. Main Outcome Measures Perioperative end points and complications, compared between the first and second groups of 10 patients. Results There were 19 men and 1 woman. Median operative time was 448 minutes. Median blood loss was 175 cm3. Median intensive care unit stay was 4 days, and median total hospital stay was 9 days. Overall anastomotic leak rate was 20%. Five patients developed an anastomotic stricture, all successfully managed with endoscopic dilation. There were 2 recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, which resolved. There was no intraoperative or 30-day mortality. Between the first 10 consecutive cases and last 10 procedures, the incidence of anastomotic leak and stricture formation decreased from 30% to 10% and 40% to 10%, respectively. During this period, the number of lymph nodes harvested increased 9-fold, and duration of intensive care unit stay decreased from 8.00 to 2.50 days. Conclusions Laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy is a safe procedure. The learning curve for the inversion approach is approximately 10 operations in the hands of esophageal surgeons with advanced laparoscopic expertise.
Electromagnetic modelling of 3D periodic structure containing magnetized or polarized ellipsoids

Coupling matrix and coupling coefficient concepts are applied to the interaction of an incident plane wave with a regular array of small magnetized or polarized ellipsoids, placed in a homogeneous surrounding medium. In general case, the angle of incidence and polarization of the plane wave upon an array of ellipsoids can be arbitrary. In this model, it is assumed that all the ellipsoids are the same, and the direction of their magnetization is also the same. The direction of magnetization is arbitrary with respect to the direction of the propagation of the incident wave and to the boundary plane between the first medium, where the incident wave comes from, and the array material under study. Any magnetized or polarized ellipsoid is represented as a system of three orthogonal elementary magnetic radiators (EMR) and/or three orthogonal elementary electric radiators (EER). Mutual interactions of individual radiators in the array through the incident plane wave and corresponding scattered electromagnetic fields are taken into account. The electrodynamic characteristics — reflection from the surface of the semi-infinite array (in particular, containing uniaxial hexagonal ferrite resonators), transmission through the array, and absorption are analyzed.
Numerical simulation of the fluid flow and the mixing process in a static mixer

Abstract The fluid flow and the mixing process in a static mixer have been analysed to gain insight into the character of the mixing process and to check the numerical simulation as a tool for the design of single mixers and entire facilities with mixers incorporated. In a first step the mixing process in a straight pipe has been analysed by a numerical simulation, and good agreement has been found with experimental data. The investigation has been extended to an infinite, ideal mixer element. The vortices generated by the structure of the mixer have been observed to be the main driving force of the mixing of the fluid. This is the reason why the main mixing occurs in the wake of the mixer. As an industrial application the fluid flow and the mixing in the inlet part of a denitrification facility has been computed. It has been found that mixing quality is improved significantly by incorporating a static mixer. The measured velocity and concentration data also agree well with the numerically obtained results.
Psychological Community Integration among People with Psychiatric Disabilities and Nondisabled Community Members.

This study examined individual and neighborhood predictors of the psychological community integration of people with psychiatric disabilities and nondisabled community members. One hundred twenty-three adults (60 psychiatrically disabled, 63 general community residents), completed measures of sense of community, life satisfaction, psychiatric symptoms, and perceptions of neighborhood. Mental health consumers living in independent scatter-site apartments did not differ from other community members in either sense of community or life satisfaction. Among mental health consumers, neither symptoms nor demographic variables predicted sense of community, whereas objective neighborhood characteristics did. Conversely, among community members, age and symptoms predicted sense of community while objective neighborhood characteristics did not; perceived neighborhood characteristics predicted sense of community in both samples. Findings suggest that consumers living in independent housing may achieve levels of psychological community integration comparable to other community members, and that neighborhood factors impact degree of community integration in this population. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal exposure to diazepam alters central and peripheral responses to stress in adult rat offspring

Abstract Central and peripheral responses to restraint stress were evaluated in 90-day-old rats exposed prenatally to diazepam (1.0, 2.5, or 10.0 mg/kg/day) over gestational days 13–20. As a measure of a central response to stress, the utilization of norephinephrine (NE) by hypothalamic NE neurons was assessed by determining the effect of stress on the loss of NE after synthesis inhibition. The stress-induced changes in plasma corticosterone and prolactin levels were evaluated as a physiologic index of stress. While stress increased the loss of NE after synthesis inhibition in the non-exposed control animals, it totally prevented any loss of NE after synthesis inhibition in offspring prenatally exposed to DZ. Additionally, the stress-induced change in plasma corticosterone was attenuated in a dose-related manner by prenatal exposure to DZ. The stress-induced change in plasma prolactin was also altered in a dose-related manner by the prenatal exposure. Both the altered response to stress within hypothalamic NE neurons and the attenuated change in plasma corticosterone induced by prenatal exposure to DZ (2.5 mg/kg) were prevented by concurrent administration of the centrally acting benzodiazepine antagonist Ro15-1788 to the pregnant dam, indicating that the effects of DZ were mediated via binding of the drug to central sites during gestation. These results indicate that activation of specific binding sites during early development can induce neural alterations in the adult offspring which can be reflected in functional changes which may compromise the organism.
A model of food selection in Northern Thailand

A large number of clinical, biochemical, and food intake surveys have demonstrated that inadequate dietary practices are found in Southeast Asia. But the pattern of behavior that leads to inadequate food selection and malnutrition is poorly understood. This is due, in part, to the lack of explicit models of food selection appropriate for testing under field conditions. In this paper data on food use in a Northern Thai village are briefly examined, and then used in construction of a model of food selection. The model is a variation of the linear programming technique. It is argued that models of this type will provide a useful guide and stimulus for future social science research related to the epidemiology of malnutrition.
A GENERAL LOSS FUNCTION BASED OPTIMIZATION PROCEDURE FOR ROBUST DESIGN

Abstract The concept of quality loss introduced by Taguchi is employed in the synthesis of designs that are insensitive to variations in controllable variables and uncontrollable parameters. A new design approach that achieves robustness by minimizing the expected value of a loss function based on a design's performance characteristic, and which is applicable to a general design situation, is proposed. The design constraints are stated in terms of their expected values. Both design variables and parameters are assumed to fluctuate about their nominal values. To ensure that in the pursuit of robustness, product performance is not compromised, the procedure constrains the expected value of the performance characteristic at its target value. Constraint violations that might be caused by fluctuations in design variables, or parameters, or both, are handled by reducing the feasible design space with the addition of a constraint sensitivity term, obtained using a linear statistical analysis. Two scenarios- one ...