cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Eminent Newtonians and Providential Geophysics at the Turn of the Seventeenth Century

At the end of the Seventeenth Century, geophysical speculations among such eminent Newtonian natural philosophers as William Whiston, Edmond Halley, and John Keill concerning the moral fabric of the post-Fall geophysical system, the earth's place in the Newtonian framework of the heavens, and what counts as evidence in geophysical theorizing reflect a definite rejection of the dominant Seventeenth Century Earth Theorist, Thomas Burnet. All three Newtonians are confident that the earth's fabric is not morally corrupt, that, like Newton's heaven, the earth is providentially designed, and that knowledge of its structure ought to be firmly rooted in empirical observation. Nevertheless, there is a major disagreement between Whiston and Keill about how to interpret the Bible. Whiston accepts revealed scripture, properly interpreted by the Newtonian exegete, as compatible with Newtonian science. Keill alone among the Newtonians is convinced that there are some aspects of the Bible which no amount of "scientific"...
Reduction of trait anxiety through participation in outward bound

Abstract This study assesses the effect of participation in an outdoor recreation program (i.e., Outward Bound) on levels of trait anxiety. Two groups (treatment and nontreatment) were compared using a modified version of Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. In addition, an assessment was completed by the instructors of the selected Outward Bound courses to provide information on the changes in the levels of fear actually observed. Both the treatment and nontreatment groups were queried before the course began, immediately afterward and one year after the course ended. Using analysis of covariance procedures, results indicated a significant decrease in the level of trait anxiety reported by the group participating in and finishing the Outward Bound program (treatment group) when compared with the group that enrolled but did not complete or attend the course (nontreatment group). This significant reduction in anxiety levels by the treatment group was congruent with the behavioral observations made ...
SEM studies of cold‐rolled spherulitic films of poly(tetramethylene terephthalate)

By using the method of scanning electron microscopy, a visual study was made of the macro-deformation of spherulitic deformation during the cold rolling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) (PTMT). By rolling solution cast films to different extension ratios, it was found that the surface material (nearest the rollers) appeared to deform first by the shearing action. With higher extension, the material toward the core of the film began to deform. In all cases, the deformation process tended to flatten the spherulites yet, in general, the spherulitic boundaries were maintained. It was noted that the same general behavior was observed for both PET and PTMT.
Predator-induced phenotypic plasticity in the exotic cladoceran Daphnia lumholtzi

Summary 1. The exotic cladoceran Daphnia lumholtzi has recently invaded freshwater systems throughout the United States. Daphnia lumholtzi possesses extravagant head spines that are longer than those found on any other North American Daphnia. These spines are effective at reducing predation from many of the predators that are native to newly invaded habitats; however, they are plastic both in nature and in laboratory cultures. The purpose of this experiment was to better understand what environmental cues induce and maintain these effective predator-deterrent spines. We conducted life-table experiments on individual D. lumholtzi grown in water conditioned with an invertebrate insect predator, Chaoborus punctipennis, and water conditioned with a vertebrate fish predator, Lepomis macrochirus. 2. Daphnia lumholtzi exhibited morphological plasticity in response to kairomones released by both predators. However, direct exposure to predator kairomones during postembryonic development did not induce long spines in D. lumholtzi. In contrast, neonates produced from individuals exposed to Lepomis kairomones had significantly longer head and tail spines than neonates produced from control and Chaoborus individuals. These results suggest that there may be a maternal, or pre-embryonic, effect of kairomone exposure on spine development in D. lumholtzi. 3. Independent of these morphological shifts, D. lumholtzi also exhibited plasticity in life history characteristics in response to predator kairomones. For example, D. lumholtzi exhibited delayed reproduction in response to Chaoborus kairomones, and significantly more individuals produced resting eggs, or ephippia, in the presence of Lepomis kairomones.
Mutational spectra vary with exposure conditions: benzo[a]pyrene in human cells

The AHH-1 human lymphoblastoid line was exposed to benzo[a]pyrene under markedly different conditions: a single toxic exposure of 30 microM for 28 h, a nontoxic exposure of 0.5 microM for 6 days and an exposure approximating estimates of BP concentration in the human lung of 20 nM for 20 days. Duplicate cultures containing 2 x 10(9) cells each were used to assure the statistical quality of the mutational spectra. Point mutational hotspots were observed in bp 215 to 318 of the third exon of the hprt gene after mutants were selected en masse with 6-thioguanine, using a combination of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and high fidelity polymerase chain reaction. The spectra were highly reproducible in replicate experiments but varied dramatically among treatment conditions. These data demonstrate that mutational spectra were critically dependent upon conditions of exposure. The results significantly extend prior reports on this subject and clarify an important issue for the use of mutational spectra obtained in vitro to create hypotheses about what spectra may be expected in humans in vivo. We conclude that commonly used protocols of short-term exposure to mutagenic chemicals at high concentrations should not be used to define such expectations. Rather, the more difficult protocols of long-term and low-concentration mutation studies are justified as conditions necessary, although perhaps not sufficient, to approximate human in vivo mutational pathways.
Ethics and the professional responsibility of lawyers

“Applied ethics” is sometimes understood on the engineering model: As engineers “apply” physics to human problems, so philosophers apply ethics to dilemmas of professional practice. It is argued that there is nothing in ethics comparable to physics. Using legal ethics as an example, it is suggested that political philosophy provides a better approach to understanding professional ethics. If, for example, the adversary system is a legitimate social institution, and if attorneys must adhere to certain principles in order for that institution to fulfill its purposes, then attorneys may be said to be subject to those ethical principles.
VITE: a visual interface supporting the direct manipulation of structured data using two-way mappings

Information processed by computers is frequently stored and organized for the computer's, rather than for the user's, convenience. For example, information stored in a database is normalized and indexed so computers can efficiently access, process, and retrieve it. However, it is not natural for people to manipulate such formal/prescriptive representations. Instead, people frequently sort items by rough notions of association or categorization. One natural organizational process has been found to center around manipulations of objects in spatial arrangements. Examples of this range from the organization of documents and other items on a regular office desktop to the use of 3″×5″ cards to organize a conference program. Using visual cues and spatial proximity, people change the categorizations of and relationships between objects. Without the help of indices or perfect memory people can still interpret, locate, and manipulate the information represented by the items and the higher-level visual structures they form. The VITE system presented here is an intuitive interface for people to manipulate information in their own way and at their own pace. VITE provides for configurable visualizations of structured data sets so users can design their own “perspectives” and a direct manipulation interface allowing editing of and manipulation on the structured data.
Confocal microscopy: Imaging cervical precancerous lesions

Abstract Objectives. We explore the clinical potential of reflectance and fluorescence confocal microscopy to image the morphologic and biochemical changes associated with precancer, in order to aid in the detection and diagnosis of cervical dysplasia. Methods. Cervical epithelial tissue samples imaged ex vivo or in vivo were obtained from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Confocal reflectance microscopy was used to image ex vivo cervical biopsies and in vivo cervical tissue. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to image ex vivo cervical tissue slices. Results. We present reflectance and fluorescence confocal images of cervical tissue demonstrating the ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal cervical tissue. Conclusions. We believe that there is significant clinical potential for confocal microscopy to provide a sensitive and specific method for cervical precancer detection.
Directing the personnel search part IV: the on‐site interview

Purpose – This paper's purpose is to outline what goes into a well‐done library personnel on‐site interview.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the need for planning and doing background checks leading up to the onsite interview and then suggests items to consider in both the planning and execution of a well thought‐out onsite visit.Findings – The finding is that planning the onsite interview well is essential to knowing which candidate will work out the best in the long run.Practical implications – Hiring the right person through a well‐thought out process can save time, trouble and expense for years to come.Social implications – All job seekers should be treated with respect remembering that all have been in that position and could be in that position again in the future.Originality/value – The value of the paper is in hiring the right person the first time using a process that is beneficial to everyone involved.
Improved lateral cephalometric superimposition using an automated image fitting technique.

Abstract Objective: To test the feasibility of automated lateral cephalometric radiograph (LCR) superimposition using an image fitting algorithm. Materials and Methods: Using radiopaque markers, we identified seven cephalometric landmarks on three dry skulls, took digital LCRs on each in several rotated positions, and used a custom software program (XRay3D) to automatically superimpose each rotated image on the initial image using an anterior cranial base reference. We measured superimposition error at each landmark and adjusted image brightness levels to simulate potential fitting error due to exposure variation. Results: The greatest mean error for 24 image rotation trials of less than 10° was less than 0.5 mm. Rotations of 10° or more were not reliably superimposed. Errors of 0.2–1.6 mm occurred for ±10% brightness but increased exponentially with further brightness alteration. Conclusion: Automated superimposition of LCRs, using this fitting technique, has great potential when rotation is less than 10...
Manufacturing capacity planning strategies

When planning for a new manufacturing system to produce several products over a planning horizon, firms usually face an important decision regarding how to select the optimal quantity and portfolio of product-dedicated and flexible capacities. Flexible systems may alleviate the unfavorable effects of demand uncertainties, however they require higher investment costs compared to dedicated systems. In this paper, we formulate the optimal capacity selection problem and perform numerical studies to provide insights on how these decisions are affected by the investment costs, product revenues, demand forecast scenarios and volatilities over the planning period.
Capturing the phantom of the power grid - on the runtime adaptive techniques for noise reduction

Power supply noise has become one of the primary concerns in low power designs. To ensure power integrity, designers need to make sure that voltage droop and bounce do not exceed noise margin in all possible scenarios. Since it is very difficult to capture the exact worst corner among the mist of complex functionalities in modern VLSI designs, statistical design methodologies have been adapted, which may bring significant design overhead. In view of this, various runtime techniques have been proposed in literature to suppress power grid noise adaptively. This paper first presents various challenges in power grid designs from an industrial perspective, explains the difficulties in handling them at deign time, and then reviews various runtime techniques to adaptively suppress power supply noise, including sensor-based power gating, re-routable decaps, proactive clock frequency actuator, and PLL based clocking.
OPTIMAL ROUTE OF DELIVERY FOR FETAL MENINGOMYELOCELE (MMC). † 1365

OBJECTIVE: It has been proposed that cesarean section (CS) improves the long term neurological outcome of children with MMC. Based on this belief, a trial of labor is not offered in many centers. We hypothesized that there is no difference in immediate or long-term outcome by route of delivery for the fetus with MMC delivered in a tertiary care center.
Behavioral effects of neurotensin in the open field: structure-activity studies

The behavioral effects of intracerebroventricularly administered neurotensin (NT), some NT fragments and two synthetic NT analogs were investigated in the open field. Each peptide was studied in both a ‘novel’ (no pre-exposure) and a ‘familiar’ (with pre-exposure) environmental situation. Neurotensin decreases locomotor activity in the periphery but increases the time spent in the central area of the apparatus. Of the congeners tested,D-Phe11-NT has similar effects to NT whereas the NT fragments were generally inactive. These findings indicate that the intact peptide or stable substituted NT analogs, but not small C- and N-terminal fragments of NT, are behaviorally active after intraventricular administration.
Sources of unburned carbon in the fly ash produced from low-NOx pulverized coal combustion

The unburned carbon in the fly ash produced from low-NOx pulverized coal combustion is shown to consist of a mixture of soot and coal char. The soot was identified by the presence of chains or aggregates of 10–50-nm-diameter primary particles in electron microscope images of both laboratory samples and a sample of fly ash from a power plant operating low-NOx burners. Laboratory samples showed increasing carbon content with decreasing nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentration. The experiments included a high-NOx base case and four low-NOx cases consisting of (1) staged combustion with short (0.5 s) residence time, (2) staged combustion with long (1.5 s) residence time, (3) a low-NOx burner with slow mixing, and (4) reburning using coal as the reburning fuel. Comparison of the base case that used premixed coal and air with the long-residence-time staged combustion case shows a decrease in the NOx from over 900 ppm to below 200 ppm and an increase in the carbon in the ash from 4% to over 30%. The fly ash from staged combustion was a mixture of large soot aggregates, porous char, and spherical particles of mineral ash, whereas the ash from reburning lacked the large aggregates. For all laboratory conditions, the carbon content in the particle fraction with an aerodynamic diameter over 10 μm was higher than in the 1–2,5-μm-diameter fraction. Both soot aggregates and char contributed to the high carbon in the large particle fraction. The difference in carbon burnout between the two staging conditions was consistent with published soot oxidation rates. Both char burnout and soot formation need to be considered in studies of the carbon content of pulverized coal fly ash.
Total nuclear reaction probabilities for 2 to 6 MeV/nucleon d and 3He in Si.

The total nuclear reaction probabilities for 4--13 MeV deuterons and 5--18 MeV $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ ions stopping in Si were measured, in coincidence studies of d${+}^{3}$He elastic scattering. These probabilities are about 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ and 8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$, respectively, for the most energetic d and $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ investigated, and are slightly lower than those predicted using total reaction cross sections ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{R}$ calculated with the optical model. Evidence of the DeVries-Peng scaling anomaly (deuterons have larger radii but smaller ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{R}$ than $^{3}\mathrm{He}$) is presented.
Wound healing 1985: an update.

. The past decade has given rise to significant advances in our knowledge of the wound-healing process. Work performed by basic scientific investigators and clinical researchers has resulted in new insights into certain biologic aspects of wound healing. The thoughtful application of some of these findings has led to the development of modern, physiologically sound wound-healing products and improved patient care.
Infrared spectroscopy of supported metal oxide catalysts

Abstract In situ infrared spectroscopy can provide much fundamental information about the nature of the surface metal oxide species present in supported metal oxide catalysts. The molecular structure of the surface metal oxide species can be obtained from M=O vibrations (number of different species and the number of terminal M=O bonds present in each species). The location of the surface metal oxide species on the oxide supports can be determined by directly monitoring the specific surface hydroxyls of the support being titrated by the surface metal oxide species. The surface coverage of the surface metal oxide species on the oxide supports can only be qualitatively determined by monitoring the surface hydroxyl region and the chemisorption of CO 2 because these measurements vary nonlinearly with surface metal oxide coverage. The nature of surface Lewis and Bronsted acid sites present in supported metal oxide catalysts is readily determined by adsorbing basic probe molecules such as pyridine. Only surface Lewis acid sites are present at low surface coverages and both surface Lewis and Bronsted acid sites can be present at high surface coverages. The appearance of Bronsted acid sites is related to the surface density of the surface metal oxide species. Specific examples are presented for supported rhenium oxide catalysts.
Comparison of pulmonary artery and central venous pressure waveform measurements via digital and graphic measurement methods.

Abstract Background: Techniques to measure pulmonary artery (PA) pressure waveforms include digital measurement, graphic measurement, and freeze-cursor measurement. Previous studies reported the inaccuracy of digital and freeze-cursor measurements. However, many of the previous studies were small and did not thoroughly examine the circumstances of when digital measurements might be inaccurate. Objectives: To compare digital measurements and graphic measurements of PA and central venous pressure (CVP) waveforms in patients with a variety of respiratory patterns, and to compare digital measurements and graphic measurements of CVPs in patients with abnormal or right ventricular waveforms. Methods: A total of 928 patients were enrolled in this study. Waveforms from the PA and CVP were collected from each patient. The monitor pressure value (digital measurement) printed on the recorded waveform was compared with the pressure value obtained by a graphic strip recording and measured by one of the primary investigators (graphic measurement). Results: Digital measurements were found to be inaccurate in measuring waveforms in all respiratory categories and in measuring right ventricular waveforms. PA diastolic values and CVP values were the most inaccurately measured waveforms. Digital errors of more than 4 mm Hg were common. Conclusion: There were instances in which the monitor’s digital measurement was substantially different from the graphically measured value. This difference has the potential to mislead interpretation of clinical situations. The monitor’s ability to occasionally give digital measurement values similar to the graphic measurements may lead to a false sense of security in clinicians. Because the accuracy of the monitor is inconsistent, the bedside clinician should interpret waveforms through use of a graphic recording rather than rely on the digital measurement on the monitor. (Heart Lung® 2001;30:26-38.)
Selectivity in Capillary Electrochromatography Using Native and Single Isomer Anionic Cyclodextrin Reagents

Separations of naphthalene compounds that differ in position of substitution and type of substituent were accomplished using cyclodextrin distribution capillary electrochromatography. Separation systems composed of running buffers containing mixtures of native neutral and single isomer anionic cyclodextrins (CDs) were employed yielding efficiencies of approximately 200 000 plates/meter. Solute migration rates and relative orders can be readily modified by changing CD types and concentrations. Experiments were performed to determine distribution coefficients between each of the CDs used in these studies and an aqueous running buffer. For this work, naphthalene-CD cavity inclusion is assumed to be the principal mode of interaction. The distribution coefficients for carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD), degree of substitution 1, were 10−70% larger than those for native β-CD and 75−1800% larger than those for γ-CD. The CM-β-CD was singly charged and yielded a narrow elution window. Nevertheless, baseline re...
Empiric comparison of multivariate analytic techniques: Advantages and disadvantages of recursive partitioning analysis☆

The recent ready availability of recursive partitioning analysis has provided medical investigators with an alternative to the usual parametric multivariate techniques. We believe that recursive partitioning analysis has several distinct advantages: it provides a simple and intuitive method for classifying subjects, it is designed to identify synergistic interactions among factors, it may identify nonlinear relationships with the endpoint, it provides a simple format for constructing homogeneous risk strata, and it considers prior probabilities and penalties for misclassification in its variable selection process. Conversely, parametric multivariate techniques have several advantages over recursive partitioning analysis: they may be better at finding predictive factors during the later stages of the selection process, they may be less subject to the problems of multiple testing and over-training, and they may be better able to account for the full predictive power of a continuous factor. Although neither type of technique is better in all situations, we believe that recursive partitioning analysis will often be the preferred multivariate method and is especially useful for identifying interaction terms that may then be included in parametric multivariate analyses.
Analysis of the GH content within archived dried blood spots of newborn screening cards from children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency after the neonatal period

Abstract Objective It is unknown whether GH secretion of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is already diminished at birth. We aimed to determine the GH content within archived dried blood spots of newborn screening cards from children diagnosed with GHD at childhood. Design At our hospital, all children with the diagnosis of GHD and an actual age Results Median GH content within the archived dried blood spots of the reference had declined by 30% during the first year and by further 35% during the next 8.5 years of storage. After correction for time of storage, four out of the 16 archived dried blood spots of the GHD children contained low amounts of GH (≤ 5th percentile). Diminished GH secretion at birth was absent in isolated GHD, but associated with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) (P = 0.0013), ectopic neurohypophysis (P = 0.0013), lower GH test peak values (P = 0.02) and higher weight at diagnosis (P = 0.015). Conclusions Children with isolated GHD have normal GH secretory capacity during the first week of life while the majority of children with MPHD and pituitary malformation were GH deficient immediately after birth.
PREDICTING A “SUCCESSFUL” PREVENTION OF AN EPIDEMIC

The usual practice is that a “successful” medical intervention (due to the severity of the epidemic to the public health) takes place in the middle of the data collection period with an aim to reduce the incidence. However, not all situations might be clear on whether such an intervention even took place. Of interest to governing agencies is the prevalence of such a “successful” medical intervention. This article makes use of ideas on the characterization of probability distributions to address the likelihood for the prevalence of a “successful” intervention in an epidemic outbreak. The methodology is illustrated using plague data of two villages in India.
Blockage of NF-κB by IKKβ- or RelA-siRNA rather than the NF-κB super-suppressor IκBα mutant potentiates adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells

Ambiguous roles of genotoxic anticancer therapeutic-induced NF-kappaB activation in regulating gene expression (activation or suppression) and apoptosis (anti- or pro-apoptosis) have recently been suggested. In order to clarify this controversy and determine the usefulness of NF-kappaB blockage for sensitizing anticancer therapy, we have systematically investigated the effect of distinct NF-kappaB-blocking approaches on lung cancer cells' responses to Adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity. The results show that Adriamycin-induced NF-kappaB activation functions as a transcriptional activator triggering the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Blocking NF-kappaB with IKKbeta- or RelA siRNA substantially sensitized Adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting that the NF-kappaB pathway could be a target for sensitizing lung cancer cells to Adriamycin's anticancer effect. Surprisingly, although it effectively blocks NF-kappaB activation, the IkappaBalpha super-suppressor (IkappaBalphaAA) antagonized Adriamycin-induced cell death. Additionally, the induction of death receptor 5 (DR5), which contributes to Adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity, was not affected by NF-kappaB blockage. Thus, our results suggest that Adriamycin-induced NF-kappaB is a transcriptional activator that protects lung cancer cells against apoptosis, and IKKbeta- or RelA siRNA rather than IkappaBalphaAA is an appropriate NF-kappaB blocking approach for sensitizing lung cancer cells to Adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity.
Nocturnal Blood Pressure in Young Adults and Cognitive Function in Midlife: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

regression analyses, the least nocturnal SBP dipping (Q4 vs. reference) and higher nocturnal diastolic BP level were associated with worse Stroop scores, with adjustments for demographic and clinical characteristics, and cumulative exposure to office BP during follow-up (β [standard error]: 0.37 [0.18] and 0.19 [0.07], respectively; all P < 0.05). Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test were not significantly associated with nocturnal SBP dipping or noctur nal SBP/diastolic BP levels. CONCLUSIONS Among healthy young adults, less nocturnal SBP dipping and higher nocturnal diastolic BP levels were associated with lower executive function in midlife, independent of multiple measures of office BP during long-term follow-up.
Synchrotron Radiation Vacuum Chamber Installation and Beam Size

Knowing the coordinates of both the aperture M,N and the mask G,H, we can now use equation (1) to calculate the radiation angles and hence derive the size of the total fan and its angle. According to our experience in order to guarantee a full size fan it is desirable to make: s ap ? 1.2 s m, where sm = beam through the water mask aperture. At the NSLS we almost always have full size beam in even numbered ports for which sap = 1.22 s m, however for odd ports, where the relationship is: sap = 1.08 sm, we typically extract only about 70 mrad instead of the expected 80 mrad.
Interpersonal Communication Perspectives in Hostage Negotiation

This article examines the power of interpersonal communication models and frameworks to help negotiators and counterterrorist teams reach successful outcomes during hostage negotiations. A fundamental premise is that superior communication with hostage takers, such as subtle linguistic techniques and other forms of discourse, is essential to obtain the liberation of hostages. An important theory is Mark Knapp's (1984) model of relational development, which postulates that relationships (e.g., between captors and captives) improve through constant interpersonal dialogue. The idea is that ongoing relationship development is indispensable at each stage of the hostage negotiation process. The ultimate objective is to establish rapport and move into the hostage takers’ world.
Inhibition by ammonia of intracellular cAMP accumulation in dictyostelium discoideum: Its significance for the regulation of morphogenesis

Two compounds, ammonia (NH3) and 3′5′ cyclic AMP (cAMP) act as specific morphogens in regulating the development of Dictyostelium discoideum [1–11]. A previous study [12] demonstrated that NH3 at concentrations that affect the course of morphogenesis completely inhibits the extracellular release of cAMP by aggregation competent cells incubated in shaken suspension. The present study extends this finding in two respects: 1 Exposure of aggregation competent cells to NH3 (supplied as ammonium carbonate) is followed within a few minutes by the complete disappearance of intracellular cAMP. Subsequent removal of NH3 is followed by a rapid, complete restoration of the level. Neither the disappearance nor the reappearance is affected by the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. 2 In a mutant strain of D discoideum, greatly increased sensitivity to NH3 as a regulator of morphogenesis is coupled with a correspondingly increased sensitivity to NH3 as an inhibitor of cAMP accumulation. These results are consistent with a recently proposed [13, 14] model of morphogenetic regulation that is based on the supposition that NH3, by inhibiting cAMP production, restricts cAMP accumulation to specified constrained areas within the developing multicellular aggregate and thereby dictates the course of morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation.
Mode coupling in large-diameter multi-mode silica optical fibers

ABSTRACT We report an experimental study on mode coupling in various large-diameter multi-mode silica optical fibers. The evolution of the far-field angular power distribution is experimentally measured, and the mode coupling characteristics are studied on a variety of fibers with diverse parameters, including core/cladding diameter (50-400µm/125-480µm), length (few to hundreds of meters), NA (0.15-0.46), etc. The influences of fiber geometry, bending are discussed. This study could provide practical guidance in designing power delivery fibers for high-power diode, solid-state and fiber lasers to preserve the input brightness and beam quality. Keywords: mode coupling, multi-mode, power delivery fiber, silica optical fiber, beam quality 1. INTRODUCTION Large-diameter multi-mode (MM) silica optical fibers are widely used as power delivery fibers in various applications to deliver high-power, high-brightness laser beams. Many high-power fiber-coupled laser diodes (LDs) are equipped with the industry-standard power delivery cables, whose core/cladding diameters range from 105/125µm, 200/220µm, 400/480µm to 600/680µm, and numerical apertures (NAs) range from 0.15 to 0.22, depending the output power level and brightness. Solid-state lasers and fiber lasers can provide high beam qua lity, which is close to single-mode (SM). In principle, small core diameter, single-mode (SM) fibers could be used as power delivery cables. However, in some applications, especially when the average/peak power is very high and the desired delivery length is relatively long, one has to consider making compromises between the excellence of beam quality and other factors, including the capability of power handling, the ease of fiber coupling and the onset of nonlinearities. Thus, in many practices, the large-diameter MM fibers turn out to become the better solution. In those applications, the input beam is considerably underf illed, i.e. the input beam has a smaller NA than the nominal NA of the fiber. Only a group of lower-order modes are excited. As the beam propagates along the fiber, mode coupling occurs, which couples the power to higher-order modes, resulting in a larger output NA and lower output brightness than the input [1-4]. In this study, we report an experimental study on mode coupling in commercial large-diameter multi-mode silica optical fibers.
Systematic solution of multiparticle scattering problems

Scattering problems for three or more particles cannot be solved by a direct use of those techniques, like the Fredholm or quasiparticle methods, which work for two particles. The trouble is that the kernel ${[W\ensuremath{-}{H}_{0}]}^{\ensuremath{-}1}V$ of the Lippmann-Schwinger integral equation is not ${L}^{2}$, even for complex $W$. In fact, this kernel has a continuous spectrum, giving rise to cuts in the coupling-constant plane for multiparticle scattering amplitudes. We show how to overcome this difficulty, and calculate all Green's functions and scattering amplitudes in a systematic and essentially rigorous manner. The dynamical equations are rewritten as a sequence of linear integral equations for successively larger systems, each with a kernel and inhomogeneous term which can be calculated explicitly from the solutions of the previous equations. The kernels are ${L}^{2}$ because they arise from connected graphs only, so each integral equation can be solved by the Fredholm, quasiparticle, or other methods. The distorted wave approximation appears very naturally in this approach. One minor by-product is an explicit upper bound on the binding energy of any $N$-particle composite system with square-integrable potentials. A mathematical Appendix on relevant topics in functional analysis is provided.
Absolute rate constant for the reaction of Phenyl radical with Acetylene

The absolute rate constant for the reaction of phenyl radical with acetylene has been measured at 20 torr total pressure in the temperature range of 297 to 523 K using the cavity-ring-down technique. These new kinetic data could be quantitatively correlated with the data obtained earlier with a relative rate method under low-pressure (10−3–10−2 torr) and high-temperature (1000–1330 K) conditions. These kinetic data were analyzed in terms of the RRKM theory employing the thermochemical and molecular structure data computed with the BAC-MP4 technique. The calculated results reveal that the total rate constant for the C6H5 + C2H2 reaction (kt) is pressure-independent, whereas those for the formation of C6H5C2H (kb) and the C6H5C2H2 adduct (kc) are strongly pressure-dependent. A least-squares analysis of the calculated values for 300–2000 K at the atmospheric pressure of N2 or Ar can be given by and all in units of cm3/s. The latter equation effectively represents the two sets of experimental data. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
One Force Tactical Communications System: Connecting the Tactical Edge at AEWE Spiral G

With the appeal of smart phones and tablets on the battlefield, the One Force Tactical Communications System (OFTCS), a hybrid cellular-tactical network solution by Raytheon, enabled networked video and mission command services to the Tactical Edge at the Army Expeditionary Warfighter Experiment Spiral G. Using commercial mobile computing devices communicating on the OFTCS network, small unit leaders at Company and Below were able to share position location information (blue/red), view streaming video from multiple unmanned aerial systems, execute call-for-fires, and coordinate command and control to achieve greater situational understanding and mitigate tactical surprise.
Risk management in cardiac anesthesia: the ASA closed claims project perspective

The ASA Closed Claims Project has generated a standardized collection of case summaries of adverse anesthetic outcomes, with the objectives of identifying major areas of anesthesiologist liability and the contribution of substandard care to anesthetic injury. Seventy-six (3%) of the files in the project's current database of over 2,400 case summaries are for anesthesia-related injuries sustained during cardiac surgery. The most common adverse outcomes in the cardiac surgical group were death (36%), brain damage (16%), stroke (13%), and nerve damage (11%). Equipment malfunction or misuse was responsible for 37% of the adverse outcomes in the cardiac group, compared with only 9% in the noncardiac group (P = < 0.01). Conversely, respiratory-related damaging events were responsible for only 9% of adverse outcomes in the cardiac group, compared with 32% of adverse outcomes in the noncardiac claims (P = < 0.01); incidences of damaging events related to the cardiovascular system and those events related to inadequate or inappropriate fluid therapy were similar in both groups. Although there are several important limitations intrinsic to closed-claims analysis, data from the Closed Claims Project suggest that careful attention to IV catheter management and cardiopulmonary bypass equipment will reduce the risk of injury to patients.
Apoptotic hepatocyte DNA inhibits hepatic stellate cell chemotaxis via toll-like receptor 9.

Apoptosis of hepatocytes results in the development of liver fibrosis, but the molecular signals mediating this are poorly understood. Degradation and modification of nuclear DNA is a central feature of apoptosis, and DNA from apoptotic mammalian cells is known to activate immune cells via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). We tested if DNA from apoptotic hepatocytes can induce hepatic stellate cell (HSC) differentiation. Our data show that apoptotic hepatocyte DNA and cytidine-phosphate-guanosine oligonucleotides induced up-regulation of transforming growth factor β1 and collagen 1 messenger RNA both in the human HSC line LX-2 and in primary mouse HSCs. These effects were opposed by TLR9 antagonists. We have recently shown that adenosine inhibits HSC chemotaxis, and we now show that apoptotic hepatocyte DNA also inhibits platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-mediated HSC chemotaxis. Inhibition of HSC chemotaxis by PDGF was blocked by TLR9 antagonists, and was absent in primary HSCs from mice deficient in TLR9 or the TLR adaptor molecule MyD88. Stimulation of TLR9 on HSCs blocked signaling by the PDGF signaling molecule inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and reduced PDGF-mediated increase in cytosolic Ca2+. Conclusion: DNA from apoptotic hepatocytes acts as an important mediator of HSC differentiation by (1) providing a stop signal to mobile HSCs when they have reached an area of apoptosing hepatocytes and (2) inducing a stationary phenotype-associated up-regulation of collagen production. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Day-night variation in prepro vasoactive intestinal peptide/peptide histidine isoleucine mRNA within the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Abstract Neurons within the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus (SCN) appear to function as a circadian clock that controls the timing of many physiological systems. The SCN contain several chemically distinct neuronal subpopulations, including a large group of interneurons within the ventrolateral SCN that exhibit co-localizable immunoreactivity for both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether VIP/PHI neurons within the rat SCN exhibit rhythmicity in the cellular levels of the messenger RNA encoding the precursor from which both VIP and PHI are derived. Using both quantitative in situ and solution hybridization prepro-VIP/PHI mRNA levels early in the dark phase were demonstrated to be significantly higher than those 5 h after the onset of the daily light period. Since no statistically reliable ( P > 0.05) day-night variation was observed in the levels of prepro-VIP/PHI mRNA within cortex, these data suggest that the rhythmicity in prepro-VIP/PHI mRNA is an intrinsic property of VIP/PHI-containing SCN neurons, or rhythmically driven by local synaptic events within the SCN.
On testing safety-sensitive digital systems

This paper deals with studying the effects of both online and off-line test during flight critical missions where safety is a major issue. The on-line test, in this context, is a test performed on a digital airborne system during some specified windows in time while it is still performing its intended task. An off-line test is a test that is performed on the digital system once it is taken off-line because of a suspected failure. Both the on-line and the off-line tests are performed during flight. The difference between the two is that the off-line test can be made more effective than the on-line test due to the longer amount of time available for testing. Moreover, the off-line test may be designed to have diagnosis and repair capabilities built-in. Upon successful repair, the faulty processor may be reconfigured back into the system. This capability will undoubtedly increase the mission reliability.
Responses to Scarcity

Studies of pre-industrial societies suggest that in response to protracted scarcity, individuals experience a decline in social relations, return to traditional practices and values, and become more subordinate to those in authority. In this paper, we examine the extent to which these same responses are found in an industrialized area. Evidence from survey data suggests that scarcity and economic decline do decrease social relations and cause some individuals (those with less formal education) to use more traditional means to solve problems, but they do not cause people to become more passive in respect to community leaders. Factors that may account for the different responses to scarcity in industrial and pre-industrial societies are discussed.
Cycloaddition reactivity studies of first-row transition metal–azide complexes and alkynes: an inorganic click reaction for metalloenzyme inhibitor synthesis

The studies described herein focus on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between first-row transition metal–azide complexes and alkyne reagents, i.e. an inorganic variant of the extensively used “click reaction”. The reaction between the azide complexes of biologically-relevant metals (e.g., Fe, Co and Ni) found in metalloenzyme active sites and alkyne reagents has been investigated as a proof-of-principle for a novel method of developing metalloenzyme triazole-based inhibitors. Six Fe, Co and Ni mono-azide complexes employing salen- and cyclam-type ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The scope of the targeted inorganic azide–alkyne click reaction was investigated using the electron-deficient alkyne dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. Of the six metal–azide complexes tested, the Co and Ni complexes of the 1,4,8,11-tetrametyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (Me4cyclam) ligand showed a successful cycloaddition reaction and formation of the corresponding metal–triazolate products, which were crystallographically characterized. Moreover, use of less electron deficient alkynes resulted in a loss of cycloaddition reactivity. Analysis of the structural parameters of the investigated metal–azide complexes suggests that a more symmetric structure and charge distribution within the azide moiety is needed for the formation of a metal–triazolate product. Overall, these results suggest that a successful cycloaddition reaction between a metal–azide complex and an alkyne substrate is dependent both on the ligand and metal oxidation state, that determine the electronic properties of the bound azide, as well as the electron deficient nature of the alkyne employed.
Decomposing inequality and poverty in post-war Rwanda: The roles of gender, education, wealth and location

This paper provides an overview of poverty and inequality in post-war Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the poorest countries in the world, and has recently become one of the most unequal. High levels of poverty and inequality have important implications not only in terms of evaluations of social welfare, but also for management of social tensions and the propensity for violent conflict in the future. This paper uses the first two available and nationally representative rounds of household surveys –EICV1 2000 and EICV2 2005 – to decompose and identify the major ‘sources' of poverty and inequality in the country. I find stark differences in vulnerability to poverty by region, gender and widow status of the head of household. I additionally find important changes in the ‘income generating functions' of Rwandan households, and that distribution of land and financial assets are increasingly important in determining the inter-household distribution of income.
Investigating cycle demand proportionality in Ethernet passive optical networks

Advances in high speed network communications have raised the bar of delivering demanding multimedia and data services through Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs). At their relatively low cost, EPONs have become an attractive solution to providing essential services like voice, video, and data communications reliably, while at the same time providing expected guarantees of the delivery of those services in terms of defined quality of service measures. A continuous theme throughout EPON research has been the study of efficient dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) as a key factor in achieving fairness in distributing bandwidth amongst remote network units. In our research, we investigate another factor and its effect of network performance and service delivery: cycle demand proportionality (CDP). By observing the patterns of demand in the network on an individual network unit basis cycle after cycle, we can deduce load characteristics of some units over others. We can then make decisions about subsequent grant allocations based on this factor and aim to achieve better results in the process. We simulate EPONs under varying loads and incorporate the use of CDP in conjunction with currently used DBA schemes. In this paper we present results of achieving improvements in delay performance under light-load circumstances for the cyclic polling DBA scheme.
Micromagnetic Studies of the Effects of Crystalline Anisotropy on the Remanent Magnetization of Ferromagnetic Nanorings

Numerical simulations were performed for thin ferromagnetic nanorings with non-negligible anisotropy. In a thin film, the cubic crystalline anisotropy reduces to a four-fold symmetric term favoring magnetization along the ±x and ±y directions. Our numerical studies use an extension of the previously proposed algorithm for thin film micromagnetic simulations based on optimal grids for the calculation of the stray field. The relative strength of the magnetostatic energy was varied with respect to the crystalline and exchange energies. The remanent magnetization configurations were obtained for a variety of ring geometries and initial saturation orientations. The magnetocrystalline contribution causes the appearance of distinct domains in the annular structure, resulting in a new variety of magnetization configurations. Based on energetic considerations we provide a classification of possible remanent states.