cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of the pyrochemical process to recycle of actinides from LWR spent fuel

The Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) process includes recycle of all of the actinides contained in spent IFR fuel, and thus reduces waste disposal challenges. Pyrochemical processes also appears suitable for recovering and recycling actinides from spent fuels from light water cooled reactors (LWRs). Following surveys of many pyrochemical processes, two candidates have been selected for further development. A calcium/salt transport process operating at 800 to 850°C appears to recover the transuranic (TRU) elements efficiently. The oxide fuel is reduced to metal using calcium reductant. Salt extraction and transport are used to effect a suitable separation of transuranics from the excess uranium and the bulk of the fission products. The metallic TRU product is then used as feedstock for casting fast reactor fuel pins. An alternate, and currently preferred, process involves a lithium reductant operating at about 650°C. The electrorefining step used to separate the TRU product from the bulk excess uranium is precisely the one already developed for the IFR recycle. Basic laboratory work shows that either process would be feasible and engineering-scale experiments are being prepared.
Analytic Approach to Nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov Instabilities

We present analytic formulas for the nonlinear evolution of the bubble amplitude in Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities in two and three dimensions. Direct numerical simulations of He/Xe shock tube experiments are also presented and the results are found to agree well with the analytic formulas which are based on an extension of Layzer's theory [Astrophys. J. 122, 1 (1955)].
Quality management issues.

T HE CARE and treatment of the cancer patient is a highly complex activity. Multiple professional staff and family members are involved. Physicians and staff from several organizations may contribute to the overall care plan for the patient. Different professionals each have their role. Given this high level of complexity and the importance of correct judgements and decisions, the question of how it can be guaranteed that the care provided in a cancer program is of the highest quality must be addressed. "Quality" is both a difficult concept to describe and a simple one to recognize. Benson and Van Osdol I addressed this dilemma by writing: "We revere quality much as we do the proverbial 'motherhood and apple pie,' but have we really thought about what it is? We salute quality, but can we define it? Is quality 'indescribably delicious' (as the Mounds candy bar people say), or is it, in fact, 'delicious yet very describable?' " The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has stated that quality care has seven major characteristics (Table 1). 2 These characteristics can be used as a baseline to measure the quality of a cancer program. Quality has different meanings to different customers, depending on what each customer seeks from a cancer program. Each customer is able to measure and evaluate the components of services differently and from a different perspective. This affects their perception of the quality of the programs. Patients, staff, treating physicians, referring physicians, and the patient's family and significant others are all customers of a cancer program. They will each perceive the care given and the processes surrounding that care in a slightly different way. The challenge, as a cancer program manager, is
Low-energy impact of a heavy Higgs boson sector

Abstract The effective theory which characterizes the low-energy sensitivity of the minimal Weinberg-Salam model to a heavy Higgs boson sector is shown to be the gauged SU(2) L × U(1) non-linear θ model. This theory is the limit of the Weinberg-Salam model as the Higgs boson mass, M H , is removed ( M H → ∞). Using the symmetry properties of the non-linear theory, along with a power-counting analysis, we are able to classify low-energy observables according to their sensitivity to the regulator ( M H ). At one loop, the greatest sensitivity is a logarithmic dependence on the Higgs boson mass. The M H dependent corrections to some specific, experimentally accessible observables are calculated, and other possible applications of this technique are discussed.
Radiation shielding design strategies for lunar minimal functionality habitability element

Abstract This paper is based on a study conducted by Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA) between September 2008 and February 2009. SICSA has been awarded key roles in helping two aerospace company teams plan living and working accommodations for early lunar surface missions. SICSA has major conceptual design responsibilities on teams headed by Boeing and ILC-Dover which were separately selected out of more than 20 competing proposals for two out of three total NASA study contracts. Major study priorities were to determine minimum habitat requirements essential to keep crews alive and safe from harm during the first month-long missions, and then expand these accommodations as operations, facilities and amenities are extended. This paper discusses important points of radiation protection design options and known radiation protection materials applications with a special emphasis upon comparative mass implications for several proposed habitat configuration concepts. These comparisons are correlated with shielding surface area rather than actual mass estimates due to current data uncertainties regarding a number of issues: unresolved questions concerning how much radiation protection will be mandated, what mitigation strategies will be selected, what types and thicknesses of materials will be used, and how much of the total allowable module mass can be allocated for this purpose.
Contemplative Practice and Textual Agency in Advaita Vedānta

Advaita Vedāntins consider contemplative practice (nididhyāsana) as one of the primary practices for gaining self-knowledge and liberation. However, the nature of contemplative practice is both ambiguous and contested. How do Advaita Vedānta practitioners actually engage this contemplative process? What are the relationships between contemplative practice, scriptural study, and liberating experience? This paper explores the nature of contemplative practice based on fieldwork with contemporary Advaita Vedānta monks from the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam.
Potentiation of A2 purinoceptor-stimulated surfactant phospholipid secretion in primary cultures of rat type II pneumocytes.

Surfactant secretion is mediated by a number of different signal-transduction mechanisms. Positive and negative interactions between different signaling pathways can have an important influence on the overall regulation of secretion. To examine interactions between the adenosine A2 receptor-mediated pathway and those involving activation of protein kinase C and a Ca++/calmodulin-dependent system, we examined the effect of the A2 agonist 5′-(N-ethylcarboxyamido) adenosine (NECA) in combination with 2 activators of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and dioctanoylglycerol, and the Ca ++ ionophore ionomycin on phosphatidylcholine secretion in primary cultures of rat type 11 cells. The individual agonists increased secretion 3–5-fold over the rate in control cells. The stimulatory effects of NECA + TPA, NECA + dioctanoylglycerol, and NECA + ionomycin were 44%, 20%, and 44% greater, respectively, than expected by addition of the effects of the individual agonists. NECA increased cAMP formation while the other agonists did not. However, the effect of NECA on CAMP formation was significantly enhanced by TPA and dioctanoylglycerol, while the duration of the increase in CAMP level was prolonged by dioctanoylglycerol and ionomycin. Although tho possible involvement of other second messenger systems cannot be excluded, we speculate that the synergistic interaction between the agonists in stimulating phosphatidylcholine secretion is mediated by increased cAMP levels.
Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation.

Laparoscopy has greatly influenced abdominal surgery. We hypothesize that the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are applicable to rectal cancer. A cadaver model of laparoscopic rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) and autonomic nerve preservation was utilized to explore this hypothesis. The principles of TME were followed, including high vascular ligation, sharp mesorectal dissection, and identification and preservation of the autonomic pelvic nerves. After proving feasibility in the cadaver model, a clinical study was performed on patients with mid to low rectal cancers. We observed acceptable morbidity with this minimally invasive technique of rectal resection and TME. We conclude that there is growing evidence that laparoscopic methods can be applied to patients with rectal cancer. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 19:396–403, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Psycho-educational evaluations for university students in one clinic.

Summary The number of university students requesting services based on the Americans with Disabilities Act for learning disabilities and ADHD-related difficulties has increased, although there are limited reports in the literature describing these evaluations. The current study describes a sample of 140 individuals (59% women) who presented for psycho-educational evaluation at the university psychology clinic. The students were individually administered self-report, cognitive, academic, and attention measures as indicated, and diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Difficulties with mathematics, attention, and reading concerns were the most frequent presenting complaints. 46 students met criteria for one or more learning disorders and 20 students met criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Test scores are summarized and findings compared with the literature.
Resonance enhancement of the non-totally symmetric vibrations in the raman spectra of para-benzosemiquinone radical anion☆

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra of p -benzosemiquinone radical anion excited in the 340–430 nm region are reported. Prominent bands, which are not present in the 430 nm spectrum, are observed at 1472 and 1271 cm −1 in the 370 nm spectrum. These bands are attributed to the non-totally symmetric (b 1g ) modes, ν 8b (CC stretch) and ν 3 (CH bend), respectively. These vibrations are resonance-enhanced because of vibronic coupling between the 370 nm ( 2 A u ← 2 B 3g ) and 315 nm ( 2 B 1u ← 2 B 3g ) transitions.
Coupling efficiency of a batch-aligned laser-fiber array

ABSTRACT Coupling efficiency of a batchaligned, laser4iber array Shawn A. Hall, flan-Chung Wang and Ramon LaneIBM T. J. Watson Research Center, P. 0. Box 704, Yorktown Fits., NY 10598Coupling efficiencies for 32-wide, hatch-aliicd arrays of laser-fiber interconnects were measured and comparedto the efficiency obtainable with individual alignmcnt. The tests were carried out using 1300-nm, InP ridge lasersand Coming SMF-28, single-mode optical fibers. In this paper, the associated fabrication and alignment tech-niques are described briefly. Results are given showing how coupling efficiency depends on misalignment, onlaser-to-fiber distance, on fiber bevel angle, and on piece-to-piece variations among lasers and fibers. A directcomparison ofhaich alignment vs. individual alignment is also given, which shows that the average batch-a1iiedefficiency is about RE percent as large as the individually-aligned (optimal) efficiency. This result, which reflectsa particular packaging methodology and best-effort alignment, gives a good indication ofthe coupling efficiencieswhich may be typically expected for wide, batch-aligned aays.
Adjustment of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy criteria for body mass index and age improves classification accuracy: The effects of hypertension and obesity

Population-based data from the Framingham Heart Study have served as the basis for adjusting electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) for two determinants of their sensitivity: body mass index and age. Estimated regression equations that predict echo-derived left ventricular mass from an ECG LVH voltage criterion, body mass index, and age, for 1,468 men and 1,883 women, provide a simple and effective means of adjusting that criterion for these variables. The authors evaluated five different ECG LVH criteria, comparing the performances of their original and adjusted versions within this database. All adjusted criteria significantly outperformed their unadjusted counterparts. Of these five criteria, the Cornell voltage duration product, (RAVL + SV3). QRS interval, exhibited the greatest sensitivity at all levels of specificity for both sexes (39 and 51% sensitivity at 95% specificity in men and women, respectively). Its performance was further evaluated with separate adjustment algorithms developed for lean versus obese and normotensive versus hypertensive men and women. Age and body mass index adjustment produced significant improvements for both lean and obese women and for obese men. A marginal gain in sensitivity was found in lean normotensive men. Within the relatively small subgroup of lean hypertensive men, no improvement was observed. These results suggest that among Caucasian adults, the Cornell voltage duration product adjusted for body mass index and age offers significant improvement for the detection of echocardiographically determined LVH in all but lean men; within the latter group, it loses no sensitivity in comparison with the original criterion.
Effect of comprehensive care on pregnancy outcomes.

The purpose of the study was to compare pregnancy outcomes of low socioeconomic pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a prototype, comprehensive, multidisciplinary tertiary clinic with outcomes of a matched sample who received prenatal care from a variety of area public health clinics. Multidisciplinary clinic subjects were matched by age, race, and parity to 175 control subjects selected from labor and delivery logs of the general hospital that services the entire community. There were significant differences between groups on the measures of gestational age ( t [174] = 2.50, p t [174] = 11.12, p t [174] = 5.86, p
Superconductivity of magnesium diboride

Abstract Over the past 14 years MgB 2 has gone from a startling discovery to a promising, applied superconductor. In this article we present a brief overview of the synthesis and the basic superconducting properties of this remarkable compound. In particular, the effect of pressure, substitutions and neutron irradiation on superconducting properties are discussed.
Surface speciation and alkane oxidation with highly dispersed Fe(III) sites on silica

Abstract When highly dispersed, supported Fe oxides are selective alkane oxidation catalysts, but new syntheses are required to reliably produce such materials. Here, highly dispersed, supported Fe3+ catalysts are prepared via incipient wetness impregnation of SiO2 with aqueous Fe complexes of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (FeEDTA), followed by calcination. With Na+ countercations, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra are entirely below 300 nm and H2 temperature-programmed reduction only shows reduction at ∼630 °C for all loadings up to 2.15 wt%, the maximum loading for a single impregnation cycle. These characteristics indicate isolated sites not seen for Fe(NO3)3 precursors even at 0.3 wt%. NH 4 + countercations lead to amorphous oxide oligomers and a minority species with unusual reducibility at 310 °C. Na+ countercations produce ‘single-site’ behavior in adamantane oxidation using H2O2 with a specific turnover frequency of 9.2 ± 0.8 ks−1, constant for all Fe loadings and approximately 10 times higher than that of other well-dispersed Fe/SiO2 materials. Similar turnover frequencies are obtained when counting only the highly reducible species on the NH 4 + -derived catalyst, allowing these sites to be tentatively assigned as small, undercoordinated clusters that are both easily reduced and participate in alkane oxidation, reminiscent of Fe-exchanged MFI zeolites.
A property of Stein's estimator for the mean of a multivariate normal distribution

Summary A uniform bound on the risk (under squared error loss) of Stein's estimator Ψ1 for the mean of the multivariate normal distribution is given. Using the bound, the asymptotic behaviour of the risk of Ψ1 under a Bayesian assumption is obtained.
Polyamine regulation of Na+/glucose symporter expression in LLC-PK1 cells

Addition of polyamines or their analogs to newly confluent LLC-PK1 cells resulted in down-regulation of Na+-glucose transport (symport) activity. Polyamines prevented the induction of this symporter by the differentiation inducer hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) but did not influence induction by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Partial depletion of endogenous polyamines after addition of α -difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) resulted in a 4 to 5-fold increase in symporter expression. Symporter induction by either HMBA or DFMO was inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor H-7 but H-7 did not affect symporter induction by IBMX. Changes in symporter activity were accompanied by changes in levels of the 75 kD symporter subunit detected by Western blot. Cultures exposed to HMBA exhibited reduced levels of ornithine decarboxylase activity. Our results suggest that induction of symporter expression by HMBA may be mediated in part by its effects on polymine metabolism, and point to parallel roles of polyamines and cyclic AMP in regulating the expression of this physiologically important renal transport system. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Management of cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation.

Abstract Cyromegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that, together with human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV- 6) and HHV- 7, belongs to the β-herpesvirus family. Like other herpes viruses, CMV establishes lifelong latent infections. Infection with CMV is common in all populations, but is infrequently associated with symptomatic illness in healthy hosts. However, CMV is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. CMV infection is the single most common opportunistic infection after solid-organ transplantation and directly and indirectly affects the outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
Concrete Quarks - The Beginning of the End

A short history of the physics of strongly interacting particles is presented. Events leading to the discovery, and eventual acceptance, of concrete quarks are described.
The effect of ionic cross-links on the deformation behavior of homoblends made of poly(styrene-co-styrenesulfonic acid) and poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine)

Abstract Deformation behavior of stoichiometric blends made from poly(styrene- co -styrenesulfonic acid) (SPS) and poly(styrene- co -4-vinylpyridine) (SVP) was investigated by TEM observation of strained thin films. An FTIR investigation revealed that ionic cross-links were formed between the component polymers upon blending due to intermolecular ion–ion interactions, which arose from proton transfer from sulfonic acid groups to pyridine groups. TEM observations indicate that the deformation mode of the blends changed from crazing only to crazing plus shear deformation, with the shear contribution becoming larger, as the ion content in the blends increased. Such changes in deformation mode can be understood as arising from an increase in the ‘effective’ strand density due to the formation of ionic cross-links upon blending. It was also found that the ionic cross-links via pyridinium cation/sulfonate anion ion pairs were more effective in inducing the transition of deformation mode than ionic cross-links via –SO 3 − /Na + or –SO 3 − /Ca 2+ ion pairs.
Traits versus Issues How Female Candidates Shape Coverage of Senate and Gubernatorial Races

As female candidates may face greater challenges in establishing their “qualifications” for office, coverage of their personal traits may be pernicious, because it tends to de-emphasize substantive...
Measurements of Wall Heat Transfer in the Presence of Large-Amplitude Combustion-Driven Oscillations

Two independent methods were used to measure the rate of heat transfer from a hot gas to the walls of a cylindrical combustion chamber in which large-amplitude combustion-driven oscillations accompanied a mean flow. The results obtained from the two methods were in good agreement and indicated a definite increase in the heat transfer in the presence of oscillations. The increase was found to vary approximately as the square root of the oscillation amplitude and as the fourth root of the frequency. A correlation in terms of dimensionless variables was obtained using the thickness of the acoustic boundary layer as the appropriate length scale.
The molecular dynamics problem in multiphoton excitation

Abstract While the molecular dynamics for weakly coupled, harmonic oscillators undergoing infinitesimal amplitude displacements are well described by normal modes, and the other extreme — strongly coupled anharmonic, large amplitude oscillating units can be treated as though they are ergodic systems, so that only state densities are needed, intermediate cases are very difficult to analyze. Here we propose that some intermediate cases, wherein we seek relative rates for reaction induced by specific frequency excitation (three-center displacement reactions or dissociation), may be approximately estimated from a normal mode analysis by calculating increment in root mean square amplitudes for a suitable internal coordinate, upon specific multiple photon absorption. A test case is presented as an illustration.
RELIGIOUS ORIENTATIONS AND POLITICAL ATTITUDES Variations Within the New Christian Right

Activists in Christian Right organizations are exerting increasing political muscle within the Republican party. This article examines the impact of religious variables on the variation of attitudes of activists in the Ohio Moral Majority. Within this relatively homogeneous population, denominational affiliation, frequency of church attendance, religious-group identity, and the strength of the subjective connection between religious and political attitudes all exert an influence on political attitudes. The impact of these variables is significant after controls for demographic variables and partisanship are introduced. These results suggest that religious variables may exert strong influence on the attitudes and behaviors of those for whom religious beliefs are highly salient.
Nitrogen distribution in four grain legumes

SUMMARY The partitioning of above ground nitrogen (N) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum), lentil (Lens culinaris), lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) and pea (Pisum sativum) at crop maturity was investigated. The plants were grown at different plant populations and sowing depths in 1998/99 and 1999/2000 in Canterbury, New Zealand. In all four legumes the N concentration was highest in seed (29–36 mg/g N) followed by senescent leaves. The lowest N concentration was in stems. Lupin had the highest seed N yield at 16.82 and 19.29 g/m 2 followed by chickpea at 10.26 and 13.10 g/m 2 , in 1998/99 and 1999/ 2000, respectively. Lentil had the lowest N concentrations and yield. The distribution of N to all legume plant parts increased as population increased up to twice the optimum and 400 plants/m 2 in 1998/99 and 1999/2000, respectively. Over all plant populations, the nitrogen harvest index (NHI) was stable in each of the four species across the two seasons. However, the NHI changed with changes in plant population and sowing depth. The N accumulation efficiency (EN) was highest in lentil at 0.024 and 0.027 g N/g DM and lowest in chickpea at 0.018 and 0.021 g N/g DM in 1998/99 and 1999/2000, respectively. The NHI and the crop harvest index (CHI) were correlated and both were strongly associated with seed yield. Thus, NHI might be useful as a selection criterion to improve seed yield in grain legumes.
Effect of Intense Exercise on Inflammatory Cytokines and Growth Mediators in Adolescent Boys

Objective. Exercise can enhance growth and development in children, but recent investigations have revealed an intriguing paradox. Namely, the early (4–5 weeks) response to training programs in children lead to a catabolic, growth hormone (GH)-resistant state rather than the expected anabolic activation of the GH→insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis. This paradox led us to hypothesize that single bouts of exercise in children could stimulate proinflammatory cytokines known to inhibit directly anabolic activity of the GH→IGF-1 axis (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]). Methods. Eleven healthy high school-age boys, age 14 to 18.5 years, performed a single, typical, 1.5-hour wrestling practice session. Blood was sampled before and after the session. Results. We found significant decreases in anabolic mediators: total IGF-I (−11.2 ± 2.3%), bound IGF-I (−11.2 ± 2.4%), and insulin (−42 ± 10%. However, there was no change in unbound IGF-I. Remarkable increases were found in proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 (795 ± 156%), TNF-α (30 ± 12%), and IL-1β (286 ± 129%) and in IGF-binding protein-1 (835 ± 234%), which itself is stimulated by inflammatory cytokines and is known to inhibit IGF-I. Evidence for compensatory mechanisms to counter the antianabolic inflammatory response to acute exercise were also noted: IL-1ra increased (80 ± 20%) and IGF-binding protein-3 proteolysis (which can maintain unbound, biologically active IGF-I despite losses in total IGF-I) increased significantly (101 ± 39%) as well. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that an intense exercise bout in male adolescents leads to reductions in anabolic mediators and profound increases in inflammatory cytokines. This might explain the development of what seems to be a paradoxical catabolic state in the initial phases of exercise training programs.
Ambulatory abdominoplasty tailored to patients with an appropriate body mass index.

Abstract Background The office-based surgery setting potentially offers advantages to both the patient and the plastic surgeon, but some patients may not be considered good candidates for abdominoplasty or combined abdominoplasty/lipoplasty performed in the ambulatory setting. Objective We conducted a retrospective case review of 22 patients who underwent ambulatory abdominoplasty to correct diastasis recti during a 1-year period to evaluate the utility of body mass index (BMI) in patient selection for office-based abdominoplasty procedures using a tumescent technique. Methods Patients selected for ambulatory abdominoplasty in an office-based setting had BMIs ranging from 22 to 34, with an average BMI of 27, and were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II. Patients with a BMI that placed them in a “morbidly obese” category (BMI of 35 or above) received general anesthesia with an overnight hospital stay. In borderline cases involving obese patients, a qualified anesthesia provider was consulted to determine whether ambulatory surgery was appropriate, based on the patient's airway and an overall evaluation of the patient's history and physical examination. Patients who underwent ambulatory abdominoplasty received a tumescent anesthetic solution of 50 mL 1% lidocaine with 1 mg epinephrine per liter of normal saline, up to 35 mg/kg body weight. Lipoplasty of the lateral and epigastric regions was routinely performed at the end of all abdominoplasties. The length of surgery was 3 hours to 5.5 hours, depending on the number of regions undergoing lipoplasty. Results There were no reportable surgical or anesthetic complications in any of our patients. Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the results. Conclusions BMI evaluation, and in some cases additional risk assessment by a qualified anesthesia provider, can be helpful in determining proper candidates for ambulatory abdominoplasty and combined abdominoplasty/lipoplasty procedures.
Nonmydriatic fluorescence-based quantitative imaging of human macular pigment distributions

We have developed a CCD-camera-based nonmydriatic instrument that detects fluorescence from retinal lipofuscin chromophores ("autofluorescence") as a means to indirectly quantify and spatially image the distribution of macular pigment (MP). The lipofuscin fluorescence intensity is reduced at all retinal locations containing MP, since MP has a competing absorption in the blue-green wavelength region. Projecting a large diameter, 488 nm excitation spot onto the retina, centered on the fovea, but extending into the macular periphery, and comparing lipofuscin fluorescence intensities outside and inside the foveal area, it is possible to spatially map out the distribution of MP. Spectrally selective detection of the lipofuscin fluorescence reveals an important wavelength dependence of the obtainable image contrast and deduced MP optical density levels, showing that it is important to block out interfering fluorescence contributions in the detection setup originating from ocular media such as the lens. Measuring 70 healthy human volunteer subjects with no ocular pathologies, we find widely varying spatial extent of MP, distinctly differing distribution patterns of MP, and strongly differing absolute MP levels among individuals. Our population study suggests that MP imaging based on lipofuscin fluorescence is useful as a relatively simple, objective, and quantitative noninvasive optical technique suitable to rapidly screen MP levels and distributions in healthy humans with undilated pupils.
Profile as promise: A framework for conceptualizing veracity in online dating self-presentations:

This research explores how users conceptualize misrepresentation (their own and others’) in a specific genre of online self-presentation: the online dating profile. Using qualitative data collected from 37 online dating participants, we explore user understandings of self-presentational practices, specifically how discrepancies between one’s online profile and offline presentation are constructed, assessed, and justified. Based on our analysis, we propose the profile as promise framework as an analytic lens that captures user understandings about profile-based representation through a qualitative analysis of their retrospective reflections.
Phonological Awareness and Verbal Short-Term Memory

Many studies have established an association between early reading problems and deficiencies in certain spoken language skills, such as the ability to become aware of the syllabic structure of spoken words, and the ability to retain a string of words in verbal short-term memory. A longitudinal study now shows that inferior performance in kindergarten tests of these same skills may presage future reading problems in the first grade. Based on these findings, procedures are suggested for kindergarten screening and for some ways of aiding children who, by virtue of inferior performance on these tests, might be considered at risk for reading failure.
Use of positron emission tomography/CT to perform biopsy of a mesenteric mass.

A 61-year-old white man with follicular lymphoma had a mixed response to chemotherapy. Computed tomography (CT)–guided biopsy of a retroperitoneal mass (Fig a, arrow) revealed predominantly necrotic tissue (Fig b, circle), with viable muscle present only at the upper left. Follow-up positron emission tomography (PET)/CT demonstrated a new mesenteric mass suspicious for malignancy. The patient had mild fever and diffuse abdominal distention, and the white blood cell count was 0.10 10/L (normal, 4.8–10.8 10/L) at the time of PET/CT. Blood culture
Combinations of Polyclonal or Monoclonal Antibodies to Proteins of the Outer Membranes of the Two Infectious Forms of Vaccinia Virus Protect Mice against a Lethal Respiratory Challenge

Previous studies demonstrated that antibodies to live vaccinia virus infection are needed for optimal protection against orthopoxvirus infection. The present report is the first to compare the protective abilities of individual and combinations of specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that target proteins of the intracellular (IMV) and extracellular (EV) forms of vaccinia virus. The antibodies were directed to one IMV membrane protein, L1, and to two outer EV membrane proteins, A33 and B5. In vitro studies showed that the antibodies to L1 neutralized IMV and that the antibodies to A33 and B5 prevented the spread of EV in liquid medium. Prophylactic administration of individual antibodies to BALB/c mice partially protected them against disease following intranasal challenge with lethal doses of vaccinia virus. Combinations of antibodies, particularly anti-L1 and -A33 or -L1 and -B5, provided enhanced protection when administered 1 day before or 2 days after challenge. Furthermore, the protection was superior to that achieved with pooled immune gamma globulin from human volunteers inoculated with live vaccinia virus. In addition, single injections of anti-L1 plus anti-A33 antibodies greatly delayed the deaths of severe combined immunodeficiency mice challenged with vaccinia virus. These studies suggest that antibodies to two or three viral membrane proteins optimally derived from the outer membranes of IMV and EV, may be beneficial for prophylaxis or therapy of orthopoxvirus infections.
Deadlock detection and resolution for discrete-event simulation: multiple-unit seizes

This paper develops an automatic scheme to detect and resolve deadlocks in discrete-event simulation systems with entities capable of requesting multiple units of a resource. The research extends earlier deadlock work on discrete simulation systems with unit resource requests. The purpose of the deadlock handling scheme is to provide for additional capabilities in discrete simulation systems. This is accomplished by endowing the simulation system with appropriate data structures and algorithms. The algorithms presented are based on a graph model of deadlocks in the simulation system. The proposed algorithms identify different categories of permanent and transient deadlocks in the simulation system. A deadlock resolution scheme is also developed in the case of group-processing for permanent deadlocks.
Electrospinning of TiO 2 for dye sensitized solar cells

Dye adsorption on TiO 2 and electron transport in TiO 2 film are the two critical elements in determining the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) efficiency. Increasing dye adsorption which in turn increases the light harvesting is usually achieved by using nanoporous or nanoparticle TiO 2 films. Electron transport is determined by the inter-particle resistance of TiO 2 film. Electrospinning is a viable method for forming porous structure materials with high surface area. In this study, it was found that electrospinning alone is not able to achieve good solar cell performance due to the low electron transport caused by the pores in the TiO 2 film. To increase dye adsorption without sacrificing the electron transport, a hybrid bilayer TiO 2 structure with each layer prepared by different methods, blade coating and electrospinning was explored. This hybrid structure was compared with the single doctor bladed structure. A significant increase of J sc was observed for the bilayer structure which resulted in an improvement of solar cell efficiency of 30% (from 1.6% to 2.11%).
Hardware and Physical Layer Adaptation for a Power Constrained MIMO OFDM System

We propose an approach for minimizing the total power consumed by a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication system. The system under consideration supports a wide range of communication scenarios over a flat fading channel. A communication scenario is defined by throughput requirement, transmission distance, and maximum packet error rate (PER) constraints. Power consumption minimization is achieved by the joint configuration of hardware and physical layer system parameters according to the communication scenario. The configurable parameters are the modulation and coding scheme, antenna configuration, operating bandwidth, power amplifier back-off, analog-to-digital converter resolution, phase-locked loop phase noise power, transmission power, and transmit duty cycle. The optimal parameter configuration is found through a brute-force search over a simulation-based database linking performance with power consumption. Results show that power consumption can be reduced by a factor of 24.6 for a single-input single-output system and 3.79 for a MIMO system at a PER of 10%.
Bias Associated with Baited Camera Sites for Assessing Population Characteristics of Deer

ABSTRACT Camera surveys often involve placing bait in front of the camera to capture animals more frequently, which could introduce biases in parameter estimates. From September 2008 to March 2009, we monitored cameras placed at random, along game trails, and at feed stations to determine if camera placement influenced measures of population demographics in a herd of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). There was no time period in which cameras placed at feed stations provided sex ratio and recruitment estimates similar to those acquired from randomly placed cameras. Trail-based camera surveys provided population estimates similar to those from random sites and may provide a feasible alternative to using baited camera stations.
Overgeneral Autobiographical Memory and Chronic Interpersonal Stress as Predictors of the Course of Depression in Adolescents

This study investigated whether overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) predicts the course of depression in adolescents. As part of a larger longitudinal study of risk for emotional disorders, 55 adolescents with a past history of major depressive disorder or minor depressive disorder completed the Autobiographical Memory Test. Fewer specific memories predicted the subsequent onset of a major depressive episode (MDE) over a 16-month follow-up period, even when covarying baseline depressive symptoms. This main effect was qualified by an interaction between specific memories and chronic interpersonal stress: Fewer specific memories predicted greater risk of MDE onset over follow-up at high (but not low) levels of chronic interpersonal stress. Thus, our findings suggest that OGM, in interaction with chronic interpersonal stress, predicts the course of depression among adolescents, and highlight the importance of measuring interpersonal stress in OGM research.
Computational studies of the role of serotonin in the basal ganglia.

It has been well established that serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in the striatum. For example, during levodopa therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), the serotonergic projections from the dorsal raphe nucleus release dopamine as a false transmitter, and there are strong indications that this pulsatile release is connected to dyskinesias that reduce the effectiveness of the therapy. Here we present hypotheses about the functional role of 5-HT in the normal striatum and present computational studies showing the feasibility of these hypotheses. Dopaminergic projections to the striatum inhibit the medium spiny neurons (MSN) in the striatopalladal (indirect) pathway and excite MSNs in the striatonigral (direct) pathway. It has long been hypothesized that effect of dopamine (DA) depletion caused by the loss of SNc cells in PD is to change the “balance” between the pathways to favor the indirect pathway. Originally, “balance” was understood to mean equal firing rates, but now it is understood that the level of DA affects the patterns of firing too. There are dense 5-HT projections to the striatum from the dorsal raphe nucleus and it is known that increased 5-HT in the striatum facilitates DA release from DA terminals. The direct pathway excites various cortical nuclei and some of these nuclei send inhibitory projections to the DRN. Our hypothesis is that this feedback circuit from the striatum to the cortex to the DRN to the striatum stabilizes the balance between the direct and indirect pathways, and this is confirmed by our model calculations. Our calculations also show that this circuit contributes to the stability of the dopamine concentration in the striatum as SNc cells die during Parkinson’s disease progression (until late phase). There may be situations in which there are physiological reasons to “unbalance” the direct and indirect pathways, and we show that projections to the DRN from the cortex or other brain regions could accomplish this task.
Phase 1 Dose Escalation Study of Accelerated Radiation Therapy With Concurrent Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Purpose To determine the maximum tolerated dose of radiation therapy (RT) given in an accelerated fashion with concurrent chemotherapy using intensity modulated RT. Methods and Materials Patients with locally advanced lung cancer (non-small cell and small cell) with good performance status and minimal weight loss received concurrent cisplatin and etoposide with RT. Intensity modulated RT with daily image guidance was used to facilitate esophageal avoidance and delivered using 6 fractions per week (twice daily on Fridays with a 6-hour interval). The dose was escalated from 58 Gy to a planned maximum dose of 74 Gy in 4 Gy increments in a standard 3 + 3 trial design. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as acute grade 3-5 nonhematologic toxicity attributed to RT. Results A total of 24 patients were enrolled, filling all dose cohorts, all completing RT and chemotherapy as prescribed. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred in 1 patient at 58 Gy (grade 3 esophagitis) and 1 patient at 70 Gy (grade 3 esophageal fistula). Both patients with DLTs had large tumors (12 cm and 10 cm, respectively) adjacent to the esophagus. Three additional patients were enrolled at both dose cohorts without further DLT. In the final 74-Gy cohort, no DLTs were observed (0 of 6). Conclusions Dose escalation and acceleration to 74 Gy with intensity modulated RT and concurrent chemotherapy was tolerable, with a low rate of grade ≥3 acute esophageal reactions.
Locating Major League Stadiums Where They Can Make a Difference: Empirical Analysis with Implications for All Major Public Venues

The louder policy analysts complain about using public resources to subsidize the construction of new major league sports stadiums, the more subsidies are made, despite empirical evidence showing that public investments in stadiums to lure or keep major league teams have considerable opportunity costs. Policy analysts should consider shifting the emphasis of their work to evaluate where building stadiums would minimize opportunity costs or maximize economic interactions among locations. This article uses time-series analysis of 25 metropolitan areas to show that in terms of capturing share of economic activity, the best location for professional sports stadiums appears to be the downtown (including the central business district and nearby “edge” areas), followed by other locations in the central city. Suburban locations appear to be associated with the least amount of economic activity. This analysis has broad implications for all major public investments aimed at attracting people to sports, recreation, ...
Uptake of SO2 to Aqueous Formaldehyde Surfaces

Aqueous surfaces act as a gateway to absorption and aqueous-phase reaction of gases in the atmosphere. The composition of aerosols varies greatly and is expected to influence the structure of the interface. For example, aldehydes comprise a significant fraction of atmospheric organics and are likely to accumulate at aqueous surfaces. But it is difficult to anticipate their effect on the migration of gaseous species through the interfacial region. Surface organics may act as a barrier to absorption, or they may facilitate uptake via cooperative interactions with absorbing compounds. The surface spectroscopic studies presented here examine the nature of the vapor/water interface during uptake of SO2 to aqueous formaldehyde solutions, elucidating the role of surface species in a multicomponent interfacial system. The results show that the product of the reaction between SO2 and formaldehyde, hydroxymethanesulfonate, shows a surface affinity that is enhanced in the presence of SO2.
NEST DESTRUCTION ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY AND DISPERSAL OF BURROWING OWLS IN THE IMPERIAL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Abstract We documented the effects of inadvertent nest destruction from road maintenance activities on the survivorship, reproductive success, and breeding dispersal of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) breeding in natural burrows along the water delivery system in the Imperial Valley of California. The activities affected 4 nests (7 adult owls) along an 800-m section of road, filling in or destroying all of the burrows. Three of 7 adult owls in the impacted area were killed, 2 of 2 active nests failed, 2 nests that had previously failed were destroyed and might have led to the dispersal of the surviving adults. We suggest that artificial burrows will reduce the conflict between maintenance and burrowing owl nests, which will benefit both owls and landowners.
Knowledge Transfer Between Multinational Corporations' Headquarters and Their Subsidiaries: Influences on and Implications for New Product Outcomes

Abstract A multinational corporation's (MNC's) competitive advantage depends increasingly on control over intangible resources, such as knowledge and relational capital. Although prior research has suggested that cross-border knowledge transfer in MNCs is critical to their new product outcomes, the conditions under which such knowledge transfer can serve to induce positive outcomes remain unclear. This study builds on resource-based theory to suggest that knowledge and MNC network strength are the two critical firm resources individually and collectively influencing new product outcomes. Because MNCs are subject to the pressures on various environmental changes, the authors rely on the contingency theory to examine when knowledge transfer works in differential global market and technological turbulence. The results of a survey of MNC headquarters show that the impacts of cross-border knowledge transfer on new product outcomes are not always positive, depending on the levels of network strength and environ...
Simulations of the Hadamard Variance: Probability Distributions and Confidence Intervals

Power-law noise in clocks and oscillators can be simulated by Fourier transforming a modified spectrum of white phase noise. This approach has been applied successfully to simulation of the Allan variance and the modified Allan variance in both overlapping and nonoverlapping forms. When significant frequency drift is present in an oscillator, at large sampling times the Allan variance overestimates the intrinsic noise, while the Hadamard variance is insensitive to frequency drift. The simulation method is extended in this paper to predict the Hadamard variance for the common types of power-law noise. Symmetric real matrices are introduced whose traces—the sums of their eigenvalues—are equal to the Hadamard variances, in overlapping or nonoverlapping forms, as well as for the corresponding forms of the modified Hadamard variance. We show that the standard relations between spectral densities and Hadamard variance are obtained with this method. The matrix eigenvalues determine probability distributions for observing a variance at an arbitrary value of the sampling interval $\tau$ , and hence for estimating confidence in the measurements.