cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress on observations of interspecies ion separation in inertial-confinement-fusion implosions via imaging x-ray spectroscopy

We report on the analyses of x-ray-imaging spectroscopy data from experiments to study interspecies ion separation in direct-drive inertial-confinement-fusion experiments on the Omega laser facility. This is a continuation of recent, related research [S. C. Hsu et al., Euro Phys. Lett. 115, 65001 (2016); T. R. Joshi et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 056305 (2017)]. The targets were argon (Ar)-doped, deuterium (D2)-filled spherical plastic shells of varying D2-Ar relative and total gas pressures. We used a time- and space-integrated spectrometer, streaked crystal spectrometer, and up to three time-gated multi-monochromatic x-ray imagers (MMIs) fielded along different lines of sight to record x-ray spectral features obtained from the implosions. The MMI data were recorded between first-shock convergence and slightly before the neutron bang time. We confirm the presence of interspecies ion separation as reported in our recent work. Extensions to the previous work include (a) the inclusion of shell mix in the data analysis, which slightly changes the amount of inferred species separation, (b) observation of species separation closer to the neutron bang time, and (c) fielding of the particle x-ray temporal diagnostic (PXTD) [H. Sio et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 11D701 (2016)] to infer the relative timing between the neutron bang time and peak x-ray emission. Experimentally inferred species separation is compared with radiation-hydrodynamic simulations that include a multi-ion-species transport model.We report on the analyses of x-ray-imaging spectroscopy data from experiments to study interspecies ion separation in direct-drive inertial-confinement-fusion experiments on the Omega laser facility. This is a continuation of recent, related research [S. C. Hsu et al., Euro Phys. Lett. 115, 65001 (2016); T. R. Joshi et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 056305 (2017)]. The targets were argon (Ar)-doped, deuterium (D2)-filled spherical plastic shells of varying D2-Ar relative and total gas pressures. We used a time- and space-integrated spectrometer, streaked crystal spectrometer, and up to three time-gated multi-monochromatic x-ray imagers (MMIs) fielded along different lines of sight to record x-ray spectral features obtained from the implosions. The MMI data were recorded between first-shock convergence and slightly before the neutron bang time. We confirm the presence of interspecies ion separation as reported in our recent work. Extensions to the previous work include (a) the inclusion of shell mix in the data an...
Cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage: Is more endovascular therapy the answer?

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), the most common form of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), typically affects younger patients (mean age 55 years) and more commonly affects women. The incidence of aSAH ranges 10–15 per 100,000 adults in United States.1 aSAH carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in both the acute and subacute periods with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and subsequent infarction most strongly associated with poor outcome.2
The Future of African Unification: Vision and Path

This chapter draws on the arguments made in previous chapters in order to explore the realistic political, economic, social, and institutional potentialities for Africa’s continental unification aspirations as well as both the justification and pragmatic feasibility of such unification embracing Africans in the Diaspora. Specifically, this chapter re-examines African history in order to establish the historical antecedents and future prospects for African unity and achievements. Alternative paths forward are evaluated that highlight positive developments across Africa and emphasize the need for Africa to design a new social contract based on a continental constitutional framework, which would include a federal government and a federal economic system.
Association Between Power Morcellation and Mortality in Women With Unexpected Uterine Cancer Undergoing Hysterectomy or Myomectomy.

PURPOSEDespite concerns that power morcellation may adversely affect prognosis of patients with occult uterine cancer, empirical evidence has been limited and inconclusive. In this study, we aimed ...
Puberty in beef bulls: hormone concentrations, growth, testicular development, sperm production and sexual aggressiveness in bulls of different breeds.

SUMMARY Postweaning growth and pubertal traits were studied in Hereford, Angus, Red Poll, Brown Swiss, Hereford-Angus crossbred (HXA) and Angus-Hereford crossbred (AX H) bulls from 7 through 13 months of age. Pubertal factors characterized included body weight, testicular size, hormone concentrations, sexual aggressiveness and sperm production. Puberty was defined as the age at which a bull first produced an ejaculate containing at least 50 x 106 spermatozoa with a minimum of 10% motility. Average pubertal age in days was 264 -+ 9 for Brown Swiss, 283 -+ 9 for Red Poll, 295 -+ 9 for Angus, 296 + 9 for AX H, 300 + 8 for HX A and 326 + 9 for Hereford bulls. Brown Swiss bulls were heaviest (295 kg), while Red Poll and Hereford bulls were lightest (258 and 261 kg) in body weight at puberty. Concentrations of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T), averaged across all bulls, increased linearly (P<.01)from 7 through 13 months of age. Breed differences in LH concentration were not observed from 7 months of age through puberty. Breed groups with high average T concentrations between 7 and 13 months of age reached puberty earlier than breed groups with low T concentrations. Bulls exhibited first sexual interest approximately 3 weeks before reaching puberty, and attained mating ability approximately 6 weeks after reaching puberty. Brown Swiss bulls were
Intracranial Stereotactic Radiation Therapy With a Jawless Ring Gantry Linear Accelerator Equipped With New Dual Layer Multileaf Collimator

Abstract Purpose To test the feasibility of a simplified, robust, workflow for intracranial stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) using a ring gantry linear accelerator (RGLA) equipped with a dual-layer stacked, staggered, and interdigitating multileaf collimator. Materials and Methods Twenty recent clinical SRT cases treated using a radiosurgery c-arm linear accelerator were anonymized. From these data sets, a new planning workflow was developed and used to replan these cases, which then were compared to their clinical counterparts. Population-based dose-volume histograms were analyzed for target coverage and sparing of healthy brain. All plans underwent plan review and quality assurance and were delivered on an end-to-end verification phantom using image guidance to simulate treatment. Results The RGLA plans were able to meet departmental standards for target coverage and organ-at-risk sparing and showed plan quality similar to the clinical plans. RGLA plans showed increases in the 50% isodose in the axial plane but decreases in the sagittal and coronal planes. There were no statistically significant differences in the homogeneity index or number of monitor units between the 2 systems. There were statistically significant increases in conformity and gradient indices, with median values of 1.09 versus 1.11 and 2.82 versus 3.13, respectively, for the c-arm versus RGLA plans. These differences were not believed to be clinically significant because they met clinical goals. The population-based dose-volume histograms showed target coverage and organ-at-risk sparing similar to that of the clinical plans. All plans were able to meet the departmental quality assurance requirements and were delivered under image guidance on an end-to-end phantom with measurements agreeing within 3% of the expected value. RGLA plans showed a median reduction in delivery time of ≈50%. Conclusions This work describes a simplified and efficient workflow that could reduce treatment times and expand access to SRT to centers using an RGLA.
Si-based materials for lithium-ion batteries VI. 15% surface-modified Si/C-graphite/carbon black/lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze a 15%Si/C-graphite/carbon black/lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode fabricated at the Cell Analysis, Modeling, and Prototyping Facility (CAMP), Argonne National Laboratory. The spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV (0.83 401 nm). An initial survey spectrum together with O 1s, C 1s, and Si 2p are presented. A final survey spectrum was collected to ascertain the amount of beam-induced damage, which appears to be minimal. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals with only minor nitrogen and lithium signals and show the expected silicon-carbon species related to the surface modification process in addition to oxidized carbon and silicon due to atmospheric exposure as well contributions related to the binder material.
Information Component in the Construction of Cooperation of Innovatively Active Business Entities

This paper focuses on the role of the information component in the interaction of organizations in innovative processes. The analysis identifies the formation trends and development of the information environment between participants in the innovation networks. Such research methods as content analysis of documents and comparative analysis of statistical data were used. The authors demonstrate the features of information support at different stages of the Innovation Life cycle, which determine the methods of making managerial decisions. Horizontal and vertical integration of elements in the information model of regional innovation systems provides the prerequisites for additional effects. Innovative cooperation provides intensive information flows and coordinated individual and group interests of business entities in the Innovation Life cycle.
The anatomic distribution of isolated and syndrome-associated port-wine stain.

Background/objectives To determine the role of sex in port-wine stain (PWS) distribution and describe the epidemiologic and anatomic differences between syndrome-associated and non-syndrome-associated PWS using modern criteria. Methods A retrospective review of PWS patients aged 18 years and younger from 1995 to 2018 seen in the Department of Dermatology at an academic tertiary referral center. Cases were reviewed for sex, anatomic location, and presence of associated syndrome. 4,527 records were reviewed on the basis of ICD billing codes for congenital vascular malformations, with 516 meeting inclusion criteria. Results 516 patients were included in the analysis: 234 (45.4%) men and 282 (54.6%) women. A female preponderance of Sturge-Weber syndrome (18 of 23, 78%, P = .03) and a trend toward more female-isolated PWS (149 of 269, 55%, P = .72) were found. No lateral predominance observed for isolated PWS was found: 112(41.6%) limited left-side lesions and 113(42%) limited right-side lesions (P = .41). A trend toward Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS)-associated PWS occurring more commonly isolated to the left side (76 (45.5%) vs 59 (35.12%) P = .29) was found. Nine percent of SWS patients had a PWS on the body. Five percent of KTS patients had a facial PWS. The lower limb was the most common location overall of body PWS with 33.8% of isolated PWS and 81.5% of KTS patients having a lower limb lesion. Conclusions Female children were more likely to be diagnosed with SWS, and a trend toward more isolated PWS in women was found. No lateral predominance of isolated PWS was found, but KTS-associated PWS was more common on the left. A considerable proportion of lesions do not appear in anatomic locations traditionally considered typical in the setting of associated syndromes, which underscores the importance of conducting a complete physical examination and adhering to diagnostic criteria for those syndromes.
Phonetics and Phonology of Urhobo

UC Berkeley Phonology Lab Annual Report (2013) Nicholas Rolle UC Berkeley “Phonetics and phonology of Urhobo” 1 n.rolle@berkeley.edu This paper describes the 14 vowel phonemes, 26 consonant phonemes, and 3 contrastive tone units in Urhobo. Accompanying .wav files mentioned in this paper are available upon request to the email provided above. Table of Contents 1. Section 1 – The language and the language consultant 2 2. Section 2 – Vowels 2 3. Section 3 – Consonants 10 3.1. Plosives 10 3.2. Affricate /dʒ/ 15 3.3. Nasals 17 3.4. Fricatives 19 3.5. Approximants 24 3.6. Liquids 25 3.6.1. Alveolar lateral /l/ 25 3.6.2. Rhotics /r/ and /r / 25 4. Section 4 - Prosody 32 4.1. Tone 32 4.1.1. Lexical tone 32 4.1.2. Grammatical Tone 39 4.1.2.1. Associative construction – H floating tone 39 4.1.2.2. Temporal/aspectual distinctions 39 4.2. Intonation and Tone 40 5. Section 5 - Phonological process – Nasal spread 41 References 43 Appendices 44 Appendix 1 45 Appendix 2 46 Many thanks go to Enojare Uadiale first and foremost for her patience and knowledge, and further to Herman Leung, Katie Sardinha, and Keith Johnson.
Transient behavior at planar microelectrodes: A comparison of diffusion current at ring, band and disk electrodes

Abstract The integral equation method is an efficient, accurate numerical approach for computing transient current at planar microelectrodes. This method has been used to compute the diffusion-limited current at disk, band, and ring electrodes. In this paper we present a critical assessment of the influence of geometry on the behavior of the transient current. The disk and band geometries are shown to be limiting forms of the ring geometry. A normalization is introduced which permits differences in transient behavior at the various geometries to be ascribed to purely geometric factors.
Glucocorticoid-like effects of antihepatocarcinogen Rotenone are mediated via enhanced serum corticosterone levels: Molecular Fitting and Receptor Activation Studies.

Recent studies suggest that rotenone alters cell signal transduction pathways in a manner similar to glucocorticoids. Histological and biochemical markers of glucocorticoid effects in vivo, evaluated in our laboratories, provide further evidence for similarities in the activity of glucocorticoids and rotenone. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which rotenone produces glucocorticoid-like effects.
Bone marrow cellularity determination: comparison of the biopsy, aspirate, and buffy coat

Bone marrow biopsies (244) performed with a Jamshidi needle were evaluated in 53 children with leukemia or aplastic anemia. Adequate specimens were obtained in 85%. Results of cellularity estimated by biopsy were compared to the cellularity of the aspirate versus volumetric determination of the myeloid-erythroid layer (buffy coat). A wide discrepancy was noted between marrow cellularity confirmed by biopsy versus the aspirate or buffy coat. The greatest variance was seen in the hypercellular or normocellular marrows, as estimated by biopsy, in which 39% were misinterpreted as moderately or severely hypocellular by aspirate. Volumetric measurement of buffy coat was least acceptable for estimating cellularity. Thus the biopsy has proved to be an important and reliable indicator of bone marrow cellularity.
Minimum substrate sequence for signal peptidase I of Escherichia coli

The minimum substrate sequence recognized by signal peptidase I (SPase I or leader peptidase) was defined by measuring the kinetic parameters for a set of chemically synthesized peptides corresponding to the cleavage site of the precursor maltose binding protein (pro-MBP). The minimum sequence of a substrate hydrolyzed by SPase I at a measurable rate was the pentapeptide Ala-Leu-Ala decreases Lys-Ile. The rates of hydrolysis of this substrate, however, were several hundred-fold lower than those observed for the maturation of MBP in Escherichia coli, suggesting that in addition to these minimal sites involved in recognition, other features of pro-MBP are also needed for the optimal rate of signal peptide cleavage by SPase I. One parameter may be the length of the polypeptide chain. Studies of the synthetic peptides showed that decreasing the length of the polypeptide chain of substrates decreased the substrate efficiency measured as kcat/Km. However, in one case a decrease in the length of a peptide corresponding to -7 to +3 positions of pro-MBP to a nonapeptide (-7 to +2) increased the substrate efficiency by about 900-fold. The nonapeptide is the most efficient substrate for the enzyme in vitro so far reported. It is speculated that better peptide substrates are the ones which are able to adopt folded structures.
New Late Gene, dar, Involved in DNA Replication of Bacteriophage T4 I. Isolation, Characterization, and Genetic Location

Suppressors of gene 59-defective mutants were isolated by screening spontaneous, temperature-sensitive (ts) revertants of the amber mutant, amC5, in gene 59. Six ts revertants were isolated. No gene 59-defective ts recombinant was obtained by crossing each ts revertant with the wild type, T4D. However, suppressors of gene 59-defective mutants were obtained from two of these ts revertants. These suppressor mutants are referred to as dar (DNA arrested restoration). dar mutants specifically restored the abnormalities, both in DNA synthesis and burst size, caused by gene 59-defective mutants to normal levels. It is unlikely that dar mutants are nonsense suppressors since theý failed to suppress amber mutations in 11 other genes investigated. The genetic expression of dar is controlled by gene 55; therefore, dar is a late gene. The genetic location of dar has been mapped between genes 24 and 25, a region contiguous to late genes. dar appears to be another nonessential gene of T4 since burst sizes of dar were almost identical to those of the wild type. Mutations in dar did not affect genetic recombination and repair of UV-damaged DNA, but caused a sensitivity to hydroxyurea in progeny formation. The effect of the dar mutation on host DNA degradation cannot account for its hydroxyurea sensitivity. dar mutant alleles were recessive to the wild-type allele as judged by restoration of arrested DNA synthesis. The possible mechanisms for the suppression of defects in gene 59 are discussed.
An improved measure of inter-industry pay differentials

The measurement of inter-industry pay differentials and the resulting use of this information to assess the empirical relevance of different labor market theories have been hampered by the fact that measures of total compensation – as opposed to just wages and salaries – are not available in the datasets traditionally used. We improve upon past measures of inter-industry pay differentials by being the first, to our knowledge, to incorporate microdata on nonwage compensation. Such compensation can easily exceed 40 to 50 percent of wages and thus its inclusion may either diminish or amplify measured industry pay differences. Using the Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (ECEC) data produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we find that the inclusion of benefits increases industry dispersion by 16 percent when no controls are included and by an even greater 30 percent when controls are included.
EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR RECTANGULAR BIDIRECTIONAL COMPOSITES AND SANDWICH PLATES

In a continuing study, three-dimensional elasticity solutions are constructed for rectangular laminates with pinned edges. The lamination geometry treated consists of arbitrary numbers of layers which can be isotropic or orthotropic with material symmetry axes parallel to the plate axes. Several specific example problems are solved, including a sandwich plate, and compared to the analogous results in classical laminated plate theory.
Causal Inference in Panel Data With Application to Estimating Race-of-Interviewer Effects in the General Social Survey:

In this article, we review popular parametric models for analyzing panel data and introduce the latest advances in matching methods for panel data analysis. To the extent that the parametric models...
Definition of Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy Does Not Substantially Impact Prognostic Factor Estimates

Purpose: Biochemical recurrence serves as a surrogate end point after radical prostatectomy. Many definitions of biochemical recurrence are currently used in the research literature. We examined various definitions in a large clinical cohort to explore whether estimation differs by definition.Materials and Methods: The cohort included 5,473 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from 1985 to 2007 at our cancer center. Separate analysis was done with 12 definitions of biochemical recurrence used in published studies. Cox regression was done to estimate HRs for established predictors. Predictive accuracy was determined using the concordance index.Results: Depending on the definition the recurrence-free probability was 86% to 91% at 3 years and 81% to 87% at 5 years. HRs tended to be smaller for the most inclusive definitions but were fairly similar across all definitions. The univariate HR was 2.1 to 2.4 for log prostate specific antigen, 2.4 to 2.6 for clinical stage T2b vs T2a or less and 9.8 to 15 ...
Effects of pH fluctuations on potentially toxic metals in the water and sediment of the Dillon Reservoir, Summit County, Colorado

Potentially toxic metals exist in many reservoirs of surface water and therefore require an understanding of their occurrence, distribution, and mobility. The sediment accumulating at the bottom of the Dillon Reservoir, Colorado is contaminated with metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mo, etc.) that are primarily sorbed to Fe and Al hydroxides present in the sediment. The metals are derived from weathering of mineralized bedrock and mine tailings in the surrounding drainage basins. Sediment samples from the Dillon Reservoir were analyzed for major and trace elements and acidification experiments were performed to quantify the fraction of metals released from the sediment as a function of changes in pH. The highest percentages of metals are released from the sediment at low pH with the exception of Mo which has the highest percent released at near neutral pH. In addition, seasonal fluctuations in the concentrations of metals in the water of the Dillon Reservoir can be explained by changes in pH of as low as 0.2 pH units.
Fire effects on plant diversity in serpentine vs. sandstone chaparral

Fire contributes to the maintenance of species diversity in many plant com- munities, but few studies have compared its impacts in similar communities that vary in such attributes as soils and productivity. We compared how a wildfire affected plant diversity in chaparral vegetation on serpentine and sandstone soils. We hypothesized that because biomass and cover are lower in serpentine chaparral, space and light are less limiting, and therefore postfire increases in plant species diversity would be lower than in sandstone chaparral. In 40 pairs of burned and unburned 250-m 2 plots, we measured changes in the plant community after a fire for three years. The diversity of native and exotic species increased more in response to fire in sandstone than serpentine chaparral, at both the local (plot) and regional (whole study) scales. In serpentine compared with sandstone chaparral, specialized fire-dependent species were less prevalent, mean fire severity was lower, mean time since last fire was longer, postfire shrub recruitment was lower, and regrowth of biomass was slower. Within each chaparral type, the responses of diversity to fire were positively correlated with prefire shrub cover and with a number of measures of soil fertility. Fire severity was negatively related to the postfire change in diversity in sandstone chaparral, and unimodally related to the postfire change in diversity in serpentine chaparral. Our results suggest that the effects of fire on less productive plant communities like serpentine chaparral may be less pronounced, although longer lasting, than the effects of fire on similar but more productive communities.
Dietary olive oil enhances murine lymphocyte calcium uptake.

Background: Dietary lipids enhance immune function and improve outcome from injury or infection in animal models. We tested the hypothesis that amount, type, or both, of dietary lipid increases intracellular calcium concentration, a surrogate for lymphocyte activation. Methods: Mice were fed 2 weeks on semipurified diets with 5% (by weight [w/w]), 10% (w/w), or 20% (w/w) dietary fat consisting of coconut, olive, safflower, or linseed oil. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration after mitogen stimulation of splenic lymphocytes was estimated by using flow cytometry. Results: Olive oil diets increase intracellular calcium concentration after concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharide, and CD3 stimulation. On the other hand, linseed oil (which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown in other studies to enhance immune function) depresses intracellular calcium levels. The amount of dietary fat had no effect on intracellular calcium. Conclusion: Olive oil merits further study in the application of nutritional pharmacology to immunomodulation of the critically injured, because it may enhance lymphocyte function.
In vivo electrical stimulation of rabbit retina : Effect of stimulus duration and electrical field orientation

Information that defines the depth of activation of retinal neurons is useful in considering strategies for stimulation with a retinal prosthesis, or interpreting the results from human studies that have previously been performed. The purpose of this study was to test the assertion that electrical pulse durations >0.5 msec preferentially stimulate retinal neurons deep to the ganglion cell layer. Thirteen Dutch-belted rabbits (1.2-2.0 kg) were used in this study. A Goldmann-like dome was used to deliver photic stimuli to the retina to measure the electroretinogram (ERG) and the light-induced cortical potential (VECP). Then, a micromanipulator was used to position a 500 microm inner diameter bipolar electrode near the visual streak on the epi-retinal surface. Symmetric biphasic pulses (7-1600 microA; 0.25 msec and 2.0 msec pulses per phase; biphasic pulses delivered at 2 Hz) were delivered to the retina with a current source. Extra-dural electrodes were used to record electrical evoked cortical potentials (EECPs) over the occipital cortex by performing 50 consecutive computer-averaged stimulations. The effect on the EECP of sequential epi-retinal (i.e. return electrode on epi-retinal surface) vs. trans-retinal (i.e. return electrode behind sclera) stimulation was compared. The effect upon the ERG, VECP and EECP was then assessed after 2,3,dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo-f-quinoxaline (NBQX) at 112 microM concentration, d-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (D-AP7) at 1200 microM concentration, and l-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (APB) at 300 microM concentration were delivered into the vitreous cavity to selectively block neuronal input to the retinal ganglion cells. Median values were reported. The amplitudes of the light-induced ERG and VECP were markedly reduced by instillation of the intra-vitreal synaptic blocking drugs. By comparison, pharmacological blockade of input to the retinal ganglion cells did not significantly alter the threshold charge or amplitude of the electrically-induced cortical responses (P>0.05). For the electrical stimuli, there was no significant difference in threshold charge for the EECP for epi-retinal vs. trans-retinal stimulation (P>0.05). The amplitude of the EECP increased linearly with increasing charge using both 0.25 msec and 2.0 msec pulses, even after synaptic blockade of input to the ganglion cells. The lack of obvious degradation of cortical amplitudes after drug instillation indicates that neurons of the middle retina are not being preferentially driven with epi-retinal stimulation, at least not with stimulus pulses up to 2.0 msec in duration. This conclusion is in contrast to prior evidence that 2.0 msec pulses would preferentially stimulate deeper retinal neurons, specifically the bipolar cells. Based upon our own observations in other studies, we believe that preferential stimulation of the middle retina in fact can be achieved by epi-retinal stimulation, by using pulse durations at least 5 times longer than those used in this study.
Sliding Mode Control of Piezoelectric Valve Regulated Pneumatic Actuator for MRI-Compatible Robotic Intervention

This paper presents the design of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible pneumatic actuator regulated by piezoelectric valve for image guided robotic intervention. After comparing pneumatic, hydraulic and piezoelectric MRI compatible actuation technologies, we present a piezoelectric valve regulated pneumatic actuation system consisted of PC, custom servo board driver, piezoelectric valves, sensors and pneumatic cylinder. The system was proposed to investigate the control schemes of a modular actuator; which offers fully MRI compatible actuation; the initial goal is to control our MRI compatible prostate biopsy robot, but the controller and system architecture are suited to a wide range of image guided surgical application. We present the mathematical modeling of the pressure regulating valve with time delay and the pneumatic cylinder. Three sliding mode control schemes are proposed to compare the system performance. Preliminary simulation results are presented to validate the control algorithm.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Hypnotically-induced vasodilation in the treatment of repetitive strain injuries.

The study examined the effectiveness of behaviorally-induced vasodilation (hypnosis with biofeedback and autogenics) in the treatment of upper extremity repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Thirty patients with recent onset of upper extremity RSI symptoms were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment conditions, i.e., hypnotically-induced vasodilation or a waiting-list control. Treatments were given on an individual basis, once a week for 6 weeks. Patients in the treatment condition showed highly significant increases in hand temperature between pre- and post-treatment. Patients in the treatment condition also showed highly significant reductions in pain in comparison to the waiting list condition.
Inactivation of Mold Spores from Moist Carpet Using Steam Vapor: Contact Time and Temperature

Steam vapor has been shown to reduce viable mold spores in carpet, but the minimal effective temperature and contact time has not been established. This study evaluated the effectiveness of steam vapor in reducing the number of viable mold spores in carpet as a function of temperature and contact time. Seventy carpet samples were inoculated with a liquid suspension of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and incubated over a water-saturated foam carpet pad for 24 hr. Steam was applied to the samples as the temperature was measured from the carpet backing. Contact time was closely monitored over seven time intervals: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 sec. Following steam vapor treatment, mold spores were extracted from the carpet samples and the extract was plated on DG-18 plates at 1:1, 1:10, 1:100 dilutions followed by one week of incubation. Raw colony forming units were determined using an automated colony counter and adjusted based on dilution factor, extraction volume, and plated volume. Analysis of variance and lin...
845 THE HEMOLYTIC EFFECT OF LEAD ON GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENT ERYTHROCYTES

Based on our experience of a G6PD deficient patient with recurrent episodes of severe hemolysis associated with plymbism, we studied the effect of lead on erythrocytes from 3 normal and 4 stable G6PD deficient patients (3 with A-, 1 with B- variants). RBC's were washed, resuspended 5% v/v in culture medium, incubated for 2 hours at 37°C with lead acetate and/or phenylhydrazine (PH), and the percentage hemolysis determined. At concentrations tested (10-80ug/100ml) lead caused hemolysis only in the G6PD deficient cells. For example, normal RBC's demonstrated .60 ±.10% hemolysis in the absence of lead and .53 ± .05% in its presence (40ug/100ml); G6PD deficient RBC's showed .69 ± .05% and 2.11 ±.57% hemolysis under similar conditions, p<.001. When cells were exposed to PH (0.5mg/ml) as an oxidant stress, the additional presence of lead (40ug/100ml) significantly exacerbated (p<.01) the resultant hemolysis in the G6PD deficient cells: We conclude that lead, at levels seen in minimally poisoned children, represents a heretofore unrecognized hemolytic stimulus in G6PD deficiency. Since the incidence of G6PD deficiency is high in children at risk for plumbism, it is important to recognize lead as being capable of both causing and exacerbating hemolytic crises in these patients.
TRENDS IN NEIGHBORHOOD INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE U.S.: 1980–2000*

This paper reports evidence on the geographic pattern of income inequality, both within and between neighborhoods, across a sample of 359 U.S. metropolitan areas between 1980 and 2000. The results indicate that overall income inequality within a metro area tends to be driven by variation within neighborhoods, not between them, although we find that between-neighborhood differences rose dramatically during the 1980s and subsided somewhat during the 1990s. While this trend is similar to what existing research has found, our findings reveal potentially important differences in the magnitudes of the changes depending on whether neighborhoods are defined by block groups or tracts.
Helicopter Parents and Landing Pad Kids: Intense Parental Support of Grown Children

Popular media describe adverse effects of helicopter parents who provide intense support to grown children, but few studies have examined implications of such intense support. Grown children (N = 592, M age = 23.82 years, 53% female, 35% members of racial/ethnic minority groups) and their parents (n = 399, M age = 50.67 years, 52% female; 34% members of racial/ethnic minority groups) reported on the support they exchanged with one another. Intense support involved parents' providing several types of support (e.g., financial, advice, emotional) many times a week. Parents and grown children who engaged in such frequent support viewed it as nonnormative (i.e., too much support), but grown children who received intense support reported better psychological adjustment and life satisfaction than grown children who did not receive intense support. Parents who perceived their grown children as needing too much support reported poorer life satisfaction. The discussion focuses on generational differences in the implications of intense parental involvement during young adulthood.
Remote sensing devices for air pollution control.

Abstract Current techniques for the determination of pollutants in the atmosphere generally involve collecting samples at a particular site and analyzing the collected samples either in real time or more frequently at a later time in the laboratory. Remote sensing holds the potential of carrying out continuous analyses at a wide range of locations. When the techniques have been developed fully we will be able to monitor inaccessible points such as high in the atmosphere; over difficult terrain and immediately above our cities. The techniques which have been developed the most and which have demanded the most attention are discussed in this review. They include infrared absorption over long light paths, infrared emission and the use of lasers. The latter have been used in Lidar techniques (light detection and ranging), laser Raman sensing methods and laser induced fluorescence techniques. The present stage of the art is discussed together with the potential of the methods.
FISHing for Answers in Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Dietary fish intake and ingestion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) have been associated with lower rates of ventricular and atrial arrhythmias in some (but not all) observational studies and randomized controlled clinical trials performed on diverse human populations.[1][1]–[2][2
Transition from Faculty to Administrator and Transition Back to the Faculty

Whereas the new administrator will seek to become comfortable and effective in a leadership role, former administrators back on the faculty will find the change of position and pace unsettling again.
Presidential Nominating Conventions: Past, Present and Future

Few aspects of the presidential selection process have changed as dramatically as nominating conventions have over the past half century or so. Once the epicenters of the proverbial smokefilled rooms that all but decided presidential nominations, some argue that conventions are now mainly superficial, perfunctory and even superfluous affairs. These developments, influenced in large part by the ways in which political parties have adapted to institutional changes and growth in mass media, have essentially transformed the nature and role of conventions in modern campaigns. But conventions remain key political events that motivate and inform voters and that have the capacity to influence the dynamics of presidential campaigns. Conventions still matter and persist as useful political institutions.
Community Writing, Participatory Research, and an Anthropological Sensibility

Participatory research is a radical praxis through which marginalized people acquire research capabilities that they use to transform their own lives. In this article, I examine how parent writers incorporated facets of community writing into their research practice as they developed their practices and identities as researchers. I also consider how anthropology, as both research practice and sensibility, contributed to the ways I engaged as an outside collaborator with these parent researchers. [community writing, participatory research, praxis, anthropological sensibility]
Modeling of the in-flight solidification of droplets produced by the uniform-droplet spray process

Abstract A mathematical model to describe the solidification of the droplets produced by the uniform-droplet spray process is developed. The model addresses the motion, heat transfer, nucleation and solidification of traveling droplets. A dimensionless formulation for the interface migration scheme during recalescence is developed. The simulation results of Sn–5wt.%Pb alloy droplets subjected to electrical charging are compared with those in uncharged cases. The effects of charging voltage on scattering and subsequent changes in droplet velocities and heat transfer coefficients are analyzed. The computations show substantial increases in heat transfer coefficient upon charging and notable decreases in droplet velocities and cooling rates.
The effect of discrete charges on the electrical properties of membranes. II.

Abstract In this paper we calculate the hydrogen ion titration curves and associated surface potential for a lattice of discrete sites by numerically solving a titration equation constructed by expanding the partition function for the lattice in powers of the density of charged groups. The titration equations were calculated for several different lattice spacings and ionic strengths of the bathing solution. The results of applying this theory to several simple models of the membrane-solution interface is compared to the corresponding results obtained via the uniform-charge model.
The structure of Tomes' granular layer in dog premolar teeth

Microradiographic, polarized light, phase-contrast and scanning electron microscopic aspects of Tomes' granular layer were studied in undemineralized and demineralized premolar teeth from four dogs. The microradiographic studies show Tomes' layer to consist of a narrow zone of hypomineralized-hyperorganic dentinal matrix subjacent to the cementum. The zone appears as a series of focal points in cross sections or as an interrupted line in apico-coronal cuts through the tooth. Polarized light and phase-contrast microscopy demonstrate a morphological pattern similar to that of the microradiographs. Scanning electron microscopy suggests one component of Tomes' layer to be fibrillar. Tomes' granular layer of dog teeth may be important in protecting the tooth from sudden insults or large occlusal forces transferred to dentine via the periodontal ligament.
Cleanliness and godliness: Mutual association between two kinds of personal purity

Abstract Purity rituals (such as baptism, mikvah, and ablution) are an important component of many religious practices. These practices not only help protect the faithful from physical contaminants, but also bestow symbolic purity and maintain the sanctity of sacred objects. The present work examines the association between religion and cleanliness, as two representations of personal purity. Religious primes were found to activate cleanliness concepts in a word-stem completion task (Study 1), and increased the subjective value of cleaning products (Study 2). In a final study, cleaning primes increased ratings of religious value. These studies suggest a mutual association between religiousness and cleanliness, and that each may activate the other as goals for personal purity.
Picture of an Ancient World

Richardson's Guide to the Fossil Fauna of Mazon Creek. CHARLES W. SHABICA and ANDREW A. HAY, Eds. Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, 1997. xviii, 308 pp., illus. $101.25, ISBN 0-925065-21-8.
Health Service Use Predictors Among Trauma Survivors: A Critical Review

Summary of Service Use DeterminantsAmong Trauma Survivors and PTSDPatients Although numerous instances of inconclusiveÞndings exist, several general conclusions canbe drawn across studies (with at least a ratio of3:1 studies supporting a given conclusion and atleast three studies examining the given vari-able). Increased MH service use was found forwomen, people with previous or lifetime traumahistories, and people with a PTSD diagnosis.Increased medical service use was found forpeople with a PTSD diagnosis.However,theseconclusionsareinsuencedbythe fact that some studies may not possess ad-equate statistical power to reveal signiÞcant ef-fects. Therefore, we reassessed our general con-clusions after removing from consideration theseven small-sample ( N 100) studies. As aresult, the only modiÞcation to our conclusions(across studies) would be the addition of PTSDseverity as a variable associated with increasedMH service use. Caveat One particular limitation of this reviewshould be emphasized. We included studies thatsampled very different types of trauma survi-vors, an approach we acknowledge as particu-larly inclusive. Traumatic experiences reportedby war soldiers, for example (being both vic-tims and trained agents of insicting trauma), arevery different from those experienced by disas-ter survivors (being unexpected victims of nat-ural or man-made disasters). Additionally, theresulting psychopathology from different typesof traumatic events can vary widely; for exam-ple, combat exposure and sexual assault areassociated with much higher PTSD rates than isdisaster (Kessler et al., 1995).Additionally, the services available to differ-enttypesoftraumasurvivorscanvary.Veteransof war trauma can qualify for services withinthe VA Medical Center, a relatively closedhealth care system, which is inexpensive to vet-erans but can yield relatively long wait times.Conversely, civilian trauma survivors must seekservices in the community, perhaps throughtheir health insurance plans (and in the case ofcriminal victimization, they may have access tocrime victim compensation).
SU‐GG‐T‐226: ROC Analysis of Radiation Therapy Software Couch Interlock Performance to Improve Patient Safety

Purpose: In modern linear accelerators, a software interlock compares the digital position of the couch against a planned value and applies a tolerance limit. For many treatments this is the only automatic computerized check of the setup. ROC analysis may be useful to quantify the ability of the softwaresystem to detect mistakes and provide a quantitative metric for system improvement. Method and Materials: A simulation of a one dimensional patient setup over 35 fractions was done to model systematic and random errors in setup, target position and fixation of the patient to the couch. Two different imaging protocols were used; daily imaging and correction, imaging for the first five fractions with a single correction of the observed average. Mistakes were modeled as a single translation. ROC curves were determined by varying the tolerance limit and calculating the false and true positive rate. The area under the curve (Az ) was used to compare the effects of imaging protocols and immobilization of different treatment sites. ROC analysis of patient histories was done as well. Results: ROC analysis of identical simulation data show that daily imaging can degrade the ability of the software interlock to detect mistakes in patient setup compared to an offline protocol. Immobilization with poorer fixation reduced the ability of the system to detect mistakes in setup. Patient data showed that a 1cm displacement in H&N setups was as detectable as a 5cm displacement in prostate setups. Conclusion: The couch position interlock is a crude tool to detect mistakes in patient setup. ROC analysis of this system illuminated differences in performance across body sites. The impact of different imaging protocols on this index shows the importance of understanding the nature of the setup protocol when optimizing use of the couch position as an interlock for setup error. Supported by NIH P01CA59827
Isolation methods for GaN lateral MOS-channel HEMTs

We have compared two different methods, the shallow recess/field oxide isolation and the mesa isolation, for electrical isolation between GaN lateral MOS-Channel HEMTs. Transistors with these two isolation methods have been fabricated and have been experimentally compared. The off-state leakage current of the devices with linear geometries has been compared with that of the devices with self-enclosed circular geometry, and the difference has been used to characterize the effectiveness of the isolation methods. The leakage current between two adjacent devices has also been measured. The mesa isolation method has been shown to be much more effective in both tests, and the isolation effectiveness has been maintained at elevated temperatures.
Densification and shape retention in supersolidus liquid phase sintering

Abstract Rapid sintering densification of relatively large prealloyed powders is possible by exceeding the solidus temperature in an approach termed supersolidus liquid phase sintering. This process is often limited by a narrow processing window for attaining densification without distortion. Densification and distortion both reflect viscous flow responses of the solid–liquid mixtures. In the present research, a control microstructure softening parameter ζ , which combines the effects of grain size, liquid volume fraction, and contiguity, is proposed to separate densification and distortion events. This microstructure parameter has two critical values, ζ densif and ζ distort , for densification and shape loss, respectively. It must be smaller than ζ distort to avoid shape distortion, while for densification, it must be larger than ζ densif . As ζ densif is smaller than ζ distort , there is window of sintering conditions where densification is achieved without accompanying shape loss. Understanding this parameter provides a means to design alloys and processing cycles for net shape, full density components by supersolidus liquid phase sintering.
Crime, Irregular Warfare, and Institutional Failure in Latin America: Guatemala as a Case Study

This article examines the current crisis in Guatemala as a case study in the phenomenon of “criminal insurgency” in Latin America. Since the close of Guatemala's civil war in 1996, crime—especially violent crime—has increased dramatically, to the point that drug traffickers, organized crime syndicates, and youth gangs are effectively waging a form of irregular warfare against the state. The police, the judiciary, and entire local and departmental governments are rife with criminal infiltrators; murder statistics have surpassed civil-war levels in recent years; criminal operatives assassinate government officials and troublesome members of the political class; and chunks of territory are now effectively under the control of criminal groups. All this has led to growing civic disillusion and eroded the authority and legitimacy of the government. Rampant crime is causing a crisis of the democratic state.