cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low-power hybrid ADC architecture for high-speed medium-resolution applications

A low-power hybrid analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture for high-speed medium-resolution applications is introduced. The architecture is a subranging time-interleaved ADC. In the first stage, a fast flash ADC resolves the three most significant bits. The remaining bits are generated by four time-interleaved low-power successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs, leading to 8-bit 1GS/s operation overall. A combined sample-and-hold and capacitive digital-to-analog converter (SHDAC) circuit is proposed to perform front-end sampling and to shift the sampled voltage to the optimal operating region of the second stage. A buffer stage suppresses the loading effects and kickback noise of the SAR ADC on the SHDAC in each channel. Each SAR ADC is implemented with a comparator-based asynchronous binary-search (CABS) architecture. A switching scheme in the voltage buffer stage relaxes the amplifier specification requirements, leading to significant power reduction. The hybrid ADC was designed and simulated with a mix of behavioral models and transistor-level circuit designs in 130nm CMOS technology. It has a signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 47.5dB with an input signal close to the Nyquist frequency. The estimated power consumption is 17mW from a 1.2V supply.
Magnetically induced currents and fields in the canine heart: a finite element study

A three-dimensional finite element model representing the conductive anatomy of the canine thorax was used to study magnetically induced currents in the myocardium. In this study, we simulated an applied magnetic field previously shown to cause irregular cardiac activity in canine experiments. We investigated the influence of model shape, conductive inhomogeneity, and anisotropy on the spatial distribution of the induced myocardial current density and its maximum (J/sub max/). Results suggest that shape, conductive inhomogeneity and anisotropy substantially influence myocardial current distributions and J/sub max/. Neglecting these factors yields results that substantially overestimate J/sub max/. >
PET imaging of bone marrow function by Ga-68-labeled DTPA-mannosyl-dextran

1538 Objectives Our clinical goal is the regional measurement of bone marrow function for radiation therapy planning and whole body imaging for the management of chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to determine if Ga-68-labeled mannosyl-dextran can provide adequate signal and regional pharmacokinetics in the pig model. Tilmanocept (Navidea BioPharm) is a mannosyl-conjugate of dextran (MW=18 kDa) with subnanomolar affinity for CD206, a receptor that resides on the surface of fixed macrophages. Methods Tilmanocept (15 nmol) was dissolved in 0.2 ml Na acetate (2.0 M) and combined with 2.0 ml of Ga-68 eluate (Eckert & Ziegler). Three adolescent pigs (14 - 15 kg) were imaged; each was positioned with the pelvis and femurs within the field-of-view of a PET/CT scanner (G.E. DVCT). After injection (i.v.) of Ga-68-tilmanocept (12 nmol; 0.8 - 1.1 mCi), a dynamic imaging study (15 min, 0.5 min/fr), was followed by a 5-bed whole body scan (3 min/bed). Time-activity curves (TACs) of the proximal tibia were generated and SUVs were calculated. Results Radiolabeling was complete (HPLC RCP > 98%) within 15 min and stable for 2 hr. Tibia TACs tibias reached 90% of peak value (0.12 - 0.15 uCi/cc) at ∼3.5 min. The mean SUVs of the 6 tibias, 6 femurs, and 3 lumbar vertebrae were 2.63, 2.29, and 2.04. The SUV of adjacent muscle was 0.34, which yield a marrow-to-muscle ratio of 7.8 and 6.7 for tibia and femur. The average liver and lung SUVs were 13.2 and 1.05. Conclusions Ga-68-labeled DTPA-mannosyl-dextran provided adequate signal and appropriate pharmacokinetics for functional imaging of bone marrow. A design strategy for a clinical agent will include a chelator with greater gallium stability, and a high MW dextran to eliminate renal filtration. Research Support NCI In Vivo Cancer and Molecular Imaging Center grant P50 CA12834
The role of research and development in drought adaptation on the Colorado River Basin

Introduction Over the past several decades, research and development has played an important role in water management on the Colorado River Basin (CRB). In the early 1970s, a federal study called into question the ability of the Colorado River system to meet demand within the basin (USDOI, 1974). In 1976, evidence that the Colorado River may have been over-allocated was provided in the form of a tree-ring reconstruction of Colorado River streamflow (Stockton and Jacoby, 1976). Researchers identified the early 1920s, when the river was apportioned, as a particularly wet period within the 450-year reconstructed record. The paleo-record also revealed historical periods of low flow with longer duration and greater magnitude than those seen in the gauged record. As a result of these observations, the extensive ‘Severe and Sustained Drought Study’ was undertaken by a consortium of universities and consultants in the early 1990s. It was funded by the Department of the Interior and other federal, regional, and state agencies. The final report and numerous papers published in 1995 assessed the hydrological, social, economic and environmental impacts of a severe and sustained drought, as well as policy options for mitigating these impacts. High river flows in the 1990s delayed further discussion and action, but drought in the early 2000s, with 2010 marking the lowest 11-year period in almost a century, served as a ‘focusing event’ (Pulwarty and Melis, 2001) and revived efforts to plan for and adapt to drought.
Death-inducing tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily ligands and receptors are transcribed in human placentae, cytotrophoblasts, placental macrophages and placental cell lines.

Human placentae and two of the cell types in placentae (cytotrophoblasts and macrophages) were examined by RT-PCR for transcripts of the eight TNF superfamily ligands known to induce death of activated immune cells, tumour cells, and virus-infected cells (TNFalpha, LT alpha, LT beta, FasL, TRAIL, TWEAK, LIGHT, 4-1BBL). Transcripts for all ligands were detected in term placenta but LT alpha and 4-1BBL were not detected in first trimester placenta. Although term cytotrophoblasts contained mRNAs specific for TNF alpha, LT alpha, TWEAK, and 4-1BBL, messages encoding LT beta, FasL, TRAIL, and LIGHT were absent. In term placental macrophages, messages for all ligands except 4-1BBL were present. Transcripts for the 14 receptors to which the ligands bind, six of which contain death-domains (TNFR1, Fas, DR3, DR4, DR5, DR6), were also identified using RT-PCR. Term and first trimester placentae contained transcripts for all receptors except 4-1BB. Although term cytotrophoblasts lacked receptor mRNA encoding 4-1BB and OPG, term placental macrophages lacked DcR1 and OPG. Detection of nearly all the death-inducing TNF superfamily ligands and their receptors in human placentae implies that these powerful cytokines contribute to programmed or activated cell death in this organ.
Nonprescription Drug Regulation in the United States

In the United States, nonprescription drug products are regulated through implementation of laws enacted by Congress. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) follows specific procedures that allow for public notice and comment when promulgating implementing regulations. Drug products may be marketed directly to consumers, unless they are limited to prescription use only because they meet certain criteria. Nonprescription drug products are marketed over the counter (OTC) pursuant to drug ingredient-use monographs or as approved new drugs for an OTC use. These United States regulatory pathways require evidence of safety, efficacy, and labeling that consumers can understand that renders the product not adulterated or misbranded. All new drugs are required to comply with specific postmarketing surveillance practices.
Factors affecting days open, gestation length, and calving interval in Florida dairy cattle.

Effects of several factors on reproductive performance were evaluated. Mean performance and number of observations were for days from parturition to first service, 93 and 7730; days from first to successful service, 35 and 11,751; days open, 123 and 8571; gestation length, 280 and 13,612; and calving interval, 400 and 8524. Data covered 52 yr during which no detectable trends in calving interval occurred; other variables changed slightly. Jerseys had 8 fewer d from parturition to first service, 16 fewer d from first service to conception, 8 fewer d open, and 8-d shorter calving intervals than did Guernseys and Holsteins, which did not differ. Cows freshening in warm rather than cool weather suffered by 7, 7, 12, and 13 d for these variables. Repeatabilities ranged from .05 to .12; heritabilities were .05 and .06. Nonmaternal estimate of heritability of gestation length was .22. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between days from parturition to first service and calving interval were .48 and .87; for days open and calving interval, they were .97 and .96. Although days from first to successful service were essentially uncorrelated with days open and calving interval phenotypically (.05), genetic correlations were greater than 1.0 and estimated as unity. Results show no discrepancy between estimates for measures of reproductive performance in a subtropical environment and numerous studies in temperate areas. Large studies from subtropical areas are sparse; essentially none concerns long-term trends.
Failure Analysis at Steam Condenser Fin Fan Cooler Tubes, Ras Tanura Refinery

A complete Process, Corrosion and Mechanical Engineering assessment was performed at a critical fin fan cooler condenser API 661 design located in Utilities Facilities of Ras Tanura Refinery, owned and operated by Saudi Aramco, the largest oil producer company of the world. The thorough analysis included a thermal engineering by computerized software, to determine heat exchanger efficiency and critical process parameters, a metallurgy microstructure analysis was performed in order to identify the root cause of tube recurrent rupture. The specimen extracted from the crack boundary was analyzed by chemical composition analysis, optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results demonstrate that subject tube cracking initiated on the internal surface, 60 psig steam/condensate side, and is a result of environmental stress corrosion cracking (SCC) induced by ammonia traces. Based on engineering analysis and a cost-effective-benefits study a decision was taken to change the tubes material from original Admiralty Brass to carbon steel SA-179, while the heat transfer area was modified by increasing the fins per unit length from 10fins/inch to 11fins/inch for both objectives, allow eliminating this recurrent failure and improving the air cooled heat exchanger duty by 1.5%.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
CO-PARTICIPATION EVALUATION: STUDENTS WITH WRITING PROBLEMS BECOME AWARE OF THEIR WRITING ABILITIES AND PROGRESS

The students, teacher, and researcher in this third-grade classroom learned to use portfolios as tools for self-evaluation. The centerpiece of the curriculum in this classroom became the students' own search for evidence of how they were changing as readers and writers and the ways they chose to document that change in their portfolios. The students participated in a process of observing for themselves small changes in their abilities over short periods of time. As they shared this evidence with their peers and teacher, their own knowledge and progress was affirmed. In this way, all of the students in this classroom, and particularly those with learning difficulties, came to see themselves as learners. The teacher's use of these collections of evidence in her daily teaching ensured the success of the portfolios and became the basis of co-participation evaluation.
Can parasites be indicators of free-living diversity? Relationships between species richness and the abundance of larval trematodes and of local benthos and fishes

Measuring biodiversity is difficult. This has led to efforts to seek taxa whose species richness correlates with the species richness of other taxa. Such indicator taxa could then reduce the time and cost of assessing the biodiversity of the more extensive community. The search for species richness correlations has yielded mixed results, however. This may be primarily because of the lack of functional relationships between the taxa studied. Trematode parasites are highly promising bioindicators. Diverse assemblages of larval trematode parasites are easily sampled in intermediate host snails. Through their life cycles these parasites are functionally coupled with the surrounding free-living diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. It has been shown that larval trematodes in snails correlate positively with bird diversity and abundance. Here, we explore whether trematodes also correlate with standard measures of fishes, and large and small benthos, for 32 sites in three wetlands. We found associations between trematodes and benthic communities that were not consistent across wetlands. The associations were, however, consistently positive for large benthic species richness and density. Some of the contrasting associations between trematode and benthos may be explained by negative associations between large and small benthos. We found no associations with fish communities (probably because of the inadequacy of standard “snapshot” sampling methods for highly mobile fishes). The results support further exploration of trematodes as bioindicators of diversity and abundance of animal communities.
Induction of cytochrome P-450E (P-450IA1) by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF) in the marine fish scup (Stenotomus chrysops)

Abstract The halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (chlorinated biphenyls, dibenzofurans and dibenzo- p -dioxins) are known to be potent inducers of P-450IA1 in mammals. These compounds have been found in marine sediments and biota, but the ability of specific members of these groups of compounds to induce teleost P-450IA1 is, with limited exceptions, unknown. Our recent studies have shown that the structure-activity relationship for induction of scup P-450IA1 (P-450E) by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may differ from that seen with mammalian species. We are now examining the induction of P-450E by chlorinated dibenzofurans. A single intraperitoneal dose (3·1 μg/kg; 10 nmol/kg) of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF) produced a strong, sustained induction of P-450E mRNA, protein, and ethoxyresorufin O -deethylase (EROD) activity in scup. Thus, this compound and other chlorinated dibenzofurans and chlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins may contribute to the induction of P-450IA1 observed in feral fish from contaminated environments.
Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations are negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy women

Circulating 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH)D), an accurate measure of vitamin D status, is markedly greater in individuals with increased exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light via sunlight or the use of artificial UV light. Aside from the known relationship between vitamin D and bone, vitamin D has also been implicated in immune function and inflammation. Furthermore, a mass of evidence is accumulating that vitamin D deficiency could lead to immune malfunction. Our overall objective was to study the relationship between vitamin D status (as determined by serum 25(OH) D concentrations) and inflammatory markers in healthy women. This observational study included 69 healthy women, age 25–82 years. Women with high UVB exposure and women with minimal UVB exposure were specifically recruited to obtain a wide-range of serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Health, sun exposure and habitual dietary intake information were obtained from all subjects. Body composition was determined by dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry. A fasting blood sample was collected in the morning and analyzed for serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (iPTH), estradiol (E2), cortisol, and inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor -alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 and -10 (IL-6, IL-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP)]. Women with regular UVB exposure (Hi-D) had serum 25(OH)D concentrations that were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) and iPTH concentrations that were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than women without regular UVB exposure (Lo-D). Although IL-6, IL-10, and CRP did not have a statistically significant relationship with 25(OH)D concentrations, linear regression models revealed a significant inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D and TNF-α concentrations. This relationship remained significant after controlling for potential covariates such as body fat mass, menopausal status, age, or hormonal contraceptive use. Serum 25(OH)D status is inversely related to TNF-α concentrations in healthy women, which may in part explain this vitamin's role in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases. Results gleaned from this investigation also support the need to re-examine the biological basis for determining optimal vitamin D status.
Observations of leaf stomatal conductance at the canopy scale: An atmospheric modeling perspective

Plant stomata play a key role in the redistribution of energy received on vegetated land into sensible and latent heat. As a result, they have a considerable impact on the atmospheric planetary boundary layer, the hydrologic cycle, the climate, and the weather. Current parameterizations of the stomatal mechanism in state-of-the-art atmospheric models are based on empirical relations that are established at the leaf scale between stomatal conductance and environmental conditions. In order to evaluate these parameterizations, an experiment was carried out on a potato field in New Jersey during the summer of 1989. Stomatal conductances were measured within a small homogeneous area in the middle of the potato field and under a relatively broad range of atmospheric conditions. A large variability of stomatal conductances was observed. This variability, which was associated with the variability of micro-environmental and physiological conditions that is found even in a homogeneous canopy, cannot be simulated explicitly on the scale of a single agricultural field and,a fortiori, on the scale of atmospheric models. Furthermore, this variability could not be related to the environmental conditions measured at a height of 2 m above the plant canopy simultaneously with the conductances, reinforcing the concept of scale decoupling suggested by Jarvis and McNaughton (1986) and McNaughton and Jarvis (1991). Thus, for atmospheric modeling purposes, a parameterization of stomatal conductance at the canopy scale using external environmental forcing conditions seems more appropriate than a parameterization based on leaf-scale stomatal conductance, as currently adopted in state-of-the-art atmospheric models. The measured variability was characterized by a lognormal probability density function (pdf) that remained relatively stable during the entire measuring period. These observations support conclusions by McNaughton and Jarvis (1991) that, unlike current parameterizations, a parameterization of plant stomata applied on a field (or larger) scale, might not require inclusion of the complex relations found at the leaf scale between stomata and their microenvironment.
Effect of filtration on the total alkalinity of open-ocean seawater

Total alkalinity (TA) of filtered and unfiltered samples was measured during the P16N 2006 cruise in the Pacific Ocean and the I9N 2007 cruise in the Indian Ocean. Although filtering coastal water samples may be important to remove the contributions of phytoplankton and bacteria on the measured TA, it is not the case for open ocean samples. In this study, our results show that the at-sea measured total alkalinity of filtered and unfiltered samples were not statistically different. Measurements of 180 samples of surface, oxygen minimum, and deep waters in the Pacific and Indian oceans for unfiltered and filtered agreed to ±2 µmol kg−1. Therefore, the findings of this article show that it is not necessary to filter seawater samples when measuring total alkalinity in the open ocean.
Correlation length and order of the deconfining phase transition.

We analyze SU(2) and SU(3) lattice gauge theory on ${L}_{t}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${L}^{2}$\ensuremath{\infty} lattices (${L}_{t}$\ensuremath{\le}L). By ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{c}$ we denote the critical coupling at L=\ensuremath{\infty}. In the neighborhood of the deconfining phase transition, at appropriately defined coupling constants \ensuremath{\beta}(L,L'), LgL' [with \ensuremath{\beta}(L,L')\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{c}$ for L'\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}], the correlation length \ensuremath{\xi} scales \ensuremath{\sim}L/L' for second- and first-order transitions (\ensuremath{\xi}=1/${E}_{1}$ with ${E}_{1}$ the energy of one unit of 't Hooft electric flux). Linearization around the couplings \ensuremath{\beta}(L,L') allows the calculation of critical exponents. Numerical results (${L}_{t}$=4) support a second-order transition for SU(2), but not for SU(3).
Operational tactics and insights for deploying ERP-related software applications and technology: manufacturing case study

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions can help companies vastly improve their operations via software applications that include modules in financial management and Supply Chain Management (SCM). Detailed discussion of the proper evaluation and implementation phases, which are essential ingredients for the success of deploying a new ERP solution, namely Microsoft Dynamics GP™, for a manufacturing company, were included. The implementation process is the single most important process to determine if a company will take advantage and achieve all of the possible operational benefits by implementing a new ERP solution, as project management and executive buy-in play a major role. As found in the case study, there were significantly positive consequences felt by all stakeholders of the company associated with open communications and the need to modernise to remain competitive.
Energy transfer and thermalization in YAG:Tm, Ho

We report on a continuing study of the dynamical processes in Tm, Ho:YAG that follow excitation of the 3H4 level of Tm and lead to emission at 2 μm. The initial excitation undergoes a cross relaxation to the 3F4 level of Tm from which it is transferred to the 5I7 level of Ho. We have measured the cross relaxation rate as a function of temperature and of Tm concentration and the Tm-Ho energy transfer rate as a function of temperature. The spectral overlap between Tm(3F4) and Ho(5I7) causes a thermal equilibration of the excitation in these two levels and, by examining the temporal behavior of emission patterns from different spectral regions of the infrared emission we can study the approach to such equilibrium.
A new JPEG-based steganographic algorithm for mobile devices

Currently, cellular phones constitute a significant portion of the global telecommunications market. Modern cellular phones offer sophisticated features such as Internet access, on-board cameras, and expandable memory which provide these devices with excellent multimedia capabilities. Because of the high volume of cellular traffic, as well as the ability of these devices to transmit nearly all forms of data. The need for an increased level of security in wireless communications is becoming a growing concern. Steganography could provide a solution to this important problem. In this article, we present a new algorithm for JPEG-compressed images which is applicable to mobile platforms. This algorithm embeds sensitive information into quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients obtained from the cover JPEG. These coefficients are rearranged based on certain statistical properties and the inherent processing and memory constraints of mobile devices. Based on the energy variation and block characteristics of the cover image, the sensitive data is hidden by using a switching embedding technique proposed in this article. The proposed system offers high capacity while simultaneously withstanding visual and statistical attacks. Based on simulation results, the proposed method demonstrates an improved retention of first-order statistics when compared to existing JPEG-based steganographic algorithms, while maintaining a capacity which is comparable to F5 for certain cover images.
SU-FF-T-403: Evaluation of Doses Delivered by SBRT to the Lung of An Anthropomorphic Thorax Phantom

Purpose: Evaluation of SBRT through the use of a thorax phantom. Method and Materials: A new protocol evaluates stereotactic body radiation therapy for patients with lungcancer. Institutions must be credentialed before enrolling patients. Successful irradiation of a thorax phantom is one of the steps. The thorax phantom is a plastic shell incorporating structures that represent the spinal cord, the heart and the lungs. A structure representing a tumor is positioned in the left lung.TLDs and radiochromic films measure the delivered dose distribution. Institutions were instructed to image the phantom, plan a treatment following specific constraints and deliver the treatment as if to a patient. The measured dose distributions were compared to the institutions' calculated isodose distributions. Results: Institutions were instructed to deliver a treatment calculated without heterogeneity corrections and submit both corrected and uncorrected isodose distributions. Results from seven institutions established a baseline for this test. The average of the ratio between measured and calculated target dose was 0.97 ± 3% with corrections on and 1.14 ± 3% with corrections off. The displacement between measured and calculated dose distributions in the vicinity of the target did not exceed 5 mm. Conclusion: Criteria for the evaluation of this test were defined for heterogeneity‐corrected dose calculations. A range of 0.97 ± 7% was established for the ratio of measured and calculated target doses. A maximum of 5 mm displacement between the calculated dose distribution and the film profile was considered acceptable. Additional criteria are under consideration. This work was supported by PHS grants CA 10953 and CA 81647 awarded by NCI, DHHS.
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Astrosociology and Cultural Aspects

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is a human activity with profound implications for society and culture that fall within the purview of astrosociology. In this article, we review some of the astrosociological aspects of SETI and identify ways to seek evidence-based, rather than purely speculative, answers. Recurrent issues include the organization and conduct of the search; human-alien comprehension and communication; human reactions to the discovery of extraterrestrial life; and the comparative analysis of possible extraterrestrial civilizations. Over the past 50 years, a small but growing number of anthropologists, artists, historians, philosophers, political scientists, psychologists, sociologists, and theologians have applied their expertise to SETI and its possible consequences. The current challenge for astrosociology is not gaining entree to SETI; rather, it is one of increasing the interest of more social and behavioral scientists in the search and its potential effects.
Active Learning with Monetary Incentives

Institutions of higher education are placing more emphasis on superior classroom teaching. Our objective here is to present and evaluate an active learning project incorporated into a commodities marketing course. In addition to grades received for active learning exercises, we used monetary incentives to enhance students' involvement in classroom learning projects. People involved in business have an obvious profit incentive to improve marketing skills; the monetary rewards we offered were designed to give students a tangible and, perhaps, a more real-world experience that paralleled potential careers using agribusiness skills. Students generally had a positive attitude toward the exercises and the dollar payoffs. Monetary rewards appeared to add to the learning environment. It is unclear, however, whether monetary rewards motivated students beyond the degree typically expected of self-motivated students.
Scleritis associated with acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet’s syndrome)

Editor,—Sweet’s syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is characterised by (1) fever, (2) neutrophilic leucocytosis, (3) the abrupt appearance of 0.5–12.0 cm painful erythematous nodules and plaques, especially on the face, neck, and limbs, and (4) a histological pattern of dense dermal infiltrates of mature neutrophils without vasculitis.1 2 Patients are usually middle aged women and may have extracutaneous manifestations involving the eyes, kidneys, joints, liver, and lungs. Sweet’s syndrome is associated with underlying malignancy, especially haematological, in 10% to 54% of patients2 3 and with systemic inflammatory disorders. There may be a prodromal respiratory illness and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Ocular involvement is reported in 4% to 72% of cases and may manifest as conjunctivitis, episcleritis, subconjunctival haemorrhage, inflammatory glaucoma, iritis, or limbal nodules.3-6 We describe a case of a patient with Sweet’s syndrome and scleritis. ### CASE REPORT A 78 year old white man presented to his ophthalmologist with …
Improved á posterìori error bounds for zincenko's iteration

New a posteriori error bounds are provided for Zincenko's iteration which improve earlier ones.
The Acid-Base Vector of Open-Heart Surgery

Fourteen patients submitted to open-heart surgery were studied by serial acid-base and electrolyte determinations in order to demonstrate the sequence and magnitude of disturbances associated with the procedure. Under conditions of the study, including the use of 100 per cent oxygen as the perfusing gas for the oxygenator, respiratory alkalosis develops as the initial change during perfusion but is followed by a "metabolic shift" characterized by falling pH and CO2 content, while a stable, moderately low pCO2 is maintained by the oxygenator. The resulting state of mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis changes into a state of relatively pure metabolic acidosis as pCO2 and bicarbonate content rise while pH falls after perfusion. The factors involved in the "metabolic shift" responsible for development of metabolic acidosis are not identified by this study although length of perfusion, perfusion pressure, and rate of flow are considered as possible factors. Acidosis persists through the early phases of the recovery period but ordinarily resolves without administration of alkali. Serial sampling technics as used in this study may aid in the interpretation of postoperative acidosis, distinguishing between patients who are deteriorating and those who are passing through a transient phase in the process of recovery.
Extraction and characterisation of lipids from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)

There is significant commercial interest in oil extraction from krill because it is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6n3) acids. The objectives were to determine oil extraction efficiency using different solvent systems and the composition of extracted oil and spent krill following extraction. Extraction efficiency was the highest (P < 0.05) for one-step extraction using freeze-dried krill with 1:12 or 1:30 krill:solvent ratio (w:v) compared to Folch, Soxhlet, and conventional two-step extraction. Extracted oils contained predominantly phospholipids (20–33%), polar non-phospholipids (64–77%), and minor triglycerides (1–3%). Triglycerides contained much less (P < 0.05) total n-3 (4.0%), DHA (1.1%), and EPA (2.3%), but more (P < 0.05) saturated FA (38.7%) than phospholipids (total n-3-47.4%, DHA-18.0%, EPA-28.2%, saturated FA-23.5%). Antioxidant capacity of krill oil extracted by one-step extraction (9.4–14.2 μmol Trolox Equivalents/ml oil) was generally similar to antioxidant capacity of krill oil extracted by ethanol (22.9), but greater (P < 0.05) than antioxidant capacity of krill oil extracted by acetone (1.2) and Folch method (1.5). The spent krill following oil extraction contained protein (72.9–75.8%, dry basis). Based on the extraction efficiency and composition of the extracted oil, the one-step extraction using 1:12 krill:solvent ratio is recommended.
Modeling localized failure with arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian methods

Constitutive models incorporating damage are frequently used in finite element analyses of structural failure. Regions in a structure undergoing homogeneous deformation fail simultaneously with these models, producing an unrealistic response. A simple, and usually successful, solution to this problem in Lagrangian finite element analyses is to introduce spatially random variations in the material failure parameters. Using the same approach in multi-material arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (MMALE) formulations often fails because the material transport smears out the high frequency random variations in the failure parameters. A simple, novel approach to overcoming this difficulty is presented here. Example calculations of a tension test, spall in impacting plates, and shear band formation in the thick walled cylinder test are presented.
Muslim Brotherhoods and Politics in Senegal in 1985

This author made her first study of the Muslim brotherhoods in 1966, and then ten years later reassessed their political position.1 Now, after almost a similar length of time since 1976, this brief evaluation is written in the hope of illustrating the gradually changing position of Muslim leaders or marabouts, and their role in Senegalese life and politics.
QUANTUM THEORY OF ELECTRON GAS PLASMA OSCILLATIONS IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

Abstract The response function (inverse dielectric function) for an electron gas in an external magnetic field is investigated by the method of Green's functions using the random phase approximation. The spectrum of plasma oscillations, and associated damping, are obtained. In particular, for wave vector p perpendicular to the magnetic field the dispersion relation is studied as a power series in p2, and is shown to contain oscillatory terms of the de Haas-van Alphen type in the degenerate case, and quantum dynamical corrections through the parameter ℏωcβ in the nondegenerate case. A Mittag-Leffler expansion of this dispersion relation shows that integral multiples of the cyclotron frequency are forbidden, and there are an infinite number of plasma modes (resonances), one in each interval [nωc, (n + 1)ωc]. A semiclassical model is worked through in detail, and the frequencies of these undamped plasma modes are calculated when p 2 (ζ or 1 β ) mω c 2 ⪢ 1 (low magnetic field). The gaps in the frequency spectrum are calculated. Likewise the excitation amplitudes of the various modes are calculated. “Phase mixing” of the modes (resonances) is considered for small ωc, and is seen to result in a single damped plasma mode at Ω ∼ ω p , as one should expect. The dispersion relation for wave vector p having arbitrary direction with respect to the magnetic field is studied as a power series in p2, and again oscillatory terms of the de Haas-van Alphen type are found in the degenerate case. Known nondegenerate results bearing quantum dynamical corrections through the parameter ℏωcβ are verified. The semiclassical model is employed to calculate angular corrections to the plasma modes (resonances) in the intervals [nωc, (n + 1)ωc] for small angular departures from the case of perpendicular propagation, θ ⪡ 1, when p 2 (ζ or 1 β ) mω c 2 ⪢ 1 . The excitation amplitudes of all the plasma modes considered are calculated. Detailed formulas for natural damping, which take full account of the influence of the magnetic field, are given for all the plasma modes considered. These reduce to known results in the nondegenerate case and the field free degenerate case. They show clearly the effects of the field on damping in the degenerate case, and the role of oscillatory terms in the de Haas-van Alphen sense is investigated.
A facile and generic method to improve cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries via utilizing nanoscale surface amorphous films of self-regulating thickness

As a facile and generic surface modification method, a unique class of surface amorphous films (SAFs) is utilized to significantly improve the rate performance and cycling stability of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. These nanoscale SAFs form spontaneously and uniformly upon mixing and annealing at a thermodynamic equilibrium, and they exhibit self-regulating or “equilibrium” thickness due to a balance of attractive and repulsive interfacial interactions acting on the films. Especially, spontaneous formation of nanoscale Li3PO4-based SAFs has been demonstrated in two proof-of-concept systems, LiCoO2 and LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4, which have an equilibrium thickness of ∼2.9 nm and ∼2.5 nm, respectively. At a high discharge rate of 25 C, these Li3PO4-based SAFs improve the discharge capacity by ∼130% for LiCoO2 and by ∼40% for LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4, respectively. Furthermore, these SAFs improve the cycling stability and reduce capacity fading of both LiCoO2 and LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4. At an elevated temperature of 55 °C, Li3PO4-based SAFs can help to maintain ∼90 mA h g−1 discharge capacity of the high-voltage material LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 after 350 cycles at a relatively high charge–discharge rate of 1 C. Further mechanistic studies suggest that these SAFs reduce the interfacial charge transfer resistance and suppress the growth of the solid–electrolyte interphase. This facile method can be utilized to improve a broad range of cathode and anode materials. A thermodynamic framework is proposed, which can be used to guide future experiments of other material systems.
Removal of 6H-SiC substrate influence when evaluating GaN thin film properties via x-ray

Non-uniformity in GaN thin films deposited on 6H-SiC can make determining the effects of growth variables difficult. Results presented in this work show the effects of the SiC substrates on the GaN films, and how to correct for these effects to obtain meaningful data about the properties of the thin film rather than the substrate underneath. Rocking curve values of GaN thin films are found to track almost 1:1 with the values of the underlying SiC. Plotting rocking curves with respect to the substrate, as well as a variable of importance can therefore yield more meaningful and reliable comparisons instead of plotting the data for the variable alone. This procedure is used to demonstrate the effects of thickness and AlN and AlGaN buffer layers on GaN thin films.
Reversibility and Regularity

The Zeno problem of quantum mechanical measurement theory is revisited. A fundamental underlying domain issue is clarified. An alternative formulation for the Zeno problem is given. A new operator-theoretic characterization of reversibility in terms of domain regularity preservation is announced. From these considerations one arrives at a new perspective in which von Neumann’s Projection theory and the later Effects theory of Ludwig are seen within an enlarged theory of Measurors and Preparors. It is a Schrodinger picture in which one must be able to account for all wave functions upon which the Hamiltonian can act before one is entitled to draw conclusions about the evolving probabilities.
Geophysical science to ride on shuttle

The space shuttle orbiter Columbia in its third voyage is the first of a long-planned series to carry a broad variety of geophysical experiments. As the space shuttle program continues to feel its way through elaborate tests in space to determine everything from contamination to thermal effects, ‘science’ experiments are being conducted by sophisticated instrument packages within the spacecraft's cargo bay. The two major experiments are the solar flare X ray polarimeter and the solar ultraviolet spectral irradiance monitor. The solar flare X ray polarimeter's purpose is to measure X rays emitted during solar flare activities on the sun. more definitive determination of what takes place during these solar eruptions could provide a major advance in understanding the physical processes that generate solar flares. Already, researchers have determined, through observations of gamma rays, radio emissions, and other manifestations of energetic particles, that particles are accelerated, sometimes in two or more stages, in such an event. Nevertheless, two fundamental questions remain: what is the nature of the mechanism by which these particles are energized, and how do they produce the observed emissions?
Financial services and the elderly poor: Development and implementation of sustainable intervention strategies

Given the significance of the elderly consumer market in the development of successful and comprehensive marketing strategies, it is imperative that marketing decision-makers and policymakers better understand and respond to the varied needs of this significant consumer segment. The management of financial matters is important at every juncture in life, but particularly so for the elderly. This area of concern is exacerbated when considering the large number of elderly in poverty or near-poverty levels of existence. On the basis of the extant literature review, most consumer education programs focus on young consumers. As the population ages, the societal role of the mature market becomes more and more significant. A well-developed consumer financial initiative designed to assist this important market segment can generate tremendous dividends in both the short- and long-run for sponsoring institutions/business organizations. Consumer financial education programs offer considerable promise for this market sector. Given this state of affairs, the article's key objective is to offer an integrative conceptual platform to address some of major concerns in developing and implementing consumer financial education programs for the elderly poor. The conceptual model details the mechanics of constructing and executing effective financial education initiatives for the elderly poor, with the attendant marketing management implications.
A Kiss Is Just a Kiss?: Comparing Perceptions Related to Female–Female and Female–Male Kissing in a College Social Situation

The visibility of female –female kissing in the media and on college campuses has increased. Yet how female –female kissing influences perceptions of the women engaging in it has not been examined. College students’ (N = 164) understanding of female –female kissing and female –male kissing in an otherwise heterosexual context was examined. Men perceived female –female kissing as more atypical than did women. A woman who kissed a woman was viewed as more promiscuous than a woman who kissed a man. Yet a woman who kissed a woman was perceived as more likely heterosexual than bisexual or lesbian. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Abstract 3874: A novel human fusion protein composed of the serine protease Granzyme B and VEGF121to target the vasculature of solid tumors

Targeting solid tumors and their metastases continue to be viewed as an essential aspect of therapeutic success to achieve long-term tumor control. Targeted therapy is a promising approach in this regard and the utilization of human proteins assures the potential for long-term therapy without immunological restrictions. VEGF 121 is a naturally-occurring splice variant that binds to both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 receptors over-expressed on the endothelium of tumor vasculature but not normal vasculature. The serine protease granzyme B (GrB) is capable of inducing intense cellular apoptosis through both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent multiple-cascade mechanisms. We expressed pro-GrB/VEGF 121 in HEK293T cells and harvested the fusion protein under serum-free conditions. The purified protein expressed as a homodimer and Western blotting confirmed incorporation of both VEGF 121 and GrB components into the construct. Comparison of GrB/VEGF 121 with its expected molecular weight by SDS-PAGE suggests minimal (1-2 kDa) glycosylation. The enzymatic activity of GrB in GrB/VEGF 121 was comparable to that of human GrB. The cytotoxicity of GrB/VEGF 121 confirmed specific targeting and internalization into PAE/hVEGFR-2 (IC 50 ∼ 10 nM), but not PAE/hVEGFR-1 cells (IC 50 > 300 nM). GrB/VEGF 121 induced apoptosis in PAE/VEGFR-2, but not PAE/VEGFR-1 cells, as determined by Annexin V staining. The targeting efficacy of GrB/VEGF 121 against a panel of cells expressing a range of VEGFR receptor levels is under study. Studies investigating GrB/VEGF 121 signaling events and in vivo efficacy against various tumor models are currently ongoing and will be presented. Research conducted, in part, by the Clayton Foundation for Research. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3874. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3874
Quasiparticle excitations in valence-fluctuation materials: Effects of band structure and crystal fields☆

Abstract Evidence is now quite strong that the elementary hybridization model is the correct way to understand the lattice-coherent Fermi liquid regime at very low temperatures. Many-body theory leads to significant renormalizations of the input parameters, and many of the band-theoretic channels for hybridization are suppressed by the combined effects of Hund's-rule coupling, crystal-field splitting, and the f-f Coulomb repulsion U . Some exploratory calculations based on this picture are described, and some inferences are drawn about the band structures of several heavy-fermion materials. These inferences can and should be tested by suitably modified band-theoretic calculations. We find evidence for a significant Baber-scattering contribution in the very-low-temperature resistivity. A new mechanism is proposed for crossover from the coherent Fermi-liquid regime to the incoherent dense-Kondo regime.
Captopril decreases vascular reactivity independently of changes in converting enzyme activity and prostaglandin release in the rat isolated kidney.

The relationship of the vascular effect of captopril to angiotensin converting enzyme activity and prostaglandin-dependent mechanisms was studied in rat isolated kidneys, perfused with Krebs-Henseleit at 20 ml/min per 2 kidneys, with basal perfusion pressures of 78±1 mm Hg (Mean ± S.E.M.). Two doses of captopril were used; both low (0.05 μg/ml) and high doses (5 μg/ml) inhibited maximally the vasoconstrictor responses to 100 and 200 ng of angiotensin I. Captopril at the low dose did not affect the renal vasocontrictor responses to norepinephrine (NE) (25–400 ng), whereas high-dose reduced the vasoconstriction to all doses of NE. Treatment with captopril tended to diminish dose-related release of prostaglandins in response to NE. Indomethacin (1 μg/ml) prevented NE-induced release of bioassayable and radioimmunoassayable prostaglandins but did not affect the ability of captopril to reduce NE-induced vasoconstriction. High-dose captopril also decreased the vascular reactivity to angiotensin II (5 ng) and lysine vasopressin (10 mU); however, the renal vasoconstriction caused by PGE2 (80 ng) was unaffected by captopril. We conclude that high-dose captopril decreased vascular reactivity by a mechanism independent of converting enzyme inhibition and unrelated to a prostaglandin-dependent vascular mechanism.