cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unequal a-priori probabilities for holographic storage

Volume holographic memories (VHMs) can deliver high aggregate data rates at a slow page rate by placing on the order of one million pixels per holographic page. By reducing the number of 'on' pixels per VHM data page we may increase the diffracted power into each pixel and therefore increase the number of pages we can store in our memory; although by doing so we have reduced the amount of user information per page. A detailed analysis shows that the information capacity can be increased by 15% with proper adjustment of the binary pixel priors such that a page contains about 25% 'on' pixels. Enumeration block coding techniques allow us to adjust the data priors appropriately with a code rate near the entropy bound for long block lengths. The sparsity of 'on' pixels also helps to reduce the effects of inter-pixel crosstalk by strongly reducing the probability that worst-case pixel patterns (e.g., blocks of 'on' pixels with the center pixel 'off') will occur in the data page. In addition, enumeration coding offers low encoding/decoding latency that scales linearly with the number of pixels per page. In this paper we discuss the theoretical advantage of optimum prior selection, as well as experimental results in achieving this capacity gain. The experiments verify that it is practical to adjust the priors and that an overall capacity gain of around 17% can be achieved for a realistic VHM system.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Patterns of population growth in Africa

This paper discusses past present and future trends in Africas population growth stressing problems associated with overpopulation and discussing measures for reducing the population growth rate. Between 1950 and 1980 sudden declines in death rates coupled with high birth rates increased the African population dramatically despite poor economic growth and widespread political instability. The urban population has increased more than 300% since 1950 reaching 136 million by 1980. 70% of Africans still reside in rural areas however and this population continues to grow at a rate almost as astounding as that in urban areas. As a result by 2025 the urban population is expected to reach 1.5 billion with 900 million people in urban areas and 650 million in rural. In addition the age structure has shifted so that Africa now has the worlds highest percentage of children relative to adults which places a greater burden on a smaller workforce to provide for a growing dependent population. As a result the present and future populations are likely to face declining standards of living. The author argues that economic and social development supported by strong educational systems along with government supported family planning programs are necessary to decrease Africas population growth. Specifically higher education and employment for females could help reduce the fertility rate. Yet in general the bureaucratic nature of African governments has stalled the implementation of such programs. Unless systematic programs for dealing with the population crisis are enacted the future for African people promises to be bleak as per capita income and standards of living drop below the subsistence levels of today.
Pulmonary Function and High-Resolution CT Findings in Patients With an Inherited Form of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, Due to Mutations in HPS-1

Objective To describe and correlate pulmonary functionand high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan scores in individuals with a highrisk for development of pulmonary fibrosis, ie , Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) patients with mutations in the HPS-1 gene. Design Cross-sectionalanalysis of consecutive, eligible patients. Patients Thirty-eight HPS inpatients at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center with HPS-1 mutations. Results Thirty-seven patients were Puerto Rican andexhibited the typical 16-base pair (bp) duplication in exon 15 of HPS-1 . One non-Puerto Rican was homozygous for a differentmutation (intervening sequence 17 −2 A→C) previously reported in the HPS-1 gene; he died at age 35 of pulmonary insufficiency.For the 23 patients who had pulmonary symptoms, the mean age of onsetwas 35 years. For all 38 patients (mean age, 37 ± 2 years), the meanFVC was 71% of predicted; the mean FEV 1 , 76%; mean totallung capacity (TLC), 72%; mean vital capacity (VC), 68%; and meandiffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D lco ),72%. When patients were grouped according to the extent of theirreduction in FVC, the other four pulmonary function parameters followedthe FVC. Seventeen patients had abnormal chest radiographs, and 31(82%) had abnormal HRCT scans of the chest, for which a scoring systemof 0 (normal) to 3 (severe fibrosis) is presented. The mean ± SEMHRCT score for 38 patients was 1.30 ± 0.17. HRCT scores correlatedinversely with FVC and D lco . Conclusions Mutations in the HPS-1 gene, whether or not they involvethe typical 16-bp duplication seen in Puerto Rican patients, areassociated with fatal pulmonary fibrosis. In affected patients, the FVC, FEV 1 , TLC, VC, and D lco fall in concert, and this functional deficit correlates with HRCT scan evidence ofprogression of interstitial lung disease.
Wind Tunnel Simulations of Light and Dark Streaks on Mars

Wind tunnel experiments have revealed a characteristic flow field pattern over raised-rim craters which causes distinctive zones of aeolian erosion and deposition. Comparisons of the results with Mariner 9 images of Mars show that some crater-associated dark zones result from wind erosion and that some crater-associated light streaks are depositional.
p-adic periodic points and Sen's theorem

Abstract To count the number of periodic points ofu(x) brings in very delicate questions about automorphisms of local fields. Using the ideas developed here, we shall give another short proof of Sen's Theorem. We also give an upper bound for the number of periodic points in anyp-adic number field.
Research in children

The importance of medical research to the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases is well recognized. The use of human subjects, however, presents complex legal and ethical challenges for the scientific community and for society. The history of research performed on children reveals an especially vulnerable population needing special protection against violation of individual rights and exposure to undue risk. The development of guidelines and policies to protect children as research subjects is reviewed. Special focus is given to the present federal regulations that are intended to provide an ethical context for the performance of pediatric research, including the distinction between therapeutic and nontherapeutic studies. In part, these guidelines represent a return of the pendulum to a more moderate position, after an era of restrictive regulations in reaction to past abuses of children as research subjects. As a result, federal and professional initiatives are bringing renewed focus on the need for rigorous study of childhood development and disease within an appropriate ethical framework.
Psychiatric disorders in advanced cancer

BACKGROUND. Emotional distress and psychiatric disorders are common among patients with advanced cancer. Oncologists play an important role in screening for these conditions, providing first-line treatment and referring patients for further evaluation and treatment when indicated. METHODS. The literature on psycho-oncology was reviewed, focusing on the epidemiology, assessment, and treatment of psychiatric disorders (adjustment disorders, major depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, substance abuse, and major mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) in patients with advanced cancer. Communication skills and the role of the oncologist in dealing with end-of-life issues were also reviewed. Relevant data were summarized from the most recent systematic reviews, epidemiological studies, and intervention trials. Clinical recommendations are provided. RESULTS. About 50% of patients with advanced cancer meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, the most common being adjustment disorders (11%–35%) and major depression (5%–26%). Both psychosocial and pharmacological treatments are effective for anxiety and depression, although existing studies have methodological limitations. Collaboration with mental health specialists is recommended for patients with personality disorders, major mental illness, and substance abuse problems. Effective communication involves active listening, exploring emotion and meaning, addressing prognosis, and discussing end-of-life issues when relevant. CONCLUSIONS. Treating psychiatric conditions improves quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Oncologists play a key role in screening for psychiatric disorders, initiating first-line treatments for depression and anxiety, and communicating with patients and caregivers about prognosis and end-of-life issues. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A Conserved Role for Atlastin GTPases in Regulating Lipid Droplet Size

Lipid droplets (LDs) are the major fat storage organelles in eukaryotic cells, but how their size is regulated is unknown. Using genetic screens in C. elegans for LD morphology defects in intestinal cells, we found that mutations in atlastin, a GTPase required for homotypic fusion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, cause not only ER morphology defects, but also a reduction in LD size. Similar results were obtained after depletion of atlastin or expression of a dominant-negative mutant, whereas overexpression of atlastin had the opposite effect. Atlastin depletion in Drosophila fat bodies also reduced LD size and decreased triglycerides in whole animals, sensitizing them to starvation. In mammalian cells, co-overexpression of atlastin-1 and REEP1, a paralog of the ER tubule-shaping protein DP1/REEP5, generates large LDs. The effect of atlastin-1 on LD size correlates with its activity to promote membrane fusion in vitro. Our results indicate that atlastin-mediated fusion of ER membranes is important for LD size regulation.
Consumer ethical beliefs and personality traits: An exploratory analysis

The present study examines the relationships between consumers' ethical beliefs and personality traits. Based on a survey of 295 undergraduate business students, the authors found that individuals with high needs for autonomy, innovation, and aggression, as well as individuals with a high propensity for taking risks tend to have “less ethical” beliefs concerning possible consumer actions. Individuals with a high need for social desirability and individuals with a strong problem solving coping style tend to have “more ethical” beliefs concerning possible consumer actions. The needs for achievement, affiliation, complexity and an emotion solving coping style were not significantly correlated with consumer ethical beliefs.
Semiconductor current-flow equations (diffusion and degeneracy)

The correct form for the current-flow equation in semiconductors in the presence of density and temperature gradients, as well as electric fields, is derived from a perturbation solution of Boltzmann's equation. The conditions under which the various widely used approximate forms of the current-flow equation are valid are clearly discussed. A new term that occurs if the relaxation time depends on position is derived, and is shown to be comparable in magnitude to the other terms in the current-flow equation.
Enumeration of illumination and scanning modes from real-time spatial light modulators

Using a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) in a Fourier transform setup together with fast diffractive optics design algorithms provides a way to automatically generate complex and rapidly changing laser illumination patterns in the far-field. We propose a hierarchical software structure for the adaptive, on-line design of far-field illumination patterns. Using the on-line design system together with camera feedback of the illuminated scene would make it possible to detect and actively laser designate multiple objects in parallel. Possibilities for multispot, arbitrary trajectory scanning and also broad-area speckle-reduced illumination are demonstrated with experimentally measured diffraction pattern sequences from a 120×128 pixel phase-only SLM.
Starch Characteristics of Aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum) Infested Barley

Starch was isolated from barley (cv. Triumph) which had been infested with the rose-grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum. Physico-chemical properties and functional characteristics of the starches and a control starch were studied. Amylograph curves indicated higher residual α-amylase activity on the control starch than on starch samples isolated from the aphid-infested samples. The control starch had slightly higher enzyme susceptibilities, lower swelling powers and higher solubilities than starches from aphid-infested samples. There were no differences in waterbinding between starches. Breadbaking experiments showed that heavy aphid infestation on barley can affect starch performance, which cannot necessarily be explained based on physico-chemical data of the starch. Bread volume decreased: the grain became more open and the texture harsh. This study showed that heavy infestation of barley by M. dirhodum does not only reduce grain weight and protein content, but affects starch properties and functional characteristics as well. Charakteristika der Starke aus mit Blattlausen (Metopolophium dirhodum) befallener Gerste. Die Starke aus Gerste (cv. Triumph), die mit der Blattlaus Metopolophium dirhodum befallen war, wurde isoliert. Die physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften und die funktionellen Merkmale der Starken und einer Vergleichsstarke wurden untersucht. Die Amylographkurven deuteten auf eine hohere restliche α-Amlylaseaktivitat in der Vergleichsprobe hin als in den aus der mit Blattlausen befallenen Gerstenproben isolierten Starken. Die Vergleichsstarke zeigte eine etwas hohere Enzymsuszeptibilitat, geringeres Quellvermogen und hohere Loslichkeit als die Starken der blattlausgeschadigten Proben. Im Wasserbindungsvermogen bestanden keine Unterschiede zwischen den Starken. Brotbackversuche zeigten, das schwere Blattlausschadigung der Gerste das Starkeverhalten beeinflussen kann, was aber nicht zwangslaufig mit den physikalisch-chemischen Daten der Starke erklarbar ist. Das Brotvolumen war verringert, das Gefuge wurde lockerer und die Textur rauh. Die Studie hat gezeigt, das schwere Schadigung von Gerste durch M. dirhodum nicht nur das Korngewicht und den Proteingehalt verringert, sondern ebenfalls die Eigenschaften und funktionellen Merkmale der Starke beeinflust.
Illicit trade protocol: the weakest link: invited commentary

The article ‘From cigarette smuggling to illicit tobacco trade’1 exposes the modus operandi in illicit trade that highlights the need for global cooperation in eliminating the illicit trade of tobacco products ( see page 230 ). It must be emphasised as well that the protocol can only be as strong as the weakest link in the chain of states that will participate in it. Ideally, all countries currently identified in the smuggling route or territories …
Hypercoulometry in a pulsed conventional electron-capture detector

Abstract Hypercoulometric response was observed in an electron-capture detector with conventional dimensions and geometry, and under typical pulsed conditions. This response is linked speculatively to the space charge mechanism.
Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II and IGF Binding Protein -3 Are Not Correlated With Weight of Fetal Rabbits † 907

Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II and IGF Binding Protein -3 Are Not Correlated With Weight of Fetal Rabbits † 907
A novel targeted delivery system utilizing a cephalosporin-oncolytic prodrug activated by an antibody β-lactamase conjugate for the treatment of cancer

Abstract Cephalosporins substituted at C-3′ with oncolytic agents such as vinca alkaloids have been developed as prodrugs for the treatment of solid tumors. Conversion of prodrug to drug is mediated by an immunoconjugate consisting of a β-lactamase enzyme covalently attached to a monoclonal antibody Fab′ fragment which is pre-localized at the tumor.
Proton Compton Scattering at 0.55-to-4.5-GeV Energy and 0.12-to-1.0- ( G e V / c ) 2 Momentum Transfer

Results are presented on the elastic scattering of photons by protons. The incident photon energy ranged from 0.55 GeV to 4.5 GeV, and the four-momentum transfer $t$ ranged from 0.12 to 1.0 ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. The data at large angles, $60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}l{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{*}l115\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, are characterized by a pronounced excitation of the ${D}_{13}(1518)$ resonance, a shoulder in the 1688-MeV mass region, and a precipitous drop thereafter in the cross section as a function of incident energy. The low-$t$ data are characterized by a diffraction slope of 5 ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. The data are inconsistent with the predictions of the vector-dominance model if the latter is restricted to ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$, $\ensuremath{\omega}$, and $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ vector mesons.
SPACE-TIME CORRELATION OF STELLAR SPECKLE PATTERNS

Measurements of the space–time correlation function of images at the focus of a large telescope have been made. They indicate that the image boiling has a directional component that is parallel to the motion of the turbulence in the pupil plane.
Mémoire et identité renaissante dansorigines d’Amin Maalouf

With his last novelOrigins that received the Price Mediterranean 2004, the Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf realized a cut fresco in the history that presents itself as a love song and expression of gratitude with regard to his family. This novel, which is distinguished from his previous works by its autobiographical aspect, is endowed with a well solid and judicious argumentation and limpid prose that makes the fluid and specified writing erect this Lebanese writer in the row of the most gifted and promising figures in the field of French-speaking literature of the East Mediterranean. Born in Lebanon in 1949, living now in France, and having received the price of Goncourt in 1993, the writer has always had difficulties talking about his roots. But in this novel, he felt the vital need to renew his origins and call upon his historical commemoration to be found with himself, to reconcile himself with his identity without considering it rather as promoting than “deadly”. A plural and enriching identity brings him a new existential dimension that allows him to expose proudly his genealogical alignment and to assert his membership to a well specific Lebanese community. By the recourse to French language in his fictional production, he contributes to the development of a dialogue of the cultures between the two shores of the Mediterranean.
Neurological abnormalities among offspring of persons with schizophrenia: Relation to premorbid psychopathology

Background Neurological Examination Abnormalities (NEA, often called “neurological soft signs”) have been observed in early schizophrenia and may be heritable. We investigated the prevalence, and neurocognitive and psychopathological correlates of NEA among offspring of schizophrenia patients who are at increased genetic risk for this illness.
Materials Issues In X-Ray Lithography

In this paper, an outline of materials-related activities in the national X-Ray Lithography Program is given. The program is directed towards the development of sub-quarter micron design-rule x-ray lithography together with the ancillary technologies required to fabricate defect-free x-ray masks. Work done at the Naval Research Laboratory is highlighted and used for examples. Most materials related work occurs in conjunction in the x-ray mask fabrication process. Topics discussed include electron beam-matter interaction in the mask patterning process, membane fabrication, stress control in thin membranes, reactive-ion etching of absorber-layers, mask inspection and repair.
Defining the Quality of Practitioner Research

Practitioner research is conducted by teachers seeking to improve practice, generating research findings in the same settings in which they will be utilized. For those of us engaged in practitioner research, there is a wealth of resources to help conceptualize, organize, and implement our work; however, we have not yet found a common language for discussing the quality of the research that we do. This article briefly compares the central assumptions of practitioner research with those of other, more predominant research paradigms. Based on these assumptions, a framework for discussing the quality of our research efforts and outcomes is proposed.
Anthracyclines and related substances. 4. A novel regio- and stereoselective total synthesis of 7-epidaunomycinone and daunomycinone.

Abstract Daunomycinone 2a has been synthesized by a novel regio- and stereoselective route that establishes the tetracyclic framework and the C-7 oxygen in naphthacenol 5c via a double Friedel-Crafts acylation.
Truncal seizuires: An unusual presentation of cerebral cysticercosis

We present the case of a 24-year-old women who developed repetitive partial simple seizures confined to her right rib cage. Computed tomography scan of the head was consistent with the diagnosis of cerebral cysticercosis. The patient was started on a regimen of anticonvulsants, steroids, and praziquantel with full resolution of symptoms.
Prestack gather flattening for AVO

We report here on our efforts to improve the AVO interpretability of seismic data. The seismic processing flow we developed includes high-resolution velocity analysis, the application of anisotropic moveout corrections, and an automatic gather flattening step. We show applications of the new flow to synthetic data and to a high-quality prestack time-migrated data set. The flow results in much flatter gathers, and significantly simplifies AVO interpretation.
Weinberg's Separation of the Amplitude in the K -Matrix Formalism

The Weinberg method of obtaining a separable amplitude by the use of the eigenfunctions of the kernel of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation is given in the $K$-matrix formalism. This can be carried out in a way parallel to, but much simpler than, the formulation given previously in the $T$-matrix formalism. Relations between quantities in the $K$-matrix and $T$-matrix formalisms are obtained, and it is shown that the analytic extension into the complex energy plane is assured through these relations. Furthermore, it is shown that the formulations in the $K$-matrix formalism are very useful in applications to the composite-particle scattering problem.
Microbiology of chronic and recurrent otitis media with effusion in young infants.

Abstract Chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) has been assumed to be sterile, since several reports in the literature have described unsuccessful attempts to culture bacteria from it. However, several recent studies have confirmed an earlier report that there is a significant frequency of bacteria in the middle ears of children with chronic and/or recurrent OME. Similar studies in young infants with chronic and/or recurrent OME have not been previously reported. In this study, cultures were obtained at the time of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion from 50 infants aged 1–12 months who had chronic and/or recurrent OME. From the 80 ears of 40 infants without cleft palate, 32% had bacteria isolated from their middle ears; 22% had Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. In 21 of these ears, no effusion was apparent at myringotomy, but in 28% bacteria were isolated from middle ear washings. From the 20 ears of 10 infants with an unrepaired cleft palate, 55% had bacteria present in their middle ear aspirates; 50% had S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae. Even though the significance of bacteria in chronic OME in children, and now in young infants, is unclear at present, a therapeutic trial with an antimicrobial agent prior to surgical intervention would appear to be reasonable until such therapy is tested in a randomized, clinical trial.
On the effect of linear data transformations in possibilistic fuzzy linear regression

Abstract In this paper the effect of linear data transformations is analysed in possibilistic fuzzy regression models. In classical linear regression the measure of the ‘goodness of fit’ is invariant with respect to these transformations, but these fuzzy models depend on them.
Interactions of Auditory and Visual Stimuli in Space and Time

The nervous system has evolved to transduce different types of environmental energy independently, for example light energy is transduced by the retina whereas sound energy is transduced by the cochlea. However, the neural processing of this energy is necessarily combined, resulting in a unified percept of a real-world object or event. These percepts can be modified in the laboratory, resulting in illusions that can be used to probe how multisensory integration occurs. This paper reviews studies that have utilized such illusory percepts in order to better understand the integration of auditory and visual signals in primates. Results from human psychophysical experiments where visual stimuli alter the perception of acoustic space (the ventriloquism effect) are discussed, as are experiments probing the underlying cortical mechanisms of this integration. Similar psychophysical experiments where auditory stimuli alter the perception of visual temporal processing are also described.
Long and Short Range Ordering of CuInSe2

Cu K-edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) measurements were performed on CuInSe2 samples with different compositions near the AIBIIIC2VI stoichiometry and CuIn5Se8. The Cu-Se bond length was determined to be independent of the Cu content. This result is consistent with first-principle total energy calculations for this system.
School–University Partnerships and Teacher Leadership: Doing It Right

AbstractDrawing on the author's experience as director of a long-lived school—university partnership, this essay describes how one such organization can “do it right” and enhance the development of teacher leadership in schools. It also provides a cautionary tale about how that same organization can “do it wrong” and achieve the opposite effect. “Doing it right” requires having a set of core beliefs that are enacted through key social practices. “Doing it wrong” violates those core beliefs and practices.
Subjective Global Assessment Compared to Prognostic Nutritional Index in Cancer Patients

Abstract Malnutrition is a common problem in cancer patients and, if untreated, can lead to cancer cachexia and poor response to therapies. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) has been shown to be valid and comparable with objective measures such as the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in general surgery patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of SGA ratings of gynecologic oncology patients between two raters, and to determine whether SGA was comparable to PNI as a tool for nutritional assessment of cancer patients. Sixty-seven consecutive patients admitted to the hospital gynecologic oncology service were assessed by a dietitian using PNI. Fifty-six of these patients were assessed using SGA by a second dietitian and a pharmacist who were blinded to medical records and the PNI results. Both PNI and SGA scores were categorized into severely and moderately malnourished or well-nourished. Reproducibility of SGA raters and the consistency between SGA versus PNI were assessed with a weighted Kappa statistic. There was a high level of agreement (83.9%) between the two SGA raters (weighted Kappa=0.797; 95% confidence intervals 0.67-0.92). In comparing SGA and PNI, there was less agreement (57%) (weighted Kappa=0.0435; 95% confidence intervals 0.28-0.59). There was moderate agreement between SGA and the individual variables of PNI: SGA vs. albumin (r=0.493), SGA vs. transferrin (r=0.353) and SGA vs. triceps skinfold (r=0.427). In summary, there was a high level of agreement between independent SGA raters, moderate agreement between SGA and PNI methods, and moderate agreement of SGA with individual PNI variables. For this heterogenous population, a combination of nutritional assessment methods may be preferred.
Risks of hypertensive disorders in the second pregnancy

This study examined the incidence of and risk factors for recurrent and newly developed hypertensive disorders in the second pregnancy. We analysed data on 1641 women who had both the first and second pregnancies in the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a large prospective cohort study at 12 hospitals in the US. Nineteen per cent [95% CI 14%, 24%] of women who had gestational hypertension in the first pregnancy, 32% [95% CI 17%, 48%] of those with pre-eclampsia and 46% [95% CI 32%, 60%] of patients with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension, had recurrent hypertensive disorders in the second pregnancy. Risk factors for recurrence included history of chronic hypertension and thromboembolism, early onset of hypertension in the first pregnancy or persistent hypertension after 5 weeks postpartum and high baseline blood pressure in the second pregnancy. Women with a normotensive first pregnancy but a severe small-for-gestational-age birth had twice the risk of developing hypertension in the second pregnancy (RR = 2.1, 95% CI, 1.1, 4.0). In summary, hypertensive disorders have a 20--50% recurrence rate in the second pregnancy. The earlier the onset of hypertension in the first pregnancy, the higher the overall recurrence rate. Intrauterine growth restriction of the first birth is an independent risk factor for hypertension in the second pregnancy.
Power system vulnerability analysis - towards validation of centrality measures

Threat assessments play a key role in determining appropriate mitigation strategies to counter credible threats to the power system. In order to further understand the capability of a malicious agent to coordinate an attack on the power grid given limited system information, graph theory based centrality measures are utilized for power systems vulnerability analysis. Results are compared to vulnerability analysis indices utilizing DC power flow based linear sensitivity factors with complete power system information. Correlations of centrality and linear sensitivity factor based vulnerability rankings are performed, and matched pair comparisons of top rankings are presented using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank statistical test. Evidence is presented in support of the edge betweeness centrality measure in determining sensitive line outages based solely on the branch impedance values of a power system. Results obtained for four different test case systems indicate the threat potential of a system attack planned from limited topology information.
First-Principles Characterization of Amorphous Phases of MB12H12, M = Mg, Ca

Complex borohydrides have been studied as candidate materials for vehicular hydrogen storage. In particular, M(BH4)2, where M = Mg or Ca, has received considerable attention because of its high gravimetric capacity for H2. Experimental observations indicate an initial decomposition reaction: 6M(BH4)2 → 5MH2 + MB12H12 + 13H2, where the MB12H12 species are amorphous. We use first-principles density functional theory to study the structural and energetic properties of MB12H12. The purpose of these calculations is to investigate why these materials form amorphous structures. We have identified two possible reasons for MB12H12 adopting apparently amorphous rather than crystalline structures. First, our calculations reveal a large number of structurally distinct polymorphs having near-degenerate energies. We simulate an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern for each polymorph and compute the Boltzmann-averaged XRD patterns for MgB12H12 and CaB12H12. These average patterns appear to be amorphous, having very broad pea...
Synthesis of Chiral N‐Sulfonyl and N‐Phosphinoyl α‐Halo Aldimine Precursors

α-Halogenated aldimines have emerged as an important class of synthetic intermediates. The stability and reactivity of α-halo aldimines can vary greatly depending on the nitrogen protecting group. A general synthesis of stable, chiral α-halo-N-sulfonyl and N-phosphinoyl aldimine precursors is presented (42–96% yield). The corresponding α-halo aldimines can be isolated upon treatment with a mild base. Enantioenriched α-chloro aldehydes can be employed to afford aldimine precursors with no erosion of optical purity. Both the enantioenriched aldimine precursor and the isolated aldimine can react with an alkynyllithium nucleophile to give trans-β-chloroamine products with excellent dr. Ring closure affords the enantioenriched trans-aziridine, demonstrating the potential for this approach in complex molecule synthesis.
Optimal minimum bids and inventory scrapping in sequential, single-unit, Vickrey auctions with demand learning

Abstract Retailers often conduct sequential, single-unit auctions and need to decide the minimum bid in each auction. To reduce inventory costs, it may be optimal to scrap some of the inventory rather than holding it until it is auctioned off. In some auctions, the seller may be uncertain about the market response and hence may want to dynamically learn the demand by observing the number of posted bids. We formulate a Markov decision process (MDP) to study this dynamic auction-design problem under the Vickrey mechanism. We first develop a clairvoyant model where the seller knows the demand distribution. We prove that it is optimal to scrap all inventory above a certain threshold and then auction the remaining units. We derive a first order necessary condition whereby the bidders’ virtual value at an optimal minimum bid equals the seller’s marginal profit. This is a generalization of Riley and Samuelson’s result from the one, single-unit auction case. When the virtual value is strictly increasing, this necessary condition is also sufficient and leads to a structured value iteration algorithm. We then assume that the number of bidders is Poisson distributed but the seller does not know its mean. The seller uses a mixture-of-Gamma prior on this mean and updates this belief over several auctions. This results in a high-dimensional Bayesian MDP whose exact solution is intractable. We therefore propose and compare two approximation methods called certainty equivalent control (CEC) and Q-function approximation. Numerical experiments suggest that Q-function approximation can attain higher revenues than CEC.
The Germans as an Integrative Force in Imperial Austria: The Dilemma of Dominance

During the past hundred years a vast literature ranging from scholarly analyses of a high order to crudely polemical disputations has been devoted to analyzing the question of why all attempts to consolidate the Habsburg monarchy ended in failure. Since 1945 it has become increasingly possible to investigate and explain the causes of failure without national or other partisan bias. The dissolution of the empire in 1918 was, after all, the result not of defeat on the battlefield but of a long organic process.
Geoarchaeological insights from Indian Sands, a Late Pleistocene site on the southern northwest coast, USA

Geoarchaeological investigations of site 35CU67C at the Indian Sands locality, along Oregon's southern coast, provide many insights useful for considering various aspects of a Late Pleistocene coastal migration hypothesis. The geographic and geomorphic setting of terminal Pleistocene human occupation at Indian Sands provides important contextual examples that may aid in the discovery of other early coastal sites. During the Terminal Pleistocene, hunter–gatherers exploited naturally occurring sources of chert toolstone available at the Indian Sands locality. Stratigraphic records at Indian Sands show changes in aeolian sedimentation, pedogenesis, and landscape evolution. Taken together, these records reflect the presence of nonanalogous Terminal Pleistocene paleoenvironmental conditions, suggesting a coastline much colder and drier than today. Developing paleoenvironmental proxy records from Pleistocene-age terrestrial deposits in coastal settings will help improve our understanding of early coastal cultural ecology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pH-Dependent Redox Potential Induced in a Sensitizing Dye by Adsorption onto TiO2

The oxidation potential of a ruthenium(II)−polypyridine sensitizing dye is independent of pH when the dye is dissolved in solution. However, when the dye is adsorbed onto nanocrystalline TiO2, its oxidation potential becomes pH-dependent, decreasing 53 mV per unit pH. This is approximately the same pH-dependence as followed by the flatband potential of the TiO2. Therefore, the driving forces for both forward and back electron transfer reactions are practically independent of pH. This may explain the pH-independent rate of back electron transfer recently observed by Yan and Hupp (J. Phys. Chem. 1996, 100, 6867). To our knowledge, the induction of a pH-dependent redox potential upon adsorption of an otherwise pH-independent dye has not been previously reported.
Clinical and electrophysiologic features of fetal and neonatal paroxysmal atrial tachycardia resulting in congestive heart failure

Abstract Those clinical and electrophysiologic features of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) that appeared to be the cause of prenatal congestive heart failure (CHF) (hydrops fetalis) were evaluated in 12 neonates, ages 1 to 14 days, and compared with those occurring in 12 neonates, ages 2 to 34 days, who developed CHF from PAT diagnosed postnatally. Transesophageal electrophysiologic evaluation was performed after birth or at the time of PAT occurrence in the prenatal CHF group and at the time of CHF diagnosis in the postnatal CHF group. Before the electrophysiologic study, spontaneous PAT onset and termination were observed in all prenatal CHF neonates. In the postnatal CHF neonates, however, a single, prolonged episode of PAT was observed. During PAT, all neonates were observed to have a regular heart rate, normal QRS morphology and ventriculoatrial interval exceeding 80 ms. These findings suggested an orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia using an accessory atrioventricular connection as the tachycardia mechanism. In the 12 neonates with prenatal CHF, the PAT cycle length measured 243 ± 30 ms, whereas in the 12 neonates with postnatal CHF it measured 208 ± 19 ms (p
Dielectrophoretic force in axisymmetric fields

Abstract The dielectrophoretic force on a spherical dielectric particle may be calculated to any degree of accuracy desired for axisymmetric electrostatic fields by use of an expansion in linear multipoles. In this expansion, dipole, quadrupole, and higher order moments are identified which are generated by the imposed non-uniform electrostatic field and which are then acted upon by this field. A general derivation for the force on the particle is presented, which is useful in the estimation of correction terms for the DEP force. The expression illuminates the nature of the conventional approximation used in dielectrophoretic force models.
Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze bi-directional equilibrium reactions, rather than unidirectional metabolism, in HEK-293 cells

Abstract Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs) catalyze the interconversion of weak and potent androgen and estrogen pairs. Although the reactions using purified enzymes can be driven in either direction, these enzymes appear to function unidirectionally in intact cells: only reductive reactions for 17βHSD1 and 17β HSD3 and only oxidative reactions for 17βHSD2. We show that, after exhaustive incubations with either 17β-hydroxy- or 17-ketosteroid, the medium for HEK-293 cells expressing 17βHSD1 or 17βHSD3 contains a 92:8 ratio of reduced:oxidized steroid. Similarly, 17βHSD2 yields a >95:5 ratio of oxidized:reduced steroids for both androgens and estrogens. Dual-isotope kinetic measurements show that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are identical at these functional equilibrium states in intact cells for all three 17βHSD isoforms, and these rates are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope flux studies. Mutation L36D converts 17βHSD1 to an oxidative enzyme in intact cells, reversing the equilibrium distribution of estradiol:estrone to 5:95; however, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions at equilibrium are equal and comparable to those of the wild-type enzymes. The co-expression of 17βHSD2 paradoxically increases the potency of estrone in transactivation assays, demonstrating the physiological relevance of “backwards” metabolism to estradiol. We conclude that 17βHSD types 1, 2, and 3 catalyze both oxidative and reductive reactions in HEK-293 cells at intrinsic rates that are much faster than those estimated from single-isotope studies. These 17βHSD isoforms do not drive steroid flux in one direction but rather may achieve functional equilibria in intact cells, reflecting thermodynamically driven steroid distributions.
Metformin: direct inhibition of rat ovarian theca-interstitial cell proliferation.

Objective To determine whether metformin has direct effects on ovarian theca-interstitial (T-I) cell proliferation through activation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK). Design In vitro experimental study. Setting Academic medical center laboratory. Animal(s) Immature Sprague-Dawley female rats. Intervention(s) Ovarian T-I cells were isolated, purified, and cultured in the absence (control) or presence of insulin (1 μg/mL) with or without metformin or other activators/inhibitors of AMPK (AICAR, compound C). Main Outcome Measure(s) Proliferation assessed by determination of expression levels of proteins involved in cell cycle progression, cyclin D3, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) with Western blot analysis, and determination of DNA synthesis with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay; activation of AMPK, Erk1/2, and S6K1 determined by Western blot analysis with the use of antibodies specific for the phosphorylated (activated) forms. Result(s) Metformin inhibited insulin-induced ovarian T-I cell proliferation and the up-regulation of the cell cycle regulatory proteins, cyclin D3 and CDK4. Metformin independently activated AMPK in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with metformin inhibited insulin-induced activation of Erk1/2 and S6K1. This effect was reversed with the addition of compound C, a known AMPK inhibitor. Conclusion(s) Metformin directly inhibits proliferation of ovarian T-I cells via an AMPK-dependent mechanism. These findings further validate the potential benefits of metformin in the treatment of conditions associated with hyperinsulinemia and excessive growth of ovarian T-I cells (such as polycystic ovary syndrome).
Prevalence of psychological distress among patients at a physical therapy clinic specializing in sports medicine

To assess the frequency with which patients at an orthopedic physical therapy clinic specializing in sports medicine experience clinically meaningful psychological distress, 200 consecutive patients were administered a standardized measure of psychopathology. Patients varied in terms of diagnosis, stage of rehabilitation, and level of athletic involvement. The physical therapist and athletic trainer responsible for the rehabilitation of a patient rated a patient's behavior during rehabilitation sessions. Approximately 19% of patients reported a clinical level of psychological distress. Most patients demonstrated few overt signs of a maladaptive psychological response to injury. The physical therapist or athletic trainer rating was not significantly correlated with a patient's self‐reported psychological distress. It was concluded that psychological distress occurs infrequently among patients at a sports medicine clinic, but with sufficient regularity to warrant concern.
Rare diagnosis of IgG4-related systemic disease by lip biopsy in an international Sjögren syndrome registry.

IgG4-related disease has been recently defined as a distinct clinic-pathologic entity, characterized by dense IgG-4 plasmacytic infiltration of diverse organs, fibrosis, and tumefactive lesions. Salivary and lacrimal glands are a target of this disease and, when affected, may clinically resemble Kuttner tumor, Mikulicz disease, or orbital inflammatory pseudotumor. In some patients, the disease is systemic, with metachronous involvement of multiple organs, including the pancreas, aorta, kidneys, and biliary tract. We report a 66-year-old man who presented with salivary gland enlargement and severe salivary hypofunction and was diagnosed with IgG4-related disease on the basis of a labial salivary gland biopsy. Additional features of his illness included a marked peripheral eosinophilia, obstructive pulmonary disease, and lymphoplasmacytic aortitis. He was evaluated in the context of a research registry for Sjogren syndrome and was the only 1 of 2594 registrants with minor salivary gland histopathologic findings supportive of this diagnosis.
Development of Fast Ferrite Tuner for Lower Hybrid current drive

We are developing a Fast Ferrite Tuner (FFT) for use in the Lower Hybrid current drive system at 4.6GHz. The FFT consists of two stub tuners mounted on the narrow sides of a WR187 waveguide whose phase lengths are electrically controlled by adjusting the bias magnetic field in ferrite blocks mounted in the stubs. The current in the coils producing the bias magnetic fields will be driven by power supplies which are computer controlled. An algorithm in the computer will change the phase length of the stub tuners to eliminate the reflection from the load. The challenging tasks in the development are obtaining the necessary phase shift with minimum field variation, keeping the losses low (&#60;0.1dB), avoiding resonances in the waveguide during field changes, avoiding breakdown at for high power (>100KW), and developing a power supply that can respond in sub millisecond timescales. This report presents the design concept, the results of measurements on the tasks, and CST simulations of the design.
“Iron Water” from Wells: Causes and Preventiona

Chemical analyses of ground-water samples taken from differing depths in a four-county area in east Texas showed a general stratification with respect to dissolved iron, pH and hardness. On the basis of this stratification the waters of the ground-water reservoir were divided into a shallow zone of oxidation, A; a deep zone of reduction, C; and an intermediate and unstable zone, B, in which waters from above and below are mixed. Ground water from zones A and C generally is almost free of iron, whereas water from zone B generally contains objectionable amounts. This zoning is explained by recent laboratory work and theoretical data on iron in natural waters. Wells constructed to draw only from zones A or C should yield water relatively free of iron.
Enhanced Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Adenosine Deaminase-Deficient Mice Lacking the A2B Adenosine Receptor

Adenosine is a signaling nucleoside that is generated in response to cellular injury and orchestrates the balance between tissue protection and the progression to pathological tissue remodeling. Adenosine deaminase (ADA)-deficient mice develop progressive airway inflammation and remodeling in association with adenosine elevations, suggesting that adenosine can promote features of chronic lung disease. Furthermore, pharmacological studies in ADA-deficient mice demonstrate that A2BR antagonism can attenuate features of chronic lung disease, implicating this receptor in the progression of chronic lung disease. This study examines the contribution of A2BR signaling in this model by generating ADA/A2BR double-knockout mice. Our hypothesis was that genetic removal of the A2BR from ADA-deficient mice would lead to diminished pulmonary inflammation and damage. Unexpectedly, ADA/A2BR double-knockout mice exhibited enhanced pulmonary inflammation and airway destruction. Marked loss of pulmonary barrier function and excessive airway neutrophilia are thought to contribute to the enhanced tissue damage observed. These findings support an important protective role for A2BR signaling during acute stages of lung disease.