cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of market research data through a combined effort of QFD, value engineering, and value graph techniques

The focus of market research is to capture systematically product information, such as, market competitive analysis data, competitors’ product data, etc. The paper describes an integrated template for product improvement by tactically combining real‐time market research data with quality function deployment (QFD), value engineering, and a value graph. The focus of integrating market research data with QFD previously had been to develop analysis results ‐ customer importance ratings (CIRs) and technical importance ratings (TIRs). The focus of integrating the QFD analysis (TIRs and CIRs vectors) with value engineering and value graphs, proposed in this paper, is to prioritize these ratings, to synthesize market research data, and thereby predict a better set of improvement characteristics. This process template gives the product development teams (PDTs) a synthesis tool to predict what product offerings customers would be interested in ‐ which the company can build and market to make a fair profit.
Minerals produced during cooling and hydrothermal alteration of ash flow tuff from Yellowstone drill hole Y-5

Abstract A rhyolitic ash-flow tuff in a hydrothermally active area within the Yellowstone caldera was drilled in 1967, and cores were studied to determine the nature and distribution of primary and secondary mineral phases. The rocks have undergone a complex history of crystallization and hydrothermal alteration since their emplacement 600,000 years ago. During cooling from magmatic temperatures, the glassy groundmass underwent either devitrification to alkali feldspar + α-cristobalite ± tridymite or granophyric crystallization to alkali feldspar + quartz. Associated with the zones of granophyric crystallization are prismatic quartz crystals in cavities similar to those termed miarolitic in plutonic rocks. Vapor-phase alkali feldspar, tridymite, magnetite, and sporadic α-cristobalite were deposited in cavities and in void spaces of pumice fragments. Subsequently, some of the vapor-phase alkali feldspar crystals were replaced by microcrystalline quartz, and the vapor-phase minerals were frosted by a coating of saccharoidal quartz. Hydrothermal minerals occur primarily as linings and fillings of cavities and fractures and as altered mafic phenocrysts. Chalcedony is the dominant mineral related to the present hydrothermal regime and occurs as microcrystalline material mixed with various amounts of hematite and goethite. The chalcedony displays intricate layering and was apparently deposited as opal from silica-rich water. Hematite and goethite also replace both mafic phenocrysts and vapor-phase magnetite. Other conspicuous hydrothermal minerals include montmorillonite, pyrite, mordenite, calcite, and fluorite. Clinoptilolite, erionite, illite, kaolinite, and manganese oxides are sporadic. The hydrothermal minerals show little correlation with temperature, but bladed calcite is restricted to a zone of boiling in the tuff and clearly was deposited when CO2 was lost during boiling. Fractures and breccias filled with chalcedony are common throughout Y-5 and may have been produced by rapid disruption of rock caused by sudden decrease of fluid pressure in fractures, most likely a result of fracturing during resurgent doming in this part of the Yellowstone caldera. The chalcedony probably was deposited as opal or β-cristobalite from a pre-existing silica floc that moved rapidly into the fractures and breccias immediately after the sudden pressure drop.
472 HEPATITIS B DURING PREGNANCY: IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH RISK GROUPS

Recent studies confirming the efficacy of hepatitis B immune globulin for the prevention of neonatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have highlighted the need for identifying high risk pregnant women in the United States. During the period March to November 1980, of 300 pregnant women of Chinese extraction at New York Infirmary Hospital who were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 43 (14.3%) were positive. Of 37 HBsAg-positive women who were tested for ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg), 18 (48.6%) were positive. Of 236 women who were tested for both HBsAg and its antibody (anti-HBs), 132 (56%) had evidence of present or past HBV infection; 13.5% HBsAg-positive and 42.5% anti-HBs-positive. About 98% of the women were born outside the United States, 80 to 90% from Mainland China and Hong Kong and the others from Taiwan, Burma, Macau and other islands. Their length of stay in the USA ranged from 3 months to 15 years. In view of these findings Chinese women should be routinely tested for HBsAg during pregnancy.
Product knowledge of fabric sales personnel: a comparison of three measurement methods

This study was designed to compare responses of fabric sales personnel to three types of product knowledge measures. These measures were: (1) written test items on a questionnaire; (2) oral items administered by a researcher posing as a consumer; and (3) projective items that require estimation of other clerks' knowledge. Fifty-four clerks participated in the consumer interviews and 100 completed a questionnaire containing the written test and projective items. Forty clerks completed all three measures. In contrast to some of the findings regarding the measurement of attitudes, estimation of other people's knowledge was not found to be a useful indicator of the estimator's own knowledge. Furthermore, the consumer interview and written test methods were found to produce similar, but not completely interchangeable, results. A major implication of these findings is that one should consider the objectives of the measurement process in selecting a method for measuring product knowledge.
Imaging of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Bone Tissue

The purpose of this study was to develop a paradigm for quantitative molecular imaging of bone cell activity. We hypothesized the feasibility of non-invasive imaging of the osteoblast enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using a small imaging molecule in combination with 19Flourine magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (19FMRSI). 6, 8-difluoro-4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (DiFMUP), a fluorinated ALP substrate that is activatable to a fluorescent hydrolysis product was utilized as a prototype small imaging molecule. The molecular structure of DiFMUP includes two Fluorine atoms adjacent to a phosphate group allowing it and its hydrolysis product to be distinguished using 19Fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19FMRS) and 19FMRSI. ALP-mediated hydrolysis of DiFMUP was tested on osteoblastic cells and bone tissue, using serial measurements of fluorescence activity. Extracellular activation of DiFMUP on ALP-positive mouse bone precursor cells was observed. Concurringly, DiFMUP was also activated on bone derived from rat tibia. Marked inhibition of the cell and tissue activation of DiFMUP was detected after the addition of the ALP inhibitor levamisole. 19FMRS and 19FMRSI were applied for the non-invasive measurement of DiFMUP hydrolysis. 19FMRS revealed a two-peak spectrum representing DiFMUP with an associated chemical shift for the hydrolysis product. Activation of DiFMUP by ALP yielded a characteristic pharmacokinetic profile, which was quantifiable using non-localized 19FMRS and enabled the development of a pharmacokinetic model of ALP activity. Application of 19FMRSI facilitated anatomically accurate, non-invasive imaging of ALP concentration and activity in rat bone. Thus, 19FMRSI represents a promising approach for the quantitative imaging of bone cell activity during bone formation with potential for both preclinical and clinical applications.
NAFLD in 2014: Genetics, diagnostics and therapeutic advances in NAFLD

In 2014, NAFLD was confirmed as the fastest growing aetiology for hepatocellular cancer in the USA. However, 2014 also saw progress in our understanding of the heritability and pathogenesis of NAFLD, and an important clinical trial targeting the farnesoid X receptor pathway has illustrated advances in developing a pharmacological therapy.
Illuminating the fourth dimension

A family of techniques for creating intuitively informative shaded images of 4-D mathematical objects is proposed. The rendering of an object in a 4-D world is described by considering step-by-step how objects might be rendered into images in simpler worlds. The mathematical principles needed to compute projected images of objects and their shadows in D dimensions are outlined. The issues involved in producing shaded images of objects in four dimensions, including extending rendering from 3-D to 4-D, smooth shading, and specularity, are discussed. Results of rendering a Steiner surface, torus, and knotted sphere in four dimensions are presented. >
Regulation of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Binding and Activity by Cell Density and Heparan Sulfate

The role of cell density in modulating basic fibroblast growth factor binding and activity was investigated. A primary corneal stromal fibroblast cell culture system was used, since these cells do not constitutively express heparan sulfate proteoglycansin vivo except after injury. A 3–5-fold reduction in bFGF binding per cell was observed as cell density increased from 1000 to 35,000 cells/cm2. The cell density-dependent change in bFGF binding was not the result of altered FGFR expression as determined by equilibrium binding experiments and by immunoblot analysis. However, bFGF-cell surface receptor binding affinities were measured to be 10–20-fold higher at low cell densities than at intermediate and high cell density. bFGF-induced cell proliferation was also cell density-dependent, with maximal stimulation of proliferation 190–280% greater at intermediate densities (15,000 cells/cm2) than at other cell densities. This effect was specific to bFGF as serum, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β did not exhibit the same density-dependent profile. Further, heparan sulfate proteoglycans and, specifically, syndecan-4 were implicated as the modulator of bFGF binding and activity. Pretreatment of cell cultures with heparinase resulted in reduced bFGF binding to the cells and abrogated bFGF induced proliferation. These data suggest a mechanism by which cell density regulates heparan sulfate proteoglycan expression and modulates the cellular response to bFGF. Modulation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan expression might be an important aspect of the regulation of stromal cell migration and proliferation during wound healing.
The waste-product theory of aging: Waste dilution by cell division

When cells divide, the quantity of waste material per cell decreases because the wastes are "diluted" by apportionment between the daughters which result from the division. The quantity of waste present in a symmetrically or asymmetrically dividing population of cells is governed by a first-order non-linear differential equation. In the derivation of the equation, it is assumed (a) that waste is created at a rate which is either constant or proportional to the amount of waste already formed, (b) that waste is neither destroyed nor transported across cell walls, and (c) that the rate of cell division at large values of time is inversely proportional to the amount of waste per cell raised to a power. Relations among the parameters of the differential equation specify conditions under which its solutions rise to a critical value. If the amount of waste per cell given by a solution of the differential equation exceeds this value, it is assumed that deleterious effects become evident and that cell death follows. Decreases in the cell division rate leading to a cessation of population growth may occur at lower levels of waste accumulation.
GPLAN: an operational DSS

The GPLAN system, an operational decision support system, is presented with a discussion of both the design and implementation details. The system allows a decision maker to ask ad hoc questions in a nonprocedural English-like query language. The questions can include both data fetching as well as data analysis, using generalized models stored within the system. The kinds of data analysis performed by the system are limited only by the set of models contained in the library.
It Ain’t Necessarily So: The Electronic Health Record And The Unlikely Prospect Of Reducing Health Care Costs

Electronic health record (EHR) advocates argue that EHRs lead to reduced errors and reduced costs. Many reports suggest otherwise. The EHR often leads to higher billings and declines in provider productivity with no change in provider-to-patient ratios. Error reduction is inconsistent and has yet to be linked to savings or malpractice premiums. As interest in patient-centeredness, shared decision making, teaming, group visits, open access, and accountability grows, the EHR is better viewed as an insufficient yet necessary ingredient. Absent other fundamental interventions that alter medical practice, it is unlikely that the U.S. health care bill will decline as a result of the EHR alone.
Crystal Structures of RMI1 and RMI2, Two OB-Fold Regulatory Subunits of the BLM Complex

Mutations in BLM, a RecQ-like helicase, are linked to the autosomal recessive cancer-prone disorder Bloom's syndrome. BLM associates with topoisomerase (Topo) IIIα, RMI1, and RMI2 to form the BLM complex that is essential for genome stability. The RMI1-RMI2 heterodimer stimulates the dissolution of double Holliday junction into non-crossover recombinants mediated by BLM-Topo IIIα and is essential for stabilizing the BLM complex. However, the molecular basis of these functions of RMI1 and RMI2 remains unclear. Here we report the crystal structures of multiple domains of RMI1-RMI2, providing direct confirmation of the existence of three oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB)-folds in RMI1-RMI2. Our structural and biochemical analyses revealed an unexpected insertion motif in RMI1N-OB, which is important for stimulating the dHJ dissolution. We also revealed the structural basis of the interaction between RMI1C-OB and RMI2-OB and demonstrated the functional importance of the RMI1-RMI2 interaction in genome stability maintenance.
REM sleep suppression induced by selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

The effects of 4 weeks of treatment with the selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibiting antidepressants clorgyline and pargyline on the sleep of affectively disordered patients were studied. Both inhibitors resulted in near total suppression of REM sleep, a decrease in total sleep time, and an increase in the percent of stage 2 sleep. Clorgyline also increased awake time and decreased total recording period and sleep latency. In general, changes were greater for clorgyline than for pargyline and were about 50% slower to return to baseline after clorgyline compared to pargyline discontinuation. The results were consistent with the hypothesis that selective inhibition of the MAO type A, as produced by clorgyline, is sufficient to induce marked sleep changes. MAO inhibitor-induced receptor changes are proposed to account for the time course of the REM suppression and the REM rebound observed upon withdrawal.
Gender differences in coping and social supports: Testing socialization and role constraint theories

Two theories have been advanced to explain gender differences in coping. Socialization theory states that women are socialized into using less effective coping strategies than men. Role constraint theory affirms that no gender differences in coping exist when men and women occupy the same roles. Three studies, where the roles occupied by women and men were the same, were conducted to test the theories. Two of them also compared role constraint and socialization theories for social support. The results for coping did not support the socialization theory and partially supported the role constraint theory. With one exception, men and women did not differ in the ways they coped with similar role stressors. The results for social support indicated that women reported using more support than men in similar role situations. These findings suggest that higher levels of psychological disturbance among women cannot be attributed to their coping styles independent of their social roles.
Chemoprevention as a Form of Cancer Control

Once considered a futuristic concept, chemoprevention for pre-malignant oral leukoplakia lesions is now a reality. Oral leukoplakia can proceed to invasive disease and expose the upper aerodigestive tract to carcinoma. Risk factors, diagnosis and research in chemoprevention are discussed.
Wet abrasion of polymers

Abstract Mechanisms of wet abrasion for nitrile rubber (NBR), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluoropolymer alloy (F50-1) have been investigated. Specimens were held against a rotating steel disc. Both the specimen and the steel disc were immersed in an abrasive liquid of the type used for oil-well drilling. The abraded surfaces of samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy. It is concluded that wear occurs as a result of two different mechanisms: a local microtearing process and a general microlayering or micropolishing process. Wear rates of polymeric materials have been found to increase with increasing sand content of media and with decreasing sliding speed. Mostly, these rates of wear also increase with normal load. However, wear rates of F50-1 were found to be surprisingly insensitive to normal load at 100 °C.
The Ideal Residential Area

This article reports two studies of the "ideal" residential environment, the first of which analyzes responses of a large sample of residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, aged 25 and older, regarding how important each of 15 environmental characteristics would be to them if they were to consider moving, and assesses relative importance for the group in general, as well as correlations with age. The second uses an extended question-and-response format to determine how 90 women, aged 60 and older, living alone, would describe the ideal environmental situation with regard to facilities and services within walking distance of their homes and within their own blocks. The response options of inclusion, exclusion, irrelevance, or no opinion clarified the negative-concomitant aspects of proximity, complementing previous research on proximity and utilization.
SCOTTISH TRADERS IN VIRGINIA, 1750–17751

In these times of liberty and patriotism I have expected to see the tyranny of the merchants opposed .... We all know that we are slaves to the power of the merchants: For who can truly say he is free, when there is a fixed price set upon his tobacco, and the goods he purchases, at rates he does not like? Long custom makes that seem tolerable, which in reality is a great imposition; .... What a blind infatuated multitude must we be, to suffer those, who ought to be dependent on us, to become our masters? 2
Conformational stability, barrier to internal rotation, structural parameters, ab initio calculations, and vibrational assignment of cyclopropylcarbonyl chloride

The asymmetric torsional potential function, conformational energy difference, vibrational frequencies, and structural parameters of Cyclopropane-carboxaldehyde have been obtained from ab initio calculations at the 3–21G and/or 6-31G* baiss set levels. These results have allowed for a reinterpretation or clarification of some of the corresponding results obtained from experiment. The conformations that have the oxygen atom oriented cis and trans to the three-membered ring are observed and calculated to be the most stable and high energy forms in the gaseous phase, respectively. From the ab initio calculations using the 6–31 G* basis set, the energy difference between the two conformers is 114 cm−1. For the liquid, the trans conformer is more stable and is the only rotamer present in the annealed solid. Based on a combination of results obtained from ab initio calculations, microwave spectroscopy, and the electron diffraction technique,ro structural parameters have been obtained for both conformations.
MEASUREMENT OF ANTIDIURETIC ACTIVITY AS APPLIED TO ECLAMPTIC URINE AND PROPERTIES OF ANTIDIURETIC SUBSTANCES IN RAT URINE, PITUITARY AND BEEF LIVER1

THE FINDING of Gilman and Goodman (1) that dehydrated rats excrete antidiuretic material in the urine has stimulated successful investigations on the presence of antidiuretic material in human urine in eclampsia (2, 3) and in other diseases with edema (4). All these workers prepared the urine for bioassay by dialysis in cellophane tubing. While this method has proved to be very useful, Walker (5) has reported that it gave a considerably lower recovery of pituitrin than the collodion adsorption method which he introduced. His method is based on the adsorption of the material when it is filtered through a collodion membrane and its subsequent elution with dilute acid. It has recently been found (6) that human urine extracts contain substances which prolong the antidiuretic effect of posterior pituitary extracts when both are injected together subcutaneously. Such augmentation, well known with hormones (6), results in erroneously high assays.
Utility of anhydrous neodymium nitrate as a precursor to extended organoneodymium nitrate networks.

Hydrated neodymium nitrates can be readily transformed to anhydrous ether solvates which react with cyclopentadienyl reagents to make organometallic nitrate complexes with variable degrees of oligomerization. Heating Nd(NO3)3(H2O)6 in tetrahydrofuran at reflux, removal of solvent, drying at 100 °C under high vacuum, and addition of hot THF generates Nd(NO3)3(THF)3, 1. Using dimethoxyethane, Nd(NO3)3(DME)2, 2, can be obtained similarly. Addition of NaC5Me5 to 1 generates (C5Me5)Nd(NO3)3(THF)Na(THF)x complexes which crystallize as {[(C5Me5)(NO3)2Nd(THF)(μ-NO3)]2Na(THF)4}[Na(THF)6], 3, or [(C5Me5)Nd(THF)(μ-NO3)3Na(THF)2]n, 4, depending on the conditions. The trimetallic Nd2Na unit in 3 forms an extended system in 4 via bridging nitrates. Addition of KC5Me5 and 18-crown-6 to 1 generates another extended complex [(C5Me5)Nd(THF)(NO3)(μ-NO3)2K(18-crown-6)]n, 5, in which an 18-crown-6 ligated potassium links neodymium centers via two bridging nitrates and an agostic interaction between a C5Me5 methyl group and po...
Cognitive dimensions of religious experiences

Abstract Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and regression techniques were utilized to identify and interpret dimensions in the domain of religious experiences for members of major western religions. Descriptions of personal religious experiences were collected from college students and adult members of various religious groups. A multidimensional scaling analysis was conducted for similarity judgments provided by participants who sorted the experiences into piles according to perceived similarity. Twenty-seven students sorted 102 student experiences, while thirty students and twenty-three adults sorted 132 adult experiences. An additional set of similarity judgments was provided by twenty-nine students who rank ordered a subset of adult experiences according to similarity. The dimensions identified by the MDS were interpreted through a multiple regression analysis of ratings made for a subset of the experiences on a number of attribute scales. Twenty-two students rated the student experiences and thirty students rated the adult experiences on the attribute scales. Student experiences could be described by four dimensions: spiritual-temporal, aesthetic response, social-individual, and discrete-continual. Three dimensions defined the adult experiences: level of personal control, spiritual-temporal, and social-individual. These three dimensions were appropriate for each of the three sets of similarity judgments made for the adult experiences. Points of correspondence and noncorrespondence with previous taxonomies of religious experiences are discussed.
The 4.431 MeV excited state of 23Na

Abstract The 4.431 MeV nuclear excitation in 23Na was observed by measuring the electron energy spectrum resulting from inelastic scattering of 58.5 MeV primary electrons through an angle of 180°. It is shown that this excitation is most likely due to a magnetic dipole transition. The integrated inelastic electron scattering cross section for this level was found to be (0.48±0.05) · 10−2 μb/sr.
Part-time physician faculty in a pediatrics department: a study of equity in compensation and academic advancement.

AbstractPurposeTo assess equity in compensation and academic advancement in an academic pediatrics department in which a large proportion of the physician faculty hold part-time appointments.MethodThe authors analyzed anonymized data from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Department of Pediat
Psychosomatic Aspects of Menibre's Disease

It has been known by medical authorities for many years that patients who suffer from Meniere's disease are subject to attacks of anxiety and elevated emotional tensions. This paper attempts to illustrate the possibility that the onset of Meniere's symptoms can be linked to life stress situations. In the past thirty-five years, several carefully controlled studies have been made attempting to point out a relationship between obvious psychological abnormalities and physiological problems related to Meniere's disease. It is also shown that, in many cases, the course of the disease can be reversed through psychotherapy. With the evidence presented, it is obvious that the psychological implications of Meniere's disease should not be ignored.
Preliminary Crystallographic Analysis of Manganese Peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Manganese peroxidase from the white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been crystallized in a form suitable for high-resolution X-ray structure determination. Crystals were grown from solutions containing 30% polyethylene glycol 8000, ammonium sulfate and cacodylate buffer at pH 6.5, using macroseeding techniques. A complete data set has been obtained to 2.06 A resolution. The data can be indexed in space group P1 with a = 45.96 A, b = 53.77 A, c = 84.87 A, alpha = 97.01 degrees, beta = 105.72 degrees and gamma = 90.1 degrees, with two peroxidase molecules per asymmetric unit, or in space group C2 with a = 163.23 A, b = 45.97 A, c = 53.72 A and beta = 97.16 degrees, with only one molecule in the assymetric unit. Lignin peroxidase, which shares about 57% sequence identity with manganese peroxidase, was used as a probe for molecular replacement. Unique rotation and translation solutions have been obtained in space groups P1 and C2. The structure has been partially refined in space group C2 to R = 0.22 for data between 10 and 2.06 A.
The eavesdropping number of a graph

Let G be a connected, undirected graph without loops and without multiple edges. For a pair of distinct vertices u and v, a minimum {u, v}-separating set is a smallest set of edges in G whose removal disconnects u and v. The edge connectivity of G, denoted λ(G), is defined to be the minimum cardinality of a minimum {u, v}-separating set as u and v range over all pairs of distinct vertices in G. We introduce and investigate the eavesdropping number, denoted e(G), which is defined to be the maximum cardinality of a minimum {u, v}-separating set as u and v range over all pairs of distinct vertices in G. Results are presented for regular graphs and maximally locally connected graphs, as well as for a number of common families of graphs.
Drinking Outcomes of Alcohol Abusers Diagnosed as Antisocial Personality Disorder

Clinical research and wisdom suggest that alcoholics with antisocial personality (ASPs) disorders have poorer drinking outcomes after treatment than alcoholics without this disorder. The present study challenges this wisdom, suggesting that poor prognosis and response to treatment have been confounded by not covarying on pretreatment drinking measures. Thirty-one ASPs are compared with 118 non-ASPs randomly assigned to extended cognitive behavioral and relationship enhancement treatments. Thirteen to 18 months after treatment initiation, ASPs average more abstinent days than do non-ASPs. Drinking intensity is a function of a patient-treatment matching effect: ASPs treated with cognitive behavioral treatment (CB) drink less/drinking day than do either non-ASPs treated in CB or ASPs treated in relationship enhancement. This finding is supportive of a comparable matching effect for CB and ASP found by Kadden et al. (1989). Examination of the process indicates that, irrespective of drinking index, ASPs respond poorly when they experience high posttreatment support for abstinence, whereas non-ASPs respond better with support. We conclude that early pessimism for successful treatment of ASP alcoholic drinking outcome may be unwarranted.
SU‐E‐T‐150: Filmless Quality Assurance for Linear Accelerator with Electronic Portal Image Device

Purpose: Our intention was to perform some machine quality assurance (QA) tests that require the use of films with electronic portal imaging device(EPID). A software tool was designed for these tasks which include Light vs Radiation Field, Isocenter Star Shot, Winston‐Lutz and MLC Picket Fence images. Methods: For Light vs Radiation Field, BB dots were placed on the tabletop to indicate the light field and double‐exposure technique was used to enhance the display of BB dots. For Table Isocenter Star Shot, a square field was used, and a steel ruler was placed on the table to show one of the major axis on the images. For Winston‐Lutz test, we placed a small steel ball at isocenter and irradiate it with a square field from various gantry angles. For MLC Picket Fence test, we used a multi‐segment MLC field to deliver six rectangular fields adjacent to each other. In addition to the composite image, the EPID also saved the image from each segment. Our software analyzed the images of all segments. Results: The ability to save multiple images without entering the treatment room greatly shortened the overall time spent. The test results of Light vs Radiation Field, Isocenter Star Shot and Winston‐Lutz from the EPID are similar to the film, except the image quality is much better on EPIDimages. A significant advantage of EPID is that individual image of every segment can be saved and analyzed; where as one cannot determine accurately the position errors on a composite image of film. This analysis of EPID based images facilitates easy calibration of MLC leaves Conclusions: Compared to film method, the EPIDimages are of higher quality and better consistency. The software we developed provides us with fast, convenient, and accurate analysis for this application.
A Numerical Model for Dispersion in a Convective Boundary Layer.

Abstract A numerical model based on the convective plumes observed in the convecting planetary boundary layer has been developed for material dispersion from both elevated and ground source releases. Mechanistic formulation, rather than parameterization, or statistical behavior of PBL phenomenon, has been used as a basis. This model uses two universal constants, the turbulent entrainment constant, a, and decay constant, A. The model results have physical significance with regard to the observed plume behavior in a convective field. An observed case of diffusion has been simulated. The model results are in reasonable agreement with the observation without introducing any adjustable parameters to improve the fit.
Thermal and Flammability Characterization of Graphite Composites

Thermal, mechanical, and flammability properties of graphite composites fabricated with XU71775/H795, a bismaleimide/vinyl-polystyrylpyridine formulation; H795, a bismaleimide; Cycom 6162, a phenolic; and PSP 6022M, a polystyrylpyridine and two types of graphite reinforcement were evaluated and compared with a composite made with an epoxy resin as a matrix. The measured properties included limiting-oxygen index, smoke evolution, thermal degradation products, total-heat release, heat-release rates, mass loss, flame spread, ignition resistance, thermogravimetric analysis, and selected mechanical properties. It was found that the combination of XU71775/H795 with the graphite tape was the optimum design giving the lowest heat release rate.
The need for monitoring metabolic status

Modern military operations utilize complex technologies that require high levels of readiness and sustained cognitive and physical performance of combat military combat personnel. These military operations often depend on weapon systems that use advanced computer technology coupled with an array of sensors that provide continuous information on the battlefield environment and on equipment function. However there is a lack of real-time information on status of the personnel who control these systems and who are vital to mission success. Failure of the human element renders the weapon system useless so it is important to know if an individual is physically and cognitively fit to perform his or her task. Based on the premise that status of metabolic processes provide an early indication of a change in an individuals physiological status, monitoring of selective biomarkers of metabolism and organ function can provide insight on the individual’s ability to perform mission tasks. During combat individuals may not be aware that they have reached a compromised physiological condition due to dehydration, physical exertion, stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, exposure to toxins or other condition that may affect physical and cognitive performance and health. Systems that can provide the individual or his or her commander with information about significant changes in one or more metabolic functions could permit timely intervention to correct the condition. In the event that serious injury has already occurred to an individual, metabolic monitoring can provide valuable intelligence needed for decisions on achieving mission objectives.
Changes in the sexual behavior and testosterone levels of male rats in response to daily interactions with estrus females

Male rat sexual behavior has been intensively studied over the past 100 years, but few studies have examined how sexual behavior changes over the course of several days of interactions. In this experiment, adult male rats in the experimental group (n=12) were given daily access to estrus females for 30 min per day for 15 consecutive days while control males (n=11) did not interact with females. Ovariectomized females were induced into estrus with hormonal injections, and males interacted with a different female each day. The amount of sexual activity (mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations) was found to cycle with a period of approximately 4 days in most male rats. Additionally, blood was collected every other day following sexual interactions to assess serum testosterone levels. Testosterone was found to peak on the first day of interaction and then fell back to near the level of control rats that did not interact with females. Following the initial peak, testosterone concentrations fluctuated less in males exposed to females than in controls. Sexual activity was not found to predict testosterone concentration. We conclude that when male rats have daily sexual interactions, sexual behavior tends to show cyclic changes and testosterone is significantly elevated only on the first day of interactions.
The “Simmie” Side of Life: Old Order Amish Youths' Affective Response to Culturally Prescribed Deviance

In this article, an analysis has been provided of the counterintuitive affective response Old Order Amish youth make to unique cultural prescriptions for adolescent deviance, which have been constr...
Thermodynamic properties of superconducting nuclear matter

Abstract Phase diagrams of superconducting nuclear matter are calculated by solving a set of finite temperature gap equations, using several Skyrme effective interactions. Our results indicate that nuclear matter may have a superconducting phase in a small region with density near one half of the normal nuclear matter density and temperature k B T ≲ 1.4 MeV. Our calculation is based on a finite temperature Green's function method with an abnormal pair cutoff approximation. The same approximation is employed in deriving the internal energy, entropy and chemical potential of superconducting nuclear matter. In this way, its equation of state is obtained, and compared with that of normal nuclear matter. The energy gap of superconducting nuclear matter is found to depend rather sensitively on both density and temperature. This dependence is analysed in terms of the Skyrme interaction parameters. The correlation effect on chemical potential is found to be important at high density, and its inclusion is essential in determining the equation of state of superconducting nuclear matter.
Rib waveguide to strip waveguide mode converter using local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS)

A mode converter that goes from a rib waveguide to a strip waveguide has been demonstrated. The mode converter contains a 3-D taper fabricated using LOCOS. The demonstrated losses are 0.34 dB per coupler.
Pyruvate kinase isozymic shifts of differentiating chick myogenic cells in vivo and in culture

Abstract Developing chick skeletal muscle undergoes an isozymic shift from type K pyruvate kinase to type M during development. A major increase in pyruvate kinase activity follows the isozymic shift, resulting in at least 40-fold higher specific activities by adulthood. Similar isozymic changes occur in primary cultures of myogenic cells from 12-day-old chick embryos. Cultures initially contain only type K pyruvate kinase. Type M appears by the fourth day of culture and accounts for 80–90% of the activity by the eleventh day. Type M did not accumulate when cell fusion was prevented by removing Ca2+ from the growth medium or when protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide.
C'1 ESTERASE EFFECT ON ACTIVITY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE FOURTH COMPONENT OF COMPLEMENT.

Highly purified C'1 esterase of human serum is capable of inactivating isolated fourth component of human complement (β1E-globulin). Inactivation is accompanied by changes in electrophoretic and ultracentrifugal properties of β1E-globulin. If non-sensitized sheep erythrocytes are present during the action of C'1 esterase on β1E-globulin, a complex is formed consisting of cells and cytolytically active fourth component (EC'4). Thus, inactivation of β1E-globulin by C'1 esterase appears to be preceded by a state of activation enabling β1E-molecules to combine with cell membrane receptors. Acceptor groups appear to be present also in 7S γ-globulin and in β1E-globulin itself, since C'1 esterase can induce the formation of β-β and of β1E-7S γ-globulin complexes.
Crystal Structure of the Ephrin-B1 Ectodomain: Implications for Receptor Recognition and Signaling†

Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are involved in various aspects of cell−cell communication during development, including axonal pathfinding in the nervous system and cell−cell interactions o...
Central and East European Trade Developments

Josef C. Brada, The European Community and Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Report on Eastern Europe. de Weydenthal, Jan B., Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland Gain Associate Membership in the EC. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Research Report. Agra Europe. Weekly issues. East Europe Agriculture and Food Monthly. EC Documents & Regulation (Number 34).
A model of the subunit structure of fraction I protein.

Abstract The molecular weights of the two subunits of Fraction I protein have been estimated as 52,000 and 24,500 by Sephadex column chromatography, suggesting that the native protein is constructed from 8 large and 6 small subunits. On the basis of these numbers as well as the shape of the crystal of Fraction I protein, a model of the subunit structure of the protein is proposed.
Correlation of loss of photoreversibility of ultra-violet-induced mutations with deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis.

PREVIOUS work suggests that nucleic acid precursors altered in vivo by ultra-violet light serve as metabolic intermediates for mutation induction in Escherichia coli 1. Other studies indicate that in the absence of an adequate source of nitrogen, an immediate and rapid decline in frequency of mutations induced by ultra-violet light occurs2,3. Prevention of this decline depends on the availability of a complex supply of amino-acids immediately following radiation exposure. The potential mutation is modified during post-irradiation incubation so that it is no longer subject to reversal by those agents inhibitory to protein or ribonucleic acid synthesis which cause decline in mutation frequency. Progression of loss of mutation susceptibility to chloramphenicol reversal is closely correlated with the post-irradiation synthesis of ribonucleic acid. Furthermore, experimentation has shown that a relation exists between the amount of post-irradiation ribonucleic acid which has been synthesized at the time of addition of chloramphenicol, the rate of synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid in the presence of chloramphenicol, and the induced mutation frequency response obtained at subsequent plating4. These results suggest that ribonucleic acid and protein syntheses are required for mutation induction and synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid following exposure to ultra-violet light. It would appear that only those cells which have synthesized the ribonucleic acid and protein necessary for genetic replication prior to addition of chloramphenicol are able to reproduce their deoxyribonucleic acid and thereby acquire mutant characters.
Multiple asperity model for earthquake prediction

Large earthquakes often occur as multiple ruptures reflecting strong variations of stress level along faults. Dense instrument networks with which the volcano Kilauea is monitored provided detailed data on changes of seismic velocity, strain accumulation and earthquake occurrence rate before the 1975 Hawaii 7.2-mag earthquake. During the ∼4 yr of preparation time the mainshock source volume had separated into crustal volumes of high stress levels embedded in a larger low-stress volume, showing respectively high- and low-stress precursory anomalies.
Homonuclear vanadium-51 dipolar couplings in inorganic solids obtained via hahn spin echo decay NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract Dipolar dephasing of the magnetization following a Hahn spin echo pulse sequence potentially provides a quantitative means for determining the dipolar second moment in solids. In this work, the possibility of employing Hahn spin echo decay spectroscopy to obtain quantitative 51 V– 51 V dipolar second moments is explored. Theoretical spin echo response curves are compared to experimental ones for a collection of crystalline vanadium-containing compounds. This work suggests that 51 V dipolar second moments can be obtained by selectively exciting the central m = 1/2 → −1/2 by a Hahn echo sequence for vanadate compounds with line broadening no greater than approximately 220 ppm. For vanadates with greater broadening of the central transition due to chemical shift, second-order quadrupolar, and dipolar interactions, off-resonance effects lead to an oscillatory time dependence of the spin echo. Experimentally determined second moments of the normalized echo decay intensities lie within 10–33% of the calculated values if the second moments are extrapolated to zero evolution time due to the time scale dependence of spin exchange among neighboring vanadium nuclei. Alternatively, the second moments can be obtained to within 10–25% of the calculated values if the broadening of the central transition due to chemical shift and second-order quadrupolar effects can be estimated.
Simulation and numerical modeling for sonar systems analysis--An overview

Although somewhat arbitrary, models can be categorized as being analytical, numerical and/or simulation models. Analytical models are those models for which the mathematical expression can be solved in "analytical" or "closed" form. Numerical models are those for which solutions are obtained using "numerical analysis" techniques, usually evaluated using a computer. Numerical models include analytical models which are implemented on a computer for ease in obtaining solutions (and generating results in graphical form) for a variety of alternative conditions. Numerical sonar models generally include analytical submodels which describe the various physical phenomena implicit in the prototype, such as spherical spreading with range and absorption loss with frequency. Numerical models also include those models for which closed-form, analytical solutions to the equations cannot be found for the conditions of interest, and, hence, require numerical techniques to obtain solutions. Simulation Models are those models which include in some sense the dynamics of the prototype being modeled. This includes models which represent dynamic systems that produce outputs which unfold in time in response to time-varying inputs or parameters. It includes models which produce statistical realizations of the response of a system to random inputs or with randomly varying parameters, as in time series generation models for use in single or multiple Monte Carlo simulations. It is noted that simulation models can be constructed from analytical or numerical models which produce closed-form or numerically-derived solutions, respectively, to individual stimuli; however, when the analytical or numerical models are implemented for a contiguous sequence of dynamic stimuli, they become simulation models. Since simulation models are usually sufficiently complex to require implementation on a computer, they generally can be considered a subset within the numerical model category.
Axial patterning interactions in the sea urchin embryo: suppression of nodal by Wnt1 signaling

Wnt and Nodal signaling pathways are required for initial patterning of cell fates along anterior-posterior (AP) and dorsal-ventral (DV) axes, respectively, of sea urchin embryos during cleavage and early blastula stages. These mechanisms are connected because expression of nodal depends on early Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Here, we show that an important subsequent function of Wnt signaling is to control the shape of the nodal expression domain and maintain correct specification of different cell types along the axes of the embryo. In the absence of Wnt1, the posterior-ventral region of the embryo is severely altered during early gastrulation. Strikingly, at this time, nodal and its downstream target genes gsc and bra are expressed ectopically, extending posteriorly to the blastopore. They override the initial specification of posterior-ventral ectoderm and endoderm fates, eliminating the ventral contribution to the gut and displacing the ciliary band dorsally towards, and occasionally beyond, the blastopore. Consequently, in Wnt1 morphants, the blastopore is located at the border of the re-specified posterior-ventral oral ectoderm and by larval stages it is in the same plane near the stomodeum on the ventral side. In normal embryos, a Nodal-dependent process downregulates wnt1 expression in dorsal posterior cells during early gastrulation, focusing Wnt1 signaling to the posterior-ventral region where it suppresses nodal expression. These subsequent interactions between Wnt and Nodal signaling are thus mutually antagonistic, each limiting the range of the other's activity, in order to maintain and stabilize the body plan initially established by those same signaling pathways in the early embryo.