cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signal-to-noise ratio enhancement in frequency-modulation spectrometers by digital signal processing

A signal-to-noise ratio enhancement of an order of magnitude was observed when digital signal-processing algorithms were applied to two diode-laser frequency-modulation spectrometers in the near-infrared and midinfrared spectral ranges. These algorithms include digital bandpass filters, a Wiener filter, a matched filter, and a least-squares fit. Digital signal processing has a practical advantage over other noise suppression techniques because it is easy to implement and to adapt to all experiment configurations without any physical modifications or additions to the spectrometer.
Analysis of Subgrid-Scale Torque for Large-Eddy Simulation of Turbulence

A study is performed of the vorticity source induced by e ltering the nonlinear terms of the Navier‐ Stokes equation, as used in large-eddy simulation of turbulent e ows. In analogy to the subgrid-scale (SGS) stress, this vorticity source is referred to as the subgrid-scale torque. The SGS torque results from derivatives of the part of the SGS stress and force terms that play a role in modifying the e ltered velocity e eld. Other parts of the SGS stress and force modify pressure but have no ine uence on velocity e eld in a constant-density e ow and are, therefore, not dynamically signie cant. The total dissipation rate due to the SGS e ow is shown to depend only on the part of the SGS force induced by the SGS torque. With a series of examples with increasing complexity, it is shown that the SGS stress and force are often dominated by terms that generate no SGS torque. With use of the scale-similarity model, both for isotropic turbulence and for turbulence near a large-scale vortex structure, it is demonstrated that LES closure models can sometimes yield reasonably good results in a priori tests for prediction of SGS stress and force, while yielding poor predictions for SGS torque. This conclusion is consistent with the common observation that the scale-similarity model yields good results in a priori tests (when only the SGS stress is examined) but nevertheless has insufe cient dissipation in a posteriori tests.
Nuclear magnetic resonance structure of calcium‐binding protein 1 in a Ca2+‐bound closed state: Implications for target recognition

Calcium-binding protein 1 (CaBP1), a neuron-specific member of the calmodulin (CaM) superfamily, regulates the Ca2+-dependent activity of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (InsP3Rs) and various voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Here, we present the NMR structure of full-length CaBP1 with Ca2+ bound at the first, third, and fourth EF-hands. A total of 1250 nuclear Overhauser effect distance measurements and 70 residual dipolar coupling restraints define the overall main chain structure with a root-mean-squared deviation of 0.54 A (N-domain) and 0.48 A (C-domain). The first 18 residues from the N-terminus in CaBP1 (located upstream of the first EF-hand) are structurally disordered and solvent exposed. The Ca2+-saturated CaBP1 structure contains two independent domains separated by a flexible central linker similar to that in calmodulin and troponin C. The N-domain structure of CaBP1 contains two EF-hands (EF1 and EF2), both in a closed conformation [interhelical angles = 129° (EF1) and 142° (EF2)]. The C-domain contains EF3 and EF4 in the familiar Ca2+-bound open conformation [interhelical angles = 105° (EF3) and 91° (EF4)]. Surprisingly, the N-domain adopts the same closed conformation in the presence or absence of Ca2+ bound at EF1. The Ca2+-bound closed conformation of EF1 is reminiscent of Ca2+-bound EF-hands in a closed conformation found in cardiac troponin C and calpain. We propose that the Ca2+-bound closed conformation of EF1 in CaBP1 might undergo an induced-fit opening only in the presence of a specific target protein, and thus may help explain the highly specialized target binding by CaBP1.
A Dynamical Study of the Eclipsing Nova OY Arae

Photometric and spectroscopic observations of the classical nova OY Ara were carried out using the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory telescopes. We found that OY Ara is an eclipsing system with an orbital period of 0.155466 ± 0.000003 days. The radial velocity semiamplitude of the Hα emission line is 118 ± 9 km s-1. Assuming the secondary is near the main sequence, the dynamical analysis shows that the primary and the secondary have masses of M1 ≈ 0.82 M☉ and M2 ≈ 0.34 M☉, respectively. We also find that the accretion disk of OY Ara is 2.5-6 mag more luminous than that of the X-ray novae, presumably due to the much higher rate of mass transfer in classical novae.
The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test and Its Shortened Form: A Meta-Analytic Inquiry Into Score Reliability

Meta-analytic methods provide a framework around which an inquiry into MAST and SMAST score reliability was completed. Of the 470 measurement opportunities observed between 1971 and 2005, 62 (13.2%) were coupled with accurate reliability information. Weighted reliability estimates centered on .80 suggesting that the MAST and SMAST generally produce scores of similar and adequate reliability for most research purposes. However, the variability of internal consistency estimates shows that at times these tools will not produce reliable scores, particularly among female and nonclinical respondents. Multiple regression equations provide practical guidelines to improve reliability estimates for the future use of these instruments.
Extension of a reliability-type inventory model to just-in-time systems

Abstract Reliability-type inventory models are formulated to determine the minimal safety stock that will provide a prescribed service level for satisfying demand. We give an extension of such a model as an approximation for handling the specific features of Just-in-Time (JIT) production and service systems.
Upregulation of prostate-specific membrane antigen after androgen-deprivation therapy

Abstract Objectives To determine the expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) before and after androgen-deprivation therapy and to compare PSMA expression with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression. Methods We studied specimens from 20 patients with prostate cancer undergoing medical or surgical castration or combination androgen-deprivation therapy in whom matched pretreatment and post-treatment tissue specimens were available and 16 patients in whom only a post-treatment specimen was available. The expression of PSMA and PSA in the tissue specimens was determined by immunoperoxidase staining. The extent of staining was calculated by multiplying the percent of antigen-positive tumor cells by the staining intensity to arrive at a stain index for each biomarker. An in vitro study assessed the concentration of PSMA and PSA in extracts of LNCaP cells cultured in the presence or absence of androgen as determined by immunoassays and Western blot analysis. Results PSMA reactivity was found to be increased in 55% (11 of 20) of post-treatment primary tissues and 100% (4 of 4) of post-treatment metastatic specimens. In contrast, PSA expression was found to be decreased in 70% (14 of 20) of post-treatment primary and 100% (4 of 4) of post-treatment metastatic specimens. Neither type of androgen-deprivation treatment nor tissue sensitivity to androgen deprivation appeared to influence degree of biomarker expression. PSMA was found to be downregulated and PSA upregulated when LNCaP cells were cultured in the presence of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. Conclusions The enhanced expression of PSMA in tissues and LNCaP cells after androgen deprivation suggests that PSMA is upregulated in the majority of prostate carcinomas after androgen treatment. The high expression in metastatic tissues strongly suggests that PSMA may be a clinically useful target for antibodyand genetic-directed therapy of prostate cancer that recurs after androgen deprivation. The mechanism whereby androgens suppress the expression of PSMA and the association of PSMA with the development of hormone-independent prostate cancers, will require further study.
Handbook of Physics in Medicine and Biology

In considering ways that physics has helped advance biology and medicine, what typically comes to mind are the various tools used by researchers and clinicians. We think of the optics put to work in microscopes, endoscopes, and lasers; the advanced diagnostics permitted through magnetic, x-ray, and ultrasound imaging; and even the nanotools, that a
OB/GYN Resident Perceptions about Adolescent Health Care Training

Background: Perimenarchal onset of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy of the premenopausal years, is increasingly appreciated. In adolescents meeting clinical criteria for PCOS, transabdominal pelvic ultrasonography (TAUS) is often utilized for evaluation of ovarian morphology. While polycystic appearing ovaries (PCO) constitute a diagnostic criterion for PCOS (Rotterdam criteria 2003), it remains to be determined if PCO as assessed by TAUS in adolescents tracks with other diagnostic criteria of PCOS such as biochemical hyperandrogenism. Methods: Thirty-two adolescent females were recruited from a multispecialty adolescent PCOS clinic into an ongoing IRB approved cohort study. Participants underwent a complete history and physical examination. TAUS was performed by a single trained radiologist and readings were divided into three groups: normal appearing ovaries (NAO), classic PCO (ovarian volume O10cm with $12 follicles measuring 2e9mm in diameter) and variant polycystic ovaries (VPO; normal ovarian volume with $12 small follicles). Biochemical measures of hyperandrogenism included total testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG); free T (%) was calculated. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test and Pearson correlation as appropriate. Data are presented as mean standard deviation. Results: Of the 32 adolescents (ages 15.5 1.9 years, BMI 30.4 7.6 kg/m), 29 (91%) reported oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea; clinical features of hyperandrogenism (acne and/or hirsutism) were acknowledged by all. The mean serum T level was 52.5 29.0 ng/dl (range 10e55 ng/dl). TAUS criteria as specified identified NAO in 41% of participants (13/32), PCO in 34% (11/32) and VPO in 25% (8/32). Those with classic PCO demonstrated significantly higher serum T levels compared to VPO (70.6 27.2 ng/dl vs. 41.4 20.6 ng/dl; p 5 0.004) and to NAO (38.6 21.9 ng/dl; p 5 0.02) groups. There was no difference in total T levels between the NOA and VPO groups, nor were there any differences in free T or SHBG levels between the 3 groups (pO0.05). While no relationship was observed between BMI and total T (p50.8), those demonstrating classic PCO were significantly heavier (BMI 32.1 8.3 kg/m) compared to those with VPO (25.3 3.2 kg/m, p50.04). Adolescents with NAO had a similar BMI as those with classic PCO (32.5 þ 7.9 kg/ m) and were also significantly heavier than the VPO group (p 5 0.03). Conclusions: In adolescents, TAUS is a meaningful component of the evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome. A significant proportion of adolescents with menstrual irregularity and clinical features of hyperandrogenism had ovaries that did not demonstrate the classic PCO appearance. The VPO group had a significantly lower BMI than the NAO and PCO groups, and similar T levels as the NAO group; this group may represent a population of adolescents in whom weight gain would lead to the classic PCO phenotype. Metabolic analyses in these patients will provide further assessment of parameters that affect ovarian dysfunction.
Financial and organizational turmoil in the academic health center: is it a crisis or an opportunity for medical education?

Received September 29, 2005; revised November 16, 2005; accepted December 2, 2005. Dr. Kirch is Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, Dean of the College ofMedicine, and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kirch is also Professor Psychiatry at The Pennsylvania State University. Address correspondence to Dr. Kirch, 500 University Drive, H162, Hershey, PA 17033; dkirch@psu.edu (E-mail). Copyright 2006 Academic Psychiatry. The degree of turmoil existing in academic health centers (AHCs) has been a matter of extensive discussion and debate over the last decade (1, 2). This commentary offers the perspective of the author, who has served as a medical school dean and academic health system chief executive over the last 12 years. Although representing an individual perspective, an attempt is made to rely on known data regarding the structure and function of AHCs as well as principles for organizational change. Within the AHC community, individual faculty members express views ranging from longing for times that seemed “easier” to feeling that they are in the midst of a full-blown crisis. When asked to identify the cause of this sense of turmoil, more often than not, financial instability is cited as the key driver. There is no doubt that some challenging fiscal forces are at work (3). In the aftermath of managed care and legislative efforts to create balanced budgets, revenues from both private and public payers for healthcare services have been significantly restricted. The effect on teaching hospitals and practice plans has been profound. Another factor is that direct public appropriations to medical schools have had their growth slowed or in some cases have been significantly decreased. In addition, as the “hard landing” following a 5-year doubling of the budget for the National Institutes of Health has occurred, competition for research funding has become even more intense. Finally, with concern mounting regarding medical student debt, increased scrutiny has been placed on tuition levels (4). Perception and Reality
Critical temperatures, pressures, and densities for the mixtures CO2–C3H8, CO2–nC4H10, C2H6–C3H8, and C3H8–nC4H10

Abstract A simple method is developed to estimate mixture critical temperatures (Tc), pressures (Pc), and densities (ρc) as a function of overall composition (X) from near critical region experimental coexistence data. This three-step method is applied to four mixtures, CO2–C3H8, CO2–nC4H10, C2H6–C3H8, and C3H8–nC4H10. Isothermal liquid–vapor coexistence data, which includes temperature, vapor pressure, coexisting densities (ρl and ρv), and coexisting compositions for the more volatile component (x1v and x1l) are used. In the first step, the difference of the saturated liquid and vapor densities (ρl−ρv) is fitted to an empirical function in ((Pc−P)/Pc) to obtain Pc. Then P/Pc and ((ρl+ρv)/2ρc) are simultaneously fitted to functions of a polynomial in (X1−(x1v+x1l)/2) yielding estimates of ρc and X1. Finally, the discrete estimated critical data points are fitted with an equation to provide a continuous representation of the critical lines. The method is successfully tested for the mixtures, CO2–C3H8 and CO2–nC4H10, for which there is a reasonable amount of isothermal data. The procedure is then applied to the mixtures, C2H6–C3H8 and C3H8–nC4H10, for which there are sparse data. For all four mixtures, the critical temperature line, Tc vs. X1, matches literature values within ±0.5%. The critical pressure line, Pc vs. X1, and critical density line, ρc vs. X1, match literature values, in general, within ±2%.
Profiles of brain glycosidase activity in cuprizone-fed Syrian hamsters and in scrapie-affected mice, rats, Chinese hamsters and Syrian hamsters

Abstract The profiles of altered activity of 11 brain glycosidases were determined in mice, rats, Syrian hamsters and Chinese hamsters in the clinical stage of infection with the “Chandler” strain of scrapie. The results indicate differences between mice and Syrian hamsters in their response to scrapie infection. Syrian hamsters fed on a diet containing 3·0 per cent. cuprizone (biscyclohexanoneoxaldihydrazone) for 20 to 70 days developed widespread lesions in the brain consisting of vacuolation and astrocyte hypertrophy. The enzyme profile in the brains of cuprizone-fed hamsters was similar to that found in scrapie-affected hamsters. These and previous studies indicate that cuprizone toxicity can provide a useful control for some of the secondary damage produced by scrapie infection in at least two species, mice and hamsters.
Sexual Attraction: Sex-Specific Wiring of Neural Circuitry

Two recent studies describe mechanisms by which sexually dimorphic responses to pheromones in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans are driven by differences in the balance of neural circuits that control attraction and repulsion behaviors.
Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma using fine-needle aspiration biopsy and molecular diagnostics.

Molecular technology is being utilized increasingly for diagnostic purposes by practicing pathologists. Techniques such as Southern blot, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction have recently been introduced to the clinical laboratory setting. We describe a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma that highlights the potential utility of DNA technology to secure an accurate diagnosis of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. In this patient, cytologic examination of a cervical lymph node aspirate strongly suggested the possibility of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Needle aspirate material was submitted for molecular genetic detection of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome. Nine micrograms of DNA were isolated, and the presence of clonal EBV DNA was detected by the Southern blot technique. The presence of clonal EBV supported the cytologic diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Subsequent biopsy of a nasopharyngeal mass revealed undifferentiated carcinoma, and in situ hybridization revealed that EBV was restricted to the malignant epithelial cells. This case illustrates how molecular technology can provide new information that is useful in diagnostic cytopathology. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Chance-Constrained Programming with 0-1 or Bounded Continuous Decision Variables

This paper considers the chance-constrained programming problem where the decision variables can be either bounded and continuous or restricted to be either zero or one, and where some or all of the parameters are random variables that may be statistically dependent. Both exact and approximate solution procedures are presented, where most of these are based on several linear inequalities that permit this problem to be approximated by a number of ordinary integer or noninteger linear programming problems. Either zero-order or linear decision rules are allowed for the continuous variables, and a general method of making “second-stage decisions” with either continuous or 0-1 variables is developed.
Dispersion and solution rheology control with swellable microgels

Abstract By controlling their structure and composition, submicron crosslinked polymer particles (microgels) can be used in a variety of applications, including reinforcement and toughening as well as solvent-based applications such as ceramic processing and coating rheology control. The successful application of microgel technology, however, requires an understanding of the microgel structure and microgel-microgel interactions, as well as interactions with other components of the system of interest. Examples of the development of such an understanding for the case of rheology control applications are presented. For microgel dispersions, the highly shear-thinning rheology has been shown to be dominated by the microgel swelling. The unexpected behavior of the viscosity due to the influence of solvent quality as well as interactions with linear polymers can all be explained in terms of changes in the microgel swelling.
SU‐GG‐T‐51: CT Verification of Tissue‐Balloon Conformance and Skin Distance for HDR Partial Breast Irradiation Using a Multi Catheter Balloon

Purpose: Intracavitary HDR partial breast irradiation applicators require a planning CT to evaluate appropriateness for treatment. Issues such as tissue‐balloon conformance, balloon symmetry and minimal skin distance are considered. Daily kV and ultrasound imaging are sufficient to verify balloon symmetry and treatment position but are not sufficient to evaluate tissue‐balloon conformance or skin distance Plan quality can be compromised if tissue‐balloon conformance or skin distance change during the course of treatment. To evaluate the changes in tissue‐balloon conformance and skin distance we acquired daily CT scans on 5 patients. Methods and Materials: Daily CT scans were acquired and evaluation plans were generated from the treatment plan. In compliance with the NSABP B‐39 /RTOG 0413 protocol, tissue‐balloon conformance and skin distance were evaluated on the daily CT scans. Tissue‐balloon conformance was determined by measuring the air/seroma volume (ASV). Results: Daily imaging facilitated the identification of non‐compliant skin distances and ASV's. Patient 2 needed to be replanned to reduce the skin dose because the skin distance decreased from 6 to 3 mm over the course of treatment. After re‐planning, the skin dose was reduced from 156.5% to 128.1%. Patients 3, 4, and 5 required suctioning air to achieve a DVH with adequate coverage for the PTV. Before suctioning, the minimum V90PTVeval for patients 3, 4, and 5 was 83.2%, 71.8%, and 78.7%, respectively. After suctioning, V90PTVeval for patients 3, 4, and 5 was 97.6%, 99.2%, and 96.8%, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that both skin distance and ASV can change over the course of treatment. These changes can compromise the quality of treatment if the plan is not adapted to account for these changes. It is important to treat with an acceptable skin distance to limit skin toxicity. Treating with a compliant ASV insures dosimetric coverage of the PTVeval.
Studies on the replication of Escherichia coli phage λ DNA I. The kinetics of DNA replication and requirements for the generation of rolling circles

Abstract Escherichia coli phage λ DNA has been isolated from infected bacteria using a new technique by which virtually all phage DNA is recovered. Isolated DNA is examined by electron microscopy. Addition of φX174 RF1 molecules as a counting standard enables us to determine the average number of λ DNA molecules present in an infected cell. In this study, we have followed the kinetics of λ DNA replication and examined rolling circle replication. The most important findings are the following: (1) Rolling circle replication is initiated at roughly the same time as is θ replication, indicating that the rolling circle is not solely a late-replicating form. (2) θ replication stops at about 16 min after infection. (3) Early in infection the number of DNA molecules per cell doubles every 2–3 min until θ replication stops, at which point most DNA synthesis consists of growth of the tails of about three rolling circles per cell. (4) Neither the timing of rolling circle replication nor the number of molecules is affected by the activity of the λ red genes. (5). The red genes are responsible for the production of oligomeric circles late in infection.
P026 IGG/IGM pre-incubation of whole blood may augment TNF-a production after LPS stimulation ex-vivo

Introduction Polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) can modulate the host immune response. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different immunoglobulin solutions on whole blood cytokine production capacity after Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation ex-vivo . Methods Peripheral heparinized blood was collected from 9 healthy volunteers for complete blood count, and ex-vivo stimulation with LPS. One hundred microliters of blood were added in 900 μl of RPMI 1640 for final volume 1 ml and placed to plastic culture dishes. Samples were added to wells and maintained at 37 °C in a 5% CO 2 atmosphere and then LPS was added (500 pg). After incubation of 8 h the culture plate was centrifuged (1800 rpm, 5 min) and supernatants were collected and stored at – 70 °C until cytokines level measurements using the ELISA method. In addition, samples were incubated either with IgG (20 mg IgG/ml) or IgG/IgM (15,2 mg IgG/ml and 2.4 mg/ml IgM) prior (pre-incubation, 2hrs) or simultaneously to LPS stimulation. Data are presented as mean ± SEM and comparisons were performed using Kruskal–Wallis test, with post hoc analysis using Dunn’s Multiple Comparison Test. Results Baseline TNF-a levels after LPS stimulation alone and incubation for 8-h was 460.0 ± 75.1 pg/ml. TNF-a levels after simultaneous IgG or IgG/IgM solution administration and LPS stimulation, were 553.9 ± 70.7 and 784.0 ± 152.6 respectively ( p > 0.05). TNF-a levels after pre-incubation with IgG or IgG/IgM and subsequent LPS stimulation were 773.2 ± 95.1 and 900.4 ± 123.0 respectively and the difference was statistically significant compared to baseline only for IgG/IgM ( p Conclusion Pre-incubation of whole blood with IgG/IgM solution and subsequent administration of LPS may augment whole blood TNF-a production capacity and thus express a pro-inflammatory effect. The study was partially funded by the Special Account for Research Grants of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Grant 11103.
Inflow and Fatigue Response of the NWTC Advanced Research Turbine

The Long-term Inflow and Structural Test (LIST) program is collecting long-term inflow and structural response data to characterize the spectrum of loads on wind turbines. In one of the measurement campaigns being conducted under this program, the 42-m diameter, 600-kW NWTC Advanced Research Turbine (ART) was monitored. The turbine is an upwind, two-bladed teetered-hub machine. It has full span pitch control and a synchronous generator. The inflow was monitored with a planar array of five high-resolution sonic anemometers and supporting meteorological instrumentation located 1.5 diameters upwind of the turbine. The structural response of the turbine was measured using strain gauge circuits and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The former were used to monitor root bending moments and the low-speed shaft torque, while the latter was used to monitor the motion of the tower and the nacelle. Auxiliary gauges measured blade pitch, rotor teeter, nacelle yaw and generator power. A total of 3299 10-minute records were collected for analysis. From this set, 1044 records are used to examine the influence of various inflow parameters on fatigue loads. Long-term fatigue loads and extreme loads are also examined.© 2003 ASME
Die Bindung von Schwefel bei der Energieerzeugung

Anstrengungen bei der Entwicklung von Verfahren zur Entfernung von SO2 aus Kraftwerkskaminen haben zu enttaschenden Ergebnissen gefuhrt. Deshalb wachst das Interesse an Vorschlagen, Schwefel in einem fruheren Stadium vor dem Verbrennungsprozes zu entfernen. Obwohl der Schwefel-Gehalt sowohl in Ol als auch in der Kohle durch eine Behandlung mit Wasserstoff unter hohem Druck reduziert werden kann, kann die Schwefel-Bindung in einer einem kombinierten Gas/Dampfturbinen-Stromerzeugungsprozes integrierten Anlage ein besserer Losungsweg sein. Ein solches System, das eine etwa in der Mitte der achtziger Jahre verfugbare Turbine verwendet, wird erlautert. Kohle wird mit Luft und Dampf in einer Wirbelschicht vergast. Schwefelwasserstoff und Staub werden gleichzeitig in einem mit halbkalziniertem Dolomit beschickten Fullbettfilter entfernt. Der Gesamtwirkungsgrad der Energieerzeugungs-Anlage liegt uber 50%. Andere Systeme, die Pyrolyse oder vollstandige Verbrennung anwenden, werden beschrieben.
Firm Partial Modularity and Performance in the Electronic Manufacturing Services Industry

Firms continue to develop new ways to decentralize non-core activities to outside parties. Scholars have approached this issue with modularity theory, suggesting a continuum of arrangements ranging from hierarchy to market. Hierarchy relies on fiat, while partially modular forms, those forms between hierarchy and market, require greater coordination, communication and relationships between firms than do fully modular (or market) forms. While modularity theory identifies this continuum, the associated empirical literature tends to dichotomize modularity: firms are either modular or they are not. Nor does the empirical literature examine the performance outcomes of modular arrangements within this continuum. By examining firms that vary between full integration and partial modularity with a continuous modularity measure, this paper empirically examines the performance outcomes associated with a range of modularity levels. We derive this measure from a peculiar inventory option available within the electroni...
Modeling of effects of material quality on fast characterization of state-of-the-art a-Si:H p+–i–n+ diodes

Abstract High-quality amorphous silicon p+–i–n+ diodes have very small dark leakage currents, allowing the detection of low intensity illuminations with a dynamic range of several orders of magnitude. Low currents imply that a change in the charging state of the device may take very long times, up to a few minutes. A correct current as a function of voltage measurement becomes time-consuming. We discuss and model the effects of the density of defects in intrinsic material on such measurements. The model takes into account Poole–Frenkel thermal generation currents and the rearranging of the equilibrium generation rates to explain the observed negative offset in the voltage at which zero current is measured in a fast measurement. The offset is related to the density of defects and the study, comparing model and experimental data, shows an approach to quickly evaluate the quality of the device with no need for a full time steady state measurements.
Expert system support for environmental assessment of manufacturing products and facilities

The goal of environmentally conscious design for manufacturing is to select materials and processes that minimize environmental impact. This paper describes a general and uniform way to analyze the environmental impact of manufacturing based on the product decomposition, the materials used in the manufacturing processes, and the particular view of the environment. To accomplish this task, we developed a computer program, called EcoSysℳ, that assists manufacturing engineers and environmental reviewers in assessing the environmental consequences of their manufacturing decisions.
Phase-space optics applied to the design of Talbot array illuminators

The phase-space description of optical signals is used to design Talbot array illuminators. Array illuminators with arbitrary intensity compression ratio can be designed from simple geometrical transformations of a schematic phase-space diagram without explicit reference to the fractional Talbot effect.
An Edge Detection Algorithm for Improving Optical Coherence Tomography Images of the Prostate Nerves

The cavernous nerves, responsible for erectile function, are at risk of injury during prostate cancer surgery. An edge detection algorithm is presented here for improved OCT prostate imaging, and identification and preservation of the nerves.
Layered object detection for multi-class segmentation

We formulate a layered model for object detection and multi-class segmentation. Our system uses the output of a bank of object detectors in order to define shape priors for support masks and then estimates appearance, depth ordering and labeling of pixels in the image. We train our system on the PASCAL segmentation challenge dataset and show good test results with state of the art performance in several categories including segmenting humans.
Evolutionary conservation of the substrate-binding cleft of phosphoglycerate kinases.

The primary structures of six phosphoglycerate kinases (PGKs) are known: three from mammals, one from yeast, and two from trypanosomes. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of these enzymes reveals 154 invariant positions out of 392 positions in the aligned sequences. Most of the conserved positions fall into the twelve β-sheets and adjacent peptide regions that form the inner loops surrounding the ATP and 3-phosphoglycerate-binding cleft. The homology between mammalian and yeast PGKs is greater than 94% for the inner-loop region, even though the overall homology is less than 65%. Trypanosome PGK has only 44% overall homology with the mammalian enzyme, but shows 74% homology in the inner-loop region. Trypanosome PGK contains a polypeptide segment in its N-terminal domain that is transposed in comparison with the other species.
Parents whose children are abducted by the other parent: Implications for treatment

Abstract Little research has been undertaken concerning the impact on the family of having a child abducted by a parent, an event that can cause enormous pain for all those involved. Survey returns from 371 parents who sought help from child-find organizations are the basis for exploring the impact on the parents' well-being. This article reports which parents had the most difficulty adjusting, draws conclusions about those who sought mental health assistance, and includes implications for treatment.
User Interface Design for Low-literate and Novice Users: Past, Present and Future

One of the greatest challenges in providing information and communication technology access is that about 775 million people in the world are completely non-literate and many are able to read only with great difficulty and effort. Even though mobile phone penetration is growing very fast, people with low levels of literacy have been found to avoid complex functions, and primarily use mobile phones for voice communication only. This monograph looks at how we can design ICT user interfaces UIs such that novice and low-literate users can access a broad range of services and utilities, increasingly available to them, with minimal training and external assistance. It begins by observing the challenges in designing for low-literate users, and in conducting user studies among low-income communities in the developing world. It discusses techniques used by researchers in overcoming some of these challenges. It presents a review of existing examples of UIs for novice and low-literate users, which have used various combinations of input-output modalities other than text. It goes on to discuss strong trends that are starting to emerge in this design space and concludes with opportunities and future directions for research and design of UIs targeted at populations with low-literacy.
Characterization of the regulatory domain of the gamma-subunit of phosphorylase kinase. The two noncontiguous calmodulin-binding subdomains are also autoinhibitory.

Phosphorylase kinase is a multimeric protein kinase (alpha 4 beta 4 gamma 4 delta 4) whose enzymatic activity is conferred by its gamma-subunit. A library of 18 overlapping synthetic peptides spanning residues 277-386 of the gamma-subunit has been prepared to use in identifying important regulatory structures in the protein. In the present study, the library was screened to identify regions that might function as autoinhibitory domains. Peptides from two distinct regions were found to inhibit the Ca2(+)-activated holoenzyme. The same regions were previously found to bind calmodulin (i.e. the delta-subunit; Dasgupta, M. Honeycutt, T., and Blumenthal, D. K. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 17156-17163). The most potent substrate antagonist peptides were PhK13 (residues 302-326; Ki = 300 nM) and PhK5 (residues 342-366; Ki = 20 microM). Both peptides inhibited the holoenzyme competitively with respect to phosphorylase b and noncompetitively with respect to Mg.ATP. When the pattern of inhibition with both peptides present was analyzed, inhibition was observed to be synergistic and modestly cooperative indicating that the two peptides can simultaneously occupy the protein substrate-binding site(s). These data are consistent with a model in which the regions of the gamma-subunit represented by PhK5 and PhK13 work in concert as regulatory subdomains that transduce Ca2(+)-induced conformational changes in the delta-subunit to the catalytic gamma-subunit through a pseudosubstrate autoinhibitory mechanism.
Value of radionuclide imaging techniques in assessing cardiomyopathy

Radionuclide imaging techniques add an important dimension to the diagnosis, classification and management of myocardial disease. The gated blood pool scan provides information allowing determination of the functional type of cardiomyopathy (congestive, restrictive or hypertrophic) as well as evaluation of ventricular performance. Myocardial perfusion imaging with thallium-201 is useful in distinguishing congestive cardiomyopathy from severe coronary artery disease and also in depicting septal abnormalities in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Radionuclide techniques also prove useful in following progression of disease and in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Osteopontin contributes to hepatocyte growth factor-induced tumor growth and metastasis formation

The cytokine hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor-1 and its cognate receptor, Met, are involved in the etiology and progression of many types of cancer. Despite recent advances in understanding the signal transduction pathways activated by HGF, the mechanism by which HGF exerts its tumorigenic effect is not well understood. To identify proteins that may be involved in mediating HGF-induced cell motility, invasiveness, and tumorigenesis, we used two separate differential display screening methods to identify changes in gene expression that are initiated by HGF in an epithelial cell culture system. Among several known and unknown genes whose expression was modified, osteopontin (OPN), a protein previously associated with tumorigenesis, was found to be upregulated within 6 h following HGF stimulation. OPN expression was dependent on activation of the PI-3 kinase pathway. Autocrine secretion of HGF resulted in sustained expression of OPN. Downregulation of opn expression by stable antisense transfection attenuated OPN expression and repressed HGF-induced invasiveness in vitro and decreased HGF-mediated tumor growth and metastasis formation in vivo. Constitutive expression of OPN in itself exerted partial invasiveness in vitro, but its expression itself was not sufficient to initiate tumor growth or metastasis formation in vivo. Thus, together with other molecules, OPN activity contributes to HGF-induced tumor growth and invasiveness.
THE ANAEROBIC PHOTOLYSIS OF LENS α-CRYSTALLIN: EVIDENCE FOR TRIPLET STATE MEDIATED PHOTODAMAGE

Anaerobic solutions of lens alpha-crystallin were subjected to near-UV (greater than 295 nm) irradiation, and the photoproducts were analyzed by fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence spectroscopy. The principal photoproduct was excited maximally at 340 nm, fluoresced maximally at 430 nm, and phosphoresced with an emission maximum at 510 nm. The phosphorescence intensity decay of this species was well fit by a sum of two exponentials with lifetimes of 9.2 ms (78%) and 61 ms (22%); this report is the first demonstration of a long-lived triplet state associated with a protein photolysis product. As reported previously, 3trp* is also long-lived in deoxygenated alpha-crystallin solution at room-temperature (Berger and Vanderkooi, 1989, Biochemistry 28, 5501-5508), hence both tryptophan and photoproduct triplet states are good candidates to mediate photodamage. Photolysis experiments in the presence of agents known to alter the tryptophan triplet yield provide evidence for the importance of triplet-state-mediated photodamage of lens crystallins in anaerobic solution. In 30 mM acrylamide where 3trp*, but not 1trp*, is efficiently quenched, anaerobic solutions exhibited marked resistance to protein photodamage, whereas the photoprotection in aerobic solution was minimal. In D2O, where photoionization is suppressed but triplet states are longer-lived, photodamage was accelerated in anaerobic solution but reduced in aerobic solutions. Finally, the anaerobic photodestruction rate was increased in 500 mM Cs+ solution where the triplet yield is increased by a heavy atom effect.
Why Scientists Gather Evidence

One of the most pervasive features of scientific practice is that scientists gather evidence, by making observations and conducting experiments. This fact provides reason to believe that evidence gathering is a rational means for pursuing scientific goals. Consequently, a philosophy of science which can explain why evidence gathering is a rational means for pursuing scientific goals is (ceteris paribus) to be preferred to one that has no such explanation. In this paper I will test several different philosophies of science by examining whether they are able to give such an explanation of why scientists gather evidence.
WOMEN'S SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN LATIN AMERICA

This article documents the increasing participation of poor women in social movements in Latin America, focusing on movements centered around human rights and collective consumption issues, such as the cost of living or the provision of public services. It analyzes the factors that have contributed to the increased participation of poor Latin American women in social movements and why they have chosen the state rather than the workplace as the principal arena of confrontation. Although these movements are undertaken in defense of women's traditional domestic role, collective action appears to be contributing to a greater consciousness of gender subordination among Latin American women and to their greater legitimacy in the public sphere.
Spiritual ecograms: A new assessment instrument for identifying clients' strengths in space and across time

Increasing recognition exists for the vital role of spirituality in the lives of many clients, yet relatively few assessment instruments have been developed. This article presents a new assessment instrument—the spiritual ecogram—that taps information in space and across time. In addition to combining the assessment strengths of spiritual ecomaps and genograms in a single diagrammatic instrument, ecograms depict the connections between past and present functioning. Historical influences on current systems can be seen as well as current relationships to historical influences. This article also includes a case example, information on conducting a spiritually competent assessment, and a discussion of some spiritual interventions that flow from ecograms.
Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of upper-tract urothelial tumors. A preliminary report.

The technique of transurethral ureteropyeloscopy allows many standard cystoscopic procedures to be extended into the upper urinary tract. This endoscopic method was used to evaluate 31 patients suspected to have urothelial malignancies of the ureter or renal pelvis. Twenty-eight of the patients had the procedure successfully completed (90%), 11 of whom were found to have urothelial tumors. Diagnostic ureteroscopic biopsy in three of these patients revealed high-grade, multifocal tumors and was followed by nephroureterectomy (two patients) or partial ureterectomy (one patient). However, in eight patients, ureteroscopy and biopsy revealed apparently localized, low-grade tumors which were treated by ureteroscopic fulguration or resection. The latter patients have undergone endoscopic surveillance every 3 months (average follow-up, 21 months). The technique of ureteropyeloscopy permits endoscopic access into the ureter and renal pelvis, enabling tissue diagnosis and better preoperative cancer staging without surgical exploration. Although follow-up is short, selected patients with low-grade tumors may be treated primarily by endoscopic means. Cancer 55:1422-1428, 1985.
Organic Shielding of Greenhouse Gases on Early Earth

Carl Sagan and Christopher F. Chyba ([1][1]) propose that particulates of organic polymers (tholins) were produced by ultraviolet (UV) light high in a primitive Earth atmosphere with CO2/CH4 < 1. Suspended in the stratosphere, the particulates would protect CH4 and NH3below the haze layer from UV
Construction of UHV AC test base of SGCC

SUMMARY In order to research ultra high voltage (UHV) transmission technology systematically, State Grid Corporation of China launched the UHV AC test base project to provide strong technical support for UHV grid construction. The facilities including UHV power supply, UHV test lines, equipments qualified field, electromagnetic environmental laboratory, climate laboratory, UHV corona cage, impulse test field were built at the test base. Much useful experience had been achieved through the construction and research in the fields of UHV electromagnetic environment, external insulation characteristic, equipment technical requirements, equipments manufactory, electrical design, construction, test, and operation. It accelerated the construction of the UHV pilot project of China. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of comprehensive violence prevention education: effects on student behavior.

Purpose: This study evaluates the impact on student behavior of violence prevention education in school settings. Methods: School records were obtained for three panels (1985, 1986, and 1987) of urban public high school students ( n = 1,523) who were nonrandomly assigned to three different conditions of school-based violence prevention education: (1) in a class-specific comprehensive educational intervention, (2) as part of a school-wide violence prevention initiative, and (3) no exposure. Changes in suspension status from sophomore to junior year were tracked within exposure groups and the risk of junior year suspension was compared across exposure groups, controlling for age, gender, race, absenteeism, and previous year suspension. Results: The class-specific exposure, compared to a not-exposed group from the same school showed a significant 71% reduction in suspension rates (RR = .286, CI .12,.66). The school-wide exposure school shows reductions in and maintenance of very low rates of junior year suspension in each cohort year, although these are not always statistically significantly different from not-exposed groups. Conclusion: Results indicate that violence prevention education can reduce negative school behaviors, particularly when other supportive curricula and activities are added.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Postacute Care Rehabilitation

This commentary reviews a number of issues related to determining the effectiveness of postacute care including what it is (in terms of type and site of care), how to tease out the critical elements (what components of this multifaceted process are essential), the role of research designs (given the logistic difficulties of doing randomized trials, how can nonexperimental designs be used to the greatest advantage), how to assess the relation between treatment and outcomes, measurement issues (what, when, how), correcting for case mix, and potential payment schemes.
Transition Prediction in Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) Using Gamma Theta Model and Passive Control of Separation

The boundary layer of low-pressure turbine blades has received a great deal of attention due to advent of high lift and ultra high lift LP turbines. At cruising condition, Reynolds number is very low in engine and LP turbine performance suffers mainly from losses due to the laminar separation bubble on suction surface. In this paper, T106A low pressure turbine profile has been used to study the behavior of boundary layer and subsequently, flow is controlled using the passive technique. Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations were solved using SST Gamma-Theta transition model for turbulence closure. Hybrid mesh topology has been used to discretize the computational domain, with highly resolved structured mesh in boundary layer (Y+ < 1) and unstructured mesh in the rest of domain. Simulations were performed using commercial CFD code ANSYS FLUENT ® at Reynolds number 91000 (based on inlet velocity and chord length) and turbulence intensity of 0.4%. To study the effect of dimple on the flow separation, dimple has been positioned at different axial location on the suction side. It was found that shifting the dimple downstream results in controlled flow and reduced loss coefficient as compared to the case when no dimple is applied.Copyright © 2011 by ASME