cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase I study of involved-field radiotherapy preceding autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with high-risk lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract Purpose This Phase I study was designed to evaluate the tolerability of involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) to areas of persistent disease in patients with high-risk Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Methods and materials Thirty-one patients with primary refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's disease ( n = 13) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ( n = 18) were treated with IFRT followed by high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT. All patients had bulky disease (≥5 cm) and/or an inadequate response to salvage chemotherapy. The IFRT dose was escalated to a maximum of 36 Gy. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as Grade 3-4 Bearman toxicity (life-threatening/fatal toxicity occurring within 28 days of ASCT). The chemotherapy regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and carmustine. Results The delivered dose of IFRT was 20 Gy in 9 patients, 28–30 Gy in 20, and 32–36 Gy in 2 patients to mediastinal ( n = 19) and nonmediastinal ( n = 12) sites. The median interval between IFRT completion and ASCT was 19 days. One patient developed Bearman Grade 3 hepatic toxicity. No other Grade 3 or 4 Bearman toxicity was observed. An increased requirement for i.v. narcotics was observed in patients treated with mediastinal IFRT vs. nonmediastinal IFRT ( p = 0.02). A trend toward increased mucositis severity was seen in patients previously treated with a larger number of chemotherapy agents ( p = 0.09) and in those with a shorter interval between IFRT and ASCT ( p = 0.12). Pulmonary toxicity was more common in patients treated with mediastinal IFRT than in those treated with nonmediastinal IFRT (21% vs. 0%, p = 0.13). The 2-year overall and progression-free survival rate was 70% and 49% for all patients, 84% and 50% for patients with Hodgkin's disease, and 59% and 47% for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, respectively. Conclusion The maximal tolerated dose of IFRT was not reached when Grade 3-4 Bearman toxicity was dose limiting. Increased pulmonary toxicity and mucositis severity was seen after mediastinal IFRT compared with nonmediastinal IFRT. Because local control was excellent, higher doses of IFRT are not recommended. The absolute benefit of IFRT in this patient population needs investigation in future studies.
Ethics in the hospitality industry: an applied model

Aims to profile the ethical decision‐making foundations and referents which influence ethical decision making for small hotel operations in the USA. Reviews the precepts of egoism, benevolence and principle used as criteria in decision making and the main referent sources of individual, local and cosmopolitan used when applying these precepts. Research consisted of 1,500 operators in nine different regions and a response rate of 40 percent. The questionnaire consisted of the Ethical Climate Questionnaire plus demographic variables such as: gender, experience, education level, property type and position classification. Findings included: managers/owners mostly operate from an egoism perspective and an individual referent. Develops a model to explain these ethical precepts and referents.
Focused-Beam Vs. Conventional Bright-Field Scanning Microscopy For Integrated Circuit Metrology

Current optical instrumentation being developed for critical dimension measurements in the integrated circuit industry is following one of two very different optical designs, i.e., either a focused laser beam which scans the wafer or the more conventional bright-field microscope. Traditional optical design lore has described these systems as "equivalent" based on the principle of reciprocity. More recent research has shown"- that the responses of these two types of systems are not equivalent for imaging of structures patterned in thin films such as those found in integrated circuit wafer fabrication. This lack of reciprocity is the result of the dependence of the diffraction pattern on the angle of incidence of the illumination. The impact of the lack of reciprocity on the design and calibration of critical dimension measurement systems is discussed.
From Postimpact to Reconstruction: Considerations When Treating Traumatized Child and Adolescent Clients

Longitudinal data analyses have revealed that children and adolescents may encounter several distinct recovery stages and trajectories following exposure to a traumatic event. As recent dissemination efforts have increased the availability of training in various empirically-supported treatments, mental health service providers may struggle to identify among these approaches a treatment that is best suited to address the needs of an individual client. Treatment planning should take into consideration the severity of distress symptoms, as well as the timing, mode of delivery, and the setting of intervention. In this paper we provide an overview of assessment and emerging treatment approaches that can be used across various phases of recovery. We also identify a framework for making treatment decisions based on existing research. Finally, we propose next steps for research and practice in the area of treating traumatized children and adolescents.
Altered p53 is associated with aggressive behavior of chondrosarcoma: A long term follow-up study

Department of Biomathematics, The University ofTexas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston,Texas.The authors thank Donna Sprabary for secretarialassistance. This work was supported in part byNIH grant CA66723-04 to Bogdan Czerniak.Dr. Oshiro’s current address: Yumi Oshiro, M.D.,2nd Dept. of Pathology, Kyushu University, 3-1-1Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812 Japan.Presented in part at the 1998 International Acad-emy of Pathology meeting, Boston, Massachu-setts, February 28–March 6, 1998.Address for reprints: Bogdan Czerniak, M.D., De-partment of Pathology, The University of TexasM. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Box 085, 1515Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.Received January 14, 1998; revision received April27, 1998; accepted April 27, 1998.
Secondary Conditions Experienced by Adults with Injury-Related Disabilities in Montana

Secondary conditions have recently emerged as a major issue affecting the health and independence of people with disabilities, but little is known about their prevalence or severity. The rates and severity of secondary conditions experienced by adults living in Montana (the second-most rural state) with disabilities related to injuries were assessed and were compared to rates of secondary conditions observed through state-wide surveillance of adults with disabilities related to other physical impairments. Survey techniques were used to collect self-reported experience with secondary conditions. Adult consumers of three centers for independent living, residents of three reservations, and a random selection of 1,000 from the state's handicapped parking registry were surveyed. Participants rated the severity of their experience with 40 secondary conditions. Data were analyzed using simple statistical procedures. Respondents reported experiencing an average of 15 secondary conditions annually. These data show...
Three-dimensional finite element simulation of curing of polymer composites

A coupled thermo-kinetic simulation of the liquid composite molding process based on a three-dimensional Galerkin finite element method is presented. The thermal equilibrium and chemical kinetics during the curing phase of Resin Transfer Molding process are obtained subject to mold temperature history and corresponding manufacturing process plans. The temperature and degree of cure fields, as well as their respective gradients are obtained during the curing process. The finite element implementation is geared toward solving large mesh problems in reasonable computational time by using banded in-core storage and storage of equations at the boundary nodes in a sparse matrix. Two numerical solutions are presented to illustrate the results obtained using this methodology. The obtained numerical solutions are compared with experimental data available in the literature.
Activation of neurokinin 3 receptors in the median preoptic nucleus decreases core temperature in the rat.

Estrogens have pronounced effects on thermoregulation, as illustrated by the occurrence of hot flushes secondary to estrogen withdrawal in menopausal women. Because neurokinin B (NKB) gene expression is markedly increased in the infundibular (arcuate) nucleus of postmenopausal women, and is modulated by estrogen withdrawal and replacement in multiple species, we have hypothesized that NKB neurons could play a role in the generation of flushes. There is no information, however, on whether the primary NKB receptor [neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R)] modulates body temperature in any species. Here, we determine the effects of microinfusion of a selective NK3R agonist (senktide) into the rat median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), an important site in the heat-defense pathway. Senktide microinfusion into the rat MnPO decreased core temperature in a dose-dependent manner. The hypothermia induced by senktide was similar in ovariectomized rats with and without 17β-estradiol replacement. The hypothermic effect of senktide was...
Main sequence mass loss and the ages of stars

The potentially observable consequences of the pulsation/rotation-induced mass loss from main-sequence A and F stars proposed by Willson et al. (1987) are discussed, reviewing the results of recent investigations. Particular attention is given to (1) evidence for a deficiency in A stars and an excess of F and G stars, as predicted by the theory, (2) cluster HR diagrams and age estimates, and (3) modifications to standard models of solar-system evolution. It is pointed out that the time scales and mass-loss rates required to explain the observed properties of clusters and field stars in this theory are the same as those needed to account for the early development of the solar system.
Structural Basis for the cAMP-dependent Gating in the Human HCN4 Channel

Hyperpolarization-activated cAMP-regulated (HCN) channels play important physiological roles in both cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Among the four HCN isoforms, HCN2 and HCN4 show high expression levels in the human heart, with HCN4 being the major cardiac isoform. The previously published crystal structure of the mouse HCN2 (mHCN2) C-terminal fragment, including the C-linker and the cyclic-nucleotide binding domain (CNBD), has provided many insights into cAMP-dependent gating in HCN channels. However, structures of other mammalian HCN channel isoforms have been lacking. Here we used a combination of approaches including structural biology, biochemistry, and electrophysiology to study cAMP-dependent gating in HCN4 channel. First we solved the crystal structure of the C-terminal fragment of human HCN4 (hHCN4) channel at 2.4 Å. Overall we observed a high similarity between mHCN2 and hHCN4 crystal structures. Functional comparison between two isoforms revealed that compared with mHCN2, the hHCN4 protein exhibited marked different contributions to channel function, such as a ∼3-fold reduction in the response to cAMP. Guided by structural differences in the loop region between β4 and β5 strands, we identified residues that could partially account for the differences in response to cAMP between mHCN2 and hHCN4 proteins. Moreover, upon cAMP binding, the hHCN4 C-terminal protein exerts a much prolonged effect in channel deactivation that could have significant physiological contributions.
A systematic review of interactive computer-assisted technology in diabetes care: interactive information technology in diabetes care

BACKGROUND: Excellent diabetes care and self-management depends heavily on the flow of timely, accurate information to patients and providers. Recent developments in information technology (IT) may, therefore, hold great promise.
Stimulation of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Gene Expression in GT1–7 Cells by Its Metabolite, LHRH-(1–5)

Given the central role of the decapeptide LHRH in reproduction and reproductive behavior, it is important to focus on delineating the possible effects of this gene and its products in the regulation of hormone-dependent reproductive processes. In the female, ovulation is preceded by a marked increase in LHRH release; the increase in LHRH release culminates in a preovulatory LH surge, which coincides with a period of sexual receptivity. In contrast to the belief that the proteolytic metabolism of LHRH serves only as a degradative process that removes excess LHRH and attenuates signal transduction through the LHRH receptor, we hypothesized that a metabolite of the decapeptide, LHRH-(1–5), can directly regulate LHRH neuronal function. This study demonstrates the ability of LHRH-(1–5) peptide to regulate LHRH gene expression in the LHRH neuronal cell line, the GT1–7 cell. The results show that LHRH-(1–5) stimulated LHRH gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. In contrast to the LHRH suppression of i...
Calculation of temperature distribution in the human body

An improved procedure is presented for the calculation of detailed steady-state temperature distributions throughout the human body. The efficacy of the proposed computation procedure is demonstrated by comparison of calculated and experimental results for seven studies conducted on four subjects. Core temperatures were predicted within ±0.2°C and deviations for individual skin temperatures generally were within ±0.5°C.
HOUSE FACADES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES; A TOOL OF GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT The house facade can be an effective means for dating the time periods of house construction in field work, once the regional chronology for a particular region has been worked out. There are nine primary parts of a house that are important in the diagnosis of the facade: foundation, general structure, exterior covering material, roof, chimney, windows, entrance doorway, composite appearance, and auxiliary construction. Once the characteristic stylistic elements are recognized, and their type modifications are learned, a little checking on the precise dating for a very few houses in a region can determine the timing of the regional stylistic uses for the several type patterns. Within the United States there are eight significant time periods of construction in domestic architecture after 1830. These time periods are 1830–1850, 1850–1865, 1865–1880, 1880–1900, 1900–1920, 1920–1930, 1930–1940, and 1940–1960. A brief reconnaissance can determine the general elements of chronology and distribution in...
Ovulation induction in a poor responder with panhypopituitarism: a case report and review of the literature.

Background. Most women with panhypopituitarism will undergo successful ovulation induction with gonadotropin therapy. Few proven treatment options exist for those who respond poorly to such therapy. A poor response may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, or reflect a deficiency of other key components for ovarian function.Case. A 31-year-old female with panhypopituitarism and a poor response to gonadotropin therapy took growth hormone (GH) replacement for 4 months prior to restarting gonadotropins. When the serum level of insulin-like growth factor-I normalized, she began ovulation induction with gonadotropins with transdermal estradiol. After 63 days of gonadotropin therapy, she had a leading follicle of 18 mm, followed by follicles of 16.5 mm and 15.5 mm. The serum estradiol was 796 pg/ml, and human chorionic gonadotropin was administered. The patient conceived with timed intercourse. A prior attempt at ovulation induction with gonadotropins alone failed to produce follicular development.Conclusion. Pr...
In vitro metabolism of carbaryl by human cytochrome P450 and its inhibition by chlorpyrifos

Carbaryl is a widely used anticholinesterase carbamate insecticide. Although previous studies have demonstrated that carbaryl can be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP), the identification and characterization of CYP isoforms involved in metabolism have not been described either in humans or in experimental animals. The in vitro metabolic activities of human liver microsomes (HLM) and human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms toward carbaryl were investigated in this study. The three major metabolites, i.e. 5-hydroxycarbaryl, 4-hydroxycarbaryl and carbaryl methylol, were identified after incubation of carbaryl with HLM or individual CYP isoforms and analysis by HPLC. Most of the 16 human CYP isoforms studied showed some metabolic activity toward carbaryl. CYP1A1 and 1A2 had the greatest ability to form 5-hydroxycarbaryl, while CYP3A4 and CYP1A1 were the most active in generation of 4-hydroxycarbaryl. The production of carbaryl methylol was primarily the result of metabolism by CYP2B6. Differential activities toward carbaryl were observed among five selected individual HLM samples with the largest difference occurring in the production of carbaryl methylol. Co-incubations of carbaryl and chlorpyrifos in HLM greatly inhibited carbaryl metabolism. The ability of HLM to metabolize carbaryl was also reduced by pre-incubation of HLM with chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos inhibited the generation of carbaryl methylol, catalyzed predominately by CYP2B6, more than other pathways, correlating with an earlier observation that chlorpyrifos is metabolized to its oxon primarily by CYP2B6. Therefore, carbaryl metabolism in humans and its interaction with other chemicals is reflected by the concentration of CYP isoforms in HLM and their activities in the metabolic pathways for carbaryl. (Supported by NCDA Environmental Trust Fund)
Comparison of fresh, frozen and lyophilized porcine skin as xenografts on burned patients

Summary This study evaluated the differences between commercial porcine skin (fresh-frozen or frozen-irradiated and lyophilized) and the fresh porcine skin that is currently in use at our Burn Hospital. The different preparations of skin were evaluated by various clinical criteria including weight gain of the patient, relief of pain, joint movement, ease of application, development of sepsis and preparation of the granulation bed. We also did a cost accounting to compare the difference in price between commercial and fresh porcine skin. In addition, the development of anti-porcine antibodies after sequential xenograft applications were evaluated and the implications of this antibody response are discussed. From the data obtained it is felt that the commercial preparations of frozen porcine skin are a suitable alternative to fresh porcine skin for treatment of the burned patient.
Cornichons Control ER Export of AMPA Receptors to Regulate Synaptic Excitability

The strength of synaptic communication at central synapses depends on the number of ionotropic glutamate receptors, particularly the class gated by the agonist AMPA (AMPARs). Cornichon proteins, evolutionarily conserved endoplasmic reticulum cargo adaptors, modify the properties of vertebrate AMPARs when coexpressed in heterologous cells. However, the contribution of cornichons to behavior and in vivo nervous system function has yet to be determined. Here, we take a genetic approach to these questions by studying CNI-1--the sole cornichon homolog in C. elegans. cni-1 mutants hyperreverse, a phenotype associated with increased glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Consistent with this behavior, we find larger glutamate-gated currents in cni-1 mutants with a corresponding increase in AMPAR number. Furthermore, we observe opposite phenotypes in transgenic worms that overexpress CNI-1 or vertebrate homologs. In reconstitution studies, we provide support for an evolutionarily conserved role for cornichons in regulating the export of vertebrate and invertebrate AMPARs.
A sliding-filament cross-bridge ensemble model of muscle contraction for mechanical transients

Abstract A high-efficiency mechanochemical model of contraction for striated muscle is developed via the formalism of statistical mechanics. The myosin cross-bridges of the half-sarcomere ensemble cycle through five biochemical states. The structural components of the sliding-filament system include extensible myosin S2-units and indefinite arrays of equivalent actin sites. ATP ligand exchanges provide the far-from-equilibrium thermodynamic driving potential for cross-bridge cycling. The strain-dependent rate constants obey the self-consistency requirements of detailed balance. The mathematical solution for the linear time-varying system of equations of cross-bridge biokinetics employs discrete-time state transition matrices. Computer simulations describe the time evolution of ultrastructural (macromolecular) phenomena and their ensemble (macroscopic) averages. Modest fidelity for mechanical transients of muscle under many varied protocols, including conditions of fatique, is obtained between the simulations and their experimental counterpart.
The Significance of Minimal Adjustments in the Muller’s Muscle and Conjunctiva Resection Procedure to Achieve the Phenylephrine Result

AbstractPurpose: To determine if adjusting the resection amount within a small range has a significant effect in the amount of lift achieved when performing the Muller’s muscle and conjunctiva resection procedure (MMCR).Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed analyzing 102 eyelids of 68 patients with involutional blepharoptosis that had a MMCR resection amount ranging from 8.0–9.5 mm performed by a single surgeon (P.S.)Results: The average lift for all resections was 2.30 mm. When comparing amongst all resection groups, there was no significant difference in the amount of lift obtained (p = 0.2454).Conclusion: When performing the MMCR procedure, adjusting the resection amount within a small range of 8.0–9.5 mm does not affect the amount of lift achieved.
THE ISOMETRIC BAR GRATING AS A SPECTRUM INTENSITY DISCRIMINATOR.

With modern etching methods, self-supporting thin isometric bar gratings were manufactured while maintaining a great accuracy of their bar to spacing periodicity throughout their entire aperture. Relative spectrum intensities are determined in the image space by the position of the highest order of diffraction that remains observable. The influence of location and orientation of an isometric grating in a spectrograph and changes of the height of its entrance slit upon the image of the intensity spectrum is debated.
Non-Redundant Roles for Interleukin-1α and Interleukin-1β in Regulating Human IgG2.

Background: Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) are elevated in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) patients, and secretory products of monocytes from LAgP patients enhance IgG2 responses of lymphocytes from healthy subjects. Furthermore, genes regulating production of interleukin (IL)-1 influence the risk for both aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and chronic periodontitis. These observations, and the fact that IgG2 dominates responses to carbohydrates from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, prompted the hypothesis that IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-RA may help regulate human IgG2 responses. Methods: Human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were stimulated in culture with pokeweed mitogen (PWM); the levels of available IL-1 gene products were manipulated; and the effect on IgG2 production was monitored. Manipulations of IL-1 were accomplished by adding specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies or recombinant IL-1RA, IL-1α, or IL-1β. Results: Blocking the IL-1 recep...
Frictional losses and convective heat transfer in sparse, periodic cylinder arrays in cross flow

Abstract A numerical study of fluid flow and heat transfer around periodic cylinder arrays under laminar cross flow conditions is presented. The investigation considers flow in sparse square and triangular arrays, with fluid fractions ranging from 0.80–0.99 and particle Reynolds numbers from about 3–160. Volume averaging of the microscopic flow field variables is used to ascertain the functional form of coefficients appearing in the macroscopic (porous media) equations. Frictional losses are shown to follow Darcy's law when the Darcian Reynolds number is of the order of one, while significant non-Darcy effects are seen at higher Reynolds numbers. The validity of the Forchheimer and Ergun correlations is shown to be suspect for flow in this highly porous media. Local thermodynamic equilibrium is relaxed in order to explore cylinder-to-fluid convective heat transfer. Power-law relationships for frictional losses and Nusselt number are shown to correlate well with detailed simulation results.
Endoscopic Studies of Gastric and Duodenal Injury after the Use of Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents

The toxic effects of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were endoscopically evaluated in several studies conducted between 1975 and 1983 and involving 843 normal volunteers. Anti-inflammatory doses of acetylsalicylic acid (2,400 and 3,900 mg/day) consistently produced significantly more mucosal injury than did any of the newer NSAIDs. Buffering did not reduce the degree of damage. Little or no mucosal injury was seen with placebo, "pro drugs," enteric-coated aspirin, or 1,200 mg/day of ibuprofen (Motrin, Upjohn). However, varying degrees of generally dose-dependent mucosal injury were evident with larger doses of ibuprofen, naproxen, tolmetin sodium, and indomethacin. The amount of mucosal damage after 2,400 mg/day of ibuprofen did not increase when 4,800 mg daily was administered. Duodenal injury corresponded to gastric injury, but it was generally less severe. Short-term studies of one to three days indicated that ibuprofen produced little or no injury when given at a dose of 2,400 mg for one day or 1,600 mg/day for three days. No relation was noted between subjective symptoms and endoscopic findings.
Memory impairment in multiple sclerosis

We compared the performance of 50 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 35 normal controls on a variety of memory tasks to determine the nature and severity of memory deficits in the MS patients and the proportion of patients affected. We also determined the relationship between memory and other cognitive functions, demographic factors, disease characteristics, depression, and psychoactive medication. We found significant differences between patients and controls on almost all memory tests. Patterns of learning, effects of interference, and improvement with cuing were similar for both groups. Thirty percent of patients showed severe memory impairment, 30% were moderately impaired, and 40% were mildly or not impaired. Memory dysfunction was related to impairment of other cognitive functions, lower socioeconomic status, chronic progressive type of MS, and use of antianxiety medication, but not to severity of disability, duration of MS symptoms or depression.
The structure of Upper Mesopotamian cities: Insight from fluxgate gradiometer survey at Kazane Höyük, southeastern Turkey

This paper presents the results of fluxgate gradiometer survey of the Bronze Age city at the site of Kazane Hoyuk, southeastern Turkey. We undertook this work to test the applicability of magnetometry to the study of the organization of urban space at this site within the context of urbanization in Upper Mesopotamia. Gradiometry collection covered a total of 37 520 m2 in five parts of the site. Results from each area were mixed but the most revealing data, from Area 1, show a roughly 2 ha area in the outer town that contains monumental, elite and administrative architecture as well as a main street. Low negative values indicate that most identified architecture is built with limestone foundations, and high positive values reveal that some of the buildings burned before their collapse. These interpretations are supported by excavations that reveal much about the use of the identified spaces and features. Although the structure of Area 1 is rectilinear, evidence for strict rules of city planning is lacking. Instead, the third millennium city at Kazane has a structure seen at other Upper Mesopotamian cities: dense, semi-orthogonal architecture built along well-maintained avenues. Combined with previous research, it is clear that Kazane contained multiple elite or administrative areas, which may indicate a degree of power-sharing or heterarchy in the development and management of this city. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threshold power transfer for the gyrotron and peniotron oscillators operating at the harmonic cyclotron frequencies using coaxial electron beam-circuit configurations

ABSTRACT Recently we have solved for the linearized displacement in a thin beam in a constant axial magnetic field inside a cylindrical waveguide propagating TEsn or TMsn waveguide mode [Shrivastava and Grow (1984)]. The displacement vector indicates the existence of two modes at the s harmonic and one mode each at (s + 1) and (s − 1) harmonics of the cyclotron frequency. This paper extends the analysis for the start oscillation conditions for the monotrons based on these interactions. Using the polarization variable approach, the RF surface current density is evaluated in terms of the RF displacement. Then the RF beam power transfer in terms of TEsnl or TMsnl mode, is evaluated for each of these interactions. The power transfer is also evaluated for a magnetron resonator supporting TE-mode RF fields. A method to evaluate threshold DC beam power in terms of the RF beam power transfer, Q factor, and the stored energy in the resonator is suggested. Good agreements between this theory with other published re...
A Darwinian account of the fertility opportunity hypothesis.

Reproduction is asine qua non for the continuance of any gene pool. Therefore, it would be strange if natural selectionfailed to act on reproductive patterns, even among humans where the most characteristic adaptations are cognitive and culturally-mediated. In fact, the regularity of human fertility rate responses to variation in the opportunity structure has been documented in many contexts. Humans appear to be alert to environmental signs that indicate whether conditions for childbearing and nurture are more or less optimal, given the possiblities. Specifically, a perception that economic opportunity is expanding, so that relatively many children could probably be successfully raised to maturity, is associated with early marriage and larger family size.
Regularity of weak solutions to a two-dimensional modified Dirac-Klein-Gordon system of equations

We show that solutions to the modified Dirac-Klein-Gordon system in standard notation $$\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {( - i\gamma ^\mu \partial _\mu + M)\psi = 0} \\ {( - \square + m^2 )\varphi = g(t)\psi ^\dag \gamma ^0 \psi } \\ \end{array} } \right.$$ in two space dimensions with complex-valued initial data ψ(0,x)∈L2 (ℝ2;ℂ4), real valued ϕ(0, x) ∈ W1,2 (ℝ2) and ϕt (0, x) ∈ L2 (ℝ2) have regularity Open image in new window Here ℊ loc 1 (ℝ3) denotes the (local) Hardy space, andg(t) is assumed to be inC1(ℝ) andg(0)=0. Consequently nonlinear terms φψ which appear in the classical coupled Dirac-Klein-Gordon system (with the modificationg=g(t)∈C1 andg(0)=0) can then be defined in L loc ∞ (ℝ2; L1 (ℝ2)). We hope these results will be useful in establishing the existence of weak solutions to the classical coupled Dirac-Klein-Gordon system in the framework of compensated compactness.
Evidence of commingling in human eating behavior.

This investigation tested whether distributions of certain aspects of eating behavior were consistent with the notion of a “mixture model;” that is, two or more distinct Commingled component distributions, consistent with the possibility of major gene action. Undergraduates (n=901) completed self-report trait measures of hunger, disinhibition, and dietary restraint. Variables were residualized for gender and age and transformed to remove skewness. Residualized transformed distributions were tested for departure from unimodality with Hartigan's (14) dip statistic. The distributions of all three aspects of eating behavior were significantly non-unimodal. Next, component multivariate normal distributions were estimated via maximum likelihood. Likelihood ratio tests were employed to compare nested models. A mixture of four distributions with unequal variance-covariance matrices tit significantly better than any more parsimonious model. In sum, these data strongly suggest that the distributions of several measures of eating behavior are composed of four component distributions. This finding is consistent with the possibility of major gene effects for eating behavior.
Micropattern deposition of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals by aerodynamic focusing

We report the use of aerodynamic lenses to deposit micropatterns of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (or quantum dots). CdSe and CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals, with core diameters of 3.5–5 nm, were dispersed in hexane and then nebulized to generate agglomerates a few tens of nm in diameter, consisting of hundreds of nanocrystals. These agglomerates were then focused aerodynamically by a lens system. Microscale towers, lines, and patterns were deposited on thin sapphire plates and silicon wafers. The heights and widths of the deposits were adjustable by varying the experimental parameters. Line widths below 10 μm at full-width half-maximum are demonstrated. Upon exposure to near-UV illumination, these deposits exhibited robust fluorescence in the visible, with the color depending on the diameter of the individual nanocrystal cores. A red shift of the photoluminescence peaks from the nanocrystal dispersion to the glassy solid deposits was also observed, which confirmed that the deposits consist of cl...
Methane pool and flux dynamics in a rice field following straw incorporation

Concerns for air quality have led to legislation restricting rice straw burning in some parts of the world. Consequently, growers must dispose of large amounts of residual rice straw by incorporation into the soil, which may have large effects on CH4 emissions from those fields. Our objective was to characterize how this recent change in management has affected overall CH4 emissions in a California rice field and establish relationships between organic matter availability, CH4 pool sizes and CH4 fluxes. Closed chamber measurements were used to monitor diurnal and post drain fluxes, to describe the seasonal pattern of CH4 emissions and estimate total CH4 fluxes on a large on-farm field trial during the 1997 growing season. Soil redox, temperature and plant growth and yield were also monitored. To establish relationships between CH4 pool sizes and fluxes, soil interstitial CH4 concentrations were monitored in the field and available organic matter in the spring was estimated with a laboratory incubation. Redox values in the soil were found to be 50 mV lower in plots in which straw had been incorporated (−275 mV) than those in which it had been burned (−225 mV). No significant treatment differences were seen in total soil organic matter contents in the spring. However, available organic matter was 1.5 times higher in straw incorporated than straw burned plots. Methane emissions peaked between 22.00 and 23.00 h on two different diurnal sampling dates. Methane emission after draining was about 10% of the flooded period total. A 5-fold increase in total CH4 emissions over the rice growing season was observed in plots in which rice straw had been incorporated each fall for 4 yr. Total cumulative CH4 flux, 1 May–1 October 1997, was 8.87 g C m−2 in incorporated, winter flooded plots; 9.52 g C m−2 in incorporated, non-winter flooded plots; 1.63 g C m−2 in burned, winter flooded plots; and 2.25 g C m−2 in burned, non-winter flooded plots. Soil CH4 concentrations at 10–15 cm depth was strongly associated with emissions to the atmosphere (r=0.89). A model developed by Nouchi et al. (1994) [Nouchi, I., Hosono, T., Aodi, K., Minami, K., 1994. Seasonal variation in methane flux from rice paddies associated with methane concentration in soil water, rice biomass and temperature and it's modeling. Plant and Soil 161, 195-208.] which could predict the CH4 flux based on soil CH4 concentrations and temperature was fit to our data. The model was very successful at predicting flux rates and cumulative fluxes because conductance (CH4 flux divided by CH4 concentration in soil water) was highly correlated with soil temperature (r=0.88) throughout the period of high CH4 emissions. Organic matter availability and CH4 pool and flux dynamics were altered by straw incorporation practices as evidenced by increased conductance at the same interstitial CH4 concentration and increased emissions per unit available organic matter in rice straw incorporated plots.
A. Season of Service: Introducing Service Learning into the Liberal Arts Curriculum

We live in times when rights and obligations have become uncoupled. Individuals regard themselves almost exclusively as private persons with responsibilities only to family and job, yet possessing endless rights against a distant and alien state in relationship to which they think of themselves, at best, as watchdogs and clients and, at worst, as adversaries and victims. The idea of service to country or to the institutions by which rights and liberty are legitimized and sustained has fairly vanished.
Determination of the number of motile sperm within an ovine semen sample using resazurin

Abstract Semen samples were collected from 67 post-pubertal Rambouillet rams using electro-ejaculation. Only ejaculates containing a volume of ≥0.5 ml were tested ( n = 121). Prior to addition of the dye, a microscopic semen evaluation was performed to assess the number of motile sperm ml −1 using a Makler counting chamber and a 250× phase contrast microscope. Resazurin (3.1 μg) was added to each 0.5 ml sample and incubated for a period of 15 min or until a visible dye reduction from blue to pink could be detected. Samples were maintained at 37°C throughout the test. All ejaculates were identified as having at least the minimum average number of motile sperm ml −1 (≥1.4 × 10 9 ), or below the minimum average number of motile sperm ml −1 ( 9 ). The sensitivities, specificities, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and overall accuracies were determined for all samples. The highest sensitivity was 77% at 15 s and the highest specificity 100% within 13 min. The highest PPV recorded was 93% at 2.25 min and the greatest NPV was 77% at 2.25 min. The highest overall accuracy was 80% noted at 2.25 min. The results suggest that the reducible dye resazurin is capable of assessing the viability potential of an ovine ejaculate based on the number of motile sperm ml −1 .
Antecedents and Outcomes of Innovation-Oriented Cultures

This research investigates the relationships between innovation antecedents and innovation-oriented cultures. In addition, it explores the relationship between innovation-oriented cultures and performance outcomes. Our findings from 192 CEOs across three industries indicate that risk orientation, R&D expenditures, intra-firm linkages, improvisation and experimentation are related to innovation-oriented cultures. In addition, innovation-oriented cultures contribute to product innovation and have a significant impact on a firm’s growth and performance.
Incorporating world information into the IMM algorithm via state-dependent value assignment

We propose two methods of incorporating world information as modifications to the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) algorithm via state-dependent value assignment. The value of a state is a measure of its worth, so, for example, waypoints have high value and regions inside obstacles have small value. The two methods involve modifying the model probabilities in the update step and modifying the transition probability matrix in the mixing step based on the assigned values of target states. The state-dependent value assignment modifications to the IMM algorithm are simulated and compared with the standard IMM algorithm over a large number of game player-controlled trajectories for obstacle avoidance, as ground truth, and are shown experimentally to perform better than the standard IMM algorithm in both target's current state estimation and next state prediction. The proposed modifications can be used for improved trajectory estimation or prediction in real-life applications such as, e.g., Air Traffic Control, ground target tracking and robotics, where additional (world) information is available.
Polymerization of aromatic nuclei. XVI. Mechanism of chain propagation in the polymerization of benzene by aluminum chloride–cupric chloride

A study was made of the mechanism of benzene polymerization by aluminum chloride-cupric chloride. Our main effort was devoted to propagation with the aim of resolving a literature conflict as to whether a cationic or radical pathway is involved. When equimolar mixtures of benzene and haloarene are polymerized, the resulting copolymers are composed almost exclusively of benzene monomer. This approach is based on the known relative reactivities of the monomers toward electrophilic and radical species. The amount of haloaromatic present in the copolymer was determined by elemental analyses and confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. These results are strongly indicative of propagation by an electrophilic moiety. The presence of oxygen in the reaction mixture was found to have no significant effect on the rate or yield of the polymerization, in contrast to a previous published report. The progress of the reaction was followed by titration of the evolved hydrogen chloride. Phenyl radicals, obtained by the thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide in benzene, were found to be incapable of initiating the polymerization in the presence of cupric chloride. Increased yields of biphenyl and the presence of chlorobenzene point to oxidation of intermediate radicals by cupric chloride. None of the experimental evidence is satisfactorily interpreted by radical propagation. The data are nicely rationalized on the basis of cationic chain extension, apparently via a radical cation initiator.
Divine hiddenness and the value of divine–creature relationships

Apparently, relationships between God (if He exists) and His creatures would be very valuable. Appreciating this value raises the question of whether it can motivate a certain premise in John Schellenberg's argument from divine hiddenness, a premise which claims, roughly, that if some capable, non-resistant subject fails to believe in God, then God does not exist. In this paper, I argue that the value of divine–creature relationships can justify this premise only if we have reason to believe that the counterfactuals of freedom work out in certain ways. Unfortunately, we can't acquire such a reason, at least not without relying on other successful arguments (if there are any) for the relevant premise of Schellenberg's hiddenness argument.
An integral path self-calibration scheme for a 20.1–26.7GHz dual-loop PLL in 32nm SOI CMOS

A bandwidth self-calibration scheme is introduced as part of a 20.1GHz to 26.7GHz, low noise PLL in 32nm CMOS SOI. A dual-loop architecture in combination with an integral path measurement and correction scheme desensitizes the loop transfer function to the VCO's small signal gain variations. The spread of gain peaking is reduced by self-calibration from 2.4dB to 1dB, when measured at 70 sites on a 300mm wafer. The PLL has a measured phase noise @10MHz offset of −126.5dBc/Hz at 20.1GHz.
K channel gating by an affinity-switching selectivity filter

A universal property of ion channels is their ability to alternate stochastically between two permeation states, open and closed. This behavior is thought to be controlled by a steric “gate”, a structure that physically impedes ion flow in the closed state and moves out of the way during channel opening. Experiments employing macroscopic currents in the Shaker K channel have suggested a cytoplasmic localization for the gate. Crystallographic structures of the KcsA K channel indeed reveal a cytoplasmic constriction, implying that the gate and selectivity filter are localized to opposite ends of the permeation pathway. However, analysis of K channel subconductance behavior has suggested a strict coupling between channel opening (gating) and permeation. The idea that the selectivity filter is the gate was therefore investigated by using Monte Carlo simulations. Gating is accomplished by allowing the filter to alternate stochastically between two conformations: a high-affinity state, which selectively binds K ions (but not Na ions) and traps them, and a completely nonselective, low-affinity state, which allows both Na and K ions to permeate. The results of these simulations indicate that affinity switching not only endows the selectivity filter with gating abilities, it also allows efficient permeation without jeopardizing ion selectivity. In this model, permeation and gating result from the same process.
CFD Simulations of Unsteady Wakes on a Highly Loaded Low Pressure Turbine Airfoil (L1A)

A study of a very high lift, low-pressure turbine airfoil in the presence of unsteady wakes was performed computationally and compared against experimental results. The experiments were conducted in a low speed wind tunnel under high (4.9%) and then low (0.6%) freestream turbulence intensity conditions with a flow coefficient (ζ) of 0.7. The experiments were done on a linear cascade with wakes that were produced from moving rods upstream of the cascade with the rod to blade spacing varied from 1 to 1.6 to 2. In the present study two different Reynolds numbers (25,000 and 50,000, based on the suction surface length and the nominal exit velocity from the cascade) were considered.The experimental and computational data have shown that in cases without wakes, the boundary layer separated and did not reattach. The CFD was performed with Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS), Transition-SST, utilizing the finite-volume code ANSYS FLUENT under the same freestream turbulence and Reynolds number conditions as the experiment but only at a rod to blade spacing of 1.With wakes, separation was largely suppressed, particularly if the wake passing frequency was sufficiently high. Similar effect was predicted by 3D CFD simulations. Computational results for the pressure coefficients and velocity profiles were in a reasonable agreement with experimental ones for all cases examined. The 2D CFD efforts failed to capture the three dimensionality effects of the wake and thus were less consistent with the experimental data.As a further computational study, cases were run to simulate higher wake passing frequencies which were not run experimentally. The results of these computational cases showed that an initial 25% increase from the experimental dimensionless wake passing frequency of F = 0.45 greatly reduced the size of the separation bubble, nearly completely suppressing it, however an additional 33% increase on top of this did not prove to have much of an effect.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
POLARIZATION SWITCHING ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERTER

ABSTRACT This paper describes a new ferroelectric based circuit that is used to perform analog to digital conversion function. The successive approximation analog to digital conversion utilizes polarization switching properties of ferroelectric capacitors as a novel analog to digital conversion medium. The proposed circuit was implemented with analog functional blocks: Sample and hold, comparator, successive approximation register and control circuitry implemented with field programmable gate arrays and polarization switching digital to analog converter (PDAC).
Intrusion detection via static analysis

One of the primary challenges in intrusion detection is modelling typical application behavior so that we can recognize attacks by their atypical effects without raising too many false alarms. We show how static analysis may be used to automatically derive a model of application behavior. The result is a host-based intrusion detection system with three advantages: a high degree of automation, protection against a broad class of attacks based on corrupted code, and the elimination of false alarms. We report on our experience with a prototype implementation of this technique.