cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmittance of air/SiO/SUB 2//polysilicon/SiO/SUB 2//Si structures

Polycrystalline silicon films are presently used as the semitransparent gate electrodes in front-illuminated charge-coupled device (CCD) and charge-injection device (CID) image sensors. The transmittance of air/SiO/SUB 2//polysilicon/SiO/SUB 2//Si structures is calculated in spectral region between 0.4 and 1.0 /spl mu/. A proper choice of the thicknesses of the oxide films can substantially increase the transmittance over a narrow wavelength band or over the entire wavelength region of interest.
The Effect of Information Technology Steering Committees on Perceived IT Management Sophistication in Hotels

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of information technology (IT) steering committees on perceived IT management sophistication in hotels. MANOVA was used to test if there was a significant difference in the levels of IT management sophistication between hotels that have an IT steering committee than in hotel companies that do not have such committee. Results indicated that the hotels that have an IT steering committee have a higher level of IT planning, culture, integration, control, and organization sophistication. Such committees are of strategic importance to the overall success of the hotel in achieving not only its IT strategic objectives, but also gaining an edge over its counterparts in terms of the potential to maximize its return on the investment in technology. This is the first study of effects of IT steering committees on IT management sophistication in the hotel industry.
Dihydrotestosterone Stimulates Cerebrovascular Inflammation through NFκB, Modulating Contractile Function

Our previous studies show that long-term testosterone treatment augments vascular tone under physiological conditions and exacerbates endotoxin-induced inflammation in the cerebral circulation. However, testosterone can be metabolized by aromatase to estrogen, evoking a balance between androgenic and estrogenic effects. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the nonaromatizable androgen receptor agonist, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on the inflammatory nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) pathway in cerebral blood vessels. Cerebral arteries were isolated from orchiectomized male rats treated chronically with DHT in vivo. Alternatively, pial arteries were isolated from orchiectomized males and were exposed ex vivo to DHT or vehicle in culture medium. DHT treatment, in vivo or ex vivo, increased nuclear NFkappaB activation in cerebral arteries and increased levels of the proinflammatory products of NFkappaB activation, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Effects of DHT on COX-2 and iNOS were attenuated by flutamide. In isolated pressurized middle cerebral arteries from DHT-treated rats, constrictions to the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398 or the selective iNOS inhibitor L-nil, [L-N6-(Iminoethyl)lysine], were increased, confirming a functional consequence of DHT exposure. In conclusion, activation of the NFkappaB-mediated COX-2/iNOS pathway by the selective androgen receptor agonist, DHT, results in a state of vascular inflammation. This effect may contribute to sex-related differences in cerebrovascular pathophysiology.
Neurobase: a general-purpose program for acquisition, storage and digital processing of transient signals using the Apple Macintosh II computer

A general-purpose system for the acquisition, storage and digital processing of signals is described. The hardware is based on an Apple Macintosh II microcomputer, interfaced to a digitizing oscilloscope and a variety of other laboratory instruments with the aid of A/D, D/A, digital I/O and timer functions on a plug-in card. The software (NeuroBase), written using Apple's HyperCard and compiled Pascal procedures, functions as a programmable waveform database, with emphasis on ease-of-use, expandability, and the ability to customize functions according to the application at hand. NeuroBase is suitable for a wide variety of applications such as studying action potentials from nerves or single neurons, clinical EMG or evoked potential studies, patch clamp data, etc. Full compatibility is maintained with commercial programs so that all data can be exported for more specialized analysis, generation of written reports, or the creation of publication-quality graphics.
Effects of a Night-Team System on Resident Sleep and Work Hours

Objective:In 2009, Children's Hospital Boston implemented a nightteam system on general pediatric wards to reduce extended work shifts. Residents worked 5 consecutive nights for 1 week and worked day shifts for the remainder of the rotation. Of note, resident staffing at night decreased under this system. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of this system on resident sleep and work hours.Methods:We conducted a prospective cohort study in which residents on the night-team system logged their sleep and work hours on work days. These data were compared with similar data collected in 2004, when there was a traditional call system.Results:In 2004 and 2009, mean shift length was 15.22 ± 6.86 and 12.92 ± 5.70 hours, respectively (P = .161). Daily work hours were 10.49±6.85 and 8.79±6.42 hours, respectively (P±.08). Nightly sleep time decreased from 6.72±2.60 to 4.77±2.46 hours (P Language: en
Study of the detective quantum efficiency for the kinestatic charge detector as a megavoltage imaging device

Megavoltage x-ray imaging suffers from relatively poor contrast and spatial resolution compared to diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray imaging due to the dominant Compton scattering in the former. Recently available amorphous silicon/selenium based flat-panel imagers overcome many of the limitations of poor contrast and spatial resolution that affect conventional video based electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). An alternative technology is presented here: kinestatic charge detection (KCD). The KCD uses a slot photon beam, high-pressure gas (xenon, 100 atm) and a multi-ion rectangular chamber in scanning mode. An electric field is used to regulate the cation drift velocity. By matching the scanning speed with that of the cation drift, the cations remain static in the object frame of reference, allowing temporal integration of the signal. KCD imaging is characterized by reduced scatter and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Measurements and Monte Carlo simulations of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of a prototype small field of view KCD detector (384 channels, 0.5 mm spacing) were carried out. Measurements yield DQE[0]=0.19 and DQE[0.5cy/mm]=0.01. KCD imaging is compared to film and commercial EPID systems using phantoms, with the KCD requiring an extremely low dose (0.1 cGy) per image. A proposed cylindrical chamber design with a higher ion-collection depth is expected to further improve image quality (DQE[0]>0.25).
Immunoglobulins in the Eastern Carolines.

Serum samples from Micronesian populations on the Pingelap, Mokil, Ponape and Kusaie islands were tested for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) allotypes, Gm (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 14, 21), and for Inv (1). All four populations have the Gm phenogroups, Gm1,21, Gm1,2,21, Gm1,3,5,13,14, and Gm1,5,6. The Ponapeans have Gm1,5,13,14 also. Pedigree analysis shows that the Gm1,5,6 phenogroup in the Pingelap and Mokil populations is derived from the single offspring of a member of a crew of a whaling ship and that the Gm1,2,21 phenogroup was introduced by three non-native individuals. The Gm allotypes indicate that the Ponapean and Kusiean populations also have phenogroups from other races, and historical data show that there has been adequate opportunity for this to have occurred. Only the phenogroups Gm1,21 and Gm1,5,13,14 appear to be endemic to eastern Micronesia.
SU-E-T-09: A Dosimetric Analysis of Various Clinically Used Bolus Materials

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric effect of various clinically used bolus materials. Methods: Materials investigated include solid water, superflab, wet gauze, wet sheets, Play-Doh™, and gauze embedded with petroleum jelly. Each bolusing material was scanned in a Philips CT to determine the Hounsfield unit (HU) and to verify uniformity throughout the material. Using the corresponding HU, boluses of 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm thicknesses were created in the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) on a solid water phantom. Dose was calculated at various depths for beam energies 6 MV, 6 MeV, 9 MeV, and 12 MeV to determine the effects of each material on deposition of dose. In addition, linac-based measurements at these energies were made using a farmer chamber in solid water. Wet sheets and wet gauze were measured with various water content to quantify the effects on dose. Results: Preliminary CT scans find a range in HU of bolus materials from −120 to almost 300. There is a trend in the dose at depth based on the HU of the material; however inconsistencies are found when the bolus materials have a negative HU value. The measured data indicates that there is a linear relationship between the mass of water in a material and the dose reading, the slope of which is material dependent. Conclusion: Due to the variation in HU of the bolus materials studied, it is recommended that any new bolus be evaluated before clinical use to determine physical and dosimetric properties. If possible, patients should have bolus included in their CT scans; or if the bolus is created in the TPS, the HU should correspond to the material used. For water-soaked materials, once the bolus material is selected (gauze or sheet), the bolusing effect is only dependent on the amount of water applied to the material.
A Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain isolated from a contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE) is protease-deficient.

Purpose. Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteases are thought to be important virulence factors in the pathogenesis of corneal disease. This study examined protease production from two strains of P. aeruginosa responsible for two very distinct clinical diseases: strain Paer1, isolated from a C ontact L ens-induced A cute R ed E ye (CLARE), and strain KEI 1025, isolated from a corneal ulcer. Strains were compared to a laboratory strain (ATCC 19660) known to produce severe keratitis in experimentally infected mice for protease production and for ocular virulence. Methods. Protease production was examined with colorimetric assays, gelatin zymography and western blots. Elastase A activity was quantitated with a staphylolytic assay. Ocular virulence was examined using a mouse scratch model of keratitis. Results. In contrast to strains KEI 1025 or ATCC 19660, Paer1 was unable to produce enzymatically active elastase A, elastase, and protease IV. All three strains produced active alkaline protease. Strains KEI 1025 and ...
Erratum to: Literacy Skills and Calculated 10-Year Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Erratum to: J Gen Intern Med DOI 10.1007/s11606-010-1488-5 The fourth author’s surname was incorrectly captured in the original publication. Abbreviated correctly, the fourth author’s name is Derose, K. P.
Melanonychia Following Mohs Surgery for Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ of the Nail Bed

Background: Longitudinal melanonychia (LM) is characterized by the appearance of a longitudinal pigmented band in the nail plate. Melanonychia can occur from many causes, including racial predisposition, trauma, drugs, pregnancy, Addison disease, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Laugier-Hunziker syndrome, Bowen disease, onychomycosis, benign nail matrix nevi, and melanoma. Objective: We present a case of diffuse melanonychia developing several months following Mohs surgery for a human papillomavirus-induced recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the nail bed. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic dilemma in determining the etiology of the melanonychia and considers the differential diagnosis. Antecedents: Le melanonychia longitudinal (ML) se caracterise par l'apparition d'une bande pigmentee longitudinale dans le lit d'ongle. Les facteurs qui peuvent causer le ML sont nombreux: predisposition raciale, traumatisme, drogue, grossesse, maladie d'Addison, syndrome de Peutz-Jeghers, syndrome de Laugier-Hunziker, maladie de Bowen, onychomycose, naevus benin dans la matrice de l'ongle, et melanome. Objectif: Presenter un cas de melanonychia diffus qui s'est developpe plusieurs mois apres une chirurgie de Mohs visant l'infection au papillomavirus d'un carcinome squameux recurrent dans le lit d'ongle. Conclusions: Ce cas illustre le dilemme dans le diagnostic en ce qui a trait a l'etiologie de melanonychia et tient compte du diagnostic differentiel.
Building a state government digital preservation community: lessons on interorganizational collaboration

As a part of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP), the Library of Congress sponsored a series of collaborative workshops between April and May 2005 to help state governments identify their needs and priorities for digital preservation. During these workshops, state and territory representatives showed strong interest in fostering partnership efforts and collaborative strategies toward preserving state government digital information. Based on the findings of the workshops and previous efforts on digital preservation, this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities regarding interorganizational collaboration and community building for digital preservation of state government information.
Graphics Hardware Acceleration of Particle Swarm Optimization with Digital Pheromones using the CUDA Architecture

*† Modern GPUs have proven to outperform the number of floating point operations when compared to CPUs through inherent data parallel architecture and higher bandwidth capabilities. The advent of programmable graphics hardware in recent times further provided a suitable platform for scientific computing, particularly in the field of population based optimization algorithms. Previous work by the authors demonstrated the capability of digital pheromones within PSO for searching n-dimensional design spaces with improved accuracy, efficiency and reliability in both serial and parallel CPU computing environments. Preliminary GPU implementations were also made using OpenCL and OpenGL Shading Languge by off-loading objective function evaluations to the GPU. In this paper, hardware acceleration of Particle Swarm Optimization with digital pheromones using the CUDA architecture on commodity Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is investigated and presented. Specifically, two objectives will be attained in this work: 1) a successful implementation of PSO with digital pheromones on a high-end workstation GPU and a popular low-cost consumer level GPU and 2) results comparison between these implementations. Based on testing the algorithm with a number of unconstrained problems, recommendations will be made on the suitability of high-end or consumer level GPUs for solving population based optimization problems.
Estimation and Confidence Intervals after Adjusting the Maximum Information

In a comparative clinical trial, if the maximum information is adjusted on the basis of unblinded data, the usual test statistic should be avoided due to possible type I error inflation. An adaptive test can be used as an alternative. The usual point estimate of the treatment effect and the usual confidence interval should also be avoided. In this article, we construct a point estimate and a confidence interval that are motivated by an adaptive test statistic. The estimator is consistent for the treatment effect and the confidence interval asymptotically has correct coverage probability.
Small signal analysis of the LCC-type parallel resonant converter

In this paper, the small signal analysis of the LCC-type parallel resonant converter (LCC-PRC) operating in the continuous conduction mode is given. This analysis is based on both the state-plane diagram, which has been successfully used to obtain the steady state response for resonant converters, and the Taylor series expansion. Applying perturbation directly to the steady state trajectory, a discrete small signal model for the converter can be derived in terns of the input voltage, switching frequency, and the converter state variables. Based on this analysis, closed-loop form solutions for the input-to-output and control-to-output transfer functions are derived. It is shown that the theoretical and computer simulation results are in full agreement.
Effects of reactive oxygen species on sperm function

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and membrane lipid peroxidation have been recognized as problems for sperm survival and fertility. The precise roles and detection of superoxide (SO), hydrogen peroxide (HP), and membrane lipid peroxidation have been problematic, because of the low specificity and sensitivity of the established chemiluminescence assay technologies. We developed flow cytometric assays to measure SO, HP, membrane lipid peroxidation, and inner mitochondrial transmembrane potential in boar sperm. These methods were sufficiently sensitive to permit detection of early changes in ROS formation in sperm cells that were still viable. Basal ROS formation and membrane lipid peroxidation in the absence of ROS generators were low in viable sperm of both fresh and frozen-thawed boar semen, affecting less than 4% of the sperm cells on average. However, this is not the case in other species, as human, bovine, and poultry sperm have large increases in sperm ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, loss of motility, and death in vitro. Closer study of the effects of ROS formation on the relationship between sperm motility and ATP content in boar sperm was conducted using menadione (mitochondrial SO generator) and HP treatment. Menadione or HP caused an immediate disruption of motility with delayed or no decrease in sperm ATP content, respectively. Overall, the inhibitory effects of ROS on motility point to a mitochondrial-independent mechanism. The reduction in motility may have been due to a ROS-induced lesion in ATP utilization or in the contractile apparatus of the flagellum.
A novel approach to analyze gene expression data demonstrates that the ΔF508 mutation in CFTR downregulates the antigen presentation pathway

Gene array studies comparing cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF genotypes should reveal factors that explain variability in CF lung disease progression, yielding insights that lead to improved CF care...
An integrative literature review of cardiac risk factor management in diabetes education interventions.

PURPOSEthe purposes of this paper are to (1) review the literature on educational interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes; (2) determine what kinds of interventions have been studied; (3) identify which interventions have included cardiac risk factor management; (4) determine how effective these interventions have been on metabolic control, diabetes-related outcomes, and cardiovascular-related outcomes; and (5) make recommendations for further research on combined interventions designed to promote optimal diabetes and cardiac risk factor management in adults with type 2 diabetes.METHODSUsing an integrative literature review approach, 64 studies on diabetes education interventions for adults with diabetes published between 1987 and 1998 were reviewed; 44 met these criteria.RESULTSFew studies included cardiac risk factor management, which should be an integral part of diabetes management. Most studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of education on the management of type 2 diabetes but not cardiovasc...
Adaptive sampling for generalized sampling based motion planners

In this paper, an Adaptive Sampling strategy is presented for the generalized sampling based motion planner, Generalized Probabilistic Roadmap (GPRM) introduced in refs. [14, 15]. These planners are designed to account for stochastic map and model uncertainty and provide a feedback solution to the motion planning problem. Intelligently sampling in this framework can result in large speedups when compared to naive uniform sampling. By using the information of transition probabilities, encoded in these generalized planners, the proposed strategy biases sampling to improve the efficiency of sampling, and increase the overall success probability of GPRM. The strategy is used to solve the motion planning problem of a fully actuated point robot on several maps of varying difficulty levels, and results show that the strategy helps solve the problem efficiently, while simultaneously increasing the success probability of the solution. Results also indicate that these rewards increase with an increase in map complexity.
Community-based distribution of misoprostol for treatment or prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: Cost-effectiveness, mortality, and morbidity reduction analysis

Abstract Objective To compare the cost-effectiveness of community-based distribution of misoprostol for prevention with misoprostol for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods A Monte Carlo simulation depicted mortality and anemia-related morbidity attributable to PPH among 3 scenarios of 10 000 women delivering at home in rural India: (1) standard management; (2) standard management plus 800 µg of sublingual misoprostol for PPH treatment; and (3) standard management plus 600 µg of prophylactic oral misoprostol. The model included costs of drugs, birth attendant training, and transport for women who did not respond to misoprostol. Results Misoprostol lowered mortality by 70% and 81% in scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. Scenarios 2 and 3 raise costs by 6% and 35%, respectively. Incremental cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) saved is estimated at $6 and $170, respectively. Conclusion Both interventions were more effective at decreasing mortality and anemia than standard management. The most efficient scale-up plan would focus initially on increasing coverage with the treatment strategy ($6 per DALY).
Heat flow, sediment and pore fluid chemistry, and hydrothermal circulation on the east flank of Alarcon Ridge, Gulf of California

New seismic, heat flow, sediment and pore fluid geochemistry data from the east flank of Alarcon Ridge, at the mouth of the Gulf of California, provide evidence for vigorous hydrothermal circulation within young oceanic crust formed at a moderate-rate spreading center. Data and samples were collected 9^20 km from the ridge axis to assess the hydrologic state of 0.30^0.65 Ma seafloor. Conductive heat flow values are 15^55% of that input at the base of the lithosphere. Heat flow is highest near the center of a sediment-covered trough, and lowest along the trough margins, suggesting that trough-bounding faults and basement exposures may help to focus hydrothermal recharge. Sediment and pore fluid geochemistry data, in combination with reactive transport modeling, indicate that conditions within the shallow sediments are dominantly diffusive and reactive in two locations, but that bottom seawater recharges through the thin sediment layer with velocities on the order of 2^10 mm/yr at other sites. Seafloor heat flow appears to be entirely conductive, which is consistent with the slow rate of seepage inferred from pore fluid observations and modeling. Fluid recharge through sediments requires that basement is underpressured relative to hydrostatic conditions. We interpret these observations and inferences to indicate vigorous fluid flow in basement, and secondary seepage through overlying sediments. The heat flow deficit along the 11-km Alarcon Basin transect averages 440 mW/ m 2 , equivalent to heat output of 5 MW per kilometer of spreading axis. This heat output is similar to the combined focused and diffusive heat output of a single basement outcrop on the east flank of Juan de Fuca Ridge, and suggests that sites of concentrated heat and fluid outflow may exist on the east flank of Alarcon Ridge. fl 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Multispecies toxicity assessment of compost produced in bioremediation of an explosives-contaminated sediment

A multispecies terrestrial test system was used to assess the environmental effectiveness of composting for bioremediation of explosives-contaminated soils. The assessment involved comparing biological responses, from the individual to the community level, in remediated and reference composts. A 6-month greenhouse study incorporated two soil invertebrate species, three plant species and an associated symbiont, and the naturally occurring complement of soil microorganisms. Measured parameters included growth and reproduction of earthworms and isopods; soil mote diversity; soil lipid class composition as an indicator of soil microbial community structure; plant growth, photosynthesis, and reproduction; and root nodulation and symbiotic N{sub 2} fixation. Additional short-term toxicity tests of seed germination and earthworm survival were performed to supplement the mesocosm data. Compost prepared from the explosives-contaminated soil inhibited several aspects of plant growth and physiology, but few adverse effects on soil invertebrates were detected. An initial lag in earthworm and isopod reproduction occurred in the reference compost, reflecting some inherent compost differences not associated with contamination, and highlighting the importance and the difficulty of finding appropriate reference soils for assessing hazardous waste sites or remediation technologies. Nonetheless, the results from this study suggested some nonlethal effects from the contaminated-soil compost, primarily to plants. The mesocosmmore » methodology used in this study can bridge the gap between traditional short-term toxicity testing and longer term field assessments, and provide information on ecological effects by explicitly including measurements of multiple species across several levels of ecological organization.« less
An Asset Management-Based Methodology for Integrating Guardrail Sensors Into an Existing Intelligent Transportation System

In this article, the authors present an asset management-based methodology for the integration and deployment of guardrail sensors into an existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The methodology employs a three phase approach that incorporates data modeling, spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and cost optimization to provide enhanced decision support when integrating guardrail sensing capabilities into an existing ITS. The utility of the proposed methodology is illustrated through an example integration of a guardrail sensor network in high collision segment of roadways in a metropolitan area of Montgomery, Ohio. The results demonstrate that the methodology provides an effective means for planning new sensor deployments by providing a structured approach to modeling the existing ITS, identifying optimal sensor placement, and analyzing cost and performance tradeoffs to yield the optimal solution for a given set of requirements.
Cellular neural/nonlinear networks using resonant tunneling diode

The resonant tunneling diode (RTD) with mesoscopic double barrier structure has recently been employed to implement compact and versatile cellular neural/nonlinear networks (CNN's) by exploiting its unique folded-back non-linear I-V and C-V characteristics. This paper describes the design of a 128/spl times/128 RTD-based CNN along with the design of feed-forward and feedback templates for executing several commonly used image processing functions. In order to verify the image processing functions of RTD-based CNN's, full-array circuit simulations have been performed by using the quantum spice simulator that was designed at the University of Michigan. Unlike some previous designs that employed imprecise PWL model of the RTD, the RTD is represented as an internal component in the quantum spice simulator by a rigorously derived and accurate physics-based model. Due to the nano-scale quantum well defined by the double barrier structure, RTD has quantized states within the quantum well while outside the well electron energy is given by the Fermi-Dirac distribution function. Hence, the I-V and C-V characteristics of the RTD have been derived from the self-consistent solution of the Schrodinger and the Poisson's equations. The stability and settling time of the RTD-based CNN arrays are also described in this paper.
CORPORATE BOARD SIZE, COMPOSITION AND CORPORATE FAILURES IN RETAILING INDUSTRY[1]

In recent years some activists have advanced proposals to reform corporate boards, notably their structure and process, to assure desirable corporate governance. the empirical question, however, is whether such formal board changes would guarantee good governance. This paper examines this issue by studying the differences in the board size and board composition of 21 pairs of failed and non-failed firms. the results suggest that the non-failed retailing firms, as compared to failed ones, tend to have bigger boards within the size range suggested by the activists. the differences in the percent of outsider directors and multiple offices held by C.E.O.s between the failed and non-failed firms were not significant. Implications of the results for the evaluation of board reforms are discussed.
Assessment of intact cervix motion using implanted fiducials in patients treated with helical tomotherapy with daily MVCT positioning

Objectives This study assesses the relative motion of the cervix during the course of treatment in patients with intact cervical cancers treated with pelvic intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods Nineteen patients with intact cervical cancer were treated definitively with tomotherapy using daily megavoltage (MV) CT positioning to pelvic bony anatomy. Textured gold fiducials were placed in three of four quadrants of the cervix prior to CT simulation. Daily MVCTs were registered to the planning CT based on bony anatomy. The center of mass (COM) of the fiducials was used to assess interfractional cervical motion by comparing the relative positions of the COMs. Tumor regression was indirectly assessed by calculating the contraction in the relative distance between fiducial pairs. Results Fourteen patients were evaluable. Average vector motion of the COM was 7.0 mm (SD=5.7 mm; range of 0 to 34 mm). Ninety-five percent of fiducial excursions were encompassed by 8 mm right–left, 12 mm anterior–posterior, and 11 mm superior–inferior. Ninety-five percent of all measured COM motions were ≤18 mm. Contraction was observed in 9 out of 12 patients that were analyzable. In those nine patients, the average distances between the fiducial pairs were 23 mm (range, 5.8 to 48 mm) and 18 mm (range, 3.8 to 41 mm) intheplanningCTand inthe lastdailyMVCT, respectively. On average, fiducials moved 23 % closer together. Conclusion Quantification of the excursions of the intact cervix using daily imaging of implanted fiducials was feasible and useful to define appropriate clinical target volume–planning target volume (CTV–PTV) margins for IMRT. Nonuniform CTV–PTV margins may be appropriate based on differential directional motion.
The Thyroid Nodule Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Technique

The initial portion of this article includes general comments regarding thyroid nodules, reference to 2 recent articles delineating guidelines for management of thyroid nodules, and discussion of several areas of disagreement with these articles and expansion of recommendations in areas not covered by the published guidelines. The main body of the article provides a detailed discussion of our technique for fine-needle aspiration biopsy of a thyroid nodule.
Physiological indicators of nitrogen response in a short rotation sycamore plantation. I : CO2 assimilation, photosynthetic pigments and soluble carbohydrates

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) seedlings were grown in the field under different urea-nitrogen fertilization regimes to identify physiological variables that characterize the growth response. Treatments included fertilization at the beginning of the growing season with 50, 150, 450 kg N ha−1, fertilization 3 times each at 37.5 kg N ha−1 and unfertilized control. The greatest aboveground biomass accumulation (3× that of control) occurred in plots fertilized with 450 kg N ha−1, but nearly as much growth occurred when 37.5 kg N ha−1 was added periodically. Photosynthesis, chlorophyll concentrations and growth increased rapidly after the midseason application of 37.5 kg N ha−1 but not after the late-season application. Although nitrogen fertilization increased leaf area per plant, leaf nitrogen concentration did not differ between treatments. There was no evidence to indicate that fertilization extended the physiologically active season or increased susceptibility to drought or cold. Sycamore leaves accumulated sucrose and mannose in response to water stress in all treatments. Photosynthetic pigment concentrations and net photosynthetic rate were the most sensitive indicators of growth response to nitrogen fertilization in the first growing season. Careful timing (based on physiological indicators) of low level applications of nitrogen fertilizer can optimize growth.
Listeners prefer the laughs of children with autism to those of typically developing children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of laugh sounds produced by 8- to 10-year-old children with and without autism on naive listeners, and to evaluate if listeners could distinguish between the laughs of the two groups. Results showed that listeners rated the laughs of children with autism more positively than the laughs of typically developing children, and that they were slightly above chance levels at judging which group produced the laugh. A subset of participants who reported listening for "uncontrolled" or "longer" laughs were significantly better at discriminating between the laughs of the two groups. Our results suggest that the laughs of children with autism have the potential to promote the formation of relationships.
Performability of a token bus network under transient fault conditions

The authors present the results of a detailed performability evaluation of a network using the IEEE 802.4 protocol. In particular a 30 station IEEE 802.4 token bus network operating in a hostile factory environment is evaluated using stochastic activity networks. Stochastic activity networks, a generalization of stochastic Petri nets, provide a convenient representation for computer networks and are formal enough to permit solution by both analysis and simulation. The evaluation results show (1) that stochastic activity networks are an appropriate model type for evaluating the performability of local-area networks, and (2) that the protocol is extremely tolerant to transient faults such as token losses and noise bursts under moderate network loads. >
Prevention of Normally Occurring and Deafferentation-Induced Neuronal Death in Chick Brainstem Auditory Neurons by Periodic Blockade of AMPA/Kainate Receptors

The role of glutamate receptors in regulating programmed neuronal death and deafferentation-induced neuronal death in the brainstem auditory nuclei was studied by in ovo drug administration to chick embryos. The nucleus laminaris (NL) undergoes programmed developmental cell death of 19% between embryonic day 9 (E9) and E17. The AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist CNQX, when administered at doses of 200-300 microg/d from E8 to E15, prevented programmed neuronal death in NL through at least posthatching day 8, without producing anatomical or behavioral abnormalities. 3-((RS)-2-Carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phos-phonic acid, an antagonist of NMDA receptors, had no effect on normal cell death in the NL. CNQX, given from E8 to E15 or only from E8 to E10, also blocked the 33% neuronal loss in the nucleus magnocellularis (NM) that follows surgical destruction of the otocyst on E3, a procedure that deafferents NM neurons by preventing formation of the cochlear nerve. Treatment either with CNQX or the more highly selective NBQX from E8 to E10, before the onset of synaptic transmission in NM and NL, was also effective in preventing normal neuronal death in NL. Analysis of the effects of CNQX or NBQX on spontaneous embryonic motility at E10 showed that the doses effective in preventing neuronal death suppressed motility for <8 hr. We conclude that periodic blockade of AMPA/kainate receptors can protect CNS neurons against subsequent programmed cell death or deafferentation-induced death.
Developing a pooled job physical exposure data set from multiple independent studies: An example of a consortium study of carpal tunnel syndrome

Background Six research groups independently conducted prospective studies of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) incidence in 54 US workplaces in 10 US States. Physical exposure variables were collected by all research groups at the individual worker level. Data from these research groups were pooled to increase the exposure spectrum and statistical power. Objective This paper provides a detailed description of the characteristics of the pooled physical exposure variables and the source data information from the individual research studies. Methods Physical exposure data were inspected and prepared by each of the individual research studies according to detailed instructions provided by an exposure subcommittee of the research consortium. Descriptive analyses were performed on the pooled physical exposure data set. Correlation analyses were performed among exposure variables estimating similar exposure aspects. Results At baseline, there were a total of 3010 participants in the pooled physical exposure data set. Overall, the pooled data meaningfully increased the spectra of most exposure variables. The increased spectra were due to the wider range in exposure data of different jobs provided by the research studies. The correlations between variables estimating similar exposure aspects showed different patterns among data provided by the research studies. Conclusions The increased spectra of the physical exposure variables among the data pooled likely improved the possibility of detecting potential associations between these physical exposure variables and CTS incidence. It is also recognised that methods need to be developed for general use by all researchers for standardisation of physical exposure variable definition, data collection, processing and reduction.
Variable wind influence on InSAR imagery of forests

The horizontal and vertical (3D) structure of Earth's forested ecosystems are of great significance to their ecological functioning and societal uses. An InSAR approach is one methodology whereby a forest's structure and height in particular can be successfully estimated. Critical to the successful estimation is a high correlation between multiple SAR images. Regardless of a forest's location on the Earth, wind can significantly alter a forest's appearance to an L-band SAR system and so decrease this necessary correlation. In order to investigate the wind-induced decorrelation, we have developed a model for the repeat-pass interferometric SAR response of a forested area taking into account wind effects. The simulation consists of multiple interconnected parts including static tree geometry's generation, a wind simulator to apply to a static tree, and an electromagnetic model to allow us to calculate the interferometric SAR response. The static tree geometry generation process generates a pseudo-random tree based on a given DNA file which specifies a species specific structure. This geometry is then modified by the wind simulator producing snapshots of tree-geometry as a function of time. Each snapshot is then used in the interferometric SAR simulator to synthesize the wind-blown geometry's InSAR response. Results present coherence as a function of wind speed and forest structure. An important feature of this research is the usage of a physically based realistic wind model that is based on measurements of wind effects on trees as well as realistic models of fluid flow and simple harmonic branch resonators. Allowing branches to bend and move out of the plane of the incident wind field enables our model to capture numerous features of a physical tree blowing in the wind. This realistic model is necessary for a realistic simulation of the effects that wind has on a given InSAR imaging system.
How to Teach Science

Student-Active Science . Models of Innovation in College Science Teaching. ANN P. McNEAL and CHARLENE D'AVANZO, Eds. Saunders College (Harcourt Brace), Fort Worth, TX, 1997. xxvi, 490 pp., illus. Paper, $47, ISBN 0-03-024307-6. From a conference, June 1996.
Characterization of deadlocks in interconnection networks

Deadlock-free routing algorithms have been developed recently without fully understanding the frequency and characteristics of deadlocks. Using a simulator capable of true deadlock detection, we measure a network's susceptibility to deadlock due to various design parameters. The effects of bidirectionality, routing adaptivity, virtual channels, buffer size and node degree on deadlock formation are studied. In the process, we provide insight into the frequency and characteristics of deadlocks and the relationship between routing flexibility blocked messages, resource dependencies and the degree of correlation needed to form deadlock.
Somatodendritic dopamine release: recent mechanistic insights.

Dopamine (DA) is a key transmitter in motor, reward and cogitative pathways, with DA dysfunction implicated in disorders including Parkinson's disease and addiction. Located in midbrain, DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta project via the medial forebrain bundle to the dorsal striatum (caudate putamen), and DA neurons in the adjacent ventral tegmental area project to the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens) and prefrontal cortex. In addition to classical vesicular release from axons, midbrain DA neurons exhibit DA release from their cell bodies and dendrites. Somatodendritic DA release leads to activation of D2 DA autoreceptors on DA neurons that inhibit their firing via G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels. This helps determine patterns of DA signalling at distant axonal release sites. Somatodendritically released DA also acts via volume transmission to extrasynaptic receptors that modulate local transmitter release and neuronal activity in the midbrain. Thus, somatodendritic release is a pivotal intrinsic feature of DA neurons that must be well defined in order to fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of DA pathways. Here, we review recent mechanistic aspects of somatodendritic DA release, with particular emphasis on the Ca2+ dependence of release and the potential role of exocytotic proteins.
Transitions in Critical Island Size in Metal (100) and (111) Homoepitaxy: A Self-Consistent Rate Equation Approach

A self-consistent rate equation (RE) approach to submonolayer growth for a restricted pair-bond model that is relevant to low and intermediate temperature metal (100) and (111) homoepitaxy is introduced. In contrast to previous standard rate equation results, the transition temperature fromi = 1 to a higher critical island size is well predicted along with the average island and monomer densities. It is shown that the method’s implicit introduction of short-range correlations between attachment/detachment rates, together with a careful estimate of the escape rates for small clusters, are important factors for a good agreement with the kinetic Monte Carlo simulation results.
Predisposition to Pythium Seedling Disease and an Activated Charcoal-Fungicide Interaction as Factors Influencing Emergence of Cotton Seed Treated with Phorate

Seed treated with Ceresan 100 or 200 (mixtures of ethyl mereury 2,3-dihydroxypropyl mercaptide and ethyl mercury acetate) and subsequently treated with proprietary ph orate (formulated as 44% chemical on charcoal) showed less protection against pre-emergence damping-off in unsterilized soil than seed treated only with Ceresan. This effect was more evident and severe at soil temperatures of 16°C. than at 21° to 24°C. No reduction in emergence of seed treated with phorate-Ceresan occurred in steamed pathogen-free soil except when it was artificially infested with pathogenic Pythium spp. In naturally infested soil, treatment of seed with charcoal in addition to Ceresan reduced emergence but not so severely as treatment with phorate-Ceresan. This suggested that the charcoal carrier interacted with Ceresan and that the active chemical in phorate predisposed the seed to pathogenic Pythium spp. The emergence-reducing effect was less marked at 2 pounds of proprietary phorate per 100 pounds of seed than at 8 pounds. When seeds treated with Di-Syston® ( O,O -diethyl S-2-(ethylthio)ethyl phosphorodithioate), a similar systemic insecticide, and Ceresan were planted in naturally infested sci, the emergence was not reduced. Emergence was delayed, however, and seedlings were temporarily stunted in steamed pathogen-free soil.
Orientalism’s Genesis Amnesia

The formation of Orientalism as an area of European academic inquiry was grounded on a “genesis amnesia”1 that systematically obliterated the dialogic conditions of its emergence and the production of its linguistic and textual tools. By turning “the Orient” into an object of analysis and gaze, Orientalism as a European institution of learning anathematized the Asian pedagogues of its practitioners. Embedded in an active process of forgetting, histories of Orientalism have attributed to the “pioneers” of the field the heroic tasks of entering “this virgin territory,” breaking into “the walled languages of Asia,” unlocking “innumerable unsuspected scriptures,” and making “many linguistic discoveries.”2 This modulated account of the history of Orientalism appropriates as its own the agency, authorality, and creativity of its Other. As a hegemonic and totalizing discourse, Orientalism celebrates its own perspectival account as scientific and objective while forgetting the histories and perspectives informing its origins.
Parasites of the Madagascar Cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa,

Two easily detectable parasites are found in the gut of Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum). Neither of these parasites has been reported previously for this cockroach (Steinhaus 1963). Since our stock culture shows no apparent injuries or symptoms of the infection, one must dissect the animal to determine the presence of the parasites. This note is intended to encourage other workers to consider the possibility of parasitism in the cultures of this insect.
Brand Loyalty of Fans Towards the the Buriram United Football Club

The objective of the study was to measure the level of Brand Loyalty towards the Buriram United Football Club. For the study theoretical concepts was identified in literature related to the brand loyalty to define loyalty factors of Buriram United Football Fan Club; in order to measure brand loyalty. The sample group of 382 respondents was chosen for the study based on Krejcie and Morgan table. The survey method was adopted for the study by using questionnaire. The statistical tools used for the study were Mean, Pearson Correlation and Comparison Analysis. Dependent variables consist of 6 factors of brand loyalty and strategies used for creating loyalty. Independent variables consist of fan club group and loyalty levels. The study found that majority of the respondents, who are fans of Buriram United football club was from Buriram Province. Though the loyalty level was high for all the 5 levels, majority of the respondents have committed relationship with the brand. And out of 6 loyalty factors, it is found that Brand affect, customer satisfaction and Brand equity were at high level. Finally, the strategies used for creating loyalty also resulted at high level, but Brand Identity; Brand Insistence; Brand Preference was at high level. The results of correlation analysis indicate that there is a high positive relationship (.830) among loyalty factors and strategies for building loyalty. Conclusion and recommendations are presented for the study.
The Child Obesity Epidemic in Saudi Arabia: A Review of the Literature.

Purpose: To examine prevalence, nutrition and activity, and overweight and obesity prevention and management in Saudi Arabia. Design: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and ...